Here We Go Again

I can't believe we are doing it again so soon. Hubby and I love to paint but seriously two homes within a months time. Our daughters home has a much steeper roof than ours and this morning as we were both us there I actually thought about tying off with ropes. To make matters worse there is a wasp nest in the old satellite dish and they were flying around, not too happy to have us foolin' with the wires. Hopefully our sil will go up and spray them again so he can take the dish down since they don't use it and it is old. After getting a promotion in his company, he will be traveling on and off for a bit, so I'm thinking hubby and I will be doing a lot of the painting. Bless his heart, after he gets home from work he does as much as he can and unless we get a lot done this coming holiday weekend, hubby and I will be doing a large percentage of the painting. At least we love it and we are so thankful he got his new position.
This is our youngest granddaughter, our little buttercup, now 5 mos old. She is such a sweetheart and brings smiles to my face continually. She is on a quilt her mama made this summer; don't you just love the fabrics? Daughter actually machine quilted this, something I wouldn't attempt and she made it look so easy. Kudos to her. When I am off the roof and don't have a paint brush in hand, I get to concentrate on all four girls and love on this one.

Have a wonderful day friends.
Noreen

Monday Morning Blessings

Here it is Monday already; where does the weekend go? All my plans for activities this weekend didn't materialize so I have no photos to show you of the river. On Friday we got busy putting rocks down in a small area in order to prevent weeds-so much for the river. I had a good weekend though as we spent time with our friends Saturday evening, with lots of incredible food and playing our favorite dice game. Sunday we spent the good part of the day at our youngest daughters home prepping their house to paint. It seems to be the year for painting.
In the afternoon a dear friend from California called me; we haven't talked for over two years. There are some friends that when you are apart from the relationship just dwindles but this gal and I picked up right where we left. She is very close to my heart and I pray this is the beginning of reconnecting with her.
In today's christian world many do not believe our God is able to work miracles-any miracles and that those were for the old testament church. Many don't believe that the Spirit is alive and still working in the lives of others. As a young christian I attended a church like this; they felt that all the Spirits work was for biblical times, not today. I can remember saying "Don't box my God in; what was possible then is still possible". I don't know what you might be facing in your life but I'm here to tell you that the Lord still works and delights to work in the lives of His children. The verse I've been holding near and dear to my heart lately is:
"I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He will stengthen thine heart. Wait I say on the Lord". Ps 27:13-14 KJV.
Right now I'm believing that my God is going to work a miracle in a certain situation. How about you? Need a current day miracle....believe with me.
Blessings, Noreen

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY

Good morning to you, Although this morning was cooler than previous days, we are still supposed to heat up to the high 90's. I'm hoping to get out along a river and just relax later today but I can never be sure what the day will hold. Our weekend still is pretty open for aside from attending a water-ski championship near here and having dinner with a couple from church, the rest is wide open. Our pastor is gone on business for several months and being a very small community that means no formal services til the holidays approach. I'm thinking of finding a local body to visit until our church is back up and running.
I hope this finds you well~with school back in there seems to be several flu bugs surfacing already so stay healthy.
Have a fun-filled weekend.

Smiles & giggles,
Noreen

Happy Thursday All, Have you found that as you stop and give thanks for the little things in your life, you've become more aware of just how blessed you are? I certainly hope so because this has been the case with me. So often the negatives can be overwhelming, especially in today's world, and it is easy to forget just how much we really have.
Today I am thankful for my two blogging buddies that I am good friends with; hubby and I joined both couples for dinner last Friday evening. This was the first time I had met the hubby's and they had met mine. We had such a nice time together and I look forward to spending more time together as couples.
I am thankful for the love of family and friends and time spent together. Last weekend we got to spend time with both daughters and their families. The richness that family adds to life!
I am thankful that our dearest friends in Ca., aka next door neighbors, called and we got to catch up on life. I am thankful for a trip we've planned for next summer with them to Sisters, Oregon.
I am thankful for a job well done-the house is finished and we just love it.
I am thankful for the fun day we spent yesterday in Boulder which passed too quickly but still was fun. We had a wonderful lunch at The Cheesecake Factory before heading home.
We also had dinner with some dear friends here which was a wonderful treat! Her parents are visiting from Kansas and we loved meeting them.
Today is another beautiful day so I am thankful for the availability to get out and about.
I am thankful for two new books I'm reading:
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE by Kate DiCamillo
THE HEAVENLY MAN by Brother Yun with Paul Hattaway- the remarkable true story
of Chinese Brother Yun.

