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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

December 28, 2015

Adornaments Ornament Giveaway

Hello, hello friends! A belated Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope you have had a wonderful, joy-filled time with family and friends. It’s been quiet here At the Picket Fence as we take some time to simply just ‘be’.

Do you want to know a secret about me? My most favorite day of the season is the day AFTER Christmas.

king of kings adornaments ornament

 

The house is still decorated and the lights are still twinkling on the tree(s). There is still Christmas music playing in the background. There are all sorts of delicious homemade goodies piled up in the kitchen. But everything is so much calmer. The kids have all of their new toys and gadgets to play with and this mama can just stay in her pj’s, drink coffee and lose myself in one of the many new books I received. It’s a glorious day!

adornaments ornament4

But, in the back of my mind, I’m also thinking about how I want to make sure to not miss out on hitting some of the after-Christmas sales. And how next year, I’ll be up in the attic pulling out the Christmas bins and be thrilled to discover that I’ve tucked away a bag full of clearance items that will be perfect for adding to my decor.

This year, though, I spent quite a bit of time paring down my Christmas decorations and realized that my sensibilities have changed a bit when it comes to seasonal decor.

I really want to be surrounded by things that have meaning. Things that enhance rather than distract. I want to embrace the season without the season looking like it exploded in every nook and cranny of my house.

adornaments ornament3

Most of all, I want to make sure that in all the ‘doing’ we aren’t missing the meaning. That in all of the preparing of our homes we aren’t neglecting to prepare our hearts.

That’s why I was so thrilled this year to hang these gorgeous new ornaments on our tree. They are one in a series from the new Ever Thine Home collection which was recently launched by creator Barbara Rainey. Barbara and her husband Dennis are the founders of Family Life and have spent their lives pouring into families. This new line is such a natural extension of their ministry and provides beautiful ways to have your home decor reflect your faith.

Adornaments ornament2

And I’m so thrilled to be offering one of YOU the opportunity to win your very own set of Adornaments©. The winner will receive a box of the His Royal Names ornaments which are so very lovely in all of their glittery glory.

adornments ornament box

It even comes with a special booklet written by Barbara providing wonderful, inspiring words to encourage and bless your heart as you prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth.

Adornaments ornament booklet

In the classic tale, “A Christmas Carol”, Ebeneezer Scrooge survived a night that was terrifying, revealing and convicting. He emerged on Christmas morning a changed man and declared, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

I used to find myself experiencing such a sense of letdown after Christmas. When you are younger, it seems that the magic is somehow all wrapped up in the lights on the tree and the brightly wrapped presents surrounding it.

But, the older I get, the easier it is for me to make the transition into a new year. Because I know that the true spirit of Christmas doesn’t get packed away in plastic bins and stored in the attic.

The true spirit is reflected in the names on those ornaments. The names of our Saviour.

His birth was only the beginning after all. And as we head into the coming months, my prayer is that I will approach each day with Christmas in my heart!

Now, how about entering to win that beautiful ornament set?

Here’s how:

Leave a comment telling me about your favorite Christmas ornament and why it’s so special to you.

Thanks for meeting me here at the fence today,

Vanessa signature*Giveaway for U.S. residents only. Ends on 1/4/2016

70 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Giveaway

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Phyllis says

    December 28, 2015 at 3:04 AM

    I inherited a beautiful glass ornament from my grandmother-it’s fragile and beautiful, just like she was.

    Reply
  2. Carol says

    December 28, 2015 at 4:30 AM

    My favorite ornament is a bedraggled Santa that was my Father’s when he was a child My dad died over forty years ago but still is in my heart and the Santa makes me happy every year when I put it in the tree!

    Reply
  3. Karen Varney says

    December 28, 2015 at 4:41 AM

    I have an ornament that my Mom made me back in 1972. She gave it to me when I was a teenager and I didn’t really appreciate it so much at the time, but now that she is gone and I am much older, I realize that she made it with love and I now have a special memory.

