For the little ones

At the last preschool I taught at in California, they had an incredible selection of unusual games and toys and this game was one of them.  The children loved it and because it is a German game I wasn't familiar with it; when we got ready to move I located it and although it was pricey I bought it for Christmas for our grands.
That year most of them were too young to get the concept, it is more for children 3+.  Now however whenever we have a get together here, that is the game that the little ones want to play.  Even the bigger boys, ages 9 and 7, love it.  It has directions in 10 different languages and is very simple to play and the children love saying loudly, "oh no it's the Crow".  I know there are many grandparents, as well as parents, that need to start thinking about Christmas gifts and I would highly recommend this game.  I just checked online and it is available at several sights, just remember the longevity of the game will out weigh the cost of it. 
Have a delightful weekend.
Noreen

Weekend Blessings

The day is half over already and so far I've walked with a good friend, been extra hands to my daughter and her girls as they plan a surprise for her hubby's birthday and filled up 6 grocery bags-trying to restock our bare pantry.  It feels good to have done this already and now have a bit of a relaxed afternoon while hubby is golfing.  We've got 5 of the grands tonight for dinner and the evening, while our oldest takes her hubby out for dinner, as it is his birthday too.  The dinner we end up having with them, because it is one of the kids favorites, is hot dogs and beans.  I can't deny it is very easy to feed five this meal because they all love it. 
Tomorrow eve we gather, all 15 of us, for the birthday celebration with presents and ice cream sundaes. 
You know I've grown when the idea of 15 of us, together on a regular basis, doesn't throw me a loop anymore; in my younger years this many would have stressed me out.  God has richly blessed hubby and I.
Have a joyous weekend my friends!
Hugs, Noreen

Good Morning Friends,  I pray this post finds you filled with His grace, joy and peace and that you have a Thankful Heart today and each day.  You know I've shared previously that when we made our major life change and left our home state of California to move to our beautiful Colorado, there were several personal decisions I made. The first decision is that, in my life, there were to be no regrets concerning this move; I didn't want to look back but to look forward and to rejoice in this day that the Lord has given.  My second decision was to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all things.  I'm sorry to say,in the past, that I've always been a gal who looked at the glass half empty instead of half full and I seriously wanted to change that.  My hubby has always been such a positive guy and I really wanted to be more like him.  Then about five months after we moved here, my daughter introduced me to the wonderful world of blogging; little did I know how you all would impact my life and how much a part of me you'd become.  I've always loved writing because it expresses what is in my heart.  I found that your blogs also helped me to abide more in His presence, because you are a sweet aroma to the King.  You have blessed me more than I ever would have thought possible and I am so very thankful for you today.  I'm thankful for my dear sister Lynn, over at SUM, for being our hostess this month; Lynn and I've become good friends over the past several years and she is someone I hold close to my heart.
Today I am thankful that although we have frost on the ground we don't have snow yet!  I am thankful that the wind is supposed to quit today and the day should warm up to the high 50's or 60's.  I am thankful for the study I'm going to this morning and the friends I'll see there.  I am thankful for how the Lord continually uses Beth Moore around this country, around the world, to encourage and teach women.
I am thankful for my beloved and who he is.  What an incredible man the Lord has given me.  I am thankful for my daughters, their hubbies, their kiddos.  I am thankful that my brother celebrated a milestone birthday yesterday~he turned 70...wow.  I am thankful that I can rest in my God who not only numbered all my days but knows everything about me and loves me still.  I'm thankful my autumn quilt top is done and now I get to hand quilt it.  I'm thankful for you my friends and how you bless me.
Stop and look around today, see how many things you can give thanks for. 
Hugs, Noreen
Please go visit my dear friend Lynn at http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/and read some TT posts.

Outdoor Wednesday

 The Glory of His Handiwork

If you looked towards the Rockies today, you would see them covered in snow.

