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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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    • Featured

January 31, 2011

Launch Party Giveaway Day One. An Ode to TJ Maxx…

It’s Day One of our At The Picket Fence Launch Party! 
That means a giveaway!

An Ode to TJ Maxx
by Vanessa

You are my home away from home.

The calm in my storm.
(unless there are screaming children there, in which case I glare at them and think, “don’t they know that this is MY TJ Maxx? I mean, come on!)
You are so close to my house.
You call out to me and I run…er…drive to you.
When you came to our town I almost cried.
Ok, I did cry.
I’m not ashamed.
You had been so far away before.
But, now you are just over the bridge.
Over the bridge and straight to my heart.
TJ Maxx.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, our first Giveaway is a
 $25 gift card
to my favorite store!

And, it can also be used at Home Goods for all of you who have one close to you and of whom I am incredibly jealous because I have to drive an hour to get to the nearest one.
I digress.
I asked my husband once if he thought it was strange that the employees at TJ Maxx recognize me and ask how my kids are doing.
Doesn’t that happen to everyone?

If I went and grabbed a comforter I could just snuggle in right there and be the first to get my hands on the next shipment of goodies!
Now, would you like to know how to enter our first Giveaway?

We are giving you several options…

(MANDATORY)1. Become a “Follower/Friend” here At the Picket Fence and let us know you are by leaving a comment.
(OPTIONAL)2. Grab our “Launch Party” Button from the sidebar and post it on your blog. Leave a separate comment
(OPTIONAL)3. Blog, Facebook and/or Twitter about our new blog (blogging/facebooking or twittering counts as only one entry). Leave a separate comment.
Giveaway One will be open until midnight EST Sunday, February 6.That’s 3 different ways that you can enter to win the
$25 gift card from TJ Maxx…
Just typing out the name makes my heart go pitter patter!

All giveaways are now closed!

So, come on! What are you waiting for? 



116 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways

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Previous Post: « Come Party With Us…At The Picket Fence!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cricket says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I just became a new follower!!

    Reply
  2. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  3. Melanie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway!

    @ladynole35

    Reply
  4. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    I am a follower and the first part of my post today is all about your new blog (come check it out). You know that Home Goods is my home away from home. I would love to win.

    Reply
  5. Judy says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I added your launch party button to my sidebar.

    Reply
  6. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:15 PM

    I’m your friend/follower on FB! So excited to see what you gals share with us! And Heather, it was so great to see and hear you! I miss you.

    Reply
  7. Le-Ann says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I posted on FB about you!

    Reply
  8. Ashley says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Following along here! Love the new blog! I was just in TJMaxx this weekend and could’ve bought half of the store.

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Love your new blog and yes I am a follower. Love TJMaxx also. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Pattie says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    Judy sent me over glad to be following, sounds like a fun time…..

    Pattie

    Reply
  11. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I’m a follower! I LOVE TJ Maxx! Is the ending date correct? Just wondering! 🙂

    Reply
  12. Red Gate Farm says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    I’m a follower too. I don’t live next to a TJ Maxx but I work 5 minutes (walking) from one 🙂

    ~Chris

    Reply
  13. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜ says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I am a happy follower, and in fact on my way to TJ’s now! My favorite place to shop!

    Reply
  14. Val says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I heard there was a party going on over here….and I’m in LOVE. So happy for you and your sister! I can’t wait to know Heather better!! Of course, I follow! So exciting!!!

    Reply
  15. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa, just signed on as a follower. Love TJ Maxx/ Home goods. They are the same here. The stores here say TJ Maxx and Home Goods. Love those benches you are sitting on.

    Reply
  16. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    Hi Vanessa! I clicked the follow button as soon as I saw your announcement last night!
    TJMaxx, HomeGoods and Marshall’s are my FAVORITE stores and we have several in our area! Lucky me!

    Reply
  17. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    I posted your button to my sidebar!

    Reply
  18. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    I posted about your new blog on Design Fanatic’s facebook page!

    Reply
  19. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    hi there- I’m a new follower! I love the maxx! laura

    Reply
  20. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    hi there- I just added your button to my sidebar. thanks for the partay. laura

    Reply
  21. Patty says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    I am a follower and I have your button in my sidebar on my blog. 🙂
    Have a great day!
    Patty

    Reply
  22. Green Door Girl says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    follower! 🙂

    Reply
  23. Blessed Mommy of 2 says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I’m a follower At the Picket Fence :o)

    Reply
  24. I'm Not a Trophy Wife says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I’m also following you on twitter! laura

    Reply
  25. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    I’m a follower:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  26. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    I’m posting your giveaway button on my sidebar:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  27. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    Congrats Vanessa! What a great idea, you and your sister sharing a blog 🙂 Best of luck with the launch!