I am thankful for Life, for living in a time as this, for each and every day.
What are you thankful for today?
For more thankful posts, please visit Laurie at http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/

Hugs to you today,
Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Hi all~ Since it is Wednesday and the weather here is absolutely gorgeous hubby and I are heading down to Boulder to walk the mall before we have a meeting at noon. I love walking this area as it brings back so many memories from my high school/college age with the clothing-lots of tie dye; I'm so glad I got over that stage in life.
I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with something that brings you joy!
Blessings, Noreen

Tuesday blessings to you dear ones. I've just come from spending time with a dear friend, a sister in the Lord. We haven't seen much of each other this summer as she still has kiddos at home and her time is more limited during vacation. We were able to chat about life and also have a wonderful time of prayer. While getting caught up, I filled her in on what I'm doing health wise to hopefully rectify some issues I've been dealing with this year-mainly my liver and gall bladder. My liver issues have necessitated going gluten free for life and avoiding many food items such as dairy. I have had a fatty liver for the last eight years although I didn't know it; however I did know I have gallstones. Recently a blood test revealed an issue with my bile-duct, probably due to gallstones. At this point I am trying to do some natural things to cleanse my gallbladder without causing it harm and to purge my organ of the sludge that has built up~which brings me to thoughts for today. Just as improper care of our earthly bodies can create havoc and many physical problems, so can improper care of our spiritual lives cause problems. When you mention to me the possibility of surgery to correct a potential problem, it puts me into a state of panic; I'd much rather help my body naturally to heal than to go under a knife. The same is true of spiritual sludge, so often it is easy to justify it or deny it instead of taking our conditions, weak and pitiful as we are, to the Master Physician and asking Him to take out the sludge that keeps us from walking more fully in His Spirit. It also makes me so aware of the need, the great need, for us to come before the Throne each day and purge our lives, our thoughts and emotions of anything contrary to God's word and purpose for our lives. Lately, as much as I've been trying to purge my body of the sludge and gallstones so that it can function correctly, I am also, day by day, doing my best to bring my thoughts into the captivity of Christ thus purging my spiritual life from anything that doesn't belong there.
How about you? Will you join me this day?
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Monday

Two weeks ago today this is what our house looked like-nice but in need of some maintenance.

The new, much lighter color looks so nice and the accent of blue just finishes it off.

All the neighbors are commenting on how great it looks, how much work it was for two old folk and how glad they are to see us off the roof. I am thankful it's done as it took quite a toll of hubby's back; hopefully with some much needed rest it will ease up a bit.

Our weather has changed today-lots of clouds and wind with much cooler temp's.

Have a great Monday, remember to find something to give thanks for today.

Hugs, Noreen

Dog Food Recall

To all my friends who are dog owners~ I just came from my vet after purchasing canned Iams Low-Residue dog food and found out there is a recall on some Iams dry dog food due to contamination. If you use any of the products below please discontinue or check with your vet.


Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas
All dry sizes and varieties
01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Naturally Wild
All dry sizes and varieties
01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Pure
All dry sizes and varieties
01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes
Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin
All dry sizes
01Jul10 - 01Dec11
All UPC Codes

Apparently the canned food is fine.

