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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

October 18, 2013

$500 Maine Cottage Gift Card Giveaway

 

What if you could pick one room in your home and completely start over?

You had a clean slate….a blank canvas just waiting to be filled…

…you could go crazy with colors and not worry about how they blended in with the rest of your home….or you could decide it was time to neutralize and embrace a more subtle sensibility with natural tones and textures.

What would you do?

$500 Maine Cottage Gift Card giveaway from Atthepicketfence.com

We’re so excited to be bringing you an awesome giveaway today from Maine Cottage. An online furniture store like no other! Where each piece is made to order and perfect for adding some cottage charm to your home. With loads of fabric choices, beautiful accessories for every room and, of course, gorgeous furniture, there is truly something for everyone here!

We thought it would be fun for each of us to put together a dream room using some of the pieces from Maine Cottage. We’re picking rooms where we would want to start fresh. Rooms where we could just have fun and fill the blank canvas with whatever our hearts desired!

Heather is going to show how she would decorate her office and Vanessa’s going to show how she would transform her dining room.

 Heather’s dream Office Makeover:

There’s something fun about planning a room makeover from scratch! Although, I’ve finished many of the rooms in my new home…the office is still empty, except for a few stray boxes.  I thought it would be fun to do a virtual makeover of this space, revolving around a cheerful color combination of blues, yellows and ivory!

Main Cottage Office Makeover paint and fabric swatches

Furniture Colors:

Sun
True Blue
Ivory

Fabric Choices:

Mayflower: Ivory
Tweet Suite: True Blue

Lucky Leaf in Sun

Based on this fun and bright color combination, I put together this design board for my new office:

Main Cottage Office Makeover Design Board
The office makeover revolves around the Low Tide Desk, in this fun and playful blue! If you’ve seen my new house, you know I’m crushing on blue right now..and have a variation of blue in every room.

Low Tide Blue Desk

…and I love this fun Jack Dining Room Chair.  I like a nice upholstered chair at my desk,  it’s so much more comfortable!

UP6525

Of course every office needs a comfy occasional chair, like the Mason in this darling fabric Tweet Suite , for guests or to just sit and read a book.
UP1925

The fun part of any room makeover is accessorizing! Main Cottage has lots of beautiful coastal accessories to add the perfect finishing touch to any room. 

Main Cottage Office Makeover Design Board accessories

I’m ready to get going on my office makeover…and feel so inspired by Main Cottage design boards! 

And now, here’s Vanessa’s jumping off point for her imaginary dining room makeover:

I live in the Pacific NW and if there’s one thing we need in our homes it’s bright and cheerful colors! I was inspired by this warm and beautiful color palette when I was thinking about how I would redecorate my dining room. 

fabric and paint collage

Furniture Colors:

Sun
Petal

Fabric and Paint Choices:

Sprout
Rambler Sun
Zinnia

Based on this fun and cheerful color combination above, I put together this design board for my imaginary new dining room. It’s definitely more casual than my current dining room and I can see it being a place for my family to gather together for many a relaxed evening around the big barn wood table. 

Maine Cottage dining room makeover

The room really comes together around this fabulous Jill Dining Chair in a colorful pattern.

jill dining tweet sun

And I had so much fun adding pops of color throughout the “room” with fun accessories!

dining room makeover accessories board

We’re teaming up with 3 other bloggers to bring you this fabulous giveaway from Main Cottage!  Check out the rooms created by Kim from Sand and Sisal, Beth from Home Stories A to Z and Jessica from Four Generations One Roof.

Thanks to the generous folks at Maine Cottage, one lucky winner will receive a $500 Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and thanks so much for joining us today At the Picket Fence!

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118 Comments Filed Under: Giveaways, Sponsored Tagged With: decorating, Giveaway

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tara Campbell says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    I love love love the Margret bench!

    Reply
  2. Sandy says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:53 AM

    Heather’s choice of the low tide desk is what I have been searching for to use in my office.

    Reply
  3. LisaAlso says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:58 AM

    I’m crushing on the Sagamore Server, but also the Violet Mussel Lamp. Wait! There’s also….

    Reply
  4. ruthann says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    The low tide table is awesome! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  5. Kim H says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:28 AM

    Love, love, love the Low Tide Table!

    Reply
  6. Martha Franks says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:29 AM

    LOve the Jack and Jill chairs! Would love to win this giveaway!

    Reply
  7. Stormie says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:30 AM

    Love the striped boccee lamps, beautiful!

    Reply
  8. Judy D says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Love it all!

    Reply
  9. Ellie says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    I love the Island Wardrobe in pear!