    My heart goes pitter patter too over TJ’s, Marshall’s and HG. We have several nearby…too much to handle!

    Reply
  28. Petie@inspirednesting.com says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    Oops, forgot to say “I’m a follower” 🙂

    Reply
  29. Sheri says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    you KNOW if it involves a( a friend and b) TJ MAXX – I mean come on – i’m in there like swimwear!

    Reply
  30. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:12 PM

    I’m a follower! 🙂

    Reply
  31. Jessica Patton says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    And I grabbed your button! Cheers!

    Reply
  32. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I was a follower on Day #l!!!!!!!

    Reply
  33. Honey at 2805 says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    The Launch Party Button is on my sidebar!

    Reply
  34. michelle says

    January 31, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    This is so amazing girls! I love it!!! I am a follower for sure!! Have fun!!

    Reply
  35. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  36. Janet says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I’m a follower!!!

    Reply
  37. Carrie says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I became a follower yesterday! Vanessa you truly inspire me. I can’t believe it was a few years ago that I babysat your little (very much growing!) boy. You have a precious family. I am so excited to learn new things from you and your sister. God Bless!

    Reply
  38. Mary Drummond says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:23 PM

    New follower!

    Reply
  39. redheadsmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    I’m a follower

    Reply
  40. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I am a new follower.

    Reply
  41. Terry says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m a new follower!

    Reply
  42. Tammy@beatrice banks says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I’m your newest follower and look forward to reading this wonderful blog!

    Reply
  43. scrap-n-away says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Congrats on your new blog. I’m a follower

    Reply
  44. craftmom says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    I am a follower of your blog:)

    Reply
  45. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Congratulations on the new blog!! I’m following!

    Reply
  46. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    I tweeted about the giveaway – @tracit1997

    Reply
  47. Traci says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    BTW – I love the sweater you have on in that picture!!!

    Reply
  48. Netters says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I am a follower too!

    Reply
  49. Lori says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    I’m a follower!!

    Lori : )
    Thrifty Decor Mom

    Reply
  50. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Great job on the new blog…so cute!!!

    PS. I almost bought that striped bench you’re snuggling up against…I knew I loved your taste. 😉

    xo
    Julie

    Reply
  51. Alison says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Following happily!

    Reply
  52. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    I’m following along!

    Reply
  53. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    I am following(Michelle-Emerald Cove sent me!)!

    Reply
  54. Erin says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Going on the sidebar!

    Reply
  55. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    Following! I will add a link to your blog on my blog site as well.

    Reply
  56. Jenna Young says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Ok…just saw I needed to post an extra comment… 🙂 Having trouble figuring out how to post your button on my wordpress blog, but I have added your site as a link on mine, if that counts for anything!

    Reply
  57. Jenna says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Facebook sharing as well!

    Reply
  58. Debbi says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Following and excited! I’m a Maxanista!

    Reply
  59. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Hi Vanessa~ Of course I am a follower of your delightful new blog! LOVE THIS~ Will add the button right now to my blog! 🙂

    Reply
  60. Taylor Renee says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    I’m a new follower! TJ Maxx is my favorite!

    Reply
  61. Heidi says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    How fun! Good luck with the blog!

    Following!

    Reply
  62. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I’m a follower. Love your blog!

    Reply
  63. Tonya says

    January 31, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Following you on FB too.

    Reply
  64. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Certainly a follower!:)

    Reply
  65. Pamela says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:03 AM

    Posted about your launch party!

    Reply
  66. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:20 PM

    I’m a follower!

    Reply
  67. Cindy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Launch Party button…on my blog!

    Reply
  68. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    Woohoo! This is a great giveaway! I love TJ Maxx too. I am now a follower! I thought I followed yesterday but I guess i just posted a comment an ran. What can I say, you know I just don’t have my act together, (at all) but I do mean well! LOL! Love the new blog and am totally following now! :)))

    Reply
  69. The Decorative Dreamer says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    I am also happy and honored to display your launch party button on my blog too! That’s entry no. 2 now! Okay??? Wish me luck! :)))

    Reply
  70. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hi Vanessa! Good luck with your new blog. I’ll put your launch notice on CCHs FB page! Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  71. Connie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:00 AM

    I love TJ MAXX! and would love to find a Home Goods Store! I am now a follower!

