• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 22, 2014

Cabin in the Woods Tour ~ Our Parent’s Home!

You know, there aren’t many children who can say that they literally do go ‘over the river and through the woods’ to get to their grandparents’ home. But mine can!

And as you go through the gate…

fall gate atthepicketfence.com

Down the narrow road covered in leaves…

road covered in fall leaves atthepicketfence.com

And up the steep driveway, the anticipation builds.

driveway in the fall atthepicketfence.com

It’s then that you get that first peek at it through the trees.

Can you see it there nestled among the old growth forest?

cabin in the woods at fall atthepicketfence.com

When our parents decided to purchase a home in Oregon, they definitely embraced the spirit of the Pacific NW.

And while, on the outside, they’re home might look like a ‘cabin’ in the woods, on the inside it is light and bright and filled with elegant touches.

My mom has managed to seamlessly blend the more rustic elements of their home with a more modern flair and it all comes together in the most warm and welcoming way.

front door with woodsy wreath atthepicketfence.com

When they sold their home in Arizona, the new owners purchased all of it’s contents…furniture…towels…bedding…right down to pictures on the walls! Crazy, huh?

So, starting from scratch has been a bit of a daunting task.

glittery Christmas trees in tray on coffee table atthepicketfence.com

But not only have they completely transformed this home in a very short period of time, my mom also managed to get it all decorated for Christmas prior to leaving to spend Thanksgiving with Heather in Georgia!

white reindeer on mantel atthepicketfence.com

Everywhere she has lived, my mom has always made all of the pillows and draperies. She’s an amazing seamstress who, until recently, was still using the same sewing machine that she used to make her wedding dress almost 50 years ago!

But, this time, she decided to try out some ready-made pillows for her living room.

Online Fabric Store ready made pilllows atthepicketfence.com

These beauties come courtesy of the new ready-made pillow line from Online Fabric Store and added just the right touches of color to her neutral furniture.

ready made Online Fabric Store pillows atthepicketfence.com

Not only are they so incredibly well made (even my seamstress mom was impressed!) but they are incredibly reasonably priced!

winter white living and dining rooms atthepicketfence.com

Mom went neutral in her Christmas decor and the colors in her new pillows blend in perfectly.

white paper Christmas trees atthepicketfence.com

The tree absolutely sparkles and my kiddos were pleasantly surprised to find some presents under it with their names on them.

Each year my parents give them a new ornament and they were thrilled to have a little bit of Christmas fun even before Thanksgiving!

Christmas tree in blues and golds atthepicketfence.com

After I took these photos, we sat down for an early Thanksgiving dinner together. It was such a sweet time of laughter and fellowship.

pine wreaths on french doors atthepicketfence.com

Later on, as my mom and I stood in the kitchen slicing up the pumpkin pie, I found myself reflecting on the fact that while I’ve never lived in this home, it still feels strangely like coming ‘home’ to me every time we are there.

Save for this little Nativity scene (which was the same one we had growing up!), there is nothing that is from my childhood.

Not the same furniture, not the same dishes and not even the same Christmas decorations.

Yet, it still feels like ‘home’ to me.

vintage nativity scene atthepicketfence.com

And I realized in that moment, that my sense of going ‘home’ had nothing to do with an actual house, or furniture, or dishes or even Christmas ornaments.

My sense of being home has everything to do with the two people who raised me.

They are my ‘going home’.

mom and vanessa

 

Because we all know that the feeling of being at ‘home’ has less to do with a house and everything to do with the people who live in it!

“The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.” 

Maya Angelou

Vanessa signature

Here is just a sampling of some of the other ready-made pillows you will find at Online Fabric Store!

pillow 1

pillow2

pillow3

And be sure to take advantage of their awesome Cyber Monday Sale!!

