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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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February 20, 2013

American Girl Doll Sized Dollhouse

American Girl Dollhouse At the Picket Fence

I should have been cleaning the bathrooms. Or meal planning. Or painting the rest of that room that is half done. Or trying to find out what exactly the mysterious odor is that lingers in my car….pretty sure the kids are to blame for that one.

But, instead of doing all of those important and wonderfully productive jobs, I spent the better part of last week turning a bookcase into an American Girl Dollhouse.

You see, I felt badly for my daughter’s Kit doll. She needed a home. She and her “accessories” were getting scattered hither and yon and I felt it would be in her best interest (and mine!) if she could have them (or at least some of them) all in one place.

So, I built Kit her own Home Sweet Home. And now I’m a little bit jealous of her.

American Girl Dollhouse 1st floor At the Picket Fence

I mean, she has hardwood (peel and stick) floors throughout, chair rails and even bead board (wallpaper) on the walls.

Peel and stick floors in dollhouse At the Picket Fence

Kit even has hardwood floors in her bedroom. Sheesh! Now, I’m totally jealous.

American Girl Dollhouse 2nd floor At the Picket Fence

 My husband built her an attic using leftover scraps of wood and bead board. It’s screwed into the back of the bookcase with an ‘L’ bracket.

dollhouse attic peak

I decided that Kit would probably live in a house with a moss covered roof (scrapbook paper). I mean, she does come from the Depression Era so I’m guessing they didn’t have the resources needed for proper roof care.

mossy roof scrapbook paper at the picket fence

Now, my daughter took one look at that roof and said, “where’s the chimney?” I tried to tell her that Kit was so poor that they had to take the chimney apart and sell the bricks to pay their bills but she didn’t believe me for some reason.

So, since “necessity is the mother of invention”, I got to work building a chimney.

dollhouse chimney supplies

A piece of brick scrapbook paper and a spaghetti box did the trick!

dollhouse chimney at the picket fence

I was fairly certain that the attic needed a little round window but I wasn’t quite sure how to accomplish it.

american girl dollhouse attic2 at the picket fence

I scrounged around trying to find something that would work and remembered this jar of Pink Himalayan Salt that I picked up so I could copy my sister’s Chocolate Dipping Spoons.

DSC_1905

Who knew that pink salt could come in so handy? A piece of “sky” scrapbook paper and a dab (or two or three) of hot glue and Kit had herself an attic window.

Dollhouse attic window at the picket fence

One more reason to be jealous of Kit. She always has blue skies at her house! We live in Oregon so this is completely unrealistic for us but we decided that since Kit was already having to deal with life during the Great Depression we could at least give her blue skies.

dollhouse windows at the picket fence

American Girl dollhouse collage

With her scooter at the ready to take her on the next big adventure, Kit always knows that she has a place to call home.

Kits scooter At the Picket Fence

Bookcase turned American Girl Dollhouse At the Picket Fence

Oh wait! It looks like Kit has a friend visiting. That would be Molly. But, she’s not just any Molly.

She is my  Molly. The one I was given when I was a little girl. The one that was made by “Pleasant Company” before it was “American Girl”. She comes over to play at Kit’s house now and then and even though Kit always gets the cookie while Molly gets the vegetables (or nothing at all), they are still the best of friends!

I still have the original box Molly came in and her books and accessories. I’ll never forget the Christmas when I received her. And when I saw all of the “extras” I was overjoyed! A little stocking, a package from Molly’s father who was fighting in the war and all sorts of other little bits and pieces.

Many years later, I learned that while Molly and her Christmas dress were in the budget, her “extras” were not. My mother had lovingly and carefully replicated those accessories by studying the catalog and making them herself. The details were so perfect right down to the “stamp” on the package from Molly’s dad that I never even suspected that they weren’t the ones from the catalog.

Today, those “extras” hold far more value in my heart than even Molly does. Each time I look at them I imagine my mom secretly working on them and how thrilled she must have been when she realized that I couldn’t tell the difference.

I hope my own daughter will someday look back on her childhood and remember her mommy turning a bookcase into a dollhouse. Just for fun. Just because.

And I hope that she, like me, will feel all the love that went into creating something that fostered imagination and dreams.

Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence and be sure to come back on Friday when I reveal my daughter’s Vintage Inspired Bedroom!

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47 Comments Filed Under: Beadboard, Crafts, DIY, Good Ideas, Kids Tagged With: American Girl, bookcase dollhouse, DIY dollhouse

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Comments

  1. patty says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:25 AM

    Just adorable. It must have been a blast to make – much more fun than cooking and cleaning. Guess I will have to wait to make this for a grandchild since my daughter is grown. I imagine your daughter is just in heaven with this!

