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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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July 19, 2013

It’s a blank canvas! Sharing the before pictures of my new house…

new house

There is something so exciting yet slightly intimidating when faced with a blank canvas! That is how I felt the first time I stepped into my new home.  Like it was one large blank canvas waiting for me “paint my picture” on it, knowing what I would choose would set the tone for the entire home.

It was also the first time I would be decorating a home from scratch as a “home decor/diy blogger.” There’s pressure in that folks! At our last home my taste and style evolved over the years and when we left it was still a mish mash of ‘before and after.” Project in my mind that never made it onto the canvas.  This time around I have PLANS people! I have a vision….

Today I wanted to share with you the BEFORE canvas…because every great AFTER must first start with a BEFORE! So, here’s a peek at my new home.

I will be sharing lots of fun projects, design ideas and decorating ideas with you but for now let’s take a TOUR of our new house! (and excuse the pictures they were taken with my phone. smile)

new house before picture front porch

I’m in love with our wrap around front porch, completely Southern including the addition of ceiling fans and rocking chairs!. We love the view from our porch, where we can sit and rock under the fans! When we enter the house from the front door we have a wonderfully large foyer and staircase.  It has great vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors.

new house front staircase before

I love that the stairwell is open on both sides and open along the top.

new house front staircase before

This angle is standing in the formal living room looking across into my new office complete with french doors!

house before office

Since this blogging gig has turned into a “job” and I use that term loosely since it’s so wonderfully fun, I am excited to have my own office! I love the french doors and that it’s on the main floor.  This will be mine…all mine! 🙂

 new house living room before

This is looking into the “formal” living room.  Because it’s not a large room, I am considering a grouping of club chairs in here.  I just love the intimacy of a grouping of chairs and I think it would make a nice place to hang with guests before dinner in the dining room.

new house dining room before

The dining room is most definitely one of my favorite rooms in the house.  Complete with wainscoting paneling, large wide crown molding and the trey ceiling the details are just lovely! I love how light and bright it is.  In fact the whole home, as you will notice, has gorgeous crown molding and wide baseboards throughout! Lots of attention to detail.

new house hallway before

Here is a view from the breakfast area looking back down the hallway into the kitchen and the entryway.  There is a full bath on the main floor which makes it really nice for guests.  The door you see leads to the finished basement, which we’ll visit shortly!

new house kitchen before

Are you shocked it’s not white?! ha.  We looked far and wide for a white kitchen in a home that was right for us.  Not an easy feat! It’s the one thing I compromised on, but I have great plans for it! I adore the hardwood floors and how open it is.  It also have stainless steel appliances and the cabinets are very high quality.  Stay tuned for some fun ideas in this space.

new house family room and breakfast area before

I think this room is TRULY my favorite space.  Maybe because I’ve laid claim to it as my “own hangout room.” With a formal living room and a recreation room in the basement, I am going to create a space here that is cozy and warm where I can watch my shows while the kids and Bama Boy hang out in the “man cave”  downstairs! grin.

new house backyard

 This is the view from our backyard! Believe it or not, we are on almost an acre here.  All of the wooded area behind the fence is part of the property but we love that there is a smaller area fenced in for our dogs.  It’s the perfect situation.  It’s very quiet and private back here.

new house back staircase before

Another thing we loved about the house is the back staircase.  It makes it so convenient for the bedrooms on this side of the upstairs.  Unfortunately, it results in piles of things on TWO staircases…make that THREE since we have a basement.  Tell me we aren’t the only family who piles a million and one things on their stairs? 😉

new house daughters room before

This is a peek into my daughter’s new room. Her new black iron canopy bed was the first purchase we made for the house.  She is so excited to have a canopy bed and we’ve moved her from a twin into a full.   The best part of her room is her “other room.” Yes she has TWO rooms in one!

new house daughters room before

This is a finished attic space which she is going to make her “lounge.” What teenager doesn’t want their own lounge? ha!

new house daughters room before

You can see a sneak preview of the colors and look we are going for in her room.  This will be a fun one to decorate and she will be helping with lots of input and ideas!

new house craft room before

So I lied before, THIS might end up being my favorite space in the new house! My dedicated craft and photography room.  The room where I can work and leave messes and shut the door at the end of the day.  With a separate office, this space will only house crafts and props and supplies as well as an area set up for taking photos.  I’m so excited about the potential of this room!!

