Summer Treasures...

The thrill of the hunt never dies. Even though Summer is nearing her end, hunting season for treasures remains wide open! Thankfully, this is the only type of hunting my Husband and children do. Lucky for me, I get to tag along! Here are some of our most recent finds... and please take an extra moment to click on the photos to see them enlarged... Enjoy!

The large wire basket will end up living with my best friend. It's in perfect condition and was only $3. I suspect that animal crackers will find their way into the glass jar! We have a lil bit of a weakness in this house for crocks, too, regardless their size... I just love this teeny tiny one and the teeny price sticker of 50 cents made it even better!

One of my passions is creamers and small pitchers. Rarely are they used for their intended purpose. Somehow flowers, pens, pencils, markers, scissors and such end up filling them. In addition to my love of Roosters, I'm also a sucker for lil yellow chick-a-biddies! This pair cost a whopping 25 cents!

I was thrilled to find these two framed birds, worked in cross-stitch. The frames are not perfect, but I am not sure what to do with them... any suggestions, ladies? There are a few spots on the material under the glass that I would like to try to clean. Someone put alot of time and effort into stitching these, the work is amazing! But, for the life of me, I will never understand how anyone could let something so beautiful slip away... it is sad. I wish I could recall what I paid for this pair... I think it was 50 cents or $1 ...

Aren't those Pink Dogwood blossoms beautiful? I believe this is a Baltimore Oriole... does anyone know?

And, I haven't a clue as to what type of bird this is... so, again, I am asking for help, please!

Two sweet ceramic bunnies to add to my collection! I think they're precious!

I've never counted, but I'm guessing that I have about 75 bunnies, now! These lil cuties were only 50 cents each.

Look! The bunny with the snazzy blue coat is a Lefton creation! Lucky me!

Who could walk away from this whimsical pair?! Also, just 50 cents each!

These lil bunnies remind me of the Easter tree that I began on my oldest son's first Easter. Each year would bring new ornaments and lil treasures. It became increasingly stressful for me to display it because the cats would always find it and break something. Sadly, I've not set it up for some time, now. Perhaps this coming Easter I will ask the guys to help me get it out and set up... at least so I can get some photos. It truly is a sight to see.

Finding these hand painted "blocks" was a fun way to end a day of treasure hunting! They will be a gift to my oldest son for Halloween... I'm still searching for something to give to my "lil" guy! These BOO Ghosts were only 50 cents! Sooo... all-in-all, it has been a great Summer for thrift shop bargains! I can't wait to see what the Fall Hunting Season brings, can you?! God bless...

Until another time... Pearl

Touching Hearts with Love 'n Grace...

I was recently blessed with this very sweet award from Rhonda, at Scooterblu's Whimsy. She's a good friend to all and she wanted to recognize those around her for lifting her spirits and inspiring her... thus the Sunshine on a Cloudy Day Award! Thank you, Rhonda... and, thank you for being a ray of sunshine in my life as well.

At the risk of being thought of as a Copy~Cat, I've created an Award, too. It's something that's been on my mind for awhile and now the time is right to bring it full circle. I've recently been going through some rather unpleasant times... truthfully I've been on a pretty painful road. I know that I am not alone. I realize that there are more folks than I'd care to count that are travelling down similar paths in their lives. Each day that the Lord deems fit to give to me, I am so very thankful. Not only for the blessing of one more day, but for the amazing gift of not being alone. God remains faithful and at my side. I'd be a liar if I said that my faith is always stronger than steel. I certainly have my moments when I feel weak and lonely. I get scared. I get confused. And, then I get blessed, yet once again. There are so many of you lovely ladies that reach out with words of comfort and prayers. I am so thankful for you and your good hearts. There have been two of you that I've become especially close to on my journey. We pray for each other daily. We think of each other and truly care. Over time I have come to learn that you ladies are this kind and gracious to everyone... to me, to other bloggers, to your dear families that you speak so lovingly of in your posts, and most important, to the Lord. I am humbled and blessed to know you and so honored to be a friend. Thank you, both, for reaching out and touching my heart with love 'n grace. I hope that everyone who has not met you will be able to find the time to visit you soon. I offer this Loving Heart Award to Tracie, at My Petite Maison and to Rhonda, at Scooterblu's Whimsy. I hope y'all will accept this with the love and gratitude in which it was created, and that as you continue with your journey in life, may you both find others that will touch your precious hearts as you've touched mine.

