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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

May 12, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 64 and Someone’s Turning 40!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
It’s Heather! (on Friday)

Happy 40th Birthday sweet sister of mine!!

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“An older sister is a friend and defender~a listener, conspirator, counselor and a sharer of delights. And sorrows too.” –Pam Brown
From the beginning you have been there, protecting…
…hanging out with me and our cousins on the rockin’ orange shag carpet…
(Heather on far right)

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…commiserating over the poofy, itchy dresses mom put us in…
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…sporting some awesome perms and big bangs…
(oh dear heavens, sorry mom and dad! Winking smile)
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You grieved with me when I wondered if I would ever become a mom and rejoiced with me when those dreams finally came true!
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And now, in this season of life, I love that we finally get to do a little bit more of this together!
And no matter what stage of life we are in, one thing is certain…
You will always be older than me! Hee Hee! Winking smile

Heather, no one could ask for a better sister than you.
I am so blessed to have you in my life, not only as my sister, but as my friend!
I wish I could be there to celebrate this day with you but I know we will have so much fun on our Haven adventure next month. 5 hours in the car together!
We’ll be like Thelma and Louise…minus driving off a cliff in the end, of course!
I love you so much and hope you feel truly celebrated today,
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OK, now, we do have a little bit of business to take care of today too.
It is time to announce the winner of the My Memories Software Giveaway!
And the winner is:
Jacki from Reni Days on Washington Street!!
Congratulations Reni!
We’ll be in contact with you regarding your prize.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the fabulous features from last week’s party!

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INSPIRED ROOMS

Barb from The Everyday Home shared her gorgeous Kitchen and Breakfast Room Makeover which was chock full of charm and lovely details!
Amanda of the Girl in Pink shared her incredible Jane Austen themed window display she created for a local antique store! You truly will not believe how many amazing pieces she transformed to put this together and we so admire all of her hard work and talent!
Kristel of The Velvet Door showed off her freshly updated Dining Room. You will have to go pay her a visit to see the beautiful damask wall!

MAKEOVERS
Anna of Ask Anna shared her beautiful and inexpensive chandelier makeover and we are so loving that gorgeous ceiling stencil! Well done Anna!

Can you guess what this Wine Cabinet was in a former life? You will have to go over to
and visit Tammy at One More Time to find out and then you will fully appreciate how awesome this makeover really is!
CRAFTS and CREATIONS

The lovely sisters of Be Book Bound have been doing a wonderful series celebrating all things “Anne of Green Gables” (be still our hearts!) and last week Miriam showed us how to make these darling
Herb Crates.


Terry of 11 Magnolia Lane revealed her incredible Kid’s Education Center which she created in her basement. How awesome is this?? Way to go Terry!


Maggie, (A.K.A. The Hell on Heels Housewife) showed us how to make this darling Country Wristlet and we are just loving the denim with those fabric rosettes!
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RECIPES and PARTIES
Seriously, how adorable are these Strawberry Shortcake Pops from Dixie Delights??
She just had to go and put them in a red wagon to take the cute factor up a few notches too!
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The Thrifty Crafty Girl showed us how to make Homemade Soft Pretzels and we were pretty sure that their wonderful smell was coming through our computer screens!

INSPIRING STORIES

Our friend Ange from The Blooming Hydrangea has recently launched a new series entitled Marriage Monday. Every week she and her hilarious hubby will share encouraging words of wisdom about the roller coaster ride of marriage and how it can be strengthened and nurtured into the wonderful relationship which God intended it to be!
If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located 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!
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! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
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,
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:
Fridays Unfolded
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Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • 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
And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity! Below are some great options!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest


This Inspiration Friday Party is Sponsored By:
where you can find beautiful pieces like these:

Image of Anna earrings

97 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! and Vanessa you made me laugh – I am the eldest of 5 – they always remind me that I’m the oldest! Well, I can tell you – life gets better and better – thank you ladies for being fun and gracious hostesses!
    God Bless,
    Kathy

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:06 PM

    Happy birthday, Heather. Too funny, Vanessa. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  3. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    What a wonderful post Vanessa! Happy Birthday Heather. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  4. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    Such a sweet post. Happy Birthday Heather!

