This has been a busy summer - nonstop with lots of fun things happening! We've had a mild and cool summer here, with most days in the 80s so far, which is unusual for us, as we usually hit 100+ in July. We've even gotten some rain the last couple of days and cooler temps in the 60s! All this means the garden is doing really well, and everything is happily growing. This past weekend, we celebrated our daughter-in-love Alanna's 25th birthday up at Priest Lake. Always a treat to spend a day at the lake!
Priest Lake
Nothing thrills our hearts like the views at Priest Lake!
Riley and I went for a walk around the beach, and she was enjoying the day as much as we were!
We got to the beach early and found a great spot. It was quite windy during the morning, but grew calmer as the day went on.
I love this picture of the waves that I captured!
After the wind calmed down, it was a treat to enjoy the kayaks. Dan and Danielle enjoyed a peaceful time out on the lake together. I was busy entertaining Danika while Danielle enjoyed the kayak ride. :)
Ryan and Alanna with Baby Clara (she is about 6 months expectant now!)
Celebrating her 25th birthday!
Every couple of months, a group of neighbors gathers to celebrate our birthdays. A new Thai restaurant opened in town at the golf course - so we met there for lunch this past week. Oh my, it was so so good! SO much meat and flavor with all the fresh veggies. Definitely a favorite now for all of us!
After our meal, one of our neighbors offered to make dessert for us! She made the most decadent cupcakes - Lemon Curd Cheesecake cupcakes, Chocolate Mousse cupcakes, and Carrot Cake cupcakes! She even had "to go" boxes for us so we could try them all. Oh my goodness - what a special day it was, lots of fun and laughter. We really have the best neighbors up here, and I praise God for that blessing. Good neighbors are the best when you live out in the country. We all help each other out and show up to celebrate life events together. It is like a big extended family - so grateful!
Spending time with my little Danika, she is climbing and crawling everywhere! So her parents found her this cute little backpack for her to wear to protect her head as she crawls and climbs! It amazes me the neat things there are for kids today - things we never thought of when we were raising ours!
My raspberries are really producing this year! It's been a great year for berries.
A picture of Mr. Bandit deep in thought! He always makes us laugh with his antics!
As July is winding down, there is always a tinge of sadness at its close - I love July with its warm sunshine, hot beach days, abundance of berries, and evenings spent outside enjoying the sunsets. August is coming - and that means harvest season will begin to ramp up, the days are getting shorter, and sometimes our leaves start turning in August! It is the month for 4H fairs and last-minute summer celebrations. So, I try to enjoy each day as it comes, and be thankful for what that day has brought to me.
We can't hold onto the loveliness - it slips away quickly - so each moment should be lived deeply and with great appreciation. Joy in our hearts is something that abides regardless of the physical elements around us - joy comes from deep within, a fountain that bubbles even when life may not be perfect. Do you have that joy in your heart? I've learned it truly comes from the Lord, and being thankful for the things you have - it is purposely choosing to look at a situation, finding the beauty in it, even though sorrow may have mingled there.
This is how I live - finding joy in the simple moments, and letting the rest go. I'll treasure the moments that make me smile. How about you? How do you find joy in your life?
Here is a short video that reminds me of how joy bubbles up in my soul regardless of whatever may be happening around me.
May you find a special ray of joy in your life today! Blessings to all of you :)
Happiness is fleeting, but we can know joy every day when we trust in the Lord, Marilyn. I loved seeing your precious family at Lake Priest and too-cute Danika exploring her world. Yes, I'm amazed at the gadgets new parents have today and, like you, wish we'd had those kind of choices when our children were little. Happy berry picking and enjoy every day! Blessings!
