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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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    • Featured

December 4, 2013

Christmas Home Tour ~ Vanessa’s house

Do you want to know something? Virtual Christmas tours for girls who LOVE having people over are very hard. If you were to come knocking on my door I would invite you in, hand you a cup of coffee (or tea or cider or eggnog) in my favorite Christmas mugs and we would plunk ourselves down and have a good long chat.

Holiday Housewalk Christmas front door from atthepicketfence.com

I would ask you about your family and how your shopping was going and where you will be spending Christmas this year. We would laugh together about the cute way our kids spelled out the words on their Christmas lists. And we would savor the pause in this busy time of year to just enjoy the simple pleasure of spending time with friends.

Alas, this virtual tour will have to do instead. But, I really do want to know how your family is doing and how your shopping is going and where you will be spending Christmas this year and I promise I will laugh at the cute way your kids spelled the words on their Christmas list. And, yes, we can still savor together the pause in this busy time of year as I welcome you to my home all dressed up for the season!

I’m so, so thrilled to be part of the Jennifer Rizzo Design Company Holiday Housewalk again this year! And this time Heather and I are each sharing our homes on different days. You will definitely want to come back tomorrow to see how Heather has decorated her new home for Christmas.

Jennifer Rizzo holiday 150 housewalk button

If you are stopping by after visiting the beautiful home of Maria from The Rusty Hinge, welcome!

The rusty hinge 15

Come on in! Can I pour you a cup of coffee? I have some yummy peppermint creamer to go in it!

Vanessa at front door for Christmas home tour

So, do you want to know a secret? Starting early in November I went each week to Michael’s crafts with my 50% off coupon and bought a single strand of boxwood garland. I absolutely love how simple they looking going up the banister. In fact, this could be called the ‘Year of the Boxwood’ at my house because you will see quite a bit of it scattered throughout.

Christmas entry1 from atthepicketfence.com

Simple creamy bows were all that was needed to accent the boxwood.

cream bow with boxwood garland on banister from atthepicketfence.com

See what I mean about the boxwood? There’s some hanging in wreath-form on the mirror in my entry!

Christmas entry with Balsam Hill tree atthepicketfence.com

Right next to my Monogram Christmas tree.

mason jar ornament Christmas tree decor from atthepicketfence.com

And Santa with his sleigh resting on a tray filled with ‘snow’.

Santa and sleigh in faux snow on silver tray atthepicketfence.com

Even the office gets in on a little Christmas action.

office door with cranberry wreath from atthepicketfence.com

Another mini boxwood wreath is tied to the handle of my grandmother’s antique china cabinet. Simple and lovely.

mini boxwood wreath hanging on cabinet atthepicketfence.com

In the living room, I went with more neutral tones and loved incorporating my dried hydrangeas into my Christmas decor.

Christmas mantel with branches and dried hydrangeas in urns from atthepicketfence.com

You can read my hydrangea story here.

Branches and dried hydrangeas in urn on mantel from atthepicketfence.com

I even tucked a few hydrangea blooms in our Christmas tree this year. And, do you see that angel? My husband and I bought that in honor of our first Christmas together as newlyweds and I can’t imagine our tree without it!

living room Christmas tree in bay window from atthepicketfence.com

I honestly feel like this year I realized for the first time that Christmas decorating doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful.

Even something as simple as fresh greenery tucked into a silver creamer qualifies as “decorated”.

greenery in silver creamer atthepicketfence.com

And that a fresh boxwood wreath from Trader Joe’s for $9.99 makes my heart go pitter-patter. Especially when it’s hanging above a silver champagne bucket filled with paper-whites.

Mirror with boxwood wreath and paper whites in silver urn from atthepicketfence.com

Want to know another secret? As much as I love my living room with the big, fresh tree and the more formal decor, this next part of my home is my most favorite at Christmas…actually, it’s my most favorite any time of the year.

Because this is where we really live. And, at Christmas, it’s where a narrow tree holds all of the paper angels and homemade ornaments. Where my and my husband’s childhood ornaments mix with the treasured ones from our own children.

Family room Christmas tree

It’s the room where anything goes. Where each year my son builds a train track around the tree and my daughter puts 10 ornaments on one branch.

kids decorating for Christmas

And it’s where each Sunday before Christmas we will read from the story of the first Christmas and light a candle in the corresponding mason jar. You can read about our families Adventures in Advent here. They may involve passing gas…just sayin’.

mason jar advent calendar atthepicketfence.com

And it’s where I decided to use baskets on my mantel this year.

