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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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November 6, 2011

Simply Sundays…join us for the “Sally List” Challenge

One of the things we love most about blogging is the ability to change our scheduled posts on a whim or in this case on a challenge.  We love when opportunities come along that allow us to join with other bloggers in a worthwhile project…like this one from Susan from My Place to Yours. 
My Place to Yours
Susan is challenging her readers to join her in a “Sally List” Challenge. 
What is a Sally List you ask?

I’ve decided to try to be a better person… But not right away of course.  Maybe a few days from now.(Sally to Charlie Brown in a Peanuts cartoon)
Susan share in her post that there is a difference between everyday procrastination and avoidance. She explains the Sally List in full detail on her blog.  So head over and visit Susan and read her post then come right back here cause we’re going to share OUR “Sally Lists” with you!

Welcome Back. Gulp. There’s nothing like sharing a list of the things you should be doing but don’t, or need to be doing but haven’t. It’s a little scary and vulnerable feeling, but we know that you will help hold us accountable to work through our “Sally Lists”. In fact, we are going to keep our lists in our sidebar and revisit them from time to time to let you know how we’re doing!
Up first…
Heather’s Sally List:

When I started thinking about my Sally list, I realized some of them were quite painful and soul searching. Some were ones mom will be very happy to see on here…yes I know Mom, I know. Some are deeply personal…but I guess they won’t be anymore. ha-ha! Here’s my Sally List:

I need to schedule my exams…any exams.  I have not been to the doctor for ANY type of physical in years. I’m really scared. I’m going to do it though for the sake of my husband and children. Pray for me about this one.
I am going to start exercising, in some form even if it’s just a little bit.  Not because it’s trendy or to be skinny, but because it’s healthy.  See above for my three reasons why I need to start moving my body more. Anyone have a treadmill or elliptical they wanna give me? lol
I am going to be better at scheduling things I need to do the moment I think of them.  I continue to let important appointments and dates slip by because I don’t take the time to get them on the calendar. 
I need to take a moment from my home improvement projects and clean up our bedroom.  It’s bad, really bad. I’ve been avoiding it like the plague. It will involve sorting papers and cleaning and organizing our walk in closet. Our bedroom has become a dumping ground not a sanctuary…not good for a marriage.  (This is my #1!)

I am going to work through the process of letting go of a specific painful and joy-destroying hurt that has haunted my life now for over three years.  I have bandaged it but it has not healed.  Whenever the band aid gets ripped off, the wound is still there.  I need to allow God to heal this, however that looks and in whatever way is necessary or a seed of bitterness may take root in my heart.

I am going to make sure my children realize I love them more than crafts, DIY projects and home improvements in a tangible way. I think they feel second place these days to mod podge and MDF. They will be gone so quickly (the boy is graduating this year?!) and I don’t want to lose these precious moments.
I am going to show the love I feel inside in a better way to my husband in ways that speak to him and his needs.  I love him so very much, not sure if he knows that though…I mean really knows that.
So, wow. That wasn’t easy.   I know when the tears flow I’ve touched a vulnerable spot and they did.  I am praying in earnest God will reveal true and practical ways to fulfill my “Sally List”, will you join me on my journey?

up next
Vanessa’s Sally List:

As I read through Susan’s post I was thinking about how different a “Sally List” is from other kinds of lists.

It isn’t a “Bucket List” of things you hope to accomplish before you die.
I’m pretty sure I can live the rest of my life without swimming with the sharks or jumping out of a plane!

And it necessarily a “To Do” list of things I have been putting off getting down around my house.
Although, I really do need to get my photos in order and get the kids pictures put into albums.
A “Sally List” is much more personal than that.

And for some parts of my list, Sally’s voice sounds an awful lot like my mother’s.

I need to be better about taking my multivitamin and my calcium supplement.


I really need to schedule my annual exam. I am LONG overdue! Would you believe that I finally went to the dentist after not going for over 4 years? It always was so hard to schedule childcare and so it just got pushed further and further back on the burner.


I need to go through our paperwork and make sure I have the appropriate life insurance.
We FINALLY had a Will drawn up, so we can check that one off, Sally/Mom!


But, for other items on my list, the voice seems to sound less like Sally and more like God.


I need to forgive that person even if it feels as though it has already been more than “70×7”.


Loving your neighbor as yourself means ALL of your neighbors, or so they tell me.
I’m thinking I could do better on that one.


And speaking of neighbors, when am I going to work up the courage to ask all of those retired women living in the houses around me if they would like to come over for coffee sometime?


For that matter, when will I begin praying for those neighbors? Will I ask God to use me to show His love to them?

Hmmm…that second list seems to have one over-arching theme.

I’m thinking number 1 on my “Sally List” will involve reaching out to my neighbors.

Will you hold me accountable to that?
Thanks for letting me share from my “Sally” heart today.
 
So….do you feel challenged by Susan and us gals to create your own Sally List? Are you brave enough to join us for the Sally List Challenge?
If so we’d love to hear about what’s on your “Sally List”. We’d love to see what you are going to challenge yourself to complete by leaving a comment over at My Place to Yours letting Susan know you are participating in the Sally List Challenge; or you can leave a comment here or there letting us know what your Sally List is.  
Maybe, you will feel led to blog about the Sally List Challenge. I know Susan, as well as us gals here, would love some moral support from other bloggers! You can grab the graphic over at Susan’s like we have in our sidebar showing you are participating in the Sally List Challenge! We will be keeping our Sally Lists in our sidebar, so, stay tuned…. we’ll take you along as we complete our Sally Lists!
And as always…thank you for joining us this for Simply Sundays….At The Picket Fence!
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15 Comments Filed Under: Community, Devotionals, Good Thoughts, Simply Sundays

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Comments

  1. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    November 6, 2011 at 3:18 PM

    So true and very inspiring! I’m going to get busy on my list! Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  2. The Old Block House says

    November 6, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    A wonderful idea. As I look at both lists, I see many thing that I myself need to do and that I’m sure many of us out there would agree should be on our own list.