Ah, Priest Lake. So beautiful. I doubt we'll make it that far while we visit. We should be in Spokane on Friday! Right now we're passing Livingston, MT on I90 and heading to Helena to see our son's family. Our two oldest grands are both going to dinner with us tomorrow night and I can't wait to see them. I can hear the happiness and joy in your "voice" as you write to us. The Lord is so good to His children. What a blessing for you to have both of your children and grandchildren so close. We never dreamed when ours were small that they would spread to the four corners of the globe! Take care my dear friend and enjoy each moment of time in the piece of paradise you call home. Blessings and hugs, Betsy
I hope you had a wonderful visit, dear friend! It has been a wonderful summer here, cool with rain too! I will be stopping by your blog shortly to read about it. The joy of the Lord indeed is a moment by moment thing! I can only imagine how hard it is to have your grandkids so far away. Glad that Miss Piper is close to you! Much love to you dear friend!
Years ago, in a particularly tough point in my life, I started a journal which I wrote in every night. I would write a list of what I was thankful for that day. At first, i struggled for one thing. Gradually, the list became longer and easier to do. It has stayed that way, through all life’s challenges so far. Now it’s an attitude, not a list. I am a fortunate woman to have found this peace.
Thankful journals are the best! It is amazing when you start writing, the things that come to mind. We are blessed every day! Yes, you are a fortunate woman indeed, as thankfulness is such a blessing in itself. Many blessings to you!
So thankful for God given joy, the deep down kind. :) Now that is something new...the backpack for babies. Wow! You are soaking up summer well. Happy birthday to the mom in waiting. What a special thing to do with your neighbors. I love that idea. The Thai to go shop we have in Colville is the best food our city offers from all the restaurants in town. Happy Wednesday to you. Enjoy your berries!
Yes, that kind of joy only comes from Him! Oh the things that they have now are amazing! I love Thai food and am thrilled to have it in our town now. So many blessings - and yes, the berries have been amazing!
So wonderful to stop by and visit with you tonight, sweet friend! I always enjoy catching up with you! So thankful you are having such a wonderful summer! May God continue to bless you and your family.
Thank you for your faithful visit, so very much to be thankful for! Congratulations on your newest book published! I am thrilled to offer it on my newest blog post! It will be a blessing to all who read it! Many blessings and hugs for you dear friend!
What a fantastic summer you're having! Priest Lake looks absolutely gorgeous, and how sweet to celebrate Alanna's birthday there. Those cupcakes look out of this world, and it's so lovely you have such wonderful neighbors. And seriously, a backpack to protect a crawling baby's head? Genius!
I just shared a new post; you are invited to read it: https://www.melodyjacob.com/
There are so many new inventions now, it is pretty amazing! Priest Lake is an incredible lake, we love it so much. Thank you for your wonderful visit and comment, many blessings to you!
I also have mixed feelings about July. As the month comes to an end, it reminds me that summer is drawing to a close. However, I also appreciate that this transition brings me closer to my next favorite season, autumn, with its stunning colors. I truly appreciate your blog posts because you bring your celebrations, daily activities, and home to life in a way that allows readers to feel, taste, and fully enjoy the moments you describe. Thank you for brightening my day!
Autumn is a favorite season of mine too, Kathy! The crisp cool air, and stunning colors - of course you get the incredible views there with all the hardwoods! I am so thankful to have shared your book this week in a giveaway - it will be a blessing to the blessed one who receives it! Many blessings to you dear friend!
Sounds like you are having lovely weather up there. It has been too hot out to enjoy much time outside, just watering the garden is about all the outside I can take, so HOT and Humid that it is hard to breathe. The lake looks just beautiful, so nice and quiet. Looks like she enjoyed her day. Your time with neighbors sounds like it was good, how neat for her to make so many goodies and then share boxes to take home:). Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Oh I know that hot and humid are so miserable - we are so relieved we haven't had much of that weather here this summer. It has been cool and even some rain. I hope your weather gets better and cools down for you soon! Many blessings to you!
Oh I feel cooler and more relaxed just looking at these pictures, Marilyn! This is the season for lakes and rivers, oceans and ponds. Thank you for sharing a peek into your summertime joys.
Indeed, this is the season we love, summer with all the beauties that abound. I hope you are having a wonderful summer, dear friend! Many blessings to you!