Christmas mantel with boxwood garland from atthepicketfence.com

And box wood too of course! 😉

Noel Mantel from atthepicketfence.com

It’s where colorful ornaments get piled into a wire basket.

ornaments in wire basket

And where the carousel my parents gave my kiddos a few years ago gets put in a place of honor atop a stack of treasured Christmas books.

And it’s where my kiddos fight over who gets to be the first one to turn on the carousel that year.

children's Christmas carousel from atthepicketfence.com

These are the spaces that really come to life during this season.

When we’re snuggling together watching movies or making some hot cocoa at the station I set up in the kitchen.

hot cocoa bar from atthepicketfence.com

And at the end of a long day I get to retire to a room with it’s own little touch of Christmas.

Christmas tree in master bedroom

Do you need your coffee refilled? Or maybe you would like to try some molasses cookies. It’s my grandmother’s recipes. Guests to our home are welcome to stay as long as they want so don’t feel like you need to hurry off!

But, when you are ready to go, may I suggest you pay a visit to another home? Head on over to Jenna’s from SAS Interiors!

SAS interiors 17

And to take the full tour of all the homes I would encourage you to settle in a comfy chair in your sweats or pj’s and start at the very beginning by clicking here.

I hope you enjoyed coming by and paying me a visit today. I definitely enjoyed having you and I pray you have a truly blessed and joy-filled Christmas season!

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

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77 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Good Ideas, Holidays, Home Tour, Wreaths Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas decorating, Christmas home tour, home tour, home tours

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Comments

  1. Sally says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:26 AM

    Vanessa — your home is beautiful. Have a wonderful Christmas season! ~Sally

    Reply
  2. Lori says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:29 AM

    Love your idea of greens in the silver little pitcher. I’m doing that for sure in my white ironstone ones.

    Reply
  3. Beth@HomeStoriesAtoZ says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:49 AM

    Lovely job Vanessa! The touches of boxwood everywhere are perfect and your photography is stellar. Love all of the different Christmas trees and the hot chocolate station is precious. Thanks for opening up your home and I’d love some coffee with peppermint creamer please :)!

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:59 AM

    It’s all gorgeous, Vanessa.

    Reply
  5. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:21 AM

    Gorgeous – love the noel sign!
    Kelly

    Reply
  6. angela says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:24 AM

    Your home is so inviting and I am in love with all your boxwood! Merry Christmas!

    Angela @ Number Fifty-Three

    Reply
  7. Amanda @ Dixie Delights says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:28 AM

    Hi Vanessa – First YOU look amazing 🙂 And I love every single piece of your holiday decor. I grew a paperwhite for the first time this year and came down this morning to find it leaning. I love your white bow solution!! xo Amanda

    Reply
  8. jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    I know you are probably still snoozing in that bed but wake up girl! Love that NOEL sign and your fireplace and oh my that pretty scene with your Christmas tree is beautiful. Nicely done, now it’s time to relax and enjoy 🙂

    Reply
  9. Carol Reddin says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    A beautiful and inviting home! Can hardly wait to see and enjoy it all (and y’all) in a few days! Mom

    Reply
  10. Cheryl at Snaps of Ginger says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:44 AM

    Oh my goodness, it’s is absolutely beautiful!!

    And I’m in love with those mason jar lid ornaments. Perfection!

    ~Cheryl
    https://snaps-of-ginger.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  11. Jennifer Rizzo says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:48 AM

    Vanessa, your home looks gorgeous and you are the CUTEST!!!!! I love all of your holiday touche. Your mantel is beautiful and I love how pretty your bedroom looks! Thank you so much for being a part of the tour!!!

    Reply
  12. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:51 AM

    It all looks great, Vanessa! I love that picture of you at your front door! : ) Love the greenery and wreaths you’ve used throughout.

    Reply
  13. Kelly @ View Along the Way says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:16 AM

    There’s too much inspiration here to handle! Beautiful job. I think the front door with all the drapey greens is my favorite! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Courtney says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:25 AM

    So gorgeous Vanessa! I am loving that front door~ beautiful!!! Sharing!!