    Reply
  3. NanaDiana says

    November 6, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Heather- I have to tell you that YOUR Sally list brought tears to my eyes…because it was so much like my own. I had not had a physical in …well, I won’t tell you how many years…and I work at a health care facility. Anyway, I went last year and WHEW-everything was fine…well, except I didn’t fit the weight scale they give you to work with- hellllooooo..WHO does fit that- okay…shut up all you skinnies! Anyway, there was a “spot” in my breast. That had NOT been a concern-it was more about the old PAP smear thing. PAP was fine..spot in my breast. Small aspiration of that area and it was just a little calcified thing..nothing. I think the worst thing is the dread of going. I had always had male doctors but I went to a female doctor and it was SOOO much better. I felt comfortable and relaxed…well, as relaxed as you can feel with a physical. So, ask around and find someone that other people tell you is GREAT..and go there! You CAN do this! AND I identified with the part about holding onto the feeling that went with an old issue…anger and betrayal…I need to let it go…

    The other items on both lists are really great items too! I need a Sally list…

    Reply
  4. Sheets on the line, love in my heart. says

    November 6, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    you post today made me smile…and warm beam of love filled my heart.
    thank you,
    rebeccan (just a newbie)

    Reply
  5. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    November 6, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    OK, now it’s my turn to cry! I’ve always made it a point to call you two “ladies” in my past comments, but I’m older than you, so this time I’m just going to say it the way it comes out of my heart: YOU GIRLS MAKE ME SO PROUD! Some day I want to meet you both and give you big hugs because I have come to love what I see in your hearts. Vanessa, I’m glad you made the distinction between a Sally List and a Bucket List or To Do List. You’re soooo right. The Sally List is much, much more than either of those! You both are an encouragement to me, and I’m excited to see what’s ahead as we all think about our Sally Lists.

    But now, Heather, go clean your room! And both of you, schedule your doctor appointments … and love on all of those people God has placed in your physical, non-Blogland circle of influence. I can’t wait to hear how your stories unfold! I’m praying for you!

    Reply
  6. Kathryn Ferguson Griffin says

    November 6, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Such a good post! I can completely relate to reaching out to my neighbors more and praying for them! Thank you for sharing this. I’m heading over to My Place to Yours. Hope you gals are having a grand day! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply
  7. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    November 6, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    You two are just so, so lovely. I wish, I wish, I wish you lived nearer. I’d love to meet you.

    Your lists are so lovely, and I’m sure, represent the lists of a thousand different women across the world. Certainly mine would sound scarily similar!!

    Vanessa, have you thought about a Christmas party for your neighbours? That way it could be a low key way to meet them all and decide which friendships might be worth taking further. I do this most years and it works a treat!!

    Sarahxxxx

    Reply
  8. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    November 6, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    This is such a nice post. Your honesty has inspired me to think about my list, and we all have one. Love your blog!
    Jo-Anna

    Reply
  9. A Pretty Life in the Suburbs says

    November 6, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  10. andrea says

    November 6, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    I think a lot of moms are in the same boat. We never take care of our own medical stuff until something scary happens b/c we never tend to put ourselves first. andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  11. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    November 7, 2011 at 1:14 AM

    Love Sarah’s idea for the party Vanessa. Great post with so much honesty in your lists. I think we all have things we need to be better about too or tend to-your lists are a great idea. Happy Sunday!

    Reply
  12. Wendy @HerBallistic Garden says

    November 7, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Thanks for sharing…that seemed to me difficult to expose private thoughts and very brave. I may get brave myself, but regardless, I’ll make a Sally’s List of my own for sure. Following her now..thanks!

    Reply
  13. Le-Ann says

    November 7, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Heather, were we separated at birth? I could easily just c/p your list. I haven’t had pap or mammogram in 2 yrs. And my mom is a breast cancer survivor! I know!

    I need to exercise again, to be healthy and strong, not necessarily to lose weight. I’m “skinny fat”.

    My room needs to be turned back into a sanctuary, too. I just walked through this morning and thought “I really need to clean this room today”. And my closet.

    I need to let go of a hurt. God has been nudging me on this, I’ve been avoiding it.

    I need to make sure my loved ones know I love them, dearly.

    Thanks for sharing, great post!

    Reply
  14. Casandra says

    November 8, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Hello Girls,
    As a newbie blogger, I stumbled upon your site and I feel so blessed. All your projects are awesome and your sally list sharing was inspiring as well as courageous. Vanessa, I want to encourage you to reach out to those retired women. I have a place at the table of a community of crafters who meet once a week. I am the youngest woman (53) and the oldest lady in the group is 83. Their life lessons, their skills, their memories, and their prayers are precious gifts to me. You will not regret the time spent with older wiser women willing to share whatever talents God gave them. I guarantee you that your hand of friendship will be a blessing to them as well. Just don’t count on them to understand or relate to anything regarding the internet and social media!

    Reply
  15. Marcia says

    November 21, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Thank you for stopping by, Heather. I love both your list and Vanessa’s. You’ve given me some things to add to mine but since mine is already SO long, I think I’ll just jot it down in my agenda. 😉
    Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving.
    Much love!!

    Reply

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The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
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