• 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

September 27, 2020

The Slow Exit

One of my kids’ favorite memories, a story they still recount to this day, is of the time when they were little and we were baking banana bread together. It was an almost weekly ritual and they would pull their little stools up
to the counter and take turns putting ingredients into the bowl. When it was time to add the bananas, we would use the potato masher and scream “Ewwww! Banana worms!”, as we watched the bananas ooze out of each hole in the masher.

This day though, after the flour was added, someone (it’s still up for debate about who it was) accidentally turned the speed up on the mixer too high and flour went EVERYWHERE. It was like an eruption of flour and it coated every surface including us. Silence followed as the kids turned their little faces towards mine to see how I reacted. After a stunned pause, I burst out laughing and they joined in and we all laughed at the absurdity of that moment. And almost every time we’ve made banana bread since then, we’ve chuckled over that memory.
Fast forward to last week and my 17 year old had a hankering for apple pie. He found a recipe online, made sure he had all of the ingredients and asked me if I would just be in the kitchen with him in case he had any questions…and to peel the apples.
The pie he made was AMAZING. Truly one of the yummiest I’ve ever had. It was an inside out kind of pie with the most glorious caramelized crust.  But sweeter than the pie was watching this young man of mine confidently moving about the kitchen and laughing and chatting with him about nothing and everything.
I like to think that I’m earning bonus points with my future daughter-in-law.
Mamas of littles, I hope you know that what you are doing now is putting a down payment on who your kids will become someday. It’s an investment you will never regret. Let the flour explode and the spoons be licked and never doubt for one second that this is sacred work you are doing.
This stage of parenting is often referred to as the ‘slow exit’. Step by step, inch by inch, they are working their way out of the nest and preparing to take flight. It’s so bittersweet to watch them grow up, but I’m finding that there is definitely more sweet than bitter.
I often wonder if maybe, someday, my kids will make ‘banana worms’ with their children. Will they understand that all of those little moments combined together to make an impression on their souls and will they look back with gratitude for the investment we made into their lives? And, even though we don’t expect it, maybe they’ll come back and thank us.
Maybe they’ll even bring an apple pie!
Thanks for meeting me here,

—

18 Comments Filed Under: Family, Good Thoughts

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Apple Bread Pudding
Next Post: Autumn Home Tour »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kay says

    September 27, 2020 at 11:31 AM

    My littles are bigs now and I have realized that the precious time and conversations in the kitchen and in the car are building blocks for the future. How delightful that he wanted you in the kitchen ( to peel the apples) because he remembered the time you spent with him in the past. He may have something important to talk to you about. You have made wonderful memories, so you can pat yourself on the back!

    Reply
  2. Cindy says

    September 27, 2020 at 11:36 AM

    TEARS 🙏😩😢😢😢

    Reply
  3. Michele M. says

    September 27, 2020 at 1:28 PM

    Love this post.

    And it all happens SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO fast.

    Had my adult daughters and my 4 year old grand girl for a sleepover last night and we did fun crafts –
    trying to make those memories much as I can. ♥♥♥

    Reply
  4. Janis C Yager says

    September 27, 2020 at 3:27 PM

    Oh my gracious…that boy has grown up! I’ve followed you for many years & enjoy the journey. Many memories I have in OR, as g’children are now adults in Dallas, OR!

    Reply
  5. Rhonda says

    September 27, 2020 at 5:44 PM

    How precious those times are they go so fast you wish you could hit rewind.

    Reply
  6. Theresa Palm says

    September 27, 2020 at 5:53 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing! Brings tears to my eyes as I recall hubs n I becoming empty nesters just 3 years ago. It’s a new stage of life for us and the 2 AMAZING young adults that we raised.
    We hold every memory dear to our hearts.❤

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 28, 2020 at 11:21 AM

      It really is so bittersweet! You must be so proud of the amazing young adults you’ve raised and yet it just goes way too fast. Enjoy these years! xoxo

      Reply
  7. Doris says

    September 27, 2020 at 9:14 PM

    Awwwww! Such a sweet story. They grow up too fast. They will never forget the banana worms, and I think they will teach their children how to make them too! You are such a good Mama, Vanessa!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 28, 2020 at 11:18 AM

      Thank you so much Doris!

      Reply
  8. Miss Daisy says

    September 28, 2020 at 7:18 AM

    My girls at ages 4 and 5 could make homemade biscuits , cornbread , cookies etc. and we loved the process and it was a process.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 28, 2020 at 11:16 AM

      That is so impressive! It’s so good being in the kitchen with our kids. Blessings to you!

      Reply
  9. Cindy says

    September 28, 2020 at 7:48 AM

    I love and appreciate your heartfelt words so much. I have followed you for several years now and you always speak with such wisdom and from the heart. I love that about you. You are open and beautiful and kind. I cherish those times with my grandchildren now and get to learn so much about them as they continue to teach me back. You are a gift from God. I hope you keep writing. Your voice needs to be heard.💛

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 28, 2020 at 11:14 AM

      Oh thank you so much Cindy! You have no idea how much I needed your words of encouragement today. Many blessings to you!

