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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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December 4, 2012

At The Picket Fence….our Holiday Houses!

Holiday House Walk 2012 At The Picket Fence

 WELCOME Friends, old and new, to the FOURTH house (or we should say HOUSES) on the 2012 Holiday House Walk Tour! We are Heather and Vanessa of At The Picket Fence and we were ecstatic to find out we were the next stop on the tour after our dear friend, and surprise tour house, KariAnne of Thistlewood Farm! Have you EVER seen such a gorgeous farmhouse?!

We are so honored to be joining in with some of the most fabulous homes and blogs on the web and we want to thank Jennifer for inviting us to participate.  So we throw open the doors and welcome you to our homes!

Up first we ask you to walk on in the front door of Heather’s country home in the heart of the rolling hills of Kentucky.

Christmas 2012 Kitchen from At The Picket Fence

Welcome to my country kitchen, the heart of our home! Many of you know that I recently remodeled our kitchen and this is the first Christmas we have celebrated with it completely done! I’m in love with every detail of it!

Christmas 2012 Kitchen At The Picket Fence

The white cabinetry, beadboard backspash and dark counters, make it the perfect canvas for the bright reds, fresh greens and vintage touches I love.

Christmas 2012 Kitchen Collage At The Picket Fence

 I decided to go simple this year, with my “birds of a feather” Kitchen tree, nestled an red metal bucket.  I love using fresh evergreen and these mini trees fit the bill! I love the tiny book page Christmas trees resting on antique spools, and my vintage kitchen scale was the perfect place to stack these bright and fun mini ceramic loaf pans.

Right off our kitchen is our formal dining room that also recently had a complete transformation.

Christmas 2012 Dining Room At The Picket Fence

Fresh red poinsettias nestle in a tureen brought back years ago by my mother-in-law from Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.

My snowflake wreath from Christmas 2011 has held up for another holiday and is right at home on my framed chalkboard.  Pinecones placed in vintage silver goblets and a sweet little vignette of bottle brush trees in an apothecary jar round out my dining room holiday decor!

Since my powder room is located right off the front hallway, I knew it needed to get in on the Christmas decorating action. I picked up this darling little turquoise tinsel tree last year at Christmas, and it seems right at home in a galvanized bucket on this industrial stool.

Christmas 2012 Powder Room Tree At The Picket Fence

 Of course I had to decorate it with tangerine ornaments to tie in my tangerine ceiling!

Christmas 2012 Powder Room At The Picket Fence

Painting my mantel is one project I still have yet to do, so instead of fighting the brick and wood I decided this year to compliment it by decorating the living room in browns, metallics and blues.  I love these whimsical trees and my faux galvanized JOY letters.

Christmas 2012 Mantel At The Picket Fence

This is the second year I’ve placed my tree in this large copper pot, and I love the streamlined look!

Flocked Blue and Brown Christmas Tree from At The Picket Fence

Christmas 2012 Living Room At The Picket Fence

Again, going with the theme of simplicity this year, I allowed the mantel and my flocked tree to take center stage in our great room.

Thank you so much for taking a little mini holiday tour of our Kentucky home, up next we’re headed to Vanessa’s house in the Pacific Northwest where she’s sharing some of her favorite holiday rooms!

Welcome to my home in beautiful Oregon! I’m so thrilled to be apart of this Holiday House Tour and just wish I could literally invite you all in for some cider…or eggnog…or a pumpkin spice latte…which technically you’d have to pick up at the nearest Starbucks before coming over, but you get the idea, right?

I may live in the land of logging and flannels but my home is a nod to the traditional all the way!

The first room on your left when you come through my front door is the living room.

Decorating a living room at Christmas At the Picket Fence

I love color and my home is a reflection of that but this year I decided to offset things by going with a more creamy palette.

Christmas decorating At the Picket Fence

I was so excited when I opened up the bins in the attic (after having several “Chevy Chase” moments and knocking my head on the beams over and over!) and discovered some glittery Christmas trees I had gotten on clearance last year. It made my mantel decorating so much easier!

I was also thrilled to score this beautiful mirror at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in early November and I knew it would be the perfect addition to the room just in time for Christmas.

Traditional Christmas mantel At the Picket Fence

If you were to walk in the front door (pumpkin spice latte in hand!) you would be greeted by my favorite feature of our home, my staircase. It will be getting a bit of a face lift the first of the year but for now it is accented with giant pine cones, greenery and simple bows.

Decorating with pine cones on garland

My dining room is just beyond the living room and the traditional feel continues. The furniture in this room is among the very first we bought as newlyweds and while it goes slightly more formal, it fits perfectly with the architecture and style of our home. So don’t expect to see it getting a coat of chalk paint anytime soon!