    Reply
  4. Kim Schmidt says

    December 28, 2015 at 4:47 AM

    When my youngest son was 6 years old, he cross stitched a manger scene with Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. It is glued to a round piece of cardboard framed with red yarn. It is a little hard to tell what it is at first glance, but if you study it, you can see Mary kneeling and Joseph with a staff surrounding a manger holding byb Jesus and the star above the stable. He attached a little card to it that is written in red crayon with a good try at the American Flag on the front that says, “marry marry Cristmas mom and dad I love you and Im glad that God Blest me with yall marry Cristmas” (we are from Texas). I used to cross stitch quite a bit so I guess he watched me and tried it on his own. That little boy is now 30 and an electrical engineer. Every Christmas when I pull out the ornaments and I see this one, I remember that little boy before he knew how to spell and punctuate and had to look up at me. It means more to me than any of the ornaments I have ever been given or purchased. I will cherish it always.

    Reply
  5. Polly Schneider says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:09 AM

    I like to collect snow globes and I have one with the manager scene in it. I think that is my favorite ornament even though it doesn’t hang on the tree. I hope the counts.

    Reply
  6. Kristen says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:12 AM

    My favorite ornaments are a set of starched white crocheted snowflakes made by my Grandmother. They are beautiful and the artistry is exquisite; yet they are incredibly simple. They are made out of plain white crochet yarn (actually more of a heavy thread), there is no sparkle or glitz or bling; they are as opposite of bedazzled as you can get. And every year as I hang them on the tree, they bring back the most glorious memories of the Christmases of my childhood and of the hours in the summer and fall watching my grandmother make hundreds of these snowflakes. Every year each of her grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren, would receive one or two more snowflakes to add to their collection. Mine are now over 40 years old and they are some of my most valued treasures; for me they evoke the true spirit of the holiday.

    Reply
  7. Susan Swain says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:27 AM

    My favorite ornament is a old one; round, clear glass with a few once brightly-colored bands surrounding the ball. It is attached to an old ornament hanger…one of those sturdy metal ones that won’t let the ornament fall from the tree. This ornament is one my Mother bought many years ago, possibly after getting married on Christmas Eve in 1953. My Father was home on leave from the Marine Corps when they married on that very special eve. My Father and Mother traveled all over the United States while my Father served his country for 20 years. This ornament has, amazingly, survived all the packing , unpacking, and the Christmas excitement of 4 children. It has, again amazingly, graced my Christmas tree for many years. My parents have both passed away, but that ornament will, hopefully, grace the Christmas celebration of generations to come.

    Reply
  8. Karen says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:32 AM

    When I met my husband I found a bunch of old antique glass bulbs for the tree and every year I bring them out and put them in a special bowl and they look beautiful I never met her since she had passed before I knew him but they feel like they are a part of us, and the days gone by,love them.

    Reply
  9. Jan Quinn says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    My favorite ornaments are the ones my girls made as they were growing up. Looking back, that time passed too quickly! Families are busy doing life and don’t slow down to appreciate and embrace those moments till they’re grown and time has slowed some. When I decorate our tree now I relive some of those times through those very ornaments…snapshots of their childhood.

    Reply
  10. Rebecca Turner says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    I have many special ornaments, some of them given to me by loved ones, but if I have to choose only one, from my tree as it is decorated today, I would probably choose one near the top, that I bought around the same time that my husband and I bought our house, in 1981. It came from a Christmas store that was only opened once a year, and I thought it unique. It’s a small, round, brass ornament that depicts two angels floating in the clouds. One of them is blowing a horn. I wish it were a little larger, and as long as I’m wishing, I wish I had a whole tree full of them, (surrounding a nativity,) because it always makes me think of Luke 2:13-14. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

    Reply
  11. Jill Nelson says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:02 AM

    My favorite ornament is a little brass angel with my name and year of birth engraved on it. It’s really not the prettiest thing – I was born in the 70’s…but it’s been on every Christmas tree my entire life and I look forward to putting it on 42 years later!

    Reply
  12. Karenann says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:05 AM

    My favorite ornament is a small home made stuffed camel ornament I made when I was a little girl. The reason why I love it so much is because when my daughter saw it, she fell in love with it and made it her favorite ornament. This just melted my heart!

    Reply
  13. cindy says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:06 AM

    The two ornaments I have for the first Christmas for each of my daughters. It brings back wonderful memories of when they were young.

    Reply
  14. Nancy Keim says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    My favorite ornament is a little red fabric elephant ornament that was my Dad’s as a child. It is not beautiful at all but is one of the very few things I have from Dad’s childhood. It always has a special place of honor at Christmas.