    Reply
  72. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    I follow you on FB.

    Reply
  73. Jo says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I am new follower and I grabbed the button.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  74. Athena says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:40 AM

    I’m a follower. I just love TJ Maxx!!! This is my one go to store on the mall. Love It!

    Reply
  75. Jodie says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Usually go for the home decor but scored a cute pair of jammies. New to the blog thing. Kind of addicted actually. Love your name!

    Reply
  76. Anita says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    I would definitely love to win a TJ Maxx gift card, but I never win anything, lol!! but I am a new follower. Thanks for stopping by!! I have missed so much lately, I can’t keep up with you!!

    Reply
  77. glhearts says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Email follower

    Reply
  78. Cynthia says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:21 AM

    Hi! I am follower of “At The Picket Fence”…LOVE picket fences so I love the name!
    I am lucky to live close to both a Home Goods and a T.J. Maxx store…yikes!

    Thank you for making this giveaway possible and many blessings and success with your new joint blog!!

    God Bless,
    Cindy

    Reply
  79. Stacey says

    February 1, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    I’m a follower! I live pretty close to a T. J. Maxx store…never been to Home Goods but we are going to Atlanta this weekend & I am shopping til I drop! That was a little off topic…can’t help it I’m excited about my first time at Home Goods! Good luck with your new blog…can’t wait to see what all ya’ll have to show us!

    Reply
  80. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    I am a follower!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  81. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I’m following y’all, via Google, RSS & receiving emails. Looking forward to reading your new blog!

    Reply
  82. Roxanna says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    I liked you on FB!

    roxemor@aol.com

    Reply
  83. Michelle713 says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Ok, I reTweeted for y’all And became a Twitter follower, too.

    Reply
  84. Christie says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    I am following and look forward to all the fun! I will add your button, too!!! That gift card is callin’ my name!!

    Reply
  85. Tausha says

    February 1, 2011 at 5:54 AM

    Pick me,Pick me! Because I too am extremely jealous of all people that live close to a Home Goods. I also have to drive at least an hour to get to one. But TJ max-2 within 20 mins! I am a new follower. Can’t wait to see what other fabulousness you bring our way!

    Reply
  86. Jessica says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    Hi Girls,

    I am a follower and I grabbed your launch button for my blog at http://www.travelingmercies-jessica.blogspot.com

    Great job, ladies!

    Reply
  87. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Oops! Guess I was suppose to come back by to leave a second comment for putting the button on my sidebar! Here I am! 🙂

    Reply
  88. tickled. says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    I just became a new follower! And I TOO heart TJMaxx! fingers crossed I get that GC! 🙂

    ~Lauren
    tickledonline.blogspot.com

    Reply
  89. jkjkjkb says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    I am a new email follower 🙂 Kim B.

    Reply
  90. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Love it! I’m already a follower. I took care of that in the wee hours of Monday morning.

    Now, I’m heading back “home” for a second chance at the giveaway.

    Reply
  91. Debbie says

    February 1, 2011 at 1:04 PM

    Chance number 2: I just posted the launch party button as my button of the week.

    Now, I shouted out the new blog last week when you were just giving hints, but that doesn’t count for chance number 3, does it? Shucks.

    Never mind. I’m going to win anyway.

    Reply
  92. 1 Buddha's Mom says

    February 1, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    I’m following!

    Reply
  93. Traci says

    February 1, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    I am a follower!! I love the idea of two Sisters and one blog! Can’t wait to see what you two are gona be up too!!

    Reply
  94. Barbara says

    February 1, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    count me in as a follower. cannot wait for future articles.

    Reply
  95. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I am now following. Congratulations, girls!

    Reply
  96. Tyla says

    February 1, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    Your launch party button will be added to my sidebar – just as soon as I get done with this comment. 😉

    Reply
  97. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, What would I do without a TJ Maxx? I love that store and my credit card bill proves it! Of course I am following your new blog.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    Reply
  98. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    February 2, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    Hi Guys, I am putting your Launch Party button on my sidebar.

    Reply
  99. Tina says

    February 2, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    I am a follower. I also have an hour drive to the nearest Home Goods, but TJ Maxx is right here in town. I love them both!

