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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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November 21, 2015

At the End of Myself

Dear friends, I just felt like I needed to share from my heart with you today. To share what’s been happening behind the scenes here At the Picket Fence.

You see, every day for months now I’ve been pouring my heart out as I’m writing our book. We’re so humbled and thrilled that we have this opportunity that I’ve been hesitant to share the other side of it. The side that has been challenging and has pushed me to my absolute limit. It’s truly the most emotionally draining thing I’ve ever done. Early on, a fellow author friend advised me that the most important thing I can do while writing is to make sure that I’m staying in God’s word and getting replenished. But, what I’ve found is that as quickly as I am replenished, I am drained once again. And around and around I go.

I so desperately want to be sharing fun crafts and recipes here with you but all of my creative juices are going into the book (and oh you guys we have some wonderful projects awaiting you in the book!). I have stories I want to tell you and conversations I’d love to engage in with you but after hours on end of writing and creating I feel completely empty. Every last ounce of energy I have goes to trying to take care of my family and keep my home running so that by the time my head hits the pillow at night I find myself almost numb from the fatigue.

I’ve been thinking about David lately. There is no denying the anguish he is experiencing as he writes these words in Psalm 38. “All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me, even the light has gone from my eyes.”

David is weary. He is discouraged. He feels drained. He’s reached the end of himself.

And I get it.

Because right now, I’m weary. I’m discouraged. I feel drained. I feel isolated.

I feel as though I’ve reached the end of myself.

And reaching the end of yourself is frightening. It’s in this place where I find that I’m the most vulnerable. The most exposed.

When I am the most weary, the most discouraged, the most numb, I find that I’m also the most tempted to give into feelings that I know are not from the Lord. It’s there that all of my fears and insecurities rise to the surface and because I feel so emotionally depleted, I feel as though I have very little left to fight back against those feelings.

Regularly throughout this journey, I have felt as though I’m bobbing up and down in the ocean, my head just barely staying above the water line. And out of one corner of my eye I can see a huge wave looming in the distance, threatening to overtake me and pull me under. But, out of the other corner of my eye, I see a lifeboat on the horizon. The sight of it giving me hope of rescue.

2 Corinthians 4 says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifest in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.”

In that moment, when I’ve reached the end of myself, I realize that I have choice to make. I can either give into the doubts and fears and insecurities, allowing them to paralyze me. Allowing them to keep me in the same spot, bobbing up and down until the wave comes and crashes over me.

Or I can see that moment as an opportunity. An opportunity to experience ‘surpassing power’. It’s the chance to experience something so amazing, so miraculous. The chance to know, without a doubt, that as I am daily responding to this call He has placed on my life, the strength to accomplish it doesn’t come from me. It comes from Him.

Not only is He the lifeboat on the horizon, but His surpassing power will give me the strength I need to stay afloat until I can reach it.

The reality is that reaching the end of ourselves means we’ve finally reached the beginning of a new understanding of the Father’s love for us.

And let me tell you, this is where the really good stuff happens. The messy, hard, amazing, beautiful good stuff.

It’s in this place where I have continually had it affirmed that I am simply a vessel. A vessel which has been emptied of what was once there in order to be refilled by the Lord so that what is poured out reflects HIM and not ME.

So, why exactly am I telling you all of this? Because not only do I want you to be apart of this journey with us, but I also want you to know that if you have reached the end of yourself, well, I understand.

And I’d like to pray for you.

If you feel so inclined, please leave me a comment telling me how I can come alongside you.

We’re all in this together, after all. And while our circumstances might be different, the journey to the end of yourself is one that we shouldn’t do alone.

Thank you for letting me share some of my journey with you here today!

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

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40 Comments Filed Under: Devotionals

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Comments

  1. Barbar Reed says

    November 21, 2015 at 7:33 AM

    What an inspirational post. We got this….because of Him!

    Reply
    • carol sferra says

      November 21, 2015 at 7:54 AM

      AMEN!!!!!!

