Garden Update and a Birthday Celebration

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 :)