• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

August 15, 2012

Southern Bloggers Conference…guest speaking and a pass giveaway!


Hi friends! We have an exciting announcement and an awesome giveaway here today At The Picket Fence!
Have you heard of the Southern Bloggers Conference? In just a few weeks bloggers from all of the the south and even farther will be gathering together to learn, laugh and create…all things bloggers do best!

And, Heather is so excited to be joining forces with the fabulous Southern Blogger Conference committee as a featured speaker!! How cool is that y’all!?! grin!

I couldn’t be more tickled to stand on the platform with three other amazing women…all whom I call my dear friends!

First…the fabulous, the gorgeous…the oh so Southern…Rhoda of Southern Hospitality! She has so much wisdom to share after years of blogging and will be taking us on a journey through her blogging career and what she has learned along the way.

Then there’s my dear, lovely, make you laugh until you cry friend Kari of Thistlewood Farm.  

Y’all don’t even KNOW how funny this girl is.  I start laughing even before I head over to her blog cause I know her post is going to have me in stitches and her gorgeous photos will leave me with my mouth hanging open.  Kari, will be sharing how she has grown her blog so quickly and the secrets behind her success!

And last, but most certainly not least, my beautiful and eclectically talented with a vintage twist amazing friend Kelly of Eclectically Vintage.  

You might have met Kelly yesterday here At The Picket Fence, since she was our guest.  If not visit that post to see her amazing projects and home. Kelly will be sharing blogging mistakes she has made along the way and what she’s learned from them.

And then y’all get to hear from me..how I’m going to follow that billing is beyond me! grin! I will be sharing how to “fake it ’till you make it” and how to find, work with and develop long term relationships with sponsors. Unfortunately Vanessa won’t be joining us, but we’ll have to come up with a fun way to “bring her along” anyway…heheh! 

Now don’t YOU want to join us in Raleigh, North Carolina October 12-13th for this amazing conference!

We will kick off the conference Friday night with a fun cocktail party and then spend Saturday learning and creating with sessions and some amazing demonstrations! Sunday the committee has a fun thrifting day planned.  It’s going to be two days you don’t want to miss!

You can get all of the information for the Southern Bloggers Conference on their website as well as keep up with all of the exciting information leading up to the conference on their Facebook Page…and…I am so extatic to be offering ONE of our readers a chance to attend this conference on us!
The conference committee would like to offer one reader of At The Picket Fence a chance to win a conference pass!! We’d sure love it to be YOU! 

Here’s all you have to do to enter:

Leave a comment below telling me one reason why you love the South  so much (you don’t even have to be southern, just tell us something you love about Southern traditions..think sweet tea. grin!)  and you’ll be entered to win a pass to the Southern Bloggers Conference! 

Giveaway open until Saturday 8 am EST
We’ll draw the winners name and announce it on Saturday!

and even if you don’t win a ticket, bless your heart, we’d sure love to see you there! Prices are so reasonable and we promise what you take away from the conference will be priceless! 
If you are already planning on attending, be sure to put the conference button on your blog!

;


Can’t wait to see y’all at the Southern Bloggers Conference!
Email Updates
Facebook Page
Pinterest

50 Comments Filed Under: Community, Giveaways

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Meeting Eclectically Vintage..at the picket fence!
Next Post: At the Picket Fence is “In the Bloglight”! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Courtenay@Creek Line House says

    August 15, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Yes! I do want to join you there! Too bad it’s so so far. Oh, to be from the South! OK, I guess I am from the South technically, the South of Canada! Hope y’all (hehe) have a fantastically fabulous time! I’ll be there in spirit. 🙂

    Reply
  2. adventuremom says

    August 15, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    My favorite thing about the south is that people are WAY friendlier. I’ve found friendly people in the north but the south is noticibly friendlier overall. Maybe it’s because they are frozen half the year;)

    Reply
  3. thistlewoodfarm says

    August 15, 2012 at 2:17 PM

    I am so excited! We are going to have so much fun! And my favorite thing about being from the South is meeting great Southern friends…..like you!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  4. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    August 15, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    Yes…I would LOVE to join all of you in October. Since, I’m a true SOUTHERN GAL, I guess my favorite thing is our FOOD, can’t get any better food, than here! I seem to always have me some grits, at least once a week:) Sounds like y’all have a fun weekend planned.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  5. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    August 15, 2012 at 2:53 PM

    “The South” is a beautiful place with the most friendliest people you would ever want to meet….I love everything about “The South” from the smell of the sweet magnolias to the beautiful fields of cotton and it’s reputation of great Southern Hospitality.

