Thank you so much for sharing your encouragement and support for my friend Stacy's book, Love, Emily! The winner for the book was Shug and I want to congratulate her on winning the book. A copy of the book has been sent to her!
In other news, May was a beautiful month of blooms, and ended with a visit from my mother, as well as her sister and husband! During the last week of May, they came to visit us and we took them all to Banff, Alberta, for the weekend. We had a wonderful time there, saw some incredible sights and scenery and I want to share some of the highlights with you.
We stayed in a lovely condo with three bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, and glorious views of the mountains in every direction!
We actually cooked every meal while we were there - so much cheaper and better for us!
We also visited Lake Louise and were very glad we brought our coats! It was cold! Incredibly beautiful to see the glacier, the beauty of the mountains as well as the stunning Fairmont Lake Louise Hotel.
We drove up the Icefield Parkway all the way to the Jasper National Park border. Such an incredibly beautiful drive, with so many waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and glaciers to see!
We saw a lot of wildlife, mostly deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. The closest we were to any wildlife was this bear! It was feeding right alongside the road, so we stopped and rolled down the windows, as he completely ignored us, and let us snap pictures. Whatever he was eating was quite yummy!
The views of the Rocky Mountains in every direction were breathtaking! We took SO many pictures! I am still going through my "big" camera pictures, and these pictures are from my phone.
We saw so many waterfalls, but this one was our favorite - there was a beautiful rainbow in the water! Can you see it?
We enjoyed the beautiful days we were in Banff with the cooler weather there and have enjoyed some cooler weather here too! But, the hot weather is supposed to return later this week.
My peonies are in bloom! Oh, they are just gorgeous this year! And can you see the strawberry moon rising in the background? It was beautiful to see!
Spending time with baby Danika is one of my very favorite things to do! Her little arms squeeze and give the best hugs, and she is learning to repeat things she hears and sees. So precious!
FATHER'S DAY - Oh, how we missed being with our Dads for Father's Day! They both loved to eat ice cream, so in honor of them, we enjoyed an ice cream with Ryan and Alanna.
It was sweet to think of them and the precious memories we have of our Dads. It has been 2 years since my Dad passed, and 8 since Dan's dad passed. Some days, it just doesn't seem real that Dad is gone. But I feel his presence in my heart, and know that he's in a much better place!
Fresh strawberries are now coming out of the garden daily! Soon, I'll have enough to put up some jam for the pantry!
Sourdough bread making - I make it about once every couple of weeks. I make three loaves and freeze two of them. I'm so thankful for a good recipe that turns out amazing every time! If you want my recipe, you can find it in my cookbook HERE :)
And if you've enjoyed my cookbook, a short review would be much appreciated :) I've enjoyed having my recipes all in one place, and am so thankful that I published this cookbook, it has been a blessing in my kitchen, so I don't have to rummage through all my recipes to find the one I need!
Here my garden is all lit up at nighttime with my solar lights. I just love how solar lights add such ambience and joy to our lives!
It's hard to believe that we are already close to the end of June! This month has just flown by, with so many incredible delights along the way. I hope that you have enjoyed the month of June as much as we have. While life keeps us all busy, and the seconds, minutes, hours, and days keep moving us along - be sure and stop to enjoy the little blessings the Lord sends your way - whether it is a butterfly passing by, some beautiful clouds in the sky, or just a smile from a stranger.
I've found the best way to enjoy this journey of life is to find little things to take joy in, and let that joy wing its pleasure through your day, rather than the heartaches, sorrows, griefs, pains, and troubles that we all face. Have you found something small today to take joy in? I hope you have!
In this video, the Collingsworth family sings one of my favorite songs - Jesus, You're the Center of My Joy... as you look for little pieces of joy today in your life, perhaps you'll sing this song too - Jesus is the Center of My Joy!