HAPPY FRIDAY

Look at what a wonderful gift my hubby got for me this week. I have wanted an old school desk for the last 18 yrs but we never found the right one. Last Sunday hubby spotted this child's desk on Craig's List so we went and looked at it. It actually came from an old school here in Colorado and has floor boards attached to it. Apparently the school was from the late 1800's and although this isn't that old, it is in good condition. Now I will be on the lookout for some old children's books to put on the top. Not only was it a blessing to find it but the price was so low that we could hardly think twice about it.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!
Noreen

Today I decided to do a different kind of T.T. post; you see yesterday I was visiting a blog entitled Resolved To Worship and wanted to share A.Ann with you. She had a profound post yesterday that is well worth your time. I had meant to ask permission to post it here but haven't been able to yet so am asking that you go to her blog and read it yourself.

http://resolved2worship.xanga.com/

"I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
So that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men,
But on the power of God..." 1 Cor. 2:2-5



Today I am thankful for the Word of God, His Truth, that stands sure through all of time. This is what the christian life is about dear ones and we all need to heed the words that A.Ann shared.
I am thankful for His Grace that covers a multitude of sins and saves me from eternal damnation. I am thankful for His mercy and His abundant, unconditional love that draws me closer to Him still.
Won't you pause and give thanks this very minute....you won't be sorry.

Humbly, Noreen



Please visit Laurie at http://womentakingastand.blogspot.com/
for more thankful Thursday posts.

Wednesday Nugget

Good morning dear friends, I pray this finds you well and cherishing each moment of life.
Yesterday as I was reading "Streams in the Desert" two thoughts embedded themselves into my brain, nuggets of pure gold and I pray they will encourage you today.

"I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me." Acts 27:25

George Mueller, once traveling to Quebec, looked upon conditions that clearly indicated he would not make his destination on time. A man of great faith, he took to prayer and then told the captain of the vessel " My eye is not on the dense fog but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life. ...There has never been even a single day that I have failed to get an audience with the King."
I don't know what areas of uncertainty that are confronting you today but He does.
Take the sentence and insert whatever thing you are facing and be reassured.

"My eye is not on the ..................... but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life." He will not fail you or forsake you.

Trusting In His grip,
Noreen

Last weekend I was unable to paint with hubby due to a mild case of vertigo so I was stationed on the patio keeping a watchful eye of him. This was the easiest way for him to paint the trim on the back of the house.
This shows a better perspective of just how high the roof line is-what a man I married!
We are on the downhill stretch now with just the trim on the front to finish and the garage door~boy does it feel good. I will take more photos of the front once it is finished-it is amazing how fresh and clean it looks and I think the house looks bigger because of the lighter color.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Noreen

Monday Musings

I sang this song last evening on my way home from church and it seems fitting to sing it today.

I Need You More

I need You more
More than yesterday
I need You Lord
More than words can say
I need You more
Than ever before
I need You Lord
I need You Lord

More than the air I breathe
More than the song I sing
More than the next heartbeat
More than anything
And Lord as time goes by
I'll be by Your side
Cause I never want to go back
To my old life

Right here in Your presence
Is where I belong
This old broken heart
Has finally found a home
And I'll never be alone

Blessings to you all this new day.
Noreen

Happy Friday

Happy Friday to you! Fall is definitely in the air~last night at our last concert of the season the twilight came just a tad earlier and this morning it is cooler than usual. It should make a nicer day for painting. Tonight, the whole kit and caboodle(girls & their families)come over for a bbq; I am calling it the end of summer bbq. When our girls attended public school, prior to homeschooling them, I was the mom who hated the end of summer. I've never quite understood those who jump for joy when school starts again. We always had such wonderful times together and still do and I guess it meant we'd have less time with each other. When we were homeschooling, I did enjoy the new year, new books, new subjects and of course the time that was a bit more disciplined.
Today I try my best to enjoy each and every day I'm given, regardless of the circumstances because there are always others who have so much less or have trials that I can't begin to imagine.
Whatever you are doing today and this weekend remember to embrace life, for it is over so quickly.
Blessings, Noreen

