• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 22, 2012

It’s Somebody’s Birthday…Happy Birthday Vanessa!

MP900313827
From then….
 
To now…
We’ve come a long way together!
Here’s to many more years being sisters!

Happy 36th…er um 20th Birthday Sweet Sister!

I’ve loved you longest, I love you more than you’ll ever know, I’ll love you always….
signature_thumb[5]
Be sure to come back this afternoon to join us for a FABULOUS GIVEAWAY!!!

Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

33 Comments Filed Under: Celebrations, Family, Good Thoughts

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Work Lights Turned Gallery Lighting
Next Post: $50 Kirkland’s Giveaway! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Sisters are so very special!!! One of mine is also Vanessa! Happy Birthday Vanessa! Hope it’s a wonderful one.

    Reply
  2. Miriam@BeBookBound says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    Oh HAPPY BIRTHDAY Vanessa! I hope it’s a beautiful day 🙂

    Reply
  3. Ange says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa! I hope your day is as beautiful as you! Wishing you a year of blessings! Thanks for being so sweet, funny and wonderful. So glad to call you a friend and can’t wait to meet you at Haven!!!

    Reply
  4. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:38 PM

    Oh Happy Happy Birthday!!!!! Hope this is your best day ever. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  5. Ann-Kay says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:43 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa!! Hope you have an amazing day!

    Reply
  6. Eclectically Vintage says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Hope you have a fabulous b-day Vanessa!!
    Here’s to growing old with your sister (just don’t get 40 cats and you’ll be good)!
    Kelly

    Reply
  7. Judy says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa! Hope you have the most wonderful day! So glad to have you and your sister as friends.

    Reply
  8. FABBY'S LIVING says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa!! Have a very special birthday in the company of your loving family and sister! Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  9. Karen says

    February 22, 2012 at 2:55 PM

    Happy Birthday, Vanessa! Hope your day is special. Hugs, Karen

    Reply
  10. reFresh reStyle says

    February 22, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa! I hope you have a wonderful day of celebration, cake eating and whatever your heart desires! Y’all are the sweetest sisters!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

    Reply
  11. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    February 22, 2012 at 3:45 PM

    Happy Birthday my sweet friend! Enjoy your day!!

    Reply
  12. Deserae says

    February 22, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa…..hope it is a special & wonderful day :o)
    ~Des

    Reply
  13. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Happy Birthday to YOU, Happy Birthday to YOUUUUUU, Happy Birthday SWEET Vanessa…Happy Birthday to YOU. I hope you have a fabulous day!!! You deserve it.

    Reply
  14. Kristin says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Aww, what a sweet sentiment for your sister, Heather! Happy birthday Vanessa!!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    February 22, 2012 at 5:43 PM

    Happy birthday, Vanessa!! Your birthday is on our anniversary and I feel really old now because I have been married a year longer that you have lived. My oh my.

    Reply
  16. Suzy says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:02 PM

    Happy birthday, Vanessa!!! Your sweet sister sure must love you a lot – such a sweet birthday wish. I hope you have a wonderful day!

    Reply
  17. michelle says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    Happy Birthday my friend!! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!
    xoxoxo

    Reply
  18. Thoughts for the day says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    Very cute … hope the day is wonderful.

    Reply
  19. Sandy says

    February 22, 2012 at 8:36 PM

    God bless you on your birthday & every day Vanessa!!!
    Thank you to you & your sis for bringing us this wonderful blog!
    xoxo

    Reply
  20. Carol says

    February 22, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Happy, happy birthday to a beautiful baby girl born at 2:54 p.m. on a beautiful day in Ohio 36 years ago. Your sweet little sister, Heather, was so excited to have a new baby sister to play with and soon spent endless hours and years playing together.

    We love you so much Vanessa – now as a woman, wife, mother, sister and daughter.

