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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 29, 2016

My Christmas Home Tour

Welcome, welcome friends! I’m so excited to be apart of the Jennifer Rizzo Design Company Holiday Housewalk again this year and bring you some Christmas home decorating ideas and inspiration!

Winter vintage tabletop decor

You won’t want to miss out on all of the beautiful homes so be sure to head over to Jen’s to begin at the beginning.

Jennifer Rizzo housewalk buttn

If you are coming here after paying a visit to Jen at City Farmhouse I know you’ve already seen some truly beautiful eye candy and I’m so glad that you continued the housewalk and have found your way here.

City Farmhouse Housewalk button blank

As I began to hang the garland on my banister this year, memories of a Christmas long ago came flooding back.

In 1983, my grandmother, a long-time widow, found love again. And when she and her soon-to-be-husband, Chet, settled on a Christmas Day wedding, my parents decided that we would make the journey from Southern California to Michigan to be there. The wedding was to be held at the home of my Aunt and Uncle and this would be a chance for my mom to spend time with her family whom she dearly missed.

At 7  years old, I have to admit that I wasn’t too thrilled to be stuck in a station wagon for days on end right before Christmas. In her wisdom, my mom allowed me to open my ‘big’ gift from them prior to our departure and I have to admit that clutching my brand new Molly doll from The Pleasant Company (which was soon taken over by American Girl) definitely made me feel a bit less apprehensive about our trek across the country.

Christmas foyer decorations atthepicketfence.com

But, even a brand new doll can’t help when you run into horrible blizzards and encounter treacherous driving conditions. I will never forget the tense moments as the station wagon inched it’s way through the storm. Snuggled into the very back (this was before seat belt laws!), I was quite certain that we should have just stayed home.

Christmas entry table decor ideas

When we finally pulled up to my Aunt Christine and Uncle Bob’s home I could barely make out the outline of the huge, white historic house against the dark sky.

Tired, cold and hungry, we were just so relieved to be out of the car that we didn’t waste any time hurrying up to the door.

French country style Christmas living room

We trudged up the front steps just as the door was being opened for us and we were quickly enveloped in hugs and greetings. As we entered the house, the first thing I noticed was the enormous wood staircase and banister. I had never seen anything like it in my life. But, what really caught my eye was that the entire banister was covered in red stockings. There must have been 20 of them!

Music sheet banners on Christmas tree atthepicketfence.com

And to a little 7 year old girl, away from home on Christmas, the sight of those stockings filled me with the hope that maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

My mom and dad disappeared with the other grown-ups and a cousin was given the job of showing us to our rooms. I walked up that giant staircase with a kind of awe and reverence. I had never been in a home quite like this before and I felt as though I had stepped back in time.

Boxwood wreath hanging on a chalkboard atthepicketfence.com

The long hallway at the top of the stairs revealed more doors than I could have imagined in one house. And while the hallway was very cold, the warmth that greeted me when I entered my room took the chill off right away. My suitcase was brought in and then suddenly I was alone. And I didn’t like it.

I hurried back down the stairs and found my way into the living room where a huge Christmas tree stood in the front window with presents piled underneath. One glance revealed that my name was actually on some of them!

Presents on a sled and burlap ruffle tree skirt

(Jute Tree Skirt from Wayfair)

Following the sound of talking and laughter, I made it into the kitchen and was greeted by the most amazing aromas. Warm soup, bread, and something I had never seen before. Little oyster crackers covered in some kind of topping. It was that moment when my love affair with ranch crackers began. A love affair I have now passed onto my own children.

All throughout that evening, my eyes kept wandering over to the banister covered in stockings. Was it possible that one of those was mine? My aunt and uncle had a lot of kids and a lot of extended family plus they hosted foreign exchange students so I figured it was probably a long shot. Out of self-preservation, I determined that it didn’t really matter because it wouldn’t be my stocking. My familiar stocking that hung on the fireplace each year and was stuck back in Southern California.

Reindeer pine cone and greenery centerpiece arrangement

The next day dawned bright and clear and we kids were encouraged to head outside to get some fresh air. Now that I’m a wife and mother myself I realize this had nothing to do with us but everything to do with giving the grown-ups a chance to get things done before the Christmas Day wedding.

Stuffed into snow-clothes, we made our way to the front porch where we gleefully discovered that there was so much snow it was touching the bottom of the porch swing. This made for some very fun times as we took turns pushing each other on the swing and sending snow flying through the air.