You live in such a pretty place and pretty places to visit too! Beautiful lake! Happy belated birthday to Alanna! So happy for your upcoming granddaughter. :)
Wow, what a blessing to have neighbors as friends. We haven't always had the best experiences with neighbors in different places we've lived at. I'm glad that isn't the case for you. :) I like the thought of neighbors loving and helping one another. Thank you for sharing, Marilyn! And I love the waterfall! God bless, Valentine
Thank you for your faithful visits and comments! It is true that good neighbors are such a blessing, and when they aren't, its really tough. Your family is always in our prayers, blessings to you dear friend!
Such a beautiful way to celebrate a Birthday. Priest lake looks so inviting and peaceful. Danika is adorable. what a lovely gift in that backpack to protect her head. We had thunder and lighting last night. I can tell this summer is totally different than last year. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
This has definitely been a different summer from last year! So much cooler, although the hot weather has now showed up. But with it being August, it won't last long. Many blessings to you dear friend!
It all looks so happy and such a blessing for you and your family! You are so right about enjoying these days and moments!! This summer has been very difficult with all the heat, and our grasshoppers. But so thankful for all the cool evenings. I can see some jam making in your future!! Hugs, Roxy
I'm so sorry to hear about your difficult and hot summer. Grasshoppers are awful too. Praying that you will get some rain, and that it will cool down for you soon! I have frozen my berries, as we don't eat much sugar anymore, and plan to use the berries in smoothies or the occasional cobbler. Always a treat! Many blessings to you!
So many wonderful happenings in your family, Marilyn. Of course, the loveliest one is your attitude. I love your take, yes, I too try to find the joy in every day, but a reminder to do so is always welcome...since as you said, sometime sorrow is mingled. Blessings to you and your sweet (and growing!) family!
Yes, it is a truth indeed, joy and sorrow do mingle together in our lives. It helps to look for the joy! We are excited about our growing family, and can't wait to meet little Clara in November. Many blessings to you dear friend!
Oh Marilyn... just saw your post of July 22nd. I'm behind on my blog following! I always love your posts. They are so full of gratitude and joy.. and your continued wonder of nature and beauty around us. I feel the same way when I get outside and go for a drive, or walk at the beach or through the woods somewhere. I am always amazed at the beauty that we see every day, and really do appreciate it beyond measure! I bet your are looking forward to granddaughter no. 2! How fun to be young enough to be a perfect grandma! As always, I love your pictures of the lake.. I went once to Priest Lake when I was around 35 years old and stayed in a little cabin there, with my then husband, our son who was 5, and his sister and brother and 2 kids. What a wonderful time that was and I still remember it so vividly. I'm so glad I took photos! Your area of living is just beyond words sometimes. You are so very blessed to have such a wonderful group of neighbors! Blessings to you! Marilyn
Sweet Marilyn, indeed, I do count my blessings, and am so grateful to live in this beautiful area ofNorth Idaho. Hardly a day doesn't go by where I'm not remeinded of God's goodness with the beauty that abounds! I'm so happy that you now live in an area where you can get out and enjoy the beauty of God's creation too! So wonderful that you have that memory of Priest Lake. It truly is a special place - really words can't describe it. Or pictures! But I do try :) Many blessings to you dear friend, you are a dear to always visit and comment!
I feel so happy that July was full of joy for love for you 🤗🥰🙏 Happy Birthday to your dear daughter in law,may she find much more joys and blessings in future!amen!
Priest lake sounds wonderful place to relax and celebrate with family 👍🤗 Such an serene and beautiful lake ♥️ How lovely you watched your precious Danika while your daughter was kayaking 🥰 Danika seems such a healthy and active baby by the grace of God 🥰🙏 Yes modern world offers so many interesting things for new born as well 😊
Great that weather is very super for your garden dear friend 🤗 Your neighbours sound such warm people with very sweet hearts 🥰 How amazing they gave you treat of homemade cupcakes 😊👌 Your thoughtful lines about happiness that slips away touch my heart.so true that nothing stays forever so embracing this reality and living each day to fullest with deep gratitude is only option left to us. Living harmlessly and adding joys to surroundings is duty of each of us.may God bless us with courage to do so amen🙏 Much more grace of the lord to you and yours my friend 🥰🙏♥️♥️♥️
What a beautiful comment, loved your thoughts, dear friend, you are always such a blessing to visit and comment! I am grateful for the joy of the Lord, and for the rich beauty around me to enjoy. I never want to take it for granted! I appreciate you and your faithful visits, praying for the rich blessings of the Lord in your life!
