Oh my goodness Sugar Pies! I know it seems like forev-ah since I’ve posted! I was gone way too long. I’ve missed blogging, and most of all, I missed you my dear sweet sistas! I hope y’all are having a happy summer! I had a whirlwind trip to the West Coast, the place where I was born and raised…San Diego, California. Although I had a very enjoyable trip, it came with a couple challenges. The first week I had to take it easy because I pulled a muscle in my back (due to my overloaded suitcase I’m sure…hey a girl’s gotta have her stuff!) Thankfully the Lord had mercy on me, by the end of the week I was as good as new…just in time for a fun barn sale. Shortly after that, my dad had to go to the hospital for about 5 days ( He is doing much better now thank the Lord!)
After a few weeks I was ready to come home. I missed Missouri! I missed the Ozark mountains, the green trees and fresh country air. Finally the day came to catch our flight in L.A. and let me tell you getting to the airport was quite a hair-raising adventure, I felt like I was on Alice in Wonderland’s Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride at Disneyland! It’s a good thing we had a G.P.S. otherwise I don’t know how we could have found our way! Seriously, there were about 9 different highways we had to take, and it didn’t help that the traffic was pure chaos. We couldn’t get over to the right lane fast enough to catch one of the highways so the G.P.S. lady kept saying “re-calculating route ….re-calculating route” . Missing your turn in L. A. is not a good thing.
Photo source: world of stock.com
See what I mean?! L.A. is a huge city, this is only a small peek at the freeway system! (in Cali we say “Freeway”, in Missouri it’s Highway …it’s funny when we say “freeway” here in Missouri people kinda look at you funny!)
Ahhhh, but when we landed in Springfield Missouri and stepped outside the sun was just beginning to melt like an orange popsicle into the horizon, the warm air was golden and the sweet scent of fresh mown hay was thick as cream. The airport is smack dab in the middle of quaint little farms so the ride home is always so lovely….
….so serene…beautiful, calm and quiet.
This is what the highways looks like all the time here in Missouri…like an easy drive in the country!
How cute is this tanker? I wonder if it was filled with Coffee? If it is, that’s a “Big O’ Cup ‘a’ Joe” rolling down the highway!
This is the sign we look for…65 South…Branson…home, here we come!
Don’t you just love coming home after a long trip? It’s so comforting. I always make sure to tidy up the house before going out of town, so that when my family and I walk through the door and step into our clean and cozy surroundings, we are welcomed with that “Ahhh, it’s good to be home” feeling.
The next day was Summer’s 12th birthday, so I was up early to go to the market to re-stock the frige and buy the fixin’s for her special birthday supper. Her favorite meal is meatloaf, corn-on-the-cob, stuffed mushrooms, country fried potatoes, fresh cantelope and Angel Food Cake with fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream for dessert.
Summer Rose is a dream-come-true! How blessed we are to have her in our family. She brings such joy and sunshine into our lives! I am one thankful mama to have such wonderful children!
It took me a few days to get settled, unpacked, and spend time with my little grandson Johnny (oh how I missed that sweet boy…I had some serious kissing to do when I finally got to hold him!) School for Summer is just a few days away so we had to get busy stocking up on 6th grade supplies.
When I got around to downloading all of my photos I saw how many I had…too many to put in one blog post, so this will be Part One of my California adventures. It’s always fun to stroll through the photos of a happy vacation, taking the time to reflect the warm memories made. It’s even more fun to share them with friends. So are you ready to take a trip down memory lane with me? Our first stop is to a very HOT barn sale! Hot, as in over 100 degrees! But the goodies were equally hot!
This was my sister Sherry’s booth (Glamarella Junk)…
Sherry embellishes millenary flowers with vintage jewelry and makes them into brooches and necklaces. She also hand-dyes slips, and creates darling farm-style collage art…
Here I am with a few of the junkin’ girls…From left to right…Sandra Finn, an amazing vintage stylist–check out her blog here, and sweet-as-pie Joy from the ever adorable blog The Vintage Rabbit, what a doll she is! We chatted about raising chickens…she’s got some and I want some! Next is my sister Sherry from Glamarella Junk, with her sassy vintage hat on!
