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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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April 29, 2012

A post about prom and living out your faith…on this Simply Sunday

Prom 2012 Mike and Ashton
This is my son Michael…this is his best friend Ashton. (Isn’t he handsome?! Isn’t she gorgeous?!..grin!)
She is the daughter of my best friend.
They decided to go to the prom together.
Prom2012-2
In fact, they went with a group of their closest friends.
Prom2012-9
Much like kids do for proms everywhere.
But this is where my son’s prom differs. See we homeschool and these kids are homeschoolers.
And we felt they deserved to have a prom too.
So we worked hard and pulled off a special night for our kids. We planned, we raised funds, we decorated, we photographed and we provided a night to remember!
DSC_0192
We hosted a sit down catered dinner beforehand for our seniors.
DSC_0202
prom2012-14
and then opened up the dance to all of our high school students.
DSC_0498
and they danced…and danced…
DSC_0446
and danced some more.
It didn’t matter whether they were 12 or 18 they had a great time together….
DSC_0505
…it’s one of the things I love most about homeschooling!
Prom2012-12
And it reminded me so much of my own prom, so long ago, but yet it didn’t. Because here was the difference…the open display of faith that these young people have, a faith that I often hid out of embarassment and wanting to appear “cool”, was evident here at their prom. From the opening prayer over dinner…to the way they conducted themselves the entire evening. 
All of these young adults has such a strong love for the Lord. They don’t mind moms and dads hanging around chaperoning, because there’s nothing to “hide”. 
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14
They don’t mind having younger brothers and sisters coming and hanging out and even joining in on the dancing…because they have been taught to love and respect their siblings…most days anyway. Winking smile
…and after it was all over, at midnight…. they stayed. Stayed to help clean up.  Stayed to climb up on ladders in prom dresses and tuxes to tear down decorations and mop floors,
and then…instead of heading out to “party” till sunrise, they returned to our home instead. 
Snow Tigers
To hang out and watch movies, and laugh and talk and just be together having fun.
This is why I love my son’s friends so very much! I love them for always lifting him up and never dragging him down.
Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10
“A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17
I love them for being young men and women of faith, who will go out to be a light in this world! God is going to use them mightily for His Kingdom!
Thank you for indulging this proud Mom and letting me share a little of this special event with you! It was such an honor to be a part of this milestone evening in the lives of these young people! I am proud to call them not only my son’s friends…but mine as well!
Prom2012-11
But, most of all I am proud to be the Mom of this amazing young man! I love you Michael.
signature[7]

40 Comments Filed Under: Celebrations, Family, Good Thoughts, Kids, Simply Sundays

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mdegraeve says

    April 29, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    LOVE IT!!!

    Reply
  2. Paula says

    April 29, 2012 at 4:04 PM

    Wonderful!

    Reply
  3. Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement says

    April 29, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    What a great night for some great kids! Beautiful pictures!

    Pam

    Reply
  4. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    April 29, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    Loved you sharing your son’s Prom night. We home school as well and have the same kind of prom that you described. It is such great memories for the kids and parents alike (since we get to be involved too).
    Handsome son you have. :0)

    Reply
  5. Nicole@Thrifty Decorating says

    April 29, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    We also homeschool….LOVE your post! 🙂 I look forward to creating a similar experience when our kids our older. Love what you said about adults being included….my kids enjoy being with adults….and kids of different ages!

    Reply
  6. Gypsy Heart says

    April 29, 2012 at 6:07 PM

    Awesome! I love hearing stories like this…proves we have a ton of wonderful young people and that the media doesn’t share enough “goodness” ~ at least in my humble opinion. 🙂 I know you’re so proud of your son…and yes, his friends.

    Pat

    Reply
  7. Amanda Kuzak says

    April 29, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Love this! The barn reminds me of Footloose!