      Reply
  2. Mona says

    November 21, 2015 at 7:59 AM

    {{Hugs}} Thank you for sharing. You’re exactly right, in these times it’s when we need to get closer to “Him”. Keep going. You’re in my prayers.

    Reply
  3. Karen says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    Precious Vanessa, you’re already in the lifeboat! Thanks for sharing your heart. I’m going to share this with my DIL who is searching for a new meaning in life after learning that she and our son can’t have children. Please pray that she will realize she’s in her tender Shepherd’s arms, next to His heart, as are you. May joy mark your journey, dear one, as you faithfully walk feeling the comfort of His rod and His staff.
    Karen from Oregon

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 8:45 AM

      Oh Karen thank you so much!! And I’m so, so sorry about what your son and DIL are going through. I’m not sure if you knew this but my husband and I were not able to have biological children (we’ve since adopted 2 of the most amazing kiddos ever, both as newborns) and I completely understand the pain and loss they are experiencing. If she is ever needing to talk with someone who can relate, please let her know that she can email me at atthepicketfence@gmail.com. Also, I’ve shared some of our journey on the blog and this is the link to those posts: https://www.atthepicketfence.com/category/adoption

      I will be praying for them and for you as you support them during this difficult season. Much love to you!

      Reply
      • Karen says

        November 22, 2015 at 7:20 AM

        Thank you, Vanessa!

        Reply
    • Barbar Reed says

      November 21, 2015 at 10:17 AM

      I’m so sorry they can’t have children. God has a different plan for them!

      Reply
      • Karen says

        November 22, 2015 at 7:21 AM

        Yes, He does. Thank you!

        Reply
  4. Susan says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    When I get to the end of myself, I say, “Lord, I’m not sure what to do here, but I know you are with me. Let me hear what you are saying; let me see what you are showing me; let me do what you want me to do.” And it works.

    Reply
  5. Deborah says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:34 AM

    “Dear Heavenly Father,
    I’m coming to ask for continued strength for your servant Vanessa. This book is not only part of her business but her mission in service to you. Please renew her. Surround her with those who can life her up. Love on her as only you can. Help her press on toward the goal to which you have called her to. In your name I pray.”

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 22, 2015 at 10:10 AM

      Well your words brought on the waterworks my friend!! 😉 Thank you so much for your prayer of blessing and encouragement. So appreciate you!

      Reply
  6. Susan says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    My son was in a motorcycle accident sept. 21. We have been in the hospital since and he has traumatic brain injury. Our discharge is Monday . He will be coming home with my husband and I. (He s 35) . I.m tired, scared, and nervous for the coming months. He has come so far,for which we are thankful, but has a long way to go. Appreciate your prayers

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 8:47 AM

      Oh Susan, words cannot express how incredibly sorry I am for your family as you are going through this incredibly painful time. Know that I am lifting your son and all of you up in prayer to the ONE who sees and knows all and wants to give you the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for allowing us to come alongside you!

      Reply
  7. Rory says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    Wow. Just wow. Thank you for sharing part of your journey with your readers. You write eloquently and honestly. Raw. The realizations you have made can take people a lifetime to learn. Or some not at all. But most of us never go seeking for fear our character defects will smack us right in the face. Fear. Fear is so powerful. Paralyzing, if you give into it, feed it. Like air to a fire. But the courage to face your fears. To choose to the lifeboat. To turn it over to God is the strongest and most powerful act we can do. That is when the healing can begin.
    I too have been at the end of myself. I am recently divorced and for two years was in a very depressed, dark and isolated state. Only the support of my family and the strength of our Lord did I choose the lifeboat. I have good days and not so good days.
    I came to understand fully why only one set of footprints were in the sand as I walked with Jesus. He was carrying me. Doing for me what I could not do for myself. Turning it over to him. Faith. Knowing it would all be ok, releasing the guilt. Love and light came back into my heart and I began to heal.
    Thank you again for your powerful words and sharing part of yourself with me today.