    Mom and Dad

    Reply
  21. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    February 22, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Aw, I just dropped in to say a quick Happy Birthday and to tell you that I tried your delicious tomato soup recipe the other day … and then I saw your Mom’s comment. Sheesh! As the mother of two little (now grown) daughters myself, I have to go find a Kleenex. From this Nonna to that one: Aren’t we lucky ladies?

    Reply
  22. Anna says

    February 22, 2012 at 9:44 PM

    Happy birthday Vanessa!!!

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  23. Cristina @ RemodelandolaCasa.com says

    February 22, 2012 at 9:45 PM

    Oh how cute your Mom’s message! Have a Wonderful day Vanessa! Happy Birthday!

    Reply
  24. Marianne says

    February 22, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    What a sweet post! Happy Birthday Vanessa..hope you have an awesome day. Don’t forget to do something special for yourself.
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  25. Tammy Henderson says

    February 22, 2012 at 11:54 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa! Have a wonderful day and enjoy!

    Reply
  26. Cindy says

    February 23, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    Happy Birthday!!! You are lucky to be close sisters! I have three and none of them live close to me and I miss them all soooooo much! Sisters are the friends you can argue and fight with and tell secrets to and know that they will always love you!
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  27. Full Circle Creations says

    February 23, 2012 at 1:22 AM

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day! Mine is Friday!

    Holly

    Reply
  28. Linda Young says

    February 23, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    Happy Birthday! You two are the sweetest sisters! Love, Linda

    Reply
  29. Decorating Ideas says

    February 23, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    You two are adorable!

    Reply
  30. Reannah @ {Shaped by Grace} says

    February 23, 2012 at 3:23 AM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa!! I agree – you two are adorable! Hope you have a wonderful day!! xo, Reannah

    Reply
  31. Gina says

    February 23, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa!

    Reply
  32. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    February 23, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Happy Birthday Vanessa…I have three sisters…sisters are great…So glad Heather posted this so we can wish you the best of the best of birthdays!…

    Reply
  33. Debbiedoo's says

    February 24, 2012 at 12:26 AM

    Happy Birthday sweet Vanessa!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic

    Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic
  • A New Podcast

    A New Podcast
  • Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive

    Taking Decorating Thoughts Captive
  • Kids Need Real Answers

    Kids Need Real Answers

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Making the Case for Heirlooms

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Nostalgia is Not an Aesthetic March 21, 2026
  • A New Podcast March 21, 2026
  • An Autumn Home Tour October 9, 2025
  • How to Adapt Your Traditions as Your Kids Get Older December 13, 2024
  • Christmas Home Tour 2024 December 13, 2024

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

Front door wreath….✔️ The very last Christmas dec Front door wreath….✔️

The very last Christmas decorating to be completed and one of the most important since there’s nothing I love more than welcoming people into our home this season.

I bought the wreath for $15 from a wonderful local vendor, reused my favorite bells and added a velvet bow in the color I’m carrying throughout the house this year.

Do you buy a fresh wreath each year or do you use a faux wreath on your front door? 

#frontdoorwreath #christmaswreath #christmasporch
The first day of December and the first Sunday of The first day of December and the first Sunday of advent. As we enter into a month that can be filled with stress, anxiety, worry and even sadness, let us turn our hearts towards the ONE who came as the ultimate, undeserved gift. Because it’s all about Him. 

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” (Corrie Ten Boom)
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Its that time of year again. I share this recipe e Its that time of year again. I share this recipe every November because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be ma It’s that time of year again!! Chex Mix will be made on repeat for the next month and I’ve figured out the secret to getting the BEST flavor.

Want to know what it is? It’s all about being EXTRA! 

Take the base recipe up a notch by using a full stick of butter, extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and an extra 1/2 tablespoon of Lawry’s seasoning salt.

I guarantee you’ll never go back!

You’re welcome. 😉🎄

#chexmix #chexmixupgrade
Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the w Happy Friday!! I limped my way to the end of the week and I’m feeling especially grateful for the twinkling lights around my home which give me so much joy.