Priest Lake is truly a beautiful place! We are blessed to call this area home and are so grateful for the many blessings of the Lord. Always appreciate your visit, Jan! Many blessings to you! Happy August!
Hi! I'm sorry that I've not visited for a while, but I'm happy to be here now to catch up on all your news. How lucky you are to live near such a lake and to spend quality family time there. We've not had any rain for months and none to come any time soon, so I really enjoyed all that water. A hug. Amalia xo
I'm so happy to see you visit, Amalia! Your charming poems always brought a smile to my face, and your amazing handmade creations! Many blessings to you dear friend, and I'm praying you receive some rain very soon! A hug back to you!
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Happiness is fleeting, but we can know joy every day when we trust in the Lord, Marilyn. I loved seeing your precious family at Lake Priest and too-cute Danika exploring her world. Yes, I'm amazed at the gadgets new parents have today and, like you, wish we'd had those kind of choices when our children were little. Happy berry picking and enjoy every day! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteIt's always a blessing to be outdoors and enjoying the beauty of the Lord! Thank you for your visit and comment, always a blessing!
DeleteThat is a beautiful lake! What a fun place to celebrate a birthday. I love reading your inspiring words and strive to be thankful for all that I have.
ReplyDeleteIt is a daily striving indeed, to be grateful, in spite of what life throws our way. Many blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteAh, Priest Lake. So beautiful. I doubt we'll make it that far while we visit. We should be in Spokane on Friday! Right now we're passing Livingston, MT on I90 and heading to Helena to see our son's family. Our two oldest grands are both going to dinner with us tomorrow night and I can't wait to see them.
ReplyDeleteI can hear the happiness and joy in your "voice" as you write to us. The Lord is so good to His children. What a blessing for you to have both of your children and grandchildren so close. We never dreamed when ours were small that they would spread to the four corners of the globe!
Take care my dear friend and enjoy each moment of time in the piece of paradise you call home.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
I hope you had a wonderful visit, dear friend! It has been a wonderful summer here, cool with rain too! I will be stopping by your blog shortly to read about it. The joy of the Lord indeed is a moment by moment thing! I can only imagine how hard it is to have your grandkids so far away. Glad that Miss Piper is close to you! Much love to you dear friend!
DeleteYears ago, in a particularly tough point in my life, I started a journal which I wrote in every night. I would write a list of what I was thankful for that day. At first, i struggled for one thing. Gradually, the list became longer and easier to do. It has stayed that way, through all life’s challenges so far. Now it’s an attitude, not a list. I am a fortunate woman to have found this peace.
ReplyDeleteThankful journals are the best! It is amazing when you start writing, the things that come to mind. We are blessed every day! Yes, you are a fortunate woman indeed, as thankfulness is such a blessing in itself. Many blessings to you!
DeleteSo thankful for God given joy, the deep down kind. :) Now that is something new...the backpack for babies. Wow! You are soaking up summer well. Happy birthday to the mom in waiting. What a special thing to do with your neighbors. I love that idea. The Thai to go shop we have in Colville is the best food our city offers from all the restaurants in town. Happy Wednesday to you. Enjoy your berries!
ReplyDeleteYes, that kind of joy only comes from Him! Oh the things that they have now are amazing! I love Thai food and am thrilled to have it in our town now. So many blessings - and yes, the berries have been amazing!
DeleteSo wonderful to stop by and visit with you tonight, sweet friend! I always enjoy catching up with you! So thankful you are having such a wonderful summer! May God continue to bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your faithful visit, so very much to be thankful for! Congratulations on your newest book published! I am thrilled to offer it on my newest blog post! It will be a blessing to all who read it! Many blessings and hugs for you dear friend!