    Reply
  5. Serendipity. says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! (I have a sister who is under a year younger than me…and she reminds me of the “younger” part annually on our birthdays, also in May.) Have a wonderful day and I’m sure that Vanessa will make you something fabulous for dinner, clean your house, send you to the spa, etc! (you know I’m always lookin’ out for you gals!) 😉 Thanks for hosting! xo

    Reply
  6. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Happy birthday to Heather! Love the features! Thanks for hosting, ladies!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  7. reFresh reStyle says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Are you Thelma or Louise? Y’all are so cute and I can’t wait until Haven!!! Thanks for the party~and awesome features!
    Debbie

    Reply
  8. Bethany @ 3SonsPlus1...and.... says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! What a sweet post!

    Reply
  9. Eclectically Vintage says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:33 PM

    Hope you have an amazing birthday Heather!

    What a great montage in pictures (I feel your 80’s perm pain)!

    Hope you have a blast at Haven!

    Love that I can always be the younger one with my sis too Vanessa!
    Kelly

    Reply
  10. Catie @ Catie's Corner says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:34 PM

    Happy, Happy Birthday Heather!! Hope you ladies have a great Mother’s Day weekend. I have a great inspirational Mother’s Day story to link up, but I’m having issues with Blogger. >:-( I’ll get it linked up eventually. Please stop by and read it when you have the time. =) As always, thanks for hosting. Love your party!!

    ~ Catie

    Reply
  11. Doreen says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Hope you are having an awesome day! Loved the pics and the permed hair pic brings back some bad hair memories of my own! Enjoy your special day!

    Oh – and thanks, as always, for hosting!

    Doreen

    Reply
  12. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Happy birthday, Heather! (Great post, Vanessa.) I had to look twice at that pic with the cousins; I could’ve sworn it was from our family!

    Happy Mother’s Day to both of you ladies!

    Reply
  13. Anna says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Happy birthday Heather! I must say you girls were rockin’ some pretty fabulous bangs back in the day. 🙂

    Thanks so much for hosting every week and thank you for the feature! I’m honored to be featured at my favorite link party! 🙂

    Have a great weekend friends!

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  14. Sue says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! Love the pics of your childhood. Enjoy a wonderful Mother’s Day, too. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  15. Poppy says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Happy Birthday,Heather! Enjoy this special day!Vanessa,this is such a sweet post:)Feels wonderful to go through this beautiful montage of pictures, especially the two of you together in the cutest frilly dresses:)Thanks for hosting! Happy Mother’s Day!~Poppy

    Reply
  16. Trish - Mom On Timeout says

    May 10, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  17. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Those pics are WAY TOO CUTE! Loving them…had to stare at each a few times!!! I love sweet sister pictures!!! I hope your day is filled with sweet sparks of excitement!!! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  18. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:07 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!!!!!!
    Love the features and thank you for the party!
    XO
    Kristin

    Reply
  19. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEATHER!!!

    Your sister’s post was awesome! Love the girl pics of you two, how adorable!

    Have a blessed, healthy wonderful year.

    My best to you both, always,

    Michele

    Reply
  20. Cindy says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Sisters are a treasure for sure! They are the only friends you have that will be Totally honest with you whether it’s good OR bad! XO Cindy

    Reply
  21. Laurel Stephens says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    What a wonderful tribute to a sister. Happy birthday, Heather!

    Reply
  22. FABBY'S LIVING says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Happy Birthday to your older sister! Thank you for sharing such beautiful pics of all of you lovely ladies. Please have a wonderful MOTHER’S DAY, all of you. Thanks for having me and for the nice features.
    FABBY

    Reply
  23. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Happy B-Day to big sister. Love the photos. Thanks for hosting. Have a great Mother’s Day.

    Reply
  24. Debra @ Common Ground says

    May 10, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Happy Big Girl Birthday, Heather!! loved the walk down memory lane. Just linked up, thanks so much for hosting, and Happy Mother’s Day too!

    Reply
  25. Desire Empire says

    May 10, 2012 at 10:14 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather and I hope both of you have a great mothers day as well. Thanks for hosting
    Carolyn

    Reply
  26. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    May 10, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!! Loved the time travel and that you shared all those pictures with us Vanessa! It was a perfect peek 😉

    Wonderful features as always and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  27. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    May 10, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    Happy Birthday to Heather!!
    Thank you for hosting a lovely party!
    Great features every week 🙂
    Greetings from Australia♥
    ~Pernilla

    Reply
  28. Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:08 PM

    Happy Bday, Heather! LOVE all the photos you shared with us. Thanks for hosting this fun party ~ I’ve just linked up.

