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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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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

June 30, 2012

Inspiration Friday No. 71~ 4th of July Edition!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Whew!!! It doesn’t seem possible that just a few days ago we were in Atlanta at the Haven conference! Our heads are still spinning from all of the excitement and the amazing bonds of friendship which were formed. And our stomach muscles are still recovering from laughing!!
We can’t wait to share more with you from the conference including all of the fabulous business cards we collected!


Before we jump into this week’s party, we have a few announcements to make.

We wanted to say a big thank you to HomeTalk for featuring
Vanessa’s Mudroom Makeover this week!

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Have you heard of HomeTalk?
It is an amazing site where you can share your own DIY and Home Improvement Projects and be  a part of a fabulous community of folks passionate about all things Home!
 It’s also a place to ask questions and get advice from professionals and be inspired by the wonderful assortment of projects being shared there every day. It is so easy to sign up and contribute your home projects….
AND
since we think our party goers are just the most talented on the planet, we will be sharing some of the home decor, DIY and outdoor projects Inspiration Friday features each week over on the HomeTalk website where they will be listed on the main site as well as showcased on their Facebook Page! That’s whole lot of people seeing your amazing talent!

If you are a Twitterer..is that a word?? lol…you can also get your home questions answered by following HomeTalk on Twitter and using #askhometalk in your tweet!!

Next, we were thrilled to welcome the newest Sponsor to the Fence, the lovely and talented Kelly from Live Laugh Rowe!
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Not only does she share amazing projects like these Patriotic Paper Flowers 

She also hosts an awesome Linky Party every Thursday so scoot on over there and join in this week and tell Kelly we sent ya!


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So, in honor of celebrating Independence Day, we thought it would be fun for this week’s features to celebrate all things 4th of July!
Can anyone else hear Neil Diamond singing “They’re Coming to America” right now??
Homespun With Love shared her fantastic 4th of July Mantle complete with Bottle Rockets and Roman Candles. We love how fun and festive this is!
Michell from Girl in Air shared a collection of her amazing Flag Projects. Everything from a Flag Door Mat to Flag Fence Art, she has tons of simple and patriotic ideas for the 4th!
Flags
Jill of Create.Craft.Love shared her darling Firecracker Rag Wreath. She gives an excellent tutorial for making this and her blog is filled with other awesome ideas!

We love this Old Glory sign from from Kim of Too Much Time on my Hands. It has the perfect vintage feel!

Seriously, how adorable are these Justice Knock-Off Denim Flag Shorts from Kim of Made in a Day? She saved a bundle making them for her daughter and we think she is one cool mom!
Jessica of Mom 4 Real shared this awesome American Flag Pallet Art. It is the perfect addition to her Patriotic Mantel!
Brittany of Crafty Mischief showed us how to make these darling Loopy Puff Bows. In her words they are “all American bows for her all American little girl” and we love them!

Andrea of Queen B and Me shared this absolutely adorable Red,White and Blue Burlap Garland. She shows just how simple it is to make it and how you will get a lot of bang for your buck with this project!

If you haven’t decorated for the Fourth yet, and want a quick and easy way to make your home festive, here’s a great free printable from Visual Eye Candy. Head over and download a copy for yourself!

Made in a Day is also providing some fabulous patriotic printables you can use to create a fabulous 4th of July Party. Just add cupcakes!

Rita May of May Days shared her Red, White and Blue themed tablescape complete with a tried and true symbol of Americana…the Coca Cola Soda Crate!
Mary from Home is Where the Boat Is shared her fantastic recipes and ideas for a Red, White and Blue Picnic Southern Style! She also shares some history behind the Southern classics of Moon Pie and RC Cola. Happy 4th of July y’all!
We love this perfectly patriotic tablescape from The Nest at Finch Rest! A perfect place to dine on the 4th of July!

The oh so talented Aimee from It’s Overflowing shared this yummy recipe for Simple Cheesecake Tart which would be perfect for your 4th of July festivities. We love keeping it simple when we’re hosting parties and this is definitely up our alley!