    Reply
  2. Cindy says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:29 AM

    WOW, such a fantastic doll house! Your daughter will forever remember how special this is! What fun memories she will have of playing with this. I imagine this will one day be placed in the attic, along with those precious dolls, to save for sharing with your granddaughter(s) one day. So special!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  3. Judy says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:41 AM

    What a beautiful doll house. I am jealous of Kit’s home as well! You did a fantastic job and I’m sure your daughter is thrilled. How special that you have a Molly doll. I didn’t even know they went back that far. That’s so cool. What a special gift you have given your daughter.

    Reply
  4. Stuff and Nonsense says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:53 AM

    very sweet home
    for Kit and Molly to share

    and now i’m thinking
    about that little bookshelf
    reposing in my attics…

    {alison}

    Reply
  5. Linda says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:59 AM

    OMG!! Would my grand daughter love this!! She has two American girl dolls.
    Better not show her this, papa might have to build her one……..tehe

    Reply
  6. Michael Reddin says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:14 AM

    Vanessa, what a sweet project for our little girl. I’m impressed! Reading your post did bring back sweet memories of the Christmas when you received your Molly doll. Wow – time – where does it go? Love you, Mom

    Reply
  7. june says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    Darling – I love American Dolls. Don’t have a daughter so I’m hopig for a granddaughter someday.

    This brought back memories of my mom’s adventures in helping me organize my Barbie. My mom became the hit of the neighborhood. She took a good size box (like what reams of computer paper would come in) and made certain there were no flaps. First she spray painted the inside, but now with all the fun scrapbook papers it could look like wallpaper:) She would cover the entire outside of the box with patterned contact paper for added durability. Turn the box so you are looking at it with the width in front of you. On each side, cut through the box with a tool that will make a small circular opening (screwdriver?) The openings were about 2-3 inches down from what is now the top of the box. She slid an old cafe curtain rod through the the openings. Fastened an old door handle on the top of the box and I had the best walk in closet for my Barbie:)

    Thanks for bringing back a memory of how we cherish our precious dolls.

    Reply
  8. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    Oh Vanessa…what a fantastic doll house so lovingly built for your daughter…I remember when I was little, our Sunday School class built a doll house…I loved it so…and after it was completed, the teacher gave it to me…as I was the most excited about building that house…I shall never forget that..and your daughter will also have the fondest memories of her doll house…as you have with your doll.

    Reply
  9. Amanda says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:29 AM

    I love it! You got me all teared up reading about Molly. You are an inspiring mommy!! xo

    Reply
  10. Anne says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    So cute!!! I will share this with my daughter.She has a American girl doll collection too.And yes we have Kit.What a cute doll house for Kit and Ruthie.Her attic looks just like Kit’s from the books too!Great idea to use scrap paper and pasta box for the chimney! Great job!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  11. LAURA S says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    Oh Vanessa, this is so sweet. Your daughter will appreciate the things you have done for her. No doubt about it. I too have many memories with my Mom for she loved dolls as much as my sisters and I. After we girls hit our “teen years” and our dolls were not as important to us, my Mom carefully put them away, only to give them back to us when we were grown. I love my doll more than ever.

    Reply
  12. Chenoa says

    February 20, 2013 at 6:32 AM

    Wow! Great job, Vanessa! Time for an AG doll play date at Kit’s house!

    Reply
  13. Doreen@HymnsandVerses says

    February 20, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    Oh my – what a wonderful idea! I loved reading your post and especially the pieces your mother lovingly made. What a treasure! I think I may give this a try for my two young nieces for their birthdays or Christmas next year! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  14. Ashley Rane Sparks says

    February 20, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    That is so cute! I wish I would of thought of that when we had tons of little AGD pieces running around my house. My girls are too old to play with them anymore but each does have her little collection of dolls in her room on a high shelf. I think they like remembering the days when hours of play in the living room were spent with those darling dolls.
    Way to go MOM!

    Ashley Rane
    http://www.makeitrane.com

    Reply
  15. Lisa@ Before Meets After says

    February 20, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    That is beautiful! I know she will appreciate all the har work you put in to making that special place for her! I always wanted an American doll when I was a little girl. What a special thing your mom did for you!

    Reply
  16. Lora says

    February 20, 2013 at 8:04 AM

    Vanessa, Your momma brought up a wonderful person and I am sure you are bringing up another wonderful person. Your project in building Kit her home is a treasure, chimney and all as was your mother’s project in constructing all of your treasures for Molly. You’ve done a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.