I also got to meet up with my dear friends Sara and Abbey, a mama and daughter team from Sweet Magnolia Farm. “Sweet” is the best word to discribe these gals! OH and amazingly talented too!! You have just got to zip over to their blog and check out their Etsy store! They create the most adorable Farm-girl things!! Come take a look at their darling booth…
I also had the joy of meeting Deb Kennedy, creator of Retreat Style, and her happy hubby Bob. They have been featured in several magazines, participated in the Farm Chicks Shows, BarnHouse Flea markets, Remnants of the Past Antiques show, as well as many others around the country. Deb and her husband re-create vintage items and turn them into gorgeous, one of a kind treasures. Can I just tell you how adorable they are?!! I loved getting a chance to chat with them and to see all of the delightful and fabulous home-goods they create that would make any home feel like a beautiful “retreat!”
She was so kind to leave me a comment recently:
“It was wonderful meeting you at the show this past weekend!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your cute boots, darlin’…. don’t really know how you worked those in the sweltering heat but oh MY you were stylin’! Thank you so much for your kind compliments on our displays & booth both here on the blog and at the show… big kudos right back to you for all of the inspiration you provide to us all! Visit me on our Retreat blog (linked) or my own blog at http://hummadeedledee.blogspot.com Hugs, Deb”
Isn’t she the sweetest thang?
Take a peek at her darling booth!
So cool and refreshing on such a hot day! You’ve got to head over to Deb’s Petite Retreat blog to see the darling Sweet Sweater Pumpkins she’s designed and created. She is hosting a class to make them on her farm in the Washington area.
I also got to meet a few of my WoNdErFuL Sugar Pie Sistas!! This is adorable Dani with her gorgeous mama! They drove a very long way to meet me! I also got to meet her wonderful hubby (wonderful, because he was happy to drive her and her sweet babies to come meet me on such a scorching hot day! What a guy!) I was so honored and blessed! I also got to hug some more of my Sugar Pie Sistas…Mindi and Cathy…unfortunately I didn’t get their pictures! (boo hoo!)
The following weekend I headed to downtown San Diego for a pre Padre Baseball game “tail-gate” Party (minus the tail-gate) at my cousin Dena’s condo that overlooks San Diego Bay. Dena and I grew up together in our big Italian family. She’s the one, I told about in a past blog post, that kicked some lady in the pants thinking it was me at Disneyland on the raft crossing the water to Tom Sawyer’s Island…oh boy that was the funniest thing I think I ever saw when that lady turned around and Dena realized it wasn’t me. I still get a kick out of that! (sorry for the pun!) She can tell a few stories about me I’m sure, but she’ll have to do that on her own blog! Speaking of which here is hers…Dena-Marie …check it out, it’s very encouraging! Tell her I sent ya!
As you can see Dena’s view from the 18th floor is spectacular! Enjoying the view are my wonderful kids Summer, J.J. and fiance’ Tiffany.
Here’s part of my big Italian Fam! I love these girls…so much fun…so many memories!
Watching the Padre game with around 30 of my Italiano cousins was so much fun! The sunset was gorgeous!
J.J. shows off his bubble gum talent!
Me and hubby Gary makin’ a memory.
The next day we had a big family reunion with lots of food and games. Here is Summer and cousin Isabelle running a race and won!
Spent some time at the beach in Carlsbad…daddy and Summer dipping their toes in the sparkling water.
San Diego Zoo…here we come!
It’s always so amazing to see the creatures God created!
This was Summer’s first time at the zoo…she was like a kid in a candy store!
They had a really facinating art demonstration…two artists began painting a huge canvas, splashing the paint and swiping the surface in super speed motion to upbeat music, drawing a crowd of curious onlookers…wondering what they were creating. Within around 8 minutes they revealed their masterpiece by turning the canvas rightside up….
The eagle has landed! Pretty cool huh?
Another day we took a drive into the Vineyard Country of Temecula to see the place where my son J.J. and soon to be daughter-in-law, Tiffany will be married next June.
This is where they will become Mr. and Mrs.! I’m so proud of both of them! Tiffany just graduated from Cal Baptist University and is going to be a middle school math teacher. J.J. will graduate this fall and is working full time. Putting God first, they have a bright future ahead of them!
On my next post I’ll share our trip up to the mountains of Julian to have some yummy pie at Mom’s Apple Pie House….and my afternoon of fun with my dear friend Cat from the Vintage Housewife!