    Reply
  8. Anna says

    April 29, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    That’s so cool! You’re a great mom. 🙂

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply
  9. Cherished Bliss says

    April 29, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    How sweet! I bet they will never forget, not because of prom, but because of all the love that came with it! : )

    Reply
  10. It's All Connected says

    April 29, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    What I love about this is that they had all the fun of prom (clothes, hair, flowers, dancing) and none of the dangers we hear about. No one was sick from drinking, hurt in an accident, got pregnant or was hurt by not having a date. Instead, some lovely, young people had a lovely night to remember all their lives! WTG, parents! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  11. Judy says

    April 29, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    What a wonderful post. I had no idea that you homeschool. It is so nice to hear about kids just having fun without any of the normal nonsense you hear about with prom.

    Reply
  12. NanaDiana says

    April 29, 2012 at 9:59 PM

    You know, we hear so many horror stories about all the BAD kids in society that t is wonderful to hear the story of really good kids. Your son is adorable and all kids look gorgeous!

    Although we didn’t homeschool our kids went to a very small private Christian school and what a blessing for them…and us. We never had a moments problem with them in their high school years. They are now in their 30’s and married and both girls have maintained best friend relationships with their high school friends. God has been good! xo Diana

    Reply
  13. Anonymous says

    April 29, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Simply…Wonderful!

    Reply
  14. Imageremix says

    April 29, 2012 at 10:18 PM

    I love it! Thank you for sharing the sweet joy of this group of wonderful young men and women!

    Reply
  15. Nellie's Cozy place says

    April 29, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    What a lovely group of young people, and you certainly should have a swelled heart for sure. Michael is a very handsome and innocent looking young man,
    and all of his friends looked very sweet and innocent as well. Which is a wonderful thing to see in this day and age. What wise Mom’s you were to provide this lovely event for them, I am sure they will treasure the memory always.
    Blessings, Nellie

    Reply
  16. Good Time Charlie says

    April 29, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    This is so amazing that you provided this experience. What amazing human beings and adults these kids will be. Our church does a Prom for all the kids over 16. It is an event all the teens look forward to because they know it is a safe environment, they know their dates all share the same values, and the too go to our homes after to watch movies and hang out together.

    Reply
  17. Eclectically Vintage says

    April 29, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Seriously tearing up here!! Michael is so lucky to have such an amazing group of friends – and an even more amazing mom!

    That’s all we can ask for – that our kids actually want to be with us and not be embarrassed or too cool (like I was back in the day)!

    It looked like an amazing night – cheers to the class of 2012!
    Kelly

    Reply
  18. Stuff and Nonsense says

    April 29, 2012 at 11:18 PM

    so fun to see
    you all work together
    to do this for your kids

    and gives me lots of ideas
    for when our time comes!

    alison

    Reply
  19. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    April 29, 2012 at 11:19 PM

    what a wonderful story! I have a feeling no matter where life takes them, that night and all those friends will stay with them forever 🙂 Kudos to you on raising an amazing young man!

    Reply
  20. Jessica Kielman says

    April 29, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    Such a touching post! What a proud mother you must be, and he must be so proud to be your son! I love how open they can be with one another…it definitely wasn’t that way when I was growing up, and sad to say that the parent’s didn’t help the situation. What a fun and uplifting night it must have been!

    Jessica

    Reply
  21. Marilyn says

    April 30, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    This is the best story about a prom!! Thanks for sharing all these amazing kids with us. You are one blessed momma!!♥♫

    Reply
  22. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    April 30, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    Heather, I know you must be so proud of your son! How wonderful of all the parents to put this event together for the kids.
    xo, Sherry

    Reply
  23. Kristin says

    April 30, 2012 at 3:03 AM

    Handsome….
    Beautiful….
    Amazing….

    Hugs for Homeschooling!
    Loved this, Heather.

    Reply
  24. Serendipity. says

    April 30, 2012 at 3:47 AM

    I’m delighted for you and your handsome young man on so very many levels! Congrats and WELL DONE to all of you! xo

    Reply
  25. Nancy @ Nancy's Daily Dish says

    April 30, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    Wonderful post! Isn’t it the best feeling knowing your kids are on the right path?! I LOVE this and loved seeing the photos. Your son is a doll and his friend is gorgeous…so is her name btw (I have an Ashton too!).