Hello Marilyn! I enjoyed the visit with you today. Lake Louise is so beautiful. We've had some wonderful visits there. The mountains in that area are so awe inspiring. A spectacular gift from the Lord to us. I'm glad you had such a wonderful visit with your family. We took Piper to the night lighting ceremony of Mt. Rushmore and it was as patriotic and beautiful as I remembered. We've been there many times over the years but not to a night lighting in about 30 years so it was past time. Take care and enjoy the beautiful summer in the Inland Northwest. Blessings and hugs, Betsy
We've got such good memories going to the Canadian Rockies too. The mountains are just so majestic! Enjoy every minute of your vacation with Piper! Precious memories being made together!!
I have always wanted to visit Banff, your photos are beautiful. I love your yard and garden and lovely family photos. It is hard to realize that June is almost over....I am savoring the last days of its beauty. Hugs and more hugs
Thank you for your visit sweet friend! I am glad to share the beauty we saw there, God's incredible creation! June has been such a busy but beautiful month. Praying for you always, much love sent your way!
What a wonderful trip! I've always wished to go there, such beauty! Bob's dad passed when he was only 21 and it's now been 45 years, hard to believe. My Dad passed 2 years ago and we like to go to his favorite ice cream place in the summer and remember him. :)
Hello, my friend. Thank you for sharing your lovely trip! The wildlife and nautire pictures are stunning. My Dad passed eleven years ago and I can still hear his voice in my heart. Enjoy your summer in your beautiful part of our world.
Your trip to Banff, I'm sure, will remain in your hearts and minds for a long time - such a gorgeous place! Little Danika is growing so fast, too. What a beautiful little girl she is, Marilyn. You have every right to be proud of her. Blessings!
You really made your loved ones visit special by treating them to the trip to Banff! How nice to find the condo where you could prepare your own meals and enjoy time after sightseeing together in a comfortable setting. What a beautiful part of God's creation that is. I can see that rainbow. Hooray for watching Danika grow. It is a special blessing to live close by our Grands. Today is the anniversary of our Pop's calling 'home'. That was 7 years ago. That ice cream remembrance was just right. Happy summer to you!
The Jasper/Banff are is so beautiful!! It looks like you found a great condo for your stay too. Strawberry season here too and just today I made 2 pies๐๐
What a lovely vacation and time with your family. I loved seeing you all bundled in winter coats as we swelter! What a little darling granddaughter... And I am jealous of your Peonies, just gorgeous!! I'm glad Shug won your giveaway, she is just so sweet! And I am trying hard to find joy and enjoy something special everyday... Hugs, Roxy
There are so many pretty scenes that you came across on your trip with your mom - those wonderful rocky mountains, the waterfalls! They are always so calming to be around. Looks like there's still snow on the mountains. And that black bear, what a sight! Your peonies are pretty, and what a striking color they are. Your sourdough bread sounds good, and warm from the oven with butter, even better. My Renecke used to make it all the time, and mastered the art of it. Little Danika is sprouting up; she looks sweet and content playing with her toys. So happy for Shug winning your friend's book. She's such a gem.
I hope you have pleasant July days coming up, Marilyn. Can't believe we are halfway through the year.
This post was outstanding! I truly appreciate you sharing the time you spent with your family amidst such breathtaking views. Banff has long been on my husband’s and my wish list, and after seeing your beautiful pictures, we are even more inspired to go. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your incredible adventure!
How wonderful to have that time away with family, the mountains there arw gorgeous and such pretty waterfalls too. How wonderful to be enjoying goodies from the garden, strawberry jam is my favorite, my mom use to make homemade jam. Enjoy your summer!