    Reply
  17. jp says

    February 20, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Vanessa, what a precious treasure you have made for your daughter and how sweet that she has your Molly to play with, too….it will, no doubt, get many years of enjoyment from her and then on to your “grandchildren!”

    Reply
  18. Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says

    February 20, 2013 at 8:50 AM

    Oh Vanessa, I have tears in my eyes at the sweet story of your own mother making the accessories for your doll Molly! Here I thought I was merely reading an enjoyable post about the pretty dollhouse you and your husband put together for your daughter, and ended up in awe at how special it is that your own doll from your childhood can be a friend to your own daughter’s doll. Love!

    Reply
  19. Tiffany | offbeat & inspired says

    February 20, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    This is SOOO cute! I used to have Felicity and I would have loved to have a doll house like this! Amazing project! 😀

    Reply
  20. Kathy says

    February 20, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    What a sweet and lovely story. You brought back some wonderful memories of things my mother made for me as a child. I love the dollhouse, you did such an excellent job. My granddaughter played with American Dolls and even had the same one as your daughter. She is 15 years old now and still has her doll but doesn’t play with her anymore. I guess she feels to grown-up. So sad… they grow up so fast, enjoy your little girl before she too puts her doll away.

    Reply
  21. Lizz says

    February 20, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    I am totally inspired! I have the perfect bookcase already, just had to see it thru your eyes… thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  22. Jessica @ Mom 4 Real says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Cute, cute, Vanessa! I made one for Kate using two Ikea tables…can’t wait to show her yours!

    Reply
  23. Carol says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    That is so precious, Vanessa! You definitely made the right choice in your priorities — painting that room or working on some other DIY project can be done any time, but your little girl won’t be a “little” girl indefinitely. Enjoy these precious young years — she WILL BECOME a TEENAGER way too soon!

    Carol

    Reply
  24. Becca says

    February 20, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Your sweet baby girl is so lucky to have such a sweet and talented Mom like you, Vanessa! What an awesome new home that Kit now has! And, looks like she wasted no time in entertaining … wonder what Molly and she are chatting about. I love that you placed moss paper on the roof and, what a great chimney! I want a house like that!

    Reply
  25. Laura @ Finding Home says

    February 20, 2013 at 12:27 PM

    So adorable, don’t let my youngest see this or I will have to be making one this weekend! Thanks for sharing! Laura

    Reply
  26. Angelina says

    February 20, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    This is FANTASTIC!!! Our girls would totally love something like this. They have a Pottery Barn Dollhouse, but that is for their small wooden dolls. So this would be great for their American Girls dolls!
    xo
    Angelina

    Reply
  27. Sherry says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Vanessa, You are such a good mom! My granddaughter loves American Girl and she would be thrilled with the dollhouse.

    Reply
  28. Sherry says

    February 20, 2013 at 4:37 PM

    Vanessa, You are such a good mom! My granddaughter loves American Girl and she would be thrilled with the dollhouse. xx, Sherry

    Reply
  29. Nana Diana says

    February 20, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Vanessa- How cute is that! You all did a wonderful job making a home for your “girls”. We have a Pleasant Company Molly, too. She was always one of my very favorites. I wish my grands would play with theirs more. I love making doll clothes for them- xo Diana

    Reply
  30. Shelia says

    February 20, 2013 at 6:30 PM

    Oh, you little thing! This is adorable! Your little daughter is loving it, I’m sure! I read what you said someone said about your bookcase for books! You’re a hoot! I just love hoots!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  31. Ellie says

    February 20, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    Cute bookshelf! I love the story about your own doll–very sweet of your mom! Now I just need a little girl… I have three boys. Maybe I should look for posts on legos and forts and things instead! Have a great day!

    Reply
  32. Debbie says

    February 21, 2013 at 4:02 AM

    FANTASTIC!! I wish that I had thought of that when the girls were still playing with theirs. (Full confession though: Samantha and Felicity are still sitting in the corners of their rooms even though my girls are all grown up.)

    And I just plain loved the story of your own doll and what your mom did. You have a treasure. Not only is the doll from the original company valuable, but the other stuff is priceless.

    You get two enthusiastic thumbs up from me for a wonderful way to spend your time. Go Mom!

    Reply
  33. Thistle says

    February 21, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    Vanessa!

    I LOVE this! It is so cute and you had me at the chimney. You are the academy award winning mom!

    Have a great day rock star!
    karianne

    Reply
  34. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    February 21, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    Vanessa, this is just the cutest most creative dollhouse! Kit must be so happy to have such a lovely hone with hardwood floors, and wallpaper, and an attic and a fireplace chimney! ADORABLE!!!!

