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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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January 6, 2014

A New Year…a new weight loss update!

 

Heather 2013 weight loss

Wow! It’s hard to believe it’s been since September since I’ve given you an update on my weight loss journey! I promised an update at 75 lbs and I flew right past that goal.  With the holidays, and all of the projects and posts that come along with that when you have a blog, I turned around and it was the end of the year.  So I decided it was time to give an update as we kick-off 2014!

Every year I, along with so many others, make a quiet resolution that THIS will be the year I finally get my weight and health under control.  Of course, year after year, I would slip back into old habits and addictions, usually within a week or two and toss the resolution out the window.  But this past year I decided enough was enough.  I got scared! I got angry! I got determined!

2014 started so much happier for me than any year I can remember when it came to my own personal well being.  I started this month 84 pounds less than I started last January!

In October I had a chance to give a presentation at the Country Living Fair and spent some time with my friend Jeanne of JuNxtaposition who has a booth there every year.  We met for the first time last year and had our picture taken together, she insisted we take one again in the exact same spot as last year.  Then told me to go home and find last year’s picture….the difference was such a SHOCK to me! I truly didn’t know I looked that way and I didn’t have a full grasp on how much I had lost until I saw the side by side…

Heather Before and After 65 pounds

October 2013 Sixty-Five Pound Loss

I started hearing from so many of my friends here and on Facebook that it was time for a new photo of myself!  When taking our family Christmas pictures I had my dad grab a quick one of me alone….

Heather weight loss November 2013

November 2013 75 pound loss

As happy and thrilled with my weight loss and how amazing I feel, I do know that I am still at the very beginning of a life long change.  In some respects the easy part is losing the weight, the difficult part is keeping up the lifestyle changes and dealing with the emotions of an ever changing body.  There are scars from the damage I did for so many years.  Both physically and mentally.  I’m not young, my skin isn’t recovering like it might have if I’d gone down this path in my 20’s or early 30’s.  I’ve started working with a personal trainer to tone my arms and legs.  I have stretch marks from excessive weight gain and my skin is starting to sag a little.  I had a bout of stress induced hair loss, which is common with large amounts of weight loss and that was a little scary for someone used to a thick full head of hair BUT….

I consider these issues as part of the consequence of living an “out of control” life for so long.  There are always going to be residual effects but the positive things so out weigh these issues!

Like….wearing a dress above the knee for the first time since high school

December 2013 80 lbs

December 2013 80 pound loss

or finally buying and wearing knee high boots with jeans tucked in…for the first time ever!

These may seem like small things (no pun intended) to some, but they were HUGE (no pun intended) to me! Goals I used to help keep me going strong!

I still have about 40 pounds to go until my goal, but I don’t focus on that number! I focus on the small things like  buying a wrap dress (I’ve always wanted one) to wear to a wedding, feeling my collar bones for the first time, having a (almost) flat stomach, a bounce in my step when I walk, and waking up ready to tackle the day and not exhausted and wanting to crawl back under the covers.

I have a quote that I’ve claimed as my own during this journey and I want to share it with you….

DETERMINED Louisa May Alcott quote from At The Picket Fence

I know many people choose a WORD that will define the new year, I would have to say mine is DETERMINED! I’m determined to turn my life around for my family, for my friends but most of all for me!

I know many of you have asked what I’m actually DOING to lose the weight.  I’ve tried to answer any emails (hundreds) that I’ve received but I am sure I’ve let some slip by.   Because I believe that everyone needs to find the right plan for themselves, I’m hesitant to share the actual specifics here publicly.  I am using a meal replacement plan, it does cost money, but I feel it’s been the perfect fit for me…and my family! My husband has lost almost 40 and my son over 50 on the same plan.  As part of this plan I have a fabulous health coach that is part of my program.  She is amazing! If you are interested in knowing more about what I’m doing please feel free to contact me on my Facebook Page or by email at: thepattersonfour (at) gmail.com. I promise to update again soon…I think when I hit 100 pounds it will be time for a little celebration! So stay tuned for that…

Thank you again and again for all of your amazing support, encouragement and cheering me on! It means the world to me. 

See you back here soon….at the picket fence!

signature

P.S. You can see all of my past weigh loss updates!

 

63 Comments Filed Under: Weight Loss Journey Tagged With: My Journey, Weight Loss

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Comments

  1. Judy says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:05 AM

    You’re awesome and an inspiration to so many. Keep up the great work. So proud of you!!

    Reply
  2. Lisa says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:15 AM

    Congratulations on your amazing weight loss! You look terrific! As someone who has large calves, I know how great it must have felt to actually wear boots with jeans tucked in!

    Reply
  3. Kerry Purcell says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:25 AM

    You look healthy, happy, and beautiful. Congratulations to you! Here’s to your continued success!