Precious friend Marilyn ๐ฅฐ How wonderful you visited Canada with your family ๐ค
Every scene you have captured so beautifully pleases the heart deeply ๐๐♥️ Must be so relaxing and refreshing to visit cooler place with so many waterfalls and streams ๐ฅฐ♥️ Oh dear congratulations on how quickly your precious granddaughter is growing ๐ฅน๐ค๐ฅฐ♥️ She is super cute ๐ฅฐ๐ค♥️
I can relate how fathers are missed on some special occasions particularly ! It’s true though they live in the heart of their children always ๐ฅน Garden full of solar lights looks great ๐ค Best of for harvest and your bread is delicious ๐ฅฐ Blessings to you and yours ๐♥️
Hello, oh my, the photos of your visit to Canada. They are outstanding. :-) I do not think we will get that way, so I do appreciate your photos. It is a blessing to spend time with family and the little one too. Enjoy your garden harvest my friend. Carla
Oh Marily what a stunning place you got to visit! I can't even imagine being there in person! I still want to travel the North Cascades Highway in northern Washington State.. as the pictures I've seen may closely compare (but I'm sure not as beautiful) to Canada where you were. Nature's beauty is just glorious! I too can't believe how fast June has sped by. I'm going this weekend to see my sister in Redmond, Oregon, the one whose house burned down a year ago. The new build is coming along nicely and I want to see it in progress! She is so excited to get moved to her own place again. Going to be hot this weekend! Take care.. and enjoy the grandbaby and your family. I try to count each day's blessings as they zoom by so fast. Love.. Marilyn
I always enjoy your beautiful photos and your uplifting message. How wonderful to be with visiting family! I did see the rainbow in the bottom right corner. I have too many trees too close to the house to see rainbows even if they happen. Enjoy July and a harvest.
What a beautiful June. What majestic mountains - just WOW. Capturing a bear photo is on my bucket list - what a beauty! Each photo speaks of God soaked into your life!
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Hello Marilyn! I enjoyed the visit with you today. Lake Louise is so beautiful. We've had some wonderful visits there. The mountains in that area are so awe inspiring. A spectacular gift from the Lord to us.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such a wonderful visit with your family.
We took Piper to the night lighting ceremony of Mt. Rushmore and it was as patriotic and beautiful as I remembered. We've been there many times over the years but not to a night lighting in about 30 years so it was past time.
Take care and enjoy the beautiful summer in the Inland Northwest.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
We've got such good memories going to the Canadian Rockies too. The mountains are just so majestic! Enjoy every minute of your vacation with Piper! Precious memories being made together!!
DeleteI have always wanted to visit Banff, your photos are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love your yard and garden and lovely family photos.
It is hard to realize that June is almost over....I am savoring the last days of its beauty.
Hugs and more hugs
Thank you for your visit sweet friend! I am glad to share the beauty we saw there, God's incredible creation! June has been such a busy but beautiful month. Praying for you always, much love sent your way!
DeleteWhat a wonderful trip! I've always wished to go there, such beauty!
ReplyDeleteBob's dad passed when he was only 21 and it's now been 45 years, hard to believe. My Dad passed 2 years ago and we like to go to his favorite ice cream place in the summer and remember him. :)
Hello, my friend. Thank you for sharing your lovely trip! The wildlife and nautire pictures are stunning. My Dad passed eleven years ago and I can still hear his voice in my heart. Enjoy your summer in your beautiful part of our world.
ReplyDeleteLove your posts and all of your beautiful pictures, Marilyn! I'm so glad you were able to share a better photo of Danika! She is precious!!!
ReplyDeleteYour trip to Banff, I'm sure, will remain in your hearts and minds for a long time - such a gorgeous place! Little Danika is growing so fast, too. What a beautiful little girl she is, Marilyn. You have every right to be proud of her. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou really made your loved ones visit special by treating them to the trip to Banff! How nice to find the condo where you could prepare your own meals and enjoy time after sightseeing together in a comfortable setting. What a beautiful part of God's creation that is. I can see that rainbow. Hooray for watching Danika grow. It is a special blessing to live close by our Grands. Today is the anniversary of our Pop's calling 'home'. That was 7 years ago. That ice cream remembrance was just right. Happy summer to you!
ReplyDeleteBanff is beautiful
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
The Jasper/Banff are is so beautiful!! It looks like you found a great condo for your stay too.