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie

    Reply
  29. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:11 PM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! Although, I don’t think I can picture the two of you wearing matching floral dresses like that picture! LOL!

    Reply
  30. Gail says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    What a lovely post! Happy Birthday Heather!! Wonderful features this and thanks for hosting, Gail

    Reply
  31. Kristel says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:39 PM

    Thank you so much for the feature!! What a nice surprise, as I was coming over to the party! Happy Birthday Heather, and many more!!

    Reply
  32. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:54 PM

    Woot Happy Birthday! 40 is FABULOUS….I think MORE magazine features fabulous women 40 and over you should definitely submit! LOVE love looking at your adorable pictures…makes me wish I had a sister! Have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Birthday and Weekend!

    Reply
  33. How to Nest for Less says

    May 10, 2012 at 11:57 PM

    So stinkin’ cute!! Happy happy birthday to you! Hope you have a wonderful day and get spoiled 🙂

    Reply
  34. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Thank you for
    Hosting! I love visiting your features and all of the great link ups! 40 is the new 20! Love, Me

    Reply
  35. Jann Olson says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:03 AM

    What a fun post! I love it! I am the baby of my family so I can say the same to my sisters. Love the last pic. Too cute! Happy Birthday Heather! Thanks for the party!
    Hugs,
    Jann

    Reply
  36. Richella says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:08 AM

    Happy, happy birthday, Heather!! You are one classy lady and I hope you have both a blessed day and a wonderful year. Just think–you’ll be in Better Homes & Gardens this year! Could there be a better birthday present? 🙂

    Thanks to both of you for hosting this wonderful party. I appreciate y’all!

    Reply
  37. Jessica Kielman says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    Vanessa~what a gorgeous tribute to your older sister. Had me in tears! Thank you so much for hosting, and Happy, Happy Birthday Heather!!!

    Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

    Reply
  38. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    Happy birthday! And thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  39. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather!!! Happy Mothers Day to the both of YOU!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  40. NanaDiana says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Well, of course, your tribute to your sister put big old sappy tears in my eyes. I always longed for a sister and feel like I missed a special part of life not having one. Blessings to both of you and Happy Happy Birthday, Heather- xo Diana

    Reply
  41. Becca says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:42 AM

    Yay! It’s your birthday! Hope it is the best one ever- and the beginning of a very happy year!!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  42. Amanda says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! And what a sweet post, Vanessa! Makes me wish I had a sister! Thank you so much for the feature! I am honored! You’ve made my day!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

    Reply
  43. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:53 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather. Vanessa, what a lovely tribute to your sister. Big hair, bad perms, and itchy poufy dresses and all! And please don’t drive off a cliff (though I’m scratching my head where you’d find a cliff to drive off of between Kentucky and Atlanta) because we’d miss you (and contrary to Billy Joel, the good can die old too; let’s all strive for that …)

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  44. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:55 AM

    Wishing you the happiest and most blessed of birthdays, beautiful Heather!!!

    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  45. busana muslim pesta says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Happy Birthday Very good article. Congratulations.

    Reply
  46. Miss Kitty says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:13 AM

    Happy Birthday to Heather! Loved seeing those photos. I am going to Haven too…I hope I get to meet y’all! Thanks for hosting the party.

    Reply
  47. Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    What a beautiful post — you are so blessed to have each other! Now about those pictures . . . LOL — those made me smile, laugh and that one of the two ‘old’ gals . . . that is priceless! Happy Birthday Heather . . . we share a birthday . . . it’s just that I’m turning 52 tomorrow! I THINK I remember 40.