Kitchen plate rack decorated for Christmas atthepicketfence.com

It was during this time that I finally had a chance to take in the beauty of my aunt and uncle’s home. The sight of it against the bright, white snow is something I have never forgotten. And I realized that it was beginning to seem less intimidating.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Christine's home

(Uncle Bob and Aunt Christine’s home circa 1980-something)

It was beginning to feel more like home.

Gingerbread men cookie cutters tied to canisters in Christmas kitchen

Later that day, after we had thawed out over hot cocoa, I mustered up the courage to ask my aunt if one of those red stockings hanging from the banister was mine. She took my hand and led me over to them and pointed up at the place where the banister began to turn. “See that one right there? That one is yours!”

I couldn’t hide my joy and marveled that I would have a place there among the others. That someone had thought about how much it would mean to two little girls, away from home at Christmas, to have stockings.

Advent candle arrangement with glass jars and white candles

Uncle Bob and Aunt Christine have always understood that hospitality is simply love in action. It’s the tangible form that love takes as we extend it to others. They have been opening their homes and their hearts to people from all around the world and from all walks of life for as long as I can remember and this Christmas was no exception.

Hot cocoa station on a buffet table atthepicketfence.com

Christmas morning brought with it a fresh snowstorm and concerns about getting my grandmother and her fiance from their respective homes some distance away.

Not to be dissuaded, my uncle and an older cousin braved the roads and delivered the bride and groom safely to the house.

Spode winter coffee mugs

Later that morning, I slowly walked down the stairs in front of my grandmother, thrilled to finally get to be a flower girl in a wedding. Everyone in the family had a role. My sister lit the candles, my dad performed the ceremony and my mom and aunt did the decorating and the food. It was to always be known as the most lovely Christmas wedding we had ever attended.

Winter woodland themed Christmas mantel decor atthepicketfence.com

But as wonderful as it was, it’s not the wedding that has stood out to me all of these years.

Flocked tabletop pine trees from wayfair.com

(Frosted Trees)

That Christmas of 1983 taught me that home was so much more than a place.

Christmas Trees for sale pillow from Wayfair

(Christmas pillow)

I learned that I didn’t have to be in my home to feel at home. And perhaps it was then that the seed was planted in my own heart to want to make others feel at home, no matter where we are.

Christmas buffet table decorations atthepicketfence.com

At Christmas, more than any other time of the year, people seem to be longing for a sense of home.

Cinnamon sticks in vintage silver creamer

And I believe that each one of us has the ability to create that for others. It doesn’t have to be complicated, or over the top.

It can be as simple as smiling and making eye contact.

Or seeing a need and meeting it.

Or inviting a neighbor to church with you.

Or adding one more stocking.

Christmas tree with white wood barrel tree stand

My Aunt and Uncle continue to provide a sense of home for so many people. And they have always been so incredibly supportive of Heather and me through all of our At the Picket Fence adventures. I’m pretty sure my aunt was one of the first, if not THE first, people to buy our book.  We’re so grateful that even though we live so many miles apart, when we are together there is always a sense of being right at home.

Christmas tree with wood signs as ornaments

And, speaking of homes, it’s time for us to say goodbye for now and for you to move on to the next stop on the Holiday Housewalk. You’ll be visiting the home of the incredibly talented and lovely (inside and out) Bre of Rooms for Rent and I know you will love it as much as I do.

Rooms for rent Housewalk button blank

 

As you enter this season, may your own homes be filled with joy and may you be watching for ways to bring that joy to others.

Much love to you sweet friends,

Vanessa signature

And don’t forget, our book ‘Life in Season’ makes such a lovely gift!

Find out how to buy it here

Life in Season resized

44 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Family, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas decorating, Christmas home tour

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Comments

  1. Marty Oravetz says

    November 29, 2016 at 3:34 AM

    Your home is stunning, so beautifully decorated and your story is such a perfect Christmas story.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 30, 2016 at 7:18 AM

      Thank you so much Marty!

      Reply
  2. Dorothy Terwilliger says

    November 29, 2016 at 4:49 AM

    What an enjoyable story to start my day with. Your home is beautiful and the story of your early Christmas with your family surely epitomizes Christmas and the love a family should share. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  3. Lynn H. says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:11 AM

    Such a sweet story, it brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for sharing your lovely home!