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located on ourButtons 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 PINthe 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:

vif187Fridays 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:


Kelly_avatar_125x125_no_sig

73 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Previous Post: « Fourth of July Décor on a Budget
Next Post: Sharing HomeTalk and some exciting news! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. allisamazing says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:17 PM

    What lovely features! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  2. Becca says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:19 PM

    I totally love that coca-cola crate table setting! Such a great idea!
    Thanks for hosting- and congrats on the Hometalk feature!! Too cool!
    xo Becca

    Reply
  3. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    Hey Vanessa, it’s gorgeous, but I didn’t see ANY mud in there!! te he. LOVE it! just linked up! Have a great 4th you gals!

    Reply
  4. suzyq says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:26 PM

    Great features!!!
    Thanks so much for hosting
    Have a wonderful wknd
    Hugs,
    Suzan

    Reply
  5. Jessica Kielman says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thank you ladies so much for including my American Flag Pallet Art in your features! You girls rock!

    Jessica

    Reply
  6. Anita says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Wow, what a great mudroom!! I don’t have anything 4th related to link up, but I’m just happy to have something. Thanks for hosting ladies!

    Reply
  7. Kathy A Delightsome Life says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Hello Ladies, wonderful features – I wish I had a mud room! This one is marvelous – love all the patriotic posts! Inspiring. I appreciate you hosting,
    Kathy

    Reply
  8. Laurel Stephens says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    What a great mix of Patriotic picks; something for everyone! Thanks so much for hosting your parties!

    Reply
  9. Gina says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    So many wonderful features! Lots of inspiration there, that’s for sure. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  10. Mary Ellen says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    Like all the festive red, white and blue! I hardly ever decorate for the4th – I am not sure why it is so festive and fun!

    Thank you for the party!

    Reply
  11. miss flibbertigibbet says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    WOW! Love all that red white & blue! Love that patriotic mantel!
    Blessings, Lorraine

    Reply
  12. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks for the party, guys. Love all the red, white, and blue inspiration. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
  13. Poppy says

    June 28, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    Congratulations for the Home Talk feature,that mudroom makeover is awesome! Thank you for hosting!Hugs,Poppy

    Reply
  14. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Your features make me want to jump forward a week 🙂 Thanks for the party.

    Reply
  15. Honey at 2805 says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Hi! How neat that you had a Home Talk feature. I was totally awed by that post!

    Thanks for being a gracious hostess, and I appreciate you linking to Potpourri Friday!

    Reply
  16. Erin~Just*Grand says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:10 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I am so inspired by the posts at this party!

    Reply
  17. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:15 PM

    Love all the red, white & blue! Embarrassed to admit that I used to rock a pair of those denim flag shorts back in the day (when my hair was about a foot high)!
    Kelly

    Reply
  18. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Love all this blue, red and white 🙂 I’ve added some blue and yellow (Swedish) entries to mix it up a bit 😀 Thanks for hosting! Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  19. Miss Kitty says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    Hi Girls! Loved meeting you at Haven! Thanks for hosting your party for us to share our posts. Your features looked just so happy and patriotic being all red/white/and blue-y!

    Reply
  20. Sherry says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    So many great 4th of July projects!!! Love them all. Thanks for hosting! Have a wonderful Independence Day!!!

    Reply
  21. Debbiedoo's says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Thanks for hosting ladies! What awesome patriotic projects and inspiration. I was not very good this year about making anything!

    Reply
  22. Kristin says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:53 PM

    Thank you for featuring our Fourth of July Mantel!!! You rock!!! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Mary says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:55 PM

    Thanks for featuring my Patriotic MoonPies~ I’m honored to be in such inspiring and creative company! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  24. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Look at all that 4th inspiration! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend.

    Reply
  25. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:07 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  26. Janel@hatingmartha says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    Thanks for the party! Have a great 4th of July!

