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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

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July 27, 2011

My $2 .47 Chandelier…

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Okay so technically it wasn’t $2.47 since at one point several years ago I did actually purchase this chandelier and I will have to buy a new one for the dining room BUT I can pretend that for the moment I was able to get a “new” chandelier for my kitchen remodel for the cost of a bottle of metallic craft paint.
Since we purchased our home a little over 5 years ago, I have been the proud owner of what I think might possibly be one of the ugliest builder grade chandeliers I have ever seen.  Seriously.  Even Bama Boy was asking when we could get rid of it, and he could care less about anything home décor related.
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It looks like it might fly off to another planet or something.  Kind of “space shipish” don’t ya think? bleh.  With my ongoing kitchen remodel I knew at some point (and sooner rather than later) this chandelier was going to need to move onto greener pastures….like onto somebody with an affinity for the early 90’s.
Now here’s the rub.  When we first moved into our house we did not have a formal dining room set.  Therefore, I purchased a small chandelier for the dining room since we had a very small table in there.  Fast forward a few years and now we own a lovely, large formal dining table and above it hung what was now a too small light fixture.
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But…it happened to be the perfect size for over my kitchen table….just not the right color.  I am using oiled bronze light fixtures in my kitchen for a contrast with all of the white that is going in there. 
Instead of the brushed silver, I was going for a finish more like this…
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The color in this lovely ceiling medallion that I picked up at Lowe’s on clearance for a whopping…
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Gosh I love a good bargain!

We had a dilemma though, Bama Boy was out of town when I got my hair brained idea to switch out the chandeliers.  But not hell, nor high water, nor the lack of a man around was going to stop me from getting a new chandelier in my kitchen once I’d made my decision!  Power off and I was ready to get the flying saucer out of my kitchen and into the garage sale pile.  Then I affixed the ceiling medallion to…well the ceiling and wired in the new chandelier. 

All. By. Myself. grin!
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Here you can really see the difference in finishes I was working with…oh and you can also see my new black countertops…grin! I love them…sigh…post coming soon on those I promise!

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My next step was to pull out the paint brushes and this lovely metallic paint I picked up at Hobby Lobby.
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I purchased the large bottle of bronze metallic paint for..yep you guessed it $2.47 and already had the other paints on hand.  By the way, this was WAY too big of a bottle.  I think I maybe used 1/4 of it.  I proceeded to hand paint the entire chandelier. Now you might be asking why I didn’t just spray paint it with oiled bronze paint and call it a day.
Well, I have several good reasons. One, it’s darn hot here right now and I was afraid the paint would dry too quickly with possible runs and drips… and let’s face it I loathe being outside DIYing when there’s a heat emergency in effect. Two, I didn’t want to have to tape off all of the other components of the chandelier so I could spray it. And, three I knew by hanging the chandelier and then painting it, I could get it all painted at one time and it could dry while hanging, resulting in a nice clean finish, and last I wanted to be able to add some depth and variations with multiple colors.
I don’t have any “in progress” photos since Bama Boy, who’s my trusty “in action” photographer, was out of town but would you like to see the final results?
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I was pleased how well I was able to match my paint job with the paint color of the ceiling medallion
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Pretty close wouldn’t you say?
By using a little black enamel paint laying around and some espresso metallic paint I already had I was able to get some great variations in the paint color
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Painting metal is always a little scary, until you see the final results.  Even up close it’s hard to tell this chandelier was ever NOT bronze.
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So whatcha think?
2011 07 221
Better? Yep…most definitely!
Now here’s my question for you… shades or no shades?
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I feel like it’s missing something but I know the “no shade” look is popular right now.  If I use shades, I’m thinking simple plain shades, nothing pleated.  What are your thoughts my design gurus?
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Hope you’ll stick with us for just a second more, for two more things we want to share with you!
First, we want to take a moment to welcome our newest sponsor of At The Picket Fence
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The Old Block House Vintage Home Décor has the loveliest vintage items! We want to invite you to hop on over and pay this fabulous Etsy Shop a visit! The Blue Mason Jars are swoon worthy! Thank you for taking the time to visit our sponsors!
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And last, but certainly not least…6 months ago today we launched At The Picket Fence! Has it *really* only been 6 months?! We were welcomed with open arms as y’all embraced our joint venture! We weren’t sure how this whole co-blogging thing would work, but the two of us couldn’t be more pleased with how much fun we are having! We want to say a big huge THANK YOU to the over 1,128 (to be exact….grin) registered followers of our little blog (and also to those who just hop on to join us occasionally), to our 624 Facebook Friends, and our almost 200 Twitter Friends! We APPRECIATE you and your support of At The Picket Fence! We hope we have been able to give back just a little to you through our writing, projects, tutorials and Inspiration Friday a portion of the HUGE blessings you’ve given to us! Here’s to the next 6 months and all of the exciting things we know are in store for At The Picket Fence!
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This post is partying at:
DIY Showoff: Project Parade
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
DIY by Design: Sizzle Into Summer
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesdays
Home Stories A 2 Z: Tutorials and Tips Tuesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Fridays Unfolded
Quilted Euphoria: Weekly Wow Me Party

