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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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January 30, 2013

What Is Love? Valentine’s Day Tree

Valentine's Day Tree from At The Picket Fence label

I had been having one of those days with my kids. I don’t really want to name any names.

But, it was mostly the oldest one.

After several “please stop doing that”s and “leave your sister alone”s and “don’t make me come up there”s, my patience level was on the edge.

And then it just got tipped right over that edge. I don’t remember the specifics but I know it had something to do with someone getting in someone else’s face and then someone not telling the truth about something and then someone tattling on someone and then…well…you get the idea!

Everyone was immediately sent to their respective rooms while I attempted to get back to the Valentine’s Day craft I had been trying to work on prior to the countless interruptions.

A sweet little craft all about love.

And I wasn’t feeling very loving.

Valentines Day tree tags2

But, as I tied those tags onto the red branches that I found on clearance at Target after Christmas, I started to really think about the words I had written on them.

And I realized that if you are going to make a Valentine’s Day Tree which answers the question, “What is Love?”, you probably shouldn’t lose your patience with your kids right before.

what is love tree tag2

Because, as I read through 1 Corinthians 13 I pondered each phrase.

“Love is patient.” Am I?

“Love is kind.” Do I always show kindness? And not just on the outside but in my heart too?

“It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Ouch!

Ummmm…maybe I don’t like this craft after all.

I think this is what is known as Divine timing!

This simple little Valentine’s Day craft stopped me in my tracks. We all know that the flowers and candy and lingerie (which of course isn’t actually a gift for me  😉  ) aren’t really what love is all about.

We know that it means so much more.

But what about these definitions? Is this what comes to mind when we think about love?

What is Love Valentines Tree tag2

“It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

Well, ummm…yeah….I’m thinking the flowers and candy and yes, even the lingerie, sound a whole lot simpler than this definition of love.

And then I got to this verse.

“It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

It sounds so strong. Courageous even!

And it made me think about just how much courage it really does take to love…and be loved.

To give it and receive it.

what is love valentines day tree at the picket fence

And then, I got to the last verse.

“Love never fails.” 

Never? But I fail. I fail in this kind of loving. I might get some of it right some of the time but I don’t get all of it right all of the time and that is for sure!

Then again, I’m going to fail, right? I’m human. I’m going to lose my patience and get angry and be envious and prideful and all of those things.

But, maybe this verse wasn’t written as much to instruct me in how to love as it was to remind me of the One who truly does NEVER fail!

And that means my “What is Love? Valentine’s Day Tree” can sit on my dining room table and not make me feel shamed or frustrated because I know I won’t ever be able to be all of those things all of the time.

Maybe it can sit on my dining room table and daily remind me of how grateful I am to be loved so deeply.

Well, I guess I better go stare at my Valentine’s Day Tree now.

I can hear someone doing something to someone who yelled at someone else about the something they touched that belonged to someone and someone is going to come tattle on the other someone….

Thanks so much for joining me today at the Fence,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

P.S. Did you notice the little keys I added to my Valentine’s Day Tree? Well, they reminded me of the awesome collection of typewriter key bracelets from JuNxtaposition! And right now they are all on sale for only $30!! And jewelry, unlike lingerie, is always a welcomed gift in this house!

 

 

Fence

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35 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Decorating, Holidays, Valentine's Day Tagged With: key to my heart, love tree, Valentine's Day, Valentines day tree

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Comments

  1. Michael Reddin says

    January 30, 2013 at 5:57 AM

    Of course, I didn’t have to practice the “fruits of the spirit” when you were young. Wasn’t necessary!! 🙂

    Beautiful post! Love you, Mom

    Reply
  2. Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest says

    January 30, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    I love this post! I needed to hear this today – just like you did 🙂

    Reply
  3. Shelia says

    January 30, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    Oh, darling! What a post! Thank you for sharing the real you. All of us mothers have been right where you were at times. You’re so right. Our God is perfect love and how wonderful to know we can lean on Him when we are not so loving or not so whatever. Your post makes me think of another scripture – Perfect love casts out all fear. Oh, I could write a book on that one! 🙂
    You are the sweetie,
    shelia 😉

    Reply
  4. Angelina says

    January 30, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    This is truly a LOVELY Valentines Day craft project. We all could use daily reminders of the fruits of the Spirit. Thank you for sharing this.
    xo
    Angelina

    Reply
  5. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    January 30, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    Lovely post! It’s so encouraging to me when other bloggers who are moms open up about having “those” moments with the kids. Sometimes we paint such a pretty picture of our lives that we forget the realities that pop in from time to time. The tree is beautiful, and such a wonderful reminder. 🙂

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 4:00 PM

      Thanks so much Amanda! I agree that we need to all be sure to keep it “real”. My life is definitely not always a pretty picture!

