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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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December 30, 2013

Almost the Best of 2013

We were going to go BIG for this post!

It was going to be the ‘cocktail dress and stiletto heels wearin’, fireworks exploding, dancing all the way until midnight on New Year’s Eve‘ kind of look back at 2013 post.

Ryan Seacrest was even going to host as we counted down our top projects! 😉

But then, we realized that maybe it would just be OK to do a ‘sweats and ponytail wearin’, snuggled in on the couch watching movies and going to bed at 10pm on New Year’s Eve‘ look back on 2013 instead.

Best of 2013 from At the Picket Fence.com

Because, sometimes when you look back over a year of your life you don’t always just see the grand, flashy moments, right?

Oh sure, we did some bigger projects…

How to Build a Window Seat with Storage

window seat slide

Budget Friendly Bathroom Makeover

bathroom_makeover_on_a_budget atthepicketfence.com

 Blue and White Dining Room

blue and white fall dining room

 Bookcase Turned American Girl Dollhouse

Bookcase turned American Girl Dollhouse At the Picket Fence

And some smaller projects…

Framed Fabric Wall Art

How to Make Framed Fabric Wall Art with Target Kitchen Towels

No-Sew Drop Cloth Round Table Skirt

no sew fringed drop cloth table skirt At the Picket Fence

We had parties…

 Detective Themed Birthday Party

invitation

 Ice Cream Themed Party

sweet shop candy bar birthday party atthepicketfence.com

And recipes…

Birds Nest Cupcakes in Mason Jars

Bird's Nest Cupcakes in Mason Jars from At The Picket Fence

Homemade Vanilla Extract

vanilla extract holiday gifts

Roasted Beet Salsa and Pastry Wrapped Brie Appetizers

Two Holiday Appetizers with Roasted Beets

Mason Jar Breakfast To-Go

Breakfast-in-a-mason-jar At the Picket Fence

There was even some sewing…

How to Make a Layered Skirt

layered rainbow twirl spring skirt

We  got personal…

A Different Kind of Makeover

Heather weight loss

Confessions of a Good Christian Girl

confessions of a good christian girl label

And we even took this little ol’ blog on the road at places like the Haven Conference…

Heather and Vanessa

And the Country Living Fair…

Heather at Country Living

But you know what? Those moments, well, those were more like the ”cocktail dress and stiletto heels wearin’, fireworks exploding, dancing all the way until midnight on New Year’s Eve‘ moments. They were fun and amazing and carefully planned out and executed.

And they were almost the best parts of 2013 for At the Picket Fence.

Because the BEST parts of 2013 for At the Picket Fence were the parts that maybe didn’t make it into blog posts or onto our Facebook page.

They were the connections we made with you.

The countless deeply personal and heart-felt emails.

The encouragement and support.

The comments you left telling us how much you relate to a story we’ve shared and sometimes even sharing your own stories with us.

The rallying around us when we were feeling low.

The laughing along with our frequent mis-adventures.

And coming back here time and time again to join us on our journey.

YOU were the best part of 2013!

You bless us each and every day and we are incredibly grateful that we have the privilege of sharing our hearts and our homes with you.

We pray that 2014 will be a blessed year for you and that you always know that you have friends you can count on right here At the Picket Fence!

happy new year

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22 Comments Filed Under: Good Ideas

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    December 30, 2013 at 3:39 AM

    Perfect post. I wish you and your families a very Blessed and Happy New Year!!! Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  2. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    December 30, 2013 at 4:19 AM

    What a great year you had and what a beautiful post! Here’s to a Happy 2014!
    Leslie

    Reply
  3. Amanda says

    December 30, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    So much love for you two and your daily inspiration and amazing creativity! Happy 2014 y’all!!

    Reply
  4. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 30, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    Perfectly said! Happy New Year! : )

    Reply
  5. Sue Tait says

    December 30, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    What a great post, Ladies! I love your blog, all your projects are so cute/beautiful/smart/artistic/FUN. Thanks for all the wonderful things you do, and then tell us how to do, too. Keep writing, you are a welcome part of my day and I just want to Thank You.
    (I will be the one in sweats on the couch watching movies and going to bed at 10:00 tomorrow night…)

    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  6. Leo@cottageatthecrossroads says

    December 30, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    Back at ya girls. Jane and I are still big fans.