    Reply
  4. joanne roth says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:47 AM

    Wow Heather! What an inspiring story!! Thank you for sharing your journey and kudos to you— you are definitely a determined woman!!

    Reply
  5. Martina says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:04 AM

    Heather you look AMAZING!! So proud of you girl!

    Reply
  6. Shelly says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    You are awesome and so is the weight loss!! Great job!

    Reply
  7. TX JennyWren says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:15 AM

    Heather, you look AMAZING. Congrats on sticking to your plan and getting healthy!!

    Reply
  8. Bridget says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:17 AM

    Determination is the perfect word for you! It is truly amazing that you have your family right along side of you and getting healthy with you! I have an out of control eating habit that has allowed me to gain 40 lbs. I am determined to live a much healthier life and am determined to lose that and keep it off. It is amazing how much better you feel about yourself when you can choose outfits because they look good and just not the ones you hide behind! You look amazing and I look forward to seeing your continued progress!
    XO
    Bridget

    Reply
  9. Cheryl at Snaps of Ginger says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:24 AM

    You look awesome!!!

    I’m also working on losing weight. So far, only 4 pounds down but it’s a start!!

    ~Cheryl
    https://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  10. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:24 AM

    You look totally amazing. You really should be so proud of yourself, great job. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  11. Catherine says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    YOU are totally awesome and inspiring!
    And you remind me how I need to get focused on this issue too–
    Catherine
    ps–don’t forget to update your side bar photo showing off your progress!

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    You look wonderful! Congratulations and thank you for sharing!
    Debbie

    Reply
  13. Cheri Peoples says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:03 AM

    Heather,
    Once again- you make me cry- tears of JOY for you. I am so proud of you.

    Cheri

    Reply
  14. Cynthia Ann Jackson says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:10 AM

    Lookin good! Keep up the hard work!

    Reply
  15. june says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:13 AM

    Heather you look amazing…but always have. I’m so happy for you that you are now a “healthier amazing woman”. You inspire me to keep going. I struggle as well with weight and it has to be what I want not because of what I’m doing for my kids, husband, etc.
    Determination a perfect way to sum it up.

    Wishing you continued success!

    Reply
  16. kelly arent {copper roof interiors llc} says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:20 AM

    Oh my goodness you look amazing! You were beautiful before and even more so now! I’m sure you feel fantastic and the weight loss has probably given you even more determination than ever before! I’m so happy for you and your family! Here’s to a healthy and happy 2014!

    Reply
  17. Vicki says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:25 AM

    I too am on a weight loss journey…you are an inspiration for me to keep going! Thank you for your open honesty…congratulations!

    Reply
  18. Carol says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:36 AM

    Well Done You! You have inspired with updates on your success toward improving your health and the fun things like over the knee boots. Wishing you and the rest of us continued success with weight loss goals.

    Reply
  19. Vicki Crowe says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:37 AM

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing. Because of you i have started on my iwn weightloss journey and finding success! I enjoy your updates, they keep me going!

    Reply
  20. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    January 6, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    So amazing, Heather!! Wow. What an inspiration you are to so many people who are struggling with weight loss and food addictions. You look stunning!! Happy New Year! xo

    Reply
  21. Laura @ Finding Home says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:04 AM

    You look great girl and you should be so proud of all your accomplishments – but you are amazing no matter what your size! Happy new year friend!

    Reply
  22. Sue Tait says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:31 AM

    Heather! You look like a completely different person except you are still just as beautiful as ever. Isn’t is fun buying new clothes? I know when I lost 70 lbs I dropped 4 sizes and went from the “Queen size” department to the regular women’s department, and I felt so proud of myself for that. You must be so thrilled at how you look, but more important is how you feel. And I am betting you feel better now than you have in a long time. Congratulations! Keep up the good work, you are doing a great job and you are an inspiration to more people than you would ever imagine.

    Reply
  23. Terry says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    Looking great! Wish I had a curvy body like you have. So beautiful.

    Reply
  24. Ceekay says

    January 6, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    You look amazing….and younger! Enjoy the shopping!!

    Reply
  25. Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says

    January 6, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    You look amazing – and I am sure it has been a struggle – keep up the great work! You are inspiration to so many!

    Reply
  26. Debbie says

    January 6, 2014 at 11:24 AM

    You look fantastic! You are such an inspiration to all of us that need to find the will to stick to a life style change! Keep up the good work. Oh and couldn’t help but notice your Alabama shirt – Roll Tide!

    Reply
  27. Joani says

    January 6, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    You look amazing. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  28. Jill Flory says

    January 6, 2014 at 11:50 AM

    You are amazing! Congrats! you look fabulous 🙂

    Reply
  29. Tanya says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:14 PM

    You did an amazing job!! You are awesome.