    Nancy

    Reply
  26. grosir baju muslim says

    April 30, 2012 at 10:33 AM

    Great post,I really like your article

    Reply
  27. Debbie says

    April 30, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    There isn’t much I enjoy seeing more than a group of faithful and wholesome young people showing the world that we still have good reason to hope.

    And can I just say that your son is not only handsome, but would be right up my younger daughter’s alley. How do I know? I saw the shoes.

    Reply
  28. Swede Dreamer says

    April 30, 2012 at 12:13 PM

    What a wonderful post…Angie

    Reply
  29. Anonymous says

    April 30, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    Thank you, Heather, for all you did to make our grandson’s prom such a terrific evening – with great memories instead of serious regrets. What a special young man with a very special Mom! Love you, Mom and Dad

    Reply
  30. Vivienne @ the V Spot says

    April 30, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    This is such an awesome post and it is so nice to see nice young men and young ladies having a good time and making good memories! This reminds me of Footloose, but without the crazy preacher. 🙂 Well done!

    Reply
  31. ~ Laura says

    April 30, 2012 at 6:00 PM

    Beautiful!!! They will have those memories for life!! What a beautiful thing you all did for them!!!

    Reply
  32. How to Nest for Less says

    April 30, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    Absolutely beautiful!! What an amazing community you have around you. And what a special night for all the kids! You must feel so blessed everyday 🙂

    Reply
  33. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    April 30, 2012 at 7:27 PM

    What a wonderful evening. I really enjoyed your post so much. How awesome to have their very own, perfect prom!! What amazing kids!! And priceless to know they would be home safe too.

    PS-I never got the whole, your in high school, but you can stay out all night and do who know what because it’s “prom”. Why!?

    Reply
  34. Linda Young says

    May 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM

    What a beautiful prom night! It feels so good to hear about teens having tons of fun, dancing, and celebrating, while still being safe and not self-destructive, or a worry to their parents. You should be proud, he’s a wonderful young man and so are his friends. I saw Mom and Dad’s comment. I know they are so proud of you and the great parent you are too!

    Reply
  35. Vanessa says

    May 1, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Hi, Heather

    You made me cry. I love the scripture you used and made me think about my son. What a sweet prom and day to remember. You are a awesome mom.

    Vanessa

    Reply
  36. Val says

    May 1, 2012 at 4:59 PM

    My heart is full reading this. BEAUTIFUL.

    Reply
  37. JOY 2 JOURNEY says

    May 1, 2012 at 11:40 PM

    And good for you Mom … for “training him in the way he should go!”
    Hugs,
    Bj

    Reply
  38. Richella says

    May 1, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    This is a wonderful post, Heather. How blessed you are to have a son like Michael–with such wonderful friends! Isn’t it amazing what a difference good friends can make in a person’s life? That’s true for adults as well as kids, isn’t it?

    So glad you were able to provide this evening of memories for your son–and for yourself!

    Reply
  39. Hen @ TheRoosterAndTheHen says

    May 2, 2012 at 3:08 AM

    I so wish my prom had been an experience more like this!

    Reply
  40. June says

    May 8, 2012 at 3:11 PM

    Love this!!!! Y’all will get a “well-done, good & faithful servant” for this.

    Reply

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When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after onl When one kiddo wakes up not feeling well after only a week of school, you take the opportunity to make Saturday a truly restful day. Pancakes on the griddle, puttering around the yard admiring the way the limelights have begun their autumn journey from white to green to pink. Sprinkling touches of fall around the house a little bit at a time. Savoring the slowness of it all and taking care of my people in this place that provides us all with a respite from the world even if just for a day.

Hope you’re weekend is off to a great start and that you make it a priority to slow down for a bit and soak up the beauty around you. 🍂

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking #falldecorating
As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but thin As summer slips into fall, I can’t help but think about how grateful I am for the reminders all around me of God’s Sovereignty over everything including the seasons. It can be challenging in our world today to trust that there isn’t a single thing happening that surprises Him.

In a way, decorating my home to reflect the changing season serves as a tangible reminder of this trust. Even something as simple as seeing a pumpkin on my mantel or a basket of mums on the coffee table fill me with peace because they represent the things that remain constant and true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

#wearthehomemakers #homemaking #club31women
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!
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