Mini Bookstore

 Some weeks are filled with work and repairs and clean-up afterwards.  I had three service visits last week - for cable, landscaper, and a water heater leak, all of which were taken care of.  I pretty much know all the workers in the area now, and they know me, so they always do their best to get the job done without too much hassle.  I usually go into town about every three days just to see what's NEW.  There are already Fall displays out, and I found this cute floral cup with decorative acorns.

A slow cooked seasoned chicken with white rice, using the olive oil Nel brought back from Greece.

Nothing like a ham and pepper jack cheese sandwich on nine grain bread.

Nel made a mini bookstore that I thought was so cute.  She had fun putting it together.

My mom and dad's anniv. and my mother-in-law's anniv. were in August.  Jess and Brian's anniversary is this week - it will be 10 years!

 My August calendar page says Pure Peace.

  My blog friend sent this to me, and I thought it was nice to share with you.

I've always loved the story of David - who had great courage and a deep faith - as he went from a humble shepherd boy to a brave warrior and the anointed King of Israel.  I watched the animated movie, David, on Netflix and loved it.

Nel and Jess sent their brother these cards with very special written words inside when he received his degree.

And here they are with their brother many moons ago.

Jess came across this on one of their outings, and Charlotte had the best time exploring.

Enjoy the rest of these warm summer days.  Fall will be here before we know it. 😉

A Most Special Gift

Well, it's a little warmer here this month, in the 90s most days.  Not too bad, considering some areas have been in the 100s this summer.  My town was sandwiched between two wildfires, one on each end.  They are both about an hour from me, and are almost contained.  I found these dish towels and loved them.  Daisies remind me of my mom.  I don't know why - she wasn't really into flowers, and I never knew her to appreciate daisies.  It's funny how certain things remind us of the ones who came before.

My son stocked me up on summer fruit.

This fellow has been coming around a lot this summer and wreaking havoc on everything in sight.  He even had a pecking match with a squirrel one morning....I rooted for the bird.  ; )

Love this pic.  It was windy, my hair was messy, but we were all together.

I watched the NEW season of Little House on the Prairie on Netflix.  Really good.  It's a bit different than the original LH, but there is a lot more interaction with the Osage Tribe, which was interesting.  Mary and Laura quarreled in a few scenes, and I thought that was realistic, as siblings tend to fight growing up.  I like the character of the shopkeeper; what a responsibility to run the only general store on the prairie.  The character of Mr. Edwards does an excellent job as well.  I loved the Christmas episode.

My son received his BA, and is now working on the Masters Program.  Jess sent him this beautiful memory box with lots of goodies inside.

My brother-in-law came in for a visit, and we went to the Chinese Restaurant for lunch.  It was good to catch up with him.  He spent the last few weeks at a cousin's ranch taking care of her dogs and horses.

I wanted to show you what the girls brought back for me from their trip to Greece.  Nel bought me a Saint Christopher plaque to hang on the wall (patron Saint of travel).  It was such a thoughtful gift, cause I traveled to be with her on her birthday.  Some olive oil for me, and a package of seasoned olives for her brother.  They tasted so Mediterranean.  She and Jess bought me the same chocolate bar, and didn't know the other one bought it....it was really good, by the way. 🍫🍫  Jess gave me some fruit candy (like the aplets and cotlets my dad loved at Christmas), a pretty cup from Athens, and a delightful pouch with the Proverbs verse 31:25.  And I was so touched when I saw her last present, the gift of Myrrh.

Me and Jess didn't know much about Myrrh, only that it was one of the items given to Jesus when He was born.  So Jess did some research while I visited, and found out a little about it.  

*The Myrrh she bought me came from Mount Athos.  It's a Holy mountain inhabited by over 1,000 Monks.  It's in northern Greece on the coast along the Aegean Sea.  An Orthodox Spiritual Center since the 10th century, and an artistic site as well.  It's prepared by the Monks at Mt. Athos, and they follow a special recipe.  Myrrh is a traditional monastic blessing.  It's a mixture of plants and aromatic substances.  It's called the "Oil of Thanksgiving" or "Anointing of Heaven."  It symbolizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the aroma of faith, tenderness of heart, and devotion to the Lord.

Try to stay cool in this summer heat, and have a great July week.

Second Part Of My Trip

 I recently took a trip to So Cal to see the family, and this week I'll share pics of my time spent at Nel's house.  When Jess drove me to Nel's, she ended up staying a few days because she wanted to celebrate Nel's birthday, so I got to see Jess for the whole week!  Nel always has fresh flowers on her table, and I was greeted to these pretty ones.

She put together a charcuterie board with a variety of appetizers.  Charlotte loved those baby grapes.

I've always thought Nel's coffee corner was so charming.  And I didn't hesitate to make a few pots myself.  ; )

When I go to my daughters' houses, I always look around to see if there's anything new.  They decorate their homes with a flair of vintage, eclectic, and cottage that shows their own personal styles.  It's never been modern for us.  I thought this framed picture of the girl sitting at her desk was so unique. 

There was also a pretty array of flowers on her dining room table.

We drove over to the village and picked up some coffee and goodies at the bakery, visited our favorite home store, and browsed through a French clothing shop.  Right when we all walked into the French shop, the song "My Cherie Amour" came on.  I was so surprised and just took a few minutes to listen to it, as this is a special song to me.

It was Nel's 45th birthday, and I was so glad to be there for her celebration. 🎂  We went to a really good Italian restaurant for dinner, and I ordered the chicken fettuccini alfredo.  Jess bought a variety of cupcakes for us to have at the house after.  Charlotte was wearing the little dress they brought back for her from Greece.

The next day we went to Home Goods because Nel has been wanting to get a new comforter for her bed.  She found a white one along with a couple of pillows in a blue design.

I noticed a Rubios in the shopping center, and was thrilled to eat there for lunch once again.  Then, we went over to the Five Below store, as the kids love that place, and bought them a few fun things to play with.  

They were tuckered out when they got home, and plopped themselves on the couch to watch a movie.  Grandma joined them in this magical Disney movie.

Nel cooked enchiladas one night, and I'm so glad that she keeps my mom's enchilada recipe alive, making them from time to time.  Renecke grilled some carne asada to go with it, and it was so good that I just kept nibbling on it and didn't get a picture.

Renecke made us some lemon cocktails, which were so refreshing on that warm summer day.  Cheers! 🍹

The kids created a salon shop and gave their mamas a make-over with new hairdos and make-up.  They actually did a good job with it.  I told Nel they should both open up a salon shop when they are older.  ; )

Charlotte really takes to Renecke, and he entertained her with cards and such while they did make-overs.

And I watched the last episode of Virgin River, season 7.  Me and Jess watched most of the episodes at her house, and they kept teasing me because I was so into it and wanted to see the finale haha.  It was a pretty good season.

It was such a wonderful week of family and gathering and shopping and eating and just being with the kids.  It was so nice being in their world for a time, sharing laughs, gifts of love, and the imagination only a child can bring.

And I received a drawing and painting from the kids that I will treasure always.