Good Monday morning, my friends! This is what I saw when I got up Saturday morning. There was no filter, no talent, just God. I hope your weekend was everything you planned and then some! We had a wonderful weekend here in Pennsylvania. Friday evening, we made our traditional visit to the Hallmark Store for "Ornament Night." We have gone to the Hallmark store and had the kids pick an ornament for as long as I can remember! Rhett is not here, but all three girls showed me the same ornament they thought he would like!! I am not saying what it is because I know he usually reads here! Hi, Rhett!
After that, we went to dinner with Steve's brother Todd and his wife Beth. I was so happy to see them and spend time with them. I wish we could do it more. It was a wonderful evening.
The server asked if these two were twins!!! And she brought out this for dessert!
We went to mass on Saturday, and then Peyton and Chris invited us for dinner. She made spaghetti and meatballs with homemade Focaccia Bread. It was amazing.
She also surprised us with a pie bar for dessert. She made the BEST apple pie I ever had, a new chocolate chess pie, and she surprised Madison with her favorite blackberry pie. Madison was so touched because Peyton always makes that for her birthday, and this year, they won't be together, so she wanted to make sure Madison had it. And yes, tears may or may not have been shed.
To round out the evening, Peyton surprised us by playing some songs on the guitar. She has been learning from Christopher's mother, and it was so awesome to hear! She just began last winter, and to listen to her play was beautiful. Christopher's entire family is so talented. Remember Peyton met him at church when he played the violin; he is so supportive. He played some with her, and again, tears may or may not have been shed.
Sunday was rainy, cozy, and quiet. Madison and Nicolas headed back to the beach. We will be here another week. I spent yesterday in my cozy clothes, not watching several NFL games, and reading this incredible book.
And, That's that! Have a wonderful Monday, my friends!
Thanks for visiting!
Billie Jo
The photos are gorgeous, as is your family and the life you have created.
ReplyDeleteStunning is the word I thought of when I saw your Saturday morning pictures. The reflection on the lake made the photos even more dramatic. ❤️❤️❤️. Your family is much like mine....we all love spending time together and we always have the Best time. Your weekend sounds wonderful....The food, the fellowship, the sweets, Hallmark, and relaxing....Can't beat it!! Blessings to you and your family Billie Jo
ReplyDeleteWonderful times with family! Always a joy!
ReplyDeleteWow what stunning pics!! God is so good. 🙏🏻 And sounds like it was a perfect cozy weekend with those you love most in the world. :) How beautiful that Peyton was so thoughtful to her sister and that she is learning guitar!! Love that 💗 I love how you preserve and treasure in traditions too. Blessings on your week ahead. xoxo
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!! Wow!! It sounds like a perfect weekend and special time together!!
ReplyDeleteYour sky shots are stunning!! Wow, a pie bar! That took a lot of time and work!! Your family is so very beautiful, you are so blessed!
ReplyDeleteHello girl... such a gorgeous sunrise. I admire anyone who gets up early enough to see the sunrise!! Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteThose sunsets are incredible. Photos never seem to do them justice, no matter how talented the photographer. What a lovely weekend! Thanks for the book rec; I wonder if that would hold my attention? I'm having issues with not being able to focus to read right now. Enjoy your day, my friend!
ReplyDeleteOh Peyton. She has always been so thoughtful and showing her love of others through baked goods. I am so glad you had time together. I love that all the girls thought Rhett would like the same ornament--that's the Holy Spirit right there.
ReplyDeleteStay cozy! I will check out that book!
Hi Billie Jo! Happy Monday to you. Wow, those sunrises pictures are amazing. You had another wonderful family gathering with lots of good food. I am going to see if I am can get that book (Using the Amazon gift card you sent me for my birthday!) You and I seem to have very similar tastes when it comes cozy suspense books. I hope you have a great week! See you again soon.
ReplyDeleteThose photos at the start of your post, wow! All that food looks so good. Always enjoy reading about the happenings with you and your beautiful family. Oh, and I have that book on hold at the library, her books never disappoint. Hope you have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteDearest Billie Jo,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely sunrise God created over the the lake.
Looks like a reflection of the entire country on Election Day—also God's answer to millions of prayers!
Your family values are what this election was about—Togetherness instead of crumbling of Faith and Family by the leftist media.
May God protect all of us!
Hugs,
Mariette
You are so blessed with your family's closeness in spirit. And the food. And living in a location with 4 distinct seasons. I enjoy your blog and the photography.
ReplyDeleteYou always make me smile and I thank you for that. Your daughters look so happy and that makes me happy, smiles.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful-and just as it should be. I love the family closeness, that is a rare gift these days – I think traditions add to that, the birthday pie, the new ornaments – again just as it should be. Well done, Mom –
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful sunrise and reflection.
ReplyDeleteThose pies sure look tasty.
Your family is just beautiful and how sweet of Peyton to make Madison's favorite dessert for her. You have done such a great job with your family. Love the ornament night and that the server thought the girls were twins. How fun! The desserts look mouthwatering, both at the restaurant and Peyton's pies.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you've all had such a great time together.
Blessings and love,
Betsy
Your family is very special Billie Joe, really sweet photos, and I loved all your photos and happenings this week. Those skies are stunning. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteI love that you spend so much time with your kids. Our kids are our favorites too :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful family pictures, and it's awesome that Peyton is learning to play the guitar! That spaghetti looks so delicious. And those pies! These are such pretty photos of the pink skies you took Saturday morning. I'm an early bird, so I see the sunrises more than the sunsets. ; ) I feel we are very much alike in many ways - I used to pick out a pretty ornament for the girls every Christmas. I'm glad you found that perfect one for Rhett. I hope you show us the ornaments sometime. Your turkey theme on the side bars is so cute, by the way. ; )
ReplyDelete~Sheri
A wonderful week. You have the best of times with your family. Xx
ReplyDelete