Wednesday blessings to you dear friends.  Hugs, Noreen

A Blustery Monday

Good morning to you.  I hope you had a delightful weekend that was filled with blessings regardless of what is happening.  Yesterday afternoon hubby and I decided to go for a drive to the mountains; I love being within 45 minutes to the Rockies.  It always refreshes me to venture up there and yesterday was no exception; it was a very windy afternoon and we thought that snow would be falling but it just sprinkled a bit.  The colors of the Aspens and other trees were still phenomenal through the canyons and it does my heart good to be there.  We went into Rocky Mountain National Park to look for Elk but only saw a few because most of them were in town.  After driving a quick loop we headed back to town and happened to see this guy in someones yard.  Will you just look at that rack-he was huge.  I wonder if the locals get tired of these guys in their yard?  After watching him for a few minutes we headed home as it was getting late and we didn't want to wait for bad weather.  If I lived there I might get tired of the traffic and congestion but oh how it makes me smile.  Last night we tried a new recipe, from our daughter, to make Clam Chowder-I may have to post it here for you.  It was so good and perfect for a cool Fall day; I can't have it regularly because it contains both dairy and gluten-two big no-no's for me; but I did have to try it.  Today is extremely windy here and everything is blowing out in the yard so I know what I'll be doing this morning.
Have a blessed day dear ones and keep your eyes upward.
Hugs, Noreen

My Girl

Yesterday was our oldest daughter's birthday, pictured here on the left in the baseball cap.  Carrie turned 31 and is such an incredible woman of God.  Today as I reflected on her childhood, her youth and adult years, I again was reminded what a huge blessing she has always been to the family.  She, our first born, was such an easy baby in every way.  As she grew, she was such a delight but we also became aware that she had a strong personality.  This has proved to, at rare times be a challenge, but has also proved to be used for Kingdom purposes.  From her earliest years, she was an incredible big sister to Kim and often would mother her if I wasn't around.  Both girls grew to be the best of friends, in childhood as well as adulthood.  As a woman, Carrie has embraced marriage and motherhood as well as family.  It is a rare trait today to see adult children who relish extended family vacations and we are blessed that both daughters love our family times.  All the grandchildren are more like siblings than cousins and it does our heart good to see them get along so well.
Today as I thought about Carrie's birthday gifts, I smiled because they all were family oriented~photos, picture frames, posters for homeschooling, books on home life and spiritual life.  Nothing means more to Carrie than her family and our family and this mom(dad too)couldn't be more proud of the person she is.
May the Lord bless her with many, many more birthdays and give her the desires of her heart.

With love to you my girl.
Mom

These bushes are called Burning Bushes and I had never seen them before moving to Colorado.  During most of the year they are simply just bushes, but in the fall they turn the most glorious color red, a sight to behold.  Always reminds me of the biblical Burning Bush, in a figurative sense.  You all know that the trees are one of the things I miss most about northern California but this year I have been blessed to witness the most glorious fall here.  Having these bushes in my back yard helps when I think about Crepe Myrtles, Pistache trees and of course Maples in Ca. and I will admit I did a lot of whining the first year we were here but not this year.
I hope your weekend is filled with the wonder of nature.
Blessings, Noreen. 

Happy Happy Friday

Greetings my friends,  Can you believe that it is Friday again; for those working I know you're saying Yes to the weekend.  We should say Yes to everyday and make the most of our time on this earth, for life passes much to quickly. 
Yesterday I attended my weekly Beth Moore study and as always it was wonderful.  If you've never heard of Beth or seen her, let me tell you that she is a larger than life Texan woman(not her physical stature but her personality) who describes herself as an Exclamation mark and that is a good description of her.  Afterwards, several of the gals and I ran to our local Whole Foods Market for lunch(they have the most incredible salads) and I picked up a weeks supply of Coconut milk yogurt.  When I got home I worked for an hour or so on a new Autumn quilt and I'm almost done with the top.  It has to be the easiest pattern I've ever done and I can't wait to get it in the hoop to quilt.
Hubby and I also met some friends at the golf course for ice tea and it was fun to get to visit with them.
Today finds us babysitting, birthday shopping for our oldest and our two sons-in-law who happen to share the same birthday.  Tomorrow eve we celebrate our daughter's birthday. Our weather is cold and we are supposed to have rain today and tomorrow so I'll be sewing for sure.
How about you?  Have you had a good week?  What do you have planned for this weekend?
Whatever you are doing, cherish your family and give them lots of hugs!
Blessings,  Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Isn't he just magnificent?  He is enjoying the sunny day while watching over his harem; I imagine he is one of the head bulls since he isn't entering into fights.  I am so thankful for all the wildlife we have in Colorado.

Get out and enjoy nature today!
Hugs, Noreen

Harvest Blessings

 Harvest can be seen throughout our home and  I just love it.

This pumpkin I found at a garage sale on Friday; at first I thought it was ceramic but in actuality it is real but has been hollowed out and the front was carved.  I love the sun flowers because they match the sill flowers on my upper cabinet.  I just love how this ties in with the other pumpkins that adorn my island and they make me smile.