    We have a magnificent line-up of speakers that are sure to leave you well informed and entertained!! So come to the beautiful South to attend this wonderful Conference and share a glass of sweet tea with us…!

    So excited and looking forward to meeting everyone!

    Reply
  6. Eclectically Vintage says

    August 15, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Can’t wait to break out my inner Southern gal! I was just in NC and my favorite thing was the BBQ! Now I’m craving it – I’ll have to wait until October before I can sink my teeth into some true Southern cooking!
    Kelly

    Reply
  7. Sophia's says

    August 15, 2012 at 3:43 PM

    Heather,

    It will be so nice to meet you after reading your blog for so long. I’m excited to meet Karianne, Rhoda, and Kelly too…should be a great conference and it’s been a blast to be on the planning committee!

    Kristen

    Reply
  8. Lisa @ Before Meets After says

    August 15, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    I would LOVE to win!!! You know what a big fan I am of all of y’all and it would be like a mini-reunion from the summer 🙂 I’ll keep my fingers and toes crossed!

    Reply
  9. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    August 15, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    Heather, I’d love to join you for the conference! ONE favorite thing about the South? My Southern good manners require, however, that I adhere to your request… So I’ll take a sip of my delicious sweet tea while rocking on my beautiful front porch and waving to my neighbors as they pass by … and tell you that it just doesn’t get any better than Southern food. (It’s lunch time. What did you expect me to say?) Seriously. Southern food comes in a wide variety with something for everybody!

    Reply
  10. Barb @ The Everyday Home (formerly Grits and Glamour) says

    August 15, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    I am happier than a fat sow in a mud hole. 🙂 Its gonna be a wonderful day of wisdom and laughing and learning. We gotta figure out how to keep Kari’s hands still while she is talking. LOL Seriously, I really appreciate that you gals are going to be there. xxoo

    Reply
  11. Deidre says

    August 15, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    Oh My! I so have wanted to move down south as its quite a slower pace and theres just somethin about that good ol fashioned Southern hospitality!I love the southern gardens and their longer bloom times and Ya’ll have Paula Dean!I would love to win this:)

    Reply
  12. Ruby Jean says

    August 15, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    Oh, a BIG congratulations to you Heather, I am sorry to hear Vanessa won’t be able to make it. It seems like everything GOOD happens in the SOUTH 🙂

    Reply
  13. Shelia says

    August 15, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    Hi Heather! Oh, this does sound like it will be a fantastic time! Now you’re as cute as you’re good at everything you do! I know all will be wonderful and the group is blessed to have you and I love your hair! 🙂
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  14. Erin @ Two Story Cottage says

    August 15, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    I love the pace of life in the South. Not so hurried! I second the sweet tea and food of course. And North Carolina is a great state to live in. 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sharon @ mrshinesclass says

    August 15, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    I love Southern Hospitality!!! I would love, love, love to join you fab ladies and meet my virtual friends in real life! Winning a ticket would sure help with that. Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway. Keeping my fingers crossed!
    Sharon @ mrs. hines class

    Reply
  16. Suzy says

    August 15, 2012 at 7:43 PM

    Working on the planning team for the Southern Bloggers Conference has been such a great experience. Barb, Shirley, Cindy, Kristen and Amy are all wonderful women. And the icing on the cake is that I’ll be meeting you, Heather, and Rhoda and Kari and Kelly and everyone else that will be there! How does a native Southerner choose just ONE thing to love about the South???? I’ll pipe in and mention what no one else has mentioned yet – the weather!

    Reply
  17. still gardening... says

    August 15, 2012 at 7:51 PM

    Growing up in the south, but also traveling all the corners of the US for work, it’s always a comfort to come home to where manners are still valued, and a simple “please and thank you” make you know you’re home! (and even insults aren’t rude…bless your heart!)

    Reply
  18. All That Glitters says

    August 15, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    I love the South because of the beautiful places and smiling faces!!

    Reply
  19. TheSewingLoft says

    August 15, 2012 at 8:22 PM

    Being new to the area, I just LOVE how beautiful everything is. I mean really, you totally know on the interstate when you have arrived in NC!

    Reply
  20. Anna says

    August 15, 2012 at 8:23 PM

    This is AMAZING!!! How COOL is it that you get to be a speaker!?! Okay you have to pick me as the winner because I LOVE the South! What’s not to love, super friendly people, GORGEOUS houses, tons of trees, delicious food… need I go on…

    Congrats on this huge exciting honor! 🙂

    Anna

    Reply
  21. l8blmr says

    August 15, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    I would love to win! The South means long hot summers, short mild winters, friendly people and sweet tea!