I’m sure hoping y’all didn’t forget about me since I’ve been gone so long! Can you believe Fall is just around the corner? I’m excited to share my fall nesting ideas with you in the coming weeks!!!
Bless you Sugar Pies!! Please let me know you are still stopping by for “pie”! I love reading your comments!
Hugs!!
Aunt Ruthie
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So glad to have you back and blogging. Looks like a wonderful trip to California. Lots of family memories made I’m sure. It’s been over 100 here in Texas for many many days, but I am itching to get the “fall” out. I am craving some pumpkin candles and pumpkin soap!
It looks like you had a wonderful time. :)
I know what you mean about coming home. It’s nice to get away but.. it’s so nice to get back to your own space again.
Can’t wait for part two!
((Hugs))
Laura
Oh Aunt Ruthie,
I have missed you so much and am glad you are home. Now don’t get me wrong, I think its wonderful you and your lovely family had a vacation, but I am one who missed your posts. I missed them so much I was convinced their was some technical problem:)))
Welcome back home,
Rebecca
Looks like a great time! Can’t wait to hear about the pies and see the pictures. I’m also itching to get the fall decorations out. I’m trying to wait until after Labor Day, but I’m so ready!
Welcome back! We’ve missed you.
Looks like a marvelous time in Cali! San Diego is one of our favorite spots to go for a weekend. I love the shopping in Sea Port Village!
Aunt Ruthie,
I was so glad to see you back and your new post! It looks like you had a wonderful trip and made some new memories with your family. Happy Birthday to Summer, what a great spread for her and your family! I can’t wait to read about your Mom’s Apple Trip and see more pictures.
God Bless you,
Carey
Welcome back!! Looks like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing your photos. I was born and raised in So. Cal. so it is bringing back some memories for me. I still have a bunch of family there as well. The San Diego Zoo is just beautiful. The zoo, Disneyland, the missions, lighthouses, mountains, beaches, shopping, I could go on and on (oops! I guess I am!!!). Welcome home we all missed you. Blessings, Gretchen
YEA!!!! You’re home!!! Keep writin’ and we’ll keep readin’ !!
xoxoxo
Ruthie…. glad you are home…I’ve been checkin’ in to see if theres a new post from you :) Looks like you had a great vacation! Looking forward to part two of your pics….Bless you.
Oh Ruthie……I so missed you!! You made my day. You are just a breath of fresh air!
Oh Aunt Ruthie!! It was such a pleasure to get to meet you at the Vintage Barn on that hot hot day! Thank you so much for signing my pie plate and for visiting for a spell! Glad you’re home and blogging again! God’s Blessings to you and yours!
I’ve sure missed you, Aunt Ruthie!! I’m a transplanted girl from the midwest (1965) and I enjoy your blogs! Fall is my favorite season (also for my daughter, Mindi whom you met a few weeks ago). Mindi was on cloud 9 after meeting you that hot day! Can’t wait for your fall ideas.
What a treat to get to visit with you that day!! I don’t know if I helped you with your chicken making decision or not!! There are whole lotta websites dedicated to chickens…just place your order on line!!
I plan on taking you up on your offer to come visit you in MO. It’ll will be a real rootin’ tootin’ ol time!!!
Sherry and You are such fun sweet girls!! Glad to know ya both and glad to know we are girls for God too!!
Hope to see you again when you are back in town!! We’ll have to do a Vignettes run!!
Hugs and Smiles,
Joy
The Vintage Rabbit!
p.s. Thanks for the shout out girlie!!
It looks like you have been off having lots of fun..very cool things to do for the summer! Loved all the pictures…:D
Hey Sis……We did have fun!!!! Miss you all!!! Love the photos!!!!
All ya Sistas out there that follow my sissy blog…She’s the best!!!
God has given her a wonderful gift to share her warmth with us all!!!
XO Sherry
Oh, how I’ve missed your blogs! I kept coming to your blog to see if you have returned for the last few weeks!! Glad to see you home!
Aunt Ruthie, Glad your all home safe and sound! WE HAVE MISSED YOU! Hope Summer had a great birthday!
If I ever get the chance I am going to the UrBaN BaRn sale. It looks like a dream. Thanks for the mini vacation by picture. Can’t wait to see them all! You have a way of making us all feel like we were there too! I loved them all but oh those GRAPES!!!!!!