      Reply
  6. Lisa says

    January 30, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    This is the second time this week, and it’s only Wednesday that I have heard or read a message about having a loving, forgiving, and patient spirit. It seems like we ALL need reminding from time to time how to get along and play nice!
    Great post Vanessa,
    Lisa

    Reply
  7. Monsterscircus says

    January 30, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    Wonderful writing and wonderful idea, love those small keys and your “keywords”. Always good to be reminded of 🙂

    Reply
  8. Susan @ My Place to Yours says

    January 30, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    What a “real” encourager you are to your readers. Thanks!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 3:59 PM

      You are so sweet Susan! Thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
  9. Judy says

    January 30, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    What a powerful post. You are a wonderful writer and have a way of moving me with everything you say.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 3:58 PM

      Awww..thanks friend!! I appreciate your encouragement!

      Reply
  10. Jordan@the2seasons says

    January 30, 2013 at 3:24 PM

    This is such a sweet way to incorporate valentines day. Plus it has a great message!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 3:58 PM

      Thanks so much Jordan! So glad you stopped by! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Debbie says

    January 30, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Oh Vanessa, what a perfect post! I really do love the little tree craft, but what you said and what you LEARNED and shared was my favorite part by far.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 7:07 PM

      Thank you so much Debbie! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Yvonne @ StoneGable says

    January 30, 2013 at 4:59 PM

    I think this is the sweetest and most poignant post! God reached down in our hearts if they are the least little open to him! And your heart is seems to be wide open!
    God bless you!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 7:11 PM

      Thanks Yvonne! You are a blessing to me! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Leslie Stewart @ House on the Way says

    January 30, 2013 at 6:09 PM

    I absolutely love your Valentine’s Day Tree! I’m pinning and sharing! Thanks for sharing.
    Leslie

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 7:12 PM

      Awww..thanks so much Leslie!

      Reply
  14. Richella @ Imparting Grace says

    January 30, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    Oh, yes, sweet girl. That chapter is all about God’s love–love that prompted him to send Jesus into the world to redeem us, not to condemn us. Rejoice! How great is the love the Father has showered on us! The one who IS love is teaching us how to love. 🙂

    Your tree is great, by the way!

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      January 30, 2013 at 7:12 PM

      Amen Richella!! Thanks so much for coming over today! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Kristie says

    January 31, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    Love this! Thanks!

    Reply
  16. The Shop Around the Corner says

    January 31, 2013 at 10:47 AM

    Absolutely beautiful, Vanessa. What a perfect way to share God’s Word and the message of one of the most cherished verses of all time. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it…not to mention the perfect tags which I can’t seem to get enough of EVER. 😉
    Thank you for sharing with us and for transparency, sometimes just as rare as true love these days.
    Off to share on fb.
    XOXO’s
    Marcia

    Reply
  17. Sue says

    January 31, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    I love this post about real life and true love! <3

    Reply
  18. Thistle says

    February 1, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    LOVE this idea! I think my favorite line is “And I wasn’t feeling so loving.” How many times have I thought this! What a beautiful reminder and a great way to spread the joy on Valentine’s Day. Totally sharing!

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  19. Lynn Richards says

    February 1, 2013 at 11:10 AM

    Oh, Vanessa,
    You had me laughing out loud at this post. What divine timing. I love the tree and what it makes us stop and think about. Thanks for sharing.
    xo
    lynn

    Reply
  20. Courtney says

    February 2, 2013 at 8:08 AM

    Great post Vanessa ~yes, I think we have all had those cranky days of the kids arguing! Love the little keys on your tree- so cute!!

    Reply
  21. Crystal says

    February 3, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    This is a wonderful idea! I love the little keys.

    Reply
  22. Lisa Hall says

    February 4, 2013 at 12:44 AM

    Vanessa,
    This is such a pretty project and such a beautiful post!
    I needed to hear this today and be reminded about real love and all it means.
    I love that bible passage!
    Thanks so much for the inspiration!
    Lisa

    Reply
  23. Sue says

    February 4, 2013 at 5:59 AM

    I think we all need to stop and reflect every so often- whether in the blogging world or in our own private lives. We all get so caught up in things and need to realize that we should go back to basics for our values and the golden rule! What a nice way to incorporate those ideals into this sweet Valentine tree, Vanessa. 🙂 Sue
    P.S. I’m gonna work on this today- I can get kinda “uppity” sometimes.

    Reply
  24. Laura / The Shed blog by Pet Scribbles says

    February 4, 2013 at 8:05 AM

    Wow, Vanessa. You stopped ME in my tracks with this post! Thanks for reminding us about some important facets of love that we all too easily forget in the midst of our daily busy-ness. And I adore your Valentine tree too!

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      February 4, 2013 at 8:16 PM

      I’m so glad you stopped by Laura! Thanks for your sweet words! 🙂

      Reply
  25. Heather says

    February 5, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    Not only is your valentine’s love tree stylish and so pretty but it’s also beautiful in sentiment too! I love all the thoughtful messages you added to your tree – what a beautiful decor idea for a family or friend! Pinning 😀

    Reply
  26. Jessica says

    February 6, 2013 at 7:33 AM

    This is such a cute idea, and would make a great centerpiece for the holiday. Thanks for sharing it Vanessa! Check out some more craft ideas for you and the whole family here: https://www.care.com/child-care-41-easy-diy-valentines-day-crafts-for-kids-p1017-q24629994.html

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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