    Reply
  10. Myla says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:36 AM

    Love Maine Cottage products. And thanks for the awesome contest.

    Reply
  11. Christine W says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    ohhhh….anything shown would make my little cottage just dreamy! My cottage just screams “gimmee gimmee”!

    Reply
  12. Ashley Rane Sparks says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:37 AM

    It’s hard to choose just one room! I think I would do the master bedroom..I have struggled to piece that together from the beginning.
    Thanks for sharing!
    So fun!
    Ashley Rane Sparks

    Reply
  13. Sharon B. says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:39 AM

    I love the Alice baskets in the blue/green colours. It would be really hard to decide exactly which colour to get, they are all so beautiful.

    Reply
  14. Emily Miller says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    I love the cottage look! All of the colors are so cheery!

    Reply
  15. kathy says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    I love the low tide table and the storage cart!

    Reply
  16. Tami says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:47 AM

    Beautiful furniture! Love the fun fabrics!

    Reply
  17. Patty Lucas says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    Love the table and the mirror and the lamps and the chairs – I LOVE everything. Can’t wait to go to their website.

    Reply
  18. Sara says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    My family room needs some serious work! I love the stowaway shelf for behind the couch (my cookbooks need a home). Thanks for a great giveaway!

    Warmly,
    Sara

    Reply
  19. Terrye Holcomb says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    It’s too hard to choose one category or item, but that low tide desk is just perfect!

    Reply
  20. Debi Drace says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    Master bedroom!! Love the items in blue and beige and that would be the color scheme for me.

    Reply
  21. Kim says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:04 AM

    The Charlie Buffet and Hutch would be a great addition to my kitchen….love!!!

    Reply
  22. Lori Lawson says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    I love the Frances coffee table!!

    Reply
  23. Karen says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:07 AM

    Love Main Cottage! I’ve had my eye on new dining chairs. These are great!

    Reply
  24. Jan G. says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    love, love the colors and want the barn wood table and Mason chair very much!

    Reply
  25. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    I love the whole first board for our “new” Mountain Cottage!I have 6 rooms that I have a blank slate from which to create!

    Reply
  26. Cindy says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:12 AM

    Wow, I would love TWO Evy Swivel Gliders to go in front of our kitchen fireplace when the remodel is finished!
    Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    Reply
  27. Leatha says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    This is such a wonderful inspiration! I love all these colors & I can just envision a redo of my living room!

    Reply
  28. Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:15 AM

    That first link to maincottage.com didn’t work, but the 2nd one did. Both go to maincottage.com, so I don’t know if it’s just me.

    Reply
  29. Nichole says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    That buffet hutch would be perfect in our made-over kitchen!

    Reply
  30. Sheila Stevens Moore says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    Love the low tide table…..love everything actually!

    Reply
  31. Karen says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Loooove Maine Cottage….thanks so much for the opportunity to win:)

    Reply
  32. Deborah Wilkins says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:32 AM

    Love the blues! Right up my alley! Thank you for your wonderful blog and the opportunity to win.

    Reply
  33. Jo @ Let's Face the Music says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I have a new room to decorate and I’m really excited. Wouldn’t it be great to have brand new furniture. I like the Wilton skirted sofa which I would definitely use in my old living room. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music

    Reply
  34. Katie f says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    I love the low tide hall table

    Reply
  35. Zolane says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:39 AM

    I’d love ANYTHING from Maine Cottage! Their products are so fresh and cheery – they just make you happy 🙂 Thanks so much for the gift card opportunity!

    Reply
  36. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    What a great giveaway! I love the low tide table, but I really love it all!

    Reply
  37. Mary says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    The Mason chair “calls” me to sit a while, relax, and enjoy catching up on my favorite blogs, like ‘At The Picket Fence’. It looks SO comfortable.

    Reply
  38. mymosk says

    October 18, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I did not see anything I didn’t like! I did fall in love with the Mason chair in the tweet fabric. Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  39. Jennifer H. says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    The sofas and the wicker items!

    Reply
  40. John H. says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:21 AM

    I like the stow-a-away cabinet.

    Reply
  41. Susan says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    I LOVE everything Maine Cottage offers….everything! My favorite today is the Mason chair. I see myself curled up on that chair reading the Sunday newspaper!!

    Reply
  42. Erica E says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    The Bay double window seat would work our great for my family room.

    Reply
  43. Val says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    Anna Sleeper Sofa!

    Reply
  44. Heather B says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    I absolutely love the Small Island Bookshelf and the Bay Single Window Seat with Cushion.

