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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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November 28, 2017

Christmas Home Tour 2017

Welcome, welcome dear friends! My halls are decked and ready for you to come inside and make yourself at home. I’m so thrilled to be apart of the Jennifer Rizzo Holiday Housewalk again this year!

You will not want to miss all of the beautiful homes in this tour so be sure to start at the very beginning and catch up on all of the holiday eye candy. Click the image below to get started!

And if you are joining me from taking the tour of my dear friend Shannon’s gorgeous home, you did not have to travel far because we both have the privilege of residing in the beautiful state of Oregon.

You know, every year when I begin to decorate my home for Christmas, I am absolutely flooded with feelings of nostalgia. With each box that is pulled from the attic, I’m transported to another place in time.

There are the four stockings I bought when we were only a family of three but my heart longed and prayed for a sweet girl and by the very next Christmas she had arrived and that extra stocking was put to good use.

Elegant French Country Inspired Christmas Entry

There’s the Little People nativity set we purchased for my son when he was two with animals that never actually stayed in the stable but were carried by his chubby hands all over the house.

There are the books, stacks and stacks of books, each lovingly chosen, inscribed and gifted to our children every year as we ushered in the Christmas season.

There are my childhood ornaments which are carefully unwrapped and hung on the tree alongside my own children’s ornaments.

Mercury Glass Ornaments in a tray

This year, as I began to drape Christmas all around my home, one particular memory came to my mind.

It was 1980 something and I awakened on a cold morning with great anticipation and excitement. Because this was Christmas Eve! The climax of the season. You remember that, don’t you? When, as a child, you’ve had all of this build-up and you know that tomorrow is THE day. You lift the last flap on the countdown calendar, light the last candle on the advent wreath and wrap the last present.

French Country inspired Christmas Mantel

I jumped out of bed and headed into the kitchen where I found my mom sipping coffee and making final preparations for our Christmas Eve dinner. I knew that soon there would be cookies to be baked and a flurry of other last minute details that would need to all be attended to before we went to the Christmas Eve service at church.

But, as I looked around the house I realized that my dad wasn’t there. I asked my mom where he had gone so early in the morning and she said that he had to run a few errands and would be back soon.

Simple French Country Christmas Mantel

The hours passed quickly as we listened to Perry Como crooning on the record player and tried not to shake the presents under the tree.

It got later and later and still my dad had not arrived home.

But then, from my bedroom where I was playing with my Barbie dolls, I could hear the crunch of the station wagon tires as it made it’s way down the snow-covered street and into the driveway.

A few minutes later I started down the hallway towards the kitchen where I could hear my parents talking in hushed tones.

My dad was recounting to my mom just exactly what had happened as he was running his ‘errands’.

You see, he had volunteered to deliver gifts to children who lived in some of the most rural areas outside of our city of Springfield, MO.

And, judging from the way his shoulders sagged and the weary look on his face, it had been quite the experience.

I stood as still as I could in the hallway and listened as he told my mom how he had barely managed to get the car down some of the roads (if they can be called roads).

He told her about the poverty, the absolutely devastating poverty.

A hot cocoa station

He told her about the joy on the faces of those he presented with probably the only gifts they would be getting for Christmas that year.

I heard his voice catch a few times and knew he was fighting back the tears. You see, my dad has a very tender heart for children, especially children who are going without the things that all children should get to have.

And, even at such a young age, I knew that he had been deeply affected.

And right then, an imprint was made on my heart.

Suddenly, Christmas Eve felt different to me.

This imprint cast a new shadow over all of the presents and the cookies and countdown calendars and even Perry Como.

Simple elegant Christmas dining and living room

It didn’t mean those things weren’t special and fun anymore, it just caused me to look at them in a brand new way.

Paperwhites in soup tureen centerpiece

And, it led me to understand that I needed to put them in the proper place in my heart.

Winter dining room buffet table

Getting to witness the spirit of generosity in my parents was the greatest gift they could have given me.

French country Christmas centerpiece

And now, when I pull out all of those bins of Christmas decorations and begin to decorate my home, I can enjoy the beauty and have fun attending to each and every detail, but it doesn’t take up too much space in my heart.

Elegant French country Christmas living room

Because, as grateful as I am for this place I call home and as much as I enjoy putting my own creative stamp on it, I know how fleeting it all is.

You see, my heart doesn’t belong to my home.