    Reply
  30. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:53 PM

    HEATHER!!!! I am in awe, my dear!! NOt only do you LOOK magnificent, your new confidence just shines through in your photos and your words! Many blessings and wishes for continued success on your journey!
    Hope to see your slim self soon! 😉
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  31. Rachel says

    January 6, 2014 at 12:59 PM

    Congratulations! You look fantastic. I have been wanting to lose weight for a long time and you have TRULY inspired me. I’m thinking about a meal replacement as well. Wish me luck!

    Reply
  32. Kay B says

    January 6, 2014 at 2:27 PM

    You look fantastic, what a great inspiration you are!

    Reply
  33. Nancie says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:04 PM

    Thanks so much for “determined” as a Word of the Year. Your look and confidence burst from the page. I’m sure you will meet your goal, and how fun will that be!
    My husband and I are also dieting with a meal replacement plan; he’s lost 80 lbs and I’ve lost 74…and, being curvy, I totally “get” the boots outside the jeans…for me, it’s also moving into any store and finding a huge selection, not just the few options the store pre-chose for my larger size. For my husband, it’s crossing his legs.
    Thanks for sharing your story and your life and CONGRATULATIONS! on a job well-done.

    Reply
  34. Suzi says

    January 6, 2014 at 3:54 PM

    Wow! You look amazing! I can’t believe how much younger you look. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the unhealthy years causing scars. I was very disciplined and kept my weight down with eating and exercise. I worked out from my twenties on but I have very saggy places that come with aging and health issues. Some of it just is inevitable and not a result of poor eating or exercise habits. It is what it is….when I feel too badly about my appearance, like droopy upper arms and wrinkly hands i say to myself, “look at those arms! They rocked babies and held grief-stricken friends. They wrapped warmly around my husband and carried loads of laundry for my kids. Look at those hands! They wiped tears away and created a beautiful place to live. They baked bread for my family and cooked meals for the needy. They are beautiful.” 🙂

    Reply
  35. Kerri says

    January 6, 2014 at 5:39 PM

    Wow, Heather, what an amazing transformation story! You look incredible. I think it is so great that you are sharing your story with the world. I can never get enough inspiration! You are doing it the right way in realizing this is a lifestyle not just a fad diet. Thank you for sharing your story!!!

    Reply
  36. Carol Reddin says

    January 6, 2014 at 6:16 PM

    Heather, I am very moved as I read your story. Even as a little girl, you were always very “determined” when you decided on something. I see how wonderfully this trait is manifesting itself now in this transformational life change. We’re so, so proud of you! You are deeply loved and cherished – in every way, shape or form. Mom

    Reply
  37. Sharon says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:14 PM

    I’m overwhelmed ( in a good way) by this post. I was at the mall today with my daughter. Unfortunately, the mall is filled with mirrors and glass windows… I am so embarrassed of my reflection.

    I want to do something about it, but I can’t seem to muster up the will and determination to keep it going. I wish I could pinpoint what exactly is holding me back.

    You are truly an inspiration and I can hear the joy in your words and see it on your face…I am so very excited for you and feel like each little milestone is in someway my own victory…maybe because watching you go through this journey gives me hope that it is possible for me to lose weight.

    If I may, I’d like to ask for prayer for a breakthrough…emotionally so that I have the will and determination to start the weight loss for real… and that I would not go through another year disappointed in myself.

    I’m willing to share this so publicly because I know that my voice probably represents many…

    Blessings and Happy New Year to both of you!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      January 16, 2014 at 5:02 PM

      Sharon! I am praying for you! Let’s chat. 🙂

      Love to you. Heather

      Reply
  38. Valerie @ Accidental Hayseed says

    January 6, 2014 at 7:38 PM

    Wow, Heather, what an accomplishment. You’re an inspiration to us all. You go girl!

    Reply
  39. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    You look amazing Heather. Congratulations on your weight loss!

    Reply
  40. Ann Marie @ whitehouseblackshutters says

    January 6, 2014 at 9:17 PM

    Heather, you look amazing!!! Congratulations on all of your hard work. Big, big hugs!

    Reply
  41. Christy @ 11 Magnolia Lane says

    January 7, 2014 at 5:57 AM

    Heather, you look just stunning. I am so very proud of you–you are an inspiration!

    Reply
  42. Jackie A says

    January 7, 2014 at 6:51 AM

    Can I have the red sweater in the first pic now that you don’t need it anymore? 😉
    You look fabulous!!!

    Reply
  43. Leo@cottageatthecrossroads says

    January 7, 2014 at 6:58 AM

    Jane and I are really proud of you. Believe me. I understand how hard it is to make a life style change and your commitment is amazing. Go girl. We’re not. Far behind.

