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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 1, 2015

A Snowball Tree Love Story

Because my snowball tree is laden (I LOVE that word!) with blooms and because looking at them today reminds me of this moment from last year I thought I would share this story with you again. 

—————-

He came over and stood next to me as I looked out the back window.

“What are you looking at Mama?” he asked. (He’s almost 11 but he still calls me mama and I LOVE it!)

“I’m watching Daddy get some clippings from the snowball tree for me to bring into the house”, I replied.

snowball blossom

“Why does he have the ladder and those long clippers?” he asked as he watched his father maneuvering around the tree.

“So that he can get the blooms that are on the top and out of Mommy’s reach. Isn’t it so romantic that Daddy would do that for me? That is love right there buddy!”

“WHAT? That’s romantic?” he said with such indignation and almost downright disgust. This almost 11 year old boy is definitely in the ‘blech’ phase when it comes to all things lovey-dovey.

“Absolutely!” I declared.

cutting snowballs

In that moment I realized that right then and there, standing in the kitchen next to my boy I not only was looking out the window at my beloved who through rain and wind was determined to get me those flowers.

I was also looking at a window of opportunity.

Here was my chance to share with my son about love…and romance…and how it’s not like those Disney movies where all of the lovey-dovey stuff is so obvious and predictable and over the top.

I put my arm around him and said, “Here’s the thing sweetie. Daddy knows me better than anyone else on this earth. He knows how much I love that snowball tree. He remembers the time that he trimmed the branches back thinking that it would be helping it that year but instead it didn’t bloom at all and I cried and blamed him and might have called him a ‘snowball killer’.

snowball blossoms centerpiece

He also remembers how the next year when it bloomed even bigger and better than ever before he didn’t say, ‘I told you so!’ but instead graciously accepted my sheepish apology for freaking out the previous year. And he and I still laugh about that. Daddy knows that every day I look out the window and see all of the enormous blossoms at the tippy top of the tree and I ache thinking that they are going to go to waste and how badly I want to bring them into the house or give them away to friends by the armful.

snowballs on coffee table

And, because Daddy knows me so well and loves me so much, he is out there in the rain hauling that ladder around and asking me to point out exactly which branches I want him to cut. He does that because when you love someone…really, really love them…you know them through and through. Heart and soul.”

“And that, precious son of mine, is romantic.”

snowballs on nightstand

He shrugged his shoulders and turned to walk away. He may or may not have mumbled, “whatever you say mom” but I was too distracted as I gazed adoringly at my husband to notice.

I turned to finish cleaning up the kitchen but a few minutes later walked back over to the window to check on the snowball clipping progress and was greeted by an incredible sight.

My boy…the same boy to whom the word ‘romance’ seemed almost repulsive, was there in the backyard.

Sitting on top of the ladder.

on a ladder

Pointing out the snowball blossoms he thought his dad should cut.

As he turned around and saw that I was watching him, he gave me a grin.

I sat there staring at him and marveling over the fact that the baby boy I cradled in my arms almost 11 years ago was the same big kid with the long legs dangling from his perch on the top of the ladder.

I thought about how quickly the time was passing and imagined a day in the future when his wife will be in awe at how thoughtful and loving and caring and romantic he is.

on a ladder2

And how I will say to her, “You’re welcome!” 😉

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50 Comments Filed Under: Good Thoughts

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Comments

  1. Kim says

    May 1, 2015 at 3:33 AM

    Lovely post. Brought tears to my eyes! So true isn’t it? Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 2:32 PM

      Thank you Kim!! You have a wonderful weekend too!

      Reply
  2. Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says

    May 1, 2015 at 3:40 AM

    What a beautiful story and teachable moment for your son. That tree is absolutely gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 2:32 PM

      Thank you Robin!

      Reply
  3. Moya Sharp says

    May 1, 2015 at 3:53 AM

    What a lovely story and what a lovely tree I can imagine how much you must look forward to it blooming each year. Can you tell me what its called. I wonder if you can get them in Australia. Thank you

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 2:31 PM

      Thank you so much Moya! It’s called a Japanese Snowball Viburnum. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Hope Williams says

    May 1, 2015 at 4:16 AM

    Talk about an opportunity! What a phenomenal parent you are. You gave your son so much more than just a quick lesson about romance. That is parenting! Full on, head first, at the ready parenting! That is what it’s all about. Preparing children for their future. Good and not so good, you shared and you taught. Children are a gift from God. You know this and take the responsibility of that gift seriously. One day in the not so distant future, you are going to have a remarkable adult child. Who will know more about love, compromise, and respect than most people his age. Well done mom!
    Enjoy your snowball bush clippings, and all the love and adoration of how they came to be inside your home.
    Blessings, Hope

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:45 PM

      What a lovely and encouraging comment Hope!! Thank you so, so much. We pray hard for our kiddos and are definitely trying our very best. We’re not perfect that’s for sure but we can’t ever be accused of lack of effort. Lol! Blessings to you as well. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Peg says

    May 1, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    Great story Vanessa! Your son is a real cutie! : )

    Reply
  6. Teresa Bradley says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:14 AM

    As a mother of two sons and one grandson that I love more than anything in this world, this story brought tears to my eyes. What a great lesson for your young man!