DeleteWhat a fantastic summer you're having! Priest Lake looks absolutely gorgeous, and how sweet to celebrate Alanna's birthday there. Those cupcakes look out of this world, and it's so lovely you have such wonderful neighbors. And seriously, a backpack to protect a crawling baby's head? Genius!
ReplyDeleteI just shared a new post; you are invited to read it: https://www.melodyjacob.com/
There are so many new inventions now, it is pretty amazing! Priest Lake is an incredible lake, we love it so much. Thank you for your wonderful visit and comment, many blessings to you!
DeleteHi, It is always fun to catch up with you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday ... she looks so happy, I am so excited for your family.
Enjoy the last days of July,
Carla
Thank you so much Carla, I will be by to visit you too - always a blessing! Happy August!
DeleteI also have mixed feelings about July. As the month comes to an end, it reminds me that summer is drawing to a close. However, I also appreciate that this transition brings me closer to my next favorite season, autumn, with its stunning colors. I truly appreciate your blog posts because you bring your celebrations, daily activities, and home to life in a way that allows readers to feel, taste, and fully enjoy the moments you describe. Thank you for brightening my day!
ReplyDeleteAutumn is a favorite season of mine too, Kathy! The crisp cool air, and stunning colors - of course you get the incredible views there with all the hardwoods! I am so thankful to have shared your book this week in a giveaway - it will be a blessing to the blessed one who receives it! Many blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteSounds like you are having lovely weather up there. It has been too hot out to enjoy much time outside, just watering the garden is about all the outside I can take, so HOT and Humid that it is hard to breathe. The lake looks just beautiful, so nice and quiet. Looks like she enjoyed her day.
ReplyDeleteYour time with neighbors sounds like it was good, how neat for her to make so many goodies and then share boxes to take home:). Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Oh I know that hot and humid are so miserable - we are so relieved we haven't had much of that weather here this summer. It has been cool and even some rain. I hope your weather gets better and cools down for you soon! Many blessings to you!
DeleteOh I feel cooler and more relaxed just looking at these pictures, Marilyn! This is the season for lakes and rivers, oceans and ponds. Thank you for sharing a peek into your summertime joys.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, this is the season we love, summer with all the beauties that abound. I hope you are having a wonderful summer, dear friend! Many blessings to you!
DeleteYou live in such a pretty place and pretty places to visit too! Beautiful lake!
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday to Alanna! So happy for your upcoming granddaughter. :)
Wow, what a blessing to have neighbors as friends. We haven't always had the best experiences with neighbors in different places we've lived at. I'm glad that isn't the case for you. :) I like the thought of neighbors loving and helping one another.
Thank you for sharing, Marilyn! And I love the waterfall!
God bless,
Valentine
Thank you for your faithful visits and comments! It is true that good neighbors are such a blessing, and when they aren't, its really tough. Your family is always in our prayers, blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteSuch a beautiful way to celebrate a Birthday. Priest lake looks so inviting and peaceful. Danika is adorable. what a lovely gift in that backpack to protect her head. We had thunder and lighting last night. I can tell this summer is totally different than last year. Enjoy the rest of the summer.
ReplyDeleteThis has definitely been a different summer from last year! So much cooler, although the hot weather has now showed up. But with it being August, it won't last long. Many blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteIt all looks so happy and such a blessing for you and your family! You are so right about enjoying these days and moments!! This summer has been very difficult with all the heat, and our grasshoppers. But so thankful for all the cool evenings. I can see some jam making in your future!! Hugs, Roxy
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your difficult and hot summer. Grasshoppers are awful too. Praying that you will get some rain, and that it will cool down for you soon! I have frozen my berries, as we don't eat much sugar anymore, and plan to use the berries in smoothies or the occasional cobbler. Always a treat! Many blessings to you!