    Reply
  15. April V says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:10 AM

    My favorites are the little ones that my kids made me in kindergarten when they were little.. so many memories…

    Reply
  16. Linnea says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:24 AM

    My favorite ornaments are the ones my Mom
    would give. She started with our first Christmas-2nd&3rd, then her grandchildren. It seems like only yesterday, really 34 years! She passed 15 years ago, my memories are true treasures.

    Reply
  17. glenda says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    My father passed away 18 mos ago in July. Last Christmas my daughter gave me an ornament that has this saying, “because someone we love is in heaven there us a little bit of Heaven in our home. Daddy was a Christian role model. This ornament will be forever my favorite. On the top limbs,are also about 15 ornaments that were on our family tree when i was a child. I am 70 now.

    Reply
  18. Leilani says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:45 AM

    My most favorite ornament is a rough little handmade sculpy-clay ornament with a black & white transferred photo image of my younger sister and myself around the ages of 3 & 7 playing with our family nativity scene. My dad is a photographer and he said out of a whole roll of film that this was the only shot where we looked like angels instead of little devils fighting over who got to place baby Jesus and the lambs.

    Reply
  19. Jannie says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:46 AM

    When my husband and I were first married, my mother bought a set of wooden ornaments for us. We painted them together, my mom, my husband and me. Although most ornaments on our tree have special meaning for us, those remain my favorites and I think of my mother as I hang each on our tree each year.

    Reply
  20. Nancy H says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:57 AM

    My favorite ornament is an angel that my grandmother gave me. It belonged to her grandmother and it is very old, but it is always front and center on my Christmas tree!

    Reply
  21. Jan says

    December 28, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    My favorite ornament is a Winter Wonderland mixed media one that my adult daughter made a few years ago.

    Reply
  22. Mia says

    December 28, 2015 at 7:05 AM

    My favorite ornament is a replica of my childhood stocking. An aunt made it for me when I was quite young, and it was always the one I dig for as we decorated the tree each year. These that you are featuring are gorgeous!

    Reply
  23. Patti J. says

    December 28, 2015 at 7:07 AM

    My favorite ornament is one that our 40 year old son made with pipe cleaners when he was in preschool. It’s very sad looking now, but I still remember how proud he was when he brought it home.

    I found your blog through the Better Homes and Gardens issue…love your plate rack! Going to subscribe. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  24. Cece says

    December 28, 2015 at 7:09 AM

    My favorite ornament is a lovely white ceramic piece from Provence, France. My sister bought this on one of her many trips to Europe. It is very delicate and sweet just like my sister. She loved to travel, and I will always think of her when I put this ornament on my tree.

    Reply
  25. Melanie Winter says

    December 28, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    Beautiful names of Jesus ornaments! My favorite ornament on our tree is a nest with two cardinals in it. Each year my husband and I give each other an ornament, and several years back my husband gave me one of two sweet birds sitting side by side in a nest… Sweet love.
    Happy new year!

    Reply
  26. Cynthia says

    December 28, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    When I was a little girl, I used to wait anxiously as the grown ups decorated the big fresh live ever green Christmas tree. After the lights and German glass balls were all carefully placed I was allowed to help with the tinsel. The Angel was placed on top by my grand pop. Then finally I would get to hang the 3 wise men ornaments this beautiful Victorian style tree. These wise men were passed down to me and I shared them every year with my children. Now as an empty nester, I still proudly take them out each year carefully and with love and creat a special vignette to show them off. They are the essence of Christmas to me. As my Grandpop would tell me the story each year of the long journey the Wisemen had following the star that night….One day I shall pass them on with their story to my children. Merry Christmas to you from me…..LennysRedRose

    Reply
  27. Annette says

    December 28, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    My favorite Christmas ornament is a felt house made by my sister and me when I was a little girl. We used a pattern and it came out so well. It’s still in great condition, even though it’s about 40 years old.

    Reply
  28. Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage says

    December 28, 2015 at 8:36 AM

    My favorite ornaments are the two “my first Christmas” ornaments I picked out for my two boys. I searched for the perfect ornaments and they mean so much to me. Babies always make Christmas extra special.

    Reply
  29. Gayle says

    December 28, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    This is a very sentimental ornament for me…my oldest daughter made an ornament of a can lid in Sunday school in the shape of a star and it has to be on my tree every year. Such wonderful memories.

