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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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May 2, 2014

$100 Mother’s Day Jewelry Giveaway

When all is right with the world.

When the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining and all of your dreams have come true, Mother’s Day is a glorious occasion to celebrate!

But, what if it isn’t? What if Mother’s Day is a bit hard?

Or what if it’s really hard?

blue nile jewelry giveaway

Mother’s Day is one of those ‘holiday’s that can stir up mixed feelings for so many people. It can be filled with cherished memories and fulfilled dreams.

Or, it can be a day filled with reminders of what has been lost and what might never be.

And yet…and yet…

where there is sorrow and loss and heartache,

there is always the opportunity for grace and healing and redemption.

And when Blue Nile asked if we would partner with them on a very special Mother’s Day giveaway, we knew that we wanted to celebrate ALL sides of motherhood. The beautiful, all is right with the world, dreams come true side.

And the side that is so often not discussed but so really needs to be. The harder side.

Blue Nile jewelry box

Today, we’re welcoming to At the Picket Fence two very special mothers. They may have very different stories but they have one thing in common. They have experienced BOTH sides of motherhood and want their experiences to be a blessing and encouragement to others.

And we asked them to share what Mother’s Day means to them.

Lauren

Enns family

Mother’s Day is a bittersweet day for me. This year it also happens to be my 34th birthday. We have a beautiful three year old son named Cooper. I could not be more grateful for his sweet spirit. I am more than honored to be his mommy. Any mom knows that our children are the ones that teach us much more than we could ever begin to teach them. He is a true gift. My husband and I also have three babies that are in heaven that we have lost through miscarriage. We lost our first angel baby in December 2012 and two more have gone to be with Jesus since Mother’s Day of last year. I ache for them, especially so on Mother’s Day. I wish so badly I could hold and rock them and sing to them, so much so that sometimes the pain takes my breath away. The beautiful lesson I am learning is that it is ok to be so unbelievably GRATEFUL for what you have and at the same time so deeply GRIEVING what you have lost. I think as mom’s, and just as people in general, we sometimes have a hard time with this. On one hand we are truly SO grateful for what we do have, and at the same time our hearts ache for what we have lost. We compare to situations that are worse than ours and sometimes as a result minimize the pain we are actually in. What I want to say to any mom who has lost a child in any way, and to those who maybe can’t have a child but desperately wish you could, be honest with someone you trust this Mother’s Day. Be honest about the grief. And at the same time let’s rejoice in our blessings. And above all else, know you are not alone.

 Chenoa

IMG_1427
Growing up, Mother’s Day meant mimosas, flowers and brunch. My mom loved celebrations and she especially loved Mother’s Day. It was always a joyful day. A day filled with gratitude and recognition for all she did for our family. That all changed when I was 27 and my mom died of pancreatic cancer a week before Mother’s Day. Her memorial was held the day after Mother’s Day that year. I was pregnant with my daughter at the time and I was also motherless. In years to come, Mother’s Day would become a day I would anticipate with dread. And, as my alcoholism progressed, it would become one more excuse for me to numb my pain and feelings. Despite having two beautiful children and a husband who wanted to celebrate me, I couldn’t see past my own despair. Instead of focusing on what I did have, I chose to focus on what I didn’t have – my mom.
Today, my life looks much different. In sobriety, I have found joy and contentment in the now. I still miss my mom terribly, but I choose to celebrate all that I have instead of focusing on what I don’t. Mother’s Day is now a day for me to celebrate the joys and blessings of motherhood and also a time for me to honor my mom. And, because my mom’s happiest place was in her garden, I always set aside some special time to plant flowers and thank her for giving me such a beautiful life.

To read more about my sober life, please visit my blog at Life Corked

Blue Nile box

The many sides of motherhood. Maybe you can relate to some of what Lauren and Chenoa shared. Or perhaps your story is vastly different. But we all have a story, right?

What does Mother’s Day mean to you? Maybe it’s all been flowers and sunshine and dreams come true. But, we would venture to guess that even in the midst of the flowers and the sunshine there have been moments that are hard. Maybe even really hard.
And, whether your Mother’s Day ‘cup’ is filled to overflowing with joy and laughter or whether it’s filled to overflowing with sorrow and tears, we are all linked together in this motherhood bond one way or another.

Maybe that’s why we were so drawn to the Infinity Love Knot Pendant.

Blue Nile infinity necklace

There are links that join our lives together. At the risk of sounding corny (we’ll always take that risk!) you might even call them ‘love links’. Whether it’s mother to child or husband to wife or sister to brother or friend to friend.

And knowing that we are linked together on this journey of life is the most beautiful mother’s day gift of all!

infinity necklace

Blue Nile wants to help you celebrate Mother’s Day and we’re thrilled to be giving away a $100 Credit to their online store. They even have an entire section of $100 and under gifts with so many amazing options!