    Reply
  4. Debbie York says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:27 AM

    I feel as if I not only took a walk through your beautiful home, but of your beautiful heart as well. Thank you.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 8:00 AM

      Oh thank you so much Debbie! What a lovely thing to say. Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  5. Laura says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:40 AM

    Your home looks beautiful Vanessa – and your story is just perfect! Merry Christmas sweet friend! I picked up your book and can’t wait to spend some time digging through it and enjoying it. Miss you!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer Rizzo says

    November 29, 2016 at 6:44 AM

    Thank you so much for being a part of the tour and sharing your beautiful holiday home! I hope everyone picks up your beautiful book that is just filled with your heart!!!

    Reply
  7. Doreen Cagno says

    November 29, 2016 at 6:46 AM

    Your home is so beautiful all decked out for Christmas! Love every nook and cranny! And, your book is an amazing Christmas gift idea – I’ve purchased a few for gifting this year! I shared it with my daughter-in-law and she loved it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:15 PM

      Thank you so much sweet friend!! And thank you for purchasing books! Truly, we appreciate it so much and are so grateful for all of the support. Love to you this Christmas season! xoxo

      Reply
  8. Linda says

    November 29, 2016 at 8:04 AM

    Hospitality is really just about showing love. Best definition ever. Following my mom’s example we honor that in our home wherever we are across the globe. Loved being taken back to some sweet Christmas days in my heart. And by the way, totally loving your holiday house! Linda

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:14 PM

      Thank you so much Linda!

      Reply
  9. jen says

    November 29, 2016 at 8:38 AM

    Love, love the tour girls and the story was so lovely. Thank you for sharing, I was so inspired! Happy Holidays to you both!! Jen

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:14 PM

      Thanks Jen!!

      Reply
  10. Christine Simmons says

    November 29, 2016 at 9:32 AM

    Thank You Vanessa for the beautiful posting of a time in the life of our family that has left a wonderful memory to share. Even knowing the story it brought tears once again. The setting of your beautiful home is a perfect match for the story. Now that we are older and life has changed we relive these memories often. Am so enjoying the book and it adorns our coffee table for quick reads as we bake the cookies and make the oyster crackers again this year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and also wishes to your many followers on The Picket Fence.

    Reply
  11. Jeanie says

    November 29, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    What a lovely story!! Thanks so much for sharing..

    Reply
  12. Bonnie says

    November 29, 2016 at 10:46 AM

    I loved reading your story Vanessa. Thank you so much for sharing about your wonderful aunt and uncle and how they made you and your family feel so welcome when you were small and away from your own home.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:08 PM

      Thank you so much Bonnie!

      Reply
  13. Carol Reddin says

    November 29, 2016 at 10:58 AM

    Ahhh, love this so much, Vanessa! It brings back many wonderful memories. Your aunt and uncle really are very special people and have always treated Heather and you with much kindness. Thank you for letting me re-live that time in our lives. Love, Mom PS Your home is beautiful all dressed up for Christmas

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:07 PM

      Love you mom! xoxo

      Reply
  14. Lisa Mothersead says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:16 PM

    Beautiful story and beautiful holiday home. Love your hot chocolate bar and olive bucket with greenery, especially.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:07 PM

      Thank you so much Lisa!

      Reply
  15. Carol Neibling says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:18 PM

    Thank you for the beautiful thoughts. My Aunt Ida had a house like that in Ashton, Ill. We always went there for Christmas and we always received some hand knit mittens.

    I have given several of the books and I am reordering because it’s the perfect gift.

    May you have a blessed Christmas Season.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:07 PM

      Oh I love that you always received mittens!! And we can’t thank you enough Carol for purchasing so many books!! We appreciate it more than we can possibly express. Many blessings to you and yours this season!

      Reply
  16. Amanda Marie says

    November 29, 2016 at 12:18 PM

    I don’t typically comment on blog posts, but I had to on this one. This was such a sweet story! I had to read it all first, then go back through the pictures. What you said about hospitality being love in action is so true! We live in a college town, and each year there are young couples who can’t make the trip home for Christmas. We always keep Christmas Eve for family and Christmas morning for each other (just my husband and myself; no kids yet), but Christmas afternoon and evening, our home belongs to those couples who are missing theirs. It started as a way to stretch out the festivities, but it has turned into the biggest blessing for the two of us! We can’t imagine Christmas without it now. Thank you so much for the lovely story!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:02 PM

      Oh that means so much to me that you left a comment on my blog post Amanda! What an absolutely amazing example of love in action you and your family are displaying by opening your home to those who needing a place to belong during a season that can be very lonely. I just think that is such an amazing gift you are giving them. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Blessing to you this Christmas!