Blessings, Becky R
Sure did miss ya! But it looks like you had a wonderful time with family soaking in all the sights, catching up with friends and spreading all the love and joy you have to give! Glad to hear you and your daddy are doing well, too!
Soooo does your sis send you some of her cool glam junk to put in your home? It’d be so tempting to have a sister in the antique biz!
hello and welcome back, it looks like you have had a fun filled summer. I always love reading your posts and look forward to more.
Sarah x
Dear Ruthie
It is such a treat to visit your site. I couldn’t wait for you to get back from your vacation. You are a real blessing to me. I value your wisdom and family values. You inspire me to be a better cook , decorator and wife. I hope someday to me you. I am Italian too! Love, Kathy cole
Oh my goodness I am sooo glad your back!!! I actually let out a big yaaay when I saw you had posted today. I enjoyed seeing the pics of your trip. I feel like a good friend has come home..(hee hee) I cant wait to hear about your ideas for fall and all the other good stuff you always come up with. Gods blessing to you , so glad your back.
Hugs and big smiles,
Lisa
It looks like you had a fabulous time. Your pics were wonderful. Fall is my favorite time of year (especially here in the Ozarks; I live in the Ozarks too), just the crisp, cool feeling when you step outside and the warmth of apple cider and cinnamon with a few pumpkins on the side.:) So glad you had a safe trip.
I live in San Diego and am wondering if that was the Urban Barn where your barn sale was? If not, I’m wondering where it was located. Thank you!
I am so glad you had such a great trip. Thanks for sharing!!!
I live in KC in good ole Mo! I saw the same “coffee” tanker the other day! My hubs and I are going to your part of the state sometime in Nov. and I want to do a little shopping while there. Do you know any “can’t miss” places? I love shabby chic/french country! Thanks! God Bless you and your ministry!
Thanks for sharing all that eye candy with us..looks like you had a wonderful time..but there is no place like home.;)
So happy you’re back Aunt Ruthie! I was just thinking about you the other day and realized it had been a really long time since you’d posted! What a fun time you must have had.
Blessings,
Sasha
OH THANK THE LORD! An Aunt Ruthie post!!! Whew! I didn’t think I was gonna make it through the summer! :)
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us! What beautiful photos. I love you, Aunt Ruthie! You’re a breath of fresh air!!!!
Hugs from Hot Florida,
Alison
It’s so nice to have you back Aunt Ruthie! Your blogs are like a tall frosty glass of Strawberry Lemonade on a sweltering summer day… I can’t get enough of them! I live in Long Beach, Ca. and your blog today made me want to leave California and run to the Ozarks! Especially that freeway picture… yuck, I’m all too familiar with that! I’m a country girl at heart and that’s why your blog appeals to me so much, but mostly… your great love for the Lord! I moved here from Florence, OR. a little over 2 years ago to take care of my Mom who has Dementia. Florence is beautiful, it’s called “The Jewel of the Oregon Coast.” There’s the ocean on one side of the highway and the mountains and forests on the other, it’s the best of both worlds… and I miss it very much. Your blogs make me homesick, but they also sooth my soul! Thank you for your edifying love and for all you share and for all your care!
May God continue to abundantly bless you and all your precious family.
Warm hugs and kisses,
Crystal
So, so, so happy to see you back!!!! Your trip looks and sounds like it was FABULOUS!!!! Loved all the pics, you have a beautiful family. I have never been to Ca. OR Missouri so now I want to go to BOTH places! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your pics! WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XO, Pinky
It was so awesome to meet you at the “barn” and to give you a hug also! Like I said you inspire me! Things are a little better, I just keep “looking up” all we can do !!! It looks like you had a fabulous vacation while here in San Diego ( you gotta love our weather this Summer) Love all of your pictures but as you said it is always good to be back home!!
By the way, I commented about your beautiful necklace you had on and your blouse was adorable~~~~where did you find these finds??
Keep up your great work and beautiful words of inspiration and be sure to send us more pics. of “home”
kathy
Glad you had a fun time! And glad that you are back! Can’t wait to hear your fall nesting ideas. Fall is the most wonderful time of the year! : )
Oh Ruthann …My My am I having MO envy right now ..Look at those beautiful pictures ..of that green green grass and those Big blue morning skies ..
It was so good to see you and hope it’s not too far off again.