AND

Don’t forget to enter their Pin to Win  contest where one lucky winner will receive this stunning Blue Nile Signature Hearts and Arrow Cushion Cut Pendant.

blue-nile-pin-it-to-win-it

a Rafflecopter giveaway

69 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Sponsored

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. chelsea says

    May 2, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    Pearls, I think. They have some beautiful pearl options!

    Reply
  2. JoeyfromSC says

    May 2, 2014 at 4:25 AM

    If I was blessed to win, I’d get my sweet Aunt a charm bracelet in sterling silver with some cool charms as a Mother’s Day present! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Joey J.

    Reply
  3. Margaret says

    May 2, 2014 at 4:40 AM

    It might be hard to choose which Blue Nile item I like best! I do love the Infinity Love Knot necklace. Thanks for the chance to win. Happy Mothers Day, ladies!

    Reply
  4. Joanna says

    May 2, 2014 at 4:50 AM

    I would probably choose a couple of the charms for my charm bracelet and a charm for my mom’s charm bracelet. The coffee cup — for both of us! Nothing better than catching up with mom over a cup of coffee!

    Reply
  5. Sally says

    May 2, 2014 at 4:52 AM

    I LOVE the hand-engraved heart locket in sterling silver! Beautiful.

    Reply
  6. Lori says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:09 AM

    I am drawn to the gorgeous gemstone pendants, especially the blue topaz.

    Reply
  7. Darcy Friedmann says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:26 AM

    So many beautiful choices–I would probably get something from their gold/silver collection.

    Reply
  8. donna says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:36 AM

    I love the pearl and topaz earrings

    Reply
  9. Kristin says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:46 AM

    I just had a baby in February, the only grandchild on both sides. I’d buy amethyst for my mom for her first Mother’s Day as a gram.

    Reply
  10. Brenda says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:54 AM

    I’d get those beautiful pearls for my MOM. As far as I know she’s never had anything as nice as these. What beautiful pieces. Thanks for the chance to enter.

    Reply
  11. Katherines Corner says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:59 AM

    I love Blue Nile. I would have no problem spending on there lovely website. I would most likely purchase the tri color bangle. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I hope you will add your giveaway to my giveaway page. Don’t forget to enter my giveaway too ♥

    Reply
  12. kay bowen says

    May 2, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Annie Sportun designs are gorgeous!!! Love all the yellow gold designs – especially the Icicle Pendant.

    Reply
  13. PamW says

    May 2, 2014 at 6:48 AM

    Thanks for introducing us to Blue Nile!!! They have some beautiful jewelry that any mother would love to wear.

    My mom turned 85 last week on April 1 and we buried my 94 year old father on the same day. When we realized that was the day that would make the most sense for the funeral, mom decided that was not a problem for her. She said “We have much to celebrate on this day together. I came into this world on this day and celebrate your father’s wonderful life and his going home on this day.” And we did, with much reflection on all of our blessed lives together.

    Reply
  14. Jean from Georgia says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:15 AM

    Mother’s Day has always been a day for my family to gather to celebrate. It was very lonely for me on the first Mother’s Day after my Mother died, although my children still celebrate this day with me. We have coconut cake for dessert and homemade ice cream and love being together.

    Would love to win a gift certificate to use on beautiful Blue Nile jewelry.

    Reply
  15. sydney85 says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:21 AM

    I love the Infinity Pendant. Lovely jewelry at Blue Nile.

    Reply
  16. Julia G. says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:29 AM

    One of the greatest gift God has blessed me with is being a mother and now a grandmother! I would purchase a gift for my daughters to thank them for my grands!

    Reply
  17. Nancy says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:32 AM

    I love the graduated silver beaded necklace…vey classic…so that would be my choice! Thanks for the chance to win something beautiful from Blue Nile!!

    Reply
  18. Kelly D says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:52 AM

    I would get the Swiss Blue Topaz Bracelet in Sterling Silver for my mom, it is her birthstone.

    Reply
  19. Alina says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:21 AM

    I’d love to get the Freshwater Cultured Pearl Twisted Pendant in 14k Rose Gold. It’s GORGEOUS!

    Reply
  20. Sean C says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:22 AM

    I’d get the Bead Bracelet in Sterling Silver (8mm).

    Reply
  21. Yvonne says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:57 AM

    Is have been wanting an eternity ring for a long time and Blue Nile has just the one I want.

    Reply
  22. Esther T. says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:11 AM

    Love the Circlet Drop Earrings. My mom was a lover of all things sterling, and I have inherited that passion. I would wear them with wonderful memories of her.

