June Prayer Table and Answer to Prayer

I can't believe that we are half way through the year. I started this idea of a prayer table / home alter back in January and it has been such a blessing to me and my family. 

I take great comfort in praying the Blessed Rosary each evening -- often my girls joining me. 

This month of June I also prayed a Novena (nine days of a devoted prayer time) to Saint Lucy, patron saint of eye disorders. I had been struggling with some irritating eye issues for several years, recently getting quite worse with no medications being able to help me. 

In April I began working with a doctor who is devoted to getting to the root of the problem and using a unique therapy to help the glands around my eyes begin to function again. It has been quite a painful (and expensive) and time consuming procedure but all of a sudden after the fourth procedure my eyes completely worked. I am not sure the relief is here to stay but I attribute it to my prayers to the Blessed Mother and to Saint Lucy. {and of course to this amazing doctor} I praise God each day that my eyes are fully functioning the way they are supposed to. 

Here is a look back at half of the year of prayer tables. 

January

February

March

April

May 

Sunshine and a bit of Country Goodness

Our laundry room and mud room is the entrance to our home for us as it is right off the garage. I love this sunny place. 

This summer I have it all decorated for a sunny day picnic, country style. 

I found this adorable picnic baskets and put some tea towels in there for some country goodness. 

Although the scene I was going for was a grab a basket, ready for a country picnic... these baskets are actually quite functional. The first one has some votives and citronella candles, ready to grab and light for an evening outside. (if we are not on our screened in porch -- which is the 'outside' we love the best. 

Wallaroo hats are our favorites. I'm a 'no sun' girl for sure! I wear sunscreen 365 days a year and so if I'm headed for a walk, or anything in the sunshine, I also like these hats. The wide brim is also 50 SPF. Go check out their website! 

Here is a peek from the kitchen baking center pie cooling window... how fun! 

I love to create scenes of simpler times, and this lantern I adore. Although antique, Scott 'rigged it' to actually flicker a little light. I love it so much! 

The seasons bring me such joy... each one with delight. This book by Gladys Taber is delightful. 

Happy summer! 

Decorating the Kitchen

One of the happiest rooms for me to decorate is our kitchen. 

Some days I want nothing but the electric teapot on the counter - a clean, clear, nothing look. 

Other days, like these pictures, I want a cottage homey feel. 

This was yesterday. I took everything off the counter and arranged and rearranged, shopped my house, which is filled with vintage and antique finds, and came up with the cottage look. 

I adore it {for now} and wanted to create something that my girls would walk in and say, "adorable". 💞

They did! 

And since we all love looking at other homes inside, I thought you'd want to take a peek. 

When I took these it was pretty early and not too bright in here yet, my I had to crank up my ISO - which is why the photos are a bit grainy. 

Our Anna is Nineteen

On June 10th our little Anna turned nineteen years old. We celebrated in the same way we always do - simple, sweet, purposeful, and blessing as much as we can. 

This was her 'actual' birthday during the week. I decided to have the homemade birthday cake on the weekend so that the Grandparents could be there, and have a bakery cake during the week. 

I usually start to think about her birthday meal all spring. I want it to be festive, a treat, and something she'll love. I saw this recipe for Monte Cristo Sandwiches and knew it would be perfect for Anna. 

Think of grilled cheese and French toast (sort of) combined... it's amazing and so so so not healthy... perfect for a birthday meal. It is served with a dusting of powdered sugar and the most gourmet raspberry jelly you can find. 

Pictures with our birthday girl. How we are so happy to have her home all summer with us! 

Anna was surprised with a rice cooker and some pretty rice bowls. 

On the weekend  we had a little family party with all of the grandparents.  And it was lovely. And oh so yummy!!!

I made a homemade shortcake birthday cake... melt in your mouth good! s

Happiest birthday little Anna. We adore and love you so so much!