Looks like you had a wonderful time while you were here ….and so glad your Dad is o.k. !!!
Wishing Summer a Belated Birthday ..looks like it was a Beautiful Birthday …and I like Summer’s Favorites ..
Enjoy your week ..Blessings ..Sara
Welcome home!! It sounds like a fun trip – but selfishly we’re glad you are home safely back with us.
I am so glad you are back! I have MISSED you and your wonderful notes and stories. Looks like you had a great time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUMMER ROSE! You are a sweet girl!
NOW…. my assignment for the rest of the day is to check out all the BLOGS you listed for your friends. Thank you! I’m sure that will be fun.
By the way, that LA traffic would be a nightmare for any of us who are used to a lot less chaos. I’ll take our area of the US any day of the week. Thank you. :)
Betty in Oklahoma
glad you made it back safe….I just moved to Branson West if you ever want to meet let me know I am new to the area and so need to meet some great friends, my husband started working at Silver Dollar City where I have been going to culinary classes, so fun..I can’t wait to check out all the bloggers you listed, have a great week, Pamela
I’ve missed you so much!!! I am so thrilled you are back. I’ve once again resorted to reading the archives to get my Aunt Ruthie fix!!! Just love it all sista. I’m so glad you had a wonderful vacation and all is well. There is just no place like home.
Another whirlwind trip to the West Coast. You’re the busiest gal I know and now that I know you wear boots on scorching hot days, you may be crazy. ;>
The baby has grown so…must see more of him. Happy 12th birthday to Summer. She looks so much like her brother J.J.!
Looking forward to hearing more from Branson…
Looks like you had a nice trip to L.A! I would never be able to drive on those freeways! We live on the coast of NC where its quiet, peaceful and there is pretty much ONE main road that goes through town. No ramps, no congestion, not many traffic jams.
I love the pics of the barn sales. I wish we had ones like that around here!
Awesome! I just love all the vintage at the barn sale. I really just need to dive into that decor. I play it safe, with a minimalist-meets-library style, but am constantly drawn to the vintage country whenever I see it. Ahhh! One piece at a time….
Being from California I can relate to much of your bloggings! If I lived where you do, I’d say I can’t wait to come home too! I looks like you all have a splendid time…enjoy the memories and come back soon!
LOved your pictures of Ca. Even though I am still in Ca. I am no longer in Carlsbad. Miss it and the pictures of the beach are beautiful Glad that you had a good visit.
Loved the pics of California! I went to 2nd grade in San Diego out on Point Loma! I can just feel the cool California air from your photos or should I say the “dry” air. We’ve had the hottest, humidest summer here in Texas….I’m longing for a visit to see my daughter in LA! And those freeways are something else! Don’t you love how everyone out there calls them THE 405 and THE 101? We don’t do that here it’s just Hyw 30. LOL Glad you had a great trip and I’m sure you will be getting some cooler fall air up in Missouri soon! (Send it on down to us please!)
Bless ya!
Patti
My sister from the UK was brave enough to drive the freeway in LA and quite a feat seeing it was the wrong side of the road for her.They are called motorways in England and here on Australia’s east coast we have the Pacific Highway. Not sure I could summon up the courage to drive those freeways but the pictures sure whet my appetite for a drive across the USA one day….. but it’s more all those barn sales I would be wanting to visit – so many beautiful things made by creative people, would need to bring a very big suitcase and be prepared to pay excess baggage charges!
So glad you had such a blessed time. You were right in my neck of the woods….=) And I love, love, love Mom’s apple pie, especially the apple/cherry ones. But you cant leave Julian without getting bread at Dudleys.
Blessings on you and yours!
Shelley
Aunt Ruthie,
I’m worn out just reading about your trip. It sounds and looks so wonderful. My absolute favorite part though, was the ball game. It’s a sickness, but I so love baseball. L O V E it. I enjoyed the story about Dena kicking that woman in the pants too…Teeheehee.
Thanks for sharing your memories with us. What a beautiful family you have.
Looking forward to your next post.
So glad you had such a grand time with family and friends.
Looks like and amazing trip and I would agree that there is nothing better than coming home. Glad you’re back and looking forward to more.
forgot about you??.. hahahha.. we LOVE your blog!! i have checked it every day since your last post..haha!! thanks for the pics! glad you’re back!!