I hope you are enjoying this season we are in.  Have a blessed day.
Noreen

This summer a new t.v. show premiered on Sunday evenings that hubby and I really enjoyed~Undercover Boss. For those who haven't seen it, a CEO goes undercover in his company to view firsthand the strengths and weakness of the business and then makes changes accordingly.  This show has continued this season and it is one that we look forward to watching every week.  Last night it was on a business here in Denver, Frontier Airlines; although I haven't yet flown them I absolutely love their attitude, the animals on the tale of the plane and now after watching the show they will be the first ones I check for flights.  The CEO is a christian man and he lives his faith for others to see-o.k. so that is a pretty strong statement but it was so encouraging to see him openly talk about his faith on national t.v.  Being a commercial airline in our area, it was so good to see the commitment of the employees, their dedication, the workings behind a smaller airlines and the philosophy of management. If you haven't seen this show yet and get the opportunity, I think you'll enjoy it.
Have a good Monday my friends.
Noreen

Happy Saturday

Hi all,  I hope this finds you enjoying your Saturday so far!  Before your day gets away from you, I wanted to share a video that will touch your spirit and make you so thankful for our beautiful earth and its treasures.

http://www.andiesisle.com/creation/magnificent.html

It is one with such amazing photography and beautiful music; hope you enjoy!!!
Hugs, Noreen

Fun Friday

Don't these just make you giggle?  All our grands, at my brother's birthday celebration, were given these, they loved wearing them and looked so darn cute!  In addition, my fun loving sister in law led them on a parade around the banquet room and into the lobby~ all playing recorders, kazoos, and shaking tamborines.  It was hilarious and so fun for all involved and all watching.  She certainly knows how to throw a fun party.

Today I began my day with my good friend and neighbor, going on our Friday walk.  I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to get out because we have snow in the forecast.  Afterwards we went garage-saling and got a few little things; it was such fun to spend more time with her and she knows the neighboring towns quite well-I'm not sure I could get back to where we were.  In a bit, I'm meeting my girls and their gang at the park for a picnic lunch.  Not sure what hubby and I will do this afternoon but he mentioned we are having pizza with our good friend, another neighbor.  These are some of my favorite things to do; spending time with family and friends makes life brighter.  No big plans for the weekend but with the weather changing I imagine I'll begin a new quilt. 
I hope you have a joyous and fun weekend.
Blessings to you today, 
Noreen

Word Filled Wednesday

Good Afternoon Friends,  My day today has been filled with lots of household duties and running errands.  Do you ever get the feeling that your laundry just keeps growing or that you are constantly in need of something from the market?  Along with two trips to the library there was also running an errand or two with hubby, laundry, groceries from another market.  Now with all of that is out of the way, I was able to sit a spell and do my last days homework for the Beth Moore study I'm doing and then I decided to look at a couple of devotionals that I love.  In both, there was a central theme for me and it seemed a bit unusual that it was Peace written about because I don't feel anxious in any area.  I'm learning, moment by moment, to grab my Father's hand and trust Him with all that concerns me and mine.  However, I do know from past experience that sometimes the Father gives us a Word for the future so I am heeding this today and thought I might share it with you.

Oct. 13th: 
"Do not be anxious about anything,but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Phil.4:6  L.B.Cowman says that anxiety should never be found in a believer.  Phil.4:7 says
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  His peace will transcend all our understanding-simply amazing.
In Sarah Young's book "Jesus Calling" part of today's devotional read:  "Imagine the pain I feel when My children tie themselves up in anxious knots, ignoring My gift of Peace.  I died a criminal's death to secure this blessing for you.  Receive it gratefully; hide it in your heart.  My Peace is an inner treasure, growing within you as you trust in Me.  Therefore, circumstances cannot touch it.  Be still, enjoying Peace in My Presence."
Is there a situation or trial in your life that has you anxious and tied in knots?  I truly understand this feeling because often when something shakes me to the core, my stomach feels just like it is tied in a knot.  Beloved, do you not see(I'm talking to myself here too) that He desires us to be so focused on Him that nothing can make us anxious without His perfect Peace coming to calm our worried souls.  Will you join me today trusting that He is in control and will work out the details concerning us, for our good.