    Reply
  30. Nancy says

    December 28, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    Almost all the ornaments on my tree have special meaning. Some made by my children and grandchildren, trips we have taken, or belonged to my parents. One very special one is a small painted, wooden gingerbread man with the name Bud printed on it. Bud was my uncle with cerebral palsy who always lived with us along with my grandmother. He worked as a church custodian even though it was very hard for him. One of the ladies at that church made it to show her appreciation for his hard work. He was a very special part of my life.

    Reply
  31. Jo Wyrosdick says

    December 28, 2015 at 9:01 AM

    I have the Santa ornament that was on my parent’s first Christmas tree in 1944. This ornament is very special to me. It brings back wonderful memories.

    Reply
  32. Heather says

    December 28, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    My favorite ornament is a star made of cardboard covered in aluminum foil which was made by my father to adorn the top of my parents first Christmas tree. It has weathered many many years and without the story and history would not look like much. However, to me it is the most beautiful ornament imaginable. A symbol of love and simplicity which reminds me of family happiness during this special time of year.

    Reply
  33. Rebecca says

    December 28, 2015 at 9:40 AM

    Happy Christmas and Happy New Year!
    I have 2 mini porcelain vintage Santa’s and 2 Polar bears, purchased from an antique shop years back.
    It was a lovely snowy day spent shopping with girl friends in a small town full of antique shops. We walked through falling snow…door to door of each shop. Then walked over for lunch @ “The Whistle Stop” cafe. We drank hot cider and warmed by the fire.
    It was a magical day for 3 friends. We now live 900 miles apart. But these ornaments remind me of the blessing of friendship.
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Florida hugs,
    Becca

    Reply
  34. Grace says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:00 AM

    My favorite ornament is a new one that I just made for all my brothers and sisters (there are 10 of us all together including myself). It’s an old tiny black and white picture of my parents when they were just beginning to date, set in an old tart tin with a dangling chandelier crystal!

    Reply
  35. Hope says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:12 AM

    So many meaningful ornaments to choose from but I have to say my favorite one is one my husband and I got on our anniversary trip this year! It is a hand carved whale out of olive wood from Bethlehem. We bought it at the Jonah play we went to see on on our actual anniversary .. It means so much to me because our love story is so much like that of God’s undeserved grace and mercy in the story of Jonah! I will be reminded every Christmas of God’s blessing of my husband and our marriage and what a story of rescue and forgiveness God has done for me! He has blessed me beyond ANYTHING I deserve and that whale will serve as a reminder always!!

    Reply
  36. KellyZ says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:15 AM

    My favorite ornament on my tree is a big, dark red bulb that says Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

    Reply
  37. Cynthia Wheatley Holland says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Can’t pick just one…it would have to be the ones my daughters made when they were little, the ones that I made as a child (and I am 59 🙂 ) My husband’s Christmas stocking he had as a child (he is 67) and now the ones my three grandchildren are giving us. Merry Christmas and thanks for the GREAT giveaway, what a treasure these ornaments would be!! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Joni says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    My favorite “ornament” is one of my mom’s dangly gold earrings. She passed away years ago, so it is just a very fond memory of her.

    Reply
  39. Vicki Obenhaus says

    December 28, 2015 at 11:19 AM

    My favorite ornament hangs on my grown daughter’s tree now. I had three little wooden people with knit hats on my tree. My toddler daughter loved them and would bring them to me! We would hang them back on the tree and the next day she would bring them to me again! There are only two little people now (we don’t know what happened to the third) and they both hang on my daughter’s tree. My toddler granddaughter loves them!

    Reply
  40. Donna says

    December 28, 2015 at 11:57 AM

    Mom gave me an “Angel” baby to tuck into the branches of my tree. My angel has blue wings, blond hair and a silver halo. She is so cute! I think because Mom gave me this angel, I love it most of all!

    Reply
  41. Ellie says

    December 28, 2015 at 12:21 PM

    My favorite ornament is a wagon wheel with cowboy boots and lasso rope around it. It has a banner that says Happy Trails to You across it. My dad, who died 11 years ago this month, was a cowboy and used to go around the ranch singing old western songs with one his favorites being Happy Trails to You. We played it at his Celebration of Life during a slide show.