So glad you had a great vacation…so very glad you made it home safe and sound with tons of memories….so very, very glad you posted. I feel like I’m missin’ something when you’re not around spreading your God given inspiration! Can’t wait to see your Fall nesting ideas. Hugs!
You have a beautiful family. God bless them and the pics are great. That freeway sends chills up my spine, could never drive on those roads.
Your right Ruthie its nice to go away but there is that wonderful feeling of coming home. The only words that can describe it is total relaxation Like Dorothy from the wizard of Oz said “There no place like home.” Glad your home and all the sisters did miss you. Nice t have you back. Hugs Paulette
Hello Darl’in Ruthann!
What wonderful pictures of a CA visit! The weather has heated up quite a bit since you left! Our heat~spell has began! You have such a wonderful extened family and what fun you must of all had. Aren’t family reunions the best?! Looking forward to seeing more of your trip and your visting with sweet Cat!
Love ya,
Maryjane
Hey there!
I’m so glad that y’all made it home safely and had fun. It’s awesome that little Summer Rose can have all of these experiences! Tell her good luck in school this year! I sent you a message and when you have a sec, can you give it a quick read? I loved how fun and modestly y’all dressed and Summer and Ashley’s matching shirts. Too cute! Take care and I look forward to your next post.
So ironic to see your trip out here to San Diego… where’s I’m currently at… I usually get my Missouri Fix by reading your blog… helps with the homesickness! Just wanted to let you know how much I love your blog!
Just got back from a few days in Branson. Love that place!!! Any tips on out of the way eating places that only the locals know about?? How about shows and shopping places?? We saw the Legends Show and loved it. Ready to go back already.
Thanks for any tips
Carla
I enjoyed your latest blog as usual. Sounds like your vacation was fun and eventful! We experienced the same issue with our gps on our recent road trip – recalculating…! Lots of fun! Your memories of flying in to the Springfield airport make me homesick for my oldest best friend who lives near there. I got to see her last year after over twenty years. Keep up the great work with your encouraging blogs. I’m looking forward to your fall decorations, etc.
Debbie
Good morning Aunt Ruthie!
You can’t even imagine how much all your faithful sistas missed you. Loved seeing all your great photos of your trip. You are always so sweet to share your special times with us. Can’t wait to see what all you have done to the farmhouse to get ready for fall. Have a great week end back home!
Love ya,
Donna
Oh, Ruthann…another wonderful post from you and I saved it for a day when I needed a ‘soul tonic’. Thank you for sharing your happy trip and a little glimpse into the fun times you had. I’ll be looking forward to more when you have the chance but by all means keep enjoying the last of your summertime before school starts and these precious days with your family.
Thank you again and hugs!
Fotgot about you NEVA !!!! glad to see you back you were missed!!! thanks for sharing your photos they are great, I’m glad that you recovered to enjoy your trip. God is good !!!! Have a great day Trish xox ;)
Always love to read your posts Ruthie! So inspirational and uplifting.
Sweet Aunt Ruthie…
Soooooooooooo glad you are safely back home and back to blogland!! Your trip sounded wonderful and I had fun looking at all the fabulous vintage booths you visited. Thanks for sharing them. Your sister’s booth/blog is wonderful. Don’t be long letting us hear from you again with more wonderful pictures. We got to visit Branson in July and had an awesome time. I hit the Bakery shop at Silver DC and thought of you! :0) Hope to hear from you soon!!!
Tanya
Dear Aunt Ruthie, I missed you and your wunderful blog so much, but I`m happy that you had such beautiful holidays with your family and friends. Thank you for sharing your memories with us!
Hugs and kisses from Switzerland
Dani
Oh my!!!!! I was so excited to meet you. Thank you so much for posting those sweet words. I can’t believe you remembered me on your blog. Thank you for mentioning my husband too. He is such a sweetie. And to think, he thought you would consider me a crazed stalker. I was on cloud nine for days! I couldn’t wait to get just the right frame and display it in my family room. You have blessed my family so much throughout the years with your inspirational words, faith, and example. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family always. Blessings, Dani
Missed visiting here while you were gone. I enjoyed your tour today…fun times! You have a wonderful family.
Blessings,
Jane
Praise the good Lord you are safely home! You were gone WAY to long….giggle. I think I have all the old blogs memorized waiting for your new one. Oh my! Glad to see you had a wonderful time!
