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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
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  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

January 27, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 49!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1

Ok folks…we are going to do something we have never done before here at Inspiration Friday.
We are going to going to give you a glimpse of what happens “behind the scenes” as we prepare to host this party each week.
It goes a little something like this…

Text from Heather to Vanessa or vice versa: “Is now a good time to go through the links and pick our features?”
Reply: “Yes, but there are so many amazing projects how are we ever going to choose?”
Phone rings: “Hey!”
Voice on other end: “Did you see link# (fill in the blank) that had the amazing (fill in the blank)?!”
Reply: “Oh I know!! That one was so fabulous! But did you see the one about the (fill in the blank)?”
Reply: “No but I’m going to go look at it right now!”
Reply: “How do we possibly narrow it down to just a handful to feature when there are so many amazingly talented folks out there?”

And so on and so forth!

Seriously, you are all so talented and creative and we feel honored to even be in your company and to have you share from your homes and your hearts with us each week.
Now, we know we aren’t the only hosts having a hard time each week picking which projects to Feature.
There are some amazing parties taking place all over Blogland each week!
And we want to introduce you to our New and Improved tab where we list our favorite


PLACES TO PARTY
Now, not only is this a great way for us to keep track of when those fabulous parties are happening, we have also created a way for other hosts to add their PARTY LINK to that page!

If you host a weekly Linky Party and don’t see yours listed on the page already, you can simply add yours to the list under the appropriate day.
Easy Peasy!

Before we get to our Features from last week’s party, we want to take a moment and introduce you to our newest Sponsors here at the Fence.

AND

We are so excited to have these amazing shops on board with us here at the Fence and we hope you will pay them a visit and check out their wonderful products!

Now, onto those Features which we somehow did manage to choose!

Desire Empire shared her daughter’s darling bedroom created on a small budget. We think it looks like a million bucks though and there are so many adorable details you will want to check out! 

Sew Passionate shared an excellent tutorial for making an Easy Bolster Pillow with gathered ends. Isn’t that fabric just beautiful too? There are many other amazing ideas and tutorials on this blog and we encourage you to pop on over and pay her a visit!

Kristina from ReMade Simple showed us how to make these lovely Wall-Mounted Vases using re-purposed items. She also includes a fantastic tutorial for this project and has many more creative and clever ideas on her blog!

Now speaking of fantastic tutorials, check out these Coffee Sack Baskets created by Kim of Cheap Chic Home! Love how easy they are and she includes wonderful instructions on how to make them yourself.

Simply Simplisticated shared her incredible kitchen island which was a true DIY project if we ever saw one. We love a gal who knows her way around power tools!

This next idea is perfect for occupying little ones while Mommy is cooking in the kitchen! Michelle from So Here’s My Life showed us how to create a one-of-a-kind Magnetic Marble Run made from paper towel and toilet paper tubes. How clever is that?! 

And just in time for Valentine’s Day we have these Cherry Topped Brownie Bites which were shared with us by Tracey from The Kitchen is My Playground. Just when we think we have finally detoxed from Christmas along comes V-Day and wonderful treats like these!

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!


KEEP THOSE VALENTINE’S DAY PROJECTS COMING! WE WILL BE DOING A HIGHLIGHT POST OF OUR FAVORITE INSPIRATION FRIDAY VALENTINE PROJECTS AND POSTS!


Before we close out our post today, we wanted to take just a second to wish Heather’s daughter and Vanessa’s niece a very Happy 12th Birthday! The world became a better place on January 26th, 2000 when Mekenzie Leigh entered the world! Mommy loves you Mekenzie, you bring joy beyond measure to our lives.  You are my treasure!



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!

Have you noticed that you can now REPLY to comments left on Blogger Blogs? Be sure to check “receive emails to replies” so you can see if we have replied to your comment!

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Comments

  1. NanaDiana says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    What a fun behind-the-scenes look at what you girls go through. I’m sure it is wrenching work at times. Happy birthday to Mekenzie-she is VERY grown up looking for her age! Kind of scary, isn’t it? Beautiful girl!!! xo Diana

    Reply
  2. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Fabulous features and the birthday girl does not look 12! Very pretty girl. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  3. Calypso In The Country says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:20 PM

    Mekenzie does look very grown up – Happy Birthday to her! Thanks for hosting today and letting us in on your behind the scenes discussions!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  4. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:21 PM

    Great features! A happy day to the birthday girl! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  5. A Cozy Cottage in the City says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    Happy Birthday to Mekenzie {what a pretty name}! 🙂

    And thank you kindly for hosting – it’s a pleasure to link up! 🙂

    XOXO’s,
    Jessie

    Reply
  6. Brandi says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:23 PM

    Happy Birthday 12th birthday Mekenzie! Thanks so much for hosting ladies!!

    Reply
  7. Angela - Postcards from the Ridge says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies. I don’t know how you ever choose from all of the great posts. ~ Angie

    Reply
  8. Shari @ turnstylevogue.com says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:26 PM

    Thanks for the party! And best birthday wishes…

    Reply
  9. Anita says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:29 PM

    Looks like you girls have a lot of fun, but I cannot imagine going through all the great ideas out there! Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  10. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    Wonderful features. I always look forward to checking out as many links as I can. Thanks tons for hosting such a fun party. Also, thanks for including me in your Party Links too. Hugs, marty

    Reply
  11. Rosemary@villabarnes says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:38 PM

    Happy Birthday Mekenzie. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  12. Poppy says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    Wonderful inspiring features! Happy Birthday to Mekenzie:) Thanks for the party ladies!Hugs~Poppy

    https://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  13. Natasha in Oz says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Thanks so much for having me today. Hope you have brilliant weekend!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    Reply
  14. Desire Empire says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:05 PM

    Thanks do much for featuring my daughters new bedroom. I am honoured
    Have a great weekend.
    Carolyn xx

    Reply
  15. Lynn says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:16 PM

    Wonderful features! I love the coffee bean buckets! And Happy Birthday to Mekenzie! Cottage and Creek is all linked up … thanks for hosting this fun party. Off to see the other participants!
    Lynn

    Reply
  16. Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:22 PM

    Thanks for hosting, ladies! Great features!

    Reply
  17. Sue says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    How do I miss some of these features, girls? Oh, I know…. There are so many entries to your popular party that I don’t make it all the way to the end! LOL I HAVE started clicking from the end of the list the past few times! Ah… to have all the time in the world! hugs, Sue

    Reply
  18. decoratewithalittlebit.com says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:24 PM

    Thank you girls for faithfully hosting and letting us play along every week! Little Bit from DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

    Reply
  19. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:34 PM

    Hi ladies, Thanks for hosting each week and the great features. Happy birthday to Mekenzie. She is a beautiful young lady! Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  20. Richella says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Hey Heather and Vanessa! Y’all are such wonderful hostesses. This party is always a good one, and I appreciate the time you put into it. I also appreciate the fact that you feature lots of different kinds of posts. I know the bloggers you feature are grateful!

    Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  21. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    OMGoodness…those brownies look sooooo yummy!!! Tell the birthday girl…HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  22. debbie refresh restyle says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    Thanks for hosting~love your features!
    Debbie

    Reply
  23. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    January 26, 2012 at 10:58 PM

    Hi lovelies,

    What gorgeous things you’ve picked out to share with us. That last recipe looks yummy!! I love the way the light shines on the sauce – makes me want to gobble it all up!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  24. Gail says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:13 PM

    Happy Birthday to MeKenzie. She is beautiful!!! Great features this week and thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  25. Debra @ Common Ground says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:21 PM

    brownie bites…brownie bites…brownie bites, sorry I was in the zone for a minute! just linked up, xoxo

    Reply
  26. FABBY'S LIVING says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:47 PM

    Happy birthday Makenzie Leigh, you are a beautiful girl! I can’t believe such beauty is only 12! Thank you for hosting and having me. Hugs,
    FABBY

    Reply
  27. Judy says

    January 26, 2012 at 11:56 PM

    Great features. I have a 2000 baby too. Great year! 🙂 Thanks for hosting. I am usually a one link kinda girl, but I had a bunch to share this week.

    Reply
  28. Something Nice and Pretty says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:19 AM

    Always love to party with you, loved the features that you showed especially the brownie bites!

    ♥Rondell

    Reply
  29. andrea says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:27 AM

    Happy birthday to the little Missy and thanks for hosting! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  30. Anne Lorys - Fiona and Twig says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:29 AM

    Always a joy to link up with you!

    XOXO,
    Anne

    Reply
  31. CAS says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:30 AM

    You two always have the best features! Thank you so much for hosting this ever-growing party!
    CAS

    Reply
  32. Katie says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:41 AM

    Thanks for hosting!!

    Reply
  33. Pattie says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    Thank you for hosting a fun Party have a good weekend

    Pattie

    Reply
  34. Larrisa Hill Designs says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:57 AM

    Always a great party….lots of inspiration and oh so many projects to try. Heather

    Reply
  35. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:59 AM

    I don’t know how you ladies choose because there are way too many great posts!

    Reply
  36. Mary ~ says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:15 AM

    Thanks for hosting the party! Great features, I love Desire Empire’s bedroom, adorable. Happy Bday to Mekenzie!!! Have a great weekend! Mary

    Reply
  37. Betsy Speert says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    What a wonderful idea to have a link party for link parties!!!!
    You guys are smarty pants!!! So glad to have found your blog.

    Reply
  38. Pamela says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:40 AM

    Thanx for hosting gals!

    Reply
  39. Laura says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Hi-

    Thank you so much for hosting!

    I am participating-#175.

    Enjoyed visiting,

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

    Reply
  40. Kerry Rossow says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Thank you for hosting, ladies! I loved hearing your behind the scenes!
    Kerry at HouseTalkN

    Reply
  41. Just B @ Love Where You Live says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:48 AM

    Thanks, gals, for hosting this always inspiring party each week! Such a fun time. 🙂

    Reply
  42. Jennifer @ Town and Country Living says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Reply
  43. Molly says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:00 AM

    Thank you for hosting! I’m off to find some inspiring projects 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:37 AM

    Thank you so much for the feature ladies! It’s an honor to be in such great company. (Sorry I’m late, I’ve been away at a retreat :)). Hugs, Kim

    Reply
  45. Honey at 2805 says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:44 AM

    Yes, great features, great minds! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  46. Stacy Curran says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:00 AM

    I’ve thought before that I do NOT envy your job of choosing from all this wonderfulness! People are amazingly creative…but you already know that! I hope to have SOMETHING to link up soon!
    Stacy

    Reply
  47. Wendi @ Classic Chic Home says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:04 AM

    Thanks for hosting “Inspiration Fridays”! I’m excited to finally be linking up!
    ~ Wendi ~

    Reply
  48. Jann Olson says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:24 AM

    I can see why you girls have such a hard job. There are so many wonderful, creative people out there. Thanks for letting us share a bit of what brings us happiness! Happy birthday to the darling 12 year old!
    Hugs,
    Jann

    Reply
  49. classic • casual • home says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:26 AM

    Wow….so much fun and such diversity!

    Reply
  50. Cherished Bliss says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:42 AM

    Thanks for hosting lovely ladies!!

    Reply
  51. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Happy Birthday to Mekenzie!!!! I’m all linked up~ Thanks for hosting girls!! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Erin {Lavender and Lemon Drops} says

    January 27, 2012 at 7:28 AM

    thanks for hosting 🙂 love the features!

    Reply
  53. adventuresindinner says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    Awesome table! And that tutu in the window is adorable 🙂

    Reply
  54. Confessions of a Paper-Crafts Chick says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Here’s the link to the 2nd sponsor above, Gabriella Daisy: https://www.GabriellaDaisy.com

    Reply
  55. Carmel @ Our Fifth House says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    Ok, the marble run is pure genius! Where was that idea when I had toddlers?!