62 Comments Filed Under: Decorating, Good Ideas, Kitchen Remodel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    Your new chandelier looks awesome! So much better!!! Regarding the shades, buy some at Lowe’s or HD and try them out. If you don’t like them, just return them. Even if you don’t like the ones at the big box stores, they will still help you see if you’d like any shade on your chandelier. Then if you like the line they create, find some online or in your travels.

    Reply
  2. Traci says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Heather, this is amazing!! It looks fabulous!!!! I’m so impressed that you installed it yourself. We’ve replaced almost all of the light fixtures in our house & it’s just not something I could do by myself.

    Reply
  3. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    I love it!! Great job matching the color, and yes, the other one did look rather Close-Encounter-ish.
    I would put shades on it.

    Reply
  4. ⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜@ Debbiedoos blogging and blabbing says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    Ta da! Looks fantastic, and what a deal girl! Love the paint colors too, very rustic and elegant!

    Reply
  5. Catie says

    July 26, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Great job Heather. It looks fabulous!!

    And congratulations to both you and Jenna! I can’t believe how well you’ve done in only 6 monhts. Continued success to you! You’re both soo sweet and deserve the best. Cheers!! : ) ~ Catie

    Reply
  6. Honey at 2805 says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Looks great! And I do agree that the old one looks a bit UFO-ish.

    Reply
  7. Cathy Curry says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Beautiful work! Looks like a brand new fixture from the showroom.

    Reply
  8. Gloria Fox @ Potentially Beautiful says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    It looks wonderful! I agree with Pam, try some shades out, you can always take them back. Also, I think maybe the candle stick part of the light (not sure what they are called) is such a huge contrast being so white, maybe that’s why it looks a little off. I have covered them with scrapbook paper before to match the chandy makeover and it worked great.

    Reply
  9. At The Picket Fence says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:20 PM

    Seriously Heather this looks soooo incredible!!! I know I just told you on the phone how much I love it but I was looking at it again and it is truly gorgeous! I love getting to see your transformations and it would only be better if I could pop on over to your house and see it, and you, in person. 🙂
    Love you,
    Your sister

    Reply
  10. Le-Ann says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Hey friend! I love how it turned out! And, I saw this project the other day that would be perfect for it if you decided against shades. https://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2010/03/pure-style-project-9-how-to-make-wax.html

    Le-Ann

    Reply
  11. Holly Kennedy says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    Fantastic transformation! I love it! I think it looks great with no shades! The white candle sticks stand out a bit, so maybe you could wrap them in jute? Or burlap? Or burlap AND jute! Or…okay, you get the idea!

    Reply
  12. housedressingblog.blogspot.com says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Oh wow! You had me at hanging it yourself! I’m skaid of ‘lectricity and would never have the guts to mess with it by myself!
    You did a fantastic job, the paint is perfect and makes it look very high end. I go without shades in the warm weather months and use them in the fall and winter, might be weird to most, but that’s how I roll.

    Reply
  13. Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Oh it’s gorgeous!!!!! In love with the end result!
    Thanks for linking!
    XO

    Reply
  14. Bunny Jean says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Looks fab! I think it looks fine without the shades, but maybe you could soften the white “candle” part a with a little stain/paint.

    xoxo Bunny Jean

    Reply
  15. carol says

    July 26, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    It looks great! So inspiring : ) I am a ‘shade’ person and know if you want to do that you will find the perfect style!

    Reply
  16. April says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    It’s absolutely gorgeous. I am a “no shades” girl–I think shades hide the flowy lines on a chandy too much, unless it’s a really large one.
    🙂
    I have beaded bulb covers on mine. I love the sparkle they add, without the bulk.
    Your kitchen looks GREAT too, btw!

    Reply
  17. Ana says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Oh Heather,
    It turned out awesome…Love it. Great job with the paint treatment and love, love, love the medallion.

    Hugs and Kisses,
    ♥Ana

    Reply
  18. Gypsy Heart says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Looks fabulous! I would never attempt to do anything with electricity ~ too scared even with the power off. You are a brave soul!