new house master bath before

I don’t have any decent pictures of the master bedroom, but here’s a glimpse of the master bath. It’s one of FOUR full bathrooms in the house so this one will mostly belong to me. 😉  It has an huge walk in closet with full organizational system.  It’s a dream bath and dressing area!

new house son's room before

So you are probably wondering why I’m showing you this room in the basement.  Well, we are converting this room into our son’s room, and I promise we’re not just locking him down in the dungeon.  He is moving back in with us, after a year on his own and we want him to have the basement as his “own space.” This room has a finished ceiling, walls, outlets and a door but otherwise it’s most definitely not finished.  This is our first project in the house.  We will be converting it to a cool “loft industrial” space for him.  Watch for this upcoming reveal!

new house recreation room before

Here are some pictures of the future recreational room i.e. “man cave”  and oh do I have plans for this room! My family will finally be getting their dedicated University of Alabama room! Roll Tide!

new house recreation room before

Can you believe this is a basement?! It’s so light, airy and bright with two large picture windows!

new house recreation room before

It also has heigh tray ceilings, lots of space to hang out and…

new house recreation room before

a back entrance to this gorgeous private brick patio!

new house brick patio

There are two more bedrooms upstairs, an office for my husband and a guest room as well as several bathrooms to decorate! Plenty of space for a family with a teenager, a college student and two dogs. 🙂

My weeks in the new house have consisted of tons of this….

shopping for new house

Two guess where I am here…..

shopping for new house

and this.. Ikea has become a “dirty word” with Bama Boy these days! ha!  The first room I am setting up is the family room.  Here’s a glimpse of the direction I am going in there…

rug for new house family room

What do you think?

mirrored and brass vintage retro table

Yes that is brass! Did I hear a collective gasp or does it meet with your approval?

Here’s a little secret I’m going to end with. Shhhh….we are leasing the house for now.  We had to get into something quickly and we decided renting for now was the best option to do that.   We have the option of buying it down the road, and we most likely will do that BUT for now it’s MINE but not really MINE.  So I’m going to be sharing TONS of great ideas to make fabulous, but not permanent, changes so that ANY house can feel like HOME!

My new home and I will see you back here….often…at the picket fence!

signature 1

 

 

 

64 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Home Tour, Rental Decorating Tagged With: home tour, rental, temporary decorating

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Comments

  1. Cynthia says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    Heather… it’s great! I know you are going to do beautiful things with it… the rooms have nice sight lines and an open airy feeling… beautiful!

    Reply
  2. Debra@CommonGround says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    It’s fabulous, Heather. I’m so excited for you!! I know you must be having so much fun!!

    Reply
  3. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:43 AM

    Stunning House. I can’t wait to see what all you do. This is such a beautiful place. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  4. Julie says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    Approval approval! Beautiful home for a beautiful family! Love the sneak peak too. Great color choices!

    Reply
  5. Michele/Finch Rest says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:52 AM

    Well congrats big time! AND WOW WOW WOW!!!!

    Your new home is stunning in every way – sure hope it all works out for you!

    It’s perfect – what fun you will have designing and decorating it!

    And it’s nice seeing brass make a come back. I’m not one for much contemporary these days but that is one nifty end table you shared!

    PS – my best friend from high school played piccolo in UoA’s marching band when Bear Bryant was coach (yes, I am dating myself) and still is a huge Tide fan! Those were the days!

    Reply
  6. Thistle says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    You go girl! I can’t wait to follow along and your space looks totally amazing! I LOVE that rug!

    Happy day to you!
    karianne

    Reply
  7. Pamela says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:58 AM

    Heather congrats on your new house that I know will quickly become a home! Y’all will have so many great memories there. I so wish we could move back home. We dream of having an acre of land and a basement ecspecially since the boys are getting older. Your front porch is just dreamy. Thanx for sharing your befores with us!

    Reply
  8. Megan @ Our Pinteresting Family says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:00 AM

    It’s absolutely lovely! I love what I see in the living room so far. Great colors!

    Reply
  9. Deborah J. says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:03 AM

    Can’t wait to see the Bama Room. Roll Tide!

    Reply
  10. Sharon O says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    Can’t imagine the space, the beauty, the yard and the wrap around porch, I even love the kitchen just the way it is. Nothing needs changed other than the ‘downstairs room’. Hope you can purchase it down the road, it is a nice home.