    Reply
  48. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:38 AM

    Happy birthday Heather!!!! You guys are such cute sisters. Thanks for hosting and hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

    Reply
  49. Heaven's Walk says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:42 AM

    Vanessa – what a blessing you must be to Heather! This was such a sweet post! She was probably bawling her eyes out after reading it. 🙂 Happy Birthday, Heather! Hope your day is as special as you are, girlie! ♥

    xoxo laurie

    Reply
  50. Little Bit says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:00 AM

    Happy Bday! What a sweet tribute from your sister 🙂 thank you for hosting the party too. Little Bit from http://www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    Reply
  51. Kerry Rossow says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:05 AM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Being one of 5 girls, I love this sister tribute!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  52. Cherished Bliss says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather!! This was the sweetest post! Makes me miss my sister so much! I was so used to living close by and now we are 24 hours apart : (

    Hope you both have a fantastic weekend and as always thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  53. Liz - Imageremix says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:42 AM

    I’m a huge fan of all the pictures. What a sweet thing to be such close sisters! Thanks girls for the blog and the parties and for sharing this post. Happy birthday, Heather!

    Liz

    Reply
  54. Jan Berry says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:45 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Sisters are the BEST – I love my two!! 🙂

    Reply
  55. classic • casual • home says

    May 11, 2012 at 4:19 AM

    So darling…your sisterly love.

    Reply
  56. Something Nice and Pretty says

    May 11, 2012 at 4:29 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting, loved your post about your sister’s birthday!

    Reply
  57. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    May 10, 2012 at 9:56 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!! 😀 Love seeing all those photos- how fun!! Kind of glad to know I am not the only one having Blogger issues- but sorry to hear you have been having problems too. First gmail and then blogger issues… aye. ( I did email you btw in case you didn’t get it!) Thanks so much for hosting and have a wonderful Mothers day girls!!

    Reply
  58. Good Time Charlie says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    Welcome to the 40s club Heather!!! Those pictures are priceless! The day was so busy, I cannot believe I forgot to link up here, usually my 1st stop! Have a really fun birthday weekend. -K

    Reply
  59. Marina {Yummy Mummy) says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather! The bond between sisters seems so special. I love having 2 girls who I hope will be this close even as adults. xo

    Reply
  60. suzyq says

    May 11, 2012 at 6:24 AM

    Happy birthday!!!!!
    Hope you have your best year yet,
    and thanks so much for hosting
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  61. Debbie {Visual Eye Candy} says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Happy Birthday! This is the sweetest post ever. I love having sisters they truly are the best!

    Reply
  62. Debbie says

    May 11, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather!! I think the 40s were pretty marvelous so you have a lot to look forward to.

    And Vanessa, I’ll quote a favorite poet: The trumpet of prophecy O wind… if winter comes, can spring be far behind?

    Reply
  63. Stuff and Nonsense says

    May 11, 2012 at 11:04 AM

    happiest of birthdays Heather
    and welcome to the 40 club!

    all linked up girls
    and thanks for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  64. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    May 11, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    Happy Birthday Heather!

    and thank you both for hosting. I appreciate it,
    Laura

    Reply
  65. Anita @ Cedar Hill Ranch says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    What a wonderful tribute to Heather, Happy Birthday Girl!! I love that you too have such a special relationship; the picture of you reading your magazines was too funny.

    Reply
  66. Anne says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:34 PM

    Thank you for hosting – Happy Birthday Heather!!! Enjoy!

    xox

    Reply
  67. Judy says

    May 11, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather. From one big sister to another, I hope you have a totally awesome birthday!!! Hope your Mother’s Day is wonderful as well.

    Reply
  68. Maria Elena says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:13 PM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! Welcome to the 40’s club!

    Reply
  69. Shelia says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:37 PM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! Oh, what a darling post, Vanessa! You two were adorable then and gorgeous now! Love all of those sweet snaps of you darling little girls. How special it must be to have a sister and y’all are so close. I have no siblings and always wanted a sister.
    Thanks for hosting your sweet party.
    Happy Mother’s Day!
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  70. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    May 11, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    Happy birthday, Heather! May your “40’s” be fabulous.
    Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  71. Natural Mothers Network says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Thanks once again for hosting- Enjoy your special day! Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network ( Seasonal Celebration Sunday) x

    Reply
  72. CAS says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! I hope you have a truly wonderful & fun-filled day! Oh my, you are slightly younger than my own daughter — geez, but I love ya’ anyway……LOL!
    CAS

    Reply
  73. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! I hope your day and your weekend was filled with lots of family and love.

    Thank you for always hosting such a wonderful party!

    Elizabeth

    Reply
  74. Julie says

    May 11, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! 40 is a GREAT age!! You look younger besides!! Your sister made me cry this morning! Great post!