Traditional Christmas mantel with paperwhites

My heart belongs to the ONE. The one who was King but who arrived as an infant among hay and manure and animals. The One who knows that I love pretty things and who put creativity in my heart to be used and celebrated but who also wants me to approach this season with reverence.

The imprint made on my heart on Christmas Eve 1980-something has only grown.

And it’s one I’m trying to place on the hearts of my own children, not only at Christmastime but all year long.

So, we watch. We pray. We listen. And we wait for that nudge to action.

To kindness and generosity of spirit and generosity of resources.

And we put the ‘pretty’, the baubles and the wrappings, the treats and the trimmings, in their proper place.

Not so far down that we diminish the truth that our very creative God put creativity into us and that it’s a gift He wants us to enjoy.

 

But, in a place that leaves plenty of room for our hearts to be filled with the things that will last long after the last cookie is eaten and the tree has turned crispy.

And, dear ones, that’s my hope for you this season. That you will feel the imprint on your own heart and that you will know how very, very deeply you are loved.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans–and all that lives and move upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have misused–and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself.” (Sigrid Undset)

I’m so thrilled that you stopped by to visit me here at the fence today to take my Christmas home tour and I can’t wait to celebrate more of the season with you in the days and weeks to come!

Now, it’s time to head on over to visit Jen at The Chronicles of Home.

 

Much love to you all,

P.S. If you are looking for a gift that is equal parts heartwarming and ‘home’warming, I hope you’ll consider our book ‘Life in Season: Celebrating the Moments That Fill Your Heart and Home’.

Click here for all of the ways you can purchase a copy (or two or three!).

59 Comments Filed Under: Celebrations, Christmas, Decorating, Good Thoughts, Holiday Blogger Block Party, Holidays, Home Tour Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas home tour

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Comments

  1. Michelle says

    November 28, 2017 at 4:05 AM

    What a beautiful post. Enjoying the beauty of your home while you shared your deepest childhood memories and your perspective of the holiday season made my day. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. cassie bustamante says

    November 28, 2017 at 4:11 AM

    such a pretty tour- i love the apples on the mantle!

    Reply
  3. Linda Woods says

    November 28, 2017 at 4:47 AM

    The photos are lovely. I do find the lack of paragraph structure annoying to read. One sentence standing alone is not a paragraph.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 28, 2017 at 6:35 AM

      I’m so sorry you found it annoying Linda. I am aware that one sentence is not a paragraph. When I have blog posts with so many photos my goal is to always try to mix in the words in such a way that it helps to break it up a bit. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos though. Merry Christmas 🙂

      Reply
      • Sandy Elliott says

        November 28, 2017 at 8:22 AM

        It was beautiful Vanessa, every word, sentence and photo, ❤️❤️

        Reply
      • Kassie says

        November 29, 2017 at 9:56 PM

        I thought this was a beautiful post. I loved the story and the photos.

        Reply
      • Karen Hobson says

        December 20, 2017 at 12:03 PM

        I thought it was all very lovely and well put together….words matching the beauty of the pictures.

        Reply
  4. barbara says

    November 28, 2017 at 6:09 AM

    Your post was heart touching. Really what Christmas is about, The One. Thank you!

    Reply
  5. DONNA HOLSEY says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:17 AM

    Thank you for sharing the heart of Christmas…. God bless!

    Reply
  6. Brenda Swindall says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:17 AM

    Vanessa, thank you for your warming story. Remembering Jesus is the celebration. That joy to share with others. a have always been special gifts in our home also.
    Your beautiful home and decorations are so inviting. Thank you for sharing. I try to keep up with Rhoda, now that she has shared your story will try to follow you as often as possible. Merry Christmas to you & your family.
    The Swindall’s

    Reply
  7. DONNA HOLSEY says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:18 AM

    Thank you for sharing the heart of Christmas…. God bless.

    Reply
  8. laura janning says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:29 AM

    what a beautiful way to share your heart and your love for the real meaning of this holiday season. love and holiday hugs to you and your sweet family.

    Reply
  9. Vicky says

    November 28, 2017 at 8:25 AM

    Thank you for sharing your home tour/photos. I love your elegant taste in decor and you’ve given me many ideas. I loved last year’s post on your easy transition from Christmas decor to Winter – will you be posting this as well? Have a joyous Christmas.