    Reply
  44. Angelina-JoJo and Eloise says

    January 7, 2014 at 11:25 AM

    Heather, you weight loss and better health journey, is so FAR reaching. It not only speaks into peoples lives who may struggle with the same thing, it also speaks into, Family, Faith, Friendships, Determination and Hard Work. You are a living testimony to all those things. Taking responsibility for our actions, is the Beginning to ALL successes we may have in our lives. Thank you for sharing story and journey with us.
    xoxo

    Reply
  45. Lynn Richards says

    January 7, 2014 at 12:23 PM

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! Wow. What a story you have and will have to tell. I so appreciate the reality of your weight loss. My husband works quite a bit in this area and he would SO applaud you for so many reasons, but that you have a health coach and your family is on board, well, that’s the win-win situation.
    Way to go, Heather!
    xo
    lynn

    Reply
  46. Kelly @ View Along the Way says

    January 7, 2014 at 4:13 PM

    Wow. Your face already looks so much different that I think it’s time to change your blog headshot! You look amazing, my friend, no two ways about it.

    Reply
  47. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    January 7, 2014 at 5:31 PM

    You look amazing Heather..I so admire your tenacity..you should be so proud of yourself! Happy New Year!

    Reply
  48. Mare says

    January 7, 2014 at 8:20 PM

    Such a great job you have done! You look wonderful! I only need to lose about 20 pounds, and I can’t seem to have ANY success. You have conquered so much, I’m inspired by you. Continued success to you!

    Reply
  49. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    January 8, 2014 at 10:08 AM

    Congratulations, Heather!! you look amazing! and I know you have worked HARD to accomplish this. Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks at our January meeting 🙂

    Reply
  50. Melissa @ Stockpiling Moms says

    January 8, 2014 at 7:33 PM

    You are gorgeous inside and out! What an inspiration to me!

    xoxo

    Reply
  51. Patsy Dennis says

    January 9, 2014 at 4:29 AM

    I am so very proud if you… You look amazing and I have been praying for this journey for you since you started..

    You are an amazing woman of God.

    Reply
  52. Debbie says

    January 10, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    I don’t know if you’ll even see this because I’m so late getting here, but I wanted to tell you how fabulous you look. I have always thought you were beautiful, but now you are all the much more so. I’m so proud of you!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      January 16, 2014 at 5:00 PM

      Hi Debbie! I just saw this. Thank you so much for cheering me on and supporting me every step (and pound) of the way! 🙂

      Heather

      Reply
  53. Kathy, Petticoat Junktion says

    January 11, 2014 at 7:12 PM

    Heather, you are so beautiful. I can’t see where you need to lose another 40 lbs. but you know best. Congratulations and you’ve inspired me to do something about my weight.

    Reply
  54. Jordan@the2seasons says

    January 14, 2014 at 11:49 AM

    Wow you are doing an amazing job!!! Keep up the excellent work.

    Reply
  55. Jennifer L says

    January 24, 2014 at 6:01 PM

    You have done a great job! I am in the same boat as you. I have lost 96lbs and have 30 more to reach my goal. I have the hair loss too which really shook me at first but I would rather have thin hair than a big gut. LOL I understand the excitement of wearing the latest styles and also I used to always be behind the camera now I find myself in front of it with a huge smile. Keep up the Awsome work you have done.

    Reply
  56. Diana says

    January 30, 2014 at 8:46 AM

    You look amazing!!!! Cheri totally peaked my curiosity on her weight loss and then after I saw your 50 pound post, I was all the more interested. I just started my journey in January (with a friend nearby who is a coach) and I’m down 20 pounds my first month. You are inspiring and I’m totally following your story. I have similar story to yours and one day I’ll share it. I’m not quite there yet. Keep up the amazing work!!! XOXO

    Reply
    • Heather says

      January 30, 2014 at 9:27 AM

      Thank you Diana! I’m down 90 lbs as of today! I still can’t believe it when I say that. lol I’m cheering you on and please keep in touch and let me know how you are doing!

      Heather

      Reply
  57. Sandy says

    February 28, 2014 at 5:08 PM

    Heather, you look amazing! You’re right, we all have to find what works for us. This plan Is obviously working very well for you. I may have to use a meal plan that my doc suggested just to help me in the beginning. I would like to lose 50 pounds. I know what you mean about life changes. I love the word determined. Your transformation has inspired me. I know it must be even more difficult with a family and your own business to run but you’re doing it. Our health and well being come first. I hope you will continue to share your milestones with all of your readers because I’m sure you are inspiring so many. I love your honesty. I think food is an extremely difficult addiction because our bodies need to be nurtured and food and sugar is everywhere! It can get out of control. You go girl! You are an inspiration.

    Reply
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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
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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