    Reply
  42. Gwen says

    December 28, 2015 at 12:26 PM

    Hmmm…life changes. I did not want but one year my hubby made a ladder to climb to the garage attic and he put my box of Christmas there. But his neck joints became too painful to ever retrieve the box. And so I made ornaments. This year I wanted red but I did incorporate the Garland I’d made using strips of my Dad’s old thin cotton white socks. I joined them with a crystal and wired jewels and a bit of sparkly ribbon, using the gem’s wire to make the knots more glamorous. It’s a part of using what looks like rags to others and making what no one would see as old man’s socks. I have a six foot silver iron tree next to it and once again Dad’s sock is the backdrop, strips of crisscrossing gray sock and cut strips of his red suspenders set the look for the sleigh bells sewn on this ornament. Even the toe is covered in red from the suspenders. And a folded piece of his darning on his sock is pinned to a snowflake and is nestled in the tree. Even his darning becomes art when taken from his darning suitcase and added to the tree. These are my favorites on my tree. Rags to riches

    Reply
  43. Sandi says

    December 28, 2015 at 12:39 PM

    Lovely ornaments!! My favorite ornaments right now are old ones that I have collected through the years. I have a few that were my grandparents also. Love them. God bless you!

    Reply
  44. Jana Coley says

    December 28, 2015 at 1:37 PM

    I love the “Our First Christmas” ornament (we got married in December) my husband’s late grandmother gave us. It’s a wonderful way to remember her & our other grandparents who are waiting on us in heaven.

    Reply
  45. Jerry Stocks says

    December 28, 2015 at 1:46 PM

    My favorite ornaments are two painted oyster shells—one with an angel and one with a wreath—and painted by a dear acquaintance who has passed away.

    Reply
  46. RUTH says

    December 28, 2015 at 2:39 PM

    May favortie is a gold nativity that hangs at the top front of the tree. Thanks for the chance to win these beautiful ornaments

    Reply
  47. Therese says

    December 28, 2015 at 3:59 PM

    Thank you for saying what I feel. My favorite ornament is a felt snow man made by my daughter when she was in 1st grade. It was hand sewn around the outside edge and stuffed with cotton balls and the buttons are vintage rhinestones.

    Reply
  48. Pam Ballard says

    December 28, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    This year I took my granddaughter to our local pottery store, its been here 10 yrs and I had never been in. I must tell you the joy it gave me watching her make her pampa a plate, her mama a coffee cup and her daddy a Christmas ornament. She was so giddy about making it all on her own. We left them to bake and picked up the following Saturday. Even better was watching her face as each opened their gifts. Priceless. To me that is my favorite ornament and a memory I will treasure.

    Reply
  49. Robyn says

    December 28, 2015 at 4:49 PM

    My favorite ornaments are in a box wrapped carefully. They are vintage ornaments that belonged to my mama and she gave to me when I got married 31 years ago. I treasure these few that I have from her.

    Reply
  50. Maria Blomgren says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    My favorite ornament is a small felted stocking, adorned with small pearks, brick a brac and sequins, Because it was my parents and they had it asva young couple and it is from the 50’sm it is even more special.
    That stocking has been on my famiky tree since i was born and now that little sweet stocking is used in our tree for my precious daughter,

    Reply
  51. Danna Frank says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:11 PM

    I actually have two favorite ornaments. One is a silk ball ornament my son used to write his name on with glue then sprinkle with gold glitter and the other one he made using Popsicle sticks glued together to make a snowflake with blue (my favorite color) glitter on it. He made these in first grade. He died in a car accident 8 1/2 years ago and would be 34 years old now. I cry and smile every year I put them on the tree.

    Reply
  52. Lisa says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:15 PM

    My favorite ornament is an angel ball that I received on my first Christmas. We have continued the tradition with angel ornaments for each of our children’s first Christmas. What a blessed time of year!

    Reply
  53. Arlo Boutwell says

    December 28, 2015 at 5:46 PM

    My favorite ornament has to be a glass ball that at one time had glitter polka dots on it, some of the dots look like half moons now and not much glitter left on it but it was one from my childhood so its in its 50 at least, and it doesn’t seem like Christmas until its hung on the tree with lots of love and memories I cherish.

    Reply
  54. Cathy farmer says

    December 28, 2015 at 7:01 PM

    Love these my favorite this year was one my mom had made for me in honor of my 31 year old son who lost his battle with brain cancer this year. I will see him again soon.

