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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

December 17, 2011

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 44

Hello lovely friends! We are so thrilled that you are joining us this week for Inspiration Friday after our little detour last week to the Blogger Block Party. We have seen so many incredible projects and ideas that we now have ridiculously long lists of things we want to try and make NEXT year! 

Before we get to the features from 2 weeks ago, we wanted to let you know that you can also visit us on Friday over at Homemaker on a Dime! We were so honored when SJ asked us to be apart of her fantastic series entitled “Blogging for Dollars“. We would love it if you would stop by and see us over there and we know you will wind up being taken in by all of SJ’s incredible projects and ideas!
Now, with Christmas a little over a week away (is that possible?) we just couldn’t let any more time pass before we share with our Christmas Trees!
First up, Heather’s tree….

This year was a huge milestone for our family! It was the first year we have purchased a real tree since we’ve had kids! 

I had wanted to do something different this year.  I decided to forgo the traditional tree skirt and place our tree in a planter of some sort.  I looked high and low for the perfect one, only to grab this huge copper stone planter off the deck!
I also went with a smaller tree than usual.  We don’t have very tall ceilings so we can never do an ginormous one anyway, but this year I wanted a refined rustic look, so we chose a smaller tree

I stuck mainly with golds, silvers and whites this year on the tree…but it will always include some of our most sentimental ornaments.

Even though having a smaller tree and putting it in a planter took some getting use to for everyone…I think we’ve all agreed we’re really happy with our tree this year!

Now, let’s take a peek at Vanessa’s Traditional Christmas Tree Trimmings!
Well friends, what can I say? Every year I’m certain I will try something new with our Christmas Tree (aka Mama’s tree!) and then every year I just fall in love all over again with this traditional look.

Simple strands of gold beads draped over the branches and favorite ornaments from years gone by mixing in with some new finds here and there.
Of course, these sweet faces peering through the boughs always melt my heart!
And yet, with all of that crystal and beading and bejeweling, my favorite ornament still remains the same. I know what you are thinking. 
“Ummm…Vanessa, you realize that is a 
cheap-o red ball ornament from Wal-Mart, right?”
013-2
But tucked inside that cheap-o red ball ornament is a little slip of paper. 
And on that slip of paper is a prayer written with all the hopefulness one young couple could muster.
013-1
And the next year, 2003, we took out that ornament and slipped that piece of paper out and rejoiced that our prayer had been answered in the form of a precious baby boy!

Last Sunday at the Cookie Exchange I hosted for our Community Group, I gave each gal their own cheap-o ball ornament and little slip of paper.
I watched as they wrote out their prayers and hopes and tucked them down inside.
And I prayed for them, as I pray for all of you, that their prayers will be answered.
Maybe not this year, maybe not even next year and maybe not in the way you thought they would be answered. But that you will find rest and peace in the security of His love for you and His desire to give you “immeasurably more than you could ask or imagine“! 
Thanks for letting us share our trees with you! Now onto our Features from the last Inspiration Friday!
 
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]
We absolutely adore these Vintage Paper Trees shared with us by Barb of Keeping Up with the Times!
She includes a wonderful tutorial on how to make them and the “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come” foretells a few of these in our future!

This is such a darling Pallet Christmas Tree created by Our Little Nest on the Lake. We love that it is on her front porch and the little presents attached at the bottom were the perfect finishing touch!
We loved all of the projects which were linked up by The Artsy Girl Connection and these two are just a sampling of the gorgeous creations she makes!
These are her TP Roll Burlap Stuffed Ornaments.

And this is her recipe for Peppermint Bark. Yes please!

There are so many unique and gorgeous “wreaths” showing up in Blogland right now…and this one by The Turquoise Piano is no exception!   The bright colors and crisp white pop against the brown door…gorgeous!

We LOVE the makeover that Christie from Three Pixie Lane gave her French Hutch! Every detail is so beautiful!

These homemade cards and gift tags from The Farmhouse Porch are the perfect mix of vintage and glam…and the message it sends couldn’t be more special…A King IS Born! Amen!

Thank you to all of our features this week as well as to all of you who share your amazing ideas, projects and inspiration with us each and every week! If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located in on our Buttons Page found under our header!

Are you following At The Picket Fence on Facebook? Don’t forget we feature many of your links during the week on our Facebook Page! If you’ve been featured there, grab a button as well! Thank you to everyone who shared so many fabulous posts with us last week! We appreciate you!
Now it’s time to share with us what has inspired you this week!
Thank you so much for joining us for Inspiration Friday at the Fence,
When you are done linking up head over and party with the other Friday Party Friends:



stuffandnonsense
vif187



Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s the rules!
  • Friend At The Picket Fence in some capacity
  • Link Up any post you’ve written that has Inspired You and will Inspire Others-it can be a home improvement project, craft, recipe, story, devotional…if it inspires link it up!
  • Be sure to link back to your original post (MANDATORY) and not just your url (main blog address)
  • Please post our button (code on our Buttons Page found at top of blog) or a text link on your blog so others can join in the fun! Tutorial on how to link up a button: Blogging 101
  • Visit another guest. Please try and visit at least the link directly above and below you! We try to visit as many posts as we can but as Inspiration Friday grows sometimes we miss some and for that we apologize. It makes us feed good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us!