    Reply
  10. Shannon Fox says

    November 28, 2017 at 8:43 AM

    Vanessa you have outdone yourself with such beautifully elegant decor, and set such a mood in your home… I’m absolutely loving every little details. It’s stunning. Everything is just right.
    And that story is why giving, especially at the holidays feels so important to me. We give as much as we can to make sure children have gifts on Christmas, and then we give a little more. It’s actually the best part of the holiday and I come to look forward to it more and more as I get older. Hugs, Shan

    Reply
  11. Michele says

    November 28, 2017 at 8:44 AM

    *Sigh*

    God bless you, your family – and keep you safe and warm in this special Advent Season coming up.

    This post was awesome – and your home filled with natural light and bright and PERFECT beauty is just beyond stunning. ♥♥♥

    Reply
  12. Kim says

    November 28, 2017 at 8:45 AM

    Beautiful post and very well written! Your house is gorgeous and you are very talented. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Michele says

    November 28, 2017 at 8:49 AM

    What a lovely story, you have made my day😍

    Reply
  14. kristin salazar says

    November 28, 2017 at 9:50 AM

    Everything is so gorgeous but the way you so beautifully share your perspective is my favorite! xo

    Reply
  15. Tanya Derrey Bingham says

    November 28, 2017 at 9:57 AM

    I absolutely love your beautiful story Vanessa. Thank goodness for His goodness and love for us! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and reminder why we do what we do this season 🙂

    xo, Tanya

    Reply
  16. Lisa Mothersead says

    November 28, 2017 at 10:38 AM

    The white walls sure contribute to a prettier, calmer Christmas home and vibe. Just lovely. 🎄

    Reply
  17. Courtney Affrunti says

    November 28, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    What a beautiful home tour, Vanessa! The words and the pictures. I enjoyed it all 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:53 PM

      Thank you so much Courtney!

      Reply
  18. Carol says

    November 28, 2017 at 11:39 AM

    You’ve brought back good memories from that Christmas so long ago. Your Dad still talks about the impact it had on him delivering the only Christmas presents the children were going to get that year. Thank you for sharing the story and your warm and inviting home that I won’t get to see this year. Love you,
    Mom

    Reply
  19. Norma Rolader says

    November 28, 2017 at 12:47 PM

    Oh my how beautiful !!! Love your decor and your childhood memories thank you for sharing

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:52 PM

      Thank you Norma!

      Reply
  20. kim says

    November 28, 2017 at 1:13 PM

    simple, gorgeous and inspiring. I love that the décor doesn’t take room in your heart. sweet friend, you are a treasure!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:52 PM

      Thank you friend! xoxo

      Reply
  21. Julie says

    November 28, 2017 at 2:55 PM

    What a beautiful tour and a beautiful story. I so enjoyed both. God does love all of us and has a special place for children. You have many talents. You have such an elegant eye for design and such a gift with words. I love to read your posts!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:52 PM

      Thank you so much Julie!! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  22. Rosa says

    November 28, 2017 at 3:42 PM

    Your post made me tear-up! It was a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the season. Thank you for all the beautiful images that accompanied the lovely message.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 28, 2017 at 6:55 PM

      Thank you so much Rosa!

      Reply
  23. Sissie says

    November 28, 2017 at 4:34 PM

    Vanessa, thank you for sharing your heart and your home. You have given us the gift of your beautiful thoughts and memories that remind us of the reason for celebrating Christmas. I do hope that you will not let that one comment bring you down. I for one cannot believe that someone would be so negative. Your writing style is perfect and I loved every word.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 28, 2017 at 6:55 PM

      Thank you so much Sissie! I didn’t let that comment get to me at all and I so appreciate your kind words!

      Reply
  24. Angela Coulopoulos says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:11 PM

    Your home is so incredibly beautiful and inviting! I love all of your holiday details!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:51 PM

      Thank you so much Angela!

      Reply
  25. Rosemary says

    November 28, 2017 at 8:47 PM

    Just found you on Instagram. So glad I read this post! It is beautifully written and the message is perfect!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:51 PM

      So glad you found me Rosemary and thank you so much for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply
  26. Lisa says

    November 28, 2017 at 11:11 PM

    You are such a beautiful story teller Vanessa, and your home is just magical all decked out for this special time of the year!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:50 PM

      Thank you so much Lisa!