    Reply
  55. Carol Kniepkamp says

    December 28, 2015 at 7:03 PM

    My favorite ornament is a small sled made from popsicle sticks with “Merry Christmas 1982” written on it and a couple holly leaves painted on the red sled. The reason it is so special to me and to my children (all grownups now) is that my husband made several of these ornaments just 3 years before he passed away. The kids were in college, high school and 3rd grade but they still remember that Dad made those ornaments and gave them to family and friends. Several of my friends comment that they still put that ornament on their trees as a reminder of my husband.

    Reply
  56. MARTHAIA says

    December 28, 2015 at 8:04 PM

    My favorite would be the wooden cross my mama gave me many, many ,years ago….Its so special because it was from her & also it being a cross she made…Thanks

    Reply
  57. Amanda Tonar says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    My favorite ornaments are candy canes that a good friend made me a long time ago. They have red ribbon and roses on them, and alternating red beads and clear beads.

    Reply
  58. Anne Marie Carter says

    December 28, 2015 at 10:48 PM

    My favorite ornament is a silver deer that my mother gave me many years ago.

    Reply
  59. Marva Goins says

    December 28, 2015 at 11:18 PM

    My favorite ornament is glass with a copy of a painted image of Mary holding baby Jesus. I love the reminder of His birth. It’s a simple way to keep the focus on the reason for the season. I enjoyed your post. Thanks!

    Reply
  60. Libby says

    December 29, 2015 at 12:32 AM

    Hello Vanessa… Thank you so much for this lovely opportunity to win such beautiful ornaments glorifying our Savior! I’m sorry that I can’t just say one… A sweet snowman holding a banner “Our first Christmas together” from my Mom for my husband and me…nearly 20 years ago, a silver ball ornament with our son’s name in green glitter which he made, and baby Jesus in the manger that our daughter made. 🙂

    Reply
  61. Tami says

    December 29, 2015 at 12:23 PM

    My favorite ornament is one that my parents gave to my husband and me many years ago. It is a mailbox with our last name on it and with tiny pieces of mail inside. It symbolizes family to me. Our church trees are decorated with ornaments from Ever Thine Home, and they are gorgeous!

    Reply
  62. Julia says

    December 29, 2015 at 1:15 PM

    One of my favorite Christmas ornaments is a mini quilter’s hoop with “May all your Christmas dreams come true” stitched on the fabric. It was given to me by a sweet friend and that year I met my husband – he was my Christmas dream! Each year when I unwrap it, I get all sentimental inside!

    Reply
  63. Sherri V says

    December 29, 2015 at 5:46 PM

    My father passed away 3 years ago in Nov. That Christmas a co-worker and his wife gave me an ornament that i was able to put a picture of my Dad and I in. I know I will see my Dad again one day but I love this reminder of what a wonderful father he was!

    Reply
  64. june says

    December 29, 2015 at 7:16 PM

    My favorite ornament is the last doll my mom made. She was a beautiful porcelin doll painter and would make all of their clothes by hand…french seams and all. During her last year of life she resided in a nursing home. One summer day they had a craft activity. They made little spooly dolls. It wasn’t one of her special dolls, but it was her last attempt to create something special that she so adored…doll making. This little doll sits on my tree every year…it’s now been one of my decorations for eight years.

    Vanessa…I was elated to see you featured in the January 2016 Better Homes and Garden!

    Reply
  65. glenda says

    December 30, 2015 at 6:22 AM

    My dad passed 18mos ago. The Christmas after thst my daughter gave me an ornament that says “Because someone you love lives in Heaven. A Little piece of Heaven lives in your home. I also love love the ornaments at the top of my tree (for safety) were on our tree when i was a baby. I am 70.

    Reply
  66. Anne says

    December 30, 2015 at 1:39 PM

    I have a small collection of Precious Moments ornaments. They are a reminder of a difficult time when my dad was ill and hospitalized on ICU for 38 days. My sister and I spent our break time at the hospital gift shop and purchased many of these ornaments. Each one holds a memory regarding those tough times and they bring me great joy because although we lost our dad in 1985 my sister and I still share this collection and enjoy talking with each other about them. Hugs, Anne

    Reply
  67. Lisa B. says

    December 30, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    I lost my Grandmother last year, and my favorite ornaments are the green beaded Christmas trees she made many years ago. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!

    Reply
  68. Kathy says

    December 31, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    I love all my ornaments! We have all had a hand in picking them out or making them so they are all so special to me. I just can’t pick one! 🙂

    Reply
  69. Sue says

    January 3, 2016 at 10:17 AM

    My favs are the ones my little girls made for me. They are now grandmas, but when I look at the ornaments, I still see the little girls!