    Reply
  15. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Your home is decorated so beautifully and I absolutely adore the picture of you at the front door. Gorgeous. Thanks so much for such a wonderful tour and visit. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  16. Doreen@HymnsandVerses says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    Oh my gosh, Vanessa – I wish I could come over to see it all in person! My favorite things – the little tree in your foyer with the jar lid monograms (may steal this idea in the future!!!), your mantel with the hydrangeas, the “There is a Season” print, and of course – your son setting up the train under the tree (I remember those days) and your daughter decorating the tree! Enjoy the season!

    Reply
  17. Cheryl @ The Creative Me and My McG says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    Love your tour, especially that little tree in the entrway! I guess I should tell you that I am done my shopping and everything is wrapped…we are splitting Christmas day by visiting with my family in the afternoon and having dinner with my husband’s family…as for the cute mis-spelled Christmas lists…they are long gone in our house (our kids are 23 and 19) and I miss those days so much! – enjoy those while you can!

    Hope you have a great holiday season!!

    Reply
  18. Kristin says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    So enjoyed seeing your home this morning! So many ideas to steal! I snagged three TJ boxwood wreaths a few weeks ago (almost felt greedy, filling my basket) and kept them in the garage, hoping they’d stay cool and fresh, but when I went to hang them yesterday, they were already brittle! I’ll have to keep them away from candles, but they are lovely and I loved seeing all the boxwood in your home – especially here in Portland!

    Reply
  19. Sherry says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:55 AM

    Beautiful Vanessa! Love the mantels!

    Reply
  20. Linda says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    I just feel the love through the elegant simplicity of your “deck the halls”. Thank you for sharing your home. I especially love your use of brightly polished silver! The mix of the plain and candy cnaes with the elegance of the sliver is wonderful. Maybe tomorrow i will be able to get going on my own decking!

    Reply
  21. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:17 AM

    Vanessa, your home is so beautiful and when you decorate it for Christmas…I love seeing what you do from year to year…your tour is truly an inspiration!! Thanks Vanessa!

    Reply
  22. Becca says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    Beautiful and charming and cozy.
    A home filled with love.
    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  23. Anna says

    December 4, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    Love it. It’s so warm and welcoming. I wish I could just hop in the car and head up there for a cup of tea. 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  24. LUCY says

    December 4, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    Vanessa…first of all, how cute are you greeting us at your door? Your home is just so elegant and your decor beautiful…love all the personal details that spell family. love you friend…xox

    Reply
  25. Maria says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Gorgeous! I love, love it all! That Noel sign is perfect!!

    Reply
  26. Pamela says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:14 AM

    Beautiful Vanessa!

    Reply
  27. kristin says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    Oh my goodness Vanessa everything is just beautiful! You are adorable at the front door! Thanks for inviting us in.
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  28. Judy says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    Vanessa your home is absolutely lovely. I think you did such an amazing job. It has a sophisticated elegance to it. I am in love with your boxwoods all around. Well done my friend. I wish I lived closer because I would definitely stop by and chat a while.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 9:30 AM

      Oh I would LOVE to have you stop by and chat Judy!! That would definitely be a dream come true. 🙂 I still treasure the time we had together in NYC! Thank you so much for your sweet words!
      Vanessa

      Reply
  29. Melissa @ The Inspired Room says

    December 4, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    Vanessa, your home is as lovely as you are! Gorgeousness everywhere. Thank you for the tour! I’ll be pinning!

    Reply
  30. KellyinPA says

    December 4, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    Vanessa, your home is lovely! I purchased my first preserved boxwood wreath this year, I feel an addiction coming on:) I love your “seasons” print too and well, what’s NOT to like?:) Thank you for inviting us into your home, I’d love to sit and chat for a spell next time:)

    Reply
  31. Anne Lorys-Fiona and Twig says

    December 4, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    The house is beautiful, but YOU are GORGEOUS!!!!!

    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 11:42 AM

      Awwww…thanks so much sweet friend!! Love ya! 🙂

      Reply
  32. Marty Walden says

    December 4, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    Absolutely stunning as always! The warmth and love your family shares comes through in every detail and story you use to draw us in. And that’s all that matters, isn’t it?