    Reply
  45. tina small says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    The Fiddle End Table is darling

    Reply
  46. Debi says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    I could see all types of potentials for my living room. The furniture I have is 20+ years old. I’m ready.

    Reply
  47. Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs says

    October 18, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Love the Great Island Bookshelf with doors….so many great colors to choose from!

    Reply
  48. Tracy S. says

    October 18, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    Fantastic colors and I love that you can customize your fabrics and such! LOVE!!!

    Reply
  49. Steph says

    October 18, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    Love the Low Tide desk and the Stow Away Shelf

    Reply
  50. Valerie says

    October 18, 2013 at 10:56 AM

    I love the Nellie double dresser!

    Reply
  51. Rhonda R. says

    October 18, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the dining room makeover!! The Jill dining chairs with the barnwood table is a perfect pick!!

    Reply
  52. Theresa says

    October 18, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    I would love to redo the basement. I painted upstairs last spring so the rooms got refreshed. Can’t afford new furniture. I love the stowaway cabinet–would be great
    for storing craft projects in progress.

    Reply
  53. Jenny says

    October 18, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    LOVE that Low Tide Desk!!!

    Reply
  54. brittany says

    October 18, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    the Charlie Buffet Hutch is smashing!! love love love!!

    Reply
  55. Ellen Price says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:00 PM

    I love the Celia dining table! Beautiful!

    Reply
  56. Pamela H. says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    Oh, my. Just love the Mason chair — looks so comfy!

    Reply
  57. Brandi says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:33 PM

    nice stuff!

    Reply
  58. Pat S says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    I have loved Maine Cottage furniture and accessories for years. Fresh colors and style really reflect contemporary New England. Great designers!!!!!

    Reply
  59. Connie says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    I need the Cape Hatteras rug!

    Reply
  60. Martha says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    I so love the Blanche Sofa!

    Reply
  61. Julianne says

    October 18, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    I LOVE everything, but have to pick the Julianna Bed!!

    Reply
  62. Susanne says

    October 18, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    I love everything, but the Alex chair is my favorite. Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply
  63. Judy says

    October 18, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    I love everything. The Mason chair is absolutely awesome. Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  64. Babette says

    October 18, 2013 at 8:57 PM

    Wow, really love both of these design boards. Love the bocce table lamps.

    Reply
  65. Julie N says

    October 19, 2013 at 3:16 AM

    I’d accessorize like crazy with this prize!

    Reply
  66. Suzi says

    October 19, 2013 at 4:30 AM

    heather i think you just designed my new studio/office! i love the colors too. don’t you maybe want to come to sunny so fl this winter and do my room for me? 😉

    Reply
  67. Kara says

    October 19, 2013 at 4:52 AM

    Ok, I got sidetracked by the accessories and fell in love with the really rosy milk scarf! Also loved their hooks and bookshelves,

    Reply
  68. Debbie says

    October 19, 2013 at 5:07 AM

    I admit that I’m new to Maine Cottage. I love the style. I will try to vie for the win, but I usually do these things incorrectly.

    Reply
  69. Linda says

    October 19, 2013 at 5:20 AM

    Ooooh—drooling over the Camille Ottoman! (Hope it’s stain resistant.). 🙂

    Reply
  70. Lisa says

    October 19, 2013 at 5:23 AM

    Loved it!! The colors that Heather picked for her dream office are the colors I just painted my bedroom and masterbath!! They all work so well together!!

    Reply
  71. Dori says

    October 19, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    It would be hard to choose from their great stuff but I really want to redo my living room!

    Reply
  72. Deborah says

    October 19, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    Love your picks, and would love to win the gift certificate!

    Reply
  73. Karen Ploransky @ The Decorated Nest says

    October 19, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Loving the Wilton Skirted Sofa in stone washed linen natural fabric! gorgeous

    I have been loving blues for the last 36 years–all shades!

    Reply
  74. Jane @ See Jane Learn says

    October 19, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    All your decorating choices from Maine Cottage were pretty! I would LOVE to own a Mason chair of my own…30 years of marriage and I’ve never had that kind of pretty upholstered chair. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply
  75. Margaret says

    October 20, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Love the Nellie two over four drawer dresser!

    Reply
  76. Sam says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Love the striped boccee table lamps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  77. Karen says

    October 20, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    I would love to have the Harold Square Coffee Table for my back porch.
    Thanks,
    Karen
    lemontart5kb at gmail dot com

    Reply
  78. Erin K. says

    October 20, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    I love the Eloise Wingback Chair. It would look wonderful in my parlor!