24 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Home Tour Tagged With: decorating, house tour

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Hosting holiday guests … and a Hoover giveaway!
Next Post: Gift guide for chefs in your life! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Judy McMillon says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:11 AM

    If this is not appropriate, please feel free to delete. Your sweet mom and I went to high school together. I was at her bridal shower (I was out of town at the time of her wedding) and remember how impressed I was that she was making her own wedding gown. Coincidentally, my grandchildren also go over the river and through the woods to grandma’s house. We have recently reconnected through Facebook and I love seeing what her family looks like as well as enjoying your blog. Her home is simply beautiful. I enjoy mixing a little rustic along with the sparkle as well. I hope your family enjoys a blessed Thanksgiving.
    Please say hello to your mom 🙂

    Reply
  2. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:49 AM

    Beautiful home! Looks like such a warm and welcoming place! Life to the full! Melissa

    Reply
  3. Kerry Purcell says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:18 AM

    What a beautiful story. Thanks so much for sharing! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  4. Linda H. says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:35 AM

    We lived in the same house for 20 years and each grandchild loved that house and hated it when we built a new home in the same town. BUT they soon realized that the new place felt like Grams and Grandpa’s place too…and now 8 years later they have adjusted to it…and we are planning yet another move. All of the 11 grandkids are age 15 on up to 24 now…except for our 7 yr. old grandson…so this move will not be as hard on them as the last one.

    Home is where you make it, and how you put yourself into it! Your parent’s home is lovely…and your mom certainly has beautiful taste in decorating! I love her neutral Christmas touches…and my tree looks very similar!

    I enjoyed my visit here today!

    Linda H. @ Truthful Tidbits

    Reply
  5. Nancy Sharp says

    November 22, 2014 at 5:44 AM

    As adults we appreciate going to our parents homes so much more. Enjoy those days as much as enjoy your children because the end of that comes way too soon.

    Reply
  6. Stacey says

    November 22, 2014 at 6:01 AM

    What a beautiful home!!

    Reply
  7. Anne@DesignDreams says

    November 22, 2014 at 6:30 AM

    Very pretty home, so inviting!!

    Reply
  8. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    November 22, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    That’s such a nice picture of you and your Mom, Vanessa. It was funny to read that they went the other way in moving – from Arizona to Oregon. A lot of people would have gone the other way. : ) I’m sure it is great having them nearby now. Your Mom’s home looks great. My husband says if we ever move again, especially out of state, we would just sell everything and start over. I don’t think he realizes how hard that could be!

    Your parent’s property reminds me of a lovely woman I used to know back on Long Island. She taught me a lot about plants and such; she was like a third grandmother to me. She had a driveway very much like your parents and I always felt like I had to put my foot down on the gas pedal to make sure I got up it!

    Reply
  9. Michele says

    November 22, 2014 at 7:54 AM

    What a wonderful post. I loved everything about it – and seeing where you and your sister get your pretty looks – the apples didn’t fall far from the tree.

    Reply
  10. Darrielle Tennenbaum says

    November 22, 2014 at 8:06 AM

    What a cozy and comfortable home! Happy Holidays to you!

    Reply
  11. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:06 AM

    I love seeing a picture of the woman who raised you and Heather to be the fabulous women you are!!! When I get around you girls all I want to do is hug you… and now your mom! The apples do not fall far from the tree!!! I love your mom’s decor style!!!
    Beautiful home… beautiful post!

    Reply
  12. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    Such a special and loving post. Your mom has done an amazing job decorating her home. Beautiful.

    Reply
  13. Nancherrow says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    What a lovely and secluded place. I love your mum’s style too. Thanks for sharing, Vanessa!

    Alison
    Nancherrow

    Reply
  14. janice says

    November 22, 2014 at 9:42 AM

    I miss your mom and dad here in Arizona…She is so talented,It’s not surprising that the house has the beautiful and homey feeling to it. You have colored leaves, what a great change. I’ll be in Georgia next week as well, maybe I’ll get to see them while I’m there.

    Reply
  15. Jane says

    November 22, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    This brought a tear to my eye, Vanessa! I know what you mean about coming home and Christmas seems to be that time when all of our memories come to the surface. I no longer have my parents and our family home is now “home” to someone else. I do have a small collection of old ornaments that would appear every year to grace our Christmas tree. They are precious to me!

    The “cabin” is simply gorgeous. I thought you were going to say at any minute that your mom was an interior designer. Just lovely!!