DeleteSo many wonderful happenings in your family, Marilyn. Of course, the loveliest one is your attitude. I love your take, yes, I too try to find the joy in every day, but a reminder to do so is always welcome...since as you said, sometime sorrow is mingled. Blessings to you and your sweet (and growing!) family!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a truth indeed, joy and sorrow do mingle together in our lives. It helps to look for the joy! We are excited about our growing family, and can't wait to meet little Clara in November. Many blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteOh Marilyn... just saw your post of July 22nd. I'm behind on my blog following! I always love your posts. They are so full of gratitude and joy.. and your continued wonder of nature and beauty around us. I feel the same way when I get outside and go for a drive, or walk at the beach or through the woods somewhere. I am always amazed at the beauty that we see every day, and really do appreciate it beyond measure! I bet your are looking forward to granddaughter no. 2! How fun to be young enough to be a perfect grandma! As always, I love your pictures of the lake.. I went once to Priest Lake when I was around 35 years old and stayed in a little cabin there, with my then husband, our son who was 5, and his sister and brother and 2 kids. What a wonderful time that was and I still remember it so vividly. I'm so glad I took photos! Your area of living is just beyond words sometimes. You are so very blessed to have such a wonderful group of neighbors! Blessings to you! Marilyn
ReplyDeleteSweet Marilyn, indeed, I do count my blessings, and am so grateful to live in this beautiful area ofNorth Idaho. Hardly a day doesn't go by where I'm not remeinded of God's goodness with the beauty that abounds! I'm so happy that you now live in an area where you can get out and enjoy the beauty of God's creation too! So wonderful that you have that memory of Priest Lake. It truly is a special place - really words can't describe it. Or pictures! But I do try :) Many blessings to you dear friend, you are a dear to always visit and comment!
DeletePrecious friend Marilyn 🥰
ReplyDeleteI feel so happy that July was full of joy for love for you 🤗🥰🙏
Happy Birthday to your dear daughter in law,may she find much more joys and blessings in future!amen!
Priest lake sounds wonderful place to relax and celebrate with family 👍🤗
Such an serene and beautiful lake ♥️
How lovely you watched your precious Danika while your daughter was kayaking 🥰
Danika seems such a healthy and active baby by the grace of God 🥰🙏
Yes modern world offers so many interesting things for new born as well 😊
Great that weather is very super for your garden dear friend 🤗
Your neighbours sound such warm people with very sweet hearts 🥰
How amazing they gave you treat of homemade cupcakes 😊👌
Your thoughtful lines about happiness that slips away touch my heart.so true that nothing stays forever so embracing this reality and living each day to fullest with deep gratitude is only option left to us. Living harmlessly and adding joys to surroundings is duty of each of us.may God bless us with courage to do so amen🙏
Much more grace of the lord to you and yours my friend 🥰🙏♥️♥️♥️
What a beautiful comment, loved your thoughts, dear friend, you are always such a blessing to visit and comment! I am grateful for the joy of the Lord, and for the rich beauty around me to enjoy. I never want to take it for granted! I appreciate you and your faithful visits, praying for the rich blessings of the Lord in your life!
DeleteThat sounds like such a wonderful day at the lake! Those cupcakes look incredible.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a special day, and Alanna is such an amazing cook. She loves to bake gluten free, and the cupcakes were delicious! Many blessings to you!
DeleteJuly seemed to pass by so quickly.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely to read through your post and see your lovely photographs.
Priest Lake looks so beautiful.
Have a happy new month of August.
All the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Priest Lake is truly a beautiful place! We are blessed to call this area home and are so grateful for the many blessings of the Lord. Always appreciate your visit, Jan! Many blessings to you! Happy August!
DeleteHi! I'm sorry that I've not visited for a while, but I'm happy to be here now to catch up on all your news. How lucky you are to live near such a lake and to spend quality family time there. We've not had any rain for months and none to come any time soon, so I really enjoyed all that water. A hug.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I'm so happy to see you visit, Amalia! Your charming poems always brought a smile to my face, and your amazing handmade creations! Many blessings to you dear friend, and I'm praying you receive some rain very soon! A hug back to you!
ReplyDelete