    Reply
  8. Michele says

    November 21, 2015 at 8:57 AM

    Dear Vanessa,

    First – a huge congrats on the writing of your book. This is well deserved, and is exciting, and I couldn’t be more happier for you! As for the constant barrage of needing that creative output, and also having a young family….you have a lot on your plates right now. You have GOD as your pilot, all will be well.

    I am sending up prayers for you both and both your wonderful families. I too could use prayer for better health – have some issues that have me not playing my A game…..and I truly believe in the Power of Prayer!

    My best to you both. Big hugs. Hang in there. This is gonna be AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ♥♥

    PS check out my last post commenting on another blogger’s faith post, I don’t believe in coincidences, I think you are supposed to read it.

    Reply
  9. Pam says

    November 21, 2015 at 9:35 AM

    What a beautiful believer you are. God Bless your journey. Pam

    Reply
  10. Lynn Mosher says

    November 21, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Vanessa, your post is touching and real. There is one thing I (and others as well) have learned as a writer: taking a break from a project is seriously necessary. As we get so involved physically, emotionally, and spiritually, a time-out is paramount to continuing. The light will go out if we do not take a refreshing respite from our work, which fans the flame again. Yes, there are many things in my life that could use prayer but I would rather pray for you and your family. I pray you know the refreshment of the Lord and the infilling you need to do all He has called you to do. May He bless you with a special touch of His presence.

    Reply
  11. Joanna says

    November 21, 2015 at 11:43 AM

    Praying for you today. Hugs

    Reply
  12. Sami says

    November 21, 2015 at 12:16 PM

    I appreciate what you have shared and know well where you are. As a writer and in life’s passages.

    “May the Son of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from the path before you. With each step you take may you hear the brush of angel’s wings assuring you that you do not walk alone.” An anonymous quote which was shared with me at a time when I felt “at my end”.

    God’s peace.

    Reply
  13. Kevin May says

    November 21, 2015 at 1:02 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing. This has been a year of struggles and renewal. And as I read your beautiful, truthful words I realized so many times our creativity pushes us daily and we also have so much more going on in our lives. I wanted to share how hard this year has been for me with recovering from 2 knee replacement surgeries but I can’t begin to talk about me after reading some of the posts. I will just pray for all of us and know God has a plan.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 5:35 PM

      Kevin I’m so sorry that you’ve had such a difficult year. Know that I’m praying for you!

      Reply
  14. Cindy says

    November 21, 2015 at 1:25 PM

    Vanessa,
    Thank you. I so needed to read this today. I, too, have been feeling the end of myself. Spread too thin, too many deadlines, not enough time, going to bed exhausted, getting up exhausted. Your perfectly timed message has reminded me to step back, breathe, and trust. God has got this. Thank you for the prayers. Praying for you and your wonderful, God blessed journey….can’t wait for your book to come out!
    ~Peace,
    Cindy

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 5:32 PM

      Thank you so much Cindy! Praying for you too friend! <3

      Reply
  15. Rebecca Turner says

    November 21, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    Dear Vanessa, there may be some who do not understand, but thank you for being transparent and vulnerable, and for sharing with us. I’m sorry you’re struggling. It sounds like you are stretched too thin…a place where we all find ourselves sometimes. Maybe it’s time to be still. Can you lean on others regarding some responsibilities, temporarily? I’m sorry that I don’t have real answers, but I do care, and since we are meant to bear one another’s burdens and encourage one another, I will pray that God will lift you up to soar, and that you will be led by His Spirit. Peace will accompany you there.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 4:57 PM

      Rebecca you definitely hit the nail on the head. I’m stretched very thin right now but I’m reminding myself daily that it is only for a season. I did manage to get away with my family for a few days last week which was a wonderful respite. I’m jumping right back into things feeling a bit refreshed! Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. They mean so much to me!