    Reply
  7. Michelle Paige says

    December 30, 2013 at 8:39 AM

    Always love your posts. What a great year you had! Thanks for all the ideas and inspiration!

    Reply
  8. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    December 30, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    GREAT post!!! It’s been a fun year and I am looking forward to another one in 2014…HAPPY NEW YEAR Y’all!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  9. Martha Franks says

    December 30, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    Have enjoyed you girls so much since I found you this year. Look forward to you every day! And then I won the wreath! You were so sweet and patient in dealing with Balsam Hill. It was worth waiting for and we will enjoy it every year! God bless both of you. I look forward to getting to know you even better in 2014!

    Reply
  10. Thistle says

    December 30, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    love. you.

    love. your. hearts.

    Happy new year rockstars. 🙂
    karianne

    Reply
  11. Courtney says

    December 30, 2013 at 12:58 PM

    Happy New Year ladies!!!
    xo
    Courtney

    Reply
  12. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 30, 2013 at 7:13 PM

    I so love following you ladies…you certainly have had a most wonderful year of projects, travel and personal achievements!…Have a most happy and healthy New Year Vanessa and Heather!!!

    Reply
  13. Kim (TheKimSixFix) says

    December 30, 2013 at 10:14 PM

    What a wonderful year you ladies had! I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store.

    Reply
  14. Julia G. says

    December 31, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    I didn’t find your post until late in the year and what a find! Thank you for your year in review because I am looking for a “no-sew round table skirt”! I can’t wait to find the perfect trim (on sale) and get started cutting out my big ole circle!

    You ladies are funny and inspiring! May God continue to bless you in the New Year!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 31, 2013 at 1:07 PM

      Thank you so much Julia! So glad you found us! 🙂 Blessings to you and yours in the New Year too!

      Reply
  15. june says

    December 31, 2013 at 11:22 PM

    Right back at you! Happy New Year! Looking forward to more great posts in 2014.

    Reply
  16. Laurel Stephens says

    January 1, 2014 at 10:50 PM

    What a wonderful post recapping a great year. Happy New Year!

    Reply
  17. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    January 3, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    Happy New Years ladies! Loving the recap and all your amazing projects and recipes and stories!

    🙂 Linda

    Reply
  18. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    January 4, 2014 at 2:29 PM

    Happy New Year to you both!! I have loved reading your blog from the beginning, and it just gets better and better. You girlies are an inspiration! wishing you a blessed and successful 2014, and I truly hope I get to meet you two sweeties this year 🙂
    xoxoxo, Andrea

    Reply
  19. Sharon says

    January 8, 2014 at 9:54 PM

    I loved this post!

    Reply
  20. laura Madalene says

    January 10, 2014 at 5:26 AM

    WOW! You’ve decorated your house in an amazing way – everything looks so beautiful. I like the black chandelier with some crystals but your dog is definitely one of the cutest ‘decorations’ in this room;)
    Have a wonderful 2014! Home design

    Reply
  21. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    January 11, 2014 at 7:05 PM

    You ladies are awesome! So many great projects and so sweet! Happy New Year! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

    Reply

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Instagram post 17855252689670737 “The Christmas message is that there is hope for a ruined humanity--hope of pardon, hope of peace with God, hope of glory--because at the Father's will Jesus became poor, and was born in a stable so that thirty years later He might hang on a cross.” (J.I. Packer).
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We’ll light the second candle of Advent tonight. The candle of hope, according to the reading schedule we’re following. No little doors to open or gifts emerging from bags hanging from clothespins on a string or chocolates hidden inside tiny drawers.

This isn’t that kind of a countdown to Christmas.

Instead, we’ll reverently and simply light two candies tonight and reflect on the hope that came to earth in the form of an infant Who was the most wonderfully unexpected King. I’m so grateful for this time to pause together as a family during a very busy season. It only takes a few minutes and yet it resets our hearts and minds and prepares us for the week ahead. Do you celebrate Advent at your house?
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But, hey, at least I can take comfort in the soft glow of twinkling lights and having my halls decked for Christmas!