      Reply
  27. Jane says

    November 29, 2017 at 3:29 AM

    Your decor is stunning but your heartwarming message is priceless! We have been doubly blessed by your talents.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:50 PM

      Oh thank you so much sweet friend! xoxo

      Reply
  28. Carol says

    November 29, 2017 at 6:05 AM

    Thank you for this lovely post. I have copied the Sigrid Udset’s quote and will be including it with some of my gifts.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:49 PM

      It’s one of my most favorite quotes ever Carol! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

      Reply
  29. Tiffany says

    November 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM

    Vanessa, thank you — thank you for having the courage to share your heart and allow the light of Truth to shine through your words! Your story brought me to tears, as this is the very thing which Jesus has been whispering to me over the past couple of weeks, reminding me afresh of how its His love which gives Christmas with its beautiful sheen of joy. How amazing He is! Your home and photos are lovely, and your heart, even more so. May your family be blessed in the presence of the King this Chstmas!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2017 at 12:30 PM

      Oh Tiffany, thank you so much for your kind words and I’m just so humbled to know that my story touched your heart. Our Savior truly is amazing and what a gift to find other sisters in Christ all across the miles. Many blessings to you and yours this season! xoxo

      Reply
  30. Fran says

    November 29, 2017 at 1:32 PM

    I came upon your blog quite “accidentally” today, but I think that’s when God wants to remain annonymous! You home is beautiful; you Christmas Eve more beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. My father (who passed almost 10 years ago), was also a friend to those in need. He taught me so very much about caring for other less fortunate. I’ll always remember a homeless man he befriended. He learned his name; knew his story and always let him know he was “somebody” and not a faceless person in the crowd. Thanks again for bringing back a flood of my childhood memories. Have a blessed Christmas and New Year!

    Reply
  31. Jennifer rizzo says

    November 29, 2017 at 6:14 PM

    So beautiful Vanessa, thank you so much for sharing your Christmas with us and your beautiful home on the Housewalk!!!!

    Reply
  32. Leslie says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:12 AM

    I absolutely love each and every room. Inspiration and beauty! Celebrating the season with you, friend!!

    Reply
  33. wendy says

    November 30, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    Such a beautiful post! It made me tear up. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  34. Bonnie says

    November 30, 2017 at 1:32 PM

    Thank you so for sharing this beautiful post. Your home is lovely and God has definitely gifted you with creativity. Thank you for pointing your readers to Christ who is the Real Reason for Christmas.

    Reply
  35. Richella Parham says

    November 30, 2017 at 4:18 PM

    You know I love this post, Vanessa! Oh, I thank God for your good and faithful parents, who not only shared with those in need but also planted in your heart the desire to keep first things first. You’re right: the desire to create is a gift from God, one of his many gifts, but we must be ever watchful not to worship the gifts rather than the Giver.

    Bless you, sweet friend. Your home looks beautiful, and I pray you’ll enjoy a beautiful Advent season.

    Reply
  36. Cassandra E says

    December 1, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Thank you for this beautifully written story and gentle reminder. It’s perfection to me.

    Reply
  37. Kimberly Wilson says

    December 1, 2017 at 1:57 PM

    Your words and home are beautiful. I have never written a reply before,but your words really spoke to me and reminded me of my own memories of generous parents. They are both gone now, but we still carry on thier spirit of giving. Have a blessed season.

    Reply
  38. dee says

    December 2, 2017 at 10:37 AM

    Lovely holiday touches to your home. Enjoy it very much and please to see another blogger here in Oregon; Fox Hollow Cottage. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  39. Tammy says

    December 12, 2017 at 6:22 PM

    Sweet story, I’m a Springfield girl too!

    Reply
  40. Louise Barnes says

    December 21, 2017 at 5:56 PM

    Your heart touched me. Thank you for your love for our Savior.

    Reply
  41. Mary Ellen says

    December 24, 2017 at 6:30 AM

    Vanessa – what a lovely, inspiring post. Seriously. I had to pull out the tissues. Thank you for the wonderful and timely reminder to keep things in their proper place. Your home is beautiful. May the One who brings us peace, comfort, and salvation… Emmanuel, bless you and your family this holiday season.

    Reply
  42. Linda Vivo says

    February 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM

    Vanessa, what a beautiful post!!! I have read it over and over. It touched my heart more than you will ever know😊❤️
    Your home is just gorgeous and it was written straight from your heart. I too, have been wanting to enjoy the creativity that God had given me, but want to make sure that my priorities are lined up to please my Lord.
    I ordered your book..Life In Season. It just arrived today. I want to start reading it but saving it to read on plane to France in June.
    Your blog is my favorite!!!!
    God bless you and your family.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      February 28, 2018 at 12:29 PM

      Oh Linda thank you SO much for your very kind and encouraging words and for ordering my book!! I truly hope you enjoy and are blessed by it. Thank you for being apart of our community here! xoxo

      Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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