I kept things simple on the sideboard with a silver champagne bucket and cranberries.

Christmas dining room 2012 At the Picket Fence

If you were to venture on further, you would know that you were in the heart of my home. It’s where we do our real living and there you would find a Christmas tree with paper ornaments and a train running around the bottom.  Toys are scattered across the floor and crumbs across the kitchen table. A Nativity advent calendar that my children love but isn’t the most…ahem…”attractive” is hanging on the pantry door. And, as much as I love all of my pretty things I’m showing you here today, that part of the house is my most favorite.

But, this is all that I can show you today…

Christmas kitchen sideboard At the Picket Fence

So, maybe you’ll have to come back again to see the rest…crumbs and all!

Mason Jar Snow globe At the Picket Fence

Join us tomorrow as we move onto the next “street” on the 2012 Holiday House Walk where we will be visiting the lovely Beth of Homestories A to Z! We can’t wait to  tour her gorgeous home!

2012 Holiday House Walk Tour

To see all of the lovely homes on the 2012 Holiday House Walk be sure to visit our hostess, Jennifer Rizzo and thank you for visiting our homes here….At The Picket Fence!
We’re also sharing our homes here:
Christmas Mantel Party at the Lettered Cottage
Wow Us Wednesday
Vintage Inspiration Friday
Feathered Nest Friday
Friday’s Unfolded
From My Front Porch To Yours Mantel Party

67 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas trees, decor, holiday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kris Pare says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:10 AM

    Beautiful homes! Thank you for sharing –Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  2. tara says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:09 AM

    I love your homes…they are just beautiful.
    Your collages showing the close ups of some of the little vignettes are wonderful…
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  3. Monsterscircus says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:16 AM

    Wow amazing decor, thank you so much for sharing it with us! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  4. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:46 AM

    Two for the price of one! You’ve been busy little elves!

    Heather – a tree in the bathroom and you know I love that bird tree!!

    And Vanessa – that bannister is so lush and I love paperwhites!

    Can’t wait to join you on the house walk tomorrow!
    Kelly

    Reply
  5. Shari @ Turnstyle Vogue says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:31 AM

    Both of your homes are stunning. Natural, traditional and a little whimsy. Tree in a bathroom? Perfect!

    Reply
  6. Anne says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:35 AM

    Your homes are beautiful!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  7. Mary@athomeonthebay says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    I love each of your styles of Christmas decorating … beautiful!

    Reply
  8. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:49 AM

    Both of your homes are gorgeous. I love your styles and your decor is always fabulous, so beautifully done. Thanks for the tour. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  9. Thistle says

    December 3, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    Oh my wonderful creative friends…..it was such a blessing having hot tea with you this morning. And I think I need another cup because I spent so much time over here absolutely *sighing* over your pictures.

    You are both such a total blessing to me!

    Merry Christmas to you my wonderful friends!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  10. Judy says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:01 AM

    Both of your homes are gorgeous all decked out of the holidays. They both look like they are straight out of a magazine. Merry Christmas, my friends!

    Reply
  11. Kim Hites says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:03 AM

    Ev

    Reply
  12. Kim Hites says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    Oops! Sorry about the previous. Both homes look beautiful. I love your warm and simple style.

    Reply
  13. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:11 AM

    You’ve both done a beautiful job! I love seeing the little touches you’ve added in here and there. Being in a smaller home now, I’m always looking for those little things.

    Reply
  14. Dear Lillie says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    Everything looks so lovely in both of your homes! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  15. Chenoa says

    December 3, 2012 at 7:49 AM

    Beautiful! Thanks for “inviting” us into your homes! I’m hoping to see the “real thing” at Vanessa’s this week! And, Heather, I LOVE the tangerine accents in your powder room!

    Reply
  16. Cynthia says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:23 AM

    Your homes are just gorgeous, I love all the details. Thanks for sharing them with us.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  17. Shenita says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    What great tours! You have both done such beautiful jobs with your holiday decor! Very pretty!

    Reply
  18. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    Beautiful homes! Your Christmas decorations are lovely. It’s always great to see a fellow KY home! Have a great week!
    Leslie

    Reply
  19. Sherry says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:55 AM

    Wonderful! Your homes are so warm and inviting for the holidays. Loved all of the little details! LOVE the Christmas tree in the copper pot…that’s my fave…with the blue accents! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Brandy~greylanehome says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    You ladies have such beautiful homes and great taste. Thanks for sharing your Holiday decor with us.