Are you new to linky parties and kinda confused how they work? Have you wondered if you’re following “linky party etiquette”? 

We invite you to pay Donna at Funky Junk Interiors a visit and follow her great Linky Party Series! 

71 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Next Post: Giveaway Winners from the Blogger Block Party & a Big Thank You to our Sponsors! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Martha says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    The trees are lovely and the features from last week are gorgeous! Thank you so much for hosting! Have a great evening!

    Reply
  2. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    Your tree looks fab, and you have some great features. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  3. Kelli @ The Turquoise Piano says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Thanks so much for featuring my wreath! I was just reading your post on Dollar Tree wreaths. I LOVE the candy cane wreath with the turquoise ribbon. Beautiful! And thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  4. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    Great week of parties indeed! I really enjoyed myself and happy I was able to make just about every one of them. Thanks for hosting. Great features too.

    Reply
  5. Savvy Seasons says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Such gorgeous trees, so pretty! Thanks for hosting! Happy Holidays! xo ~Liz

    Reply
  6. Sherry says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Your trees are beautiful. May you each have a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for hosting!
    Sherry

    Reply
  7. The French Hutch says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    What a beautiful story of the answered Prayer. So much to give thanks for. Your trees are beautiful and such lovely features from last week! How did you ever decide with all the beautiful inspirational shares. Thank for hosting your lovely party.
    May you and yours have a Blessed Christmas.

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

    Reply
  8. Honey at 2805 says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    The trees are gorgeous and the features are fabulous. Thanks for being gracious hostesses!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Hayes says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Thanks for hosting this party every week – I look forward to it!!

    xoxo

    Jenn @ Social Salutations

    Reply
  10. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Such gorgeous Christmas trees! Wonderful photos, too! Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  11. Eclectically Vintage says

    December 15, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Loving your trees! And the framed ornaments wreath – so cute! Linking my fully blinged out Christmas house tour! Thanks.
    Kelly

    Reply
  12. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Love the story about the cheap-o red ball ornament with the prayer tucked inside. Very touching. Thank you for sharing that. Thanks once again for hosting.

    Reply
  13. Tanya@takesix says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Fabulous trees, girls! What a special red tree ornament! A great idea, and one I would love to use. Thank you so much for hosting such a super party! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  14. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    What a treat to get a real tree…I’d love one just for the smell alone! Thanks for hosting and have a great weekend…Ann p.s. I hope I didn’t miss it if you chose the winner of my pillow. Did I?

    Reply
  15. Calypso In The Country says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    What a beautiful tree! Thanks for hosting!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  16. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:17 PM

    What great features, girls! Thanks for hosting this party. I always get plenty of inspiration here!

    Reply
  17. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Absolutely beautiful trees!
    Thank you for hosting, my two favorite sisters in blogland! 🙂

    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  18. Shelia says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Hi ladies! What wonderful trees and features! Hope your Christmasing is going well.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  19. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Both of your trees are fabulous. I love them both. I especially love your special/favorite ornament. What a wonderful ornament full of your answered prayers. I hope both of you have a Christmas filled with all of God’s Blessings. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  20. Anita says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    I love having the tree in a planter! What a great idea! They are both beautiful and I really love Vanessa’s ornament sentiments. Just what this season is all about. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  21. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    December 15, 2011 at 11:01 PM

    Gorgeous real tree. We got a real one too for the first time in years. I just hope it hangs on one more week. Great features and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  22. Andrea at Opulent Cottage says

    December 15, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    I hope you all have recovered from your whirlwind holiday party! It was fun! Thanks for hosting us, ladies,
    xo, Andrea

    Reply
  23. Kristin says

    December 15, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    Love the fresh trees. Wish I could have them but we are an allergy house – sigh…

    I also was quite taken with your prayer ornament. I love the sentiment and I love the idea of saving it for the next year, and also sharing it with friends and praying together. Beautiful.

    Reply
  24. Debra @ Common Ground says

    December 15, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Hi Gals, each of your trees are so lovely. Great idea for the family photos in the small frames! just getting linked up, xoxo

    Reply
  25. Ruby Jean says

    December 16, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    I am afraid my only inspiration is what I wore…On Wednesday.. 🙂 We have been getting Rain all day ( which is LOVELY ) but it has also messed up my internet service… ( were on satellite… ) So I haven’t been able to get a new post up… So I am off to see what I can get done before we loose service again… 🙂 OH I LOVE LOVE LOVE those paper tree’s… They are so very pretty… 🙂 Happy Friday Ladies

    Reply
  26. Mary Ellen says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    Loving how you used the oval frame for your front door!!