    Reply
  23. martha says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    the infinity necklace is lovely! perfect for an everyday necklace to keep you close to your loved ones!

    Reply
  24. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Beautiful necklaces! I guess Mother’s Day means something different to everyone. I celebrate both my mother and my daughter {now that she is a mother, too} on Mother’s Day.

    Reply
  25. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Love the Fresh Water Pearl and White Topaz in Sterling earrings!

    Reply
  26. Sharon Lynn says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Something for my Mom – “Mom” Pendant in Sterling Silver with 14k Yellow Gold Heart Accent.
    Thank You for the opportunity 🙂
    God Bless You 🙂

    Reply
  27. martha says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    just followed blue nile on pinterest. had to say when the feather necklace popped up I gasped. while my mom was dying I kept finding feathers….ive been looking for a feather necklace and this is the one for me.

    Reply
  28. martha says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:31 AM

    last comment….the two ladies who shared what mothers day means to them are so brave. their stories are from the heart and must have been difficult to write. thanks to them for allowing us to see the hardships and joy that they have been through.

    Reply
  29. Rebecca Hackman says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:36 AM

    I would give the Infinity Love Knot pendant to my sweet friend who is terminally ill just to remind her how her and her husband’s families are linked together.

    Reply
  30. cindy says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    I think I would choose something special to wear for my son’s 2014 wedding!

    Reply
  31. annpauley says

    May 2, 2014 at 10:46 AM

    Love the pearl and white topaz jewelry!
    I lost my eighteen year old three years ago, but I experience him working in my life on a daily basis.
    My relationship with him has not ended, only changed in a new way! I am blessed with my older son, who
    is a great kid…. God is good!
    Ann

    Reply
  32. Lisa S says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:27 AM

    I love this posting! My own mother made so many sacrifices to ensure I became a strong woman…I’m so proud to be a mother to two beautiful children. We are so blessed!

    Reply
  33. Allison says

    May 2, 2014 at 11:37 AM

    Find something aquamarine for my mother…her birthstone! Probably the solitaire aquamarine pendant….gorgeous!

    Reply
  34. Tamara B. says

    May 2, 2014 at 12:42 PM

    I would buy the Infinity Chain Necklace in Sterling Silver Necklace for my daughter for her graduation on 6/2/14

    Reply
  35. Jennifer Wilson says

    May 2, 2014 at 1:35 PM

    My Mother passed away a year ago and I have a heavy heart as Mother’s Day approaches. I have 4 children of my own, and next month my eldest daughter will be getting married! My Mother so wanted to try to hang on to see that day, but ovarian cancer took her before she was ready. In her final days, she wrote a letter for my daughter, which she asked me to give her on her wedding day, which makes my eyes sting with tears as I type this. As well, my Mother asked that a small heart be cut from her own wedding gown, and be stitched into the bodice of my daughter’s gown, over her heart, so that she will be physically present in a small way on this special day.

    That is what a Mother’s love is – far reaching, unselfish, loving, beyond time and space.

    Reply
  36. Michelle says

    May 2, 2014 at 1:45 PM

    I love the Infinity love knot. So pretty. Thank you for the chance!

    Reply
  37. Vivienne at The V Spot says

    May 2, 2014 at 2:14 PM

    What a great post and beautiful stories! I love the arrow necklace and the “knot” cuff bracelet. (I think I would have to splurge and get both.) 😉

    Reply
  38. Ann says

    May 2, 2014 at 3:07 PM

    I loved this post. As my Mom’s dementia progresses and she drifts further away, I find that my gratitude for good memories increases all the time. Memories of good times and lots of love. Thank you for this giveaway! So generous. Happy Mother’s Day to you both!

    Reply
  39. Jennifer H. says

    May 2, 2014 at 3:10 PM

    I love the Aquamarine and Micropavé Diamond Pendant.

    Reply
  40. Fishtail Cottage says

    May 2, 2014 at 3:37 PM

    oh, i’d love to win – definitely would have to choose a pair of pearl earrings – I’ve been wanting a pair for years! thank you fo rhte opportunity! xoxo

    Reply
  41. Alison says

    May 2, 2014 at 5:08 PM

    I would get the Interlaced Love Knot Earrings in Sterling Silver.

    Reply
  42. E Kay says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    I love the Freshwater Cultured Pearl Garland Bracelet with 14k White Gold

    Reply
  43. Jennifer Kay says

    May 2, 2014 at 7:54 PM

    I would get some circle earrings to go with that beautiful circle necklace you showed us in this post.

    Reply
  44. Jessie says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:14 PM

    I’d buy something sparkly. 🙂 Thank you for the chance. Beautiful post.