      Reply
  16. Anita Ward says

    November 21, 2015 at 3:28 PM

    Vanessa, thank you so much for sharing this part of your journey. I am 69 years old, supposedly in “the Golden Years”, but I too am drained every evening, emotionally and physically! The Lord and I have “continuous conversation” during my waking hours and I know those conversations with My Father are the only things that keep me going!!! The devil has been attacking my family personally for the last 3 months and I know that he is nothing compared to my Father!!!! He is bigger than ANYTHING!!!!!! Satan’s attacks are just making my faith in my God stronger because He is my Refupge and Strength!!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 4:55 PM

      Anita I am so sorry that you have felt so under attack in recent months. Those times are definitely opportunities to turn to the Lord and it sounds as though that is exactly what you are doing! I will be praying for you and your family!

      Reply
  17. Sarah says

    November 21, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    This could not have been more perfectly timed. I ended up reading your post on my phone while crying and hiding out in the bathroom to just get away from my kids’ crying for a few minutes. I have completely hit a wall today and like you said, I feel completely depleted and “I’ve reached the end of myself.” I needed these reminders today. Thank you for your encouraging words and your prayers.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 4:54 PM

      Sarah I’ve hidden in the bathroom quite a few times myself so I completely understand!! I’m always amazed by God’s timing and just know that I am praying for you as I type these words. Just remember that YOU are the exact right mama for your kiddos. I’m praying against the doubts and fears that inevitably pop up when we as mom’s reach the end ourselves and for peace to flood your heart and your home. <3

      Reply
  18. Vicki says

    November 21, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    I definitely need your prayers as I seem to reach the end of myself often these days. I cannot wait to read your book! You and Heather have influenced my life greatly in the short time I have been reading your blog. Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Annette says

    November 21, 2015 at 7:14 PM

    Your friend is right, the first key is Gods Holy Word. What I’m about to say isn’t to draw pity (although prayers always appreciated), or to say my problem is bigger than yours because we each have valleys to go through, they are just all different. But I’ve found scripture, saying I can get through the next 15 minutes (advice from a dear friend) and listening to the sound of the world God created brings incredible peace….rain washing out house with peace, bugs in the summer singing a peaceful melody. My daughter is 28 and has been fighting stage 4 cancer for 6 months now, she and her husband have 3 little one, 3 year old autistic child, 2 year old and 1 year old. Our daughter is the oldest of 5, and we still have 2 teens at home. Our daughter and her husband are renting their house out and staying with us and it is a blessing to help my son in law to help care for our daughter and their 3 little ones. But when there are setbacks and fear flows over me like a icy swollen creek…..I look to Him. For He will lift you up and help you stand…He will give you peace if you listen, and look.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 21, 2015 at 7:55 PM

      Annette, I WILL say that your problem is bigger than mine and I’m just so, so sorry for what you are going through. I honestly cannot imagine how difficult it must be and would never compare my temporary struggle to what your family is facing. Please know that I am praying for all of you and particularly for healing for your daughter! May you feel His peace flooding your heart in brand new ways each day.

      Reply
  20. Teresa says

    November 21, 2015 at 9:55 PM

    Isn’t it nice that we do not travel in our lifeboats alone. God is always there to comfort and give strength and love.

    I have been waiting for a new and better job to open for me. In the past few weeks, God has been asking me to take a week off from my present job and spend that week in fasting and prayer and His word. I plan on taking off December 3-9. My husband is a little concerned about the loss of pay for that week, but I am trusting God to supply.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 22, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      Teresa I will be praying for you and your job search and that you will continue to trust God to open doors for you!

      Reply
  21. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    November 22, 2015 at 5:25 AM

    Vanessa…first of all, I must say that you are and always have been a very brave person. You have certainly gone through so many different struggles in your life and you have gotten through them due to your everlasting faith…..Don’t lose your faith in yourself as God has complete faith in you. We all experience “the end of ourselves”….trying to be the best we can be, and to always meet expectations of ourselves and what others have of us…the combination of both is truly exhausting. I have learned throughout my life that we cannot be all we can be to everyone….that we must stay true to ourselves and then everything falls into place. You are a good person, mother and wife and you are their blessing. When I get a bit overwhelmed, I sit and look at my picture of my friend Ruthie and I find my way to my perspective box. She knowing that her life had true limits, but still had enormous faith that every day was special no matter what happened. She searched within herself and chose what was most meaningful in her life and concentrated on that. Thoughts and prayers are with you Vanessa. I know you will listen to your heart and find great strength in your faith.