Hi all, Today I am especially thankful for angels watching over hubby and I as we were on the roof this morning; he was hanging over the edge painting the trim of the second story while I was handing him brushes and a roller. You say what? A couple(in the late 50's)up on a second story painting...praise God we aren't afraid of heights; in fact we got quite a view of the neighborhood and hills near us. So at least the back trim is primed but I'm making him wait a few days before he puts on the final coat as his back is pretty strained right now.
I'm thankful for His grace and mercy on us, for cool breezes that blow and for His provision in our lives.
I am thankful for a dear sister who mentored me in Christ, 30 some years ago, and who recently connected with me.
I am thankful that our physical labor for today is over and now we can kick back and rest.
For more thankful posts, pop over and visit Laurie at Laced with Grace.
http://lacedwithgrace.com/faith/lord-shepherd/
Blessings to you this day.
Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

This is a bit late but hubby and I were up early and started painting before 6:30 am and just now finished for the day. Lately when we've been out early this is a sight that greets us, or rather me since hubby is on the ladder watching what he's painting. When we lived in Ca. and I worked at a daycare center, hot air balloons would fly over almost daily during the spring and summer and sometimes even land in a nearby field. I always loved seeing them, so when we get them here it is a special treat for me. I also woke up with a song of praise on my lips this morning and thanked the Lord for yet another day of life and love. The house painting is coming along quite nicely, almost all the base is done with just one area of the second story to finish. We have been working on trim and the front porch is done and the gutters are primed and waiting for another day. Still seems like a lot of work to finish, especially when we are just working in the mornings but it already looks so much better. Even the neighbors are telling us how they love the paint color and how good it looks. Nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten things up.
Remember when you are outside today to stop and look upward~you'll never know what you'll see.
Hugs, Noreen

Tuesday Nuggets

"See how the lilies of the field grow." Matt. 6:28

Yes, leave it with Him
The lilies all do
And they grow~
They grow in the rain,
And they grow in the dew,
Yes they grow.
They grow int he darkness, all hid in the night,
They grow in the sunshine, revealed by the light
Still they grow.
Yes, leave it with Him,
'Tis more dear to His heart,
You will know,
Than the lilies that bloom,
Or the flowers that start
'neath the snow;
Whatever you need, if you seek it in prayer,
You can leave it with Him-for you are His care.
You, you know. by L.B.Cowman- Streams in the Desert

Dear ones what are you facing today? Are you battling a health issue, financial struggle, family troubles? Whatever is surrounding you this day, take it to the Lord-He cares more for you than you can possibly imagine and He will see you through.
With love,
Noreen

It's a brand new day, a brand new Monday filled with so many possibilities, just waiting for us to embrace life and make the most of this day. I pray you all had a marvelous and fun weekend and can look back and see the Hand print on God on your life.
Our weekend was good~more painting; we have one full side left to do before we start priming the trim although hubby and I primed the front porch this weekend so it can be painted at any time. Saturday we got to see our sil's work and it was fascinating to see the technology. Afterwards we attended his work picnic at a nearby park and that was fun as well. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you about our Pizza's on Friday night....I should have taken a photo of mine. Most of you know that I am not doing any breads, cakes, pies, etc that contain gluten. There is a brand of baked goods, made here in Colorado called UDI'S and it is the best bread I've had. They even have bagels(yummy),muffins and pizza crusts; so that is what my girl and I had our pizzas on. I made a bbq chicken pizza, with fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, artichoke hearts and of course a very light sprinkling of cheddar cheese.
It was so good! Hubby and sil got to have their own combo~something hubby has had a taste for.
Yesterday was a relatively light day for painting and I had church in the evening. Let me tell you it was the best worship we've had in awhile. After I got home I talked to my best friend from high school who attended our (gasp!)40 yr. reunion-where oh where did the time go? So she filled me in on everyone that we knew and remembered.
Today has dawned a bit overcast so I imagine we will be out trying to finish a good portion of the house before the sun beats down on us. I'm awaiting a phone call from my holistic doctor so may have to stop painting to talk to him.
Have a great day, live freely and love generously for life slips away oh so quickly.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Friday to all! We've been out painting since right after breakfast this morning and now that we are done for the day, it is my turn to clean the inside of the house. I can tell you that the painting is going well and it looks great; hubby is doing such a wonderful job but it is taking its toll on his arms and back.
This weekend is somewhat relaxed for us~tonight our youngest and her group come for pizza and games(o.k. the adults will play a game and the girls will watch a movie). Tomorrow I'm sure we'll be painting some more but in the afternoon we get to tour our sil's work, which is usually closed to outsiders due to government contracts. Sunday is looking pretty low key except for evening church...and before you know it, Monday will be here again.
Have a wonderful joy-filled weekend dear ones. Soak up the sunshine because autumn is on it's way-I know it is way too early but sources here indicate signs of fall are here.
Hugs to you today.
Noreen

