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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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It’s time again for Tip Tuesday! Would you belie It’s time again for Tip Tuesday! Would you believe that a few years ago I found a sock in our pantry? Yes, a sock. Just there on the shelf next to the cereal. But did it stress me out? Nope! We got a good laugh out of it especially after it was claimed by its owner (my teenage son) and it was a reminder to me of why the daily mayhem of life doesn’t overwhelm me because I’ve already established areas in my home that remain clutter free and offer me a visual exhale. #tiptuesday
Yesterday on the way home from school I had the ra Yesterday on the way home from school I had the radio tuned to my daughter's favorite station and a song that was playing had a line in it that really stood out to me. It made reference to a 'season of the sticks' which I think its safe to say must mean winter. I thought that was such an accurate, albeiet kind of depressing, picture of this time of the year.While we definitely have more than our fair share of evergreen trees here in Oregon, we also have plenty of trees and bushes that are reduced to sticks during the cold months. But, this morning as I looked out my kitchen window, greedily sipping from my mug of coffee, I marveled at the beauty of the winter sunrise. The sky was all pinks and oranges with frost on the rooftops and a little bit of fog. And, I realized that part of why it was so amazing is because I could see it more clearly through the sticks. The bare branches allowed me a view that I wouldn't be able to see if those same branches were covered in leaves. Being stripped down to almost nothing revealed something magnificent.We have seasons of the sticks in our lives too, don't we? Times when we feel as though we've been stripped bare and left exposed. It's easy to think that this is a place where all is ugly and dark. And yet, just like the winter sunrise was more visible because of the bare branches, the vulnerability we feel in the winter season of our souls allows us to get a glimpse of beauty that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the lush, warm seasons it's so easy to become comfortable. But in the bare, cold seasons we recognize just how much we need to rely on the One who placed the stars in the heavens and is sovereign over all.If you feel like your soul has been stripped bare and you've been left exposed and vulnerable, may I encourage you today to ask the Lord to help you to see the beauty in this 'season of the sticks'.“Answer me quickly, O Lord! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:7
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
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