    The colors are perfect. I think shades would offer that finishing touch. The white candlesticks are a bit glaring with the darker tones I think.

    xo
    Pat

    Reply
  19. Gypsy Heart says

    July 26, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Looks fabulous! I would never attempt to do anything with electricity ~ too scared even with the power off. You are a brave soul!

    The colors are perfect. I think shades would offer that finishing touch. The white candlesticks are a bit glaring with the darker tones I think.

    xo
    Pat

    Reply
  20. Anne says

    July 26, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Simply stunning. I’ve never seen medallions like that either, I love it.

    Reply
  21. Katie @ Wildwood Creek says

    July 26, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    The chandy is beautiful and also love the medallion! I’m in the no shade camp.

    Reply
  22. Anonymous says

    July 26, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Heather, congrats on six months of blogging.
    You didn’t mention us faithful subscribers to your email or did I miss that?
    I think you should have shades on the chandelier -were you able to paint the chain for the light fixture?
    Love the black counter tops.
    You are doing a wonderful job with your blog.
    C.

    Reply
  23. Tanya Anurag says

    July 26, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    It looks beautiful… way better than the previous one! I would say no shades… however, if you really want to add something, I’d say go for the glass ones. The ones that are a part of the oil lamps.

    -Tanya
    https://tanyaanurag.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  24. javajanie says

    July 26, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Wow! Looks great! You rock!

    Reply
  25. At The Picket Fence says

    July 26, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    @C Hi! I hope you’ll be back by the post to see this. We adore our faithful email subscribers and their numbers are included in the first number. We appreciate everyone of you who have become a friend of At The Picket Fence in whatever capacity! To answer your question, yes I did paint the chain and wire as well. It turned out great and doesnt look “painted”. Thanks for commenting and for following our blog!

    Heather

    Reply
  26. Richella says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    It’s WONDERFUL! What a great job you did with the paint!! It looks as if it was made for that space.

    I’d say go with shades, but I don’t think you can go wrong. Congratulations!

    Reply
  27. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    July 26, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    OK…you are my hero. I so badly want to paint my chandelier in my dining room but don’t have the nerve. It’s huge and bright brass. It’s not my style anymore but it was a gift from my parents and I just can’t part with it. I always thought I would have to take it down to spray paint it…but maybe not? I’m encouraged! Thanks for a great post…

    Reply
  28. stefanie says

    July 26, 2011 at 10:08 PM

    its GoRGeous!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  29. FABBY'S LIVING says

    July 26, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Ok, Heather, I’m just totally impressed! Wow, girl, you’re so talented, you don’t need a man for such a difficult job…I’m in awe! The lamp is gorgeous and need no shades at all, just perfect and congrats. Hope you come and visit my before, after kitchen post! Lots of hugs and thanks for sharing.
    FABBY

    Reply
  30. Ivy and Elephants says

    July 26, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Your chandelier re-do is awesome, the color match superb. I’m off to see if I too can find a 12.00 ceiling medalion!!!
    Thanks for entering our give away.
    Best of luck!
    Patti

    Reply
  31. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    July 26, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    It looks great, Heather. I really like the new color–much better than the old space ship one. I vote for shades, too, it looks a bit bare.

    Reply
  32. Judy says

    July 27, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    I love what you did with the chandelier and I am SUPER impressed that you hung it all by yourself. I consider myself very DIY capable but doing electricity without my husband scares the heck out of me. You matched the colors perfectly. I vote for shades. It does look a little too bare without a shade. Awesome job.

    Reply
  33. Stuff and Nonsense says

    July 27, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    looks fabulous…if you hadn’t spilled the beans i would never have known this chandy was a paint job…!

    alison

    Reply
  34. Cozy Little House says

    July 27, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    Oh yes, most most definitely!
    Brenda

    Reply
  35. Heather says

    July 27, 2011 at 2:15 AM

    Looks beautiful! Definitely vote no shades though. 🙂

    Reply
  36. Nancy says

    July 27, 2011 at 2:22 AM

    LOVE it! The mirror/medallion at top is great too! I want to see it without the tape, when you’re finished. So awesome that you rewired it yourself to!

    Reply
  37. Jen says

    July 27, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Ummm, awesome! I’d totally vote for shades though, it seems like it’s missing a little finishing touch. Great job with the paint, I find painting metal so intimidating! Come visit me sometime! Jen @ http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com

    Reply
  38. Texas JennyWren says

    July 27, 2011 at 3:06 AM

    Love how you painted your new chandelier. It looks wonderful. I think you should go SHADELESS, and you could change your bulbs to be the frosty ones with the little drippy tip at the top to look like candles? Just a thought. That is what I have and I LOVE THEM. The frosted bulb helps your eyes as well. Not so blarring. Great job!!
    txjennywren@blogspot.com

    Reply
  39. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    July 27, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    I am so impressed that you wired and hung the light fixture by yourself! Way to go! Love the new color as well as the medallion. I say shades!