    Reply
  21. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    I had no doubt that your homes would be beautifully decorated! Just gorgeous! I loved all the fun touches. Great job to both of you!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  22. Angelina says

    December 3, 2012 at 10:40 AM

    Heather and Vanessa, thank you for such Lovely tours of your homes. The rolling hills of Kentucky sounds absolutely divine and the greenery of Oregon, right now sounds a whole lot better than Tumble Weeds 🙂
    Have a Blessed week!
    Angelina

    Reply
  23. Beth@UnskinnyBoppy says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:39 AM

    BEAUTIFUL, girls! Love both of your homes so much! I spy a pretty pillow from On Sutton Place, as well. 🙂 Love it all! I’m so excited for these house tours this week!

    Reply
  24. Martina says

    December 3, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Beautifully done girls!!

    Reply
  25. MORNINGT says

    December 3, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    Your homes look gorgeous, very festive and cozy. Especially love the tinsel tree in the powder bath! Happy holidays to you both and thank you for welcoming us into your homes.
    xoxo~
    T

    Reply
  26. Sherry says

    December 3, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    Beautiful, Ladies! Your homes are so pretty decorated for Christmas.

    Reply
  27. Becca says

    December 3, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    What beautiful, beautiful holiday homes, sweet friends! Heather, I love your NOEL sign … your birds of a feather tree and the vintage touches. Your tinsel tree is too cute, and I love that you placed it in a galvanized bucket … love the copper ornaments you added to your main tree, too! Vanessa, your living room is wonderful (love your tree and your amazing Christmas mantel) … your lush garland on your stairway is stunning … and, your dining room centerpiece is rockin’ (love the deer). You bet I’ll be back for more! Thanks for the tour! xo

    Reply
  28. Natalie says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Beautifully done you two! Bravo!

    Reply
  29. jane says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    Both of your homes are just beautiful and they are REAL to me! I love the simple touches, little tress as accents and decorating with what you have. Lovely!

    XO,
    Jane

    Reply
  30. JP says

    December 3, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    You both have beautiful home and the decorations are beautiful in each…Happy Holiday!

    Reply
  31. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 3, 2012 at 3:23 PM

    Oh, this is so much fun-just like being on a real Christmas home tour! Both of your homes are beautifully decorated. Wish I had room for a tree in our bathroom, Heather! And Vanessa, those pine cones on your banister are HUGE and impressive!

    Reply
  32. tracey says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:37 PM

    Really lovely photos!!!!!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful Christmas decked out homes!

    xo

    🙂 T

    Reply
  33. Debbie says

    December 3, 2012 at 4:53 PM

    My goodness, your homes are absolutely gorgeous! And your Christmas decorations add to the charm of both. Thank you for sharing your homes.
    Debbie 🙂

    Reply
  34. Carol Reddin says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:15 PM

    Girls, thanks for the fun tours. Of course, I’ve already seen yours “in person” Vanessa – and I’ll get to see Heather’s in two weeks. So proud of you both for making your homes warm and welcoming to any and all! That’s the most important thing, huh?

    Love you,

    Mom

    Reply
  35. Carol says

    December 3, 2012 at 5:45 PM

    So glad I don’t have to chose which one of your homes I like better, because they are both so beautiful. You added just the right touches in each and every room to create some amazing Christmas charm. Thanks so much for giving us a tour.

    Reply
  36. Jeanne says

    December 3, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    Love it all! Thanks to both of you for sharing your homes with us!
    xo
    jeanne

    Reply
  37. Tammie says

    December 3, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    I LOVE crumbs. HA I love you home and all the decor but I love that you reminded us all that you have toys and crumbs. I will return. Thanks for allowing me in.

    Reply
  38. Tammie says

    December 3, 2012 at 6:50 PM

    *your* sorry for the sp.

    Reply
  39. Lucy says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:00 PM

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful homes with us …love all the love and care you put into them …xo

    Reply
  40. debbiedoos says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Truly like a winter wonderland of home tours here. Love the banister, and your fireplace mantel looks so classic and pretty Vanessa. Tis the season for sure!~

    Reply
  41. Shelia says

    December 3, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Hi ladies! I’m drooling all over my puter looking at your beautiful homes! Love all the special Christmas touches and you’re both an inspiration to us all in blogland – and you’re jut babies! 🙂
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 🙂

    Reply
  42. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Heather and Vanessa…your homes are so beautifully decorated for Christmas….you both have such great attention to detail and have made your homes a haven for your families to enjoy during this joyous season…

    Vanessa…love your entry with the gorgeous staircase…and the pillow on the chair just lets those who enter know that there is true “joy” in your home.