    Reply
  75. Anonymous says

    May 11, 2012 at 3:17 PM

    Happy, happy 40th birthday to our wonderful daughter. We feel a bit weepy this morning thinking of this day 40 years ago at 7:03 pm when you made your grand entrance. Daddy and Aunt Joy said you were the only baby in the hospital nursery who was awake and trying to turn over. You have always brought us great joy as our daughter but now you are our friend and that is so much fun.

    We love you girl, so very, very much!

    Mom and Dad

    Reply
  76. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    Happy Birthday and thank you both for hosting.
    RaNae

    Reply
  77. Jackie says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather! Hope your day is awesome!

    I’m so excited to be the winner of the My Memories Software! I will watch for an email from you, and thank you SO, so much for the opportunity to win such a great prize!

    Jackie Reini
    jackieinmi67@gmail.com

    Reply
  78. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    May 11, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!…Loved all the ever so nostalgic pictures of the family!!!…..Perfect for Mother’s day too….

    Great features from last week…they are all so terrific…

    Vanessa and Heather…have a wonderful Mother’s Day…!

    Reply
  79. Barbara says

    May 11, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!!! What sweet family photos!!! Aren’t sisters the greatest invention ever???

    Super features from last week. Hope you both have a wondeful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!!

    Reply
  80. 20 North Ora says

    May 11, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!! Hope you have a great day.

    Reply
  81. Val says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather QQQ and I hope both of you….have the most amazing Mother’s Day!!!!!!

    Reply
  82. Barb @ The Everyday Home (formerly Grits and Glamour) says

    May 11, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Oh what a beautiful birthday acknowledgement to your sister. This was so funny, I am the baby sister too. We are close also and the pics made me laugh. (we’ve all got pics like that)

    Thanks so much for showcasing my Kitchen and Breakfast Room makeover. I am honored you liked it. Such a wonderful party filled to the brim with ideas galore.

    Happy Weekend, Barb

    Reply
  83. The Hell on Heels Housewife says

    May 11, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather!! I think I had tears in my eyes reading Vanessa’s tribute to you and almost didn’t see that you featured my wristlet!! I have three daughters and my greatest hope is that they have the kind of relationship that you and your sister have when they get older.
    Have a great day!
    Maggie

    Reply
  84. Scribbler says

    May 11, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    You are so very lucky to have your sister. Mine died in a tragic accident right after I was born, and so I have only the stories and photos. I always enjoy stories like this, because I hope we would have been close, too.

    Reply
  85. Miriam@BeBookBound says

    May 12, 2012 at 12:49 AM

    THANK YOU For featuring our herb crates!!!!! I wasn’t near a computer yesterday, so I am sorry I am so late. But I wanted to thank you regardless. And this post was just the sweetest thing. Maybe it is the awesome bangs or the frilly dresses, but it just reminded me so much of our childhood, and our sisterhood. Thank you so much for sharing your sweet relationship with the rest of us. It is much appreciated. And a VERY Happy Birthday to Heather 🙂

    Reply
  86. I am Sylvia says

    May 12, 2012 at 1:10 AM

    Happy Birthday, Heather! They say forty is the new twenty and I believe that :)I wish to both of you and those you love a wonderful,sunny Mother’s day! Thank you for hosting this great inspirational party. I am sharing a Mother’s Day afternoon tea.

    Reply
  87. Christie says

    May 11, 2012 at 7:04 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER! This was the perfect day to enter blogland! I so enjoyed the pictures of your sweet family! Hello dear Vanessa, too! Christie

    Reply
  88. Molly says

    May 12, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    Thanks for the party, I’m a little late linking up this week, but didn’t want to miss it 🙂 And Happy Birthday to Heather!
    -Molly
    http://www.justalittlecreativity.com

    Reply
  89. Nancy says

    May 12, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    First time linking up with Inspiration Friday. Thank you for hosting and happy birthday to Heather.

    Reply
  90. Thrifty Crafty Girl says

    May 12, 2012 at 12:21 PM

    Thanks for featuring my soft pretzels!