The great debate on social media over whether or not Christmas decorations should appear before Thanksgiving is one I just let roll on past me. Because I am so unbelievably thankful for this life, my family, my friends, this country, this home and most of all my Savior. 

Having my home all ready to welcome the next sacred season doesn’t take away one iota from my ability to express gratitude on the official day set aside each year where we do that collectively.

And when the last slice of turkey has been eaten and all of the leftovers put away, I’ll be over here ready to be fully present in the month of December and soak up every bit of it! 🦃🎄
IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures “ IKEA vs Heirlooms: Why we need family treasures

“My children have grown up seeing antique books on a coffee table, vintage toys in their bedrooms and even pieces of furniture that were all passed down from one generation to the next. But as my nest gets closer and closer to being empty, I’m keenly aware of the fact that many of these cherished items might not be as welcome in the homes of future generations.”

*Read the rest over at @cleartruthmedia*
All of my CTM articles are saved in my highlights
Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked Not too long ago, someone told me that they liked it better when I just talked about decorating and didn’t mention anything else. This person preferred me to keep any opinions or convictions to myself and just focus only on content about home decor, crafts and recipes. Aside from the fact that I’m always astonished that people feel so free to say things like that, I do agree that it would be a lot easier and more palatable if I didn’t talk about things like a Biblical Worldview, apologetics and the nature of reality itself. For one thing, Instagram wouldn’t throttle my account with its algorithms that are skewed to diminish voices like mine. It would be much easier to be so tethered to this app that I change everything I post to fit into its preferred framework. I would be asked to be part of influencer groups and activities like I was years ago. But I’m not that person anymore. Yes, the core of this community will always be an emphasis on homemaking which will include decorating and recipes but I can’t separate that from the core of who I am as a follower of Jesus Christ.

It would be so much easier for me to just show you the latest Amazon products I’ve bought and tell you to “comment” to get the links. But I’m not called to take the easy path. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.”

I truly believe that so many have been lulled into thinking that the narrow gate wasn’t really all that narrow. But, it’s never been more obvious that it really is. And every day I seek to stay on that very narrow way.  More than ever before, I believe that our world needs to know that there is objective truth and a solid foundation to stand upon as we navigate our lives. My role as a homemaker is predicated on that foundation and everything else flows out of it. Talking about these things isn’t going to get me lots of views here. 

But I live for an audience of ONE.
The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was The first time we hosted my in-laws for a meal was in 1998. I was a new bride and eager to impress them. It did not go well. Let’s just say there was a bit of a garbage disposal mishap. 

It’s been over 25 years since then and I’ve learned so much about what really matters when it comes to hosting and caring for my family well during the holiday season. 

The peace we long for in our home begins with our hearts. If you want your home to feel more peaceful during the upcoming holiday season, I have five things to consider that will make that not only possible but predictable.

✨ Read the full article over at @club31women ✨

#club31women #wearethehomemakers
Here, in my little corner of social media, you won Here, in my little corner of social media, you won’t find a lot of unboxing of brand new items for Christmas. 

What I’m unboxing are the decorations in the attic that  I’ve had for years and figuring out how to give them a fresh look. I added new lights to an old pre-lit tree that no longer worked because I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I’m putting out a different set of mugs at the hot cocoa station and the advent candles are arranged with greenery from outside.

As our feeds are filled with so.much.stuff, I want to offer you a reprieve. A place where you will find less emphasis on what’s happening in our homes and more on what’s happening in our hearts.

More than ever before, I can see just how much people are needing the hope found in Christ and that will always be the focus here. 

So, while you may not see me unpacking a massive, new tree or telling you to “comment for the link”, what you will see is encouragement to turn our hearts to what matters the most and let that reflect in every corner of our homes this season and all year long. 🌲

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #homemakerschristmas #club31women
Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 At The Picket Fence