    Reply
  35. Julie says

    February 21, 2013 at 8:23 PM

    Kit sounds like a rascal…not sharing her cookie with Molly!-lol The spaghetti box is cracking me up. So clever-you are good girl. Valerie got her first AD for Christmas this year. Her 13 yr. old sister said, “No way will she like that!” Well…she still hasn’t given her a name yet, but there she lays in prime location next to Valerie every night. One of the best gifts ever-she loves her. I really need to do something like this. I can’t wait to show this post to Valerie tomorrow. She will be smiling ear to ear!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      February 21, 2013 at 8:59 PM

      LOL! Kit/my daughter is definitely a rascal Julie! I think the American Girl dolls are so wonderful and I love when I get to join in the play-time…even if Molly never does get the cookie. 😉 Thanks so much for your sweet words and for stopping by!

      Reply
  36. Rebecca Lees says

    February 21, 2013 at 11:53 PM

    Wow I love this, especially as it seems you have used items you just happened to have around the place. Fantastic!

    Reply
  37. laurie says

    February 22, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    So many clever ideas in Kit’s little home! I love it, and now I want to build one for my grands. However, I have 3 granddaughters with AG dolls, so I’d have to make 3 of them! How wonderful that you still have your doll, the packaging and accessories. I love the story about your mother making all of the accessories. No wonder you are so creative! laurie

    Reply
  38. Judy says

    February 25, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    I just love this dollhouse. I will be featuring it tomorrow night at my Winter Blues Wednesday party. 🙂

    Reply
  39. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    February 27, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    Vanessa,
    I really wish that I would have thought about making one of these for my girls (maybe one day I will have a grand that I can make one for)….it’s so CUTE!!! You can tell how much love was put into it…your daughter is one lucky little girl. My oldest daughter has Molly too…it was the first one we purchased. At the time, Target had a line of dolls like the AG and we purchased several of them (they were much cheaper). Thanks for sharing at my party…it’s always nice to see ya here:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  40. Donna white says

    February 27, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    Rarely do I ask my husband to look at a blog I am reading, but tonight was an exception. I interrupted his prince of Persia movie to show him your dollhouse. He was impressed. I am excited. Maybe our little 8 yo Ericka could receive one for Christmas made by him. Thanks for sharing and for the inspiration. It gave me fuzzy feelings in my tummy! :-). Donna

    Reply
  41. Mardell says

    April 10, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    I am a big fan of American Girl Dolls. I have purchased about 8 now with one for myself. I chose Ruthie, Kit’s good friend. Your doll house is very inspiring. I can only imagine how much fun it was for you to make. As a child I would have lingered there for hours. I wish I had known about these dolls when my girls were young. I did have a lot of fun making special Cabbage Patch clothes and a multitude of accessories. I am not sure who had more fun. Me or the girls! Enjoy this time of dolls it was such a blast and i am certainly enjoying a repeat with my granddaughters.

    Reply
  42. Gutter Cleaning Aldine Tx says

    September 24, 2013 at 11:12 AM

    I moved in to a house in december a year ago, but with current heavy rain our electrics cut right out in the kitchen and we’d this bad smell in the living room which I put down to the fireplace (we’d no cowl onto it). Thats been categorized and fireplace swept but odor remains. The electrics sorted themselves out several days later – without any intervention from me! Two kitchen cupboards smell also. We have put plints inside the home, no symptoms, floorboards look great really. the cupboards are typical pretty clean and dry. I’m running out of a few ideas and my partner really wants to string me up for complaining. Any ideas anyone?.

    Reply
  43. Annie says

    March 16, 2014 at 4:23 PM

    Do you know where i can get that bookcase? I’d love to get 2 and make a bigger dollhouse! Im in desperate need for shelves for a house

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Vintage Bedroom Reveal! says:
    February 22, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    […] Did you happen to see the latest addition to my daughter’s room? I shared this American Girl Doll sized Dollhouse earlier this […]

    Reply
  2. Kış Blues Çarşamba – Bir Taraf 106. bulunuyor Armut Koltuk - Armut Minder says:
    February 27, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    […] başladı. Tam öğretici tarafından durdurmak için emin olun. lezzetli davranır: Olağanüstü Anasayfa onun tarifi dondurulmuş muz paylaştı. Yum … o kadar iyi görünüyorsun. Carissa […]

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  3. Creating a Meaningful Home: At the Picket Fence | Home Improvement says:
    May 27, 2013 at 12:30 AM

    […] in thoughts the lives of those who live there. It competence meant branch the bookcase in to an American Girl Dollhouse for the small lady who has depressed in adore with all things American […]

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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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