      Reply
  17. Lynn says

    November 29, 2016 at 2:18 PM

    I loved your Christmas story! Your home is beautiful

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 6:48 PM

      Thank you so much Lynn!

      Reply
  18. Kelly Elko says

    November 29, 2016 at 5:41 PM

    A lovely story and an even more lovely home – Merry Christmas!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 29, 2016 at 6:37 PM

      Thanks girl!

      Reply
  19. Mary W Ferguson says

    November 29, 2016 at 7:18 PM

    I loved the story about your grandmother getting married and the beautiful home. The pictures of your home is very lovely. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Mary

    Reply
  20. Brooke Christen says

    November 29, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    What a fun idea with the banners on your tree! So festive and cozy- loved all the little details. Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  21. laura janning says

    November 30, 2016 at 12:26 AM

    what a precious and sweet story vanessa. Happy Holidays to your entire family! your home looks beautiful.

    Reply
  22. Becca says

    November 30, 2016 at 4:21 AM

    Beautiful story, Vanessa … and gorgeous holiday home! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  23. rose l. says

    November 30, 2016 at 10:56 AM

    You sure have a nice place!

    Reply
  24. BJ says

    November 30, 2016 at 11:17 AM

    Everything about this post was stunningly beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  25. Jennifer @ T says

    November 30, 2016 at 7:22 PM

    What a heart-warming story, Vanessa! It immediately brought back memories of my own childhood – traveling in a station wagon in the dead of winter to visit relatives. Clutching a new doll during the holidays. Running outside to play in the snow with cousins. Your home is beautiful, too! Thanks for sharing your memory with us. 🙂

    Reply
  26. Shannon Fox says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:05 PM

    Love your tour and your story telling!! Merry Christmas Vanessa!!

    Reply
  27. Rachel says

    December 2, 2016 at 12:38 PM

    Vanessa, I’m in love. That story! You are so blessed with an amazing family. I was imagining every detail and following along in all those gorgeous images and vignettes… and I love that you showed a picture of their house! IT was beautiful! and then your message at the end… I just love your heart. This post was everything.

    Reply
  28. Hayley says

    December 2, 2016 at 2:16 PM

    Oh my goodness, all the tears over that sweet story. What a wonderful thing to share with us all and your home? simply stunning. I have to go now, because I need to buy your books. Merry Christmas and thank you for the wonderful lessons!

    Reply
  29. Rose says

    December 3, 2016 at 7:57 AM

    Your Christmas story is just the story I needed today.
    Our daughter has a special relationship with my sister – her aunt.
    My sister is just like your aunt always wanting to make others feel so at home.
    When my daughter was just a little girl her aunt made special cookies and Kristin helped her make them – Kristin continues to make these cookies every year.
    Right now there is a distance between them – a political distance. To see the distance is killing me.
    As I read your story it brought back so many wonderful memories of Kristin and her aunt.
    My prayer this Christmas is that she will remember those special memories and their lives will be filled with joy for each other again.
    Thank you for sharing your story
    Have a wonderful Christmas.
    Much love,
    Rose

    Reply
  30. Suzy says

    December 3, 2016 at 9:39 AM

    I came here from Thistlekeeping at Thistlewood Farms.. I enjoyed the story so much that I had to go back and see the pictures of your home. So beautiful! Thanks for the story and Christmas decorating ideas.

    Reply
  31. sharon stanley says

    December 5, 2016 at 7:13 AM

    oh my goodness your home is a beauty and your photos divine, but as a children’s writer i was so engrossed in your charming christmas tale, i had to go back and re-visit all the pics just to make sure i didn’t miss anything! you have a way with words in addition to your obvious talents for making a house a warm and inviting christmas home. well done you!

    Reply
  32. Leslie says

    December 13, 2016 at 5:52 AM

    Lovely. And such a beautiful memory of home, hospitality and family. May you have the merriest of Christmas seasons!

    Reply

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This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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!
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