    Reply
  70. Carole says

    January 3, 2016 at 5:23 PM

    I have a very old wax Rudolph ornament that my Mother picked up at a yard sale for me when I was young, 50 years ago. My Mom is gone now, but I love looking at that old, somewhat worn ornament and thinking of her.

    Reply

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Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful s Happy Friday! I’m oh so thankful for beautiful sunshine especially when our family has been hit by illness this week. Everyone is on the upswing, thankfully, and I’m hoping we’ll fell well enough to get outside and soak up some much needed natural vitamin D. After so many days of wet, gloomy weather this is like balm for my soul! 🍃 What’s the weather like where you are?
Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, Here is a friendly PSA for you...do not, I repeat, DO NOT attempt to apply eyeliner while you have the hiccups. It won't go well. Trust me on this one! 😜

In other news, the hot cocoa station is finally gone and in it's place is a fresh new look that was kicked off by finding a beautiful, rustic vase at @homegoods. It feels like my home is rising up to welcome Spring and I'm so ready for sunshine and longer days. 🍃

Don’t forget to check out my stories tonight for Friday funnies! I love hearing from so many of you who say it’s your favorite way to wrap up your week. ☺️

Happy weekend to you dear friends!
It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing o It’s Tip Tuesday time! This week I’m sharing one of my most favorite ways to simply and inexpensively add seasonal decor to your home. There’s nothing like getting big impact with little effort and without breaking the bank! #tiptuesday #decorforless
What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of What a gift it was to wake up on the first day of March and see glorious sunshine greeting us after a few days of ice and snow. This is the month of hope and expectation and I’m here for it.

Happy March first dear friends! 🍃
Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a r Our first ‘laundry room’ wasn’t actually a room at all. The 20+ year old washer and dryer we inherited after we got married was hooked up in the garage of our small townhouse. Our second ‘laundry room’ was an improvement because it was actually INSIDE the house but it was in our family room behind bifold doors.

So when we moved into this home 15 years ago I literally jumped up and down when I saw this real laundry room. Never mind that it had dated counters and an old stained sink. It was an actual room!

We made minor updates to it over the years but other, more visible, spaces took priority so we spent our resources on beautifying those.

But, last summer, we finally had new counters installed and made a few more updates that have completely transformed this room. 

Now, it’s almost a joy to do the laundry…almost! 😉

For more photos and details head on over to my website using the link in my bio.
“In you, LORD my God, I put my trust. I trust in “In you, LORD my God, I put my trust.
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths.

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.”

Psalm 25:1-6
Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great chan Ronald Reagan famously said that “all great change in America begins at the dinner table.” I think this is true for everyone worldwide. You simply can’t put a value on the importance of gathering together for a meal with those you love. But, sometimes, we can struggle with getting the conversations flowing. So for this #tiptuesday, I’m sharing some tools we’ve used in our home. 🍃
There is just something about the combination of l There is just something about the combination of lemon and honey. It’s rustic yet fancy, sweet yet tart, spring-like yet comforting on a cold winters day. 

And that’s why this is hands down one of my favorite recipes! I decided to take a basic tea cake and turn it into a loaf of sweet, tart, simple yet fancy goodness and the only thing bad about it was how quickly it disappeared!

🍋You can find the recipe by following the link in my bio 🍯
“Have regular hours for work and play; make each “Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well.” (Louisa May Alcott).

The sun is shining and it’s the perfect day to photograph our laundry room which got a bit of a makeover. This space is definitely useful as it bears the brunt of everyone tromping through it all day long but I think I’ve managed to make it pleasant as well. One of my greatest realizations in my homemaking journey was when I recognized that those two things weren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, it’s the pleasant that enhances the useful and vice versa.

I’ll have the rest of the makeover reveal on my website soon but I just couldn’t resist sharing a sneak peek with you today! 🌿
A little bit of snow and ice leading to a two hour A little bit of snow and ice leading to a two hour school delay and then a little bit of sunshine followed by fog. That’s how our Valentines Day began!

I’m so thankful for my cozy home and my loves who live here with me and I can’t wait to spoil them a bit tonight. We don’t go crazy on Valentine’s Day but I try to still make it sweet even if it’s simple. 💕

Do you celebrate at your house? What’s your favorite treat?
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