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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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September 27, 2019

My Most Simple Fall Home Tour Ever

It was a very strange summer here in the Willamette Valley. Normally, we count on mid-July through late September to be our ‘guarantee’ months. When there is loads and loads of sunshine, temperatures holding very steadily in the mid-80’s with the only occasional surge into the 90’s.  Plus, we get the added bonus of no humidity! It’s why so many people travel to the Pacific Northwest this time of the year and why we are reminded that there really is know place quite like the beautiful state of Oregon.

But, this year has been different. And I realized that the weather has really reflected this stage in my life. Our ‘normal’ summer-y days seemed few and far between. Not only did the warm days seem to transition too quickly into the cooler days of fall, my days as a mom were spent driving my teenager back and forth to work (his first real job!) and keeping my 12 year old daughter busy with her own activities. The summer days of blowing bubbles and running through the sprinklers in the backyard are long gone and, just like the seasons of the year, the seasons of my life (I think there’s a book about that? wink wink) seem to be moving at warp speed.

Suddenly, I find myself seeing the month of October (and then the holidays!) looming ahead and I can’t even wrap my mind around how quickly the past season went as I’m puttering around the house adding touches of the next season everywhere.

We’ve realized that with older kids, you just don’t see them as much. Between school and sports and homework and friends and them just wanting time to themselves, our windows of opportunity to spend time together keep closing a little bit more each year.

Maybe that’s why I’m more determined than ever to not waste time and energy on things that just aren’t that important in the end.

Which means that, just when I think I can’t get any more simple in my seasonal decor, I find a new level of simplicity I didn’t realize was there.

Instead of spending a ton of money on pumpkins, I invested in a few more pieces of brown transferware that I can use year after year.

Tucked into a vintage wood caddy and placed in an oversized basket along with a bunch of wheat, they declare that Autumn is here but in a more subtle, more gentle way.

And, to be honest, my heart feels kind of fragile in this season of life. So, surrounding myself with more gentle seasonal touches are just what I need.

I absolutely love being a mom to a tween and a teen. There are so many warnings about this stage, about how hard and how scary it is. And those warnings are valid. It can be really hard and really scary at times. Just this week my son got his driver’s license! Yikes!

But, woven through the hard and the scary are so many incredible moments. Positive, wonderful, hilarious, poignant moments that far outweigh any of the ones that aren’t quite so fun.

And yet, while I’ve determined to not lament over the fact that my seasons of motherhood have gone by so quickly and my kids have grown up way too fast, I still feel this ache in my heart. I don’t let it grow too big because I know it could overpower me, but it’s there nonetheless.

It’s the ‘bitter’ part of bittersweet. That tinge of sadness attached to things that are so right and so good and yet remind you of what was and what is to come.

And I guess that’s why my heart as a mother feels kind of fragile right now and why I’ve chosen to gently embrace the season rather than run headlong into it with masses of pumpkins and bursts of color.

Because my role is changing and shifting and I’m trying to change and shift with it.

In this season of motherhood, I feel like I’m constantly doing a kind of dance. “Do you need me? Do you not need me? Should I speak up? Should I stay quiet? Should I get involved? Should I let you figure this out yourself?”

It reminds me of the leaves dancing around as they fall from the trees, floating this way and that way before landing on the ground and even then, all it takes is a gust of wind to pick them back up and toss them around again!

I’m doing the dance and trying to roll with the changes and marveling at these incredible humans we’re raising and yet, in the quietest of moments, I wonder how on earth I got here so quickly.

There’s a rawness to every season of the year and every stage of motherhood, but in the Autumn stage, it just feels like there is so much extra to tug at your emotions. Because, you know that it will come to a climax, a peak, and then the next season is just not quite as vibrant.  It still holds so much beauty, of course, but it’s not quite as lush and colorful as all of the other seasons.

And yet, as much as I would love to just slow things down a bit, there is always an eagerness, an anticipation for the next season that we just can’t seem to get away from. The rhythms of the seasons of life and the rhythms of the seasons of the year are so intertwined and so unavoidable that they force us to keep moving forward….even if we go kicking and screaming.

So, I won’t try to avoid the rhythms. I might not fling my arms wide open to them, but I won’t turn them away either.

This year, my heart and my home may not be loudly shouting out a welcome to the next season, but both will open the door to invite it in with gentle acceptance.

Thank you for coming to visit me today dear friends,

P.S. I hope this blog post wasn’t too depressing! LOL! Once I start writing, the words just flow out of me and I don’t always have control over which way they go. Next time, I’ll share a funny story with you I promise! 😉

22 Comments Filed Under: Autumn, Decorating, Good Ideas Tagged With: Autumn, fall, fall decor, fall Decorating, fall home tour

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Comments

  1. Sharon O says

    September 27, 2019 at 11:50 AM

    Beautiful home. I didn’t realize you were in Oregon. I am too.