    Reply
  11. Suzy @ Worthing Court says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    It’s wonderful to get a peek at your home while it’s in its blank state, Heather. I just know that everything you do will be beautiful. Love the direction that you’re headed in your family room. Can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
  12. Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    Congrats on your new house and on having your family back under one roof! I’m thrilled for you and excited to watch you turn your new house into your home! I’m excited to follow along! xo

    Reply
  13. Anne says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    Heather your new home is G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S !!!!! Blank canvas and already it looks amazing.Cannot wait to see your home turn into your home for you and your family! Have fun creating!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  14. debbiedoos says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    What a beautiful spacious home Heather! Congratulations to you.

    Reply
  15. Linda @ Mason Jar Crafts Love says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    I sensed a theme here … seems like you’ve claimed just about every room in the house!!!! And I’m in love with the rug and chairs and the colors and where oh where did you get that amazing table? Please tell me IKEA … and then I will rush right on out and copy you and get one of my own. Seriously. I’m in love!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  16. Janet Murray says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:31 AM

    Heather it’s beautiful and you will have a blast fixing it up and making it “you”. I love the front porch. I always wanted a wrap around porch with ceiling fans and wicker and rocking chairs. Can’t wait to see more pictures

    Reply
  17. kristin says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Heather it is just beautiful! I can’t wait to see you turn this gorgeous house a home!!! Congrat’s to you and the family, so happy for you.
    XXOO
    Kristin

    Reply
  18. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    It’s a beautiful house, Heather! Gorgeous inside and out. I love all your room ideas. How great that you will have a couple of spaces to call your own. I can’t wait to see all you do in it!

    Reply
  19. Anita says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:45 AM

    Wow, Heather congratulations on such a fab home with all that space!! I am so jealous (in a good way) of all that space!! How fun it will be to see the transformations! I will definitely be living vicariously through you enjoying all the fun:-)

    Reply
  20. Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:57 AM

    Gorgeous and huge! So jealous of the basement space!;) Living so close to the coast those are basically unheard of around here. Can’t wait to see what you do with it!
    Nancy

    Reply
  21. Sharon says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    What an awesome floor plan and layout of space! Love the blues in the family room…can’t wait to see the reveal.

    My teen girl has a lounge too…it’s where she spends most of her time and where she and her friends hang out. Well worth letting them have input in the decor.

    I hope y’all get to buy the house…seems too good to pass up!

    I know you’re going to have so much fun decorating and making it home…either way.

    Reply
  22. Karen @ Dogs Don't Eat Pizza says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:11 AM

    Oh my goodness – it is gorgeous! I love your yard and patio, and you have so much space for your blog/job/stuff. That is awesome. My Bama boy is jealous of the Man Cave – Roll Tide!

    Reply
  23. Kim says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    Oh my goodness! It’s gorgeous! It has everything you could possibly want in a house. I would definitely want to keep it. 🙂

    Reply
  24. Shelia says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    Woo hoo! Your house looks so beautiful! How exciting for you and your family. I know it’ll poke our eyes out when you start putting your touch on it. Can’t wait to follow along.
    Hope you’re doing well.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  25. Debbie says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house.

    That’s not for you. That’s for me. I’m repeating it over and over.

    And over and over and over.

    And over.

    Reply
  26. Judi says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    How exciting! It’s a beautiful home and it seems so roomy! Waiting to see you turn it into whatever your heart desires! Judi

    Reply
  27. laura @top this top that says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    How stinkin exciting for you and your family. Can’t wait to see you create “your home”.

    Reply
  28. Angelina-JoJo and Eloise says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    Heather,
    I am beyond thrilled for you and your family. I know the long road you traveled to get to this place. The excitement and joy coming through your post is such a blessing. I LOVE your new home and having your own office space is going to be so much fun. Your sneak peek of the room is LOVELY the rug is so pretty and the color palate is Beautiful. I am so looking forward to going on this FUN decorating, diy adventure with you.
    xoxo

    Reply
  29. Sally says

    July 19, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    OH my – GORGEOUS home! And how nice that it’s such a neutral pallet, so that you don’t think you have to improve upon everything right from the start. Your decorating can go in ANY direction. LOVE that brass table w/ the mirrors! It’s an amazing piece, and who wouldn’t like to see even more reflections of that beautiful carpet! I’m so excited to see all of your home decor & DIY. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  30. Mary Soulios says

    July 19, 2013 at 10:02 AM

    Love our new house. Have fun decorating. I love your rug. Where did you get that?

    Reply
  31. Terry says

    July 19, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    I know someone that will have a great deal of fun decorating this large home. Congrats!