    Reply
  7. Allison Lucas says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:30 AM

    Loved reading your blog today. I love snowball trees and am always trying to get those awesome blooms from the top!!! God always seems to put those at the very top! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  8. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:41 AM

    Loved this story and your son will follow in the footsteps of his loving parents. I adore that fabulous tree of yours and the arrangements in the house are amazing…your home is “laden” with so much love!….Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  9. Nancy says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    How blessed you are for that sweet husband and yes what a wonderful example he is for your son. Years ago I read “the most important thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother”. I am envious of that snowball tree! I have never seen one in Florida, but I remember them when I lived in Kentucky. Gorgeous.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:43 PM

      Thank you so much Nancy!! I am definitely blessed for sure and so grateful for the example my husband is to our son. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Karen Kleinberg says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:20 AM

    Beautiful story. We have a snowball bush right outside our kitchen window also. My husband looks at it every time we sit down to eat…he has the perfect view. My favorite shrub is our lilac bush and his is the snowball bush. After reading your beautiful story, I think I will be out there on the ladder clipping some of those snowballs to put in a vase for both of us to enjoy while eating. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:43 PM

      I’m thinking you need a vase with snowballs AND lilacs together Karen! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Joanne says

    May 1, 2015 at 8:04 AM

    One of my favorite posts of yours — beautiful and so true. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      Thank you so much Joanne!

      Reply
  12. Nikki says

    May 1, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    Fantastic story! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      Thank you Nikki!

      Reply
  13. Bryn says

    May 1, 2015 at 8:30 AM

    I WANT A SNOWBALL TREE!!! I’ll trade you beautiful, amazingly smelling PLUMERIA for some snowballs???? Oh how I wish that could be true. Loved the teaching moment you had with your son. Precious. Say hi to hubby for me!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      I would TOTALLY take that trade Bryn!! 🙂 We definitely need to try and get together next time you are up this way!

      Reply
  14. Richella Parham says

    May 1, 2015 at 9:44 AM

    I remember reading this last year. . . this one DEFINITELY bears repeating! Yes, ma’am, that’s romantic. And your house is absolutely laden with love!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:41 PM

      Awwww…thanks so much sweet friend! Definitely laden with love for sure! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Michelle says

    May 1, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    What a beautiful story!! And, by the way, I planted a snowball bush last year, and this is what I want my bush to be when it grows up 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:41 PM

      LOL Michelle!! They grow pretty quickly. 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by!

      Reply
  16. Marykay says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    I absolutely love this post and the pictures….raising two boys myself, I so appreciate this. And now I want my own snowball tree! Thanks!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:40 PM

      Thank you Marykay!

      Reply
  17. Sue says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:50 AM

    Oh my…..through tears in my eyes I see your beautiful bush!! I love it. More important what a great opportunity you saw and taught a marvelous, life long lesson. Good job on your lovely blog and being a super Mom!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:40 PM

      Thank you SO much Sue!! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Mary Sosa says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    OMG…what a beautiful lesson (story and pictures) to pass on. There is beauty in everything, but not everyone sees it.
    PS I love the ‘snowball’ tree..now I want one 😉

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:40 PM

      Thank you Mary!

      Reply
  19. Cheri says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:08 PM

    I love that kid! You are amazing parents and role models.

    🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 1, 2015 at 1:39 PM

      Thanks so much Cheri! <3

      Reply
  20. Pamela says

    May 1, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    Such a great story. For taking the time to teach your son how to show action and how to speak love.
    Have a great day.
    Pam

    Reply
  21. Michele says

    May 1, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Oh I just love this post. What sweet fellas you are blessed with having!

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  22. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:50 PM

    What a beautiful story! And what a darling sweet boy! You are such a fabulous mommy and your are raising a wonderful young man!!!!

    Reply
  23. Rose L. says

    May 1, 2015 at 9:00 PM

    Beautiful.

    Reply
  24. Nancy says

    May 2, 2015 at 3:45 AM

    Beautiful moment with your son! Those snowballs are gorgeous! What is the name of that gorgeous tree! Thanks for sharing your heart!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 3, 2015 at 7:35 PM

      Hi Nancy! It’s called a Japanese Snowball Viburnum. 🙂 Thanks so much for your sweet comment!

      Reply
  25. Nancy says

    May 2, 2015 at 3:48 AM

    What a beautiful moment with your son!! That snowball tree is gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  26. Dee says

    May 2, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    This time I didn’t read all the comments…..so hope I’m not repeating anyone. But real life is so much better than the movies version of love. Good job! What a great boy!

    Reply
  27. Sarah Adams says

    May 2, 2015 at 11:00 PM

    This is one of my favorite stories, Vanessa, and it gets me teary just like the last time you shared it. Beautiful! Is that tree actually called a snowball tree? I love it and so badly want one! 🙂

    Reply
  28. Bonnie Morgan says

    May 3, 2015 at 1:14 PM

    This warmed my heart! I love snowballs too. I enjoyed all the neighbors so much this year. Hoping to have a bush of my own next year.

    Reply
  29. Julia says

    May 6, 2015 at 6:33 AM

    Your son is blessed to have you as his momma! Happy Mother’s Day to you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 6, 2015 at 4:10 PM

      Thank you so much Julia!

      Reply
  30. Stephanie Ray Brown says

    May 16, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    Oh my I
    Love snowball bushes, love stories, and sweet boys! Brought a tear to my eye. Great writing!!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 19, 2015 at 8:38 PM

      Thank you Stephanie!

      Reply
  31. Marijean Jenson says

    May 16, 2015 at 7:23 PM

    Absolutely beautiful !

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      May 19, 2015 at 8:38 PM

      Thanks so much Marijean! 🙂

      Reply

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