    Reply
  27. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:27 PM

    Hi ladies! Hope you’re doing well and recovering from the Haven fun! Vanessa, congrats on the HomeTalk feature (they gave me a shout out too last week, which was pretty amazing!). And your partnership is a serious coup … and pretty exciting stuff!

    So congrats on that!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  28. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Thanks for hosting Ladies!

    Reply
  29. Gail says

    June 28, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    Great Patriotic features this week! Thanks for hosting and hope you have a wonderful weekend, Gail

    Reply
  30. Jill says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Thanks so much for the feature, ladies! I love your blog and this is so exciting for me! Thanks for hosting!

    Jill @ Create.Craft.Love.

    Reply
  31. Liz - Imageremix says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:16 PM

    If I wasn’t ready for the Fourth of July before, I should be now. What a lot of great ideas. Thanks for throwing the party and getting it going with a patriotic theme. Love it!
    Liz

    Reply
  32. Good Time Charlie says

    June 28, 2012 at 11:26 PM

    What fun features! I am all set for the 4th. Love the new Home Talk!! Definitely going to check that out! Happy weekend girls!

    Reply
  33. Little Bit says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Thanks girls for hosting! Darling features! Little Bit

    Reply
  34. Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:32 AM

    I’m always so glad to link up to this party each week. Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  35. Martha says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:39 AM

    Thanks for hosting! Especially love the Coca Cola and the Cheesecake Tarts features!

    Reply
  36. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 29, 2012 at 12:56 AM

    Woot Woot! We loved meeting both of you at Haven. Congrats on the HomeTalk feature. Off to visit some of your features as well as some folks who joined your party.

    Reply
  37. designitgirlblog says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    just linked up. great blog. What happens next new to this (newbie here)

    Reply
  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Hi, Girls! Loved seeing all the patriotic features! Hope you both have a wonderful 4th!

    Reply
  39. Erin @ How to Nest for Less says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:39 AM

    Such a pleasure meeting you girls at Haven last week!! Kinda sad it’s over so quickly, but can’t wait for next year! Oh, and I love Kelly from Live.Laugh.Rowe. I just had dinner with her tonight!!

    Reply
  40. Rita May says

    June 29, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Coca Cola soda crate table theme. I’ve added your feature button to my post and my sidebar.
    Thank you so much. It was a nice surprise! I love looking at all the party links.
    Rita

    Reply
  41. Lee Caroline says

    June 29, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    Thanks for hosting another wonderful party, so much great inspiration here.

    Lee ☺

    Reply
  42. Kelly Rowe says

    June 29, 2012 at 4:24 AM

    Thanks so much for having me as a sponsor…and for hosting such a fabulous party each week. I truly appreciate you both!! Wishing you many blessings. HUGS!! xo, Kelly

    Reply
  43. Meegan says

    June 28, 2012 at 9:49 PM

    Love, love, love the red white and blue everywhere! I especially enjoyed your 4 crafts for $4!!
    Great party-lovin’ all the summer creativity!
    Meegan
    What Meegan Makes

    Reply
  44. NanaDiana says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:17 AM

    Wow, girls! I read some fanstastic things about you two girls on other blogs. I am just playing a bit of catch up as we are still traveling…but now perched for a couple of days. There are lots of fabulous bloggers to visit her tonight- Thanks for taking the time to do the features- xo Diana

    Reply
  45. classic • casual • home says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:23 AM

    GOD BLESS AMERICAAAAAAA…LAND THAT I LOVE. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says

    June 29, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    Thank you for hosting. Your features are all awesome, and the party is great! Lots of good stuff! Happy 4th!

    Reply
  47. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:02 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls~ and congrats on the feature Vanessa!

    Reply
  48. Barbe @ Beez Rental Designs says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    Hello, thanks for hosting. Linking my completed vanity. : )

    Reply
  49. Stuff and Nonsense says

    June 29, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    love the tweak
    to your header

    and great features
    as always

    all linked up
    and thanks for hosting
    (and praying!)

    alison

    Reply
  50. must love junk says

    June 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting 🙂
    Susan

    Reply
  51. Richella says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    Hey girls! Hope you’re having a good week after all the excitement of being at Haven last week. Sure looks like everyone had fun!