      Love, Vanessa

      Reply
  10. jeanie says

    September 28, 2020 at 11:30 AM

    The pie looks delicious and oh, so pretty! I have followed you for years and it is hard to believe your Son is now 17. Happy Son’s Day!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2020 at 10:06 AM

      You are so kind Jeanie! It’s hard for me to believe he is 17 too! 😉

      Reply
  11. Leana says

    September 28, 2020 at 5:22 PM

    This is just magic, not only your children but when you are cooking with grandchildren it’s so much fun! Bonding over meals special cultural food and times of the year/s is one of life’s most treasured priceless gifts. Every childs precious. Blessings to all.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      September 30, 2020 at 10:08 AM

      Thank you so much Leana!

      Reply
  12. Christa says

    October 28, 2020 at 9:58 AM

    I had tears at the end of this post. It captures exactly how I feel when I spend time with my girls – 22, 20 and 15. Watching them grow into wonderful young women has been the joy of my life. Thank you for expressing this sentiment so eloquently.

    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!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

Grandma’s Banana Bread

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023
  • Nostalgic Christmas Home Tour December 10, 2022
  • Vintage Inspired Hot Cocoa Bar November 21, 2022
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour October 7, 2022
  • Built In Shelving Makeover in Family Room August 31, 2022

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake a I just went to make my mid-morning protein shake and grabbed a banana out of the freezer and was about to put it into my shake before I realized it was a frozen egg roll. Sooooo that's how my day is going so far! 🤪How about you?

It's honestly fairly representative of my state of mind these days as I can't seem to make the date on the calendar match the date in my spirit because it feels like it should be January 45th. Every year this month drags on and every year it seems to surprise me for some reason. In addition, my heart just feels heavy as I witness a lot of darkness and sadness around me. So, I'm choosing to control what I can control by making my house feel as cozy as possible, relishing the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds, gathering inspiration for warmer weather projects and, most importantly, resting in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Father.

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work..." Job 37:5-7
What if you could do something at the beginning of What if you could do something at the beginning of your day that would be a gift to yourself later on? That’s what we’re talking about on this week’s Tip Tuesday! #tiptuesday
The sun decided to make another appearance today! The sun decided to make another appearance today! It’s been such a lovely Sunday. Chocolate croissants for breakfast followed by church then naps/football/reading/etc and soon we’ll be heading out to dinner with friends. These are my favorite kind of weekends. Hope yours has been lovely too! 🌿
Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshi Yesterday was stormy and cold but today the sunshine is breaking through the fog and my house just seems happier. We definitely needed to see that light streaming in through the windows and it’s a gift I don’t take for granted.

And yes, there are still twinkle lights on my mantle because those help when the sunshine goes away again. ✨
Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here i Happy weekend! The rainy and gloomy weather here in the Willamette Valley has me feeling less frustrated about my migraine forcing me to just snuggle up indoors and these flowers in my kitchen are lifting my spirits. What are you up to on this holiday weekend?
It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offe It’s time for TIP TUESDAY! This week, I’m offering a gentle reminder from my own parenting experience after feeling my heart pricked with conviction about what was waiting for my daughter every day after school. I hope it will encourage you! 🌿#tiptuesday
The day after Christmas I found myself laundering The day after Christmas I found myself laundering and folding all of the linens we used the previous night as we hosted my husband's side of the family for dinner and other festivities. As I laid out each cloth napkin and folded them one by one, I couldn't help but be struck by what a simple, yet meaningful, task it was. It's such an honor and privilege to be the hostess and, at this stage of my life, I realize that this has almost one hundred percent become my role now. Our parents are in their 70's and have either downsized significantly or simply don't have the energy to take on hosting duties for a large group. I could resent this. I could feel overwhelmed by it. But, instead, I'm choosing to embrace it knowing that, someday, I too will pass the hosting torch and I hope that I will be welcomed with love and attentiveness. So, I fold the linen napkins, taking pleasure in the way all of the creases line up and how neat and tidy they look in the drawer of my dining room buffet. These seemingly simple chores are part of the lifeblood of homemaking and my attitude towards them can either be one of gratefulness or grumbly-ness (yes, I'm making up words now). 

And I’m choosing gratefulness. 

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.” (Elisabeth Elliot⁣)
Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kic Welcome to Tip Tuesday! I’m so excited to be kicking off the year with a brand new series! Each weekly installment will feature a tip for everything from your home to faith to parenting to family life and so much more. My goal for 2023 is to have far more personal interaction with this community while continuing on with the mission of weaving together all things heart and home. I hope you enjoy this first tip and I’d love to hear from you about whether or not you decorate for winter! 
#tiptuesday #organizing #winterdecorating
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. H “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” 

Here’s to beginnings. Happy new year friends! May you experience the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord in 2023 like never before! ✨
Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favor Oh how I love this week each year! It’s my favorite for sure. Everything is still festive and decorated but there’s none of the stress of the cooking and wrapping and making preparations. It’s the week where we get to take everything slowly and simply enjoy being together while the house still has twinkling lights and we can just be cozy.

What about you? How will you be spending this week? ✨
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence