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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

June 24, 2012

Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 70 from Haven!!

Inspiration Friday Graphic1
Hey!! Hey!! Hey!! Welcome to Inspiration Friday!

 We’re at Haven and so excited to be meeting some of you as we type this…and for those who aren’t here with us, we hope you’ll enjoy this little recap of what we’ve been up to so far!

We’ve been blogging our way through Haven!

We wish you all could be here with us and we sure do appreciate you coming by to join in this “Destination” Inspiration Friday party!

We are having an amazing time connecting with some amazing bloggers…both old friends and new!

Yes that’s Julia from Hooked on Houses, Beckie from Infarrantly Creative and “THE” Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick!

and have you been following along with the adventures of Flat Kelly of
Eclectically Vintage on our Facebook Page? She’s having quite the adventure here at Haven with us!

She’s meeting new friends everywhere she goes!

We thought it would be fun to let some of our friends who are here at Haven with us to pick the Features from last week’s party.

They did such a great job we might just have to let them do this more often!
So, we hope you enjoy and we can’t wait to get back and share with you some of our adventures.
picketfence_20010_thumb[18]_thumb[2]
INSPIRED ROOMS

We are SO excited to be here at Haven with our dear friend Ange from The Blooming Hydrangea! We’ve been following Ange since the beginning of her blogging career and it’s a highlight of the conference to be here with her.  Here are Ange’s top Inspired Room picks from Inspiration Friday.
“I consider the Master Bedroom one of the most important rooms of the house and  yet it’s often the most neglected.  You can just imagine how happy I was to see Rasonda from Lake Cottage Dreams Master Bedroom.  The soft color palette mixed with beautiful accessories are fabulous but my favorite part is that Rasonda loves her “cozy retreat” as well!”
“After just finishing up painting my kitchen cabinets last week, I can really appreciate how much time and energy Liz from Naptime Decorator’s put into her kitchen.  It was time and energy well spent, the transformation is amazing, including inspiring projects in her kitchen, like the magnetic chalkboard fridge.  Head on over and check out the before and after pictures, you won’t be sorry!” 

MAKEOVERS

What can we say about our wonderful friend Kari from Thistlewood Farm? A lot actually! But for the sake of time and space we will just say that we are pretty sure she was our other sister in another life and we just adore her! Here is Kari’s makeover pick.
“This room from Sophia’s Decor makes me feel like I am starring in an episode of Mad Men.  From the vintage light fixture, to the incredible moldings, to the bed linens….this is a room that would make even Betty Draper smile.”
 

Vivienne of The V Spot and Vanessa are bonding together at Haven over the fact that they are on West Coast time and needing lots of coffee this weekend! But Viv was able to still pick an awesome link for her makeover pick! She loved this Ballard Designs inspired mirror makeover from
 Between the Rafters.



CRAFTS and CREATIONS

Debbie! Ah…Debbie from Refresh, Restyle…she’s sitting next to us and forcing us to let you all know how amazingly fabulous she is, and that we may or may not have squealed when we saw her! 
Here’s Debbie’s craft and creations picks!

“Beach inspired decor is very popular, but most of us don’t the opportunity to stroll the beaches for driftwood! Craftiments  shares a great DIY Driftwood Tutorial. Being able to create your own is an awesome way to get the look!”
DIY Driftwood Tutorial by Craftiments.com
“Most all our children have had a tricycle at one point or another, but they outgrow them very fast.  What a creative way to recycle, and create a little whimsy in the garden from Sew Incredibly Crazy!
RECIPES AND PARTIES
We asked the beautiful Anna from Ask Anna (a party queen!) whose here with us at Haven to choose a few recipes and parties. Here’s her picks!
“You had me at creamy and coconut but then add the rum, it sounds simply divine!  I will definitely be pinning this Creamy Coconut Cake from Confessions of a Semi-Domesticated Mama for my
 next girls night!”
“This recipe for Peach-Pineapple Salsa from The Kitchen is my Playground sounds so refreshing! I would love to make this during the summer months!”
OUTDOOR LIVING

So, we’re here with Kerry from HouseTalkn and y’all she is as funny in person as she is on her blog and the gorgeous Daune from Cottage in the Oaks, who we adore!  Here’s their top picks from Outdoor Living!
Both gals chose this fabulous link

Kerry said, “Mojito is my drink of choice so I loved this adorable toolbox/planter for mint from
Eclectically Vintage.”