    Reply
  2. Julie Briones says

    September 27, 2019 at 12:41 PM

    Your home looks lovely, Vanessa. I think it looks VERY autumnal! And don’t every worry about sharing your hear… never depressing!

    Reply
  3. TERESA GONZALES says

    September 27, 2019 at 1:15 PM

    Not depressing-changes in life and season bring contemplation. You will find that this time will be a blink when you look back. Goes by faster and faster….love your home. It is beautiful!!!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 1:48 PM

      Thank you so much Teresa!! And you are so right that this season I’m in right now will also become a sweet, distant memory. It’s the way of life after all! 🙂

      Reply
  4. michele Knoppel says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:05 PM

    I loved your story of this beautiful and peaceful season that is coming upon us once again and how you are decorating this year! Your home looks so pretty and inviting!…..God Bless You and your Family….Thank you for sharing with us….Love it!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:47 PM

      Thank you so much Michele! I hope you have a wonderful Autumn weekend! xoxo

      Reply
  5. Calypso in the Country says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:10 PM

    I completely understand how you feel! My boys are 13 and 15 and I feel like time is flying by. I often feel sad that they don’t need me as much yet I am proud of them as they grow into young men. Your home is beautiful and your simple decor is so inspiring. Enjoy your weekend!
    Shelley

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:46 PM

      Oh Shelley, you are right in the thick of it too my friend!! It’s nice to know we aren’t alone, right? Thanks so much for your kind words and I hope you have a great weekend too! xoxo

      Reply
  6. Marlene Stephenson says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:11 PM

    I think it was beautifully said and just a reminder that time goes on whether we are ready or not. I love your decor and your home, you have a beautiful fall weekend.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:45 PM

      Thank you so much Marlene! I hope you have a beautiful fall weekend too! xoxo

      Reply
  7. Peggy Renie says

    September 27, 2019 at 2:52 PM

    Your home is gorgeous, and I completely understand what you are feeling about your children. Enjoy everyday to the fullest and treasure all the changes.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 27, 2019 at 3:45 PM

      Thank you so much Peggy! I really appreciate your encouragement!

      Reply
  8. Karen Gauvreau says

    September 27, 2019 at 4:58 PM

    Thanks for being a champion of the tween and teen years. We need more voices of hope during this stage. Love how your Mama story is reflected in your decorating choices – simply stunning.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 29, 2019 at 4:58 PM

      Thank you friend!! I agree that we need to talk more positively about these years of parenting. It’s definitely filled with some angst at times but so is every other stage of parenting, right? LOL! But the good far outweighs the bad! <3

      Reply
  9. Carol Reddin says

    September 28, 2019 at 10:01 AM

    This is so beautifully written. Your Dad and I were just talking yesterday about the meaning of bitter-sweet. I believe you described it perfectly. Your home is lovely – as are you in every way.

    Reply
  10. Pamela says

    September 29, 2019 at 11:21 AM

    I adore brown transfer ware and you just gave me the excuse I needed to add a little to my small collection, thank you.

    Reply
  11. Margaret Ogle says

    September 30, 2019 at 6:32 AM

    I love how you are using the dresser in your entry. I have one that is almost identical that
    belonged to my great Aunt. You gave me inspiration for using mine in the same way. I am now
    in the season as a grandmother that you are in as a mother. I miss the days when they were
    small and all the fun we had then. I am trying to embrace each moment that we are able
    to spend with them now as they are growing up and busy with friends and activities. I like your
    decorating style.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      October 3, 2019 at 10:52 AM

      Thank you so much Margaret!

      Reply
  12. Patty says

    September 30, 2019 at 1:40 PM

    Absolutely loved all of this! Pictures and words!

    Reply
  13. Katarina - Sukhirugs.com says

    October 1, 2019 at 9:26 AM

    Love how perfectly you showed that Fall decor doesn’t have to be too overwhelming. Subtle accessories and gentle, earthy tones make every corner of your home stunning, peaceful and relaxing. The cozy vibe is there too, as well as the layers and textures, so I’d say you’ve done a pretty amazing job here with just a few simple touches.

    Reply
  14. Christa Brockway says

    October 25, 2019 at 9:51 AM

    I understand you completely. I’m nearing the end of my parenting days too and it makes me nostalgic. Thanks for sharing what was on your heart.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      November 4, 2019 at 11:01 AM

      Thank you so much Christa! It’s so bittersweet isn’t it?!

      Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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