God bless...

Until another time... Pearl

Hard to Believe...

Please make sure that everyone has a good breakfast.

Please remember to come to class prepared.

Please make sure you remember your music and instrument.

Don't forget to practice!

Please try to look your best.

Apparently bringing a Giant Tussie Mussie to your Teacher is a good idea.

Hmmm... Did you leave your Smile at home?!

Oooops... Girls, please remember to sit with your legs together! Nice Tussie Mussie, by the way!

Young boys always look handsome in a nice hat. Good job remembering your Tussie Mussie!

Ahhh... now this is how a young lady should sit. Lucky Teacher to be getting this Tussie Mussie!

A polite young boy waiting for the Teacher to enter before he sits down. Pssst... don't forget to remove your hat indoors.

This cute girl must be eager to learn... or she needs to sit closer to the chalkboard.

Such a devoted student, to be dreaming of her textbooks!

Isn't Love one of the best lessons to learn?!

I just had to slip in a final farewell to the well-loved Beach!

It is my hope and prayer that God will bless each of our children as they begin another new year in their school journey. May His loving and protective hands guide each of them and keep them from harm. And may our Father find it in His heart to continue to guide us, as parents, in that we may be able to help our precious children in every possible way. Even as both of my son's enter College, I remain so very grateful to the Lord for allowing me to be their Mother, and for trusting in me enough to share in the upbringing of these two fine young men that are truly God's children.

Thank you to all of my friends that have offered prayers for my boys and please know that I keep you all, and your dear families, close in prayer as well... God bless...

Until another time... Pearl

Another Season Passing By...

The final days of Summer are now upon us. It makes me have a twinge of sadness in my heart, as it marks another season in my life passing. And so... with a tug at my heartstrings, I thought it would be fun to look way back on Summer. Won't you join me on this Sentimental Journey to the Beach?

This gal below has decided the water is fine as she steps out of the changing house, ready for her day in the sun.

Ahhh... a secret moment between two friends as a Love letter is shared. Don't you just adore their swim-dresses?

I suspect these two friends are enjoying watching some of the men walk by, as the laughter from those frolicking in the surf fills the air.

Taking a break from collecting sea-shells... don't they look relaxed and peaceful?

You can hear more laughter as this group of friends enjoy a game of Leap-Frog on the sand!

Ohhh my! These two sultry-looking friends must be waiting for their boyfriends to show up for lunch. I just love that big wicker beach chair!

This group of ladies already has their picnic spread out. How fancy to have wine in glass decanters on the beach! Hmmm... or, is that Cherry Kool-Aid?!

Nearby on the sand, this group of talented friends play music and sing. Check out those fancy-dancy lace-up beach shoes!

With lunch now behind them, these gals ponder going back into the water.

This lady in red doesn't have to think twice... she's going in!

Some friends have found a boat. Hmmm... that gal with the camera must have a Blog! I just love their swim-suits!

Here's one of her friends, posing for a photo in hopes of making it into the Blog!

And another one! Ohhh... if I had a suit like hers and that cute figure, I'd be posing on the beach, too!

Time for one more game of Beach-Ball before calling it a day.

Ohhh... Nooo! These gals just couldn't keep their boat upright! Can you hear them laughing?!

These two friends have made it to the top of a rock to wave the Flag for one final picture of their day at the Beach.

Thank you for joining me on this Sentimental Journey at the Beach. What are your plans for these final days of Summer? I hope that your dreams come true and wherever you go that the sun will shine brightly upon you. God bless...

Until another time... Pearl

On The Wings Of Love...

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
~ Matthew 11:28 ~

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
~ Proverbs 22:6 ~

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
~ Philippians 4:13 ~

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
~ Isaiah 41:10 ~

Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
~ Deuteronomy 5:16 ~

Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
~ Ephesians 4:32 ~

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
~ Isaiah 40:31 ~

But seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given you.
~ Matthew 6:33 ~

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.
~ Matthew 18:20 ~

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.
~ John 3:16 ~

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
~ 1 John 4:7 ~

Thinking of all of you and wishing for a beautiful day for everyone... God bless...

Until another time... Pearl