    Reply
  22. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    August 15, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    I am born and bred Southern. Best part about the south is our hospitality. We are some very friendly folks. Would love to win!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  23. Paula says

    August 15, 2012 at 9:00 PM

    I love the good manners that I observe in the south.

    Reply
  24. Marty Walden says

    August 15, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    I’m a Southerner born and bred right here in NC. I do love sweet tea and fried chicken (though I don’t cook it myself) and precious southern accents. But most of all, I love the friendliness and no pretense attitude of the south. Would love to go to the conference!

    Reply
  25. cathywhatisoldisnew says

    August 15, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    Well I am not from the south but I do love to visit. The sweet tea, bbq, cornbread or fritters and Blue Bell ice cream are some of my favorites.If I won I would figure out how to make this trip happen:)

    Reply
  26. Deneen@dreaming-n-color says

    August 15, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    I have to say the hospitality! Oh and the southern food is great too! I would love to win this! I am crossing my fingers! I need all the help I can get! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Stacey @flickerwhips says

    August 15, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    My favorite thing about the south?? Wide open spaces!! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  28. Angela says

    August 15, 2012 at 10:31 PM

    Oh, how I miss the south!! I grew up in Texas with GREAT food!! I miss Tex Mex food and Bar B-que!! Still get to visit regularly, and always bring a list of where I want to eat! 😉
    I would LOVE to win!!!

    Reply
  29. Bounced Blessings says

    August 15, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    Sweet, Tea, Fried Chicken, Front Porch Rockers, Lightin’ Bug Catchin’ And All Ya’ll Are Just A Few Reasons I Love The South!

    Good Luck To All Who Enter!

    Reply
  30. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    August 15, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    First I love the wide range of food flavors and traditions you find in the south from red beans and rice to shrimp and grits all the variations on BBQ and Southern Fried Chicken. Second from personal experience I love Alabama especially Lower Alabama from sittin on the sea wall at Mobile bay feeding the crabs(called fishin lol) to Mardi Gras in Downtown Mobile, to boating on Magnolia River and the Innercoastal Water Way , LuLus at Homeport, the smell of the paper mills in the heavy air there isn’t much better than Lower Alabama did I mention the white sands and warm waters to frolic in lol….
    RaNae of Ewe Creek Cottage

    Reply
  31. Sherry@ Ties2ThePast says

    August 15, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    I’m not from the South (I’m originally from Iowa) but have the privilege of calling Georgia my home now. My favorite thing about the South is my husband, Bill. He was born in Atlanta & is Southern through & through!! I met him in a beer line at an Atlanta Braves game, it was love at first sight & he asked me to marry him 12 days later! That was over 13 years ago and we’re still having a ball together! Our meeting is truly a love story (there’s more to tell) & I’m blessed every day he’s in my life! I really appreciate the chance to experience this conference with you ladies. I read all your blogs & would love to hang out with “y’all”!!!
    ♥’s
    Sherry

    Reply
  32. Anonymous says

    August 15, 2012 at 11:33 PM

    The beach is my favorite part of living on the coast of Alabama! Coastal Design and Interiors

    Reply
  33. Sam says

    August 16, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    I love the hospitality of the south & the magnolia trees!

    Reply
  34. Cindy Miller LivingontheBliss says

    August 16, 2012 at 1:11 AM

    Thanks you so much for your support with our Southern Bloggers Conference! Can’t wait to see you!

    Reply
  35. Southern Swag says

    August 16, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    I Love being a Southern Bell! Some Southern things that make my heart go pitter patter are saying Ya’llll, Sweet Tea, some good ole fried chicken, lexington style BBQ, grits, oh I could go on and on. Would love a chance to be able to go to the Southern Bloggers Conference!!!

    Reply
  36. Jonell says

    August 16, 2012 at 3:10 AM

    Open, Welcoming front porches with a swing-brings back the memory of summer days and swinging on my Grandma Mobley’s front porch [or Aunt Vera’s or Aunt Laura’s] in rural south Georgia where I grew up.
    Jonell Harrison
    Brundidge, Alabama
    “Like Gramma’s House” blog
    https://mygrammashouse.blogspot.com

    Reply
  37. Betsy@ coastal-colors says

    August 16, 2012 at 4:22 AM

    This would be the greatest conference to attend! I think it will be very intimate! I love the speakers and think a good ol’ southern conference is a great idea! I have a confession, I like Yankee tea! Yes, unsweetened tea is for me, but I’m southern to the core! Really! Thanks for hosting this amazing giveaway! I’m fixin’ to cross my finger and toes as soon as I finish typing this! 🙂

    Reply
  38. tantric massage London says

    August 16, 2012 at 6:32 AM

    Saturday learning and creating with sessions and some amazing demonstrations! Sunday the committee has a fun thrifting day planned. It’s going to be two days you don’t want to miss.