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 11:43 AM

      That really is what matters and I so appreciate you saying that it’s what comes through to you from my post Marty!! Blessings to you this season dear friend! 🙂

      Reply
  33. angela says

    December 4, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    14 houses down, and this is the first one I felt like saying WOW something I would like to do at home. You have done some truly heartfelt spaces.. Thank you

    Reply
  34. Martina says

    December 4, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    BEAUTIFUL Vanessa…your mantels look AMAZING!! Love the way you decorated your front door too!

    Reply
  35. Debra@CommonGround says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:13 PM

    so gorgeous, love all the little personal touches. how smart to get those coupons workin’!!

    Reply
  36. Kelly @ thelilypadcottage says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:16 PM

    So gorgeous Vanessa! I love all your trees and the boxwood is perfect! Beautiful photographs too!

    Reply
  37. Jana says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:22 PM

    Vanessa, it’s gorgeous! I wish we had a TJ’s here in Colorado – those BOXWOOD wreaths!!! 9.99?! I guess we’re supposed to get one in February though!! Your home is sooo cozy!!! Love all the special touches too…the carousel is awesome!

    Reply
  38. Becca says

    December 4, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    Green is your color, Vanessa (you look gorgeous standing against it)! Your holiday home is beyond welcoming … I LOVE your “NOEL” art (might have to borrow next year) … your simplistic and classy mantel is fabulous, and I love how your World Market chairs frame your gorgeous tree in the window! What a sweet carousel, train, 10 ornaments on one branch and kiddos, of course! I’m off to peek again. 🙂

    Reply
  39. ashley @ the handmade home says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    SWOON WORTHY! I am drooling all over the place! LOVE! ;} Such beautiful spaces!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 6:18 PM

      Swoon worthy?? That is an awesome compliment! Thanks so much Ashley! 🙂

      Reply
  40. Karen Watson says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:34 PM

    It looks so lovely and inviting Vanessa! You did a beautiful job! I love all the Boxwood touches and the natural greenery. You’ve inspired me to simplify things a little more for next year. Your Holiday home is perfectly wonderful! Great photo of you too, by the way!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 6:17 PM

      Thank you so much Karen!! 🙂

      Reply
  41. laura says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:39 PM

    So thats where all the boxwood went!:) you have created the perfect holiday home ready for the memories you and your family will be creating this year.happy holidays.

    Reply
  42. cassie says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    i love it- so beautiful! and your secret about the boxwood garlands is awesome!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 6:17 PM

      Thanks Cassie!! So happy you stopped by! 🙂

      Reply
  43. Vicki Shead says

    December 4, 2013 at 5:52 PM

    What a joy filled home! So nice when you have little ones who are to enjoy every single moment! I loved everything. I could just move right in and not change a thing! Merry Christmas Sweetie!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 4, 2013 at 6:19 PM

      Oh thank you so much Vicki! I’m trying to relish these days with having little ones at Christmas while I still have them! Thank you so much for your sweet words (both here and on FB). Merry Christmas to you too my friend! 🙂

      Reply
  44. Julie says

    December 4, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    WOW! What a beautiful photo of you. That should be framed and kept for the kiddos to treasure forever 🙂 Your home is so beautifully decorated…my favorite was your “Seasons” sign! Your tree and banister are gorgeous…now you have all month to enjoy it, and your Christmas tunes 🙂 I haven’t even gotten my tree up yet-yikes! Merry Christmas to your entire family, Vanessa!

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

    December 4, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    Completely gorgeous and cozy – I wish I could come over for coffee and cookies! I love the simplicity of the branches in the silver creamer. Perfect. Thank you for inviting us over!

    Reply
  46. Angela says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:01 PM

    Beautiful tour, Vanessa! I love the boxwood and the simplicity yet traditional beauty of the whole home! Happy Holidays!~~Angela

    Reply
  47. debbiedoos says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:02 PM

    Gorgeous tour Vanessa, just lovely all decked out!

    Reply
  48. Laura @ Finding Home says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    So beautiful Vanessa – but I especially love how you use all the different types of garlands – such pretty touches. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home!

    Reply
  49. Jeanette @ Creating a Life says

    December 4, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Everything is just lovely and the boxwood is perfect!

    Reply
  50. JannYvette @ i heart purdy things says

    December 4, 2013 at 8:27 PM

    Oh Vanessa,
    What a great tour! Your home is welcoming and cozy. You’ve decorated beautifully and I would love to come down for a cup of tea.

    The boxwood idea was wonderful and it looks lovely. Funny I also put small branches in a vase with dried hydrangeas also….great minds….LOL.