    Reply
  79. Lauren says

    October 20, 2013 at 11:51 AM

    I like the Audrey chaise!

    Reply
  80. Maria S. says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:25 PM

    Love the Jill chair!!

    Reply
  81. Natasha says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:26 PM

    I love the Bay Coffee Table!!

    Reply
  82. Deb says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    The jill chair rocks!!!! Love the color as shown…its so beautiful!

    Reply
  83. Eileen Shultis says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:44 PM

    Love that Mason chair – the fabric is adorable! And the Barn wood dining table – love it!!

    Reply
  84. Brenda Harrison says

    October 20, 2013 at 4:46 PM

    I absolutely love the low tide table in blue! And the occasional chair and the other chair, and, and, and…..

    Reply
  85. rust says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:06 PM

    Madeline Dining Table

    Reply
  86. Paige Ochsner says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    I love all the new colors out now. I can’t wait until our home is built so I can use some of these colors.

    Reply
  87. Brenda says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    Love the low tide desk!

    Reply
  88. Jennifer says

    October 20, 2013 at 5:51 PM

    I love the Windsor Arm Chair

    Reply
  89. mary anne says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    Round bay mirror but truly everything is gorgeous.

    Reply
  90. Joanie says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    What fun furnishings. I love the Low Tide Hall Table.

    Reply
  91. Karen says

    October 20, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    I would love to start with the tweet suite chair in my computer room.

    Reply
  92. April M says

    October 20, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    I like the Dory bookshelf.

    Reply
  93. robin pichelmayer says

    October 20, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    wow!!! Alex tall chair!!!

    Reply
  94. Donna Hamlin says

    October 20, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    My heart seriously skipped many beats when I was looking at your dream makeover – it took my breath away… oh goodness – the colors and prints are absolutely gorgeous! ~sigh~

    Reply
  95. Kimberly Sneed says

    October 20, 2013 at 10:47 PM

    LOVE this media center! https://www.mainecottage.com/island-media-center.html

    Reply
  96. Kat says

    October 21, 2013 at 5:01 AM

    love that low tide desk!

    Reply
  97. Michelle says

    October 21, 2013 at 8:34 AM

    My absolute favorite would be the Margaret Bench in Bark. I also could see two Audrey chairs in my bedroom with the Dilly Clay fabric. Thank you for a great giveaway.
    Blessings,
    Michelle

    Reply
  98. Kelly says

    October 21, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    I like the barnwood table – thanks for a chance to win!

    Reply
  99. Tracy Hilker says

    October 21, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    this is wicked adorable!!!! It just popped up on my facebook and I’m glad it did!!

    Reply
  100. Teresa Perkins says

    October 21, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    Adore the Savannah lamps!

    Reply
  101. Heather says

    October 21, 2013 at 11:49 AM

    Wow, beautiful, fresh style! I would love the Cape Hatteras rug (among other things) as it would really liven up our family room.

    Reply
  102. Jen S. says

    October 21, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    The Low Tide Hall Table is Awesome! I love the boards you came up with!

    Reply
  103. Erika W. says

    October 21, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    I love the June glass lamp!

    Reply
  104. Mia says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    I love the octopus throw pillow in the marine blue color!

    Reply
  105. Michele says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Love the blue Mason chair AND the stowaway shelf!

    Reply
  106. Michele says

    October 21, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    Love the Mason chair and Stowaway Shelf.

    Reply
  107. Renee hallstrom says

    October 21, 2013 at 3:08 PM

    Mason. Chair and stowaway shelf

    Reply
  108. shelly says

    October 21, 2013 at 4:19 PM

    Would love the buffet hutch for my kitchen.

    Reply
  109. Ellen says

    October 21, 2013 at 4:23 PM

    Love the office board. Blue and yellow are my favorite colors.

    Reply
  110. Ashley H says

    October 21, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    I like the small stow away shelf.

    Reply
  111. Lori says

    October 21, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    The colors in the Jil dining chair are right up my alley. The fabric would look spectacular in my dinning room that I am painting 2 shades darker of the yellow that is there. Love all the color choices. 🙂

    Reply
  112. Donna Craig says

    October 23, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    I love your colors!

    Reply
  113. Peg Hill says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    I love, love, love the Charlie Buffet and Hutch!

    Reply
  114. Christina @ The Frugal Homemaker says

    October 24, 2013 at 7:49 PM

    Love the stowaway shelf!

    Reply
  115. Susan @ The Little Bird says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    The Round Bay Mirror is gorgeous!