    Heather…I love your birds of a feather theme…love your trees..from the kitchen tree, to the turquoise tree in the powder room…and the copper pot is fantastic…you also project “joy” in every corner of your home…

    Thanks for the wonderful tour!!!

    Reply
  43. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    December 3, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Hello ladies,
    Thanks for taking me on the tour…it was so much fun touring in my pj’s. You have both done a wonderful job this year in your homes.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  44. Dianntha says

    December 4, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    What a fun tour. I love your kitchen…wishing mine was white too. Everything is so festive. Dianntha

    Reply
  45. Carmel says

    December 4, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    Your houses look so beautiful!

    Reply
  46. Grey says

    December 4, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    I so enjoyed visiting your lovely homes today! Thank you–and I am from Kentucky, now in South Carolina–I miss it and my family still there. It can be difficult to keep in touch, so I am glad to see you all have it worked out in such a fun way by blogging.

    Reply
  47. kristin says

    December 4, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    your homes are just gorgeous! Beautiful, warm and inviting! Thanks for sharing with us.
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  48. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:11 PM

    Wow, ladies–your holiday homes are just fabulous! Heather, I love your bright powder room with tangerine and blue, and the tureen from Stratford-Upon-Avon–OMG! I just did a Shakespeare audition last weekend, so I am a lover of the Bard:) And Vanessa, what a gorgeous swag you have on your mantel–I love the way you hung it, and that champagne bucket with the cranberries is just perfect on your sideboard. Love it all! Thank you so much for sharing your homes with us!

    Reply
  49. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    Oh girls your homes are so beautiful! I love the little tinsel tree in your aqua and tangerine bathroom Heather. And Vanessa the DIY snow globe is so pretty!!

    Reply
  50. Jen O'Brien says

    December 4, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    Your homes are stunning, warm & inviting, beautiful job! Happy Holidays! Jen

    Reply
  51. Jeanne says

    December 5, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    Your home looks so beautiful dressed up for Christmas!

    Reply
  52. Cindy says

    December 5, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Both of your homes are beautifully decked out for Christmas! You are both such talented ladies with a wonderful sense of style. I’m now wondering where all of this family talent came from and would love to see your mom’s house!

    Reply
  53. Sara Duckett says

    December 5, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Really lovely! Happy holidays to you.

    Reply
  54. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    December 5, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Wow ladies! All I can say is gorgeous!! You both have magazine worthy homes. Simply stunning. =)

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  55. Leslie says

    December 5, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    Oh, girls!
    Your homes are so warm and cozy!
    If I stop for pumpkin spice latte and bring along some vintage birdie ornaments, can I come sit in your crumby kitchens??!?!!?
    I pray that you both have a beautiful Christmas and lovely holiday season.
    I am so blessed to know you!
    Love, Leslie

    Reply
  56. Cristina@remodelandolacasa says

    December 6, 2012 at 1:23 PM

    Both of your homes are gorgeous! I love how inviting and festive both of them feel! Thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  57. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    December 9, 2012 at 6:40 PM

    I’m still lovin’ that little aqua tree in the bathroom! Both of your homes are beautiful and I love your festive touches throughout. Thanks for sharing with us!

    Reply
  58. Christie Thomas says

    December 11, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    Hey girls! Your holiday homes are beautiful! I enjoyed the tours and catching up with you! So fun to hang out at the fence and see what you girls have been up to! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Blessings to you! Christie

    Reply
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Trackbacks

  1. CHRISTMAS 2012: JOY TO THE mantel says:
    December 3, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    […] on Jenn Rizzo’s Holiday House Walk.  The tour started today at my friend’s Thistlewood and At The Picket Fence.  Be sure to check them […]

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  2. Home Stories A to Z Christmas Home Tour - Home Stories A to Z says:
    December 4, 2012 at 4:00 AM

    […] home tours and with 21 homes in all you won’t want to miss a day. If you are visiting from At the Picket Fence, thanks so much for clicking over and stopping […]

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  3. Inspiration Friday No. 92….welcome! says:
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    […] lovely Jennifer Rizzo.  21 gorgeous homes in their full holiday regalia! You can visit our homes here or start at the beginning of the tour by visiting Jennifer’s […]

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  4. Ribbon Banner Ornaments and Being Blog Worthy says:
    December 10, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    […] remembered I had ribbon left over from my mantel and banister (which you can see in our Holiday House Tour) and thought my rotund tree would benefit from the soft creamy ribbon being added to it. An item […]

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  5. Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint…NOEL Sign says:
    December 13, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    […] love the meaning and like to incorporate it in my Christmas decorating. You might haven seen my NOEL sign in my pantry, and I felt like the front porch needed some “noel” as […]

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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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