    Reply
  32. Carol @arewethereyet says

    July 19, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    WOW! What a beautiful home – and so much room! Congratulations and hope all works out so you do purchase it. Can’t wait to see all your projects (including that Bama rooom!). (BTW, I’m not allowed to say IKEA in our house!) Have a super weekend!

    Reply
  33. MDR says

    July 19, 2013 at 10:51 AM

    Beautiful Heather! It really does look a lot like your sister’s home. Interesting! Can hardly wait to see it in a few weeks. Love, Mom

    Reply
  34. Cindy says

    July 19, 2013 at 11:08 AM

    Beautiful home and I love your blues, greens and BRASS!!! Can’t wait to see what you’re up to!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    Reply
  35. Marty Walden says

    July 19, 2013 at 11:24 AM

    Heather, I know your home will be amazing once you’re done! What fun and how scary! That much space would overwhelm me!

    Reply
  36. Annette says

    July 19, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    Looks like soo much fun. However, its probably my lack of techno savvy,
    But the pop up ads are so big it’s hard to enjoy looking at the pics,

    Reply
    • Heather says

      July 19, 2013 at 12:27 PM

      Hi Annette! I am so sorry you are getting pop up ads! You shouldn’t be at all! Could you tell me how you were viewing the post. Was it on a computer or on an ipad or phone? We want to get that taken care of ASAP!

      Heather

      Reply
      • Annette says

        July 19, 2013 at 6:31 PM

        Heather, I was on my iPhone. The pop up once again occurred when I came back to the site to replly.
        Would you like to know who the ads are from? There are two of them,
        But I hesitate to mention them by name.
        Blessings,
        Annette

        Reply
  37. Kris says

    July 19, 2013 at 12:53 PM

    This is beautiful and you have a great blank canvas to work with. It has great lighting that streams through all the windows. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
    Kris

    Reply
  38. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    July 19, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    Heather the new house is great! Lease or buy, it’s really gorgeous!!! So much smarter to not rush into a purchase like a home anyhow. This way, you can see how it grows on you. Which I am sure it will as it’s awesome. Sounds like you are getting everything you need with it. Space for everyone, an office and a dedicated craft/photo/prop room. Now that is sweet!! I bet all the decorating is just heaven!! Enjoy.

    Reply
  39. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    July 19, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Yay!! Welcome to ATL, Heather! Loving your new home and soooo much space to play with and put your stamp on! Exciting stuff… 🙂
    xo Heidi

    Reply
  40. Ellen says

    July 19, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    HUMONGO! Beautiful & light filled which is wonderful – can’t believe something that big & beautiful was for lease! It will 3x the magnificant with all of your ideas.

    Reply
  41. Jennifer @ Celebrating Everyday Life says

    July 19, 2013 at 2:06 PM

    Oh Heather!! How exciting!!! I LOVE IT!! Congratulations! I hope you savor every moment!!

    Reply
  42. Anna says

    July 19, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Oh my gosh I LOVE it!!!!! I have to say though I’m a little jealous that you have a beautiful blank slate because the house we are moving into is hideously stuck in the late 80’s!!! I can’t wait to see the progress on you new house, and all the things you do to make it look like a home. 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  43. MDR says

    July 19, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    Can’t wait to sit out on the front porch with Mom. I envision her sitting in a rocking chair with her brogans up on the railing, sipping her “shine” from a Mason jar, and shooting her chew over the railing. I AM DEAD MEAT!!! Dad

    Reply
    • Heather says

      July 20, 2013 at 9:07 AM

      Oh Dad. You are a riot. 😉

      Heather

      Reply
  44. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:33 PM

    Thanks for the tour Heather..really enjoyed it and I am so loving the great chairs and rug..and the table is fantastic!…Even though you are renting, I know that you will truly make this house your home beautifully and believe me, I am sure that the owners will welcome all the beautiful changes you will make!…So excited for you!!

    Reply
  45. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    July 19, 2013 at 7:51 PM

    Oh. My. Gosh. I die. Heather…. it is perfectly beautiful. Yes, a am a very slight bit green w/ envy! lol
    I cannot WAIT to see what you do with each and every space, I love it!
    xoxo
    {PS: we are renting too as we wanted to wait until Oldest gets settled in at College – wait you mean they come back home??? haha – so I can’t wait to see what our next space will be but now I will settle for NO LESS than my own office AND craft room!! hehe}

    Reply
  46. Teresa says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    Could you tell me what is around the plants (instead of mulch) at the lower level patio? Lovely!