    Reply
  116. Vicky bright says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    Striped bocce balls

    Reply
  117. Carla Atkins says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:22 PM

    I definitely love the Big Cay Desk in Bluebell! I so need a new office desk…and office makeover! The Striped Bocce table lamps would be perfect, too! So many beautiful things to choose from 🙂

    Reply
  118. Paige Gonzalez says

    October 24, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    I love the Charlie Buffet and Hutch! I don’t know where it would go but I love it!

    Reply

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This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most We had two back to back days of sunshine (the most we’ve had in a LONG time) and now we are back to pouring rain. This has officially confirmed what I’ve know to be true for awhile now.

I’m a MUCH better version of myself when the sun is shining! 🤪 So I’ll just be over here today plotting and planning how my husband and I can be snowbirds someday when the kids are out of the house.

If you could spend your winters (and apparently most of spring too!) in any part of the country, where would it be?
Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of Happy weekend sweet friends!! We’ve had a LOT of rain lately (which is saying something when you live in Oregon) and I’ll admit that it’s affecting my moods a bit. I feel like I’m dragging and struggling to find the energy to get stuff done. So don’t mind me if I’m over here looking at photos of my garden in the summertime and finding that it keeps me hopeful about those days to come. They will come, right?! 🤪. 

What are your favorite plants that you look forward to seeing in the summer?
We’re going to be giving our laundry room a make We’re going to be giving our laundry room a makeover soon. It’s LONG overdue! In fact, the folks from the counter company were just here taking measurements. While we have made some simple, inexpensive updates over the years, it still has many of the original elements from when the house was built in 1992.

Two of our bathrooms are also in need of major makeovers. And we’ve saved up enough money over the years to tackle those projects. But, for the most part, we made the decision to use the bulk of that money in another way. While we knew that it was financially wise to invest in our house, we also knew that the greatest investment we could make was in our children. 

I’ll admit, there are times where I see other people doing massive overhauls of their entire home in a matter of months and I feel a prick of envy. But, we decided that if our choice was between waiting a bit longer to enjoy a renovated bathroom or going on adventures as a family, we would choose adventures every time. And we don’t regret that decision for a single second. It’s not that we haven’t tackled home projects (we’ve done a lot!). It’s just that it’s been a slow and steady process. 

Most recently, we let our son pick where we would travel for spring break since this is his senior year of high school and we are trying to make up for lost time. With so much of life ‘paused’ for two years, we have appreciated these moments more than ever. And, since he’ll be heading to college in the fall, we are very aware of how important it is to spend this time together while we still have a modicum of control over everyone’s schedules.

We have many years left to remodel our home but only so much time left to make memories with our children.

And, while I’m always happy to look around my home and see rooms that are updated and more reflecting of our style, it doesn’t compare to the joy I feel when I look around my home and see the people I love the most who have been shaped by the many adventures we’ve experienced together.
Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and h Happy Saturday!! After endless days of rain (and hail and snow) we are finally getting some sunshine and warmer temperatures. I’ll be honest, it’s really affected my spirits having one gloomy day after the next. So this is a much needed reprieve. Our cherry trees are showing off outside my kitchen window and we plan to get outside and make the most of these days while we have them.

What’s the weather like where you are?
“The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and “The devil, darkness, and death may swagger and boast, the pangs of life will sting for a while longer, but don’t worry; the forces of evil are breathing their last. Not to worry…HE’S RISEN!” (Charles R. Swindoll).

Happy Easter! He is risen indeed!
Who has believed our message? And to whom has the Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

For he grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; he has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to him.

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, he was despised, and we did not esteem him. Surely our griefs he himself bore, and our sorrows he carried; yet we ourselves esteemed him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

But he was pierced through for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon him, and by his scourging we are healed.

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him. (Isaiah 53)
I try to always remember to put a water bottle in I try to always remember to put a water bottle in my car before I go to pick up my daughter from school. She didn't ask me to do this, but a few months ago I began to notice that she was often thirsty when she would get in the car. Her water bottle filled up at the beginning of the day was empty by the time school got out and she would ask if she could have some water from my hydroflask. So I make sure to have one waiting for her. It's just a simple thing, really. But, I want her to know that I'm paying attention, that I see her.

Isn't it amazing how small gestures can make us feel less invisible? Knowing that someone is thinking of us and takes the time to meet a need that we might not have even realized we had? These little acts can have big impacts. What is something that someone has done for you recently that made you feel valued and seen?

What have you done for someone else to remind them that you are paying attention to their needs?

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens
“The next day the large crowd that had come to t “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ – John 12:9-19
#palmsunday
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!
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