    Reply
  100. jdjmcc says

    February 2, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I’m a new follower and I LOVE TJ Maxx!!!
    jdjmcc@aol.com

    Reply
  101. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am a follower and a lover of TJMAXX

    Reply
  102. SavannahGranny says

    February 3, 2011 at 4:40 AM

    I am grabbing your launch button for my sidebar. Hugs, Ginger

    Reply
  103. Callie says

    February 4, 2011 at 3:02 AM

    Newest follower!
    I love TJ MAXX!
    catherine(dot)alley(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  104. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    am now a follower. We are buying a house and going to TJ MAXX would be a great way to decorate!

    Reply
  105. red-headed Wilson's says

    February 4, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    OKay I have also added your button to my blog. 🙂

    Reply
  106. Chandra Chinnis says

    February 4, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I am a follower:)

    Reply
  107. elizabeth says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I’m a follower! Pick me! I live close to TJ’s AND to Home Goods!

    Reply
  108. Katie says

    February 5, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway!! I’m a happy follower!!

    Reply
  109. Katie @ OhhBaby says

    February 5, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I am a new follower!

    Reply
  110. Mom of 2 says

    February 5, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Count in me!

    Reply
  111. Carrie says

    February 6, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    I’m a new follower.

    Reply
  112. Coupons Make Cents says

    February 6, 2011 at 3:59 AM

    I’m a new follower! Check me out at my blog. I love TJ MAxx…they have the best handbags at the best prices. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  113. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I became a follower & friend.
    Christy 🙂

    Reply
  114. Christy says

    February 6, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I facebooked your new blog 🙂

    Reply
  115. Patti says

    February 6, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    I found your site this morning and absolutely love it. I’ve become a follower and look forward to reading your posts.

    Reply
  116. Roxanna says

    February 6, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I am a follower!

    Roxanna

    Reply

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I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 y I've been watching our cherry trees bloom for 12 years now and every year I ohhhh and ahhhh over the blossoms like it's the first time I've ever seen them. I gush and I take photos (that look exactly like the ones I took the year before and the year before that) and I make my family come outside and look at them with me which you know they just LOVE to do. 😉 I think that is one of the main reasons why I love spring so much. On the one hand, it's predictable and yet, on the other hand, it still feels like such a surprise after the long months of barren branches.

And yesterday, as I was staring at the gorgeous blossoms for the umpteenth time, I couldn't help but think that I hope this is how I feel when our lives return to some semblance of normalcy.

I hope that the predictable feels special and that the typical feels anything but. I hope that I ohhh and ahhh over the simple things I've realized I've taken for granted. And, most of all, I hope that feeling doesn't go away for a very, very long time! 💗
Are you living with great expectation friends? Bec Are you living with great expectation friends? Because He is risen!

Happy Easter from my home to yours!
Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to Lemon bars all ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a different kind of Easter for sure but some things don’t change. Have you been baking and getting ready for tomorrow? What’s one thing on your menu that you have to have every year?
If this is Good Friday, why doesn’t it feel so “good”? It all seems backward doesn’t it?

What could be good about the unspeakable pain he suffered? What could be good about the shame and betrayal?

Easter Sunday is so joyful, bright and cheery. Shouldn’t that be the day we call “good”? It just feels so much better!

But, I don’t know how to rejoice over His resurrection, unless I have felt the pain of His death. I have realized that in life the sweetest victories are the ones which were realized after a pain-filled journey.

And, so it is with Good Friday. I know there will be victory over death, but I can’t skip ahead in the story.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew what he would experience. And he knew why he would go through it. He did it for me. He did it for you.

Do you know that? Have you felt it down in the very core of your soul? 
Sometimes it makes me squirm a bit. Why would anyone do that for me?

Well, because, I can’t do it for myself!

There is nothing I can do to earn that kind of love and mercy.

That is why it is called GRACE.

His grace is freely given. We don’t have to pay for it. He paid the price for us already.

Do you remember that movie from years ago called “Ransom”? A couple’s young son was kidnapped and the parents went to hell and back trying to find him and pay the “ransom” demanded by the kidnappers.

Well, Jesus is our “ransom”. (1 Timothy 2:6) His life was the payment.