    Thank you for the party!

    Reply
  27. Ivy and Elephants says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    I love both trees ladies, each so very unique and perfectly suited to each family!
    Thanks so much for hosting and linking up to “What’s It Wednesday”.
    It’s always a pleasure to have you.
    Hugs,
    Patti

    Reply
  28. DearHelenHartman says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    As always the images are charming and cheery and the story of the note in the red ornament gave me my Christmas joy for the day.

    Reply
  29. Kerry Rossow says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    Wowzadoodle- your trees look gorgeous!
    Thank you for hosting!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  30. Redo 101 says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    I love your trees! The first one is beautiful, and I absolutely adore the two “family vintage” ornies, now I totally want to do this. The second one is also beautiful, I love the pics of your kids (I have one of my son but alas…er, need to get one for my girl:). And I really love the idea of taking an ornament and putting a prayer inside. Thanks for sharing both your trees, and thanks for hostessing another great party!

    Mary

    Reply
  31. Lynn at Cottage and Creek says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    Your trees are delightful. And I love the features from last week too. So many cute ideas. Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful weekend.
    Lynn

    Reply
  32. Marianne says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    Beautiful trees, love all of the sentimental ornaments. I just love going through my ornaments every year and remembering where they came from. Thanks so much for hosting and for those wonderful features!
    Marianne 🙂

    Reply
  33. It's All Connected says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    I love the prayer inside the ball! What a wonderful idea. ~ Maureen

    Reply
  34. janet says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Your trees are beautiful..Thanks for hosting..

    Reply
  35. Rebecca says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Hello
    Your trees are so beautiful…
    All your inspirational features are wonderful also.
    Thanks for the hosting!
    Blessings
    Rebecca

    Reply
  36. Barb says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:27 AM

    Your trees are gorgeous! and thank yu so much for featuring my vintage paper trees – it’s a real honour!

    Reply
  37. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:29 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting girls and have a great weekend, Martina

    Reply
  38. Gwen @ The Bold Abode says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:50 AM

    I am enthralled with the Prayer Ornament…and the three dollar wreaths…LOVE that turquoise ribbon on those candy canes…I mean LOVE, LOVE it!

    And I always love Kelli!

    Thanks so much for the party!

    Reply
  39. Samara {The Dressing Room} says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today and for the follow. I am also your newest follower 😉 Both of your trees are beautiful!

    Samara

    Reply
  40. Cherished Bliss says

    December 16, 2011 at 4:00 AM

    Both trees are fantastic!! Thanks for hosting : )

    Reply
  41. Desire Empire says

    December 16, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    Wow you guys have been busy!!! They are both sparkling and lovely.

    Imust be tired. Linked up an shot and a title that don’t match. Sorry!!!!!

    Merry Christmas to both you fabulous girls.

    Reply
  42. Zuni, Chickadee Home Nest says

    December 16, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    Your trees are beautiful! I’ve been on your blog a million times in the last few weeks, joining in the party, looking through the gorgeous other posts, and had missed your story of the ornament. What a lovely story, and what a lovely gesture to do that with your friends as well. I will adopt that tradition at our home as well. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  43. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    December 15, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Hey girls!! Have you recouped from last weeks craziness yet!? lol!! So much fun!! All linked up- thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  44. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    December 16, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Love your Christmas tree in a planter! Thanks for hosting 🙂

    Reply
  45. Angie says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    Acckkk…I’ve got the same link twice, if you’d like to delete one – I didn’t think it worked, so I tried again. #129 & #131 (different photos).

    Thanks bunches for hosting such an inspirational party!

    Blessings,
    Angie @ Knick of Time

    Reply
  46. Debbie says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    I love that special ornament with the prayer and then the praise. That’ one of my favorite things I’ve ever seen on a tree.

    And Heather, I think real trees are beautiful. We have one. I also love the idea of a tree in a planter. My niece did that with her tree this year, and I think it looks wonderful.

    Reply
  47. Claire says

    December 16, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Your trees are beautiful-just wanted you both to know how much I love your blog and your parties-wishing you and your families a very merry christmas and a happy and healthy new year! See you in 2012!!

    Reply
  48. Laurel says

    December 16, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Wonderful features…beautiful trees! Thanks for hosting…all linked up 🙂 Laurel@chippingwithcharm

    Reply
  49. Stuff and Nonsense says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    your trees are both looking lovely
    sweet
    familyish

    and i do love that prayer ornament idea
    how creative

    love the features
    and thanks
    as always
    for hosting!

    alison

    Reply
  50. stefanie says

    December 16, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    soooooo many great ideas, thanks!