    Reply
  40. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    July 27, 2011 at 4:34 AM

    Girl…you are leaving traditional in the “dust” and making your way to something new! I am soooo behind : ) I love your blog….but mostly i love your message……Love, Me http://www.youaretalkingtoomuch.com

    Reply
  41. Debbie says

    July 27, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I love it in a big way and think it’s particularly perfect with the medallion. For me? I would probably like shades, but what do I know? I still have an ugly brass thang in my dining room waiting for a change.

    Reply
  42. michelle says

    July 27, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    It is beautiful Heather!! I love the new finish and the light looks like it came with the medallion! I am very impressed that you did the electrical, I would very afraid. 🙂 I say no shades but it depends on how the light is cast or if it is too bright.
    Have fun!
    xoxo

    Reply
  43. Christine says

    July 27, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    This is really beautiful! I didn’t like it with the shades on. Maybe with lighter shades? Love the glow it gives off now. And that medallion is fantastic.

    Reply
  44. Becca says

    July 27, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    FAH-BUE-LUS!! I’m so impressed with your new chandie. You did an amazing job … you must smile every time you look at it!! Well done!!

    Reply
  45. SavannahGranny says

    July 27, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Congratulations on the successful six months. I certainly enjoy your posts.
    The chandy looks great, I like it without the shades especially in the kitchen. I am seriously thinking of taking the shades off my kitchen chandy. One can always add them later.
    Hugs, Ginger

    Reply
  46. Debbie--https://refreshrestyle.com/ says

    July 27, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Awesome! You did an amazing paint finish and electrical job! I love the new look!
    Debbie

    Reply
  47. Miss Kitty says

    July 28, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    Heather, I LOVE what you did to the chandy! When I started reading your post, I was like “Wait, that is my foyer chandy EXACTLY”. AND I am ready to give it a paint job too! Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I like the shades on it myself. When I repaint it, I will need to get new ones.

    Reply
  48. Pamela says

    July 28, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Just fabulous Heather!! I just paid $27 for our dining room medallion and I had to paint it! You got a steal of a deal!

    Reply
  49. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    July 28, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    Love it, Heather! What a difference having a ceiling medallion makes, too. Great color. What does it look like with the shades on? Maybe if you do go with shades, something along the color you have over by your sink {just to tie the two areas in}.

    Reply
  50. Mary Ellen says

    July 29, 2011 at 2:06 AM

    A little light shed can make all the difference!!! Great job!

    Reply
  51. The Joyful Thrifter says

    July 29, 2011 at 3:04 AM

    great great great!
    Smiles,
    The Joyful Thrifter

    Reply
  52. Gail says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Looks truly like its made out of bronze. Go nekeed in the summer and dark shades in the winter.

    Reply
  53. Rhonda @ The Yellow Brick Road says

    July 30, 2011 at 2:14 AM

    Love the new look! Good for you! Looks great and I think I’d go for a simple shade….maybe a drum shape. Just a thought!

    Reply
  54. Alison @ The Polohouse says

    July 31, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Gorgeous!
    Love what you have done with this and adding the ceiling medallion was such a terrific idea!
    I vote for shade, but that’s just me.
    🙂

    Reply
  55. Sandy says

    July 31, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    What a wonderful transformation. I’m saving your instructions and I’m doing mine.. I’ve been looking at it for quite sometime, paint it or buy another one? Well… you just solved my problem… thank you so much! I’m interested to know if you get the shades?
    Beautiful!
    Sandy

    Reply
  56. Karena says

    August 2, 2011 at 4:11 AM

    Heather I am amazed and I too often would rather brush the paint on than spray! It really is perfect!!

    I am feeling the shades would be the right choice, however all you need to do is try them and,look at them a few days, what is important is how it looks best to YOU!

    xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

    Do come and enter my Giveaway from Dr Perricone!! It is very exciting!

    Reply
  57. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    August 3, 2011 at 4:50 AM

    Hi Heather, The new finish on the chandy looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing this at my open House party.
    xo,
    Sherry

    Reply
  58. delightfuleclecticabode.com says

    January 13, 2012 at 2:30 AM

    Wow! Just discovered your blog and love it! Love the transformation of your chandy too! I have the same chandelier that I purchased from Lowes a few years ago. I had the pleated shades then I covered them in a red plaid (my kitchen was red and yellow then) Now I have white shades on them. Who knows one day I might try what you did but for now it will do!

    ~Sandy

    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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