    I’m linking what I think is an inspirational post that I wrote this week–it’s called “Driving Lessons.” I spent last week at a Board Meeting and a Ministry Team Retreat for Renovare’. Talking with my precious friends about life in the Kingdom of God has me seeing applications all over the place, including in the process of teaching Lee to drive! 🙂

    Hope y’all have a great weekend!

    Reply
  52. Kerry Rossow says

    June 29, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    I LOVE YOU GUYS! I am so thankful that I met y’all at Haven. You rocked my socks- you made me feel like I do when I am yucking it up with my own 4 sisters!
    Thank you for being awesomesauce and thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  53. Julie Jenks - The Path to an Organized Tomorrow says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:09 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I love all the 4th of July features!
    I would be honored if you followed by little blog!

    Reply
  54. Lori @ Projects Plenty says

    June 29, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Great party… love the 4th of July inspirations. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  55. Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says

    June 29, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    Hi, Vanessa & Heather! Just wanted to let you know that I recognized you ladies as being awesome bloggers in my today’s post. Thanks for being you!
    Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground

    https://thekitchenismyplayground.blogspot.com/2012/06/awww-shucks-im-blushing-blog-awards.html

    Reply
  56. Shelia says

    June 29, 2012 at 7:24 PM

    Hi ladies! What wonderful features today. I want to wish y’all a very happy 4th of July! 🙂
    Be a couple of sweeties,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  57. Natasha in Oz says

    June 29, 2012 at 11:36 PM

    Many thanks for having me today sweet Ladies!

    I’ve linked up an invitation to a social media link up-I hope you can join in!

    I hope that you have a great weekend.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

    Reply
  58. Sylvia says

    June 30, 2012 at 3:46 AM

    Hi, Vanessa & Heather! Happy Forth of July! Isn’t Mary from Home is Where the Boat is amazing! I tried to link my post, but there has been an error; sorry about that, I can’t fix it.
    Have a splendid weekend! Enjoy the summer!

    Reply
  59. Anu@My Dream Canvas says

    June 30, 2012 at 4:23 AM

    Thank you for hosting!! I would love to see you at My Backyard Party 🙂 Have a lovely weekend.

    Reply
  60. Leo at Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 30, 2012 at 10:00 AM

    I love your linky party. Jane and I will link up next week.

    Reply
  61. The Lovely Mrs. P says

    June 30, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    Yay! Thank you guys so much for the double feature!! You made my week!
    Kim@madeinaday

    Reply
  62. Athena at Minerva's Garden says

    June 30, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    My first time to your link party, so thank you very much for hosting. So many wonderful links–I’m off to check them out!

    Reply
  63. Doll in the Looking Glass says

    June 30, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Just found your great blog and am your newest follower. Have joined in your linky fun this week. You have featured so many interesting 4th of July posts from last week. Can’t wait to see the new creativity your guests brought to this week’s party. Thanks for hosting.

    Debra

    Reply
  64. Stacy Curran says

    July 1, 2012 at 6:49 PM

    What an amazing group of links!!! I wish I had something to share. Thanks for hosting and have a GREAT 4th!!
    Stacy

    Reply
  65. BJJ says

    July 28, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    Just found your great blog and am your newest follower. Have joined in your linky fun this week. You have featured so many interesting 4th of July posts from last week. Can’t wait to see the new creativity your guests brought to this week’s party. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply

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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!
Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (exce Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (except for in stories) because I was soaking up the sunshine and time with my family in San Antonio for spring break. One of our favorite activities was a bike tour of the missions and I found myself obsessed with all of the beautiful architecture, especially the doors. What is it about doors that is so fascinating? Is it knowing that these were so lovingly hand carved? Is it thinking about how many people have crossed through them? Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of them and had to stop and admire each one. 

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
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