    Reply
  91. thistlewoodfarm says

    May 12, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    Happy Birthday Heather. You are so blessed to have each other. And Happy Mother’s Day to both of you 🙂

    Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  92. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    May 12, 2012 at 3:28 PM

    I’m all teary-eyed – what a beautiful post. I loved the blast through the past, and my favorite picture of all of them is the one of the two of you with the magazines! SO funny – needs to be framed for sure! Happy Birthday! And Happy Mother’s Day to both of you beautiful, inspiring women!

    Reply
  93. Kelly Rowe says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Thank you for hosting. Happy Birthday, Heather and LOTS and LOTS of Hugs 🙂 My b-day is this week. May is a FABULOUS month!!

    Reply

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“Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season “Ah, Lovely October, as you usher in the season that awakens my soul, your awesome beauty compels my spirit to soar like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze and my heart to sing like a heavenly choir.” Peggy Toney Horton.

Happy October dear friends! 🍂
On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the po On Monday my heart just felt so heavy. Yes, the pouring rain outside contributed to my feelings. But the primary cause was this overwhelming flood of thoughts about how much in our world and in our culture is going off the rails. I’d planned to make pumpkin bread that day but I was tempted to just curl up in a ball on my bed, pull the covers over my head and pretend that this would actually solve something. I didn’t give into that temptation though. Instead, I got out my favorite pumpkin bread recipe and found that, as I worked and prayed and hummed worship songs, my spirit began to settle. When the world feels very loud, the demands of family and home can actually help to quiet our souls. As each family member walked through the door later in the day, they commented on how wonderful the house smelled. It’s better than any fall candle in my opinion! And I knew that the extra loaf that I get from the recipe would be a welcome treat for my widower neighbor. So, if your heart is feeling a bit unsettled this week too, maybe this recipe will come in handy!

Pumpkin Bread:

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 🍂
Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super Happy first day of Autumn!! 🍂 Here’s a super simple centerpiece that you can make in five minutes (or less) with just a few pumpkins and extra faux greenery. Let’s spend less time decorating and more time enjoying this season. It’s my favorite!! 🧡

#fallcenterpiece #falldecor #centerpiece #fiveminutedecorating
"Define your day", she told me as I held my newbor "Define your day", she told me as I held my newborn son. My mom and I were talking about how blurred my days and nights had become and how easy it would be to just stay in my pajamas 24/7. She encouraged me to make an attempt to put on 'real' clothes in the morning even if they were just nice sweatpants (bonus if they were clean!) and to throw a little bit of makeup on. That simple advice helped chart a course for my years of motherhood that continues today. And recently I began thinking about how critical it is that we not only seek wisdom from those ahead of us in our stage of life but that we are willing to apply it as well.

So, I asked this question on my personal Facebook page; "What is something you feel you've done well to create a peaceful/meaningful home for yourself and your family?" The catch was that the question was geared towards women in the 40+ age range. The responses came flooding in and were so wonderful and insightful. So, I'm going to be starting a new series where I share this wisdom with you and will include the first name of the woman who offered it. 

Today we start with Alison who said "I learned to set my alarm early to get up and moving before my kids woke up. I showered, got dressed and did my devotions while the house was quiet. It set my heart and perspective for each day.”

Is this something you do in your life too? What wisdom would you offer to a mom of young children?

I truly think our culture would greatly benefit from more women in different seasons of life being willing to invest in each other. 🍂

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #motherhood #parentingwisdom
If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a resta If bread pudding is on the dessert menu at a restaurant I’m definitely ordering it! It’s one of my all time favorite treats. So I decided to try my hand at making some here at home with a little fall twist and it was SO delicious!! 🍎

Ingredients:

6 slices of day old bread (french, sourdough or even brioche works great)
2 cups of heavy cream
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the apples:
3 peeled and chopped apples of a tart variety
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons flour (or corn starch)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350
Cut bread into cubes and place in a greased 8 1/2 x 11 baking dish
Whisk together in a bowl the eggs, cream, vanilla, rum, cinnamon and nutmeg and then pour it over the bread cubes. In a separate bowl, mix together the apples, brown sugar and flour/corn starch. Pour the apple mixture on top of the bread mixture making sure to spread the apples evenly across every part of the bread mixture.
Bake for 45 minutes. 
Enjoy!

#falldesserts #breadpudding #fallrecipes #desserts
When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

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

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

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

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

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

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

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

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

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
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