A Tea Party

This is the lovely setting that we saw upon entering my oldest daughter's home on Tuesday.
We had ice-tea, finger sandwiches cut in flower and heart shapes, special cookies and fruit.

My girl Carrie with two of her three girls. Little Miss Sunshine was down for a nap.

The girls had our time together so well planned. Dresses, princess shoes, special foods to eat, a wonderful craft, story time and family time. The craft was making Butterfly wands and let me tell you that each girl loved this project.

Story time~little girls held in rapt attention.

My Kim with her girls, all dressed in their finest. Don't they just look adorable and don't you just want to hug them.

Cousins = Best Friends.

A very proud Nana surrounded by those girls who bring joy to my heart. Of course if my boys were there the circle would be complete but really boys at a girlie tea party-not. Actually, they were having guy time with Grandpa out in the shop with lunch and their own projects.
Oh what joy! Makes my entire week.

Hugs to you, Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

So this year has been so different in all areas of our weather~spring brought lots of rain and lasted a long time, summer was late coming, we've had heavier rains than normal for our afternoon showers, fewer Mayflies and this week we've been hit hard by grasshoppers. I don't mind these, in fact I'll take them over Mosquiotos anyday. Sunday afternoon we had heavy rain and hubby went outside and immediately called me-we had grasshoppers all over the side of the house. Since then, they haven't been quite so heavy but there is an abundance of this little insect. Still being new to living on the plains, dear friends, can anyone share any wisdom about why we are getting so many more than we've ever seen before.

Our neighbor simply told us nature is cyclical; I do worry about the farmers though because I remember hearing how insects could wipe out a crop very quickly.

We had a lovely tea party yesterday and I will post photos tomorrow. Have a wonderful day dear friends.

Hugs, Noreen

Oh A Painting We Will Do

Before I show you what we are doing to our house, I thought I'd show you how nicely my flowers have filled in, even though it is the end of the season.

Aside from so many mosquito's taking up residence in these flowers, I just love to look at them, water them and enjoy them. We've got so many cosmos coming up and I'm already starting to harvest seeds for next year.

Before-the paint doesn't look so bad but believe me it is really needing it. Hopefully, we will get the entire house painting before winter hits.

This is how much hubby got done yesterday. I was the paint girl-taking paint up to him, trading rollers and brushes as needed. We got about 4 hours done before the heat got to be too much.

Today one of our grands is hosting a tea-party at our oldest daughter's home. How fun this will be, I'll be sure to take pics.

Remember, we're never sure how much time on earth we have to live life to the fullest and love others as if there is no tomorrow.

Hugs, Noreen

Fort Fun

When the grands have a sleep-over at Papa & Nana's, Papa transforms the family room into Fort Fun. This weekend was no exception; in fact this was the best fort ever. In enter you had to crawl through a tunnel and yes both Papa and Nana did this numerous times.

One of the best things is that all the kiddos were able to watch movies at their level; The Trumpeter Swan movie wasn't quite the same as the book but all enjoyed it. I didn't read this when I was younger but apparently the book is quite a bit better.

Little ones held in rapt attention.

Only four spent the night and maybe next time we can add our Peanut to the group as she was missed. Breakfast was yummy and we played several games before parents came to pick up.

This was the nicest sleep-over we've had and I hope to do it again before school officially starts.

This week hubby will be up on the ladder and I'll be on the ground assisting him with paint. We are hoping to work in the mornings before it is too hot and also before the afternoon storms roll in.

Have a fabulous day dear ones.

Noreen