Today on the blog I’m sharing the details of my soft and simple mantel decorations and I’d love for you to stop by! ✨
Instagram post 18116596168021683 Happy Saturday friends! Can you believe that tomorrow is December 1?! I think it’s time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our kids or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap.

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
Instagram post 17937591637321018 Have you ever longed to belong?

Have you ever felt like you are on the outside looking in at everyone else who seemingly have it all together?

Are you craving more peace in your heart and your home?

Well, today I’m having a conversation with @drbarbaralowe on her podcast and it could not be more timely with the holiday season now upon us!

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Instagram post 17903771584388964 Confession...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
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Instagram post 17864348974529213 I'm struggling to find the right words on my book proposal for a book that I never thought I would dare to write. The words are in me, I just can't seem to get them onto the page. I'm so passionate about this message even though it is so different from anything I've ever done and might not be considered 'on brand'. And yet it's never been more clear to me that I'm supposed to keep moving forward. It's a message that might not be considered very 'popular' (this ain't a 'pull yourselves up by your bootstraps' kind of message about being a Christ-follower) but it's one that God has placed on my heart and in my very BEING and I have to get it out there.

But at every step of the way I find that the enemy of my soul tries to keep me silent and what should be so simple (writing two paragraphs giving an overview of the book or writing an outline) ends up being paralyzing. He whispers words into my ear that are lies tinged with just enough truth to tempt me to keep silent. “You're first book didn't sell well enough so why should any other publisher take a chance on you? They won't care that it wasn't really your fault." "You write a lot about home decorating so why would you have any authority to talk about scripture?” And that's how satan works...he is masterful in his deception, weaving our fears and insecurity into the lies so that we are much more likely to believe them. And if we believe them, we stop being obedient to the Lord and the callings He places on our lives.

But, I WILL NOT BE HINDERED. “Since the first hour in which goodness came into conflict with evil, it has never ceased to be true in spiritual experience, that Satan hinders us. He checks our importunity, and weakens our faith in order that, if possible, we may miss the blessing. Nor is Satan less vigilant in obstructing Christian effort. There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hindereth us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord’s side, and are doing the Lord’s work, and in his strength we shall win the victory, and triumph over our adversary." - Charles Spurgeon
Instagram post 18114202198050565 Happy weekend friends!! This has been one of my favorite kind of days today. The boys went and had some guy time and my daughter and I got some sweet girl time and now we’re all cozied in together at home enjoying just ‘being’. I’m doing some baking and dreaming about this year’s Christmas mantel. This photo is from a few years ago but it’s still one of my all-time favorites!

What’s been the best part of your day today? ❄️
Instagram post 18073546234147166 Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.”.
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When I was a little girl we took a trip to Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, MO. One of the attractions there is the Marvel Cave. The whole theme park was actually built right around the cave! I will never forget the feeling of descending into the darkness. We had to walk down a steep, narrow path and I could feel the rocky walls beginning to close in on me. From time to time, our guide would even have to call out for us to duck our heads so as not to whack them on rocks that were jutting out. And just when it felt like we had been walking forever; just when it felt the most narrow and the most dark; just when we were starting to get really weary from navigating this path, we turned the corner and found ourselves awestruck as we gazed at this enormous room. Everywhere we looked there were stalactites and stalagmites. Lights had been installed and they reflected off of these formations creating the most beautiful colors on the walls. There were pools of water in a shade of aquamarine I had never seen before and waterfalls flowing from upper levels. That long, winding, damp trek had been so very worth it. The descent into darkness had revealed light…and life!

My prayer for you friends, is that you will look at that narrow path with the small gate as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to experience the kind of freedom that our souls are longing for. The wide and broad path of the world promises us a freedom that is fleeting and temporary. But at the end of the narrow path, there is hope and peace and life everlasting.

I’m choosing the narrow path. And in spite of the hardships, in spite of the challenges and the fears and the times that can feel as dark as the journey down into a cave, I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it.
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