Daune noted,” I love the toolbox planter and Garden Markers created by Eclectically Vintage!  I think it is so fun to reuse something for a totally different purpose than it’s originally intended….it adds so much character to the garden! Now, where’s that old toolbox I saw in our shed last week………”

 
Kerry also chose the following link. 


“I don’t know what it says about me, but I was drawn to a booze post followed by a place to nap post!”


“I have often dreamed of a daybed like this from Somewhat Quirky for my sunroom!”
 
Daune also chose the following fabulous outdoor post:

“What a fabulous transformation!  Entries are so important….it is the first thing that guests see; as well as you when you arrive home.  This new entry from Creatively Living is so well done, festive, and inviting. Love it!”



INSPIRING STORIES


Of course, we couldn’t let them pick all of the Features, now could we??
We have seen mason jars used in a million different ways around blogland, but we thought this was such a meaningful way to use something so simple. Marty of Marty’s Musings created this darling Blessings Jar and she shares more in the post about just how special it has been to record their blessings and be reminded of God’s faithfulness!

If you were featured today (or have been featured in the past) please grab the featured at button code located 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!
Are you following us on

Pinterest

We sure hope so! BUT…We have a SPECIAL REQUEST of you, if you visit INSPIRATION FRIDAY and like to PIN the great projects you see here! Please pin from the ORIGINAL SOURCE and not our blog…unless it’s one of our own creations, then by all means pin away from here…we won’t mind! 😉
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:
vif187Fridays Unfolded
Photobucket



Now all ya PARTY PEOPLE it’s time to link on up…here’s some instructions for Inspiration Friday
  • 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  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! (MANDATORY to be featured At The Picket Fence) 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 feel good knowing others are visiting people as well! Thank you..it truly means a lot to us
And while it’s not a requirement, we’d sure love ya to be following along with us in some capacity!
Below are some great options!
This Inspiration Friday post is Sponsored By:

where you can find gorgeous pillow covers like these…
Decorative Pillow Cover - 20

74 Comments Filed Under: Inspiration Friday

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Comments

  1. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    You all look like you are having SUCH FUN!!!!!

    I *adore* that pic of you two hotties in your sunglasses.

    We who are not there are thinking of you!

    Big hugs!

    Reply
  2. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    Of course you are having a FABULOUS time! Wish I was there too!!!

    Reply
  3. Michell @ Girl In Air says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:38 PM

    You ladies look like you are having a blast! So wish I would have went too:-) Have a fabulous weekend!

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:44 PM

    It was so much fun meeting y’all last night. It was a blast. They picked some great features. Enjoy the rest of your stay and thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  5. Katie Goldsworthy says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:45 PM

    Thank you so much for the feature!!! Have a fantastic time at Haven!

    –Katie

    Reply
  6. Babs says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    Thanks for sharing all the fun at Haven and for hosting another great party. I’m headed back to check out some of the features from last week. Thanks again, Babs

    Reply
  7. miss flibbertigibbet says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Oh I’m so envious! Maybe next time! I recognize so many of those faces! Lucky girls!
    Blessings, Lorraine

    Reply
  8. Good Time Charlie says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    How much fun is this link party!!!! You are too much, all of you!! I am so wishing I were there to hang out with this crowd. Have so much fun, can’t wait to hear all about it when you return. Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  9. Little Bit says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:00 PM

    Thanks for hosting girls! Sounds like you’re having a great time! Little Bit

    Reply
  10. Sophia's says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    Thanks so much for hosting! Yes, I too adore Kari from Thistewood Farm and I’m flattered she chose my room 🙂 Haven looks like sooo much fun…next year for sure!

    Kristen
    https://sophiasdecor.blogspot.com

    Reply
  11. Aimee - ItsOverflowing.com says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:10 PM

    Oh my goodness! Great pictures and fun features! I’m loving the little glimpses you’ve been sharing from Haven!!! Thanks so much for hosting! XO, Aimee

    Reply
  12. Laura from Top This Top That says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    I am so thrilled to meet you guys!! Your “friends” did a good job with the picks this week.

    Reply
  13. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:34 PM

    So glad you are having a great time! Wish I was there…hopefully next time!

    Reply
  14. Eclectically Vintage says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    First I see Flat Kelly partying away and then I see my toolbox planter featured!! Double whammy!

    You know Flat Kelly adores mojitos too!

    Thanks Duane & Kerry for choosing us!

    You girls stay out of trouble at Haven!
    Flat Kelly & Kelly

    Reply
  15. Debbie says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:44 PM

    Sounds like you are having a ball! I loved your shout outs and picks for the week.

    Reply
  16. Calypso In The Country says

    June 21, 2012 at 11:58 PM

    Oh, Haven looks like so much fun!! Have a great time – I wish I could have gone! Thanks for taking the time to host again!
    -Shelley

    Reply
  17. RaNaeLuvsEwes says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Glad you girls are having such a great time thanks for hosting from Haven

    Reply
  18. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:00 AM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven! Such fun photos to look at! Thanks so much for hosting!!!

    Reply
  19. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:09 AM

    I think Flat Kelly may need to open her very own blog … just saying …

    Looks like you are having a fabulous time and meeting some of my favorite ever bloggers (both of you two ladies included) …

    Now I’m even more motivated to make it to the next conference …

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  20. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    Hi Ladies, Sounds like you are having such a good time! Thanks so much for hosting.

    Reply
  21. Dixie Delights says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:28 AM

    Looks like such a fun time!! I wish I’d known you were in my neck of the woods. Would have loved to meet you girls in real life 🙂 xo

    Reply
  22. Laurel Stephens says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:31 AM

    Looks like you’re having a blast! Thanks for hosting your party while you’re away… at the party!!

    Reply
  23. Stuff and Nonsense says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:34 AM

    i’m kinda jealous here
    but hoping that you both have
    a wonderful time

    thanks for hosting
    and all linked up!

    alison

    Reply
  24. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    I am extra excited to join your party tonight since I had the chance to meet you both in person! What fun! Enjoy Haven and tell us all about it! Thanks for hosting!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  25. Naptime Review says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:50 AM

    New GFC follower. Thanks for hosting this great hop! Love for you to stop by Naptime Review and follow back. I host 3 hops during the week. Love for you to link up sometime. Cute blog! Glad I found you!

    https://naptimeshopper.blogspot.com

    Reply
  26. Rasonda @ Lake Cottage Dreams says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:01 AM

    Oh my gosh!! Thanks so much for featuring my makeover. So glad you are having fun in Haven, I love all the pictures!!!

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    I hope you have a fabulous time! I wish I could have attended.

    Thanks for hosting another great party.
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  28. Joy@aVintageGreen says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:28 AM

    Looking forward to more posts from you about Haven. Thanks for hosting.

    Reply
  29. Jane@Cottage at the Crossroads says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:32 AM

    Haven’t had a chance to meet you two yet at Haven but I’m hoping to see you tomorrow. This is like joining a party at a party!

    Reply
  30. Kim @ Too Much Time says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:47 AM

    Hey Ladies!
    Looks like you are having a BLAST! I am so jealous-wish I was there enjoying all the fun. Thanks for hosting:)
    Kim

    Reply
  31. Kirstin says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    Thank you for featuring my DIY Driftwood!

    Reply
  32. Delilah Love says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:58 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Coconut Rum Cake this week! What a wonderful surprise to see tonight. You made my whole day 🙂

    Reply
  33. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    Oh getting to see a pic of all of you is so fun. I see two of my dearest friends in the whole world. I am so jealous you are all together. Have fun. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  34. Debra @ Common Ground says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:27 AM

    Hey you fun girls, so glad you were able to attend the conference. love seeing all the pics of our great friends! thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  35. Jen Lossing says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:48 AM

    Thanks so much for hosting!

    Reply
  36. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:07 AM

    Thanks y’all for hosting from Haven…they did a wonderful job on the features.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  37. Sue says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:34 AM

    It’s always a blast to meet up with blogging friends! Enjoy the rest of your conference. 🙂 Sue

    Reply
  38. Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:47 AM

    How I wish I was with you girls! What fun you must be having!

    Reply
  39. Marty Walden says

    June 22, 2012 at 5:10 AM

    Thank you so much for featuring my Blessing Jar! What a treat! I am also an adoptive mom to 3 siblings and mom to 2 bio kids. I talk a lot about adoption and our journey through trials and blessings and seeing God’s hand through it all. Glad you’re having a fun trip!

    Reply
  40. Amy says

    June 21, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Thank you for featuring my Tricycle Herb Garden!

    Reply
  41. classic • casual • home says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    Thanks for your “field reporting.” Looks like such a worthwhile time.

    Reply
  42. SwedishCorner-DownUnder...Pernilla says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:42 AM

    Looks like you have a wonderful time! Thanks for taking your time to host 🙂
    Awesome features – as always! Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

    Reply
  43. Laura @ cookiecrumbsandsawdust.blogspot says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    That’s was so much fun (the little tour). The flat Kelly photos crack me up!

    This week I’ve linked up our favorite Sunday night tradition-making popcorn on our backyard fire.

    Thanks for hosting and letting me share,
    Laura

    Reply
  44. Kelly Rowe says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Thanks for hosting and for sharing some of your Haven fun — sure wish I was there to meet you lovely ladies! Safe travels home this weekend. Hugs!!! xo-Kelly

    Reply
  45. Debbiedoo's says

    June 22, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Just look at all the fun you girls are having! Wish I was there too. Lovely features. Thanks for the partay! Enjoy the rest of your Haven trip.

    Reply
  46. Wendy says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:11 PM

    Thanks for hosting! Enjoy Haven!

    Reply
  47. Hollie - TheSevenYearCottage says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:18 PM

    Thank you for hosting!

    Reply
  48. mona says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    thanks for hosting this party..it is my 2nd time linking up…glad I found you..I get to meet some interesting bloggers..
    Mona

    Reply
  49. Jana@Transformations From the Heart says

    June 22, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    Thanks for hosting!
    Have a great time at Haven

    Reply
  50. Pamela says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    Thanx for hosting gals! Looks like y’all are having lots of fun! I see ya met Kim and Shirley!

    Reply
  51. CAS says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven. Thanks so much for hosting another great party!
    CAS

    Reply
  52. CAS says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Looks like everyone is having a great time at Haven. Thanks so much for hosting another great party!
    CAS

    Reply
  53. Jessie @ Dream and Differ says

    June 22, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    It looks like you’re having a blast at Haven! Thanks for hosting!

    Reply
  54. Shelia says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Hello, you two!! I’ve just seen your pretty faces over at Kim’s blog – Savvy Southern Style. I know y’all are having such a great time!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  55. Gabby says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:17 PM

    Sounds like y’all are having an absolute blast! Thanks so much for hosting, ladies!

    Gabby
    The…Late, Young Family

    Reply
  56. Liz - Imageremix says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:52 PM

    Wish we were there! Thanks for hosting on the road. It’s much appreciated.
    Liz

    Reply
  57. Crafty Mischief says

    June 23, 2012 at 5:39 AM

    Thanks for a great party! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

    Reply
  58. Christie says

    June 23, 2012 at 1:33 AM

    I have missed you girls! I am DYING over here!! I have been so OUT of it that I missed all the wonderful and exciting things going on at the Picket Fence! WHAT?!! Romantic Homes?!!! Better Home and Gardens! I am so super excited and can hardly contain myself! My husband is here calling me ‘weird’ because I am shouting, “Someone I ‘know’ is in the magazines!!!” Crazy, he thinks! The worst part is that I have been out of blog land and didn’t know and now I don’t have a copy of the March issue. Maybe I can order a back issue?? I am so proud of you two! You have grown a business in such a short time and it is amazing. Don’t know the conference you are at, but sure hope one day I can meet up with you! I can’t seem to get back to any normalcy around here…think I have a bit of ADD, so with my house being turned upside down, i am just all out of sorts!!! Slowly trying to return to my beloved Three Pixie Lane and hope to be linking up once a week! XO, Christie

    Reply
  59. Val says

    June 23, 2012 at 12:00 PM

    Are my eyes seeing right……Inspiration Friday # 70??? Whoa. THAT IS AWESOME. Haven looked like a blast.

    Reply
  60. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    June 23, 2012 at 3:15 PM

    Great meeting you girls at Haven!! Super fun and tons of great info and inspiration! Congrats on party #70!
    xo heidi

    Reply
  61. Leo Windham says

    June 24, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    Just stopped by to tell you how cool I think it is that sisters who live so many miles apart blog together. It was great meeting you at Haven.
    Leo

    Reply
  62. Chase the Star says

    June 24, 2012 at 7:54 AM

    Loving your blogging through Haven! Thanks for that! Also, wanted to say that Flat Kelly rules! Love her! Thanks for hosting!
    Barbara https://chase-thestar.blogspot.com

    Reply
  63. Julia @ Hooked on Houses says

    June 24, 2012 at 3:31 PM

    It was so fun meeting you girls at Haven and learning about your blog! Hope to see you again next year. 🙂

    Reply
  64. Ann from On Sutton Place says

    June 24, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Oh my gosh…look at all these links! You two are rockin’. Loved seeing your pictures of Haven. You all seemed to have so much fun. What a great experience…I’m hoping to go next year if all goes well. Happy Sunday…Ann

    Reply
  65. Sue at Serendipity says

    June 24, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Thank you for hosting the link party! I apologize for the double post, I am not sure how it happened.

    Reply
  66. Organizing Made Fun Becky says

    June 25, 2012 at 4:53 AM

    It was so great meeting you two! What a great time I had talking with you late at night at Haven. I feel like we had a great connection and hope to continue being blog friends and seeing what you’re up to!

    Becky B.
    http://www.organizingmadefun.com
    Organizing Made Fun

    Reply
  67. reFresh reStyle says

    June 26, 2012 at 11:51 AM

    I am still squealing inside when I think about you two! I had the most fun at Haven and it was wonderful meeting y’all! Let’s stay an extra day next year so we can giggle more!
    XO,
    Debbie

    Reply

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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
When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the pa When the Lord blesses you with a glimpse of the payoff of your investment in your children, it is truly one of the greatest gifts. We had that experience twice this week with our 18 year old son and were overwhelmed by this opportunity we had to watch as he handled two very different situations (one personal and one professional) with grace, maturity, integrity and courage. Those of you mamas of little ones, don't ever minimize the job you are doing in raising this next generation. 

Every story read at bedtime
Every correction made to strengthen character
Every outdoor exploration
Every nose wiped
Every bandaid applied
Every time you say no when the world says yes
Every night of helping with homework
Every difficult conversation
Every prayer uttered

The final pieces of the puzzle of his childhood are falling into place and the picture revealed is one that is more wonderful than we could have imagined. And we know that it is only by God's grace on us as we sought His wisdom and guidance that we have come to this point. We have been FAR from perfect parents, but one of my most sincere prayers for the past 18 years was that the Lord would stand in the gaps that were surely to be revealed by our imperfections. And He has answered those prayers again and again. He's taken my humble petitions and most sincere intentions and knocked our socks off with the young man we are so privileged to call our son. And we can’t wait to watch as his future unfolds!
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