    Reply
  51. Susan (My Place to Yours) says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    Vanessa, I can see why your “cheap-o” ornament is so special. That’s a wonderful idea, and I’m glad you’re continuing it with your community group. How exciting to see what answered prayers the new year will hold!

    Reply
  52. https://findingsecrettreasures.blogspot.com says

    December 16, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Your trees are both Beautiful! and I love the prayer bulb, I just may do that! Thanks you! I just linked up to your party

    Reply
  53. Stevie from GardenTherapy.ca says

    December 16, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    your tree and photos are just gorgeous! I was feeling a bit grinchy this year, thus my grinch tree, less lush but still meaningful and makes me smile.

    Glad that your wish came true.

    Reply
  54. NanaDiana says

    December 16, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    Well girls~ Your trees are just as beautiful as both of you are! I love each one- they new, little one and the traditional one. Great features, too! xo Diana

    Reply
  55. Myric says

    December 16, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Both your trees look gorgeous! Having a decorative tree is nice but having the traditional christmas tree is the best as it holds sentimental memories and stories hanging with the ornaments!

    I was thrilled to know you liked my little dryer sheet project! I cannot afford to but laces and fabrics yet so I use whatever I could find 🙂

    I love this blog hop!

    xoxo
    Myric

    Reply
  56. Mimi says

    December 16, 2011 at 8:38 PM

    Love the picture of the sailor hanging on the tree. vintage pictures of all kinds in black and white or sepia toned would be great on a tree.

    Reply
  57. CAS says

    December 16, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Both of you have stunning trees. I love the big copper pot as a tree holder — beautiful! I tend to be more traditional, so I love your tree, Vanessa. I did veer bit to the trendy with mesh ribbon this year. Great party as usual. Thanks so much for hosting!
    xoxo, CAS

    Reply
  58. Marcia says

    December 16, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    The trees look lovely. I’ve never been one to like too tall of a tree. Ours is typically 6 feet give or take, and I LOVE the use of a planter vs. a skirt. They do this a lot in Europe and South America, sometimes on top of a table. So pretty.
    Thank you for hosting.

    Reply
  59. Dayle says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Love that traditional tree. I’m a traditional, old-fashioned tree gal myself. Always have been, always will be.

    Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  60. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    December 16, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    Lovely trees, thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  61. Val says

    December 17, 2011 at 12:02 AM

    It’s official you ladies have reached ROCKSTAR status!!!!!!! Woo Hoo. =)

    Reply
  62. Marcia says

    December 17, 2011 at 12:16 AM

    Had to comment again to let you know I absolutely love that prayer ornament. So beautiful.

    Reply
  63. saltbox treasures says

    December 17, 2011 at 3:48 AM

    Thanks for hosting your wonderful party each week! Great features and inspiration.
    Merry Christmas to you and your families!
    ~ Julie

    Reply
  64. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda G says

    December 17, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    The trees are beautiful! And the features fabulous …so many talented bloggers out there! I really LOVE the idea of putting a prayer in the Christmas Ball! Precious! Will share this idea with friends and groups at church!

    Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  65. Honey at 2805 says

    December 17, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    So happy you both shared you beautiful trees !

    Your homes are so beautiful, so warm and wonderfully decorated for the holidays!

    Thank you for sharing and linking to Potpourri Friday at 2805!

    Reply
  66. Vanessa says

    December 19, 2011 at 1:09 AM

    Hi, Vanessa & Heather

    Thank you for hosting.

    Vanessa

    Reply

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“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
This is one of my most favorite projects from my b This is one of my most favorite projects from my book Life in Season! 

Because, if heaven has a fragrance, I’m fairly certain it smells like lilacs.

I think that somewhere along the way the verse in the Bible that said, ‘heaven will smell like lilacs’ just got lost in translation. But it HAD to have been in there at some point, right?

When I bury my head in the blossoms (which I absolutely MUST do every single time I walk past them), I immediately feel a stirring in my soul.

It seems like I wait forever for my lilac tree to bloom. Every year I anxiously watch as the buds begin to form on the branches and then when the blossoms finally burst forth I begin that agonizing process of deciding the absolute perfect moment to snip them and bring them inside.

And then, after all of that waiting and watching it’s just over…done. Because, unlike heaven, lilacs don’t last for an eternity. So, making my own lilac room spray seemed like the perfect way to enjoy their fragrance long after the blossoms have faded.

Here’s how to make it! Ingredients: Water, Vodka, Lilac fragrance oil. Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka. Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

Once you’ve made this lilac scented room spray you will be very tempted to spray it in every room in your house. And someone may want to use it in the bathroom to cover up other less…ummmm….pleasing aromas.

But, do not, I repeat do NOT, let them.

You’ve captured the fragrance of heaven in a bottle and you wouldn’t want to go and tarnish it now would you? 😉
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
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