    Reply
  56. Curtains in My Tree says

    January 27, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    It is so fun to see all the great ideas women & men have. Some of them are amazing Thanks for hosting

    Reply
  57. Dayle says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Looks like a great party today. Can’t wait to dig in. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  58. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    January 27, 2012 at 3:51 PM

    Oh my goodness people are so busy this week…cannot believe all the links you have here. I am going to be busy checking them out!

    I am finally back and had a wonderful time!!! Talk to you soon. Gonna go and check out the mudroom makeover now!

    Reply
  59. Mimi says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    Thanks so much!

    Reply
  60. Mimi says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:56 PM

    I really appreciate you hosting this beautiful party!

    Reply
  61. anangloinquebec says

    January 27, 2012 at 5:28 PM

    Great features! I see a recipe I just might have to try! Once again, a great place for a party!!

    Reply
  62. Gabby says

    January 27, 2012 at 5:29 PM

    Happy Birthday, Mekenzie! Thank you, ladies for the feature on Facebook! I hope y’all have a fantastic weekend. 🙂

    Gabby
    The…Late, Young Family

    Reply
  63. Good Time Charlie says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Oh the home made marble run! Genius. I think my older kids might actually enjoy this instead of asking “what’s for dinner” 1,000 times while I am actually making it….

    Reply
  64. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:18 PM

    Thanks for hosting. So much to read, happy times.

    Reply
  65. Rob Hunt says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:35 PM

    Thanks for hosting. Lots of blogs to check out.
    Rob

    Reply
  66. janet says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:55 PM

    Hello ladies…happy top be joining you today!

    Thanks for hosting a great party.

    janet xox
    https://theemptynest-janet.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  67. CraftyCupcake13 says

    January 27, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Thanks for hosting! I haven’t linked up in a really long time.. I hope you like the projects I shared.. when I do.. I love coming to your linky parties!! Thanks again!

    XOXOXO,
    Lilli
    Onestopbabygifts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  68. Wendy says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! I always get so much inspiration from all the link ups!

    Reply
  69. Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground says

    January 28, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    Oh, thank you so much for featuring my Cherry-Topped Brownie Bites! What a nice surprise to be reading your post and come across my name and photo!! Thank you for hosting a fabulous party.
    Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground

    Reply
  70. Ashley @ The Latest Find says

    January 28, 2012 at 1:53 AM

    Hi!! I’m a new follower and new to your link party, from The Latest Find! I’m linking up! Love your site! I’m also adding your link party button to my “all the latest parties” page! Thanks for hosting, Happy Valentines Day!! =)

    Reply
  71. Crafty Mischief says

    January 28, 2012 at 2:50 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  72. Crafty Mischief says

    January 28, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    Happy Birthday Mekenzie! And thank you for hosting this week, and every week Vanessa and Heather! :0

    Reply
  73. Nancy's Notes says

    January 28, 2012 at 12:24 AM

    What a party and what a fun blog! I’m thrilled that I found a link to your blog. Happy to be joining in today! Thanks for being such great hostesses!

    Nancy

    Reply
  74. Leslie says

    January 28, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Vanessa and Heather, I always enjoy your blog!! Thanks for hosting again! 🙂
    Blessings,
    Leslie

    Reply
  75. Debbie says

    January 28, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    What a beautiful baby, and what an even more beautiful girl! I say that sincerely, but of course you know that. You have eyes!

    I don’t know how you two get through all the inspiration. I must be the only one in blogland who is constantly looking in the windows and never bringing anything to fruition.

    Maybe I should start a motivational theme for myself. Fruition Friday. Yeah, righhhhht.

    Reply
  76. Red Rose Alley says

    January 28, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    Chocolate and cheeries…two of my favorite things. Those brownie bites look so yummy. The pink bedroom is darling. Have a nice weekend.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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

    January 28, 2012 at 9:01 PM

    Fantastic party, Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  78. Mrs. T says

    January 29, 2012 at 1:57 AM

    Thanks for hosting! This is my first time linking up and I will definitely be back next week! Thanks again!

    Reply
  79. Doreen Grace says

    January 29, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    Hi Vanessa & Heather, I think I accidentally linked the same post up twice since my connection was so slow. Can you please delete linky #463? Thanks! Doreen Grace

    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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