    Reply
  22. Velia says

    November 22, 2015 at 10:36 AM

    Vanessa, thank you for your profound words and sharing your struggles. By sharing your personal journey you have given your readers encouragement and inspiration. Blessings to you as you continue on the road of life.

    Reply
  23. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 23, 2015 at 4:56 AM

    Sweet Vanessa! I know exactly how you feel. Writing a book is more than exhausting and when you are in the thick of it… seems too much to ask a person to bear! I am praying for you. What a wonderful post this morning! So full of truth! I am amazed to see how our Great Father gives us just what we need… when we need it! And how we can look back and see His hand holding us.
    You are amazing and God has given you so many many amazing talents and gifts. I praise God for you!
    Vanessa I will be praying for you!
    Right now I continue to struggle with a persistent health issue. Pain is my every draining companion. I am feeling better and can only attribute it to the Lord. So when you pray for me also praise God for what He is doing in my life.
    With so much love and prayers! Yvonne

    Reply
  24. Kathy says

    November 24, 2015 at 12:01 AM

    I loved this post. Maybe it’s my favorite one. It’s real and heartbreaking and hopeful. Life is hard. We all have those challenges that come that threaten to destroy us. I’ve had my own, as we all have. In looking back, I can see that yes, I’m still here. And what I learned, in going through the darkness for a time, I would not trade for anything. The Lord allows us to feel these things that we may grow and become the person we were meant to be. I know where my strength has always come from – from Him. This is a time where you can study and pray and draw close to Him. For when we feel Him close, we become powerful enough to do anything! Hugs to you. I’ll be including you and your family in my prayers.

    Reply
  25. Karen says

    November 30, 2015 at 4:31 AM

    Don’t ever give up you are needed. Love to you and hugs.

    Reply
  26. Leslie says

    December 1, 2015 at 1:43 PM

    Praying for you, sweet friend…for joy in the journey and nuggets of love, mercy and grace along the way…Jesus walked on water…grab His hand and join him far above the waves. Can’t wait to embrace all the writing of that book!!

    Reply

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Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to sha Happy Friday!! I’m working on a blog post to share all of the details of our family room shelving makeover but I’m super impatient and just had to give you all a sneak peek!! We are SO happy with how they turned out and it finally looks like I’ve always envisioned. Our quick fix years ago (scroll to see the before photo) never felt quite right but now? Soooo much better!! 🙌🏻 Big shoutout to our amazingly talented friend Matt @redemptive_woodworx for bringing our vision to life and doing such impeccable work.

I hope you all have a great start to the 4th of July weekend and make sure to check my stories later for Friday Funnies!
The month of June is coming to a close and it has The month of June is coming to a close and it has been JAM packed! The highlight by far though was my son's graduation from high school. When I started blogging, he was only 6 years old and some of you have been apart of my community here for that entire time. Now, he's 19 and there is a reason parents are told not to blink because the years truly do go faster than I ever could have imagined. He has become such an incredible young man we are so excited to see how God is going to unfold the next chapter of his life. We celebrated with parties galore (SO many open houses to attend!) and made memories we'll forever cherish. My mama heart was filled to bursting with the joy of it all! Now we're taking some time to just enjoy these warm, summer days making even more memories because, when you’re at this stage of parenting, you know all too well how much you need to grasp every opportunity to spend time together.

I hope your summer is off to a great start too dear friends! 🪴
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts o “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Happy first day of summer dear friends!! I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted something new here but life has been crazy. I’ll have some new photos of house projects and life events to share with you soon but, got now, I’m just going to enjoy this gorgeous first day of summer after our ridiculously long, wet spring. ☀️
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. Th “It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” (Maud Hart Lovelace) 

Welcome June!
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
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