    Merry Christmas
    JannYvette

    Reply
  51. Rebecca says

    December 4, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    Beautiful AND inspiring! Love the boxwood and the baskets on the mantel! I can’t wait to see Heather’s house as well. I needed this inspiration. XO! Rebecca

    Reply
  52. tara says

    December 5, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    beautiful home…love your front door and your trader joe’s wreath.
    I went to get some, and they were gone..sold out in two days!!!

    Merry Christmas!!!

    Reply
  53. Amanda says

    December 5, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    Lovely!! I love a tree with special family ornaments, too, the best!!

    Where did you find the small boxwood wreaths, the tiny ones?
    Amanda

    Reply
  54. Thistle says

    December 5, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    Absolutely beautiful Vanessa! I love everything about your tour….especially that adorable picture of you! Right out of a magazine my friend!

    Happy, happy day to you!
    karianne

    Reply
  55. Teresa says

    December 5, 2013 at 8:35 PM

    Can I have a cup of 1/3 peppermint creamer, 1/3 hot cocoa and 1/3 coffee (I’m not really a coffee drinker, but with lots of creamer and chocolate I can feel pretty grown-up drinking coffee). You’re home is lovely and I could imagine sitting for a spell and sharing Christmas stories.

    Reply
  56. Jennifer - Dear Lillie says

    December 5, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    Your home is so beautiful and inviiting, Vanessa! I especially love the NOEL above the fireplace! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  57. Jennifer - Dear Lillie says

    December 5, 2013 at 10:28 PM

    Your home is so beautiful and inviting, Vanessa! I especially love the NOEL above the fireplace! Merry Christmas.

    Reply
  58. kim says

    December 6, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    I kept almost every one of my two children’s letters to Santa, {some got lost over the years :(} I pick out one from each, place then in frames and use them in my Christmas decor. Such a sweet little reminder of Christmas’ past {my babies are now 17 and 31!}
    Your home is simply stunning, to much eye-candy to take in all at once, I plan on visiting again and again to take in every detail…..lol!!!

    Reply
  59. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    December 7, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    Vanessa, I’m very late to your open house, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself — and you “simply” outdid yourself! How you manage to get everything done while running a household with two little ones is beyond me. Beautiful!

    May you and yours have a merry and blessed Christmas — and we *must* chat in January… once the kids are back in school. Looking forward to hearing from you when things settle down.

    Reply
  60. Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle says

    December 7, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    So warm and welcoming! I too am more of a “personal” visitor rather than a “virtual” visitor! And, as for the peppermint creamer, it’s in my fridge year round 🙂 LOVE the traditional look of your home! Merry Christmas! Melissa

    Reply
  61. Lynn says

    December 8, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Absolutely magical! Thanks for the e-tour. What is your source for the small boxwood wreaths?

    Reply
  62. Sandy says

    December 9, 2013 at 8:38 PM

    Your home is beautifully decorated for the season. I’m in love with the boxwood wreath that you nabbed at Trader Joes. I’ll have to check out the one in my area and see if they have any. I decorated with fresh greens on my mantel and love it.

    Reply
  63. Karen says

    December 10, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    Don’t be surprised if I show up for some Hot Chocolate! I love your warm welcome from your heart, that just set the tone for this beautiful tour. I love the NOEL frames you have too, so cute! Sharing on my FB page, this is gorgeous!

    Reply
  64. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    December 18, 2013 at 4:07 PM

    Vanessa, Everything is absolutely GORGEOUS! I hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      December 18, 2013 at 7:34 PM

      Oh thank you so much Sherry!! Blessings to you and your family this Christmas! 🙂

      Reply
  65. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    December 18, 2013 at 7:08 PM

    Hello Vanessa,
    All your boxwood looks wonderful in your beautiful home. I got a big box of faux boxwood garland at a garage sale a few months ago for $4 (what a steal)…plan to make a wreath after the holidays. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply

Trackbacks

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    December 4, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    […] Then we get the treat of seeing Vanessa’s house from At the Picket Fence […]

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  2. Decorating for Christmas…Heather's Home Tour - At The Picket Fence says:
    December 5, 2013 at 3:31 AM

    […] to our home tours but this year Vanessa and I each have our own special day!  Be sure to visit Vanessa’s Holiday Housewalk Tour from […]

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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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