    Reply
  45. Grandmom says

    May 2, 2014 at 8:47 PM

    Can’t imagine anything prettier & more meaningful than the Silver Infinity Necklace shown above…past, present, & future.

    Reply
  46. Dede Jackson says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:01 PM

    I love some of the pearls!!!

    Reply
  47. MARTHA says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    I think I might pick the Intertwined Hearts Bracelet in Sterling Silver !!!!!! ??????

    Reply
  48. Jan says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:18 PM

    I would use it toward getting something for myself, my lovely daughter and my daughter in law. The three of us are strong, loving women and we support each other no matter what one is going through. We are one in this family!

    Reply
  49. Casey S says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:31 PM

    I can relate to Chenoa. I lost my mother to cervical cancer in October 2013 (she had it in 2012, but it came back less than a year after finishing her first round of treatments, and it metastasized in her lungs), her last day was a month after I turned 27 and I was 3 months pregnant with my first child. Holidays after that didn’t feel the same… but through support from my family and my fiancé’s family, I feel like I was able to heal smoother than I thought. I gave birth to my daughter April 18, so this will be my first Mother’s Day as a mom rather than a daughter celebrating her mother with dinner and gifts… but I still celebrate her in memory. I’ve grown close to my fiancé’s mother and stepmother throughout the last few years (even moreso after my loss), I think if I won a $100 store credit, I would use it toward buying them each a gift.

    Reply
  50. Teresa says

    May 2, 2014 at 9:34 PM

    I would select the heart toggle sterling bracelet.

    Reply
  51. Dena says

    May 3, 2014 at 4:33 AM

    I would love the Infinity Love Knot necklace. I lost my mom 5 years ago and my mother in law passed away last year. I miss them both.

    Reply
  52. CJ Pillow says

    May 3, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    the infinity necklace

    Reply
  53. Cindy A. says

    May 3, 2014 at 7:00 AM

    I would buy the Lemon Quartz Slice Necklace: https://www.bluenile.com/lemon-quartz-slice-necklace-sterling-silver_41761

    Reply
  54. Celeste says

    May 3, 2014 at 8:24 AM

    Arrow necklace in rose gold vermeil.

    Reply
  55. Nancy Sharp says

    May 3, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    For Mother’s Day my 93 yr. old mother will still be in the nursing home she has been in since she broke her hip November 2012. It very hard watching her wasting away. A perfect gift would be for her to “go home” and be with The Lord. I am grateful for her sweet Christian ministry as a pastor’s wife. She and my Dad have been married for 73 years. He is still right by her side in the same nursing home room.

    Reply
  56. cyndi br says

    May 3, 2014 at 1:28 PM

    I really like the stainless steel cuff links

    Reply
  57. Brittany Koelmel says

    May 3, 2014 at 3:40 PM

    I would get the branch in sterling silver

    Reply
  58. Jessica says

    May 3, 2014 at 6:21 PM

    I would get the Classic Akoya Cultured Pearl Bracelet in 18k White Gold (6.5-7.0mm). So pretty!

    Reply
  59. Kimberly says

    May 3, 2014 at 6:28 PM

    I would get the Blue Topaz Cabochon Necklace in Sterling Silver. It’s very pretty and the perfect size.

    Reply
  60. Mahdi Martin says

    May 3, 2014 at 7:46 PM

    I love the Baroque Freshwater Cultured Pearl Necklace in Sterling Silver. I would definitely get that!

    Reply
  61. Amanda S. says

    May 4, 2014 at 7:37 AM

    I do love the infinity love knot!

    Reply
  62. Amanda Sakovitz says

    May 4, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    I would get the Branch Necklace in Sterling Silver

    Reply
  63. Thomas Murphy says

    May 4, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    I would get my mom the Open Heart Pendant in 14k Rose Gold

    Reply
  64. Debbie Welchert says

    May 4, 2014 at 1:55 PM

    I would get the Small Hoop Earrings in 14k White Gold (5/8″)

    Reply
  65. Juliana says

    May 4, 2014 at 5:02 PM

    There is a pair of pearl and topaz drop earrings that are great!

    Reply
  66. Sondra @ Sondra Lyn at Home says

    May 4, 2014 at 11:13 PM

    I would get the Love Knot necklace and the Infinity chain bracelet in sterling! Thanks for the giveaway!!

    Reply
  67. Kim says

    May 5, 2014 at 8:11 AM

    I love the London Blue Topaz Milgrim Earrings!!

    Reply
  68. Angela Y says

    May 5, 2014 at 12:01 PM

    I like the Swiss Blue Topaz Cushion Pendant in Sterling Silver.

    Reply
  69. mita says

    May 5, 2014 at 7:14 PM

    I like topaz earrings

    Reply

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"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
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