ReplyDeleteStrawberry season here too and just today I made 2 pies๐๐
We so enjoyed our trip to Banff. It has spectacular mountains, such a change from this island, as you know.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine that your dad is passed two years already. Sending a hug…you carry him with you always!
What a lovely vacation and time with your family. I loved seeing you all bundled in winter coats as we swelter! What a little darling granddaughter... And I am jealous of your Peonies, just gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Shug won your giveaway, she is just so sweet! And I am trying hard to find joy and enjoy something special everyday... Hugs, Roxy
Marilyn, thanks for taking us along on this beautiful journey ... and wow, baby Danika is growing so quickly! These are the good old days!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many pretty scenes that you came across on your trip with your mom - those wonderful rocky mountains, the waterfalls! They are always so calming to be around. Looks like there's still snow on the mountains. And that black bear, what a sight! Your peonies are pretty, and what a striking color they are. Your sourdough bread sounds good, and warm from the oven with butter, even better. My Renecke used to make it all the time, and mastered the art of it. Little Danika is sprouting up; she looks sweet and content playing with her toys. So happy for Shug winning your friend's book. She's such a gem.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have pleasant July days coming up, Marilyn. Can't believe we are halfway through the year.
~Sheri
Marilyn,
ReplyDeleteThis post was outstanding! I truly appreciate you sharing the time you spent with your family amidst such breathtaking views. Banff has long been on my husband’s and my wish list, and after seeing your beautiful pictures, we are even more inspired to go. Thank you for giving us a glimpse of your incredible adventure!
How wonderful to have that time away with family, the mountains there arw gorgeous and such pretty waterfalls too. How wonderful to be enjoying goodies from the garden, strawberry jam is my favorite, my mom use to make homemade jam. Enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeletePrecious friend Marilyn ๐ฅฐ
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you visited Canada with your family ๐ค
Every scene you have captured so beautifully pleases the heart deeply ๐๐♥️
Must be so relaxing and refreshing to visit cooler place with so many waterfalls and streams ๐ฅฐ♥️
Oh dear congratulations on how quickly your precious granddaughter is growing ๐ฅน๐ค๐ฅฐ♥️
She is super cute ๐ฅฐ๐ค♥️
I can relate how fathers are missed on some special occasions particularly !
It’s true though they live in the heart of their children always ๐ฅน
Garden full of solar lights looks great ๐ค
Best of for harvest and your bread is delicious ๐ฅฐ
Blessings to you and yours ๐♥️
Hello, oh my, the photos of your visit to Canada. They are outstanding. :-)
ReplyDeleteI do not think we will get that way, so I do appreciate your photos.
It is a blessing to spend time with family and the little one too.
Enjoy your garden harvest my friend.
Carla
Oh Marily what a stunning place you got to visit! I can't even imagine being there in person! I still want to travel the North Cascades Highway in northern Washington State.. as the pictures I've seen may closely compare (but I'm sure not as beautiful) to Canada where you were. Nature's beauty is just glorious! I too can't believe how fast June has sped by. I'm going this weekend to see my sister in Redmond, Oregon, the one whose house burned down a year ago. The new build is coming along nicely and I want to see it in progress! She is so excited to get moved to her own place again. Going to be hot this weekend! Take care.. and enjoy the grandbaby and your family. I try to count each day's blessings as they zoom by so fast. Love.. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your beautiful photos and your uplifting message. How wonderful to be with visiting family! I did see the rainbow in the bottom right corner. I have too many trees too close to the house to see rainbows even if they happen. Enjoy July and a harvest.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful June. What majestic mountains - just WOW. Capturing a bear photo is on my bucket list - what a beauty! Each photo speaks of God soaked into your life!
ReplyDeleteThose photos from Banff are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, such a lovely trip. The scenery is gorgeous. So much beauty. I am happy to feature this beautiful trip at love Your Creativity. Blessings.
ReplyDelete