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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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May 28, 2012

Perfectly Patriotic Memorial Day Features




Happy Memorial Day from the gals At The Picket Fence!  We thought it would be fun to share some of the perfectly patriotic posts (say that three times fast…grin!) that were linked up to this past Inspiration Friday! They are perfect ideas to inspire you for the 4th of July as well! We are always so amazed at the talent that stops by here at the fence each week…come take a peek. features 


Paula of Sweet Pea created this darling Memorial Wreath…out of a tennis racket! 




Sharla of The House at Bluebird Lane created this Betsy Ross inspired dresser makeover! If this doesn’t say “all american” we don’t know what does!



Maggie of Little Miss Maggie created this darling Liberty Garden Bucket.  It has the perfect vintage feel and could be used all summer long! 



Jennifer of Hey Little Mother shared a Perfectly Patriotic Dessert: A Red White and Blue Trifle. Perfect for a hot summer holiday!




Mary of  Home is Where the Boat is is giving us a “stem to stern” tour of her house boat all decked out for Memorial Day! You will not believe the attention to details and her photos are pure gorgeous! Pay her a visit to get tons of amazing patriotic ideas! 




and of course Susan of Munchkin Munchies never, ever, ever ceases to amaze us with her mad confectionery skills! Check out these Double Decker Flag Cookies she created.



And let us not forget “why” we celebrate Memorial Day.  While we are enjoying our cook-outs, concerts and boating excursions…there are real men and women sacrificing their lives for these freedoms! We honor our troops and say…thank you to those who stand on that line faithfully everyday!



And….this year, Memorial Day is not just a day for remembering. It is also a day for celebrating! Vanessa’s son Ian turns 9 today and we want to wish him a very Happy Birthday! What can we say about this boy? 


He is a wonderfully curious, Lego builder extraordinaire, first place high-jump winner, who protects his little sister while also teaching her to make tooting sounds on her arm. He is fascinated about how things work and is on a constant fact finding mission. He is hilariously funny and he keeps everyone on their toes. He loves God and his friends and cries when others cry. He made Robb and Vanessa a mommy and daddy and has been a source of unending joy to his entire family. Every day with Ian is like getting to open up a present, never knowing what surprise awaits you!

We love you Ian!


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16 Comments Filed Under: Features, Fourth of July, Good Ideas, Holidays, Inspiration Friday, Kids

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Comments

  1. Jennifer@heylittlemother.com says

    May 28, 2012 at 2:03 PM

    Thank you so much for featuring my patriotic trifle! This just made a wonderful holiday weekend even better!

    Reply
  2. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    May 28, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    Great choices, important reminders and Happy Birthday to a very sweet boy!

    Happy Memorial to you and yours!

    Reply
  3. Sue says

    May 28, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Thanks so much for the shout out, you two! You are both so awesome! Thanks also for the reminder to remember what this day is all about<3 We are going to a Memorial Day ceremony this afternoon.

    Happy 9th Birthday to Ian!

    Now…time to check out that dresser:)

    Reply
  4. Vicki Shead says

    May 28, 2012 at 2:54 PM

    Happy Birthday Ian! You are God’s treasure and you’re parents gift! Enjoy your extra special day!!

    Reply
  5. thistlewoodfarm says

    May 28, 2012 at 5:01 PM

    Vanessa and Harather,

    Okay…you had me at the Betsy Ross dresser! Seriously? What amazing freatures and such a wonderful post as a tribute to our heroes!

    Thanks for sharing your heart!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  6. Madge Bloom says

    May 28, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Thank you for remembering and honoring veterans today! Love your series of shots!

    Reply
  7. Hi! I'm Shannon says

    May 28, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Thanks for the patriotic post girls! Yep, that dresser is fabulous isn’t it?

    Happy Birthday to your little man =) And Happy Memorial Day too.

    Reply
  8. NanaDiana says

    May 28, 2012 at 6:48 PM

    First off- Happy, Happy birthday to Ian. We thought we might have a baby grandson born today but it looks like he is in a hold pattern still-lol

    I love this beautiful, patriotic post you girls did for today. Those cookies are about the cutest red/white/blue dessert I have seen anywhere. xo Diana

    Reply
  9. Paula says

    May 28, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    Thanks so much for featuring my patriotic wreath.

    Reply
  10. Kelly @ Here Comes the Sun says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:35 AM

    Great features! I’m a new follower from the Networking Blog Hop. Excited to check out your cute blog.

    https://www.herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  11. Mary says

    May 29, 2012 at 12:58 AM

    Thanks so much for sharing my Stem to Stern boating post! I’m honored to be included among all these creative features! Happy Memorial Day and Happy Birthday Ian 🙂

    Reply
  12. Erica {let why lead} says

    May 29, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    Wow, that dresser is impressive! And it really is ironic how most of us (me included!) celebrate a day that commemorates people who gave everything for our country. Thanks for the reminder of what it is really about!

    Reply
  13. The House at Bluebird Lane says

    May 29, 2012 at 3:54 AM

    Thank you for the beautiful reminder about what this day is really about. I’m honored that you including my dresser in your patriotic post. Hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and very special birthday wishes to Ian! 🙂
    Sharla

    Reply
  14. Julie Taylor and Danni Greenwalt says

    May 29, 2012 at 4:01 AM

    Happy birthday Ian! I am going to have to check out these wonderful posts. Thanks

    Reply
  15. Linda Young says

    May 29, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    Love your patriotic dresser, pretty door and home decor and beautiful cookies and trifle! Happy Birthday to your fine young man!
    Blessings! Linda

    Reply
  16. ekskurzia dubai says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    The Patriotic Wreath is awesome! So beautiful…

    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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