    Jane xx

    Reply
  16. Cheryl Ann says

    November 22, 2014 at 10:30 AM

    Love this story…family is what we are most thankful for. We moved from the northwest to Nashville to be near our daughters and get to spend the holidays together. Now we aren’t the only empty driveway in the neighborhood!

    Reply
  17. Martha Franks says

    November 22, 2014 at 11:15 AM

    What a beautiful post! Enjoy your parents and include them in as much of your life as possible. I surely miss my Mom and Dad and treasure many moments with them. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves (your sister too!) God bless you all…

    Reply
  18. laura@top this top that says

    November 22, 2014 at 12:18 PM

    Vanessa- you have such a beautiful soul. i love this post and your mama sure did raise you and Heather just right! Happy thanksgiving!

    Reply
  19. Esther says

    November 22, 2014 at 1:01 PM

    I loved this story! We raised our family here in the Willamette Valley and then one daughter moved to Georgia. So we’re an Oregon/Georgia family too. We too have moved homes from when the kids were little and I do hope they feel like they are “coming home” when they all come here for an event or just to hang out! (although it’s downtown and not over the river and through the woods). 🙂

    Reply
  20. Bonnie Morgan says

    November 22, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    Such sweet and heartfelt sentiments about your parents. You are so right and the sweet picture of you and your mother is very special.Cherish each phone call, visit and any communication with your parents. I lost both of mine at age 33 and it has been 30 years. Your post was so touching.

    Their new home is beautiful. I enjoyed the tour very much. Precious nativity!

    Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  21. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    November 22, 2014 at 8:03 PM

    Your parent’s home is beautiful…I can see how you and Heather got your love for decorating…I so love the photo of you and your mom…Beautiful post Vanessa….I held on to every wonderful word from your heart…..as my granddaughter says, “home is where you are loved” . . .

    Reply
  22. Kim says

    November 23, 2014 at 5:53 AM

    Such a beautiful home and a great photo of the two of you. I know you have to be thrilled to have them close by.

    Reply
  23. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 23, 2014 at 7:51 AM

    Your parents have a beautiful home and I love how your mom decorated it for the holidays. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  24. Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says

    November 23, 2014 at 4:55 PM

    Vanessa, I loved seeing the photo of you and your mom together! I know you are delighted having your parents nearby. Such a touching post!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Michele Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow 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.”.
.
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.
Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally bloom Happy weekend!! My limelight’s are finally blooming and I try really hard to not play favorites among the flowers in my garden but these beauties have my heart and bring me so much joy.

What’s bringing you joy today dear friends?
I can’t properly express how much joy it gives m I can’t properly express how much joy it gives me to know that my family loves being home. After a weeklong vacation, we all feel so happy to be back in our haven. As a homemaker in the truest sense of the word (the maker of a home), knowing my husband and children consider this the place where they feel the most relaxed and at peace means all of my intentions and efforts in this area are worthwhile. It’s not perfect and WE are not perfect by a long stretch. But, it’s where we feel the most free to be imperfect. And that makes it pretty wonderful! 🌱
Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made the Looking for a super simple summer meal? I made these last night and they were a big hit! I’ve seen variations of these online but this is my version. So yummy and ready in no time! 
#summerdinner #summerrecipes #grillingseason #grilling #easydinner #easydinnerideas
It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the It’s been the weirdest summer so far here in the Willamette Valley! Extreme rain and cooler temperatures followed by extreme heat then back to cloudy and rainy. But the silver lining is that when the sun finally does reappear we definitely don’t take it for granted. My mood is lifting along with the clouds and I’m here for it! ☀️
Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 M Happy Independence Day!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙

May we never take for granted the freedom given to us not by earthly authorities but by the ONE true authority. And may we live in such a way as to honor those who fought for and protect freedom and liberty. 

“Independence Day, freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Dwight D. Eisenhower
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!
“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing thro “Summer breeze, makes me feel fine. Blowing through the jasmine in my mind.” Nothing captures the aroma of summer for me quite like jasmine. With my windows open, the whole house is naturally scented and it’s one of my favorite parts of the season.
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. ☀️
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence