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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

March 10, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 55 and a Giveaway!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

This Inspiration Friday Party is sponsored by: Appliances Online and their Beko Fridge Freezers.
Appliances Online Logo
As the largest online appliance retailer in the UK, Appliances Online offers all the major appliances from all the major brands at competitive prices. With a 10 day no-fuss return policy you are getting the absolute best in customer service.


AND
 
Appliances Online is generously offering At the Picket Fence readers a chance to win a

$75 Gift Card to 
Amazon!!
Amazon.com Gift Cards - In a Gift Box - Free One-Day Shipping
Here is how you can enter to win this awesome prize.
Be sure to read these instructions carefully!
1. (MANDATORY)Any post you link up to Inspiration Friday must include the following tagline:

“My entry to At The Picket Fence’s  Inspiration Friday sponsored by Appliances Online and the Beko Fridge Freezers”. 


Leave a comment letting us know you have done this along with the # of your link. Each post you link up must include the tagline to be entered to win!

2. (Optional extra entry) “Like” Appliances Online on Facebook and leave us a comment letting us know you did.
3. (Optional extra entry) Share this giveaway through Twitter or Facebook with a link to this Inspiration Friday Post included.
A big thank you to Appliances Online for sponsoring this giveaway! 
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
Now, how about some features??

Every week it has become agonizing to choose only a handful of you talented folks to feature!

So, you will notice that we have decided to be rebels and not just pick a handful. We’re wild and crazy like that! Instead, we will be adding a few more features AND dividing them into categories.
You get to see more features, we get to show off more talent and it is all kept neat and tidy.
That’s a Win/Win/Win right?
Let’s get to it!INSPIRED ROOMS

Rene’ from Miss Gracie’s House shares how white walls are not to be feared! You must pay a visit to her kitchen, it is so soothing and lovely!

We’re ready for summer here in the States, and Carolyn from  Desire Empire’s fresh and fun front porch would be a fabulous place to spend those lazy summer days! Get ready Carolyn, we’re headed down under to your place to hang out! 😉


We LOVE this soothing colors of this Master Bath recently completed by Jenn from Clean and Scentsible.  She shares all of the details (and there are so many pretty ones) in her post!





MAKEOVERS

 
The talented Cindy of Beaux R’eves shared how she made these gorgeous Anthropologie Inspired Ruffled Drapes. You’ll have to head over there and check out how they are gracing the windows of her newly made over guest room. We’ve already booked our stay there! Winking smile
 
Opulent Cottage shares the tutorial on how she made over this chair with a new dropcloth slipcover.  We think she needs to come over and slipcover all of our furniture now! grin.

IMG_1630

Melody from Chatty Chics painted her banister black and it completely transformed her foyer! Visit Melody to see the before and after.







CRAFTS AND CREATIONS
We love how Shannon from Rusty and Redone transformed these Dollar Store pails into darling, whimsical creations!
100_6891
100_7045
You will not believe how this bottle began it’s life! But, once Shari of Turnstyle Vogue got ahold of it, it would never be the same. You have to go see this transformation for yourself!
IMG_5525
Bethany of Pitter and Glink, inspired by Pottery Barn, showed us how to create a beautiful Etched Mercury Glass Lamp. We will happily take that off your hands if you ever get tired of it Bethany!
 


RECIPES
How adorable are these Thin Mint Bunny Truffles from Munchkin Munchies??!! We mean, seriously, Sue just knocked another one out of the park with these darling creations!
And how about these Cakes in a Jar from Creative Chaos?
Such a great way to have fun with food!
Pink, Red and all kinds of Deliciousness! These three ingredient Strawberry Jello Parfaits from With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart are gorgeous! How come our jello parfaits don’t turn out this pretty?! 😉







INSPIRING STORIES

Sonya of Sago on Tuesdays shared a beautiful poem in dedication to her father in an
Ode to Memories of a Carpenter.

 
You know how near and dear adoption is to us. So when Barbara of 21 Rosemary Lane shared her own precious adoption story, we felt like we were right there on the journey with her!
 
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header!
Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook? Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
And…one last thing we want to share with you…Are you following us on
Pinterest
We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here!


We are asking you to PRETTY PLEASE (with sugar on top) visit the ACTUAL PROJECT and PIN from there! PLEASE take that extra step to PIN from ORIGINAL SOURCES…it will make Pinterest a better place for all bloggers!  Now, if you like what you see here At The Picket Fence that WE create, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
THANK YOU !!
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:

stuffandnonsense
vif187
Redoux


Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post  and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!
Did you get a chance to see Kim at Savvy Southern Style’s Link Etiquette  post? It’s a must read!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
PinterestAND DON’T FORGET THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND PUT YOUR LINK # IN YOUR COMMENT TO ENTER TODAY’S $75 GIVEAWAY!



*At the Picket Fence received compensation from Appliances Online for their sponsorship of this Inspiration Friday Party. Please see our Disclosure Policy.*

88 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. {northern cottage} says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    yay link #1 – bring it on baby! xo thanks so much for hosting!

    http://www.NorthernCottage.net

    Reply
  2. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Awesome features!! Thanks for hosting girls!

    Reply
  3. Desire Empire says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Thanks for featuring my Summer Deck gals. I appreciate you having this party each week. Have a great weekend
    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  4. Debbiedoo's says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Great features…thanks for hosting girls!

    Reply
  5. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:27 PM

    Thanks for including my little glam bottle makeover with all of your awesome features. You ladies are great!

    Shari

    Reply
  6. Gail says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Great features this week. Thanks for hosting Vanessa and Heather.

    Reply
  7. Anita says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Wow, what a great giveaway! Thanks for hosting girls!!

    Reply
  8. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:42 PM

    If only I lived close enough, I would be right over! It would be so fun to work on a project with you two. Thanks for featuring my chair, and for hosting us every week 🙂
    Luv, Andrea

    Reply
  9. Cristina Garay says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:51 PM

    Thanks for hosting Vanessa and Heather, have a great weekend!

    Reply
  10. Anita says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    I actually did all three things to enter!!

    Reply
  11. Jessica Kielman says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:03 PM

    Thanks so much for having me at your fabulous party!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  12. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    The features are fabulous! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  13. Debra @ Common Ground says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:30 PM

    So many great features, loved the tutorial on the upholstered chair, just linked up, thanks gals for having me each week!! xxoo

    Reply
  14. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Love the features you’ve chosen for this week!

    Reply
  15. Jana says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I included the tagline in my post #75.

    Reply
  16. Libby says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    My entries in the linky party are numbers 72 and 73. Both posts include the saying!

    Reply
  17. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Great mix of features guys. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  18. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    I’m lovin’ that mercury lamp! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  19. reFresh reStyle says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    thanks for hosting! those are some great features!
    Debbie

    Reply
  20. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting, girls and I hope people read my post that you are referring them to. Thanks.

    Reply
  21. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  22. Miss Kitty says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:15 PM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather! Thanks so much for hosting your fun party. The features you chose from last week are just fabulous…and to think they are from just regular people…they look so professional from the actual project to the photography.

    Reply
  23. Karen says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    I am so excited to link up this week! I finished my first Pinterest project. Finally quit pinning & did something with all the inspiration. I am #97 this week. Thank you both for hosting.

    Reply
  24. At The Picket Fence says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    HEY EVERYONE!! Don’t forget to enter the GIVEAWAY! All you have to do is put the tagline in your post and come back and let us know you did and your link #. It is so easy peasy and this is an awesome prize! 🙂

    Reply
  25. anangloinquebec says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting. I unfortunately have linked up the wrong post…my mistake. Anyway, I love your blog, you are such inspiration! I did drop over to read the post by Kim and could not agree more.

    Reply
  26. andrea@townandprairie says

    March 8, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    Thanks for hosting! What a wonderful array of features this week!

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    I’m link #108. I’m very excited for this giveaway. Thanks so much. I added the tagline to my post.

    Reply
  28. Kim @ La Belle Époque says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    What wonderful features this week. There is so much talent in blogland. Thanks for hosting this great party!

    Reply
  29. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    I’m link #119. I linked up some yummy whole wheat rolls and put the tagline in my post. Thanks for the opportunity to win and for hosting the party!

    Reply
  30. Ruby Jean says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Oh I want to Eat Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Miss Gracie’s Kitchen…. Oh and I don’t want to forget about Dessert…:) Thank you for hosting Ladies…

    Reply
  31. PitterAndGlink says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    Thanks so much for featuring my lamp and for hosting a great party! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Anita says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:51 AM

    My post for the giveaway is number 23. I did not know which number you meant, lol!!

    Reply
  33. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    So many wonderful features. Thanks so much for hosting. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  34. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    Thanks ladies for hosting another fun party.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  35. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    Beautiful features!! Thanks for hosting again!

    Reply
  36. Personalized Sketches and Sentiments says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Thanks for hosting and this giveaway :o) I am joining in at #164!

    Blessings & Aloha!

    Reply
  37. Delilah Love says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:55 AM

    Thanks for hosting! I hope you have a great Friday!

    Reply
  38. laura@imnotatrophywife.com says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    Thanks for the party ! I am #181 on the linky party with my barn doors and mandatory tag line! Thanks! laura

    Reply
  39. WELCOME! says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:04 AM

    i linked up and included the tag line! great giveaway and GREAT party!

    Reply
    • WELCOME! says

      March 9, 2012 at 3:04 AM

      sorry…I”m #182

      Reply
  40. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Hi girls! I added the tag line and I’m #185…crossing my appendages for this one!!!

    Reply
  41. ~Tablescapes By Diane~ says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    Hi lovely lady.
    The features are fabulous! Thanks for hosting your lovely linky party!!
    I love your great Give-A-Way.
    XXOO Diane

    Reply
  42. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:04 AM

    Hi..I am #198…Placed the tag line on my post…thanks for posting and featuring the beautiful posts from last week…
    Great giveaway and thanks for hosting as always…

    Reply
  43. Sue says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:11 AM

    Hi girls! My tagline is on my post and I’m entry #201. Great giveaway. ~ Sue

    Reply
  44. Sue says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    I’m sharing this post on FB, too! 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  45. Jutta says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:24 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my cake in a jar!!!! And for hosting this wonderful party!! And for writing this great blog 🙂
    lots of love to you
    jutta

    Reply
  46. Becca says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:58 AM

    Hi girlies! I’m number 214. Thanks for offering the awesome giveaway!! I’m mentally spending it on the gym locker replications I’ve wanted already!!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  47. Sherry @ Living in the Rain Garden says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:32 AM

    Hi Vanessa and Heather,
    Thanks for the can to win a gift card and hosting the link party! My link number is 216. I added the tag line to my post

    Reply
  48. Angie says

    March 8, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    I included the tagline in my post #31. Thanks so much for hosting!
    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time

    Reply
  49. Sue says

    March 9, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my bunny truffles and for the kind words:) You two are so sweet! <3 XO, Sue

    Reply
  50. Natasha in Oz says

    March 9, 2012 at 8:13 AM

    Thanks so much for having me today. Hope you both have a wonderful weekend!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha In Oz

    Reply
  51. Scribbler says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Thanks for hosting — and the guidelines for Pinterest. I also have an article posted about the legal ramifications of hosting other’s work.

    Reply
  52. Mary Sullivan Frasier says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    Good Morning Ladies! Happy Friday! I added the tagline to my post and I’m entry #232. What a lovely giveaway! Thanks so much for hosting and I hope you both have a truly awesome weekend! ~Mary

    Reply
  53. Sonya says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Evening lasses,

    Thankyou very much for featuring my poem about my Dad…I admit with a whisper that it made me cry a tear – his memory being able to touch a stranger..
    Anyhoobs, my kidlet book review is at #233, and my post is tagged.. linky goodness spread a little further ;o)

    Toodles, ~Sonya~

    Reply
  54. ImSoVintage says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Thanks for another fun party.
    Laura

    Reply
  55. How to Nest for Less says

    March 9, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Hey girlies!! Thanks for hosting again this week! AND I WANT THAT KITCHEN from Miss Gracie’s House. Just gorgeous!! Enjoy your weekend 🙂

    Reply
  56. Tina says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    Wow, great features. Thank you for hosting the party this week.

    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  57. Barbara says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    OMGosh thank you so much for highlighting our adoption story. I really wanted to reach out to anyone who maybe in the process of or contemplating adoption in their own life. It was an amazing journey and has been ever since. Thank you for helping our story reach even more people…every child deserves a family.
    Have a great weekend girls!!!

    Reply
  58. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Thank you for hosting! I love browsing your party over the weekend and meeting so many new great blogs! Sorry I’m late! Love, Me

    Reply
  59. Gabby says

    March 9, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    Thanks again for the facebook feature! I have the giveaway tag-line on my blog, and my link up is #271!

    Reply
  60. Meet Kate says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I have the giveaway tag-line on my blog, don’t know how to get a link up number:)

    Reply
  61. The Hell on Heels Housewife says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    Great features!! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend!

    Maggie

    Reply
  62. Calypso In The Country says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Great features and thanks for hosting the party AND the giveaway. I added the tagline at the end of my post and my number is 297.
    Thanks- Shelley

    Reply
  63. Mimi says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    Love that lamp from Pitter and Glink. Amazing! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  64. Princess Kate says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    Thanks for hosting. I just found tons of inspiration. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  65. Gloria Richards says

    March 9, 2012 at 6:33 PM

    I liked Appliances on Line on Facebook. Great Party with soooo many fantastic ideas…ah, such “Crafty” people we have on their blogs…WOW!

    Reply
  66. Jackie says

    March 9, 2012 at 7:20 PM

    I have added the tagline to my blog post, and my link-up number is #321. Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  67. Jackie says

    March 9, 2012 at 7:22 PM

    I ‘liked’ Appliances On Line on Facebook. Thanks so much for letting me link up to your awesome parties.

    Reply
  68. Shannon says

    March 9, 2012 at 8:14 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my little pails this week! There are so many great ideas on here. Love looking through them.

    Reply
  69. {Adventuresindinner} says

    March 9, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Hey there, I’m #249 C:

    Reply
  70. Jen says

    March 9, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Great features! Thanks for hosting another great party! Have a good weekend!

    Reply
  71. Teresa@Magazine Your Home says

    March 9, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    Thank you for the party and the give away, I’m #294 and posted the tagline in my post and link back to the party 🙂

    Reply
  72. Teresa@Magazine Your Home says

    March 9, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    I liked Appliances Online on FB, I’m #294

    Reply
  73. Teresa@Magazine Your Home says

    March 9, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    I posted about the giveaway and Appliances online on my FB page. #294

    Reply
  74. Chatty Chics says

    March 9, 2012 at 11:49 PM

    Awwww, thanks girls for the feature! You’re awesome!
    🙂
    Melody
    ChattyChics.com

    Reply
  75. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 10, 2012 at 12:04 AM

    Why…..why…..why am I so lame? Why did I wait so long to link up to the party! Next week I will set my alarm clock to make sure I make it before I turn into a pumpkin 🙂

    Great party!

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  76. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    March 9, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    Hi girls!! Well, I should be link #293- but it’s not showing up yet… anyway- adding the tag line- I LOVE Amazon.com!! Thanks for hosting and for the giveaway!

    Reply
  77. Suzanne says

    March 10, 2012 at 1:30 AM

    Such amazing inspiration! I’m linky #345.

    Reply
  78. Suzanne says

    March 10, 2012 at 1:36 AM

    Posted the giveaway on FB, too!

    Reply
  79. deZeal says

    March 9, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    I put the tag line in my post and linked my Frankie (he is #304).
    Btw, what awsome features this week – I couldn’t stop looking:)
    Hugs!!

    Reply
  80. It's All Connected says

    March 10, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Thanks for hosting! I’ve added the sponsor tag to my link back. ~ Maureen

    Reply
  81. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:51 AM

    I added the tagline to my post and I am #353

    Reply
  82. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    tweeted about the giveaway 🙂

    Reply
  83. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:55 AM

    I forgot to leave my linkback!! Here is my tweet!
    https://twitter.com/#!/jillwilhelm/status/178386689201410049

    Reply
  84. I Know The Plans I Have For You says

    March 10, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Liked Appliances Online on FB!

    Reply
  85. Denise @ secondtimearoundfinds says

    March 10, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    Thanks for hosting. Lots of great features as well as green posts for St. Patricks.

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
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
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