    Reply
  39. Debbie says

    August 16, 2012 at 9:53 AM

    I almost hate to comment because I can’t come. A friend’s daughter is getting married that weekend, and though blog conferences look fun, I’m a certified wedding junkie and won’t miss it for the world.

    Congrats on being asked to speak, Heather. What an honor!

    Reply
  40. Youaretalkingtoomuch.com says

    August 16, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Fingers crossed! Love the south because I live here!!! ; ) Love the chance to win!! Love, Me

    Reply
  41. Lynn@ The Vintage Nest says

    August 16, 2012 at 8:01 PM

    Bless your heart for doing this give-away and please count me in the draw. My favorite thing about the South is the manners (not to mention my drawl). My son works in New York City and is always receiving such nice compliments on his manners (makes this southern Momma proud!)

    Reply
  42. Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says

    August 17, 2012 at 12:16 AM

    Congrats on being a speaker with some great ladies! Yes ma’am, I would love to go the this conference and meet some of my favorite blogging ladies. What do I love about the South? There’s so darn much! That’s why I’ve spent my whole cotton pickin’ life here! How about…biscuits and gravy; sweet tea; mint juleps; cowboy boots; and cowboys too;); SEC football; gosh I could go on and on.
    Anyway. Pick me! I need to go to this! I’ve got a real hankerin’ to go!
    Take care, y’all!
    Angie

    Reply
  43. Kelly Tooley says

    August 17, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    I’m a Kentucky girl! And after living in South Carolina (nice!) and Ohio (yankees!) I’ve found that I love hot summers & a little bit of snow in the winter. Love being close to family & friends. Love Kentucky traditions like the derby & Kentucky basketball. And, of course, I love sweet tea! Would also love to go to the Southern Bloggers conference! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
  44. Terry says

    August 17, 2012 at 4:21 PM

    I’m a northern girl, but LOVE everything about the South, but especially the warmth and hospitality of its people! Hoping to make a move down in the next year! YAY!

    I’m not a blogger yet, but am itching to go this conference. So pick me!

    Thanks for doing the giveaway!

    Reply
  45. Vanessa says

    August 17, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    Hi, Heather and Vanessa

    I love the south so much, because the people are so friendly and helpful. My mom jokes with me, because I was born in NYC, but I love the South. LOL Love to make it to the conference, so I can learn from ya’ll! Have a great weekend.

    Vanessa

    Reply
  46. Elizabeth Grimes says

    August 18, 2012 at 2:40 AM

    The best thing about the South is Alabama Crimson Tide football! I’m new to the blogosphere, so I would love to go!

    Reply
  47. Rachel says

    August 18, 2012 at 2:41 AM

    My favorite thing about the south is living here…with all the people I love!

    Reply
  48. Jo Anne says

    August 18, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    It is hard to choose one reason….sweet tea, cookouts, manners & smiles,the different seasons collards, but most of all — sitting on my screen porch without the mosquito bites! Love, Love your blog.

    Reply
  49. Linda @ Home is Where My Heart is says

    August 20, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    I grew up in Florida (which is NOT the South) and then moved up to Raleigh NC when I was in my 30’s with my family. The people are warm and welcoming and loving. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!!! ~Linda

    Reply
  50. iPhone 5 pris says

    August 22, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    Community and connecting. Our vision was that our blog would be a place where people would gather to inspire and be inspired and perhaps feel encouraged along the way. We pictured folks coming out of their homes, coffee cups in hand, and meeting us there…At the Picket Fence!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

Must Reads

Recent Posts

  • Why We’ve Chosen Vacations Over Projects April 26, 2022
  • A New Look for the Family Room March 1, 2022
  • Christmas Kitchen and Family Room December 19, 2021
  • Christmas Home Tour Part One December 10, 2021
  • Easy Hot Cocoa Station November 21, 2021

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

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!
Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (exce Happy Saturday!! I haven’t posted all week (except for in stories) because I was soaking up the sunshine and time with my family in San Antonio for spring break. One of our favorite activities was a bike tour of the missions and I found myself obsessed with all of the beautiful architecture, especially the doors. What is it about doors that is so fascinating? Is it knowing that these were so lovingly hand carved? Is it thinking about how many people have crossed through them? Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of them and had to stop and admire each one. 

I hope you are having a wonderful kickoff to spring too dear friends! 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 At The Picket Fence