It looks like you had such a wonderful time. That’s a wonderful group of photos. My two older sons just graduated from Cal Baptist in May too. Were you at the graduation? We might have bumped into each other :-) One was an English major and plans to go on to get his teaching credential, and the other is now working as a youth pastor.
Blessings,
Marcia
Yay, I ‘m glad you had such a good time in our home town!! We are going to Julian this weekend for pie and your pictures are making me hungry already! I’m bummed I didn’t see your post about the Barn sale until after it happened, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for the next one. :)
Blessings,
Lizzy
I’d *lost* your bookmark Ozark neighbor…glad I found you again.
Yes, it’s fun to get away, but greater fun to walk in the door of your own home.
Wonderful photos!!!
I’m from Southern Cali too and now living in Kentucky. I often find myself calling the interstate a “freeway” too and everyone looks at me like I’m crazy. Hard habit to break. When you wrote about this, I just had to let you know I do that too. You make me miss home in Cali. I would love to fly back for a visit. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful pic’s. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun!
Aunt Ruthie,
I am wanting to attend the Creative Connection Workshop. It would be my first time, and I was wondering if any of your art and antique friends from the Urban Barn have attended? Its rather expensive and I would love to hear any of your comments. Or any of you gals out there that have attended this event!
http://www.burlapandrust@yahoo.com
Blessings,Becky
Wish I was there! Looks like such a great time and it’s fun seeing your cousins again. Some I haven’t seen in so many years.
Love this post. xo
I’m but an ant in the enormous anthill of people who’ve missed you! How FUN that you had such great times in “Cali.”! I loved looking at all the pictures and about snapped my panties laughing at how your sister (whenever that was) kicked a gal at Disney, thinking it was you! Anyway, I adore all those scratchy white paint items that all your friends sell. I have a few of my own here in my little house on the pretend prairie. I’m now inspired to get off my expanding bum and take on new projects! Thank you for being who you are, Sistah!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful summer adventures. I love the pictures of when you are almost home. Every time I am coming home to Tennessee, I get tears in my eyes because it truly is Home Sweet Home! Your blog blesses my heart every time I read it! Victoria Lynn
Hello. I stumbled upon your blog last night and had so much fun visiting your site! It was so refreshing! Your playlist music relaxed me and had me smiling inside. I hope you don’t mind but I made a playlist for my site with a lot of the songs you have. If it bothers you I will surely remove the songs :) I also put a link to your site on mine. Thanks for an enjoyable “internet” visit to your shop/blog!! It was a perfect way to wind down my day. Loved it!!
In Christ, Aimee’
Love all the photos, looks like a glorious trip! Just found you through another blog, and I LOVE your farmhouse!!! I’m your newest follower and will keep up, as there is sooo much to read here :)
Hope you can check out my “farmhouse girl wannabe” blog one day soon… You’ve inspired me!
Blessings,
Becky C
Loved every picture and moment reading your blog. Thank you for sharing your life and bringing your “sunshine” into mine.
Visiting your blog is like being given a luscious candy apple… I always appreciate your take on things, your photography, your insights of God.
Today I happened to see that your future daughter in law just graduated from CBU and it just brought up lots of feelings I don’t usually associate with your site- a bittersweet feeling is what lingers. My grandfather was one of it’s founders, my parents used to teach there when it was still known as CBC- and I went but didn’t graduate. We lived across the street from it and watched it evolve over so many years into how it stands today – and it was always a place full of beautiful people you wanted to know… all moving forward with grace and purpose… so I think it’s safe to congratulate you on your luck in getting one of these young people for a future daughter in law. I’m looking forward to all the future wedding planning… LOL
(Maybe I’ll learn something, but for sure it will be a delight to the senses, even though it’s all virtual …)
Thanks so much for sharing the seasons and the other delights in your world.
~Laureli
I am a longtime fan – love you and all your wonderful ideas! Will be doing a Fall/Winter e-Book? I would truly love that. :)
Just went on a quick walk today before I picked up my kids. Started crying just appreciating the beauty of our neighborhood and the breeze on my face. Tears of joy! Your blog brings joy to my heart too. Sharing your love for the Lord makes it that much special! So look forward to your posts!
Ruthie
And in the UK its a motorway !