    Reply
    • Heather says

      July 20, 2013 at 9:06 AM

      Hi Teresa! It’s pine straw. A very southern thing. I’ve only ever seen it used in the South. In fact, we just had some fresh straw added yesterday.

      Heather

      Reply
  47. mishelle says

    July 19, 2013 at 9:58 PM

    wow, aNDI THOUGHT OUR RENTAL was great!Your house is fabulous! Id love to live here.And to decorate,Id be in heaven:)

    Reply
  48. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    July 20, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    That’s a whole lot of house!!!! And a fabulous floor plan. Sounds like you have a plan for filling all this gorgeous space. I have an office… it’s the best!!!!
    I’ll be looking for all the wonderful things you will be doing with your new home!!!!

    Reply
  49. Heather says

    July 20, 2013 at 6:06 PM

    An empty slate is so fun Heather!! Congrats – Gorgeous home with beautiful bones!! You are going to have so much fun decorating it bit by bit! Love your blue chairs and carpet too! Can’t wait to see you at Haven! Follow the zumba music to par-tay in my room! LOL!! xo Heather

    Reply
  50. Stuff and Nonsense says

    July 20, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    what a beautiful new house
    you get to turn into a home

    so thrilled for you
    and excited to see what it becomes

    {alison}

    Reply
  51. The Fence Master says

    July 23, 2013 at 7:40 PM

    Wow. I can’t wait to see what you do with that wonderful place!

    Reply
  52. Richella Parham says

    July 24, 2013 at 10:01 AM

    Oh, girl, how exciting!! A blank slate for you! Looks like an awesome floor plan for your family; I’m so happy for you.

    Question: Is it just me, or does the front stairway remind anyone of Vanessa’s house??

    And by the way, I’m with you on the brass! Loving bringing a bit of that look back!

    Reply
  53. Robin says

    August 3, 2013 at 6:52 PM

    WOW Heather! I LOVE your new home! I did not realize your husband was from Alabama. Please tell him ROLL TIDE from me! It was SO GOOD to see you at Haven! I enjoyed talking with you and also learned a lot in your session! I can’t wait to see you again!

    Reply
  54. Sandy says

    February 13, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    Gorgeous spacious home! Love the wrap-around porch and I love your little Shih Tzu (my favorite breed I have 2) Just a suggestion, since so many of us who love home tours (along with DIY projects) It would be great to have a link for your home tour, and a link for Vanessa’s home tour. I know I’m like many of your readers, we love home tours! Belated congrats on your new home.

    Reply
    • Heather says

      February 13, 2014 at 4:34 PM

      Hi Sandy! Thank you so much! We are working on redoing some elements of our blog and I love your suggestions. Will definitely implement that. Thanks for stopping by!

      Heather

      Reply
  55. Stevecotler.Com says

    March 8, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    We are a team of volunteers and also establishing a brand new scheme within our community. Your blog provided us useful details to be able to art in. You’ve got performed a new solid occupation and also each of our total community could be pleased to your account.

    Reply
  56. Catherine Crandall says

    September 25, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Wow! You definitely have a beautiful and spacious home. I can feel how excited you are about decorating and placing numerous pieces of elegant furniture in there. It’s good that you decided to work on the family room first. That carpet is lovely! I can’t wait to see photos of the completed project.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Our Fall Home Tours ~ Finding Fall & BHG - At The Picket Fence says:
    September 19, 2013 at 4:28 AM

    […] moved to Georgia and have a brand new house to decorate and style! I gave you a tour of the before so I’m so excited to finally get to show you some of the rooms I have finished! So, welcome […]

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  2. Blue and White Fall Dining Room Reveal ~Kirkland's Giveaway - At The Picket Fence says:
    September 23, 2013 at 3:01 AM

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  3. Blue and White Master Bedroom Reveal…and I need your help! - At The Picket Fence says:
    November 26, 2013 at 4:30 AM

    […] to get the house furnished and decorated in general.  You may remember I mentioned in our , new home tour, that we were pretty much starting from scratch with all new furnishings and decor.  A decorators […]

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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.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (exce Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (except for in stories) because I was soaking up the sunshine and time with my family in San Antonio for spring break. One of our favorite activities was a bike tour of the missions and I found myself obsessed with all of the beautiful architecture, especially the doors. What is it about doors that is so fascinating? Is it knowing that these were so lovingly hand carved? Is it thinking about how many people have crossed through them? Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of them and had to stop and admire each one. 

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
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