Why is it called “Good Friday”? Because that wasn’t the end of the story….
.
…It was just the beginning!
Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house Raise your hand if there’s a table in your house that’s become the landing zone for ALL THE THINGS! 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪 I’ve never been more thankful for our rarely used dining room table as it’s become command central for school books and laptops and games.

Where are things collecting in your house right now?
“Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every si “Sighing, tears, frustration, anger.” Every single one of these emotions has made their way through our home in recent days and, my guess is, they have in your home too.

I SO needed this reminder today from the new book ‘Adore’ by @sarahagertywrites.

Adoration isn’t just sitting at His feet gazing longingly with stars in my eyes. It’s bringing my fears and my sorrows and gray roots in my hair that desperately needs to be colored and my messy house and all of the things that threaten to send me over the edge right now and laying them down before Him, soaking up His word and His presence so that when I stand back up, I am changed for having spent the time adoring the ONE who is... Healer, comforter, peace-giver, deliverer, redeemer.

What do you need to bring to Him today? I’ll share mine in the comments and I’d love to hear from you too!
I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole I’ve always loved evenings, but since this whole lockdown thing began, I’ve come to appreciate this time of day even more.

It feels the most...normal. Daytime is strange and foreign right now. My husband has taken over our home office, I’m suddenly taking over the responsibility of managing my kids’ distance learning and let me just say that teaching 7th grade algebra to my daughter is hugely ironic since I struggled with math all the way through school. I’m trying to do my own work but it feels utterly futile with the constant interruptions which take precedence right now. In the daytime, I’m constantly reminded of how upside down life feels.

But, in the evening, I cook dinner like I’ve always done and we gather around the table like we’ve always done and we laugh and tell stories and then clean up and play games or go on a walk or watch a show. And that feels SO gloriously normal.

So now I love evenings even more than I ever did before and I’m so grateful for this little chunk of time where the rhythms we established years ago are helping to sustain us now when so much of life feels outside of our control.

What feels ‘normal’ to you right now? Whatever it is, keep doing it. 🌿
When I was in college I would frequently call home When I was in college I would frequently call home and pour my heart out to my mom, sharing with her all that was happening in my life in that completely unfiltered way that you can talk with the person who potty trained you. These phone calls usually took place at night and my mom would patiently listen as I vented frustrations about professors, roommates, boyfriends and the food in the cafeteria. And, inevitably, they would end with my mom saying, “Everything seems worse when you’re tired. Try not to overthink things or make any major decisions tonight, especially when you are feeling emotional.” Dear friends, may I pass along this advice to you today?

If you don’t absolutely HAVE to make a decision right now, I want to encourage you to wait until life gets back to normal. If you are finding yourself over-analyzing relationships and family dynamics, I want to encourage you to remember that everything seems more dramatic when looked at under a microscope. And, let’s face it, being homebound with our loved ones non-stop makes us all feel like lab rats in an experiment.

If you are tempted to quit a job, start a business, start homeschooling permanently, stop homeschooling permanently, move to a new city, buy a farm, quit pursuing your dream, join a commune or make any other major life decision just…wait. Because, if it is in fact the right decision, it will be made even clearer once our lives return to their ‘regularly scheduled programming’. Instead, in this strange season, let’s all just take a deep, collective breath and let it out slowly, releasing the anxiety that threatens to overtake us. Let’s help each other maintain some perspective and not slip into a posture of over-thinking every little thing in our lives. Let’s remember that the enemy of our souls would love nothing more than to use this time when things feel dark to manipulate us into thinking that aspects of our lives are worse than they actually are.

My prayer for you in these days is that you will have the clarity to know what is true and that you will be filled with peace even while we live in this season of so many unknowns.
Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking thes Raise your hand if you’re doing more baking these days! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m trying to avoid gaining the #corona15 but my daughter and I LOVE baking together and it does help to pass the time plus it counts as a science lesson right?

If you’re able to find flour in the stores (for the love people please stop overbuying!) and you’re doing more baking at your house too you need to add this apricot bread to your list of new recipes to try!

Normally I’d point you to my blog for the directions but I’m going to do you a solid and leave the full recipe in the comments.

What have you baked so far during this time of social distancing? I’d love some new ideas!
There are a LOT of people out walking in our neigh There are a LOT of people out walking in our neighborhood right now (but still social distancing!) and she decided that she wanted to bring them some joy and put a smile on their face when they pass by our house. Also, the square with ‘say no to coronavirus’ is priceless. 😂 I just love her so much!
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