Blessings,  Noreen

Happy Monday

Good morning to you. I hope you had a enjoyable weekend filled with all that makes you happiest. Doesn't this scene just evoke the feelings of calm and rest? Hubby took this photo when we were at Lake Tahoe and it has captured my attention, made me think of what life's journey should look like. I'm not a sailor, although hubby grew up sailing and loves it, but if I wanted to go this is the type of day I'd want to try-you know calm waters, a bit of wind but not too much, so you could just cruise around the lake. Often we think that we'd like our lives to be like that, just enough wind to keep us going but not rock our world; not so many trials that we are hanging on for dear life. But you know we don't always grow when things are easy; it is in rocky times that we really tend to look up and try to grab the Hand that can steady the waters.
It is when we are going through the trials that we can, if willing, experience the depth of a Love that will never leave us or forsake us. Are you holding His hand today?

Blessings to you.
Noreen

Saturday greetings friends~What a beautiful day we are having; fall is definitely here in Colorado and I enjoy every bit of sunshine we get. Yesterday hubby and I finished painting the last side of our daughter's house so now all that is left is the trim on that side-yippee!!!! Today we have plans to head out to our oldest daughters home to help finish up a fence around their yard. Family is such an incredible blessing to us.
This photo was taken at my brother's birthday dinner and he is on the left, dear sister-in-law- the organizer of this incredible get together, me and my man. This is the best photo I think I've ever seen of the four of us; in fact I will probably enlarge and frame it.
We had planned on heading to the mountains to see the Elk and also the colors but I think we may wait until tomorrow or even Monday when there aren't so many tourists around(including us). Whatever you are spending your time on today, don't forget to stop and enjoy this day. Count your blessings.
Hugs, Noreen

I just read a wonderful post over at Spiritually Unequal Marriages, written by my good friend Lynn Donovan. Her post was on JOY today and she brought joy to my heart this morning. Joy for another TT, for sharing our gratitude lists with other bloggers-it always delights my heart to read yours, joy at the lightning storm we had last night and that our old dog slept right through it, joy at life, gratitude for the ladies group I'm going to today and being alive for such a time as this. I'm thankful that the Lord watched over our caravan last week as we traveled a long 3,000 miles and for the wonderful times we had together as family. I tell you, I am so blessed. In the midst of this though, I know many are out there struggling and trying to just get through their day. My heart goes out to you and prayers are being lifted up for you. Please don't hesitate to share a request with me, it would be a privilege to uphold you.

This morning, in one of my devotionals, I read the following and thought it might minister to someone who is wondering why they are going through the trials in their lives.

"In order to hear My voice, you must release all your worries into My care. Entrust to Me everything that concerns you. This clears the way for you to seek My Face unhindered. Let Me free you from fear that is hiding deep inside you. Sit quietly in My presence, allowing My light to soak into you and drive out any darkness lodged within you. Accept each day just as it comes to you, remembering that I am sovereign over your life. Rejoice in this day that I have made, trusting that I am abundantly present in it. Instead of regretting or resenting the way things are, thank Me in all circumstances. Trust Me and don't be fearful; thank Me and rest in My sovereignty." Jesus Calling By Sarah Young.

Friends, I pray you find His Joy in the midst of your day today and in the quiet moments hear His voice calling to you. I pray you have a bit of time to get outside and enjoy the new season upon us and behold His glory in nature.

Hugs, Noreen

For more Thankful Thursday posts please visit Lynn at http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/

My Brother's Present

As I've shared previously, the reason for our trip to California was to celebrate my brother's 70th birthday at the end of the month. My brother has done so much for us over the years and the generosity he and his wife have showered us with, especially our daughters, can not be compared. I've never met anyone so giving and generous, ready to help out no matter what.
So it went without question last year when I approached my sister in law about his birthday, I told her that whatever she planned, we would all be in attendance to honor him. As I pondered what I could possibly give him, the idea came to me that I could make him a quilt. He is an avid animal lover(it is in my genes) so when I found this fabric that reminded me of the Rockies, I couldn't pass it up. I thought if he could put this in his office, then he/they would be continually reminded of the beauty of our area and want to visit more. He was so very thrilled at having his own quilted wall hanging, even if he only uses it as a lap throw it will make me happy.

We've got lots of great photos from his party that I will post, once I go through them.

Today we were back in the saddle again, so to speak, over at daughter's painting first thing this morning. It has been a good project but my friends, I'm here to say that I won't be sad to finish it or to see hubby be able to relax a bit more. Have a wonderful day.

Hugs, Noreen

Beware- Photo Overload

We had never been to Legoland before and it was such fun. There were displays of many famous places, all made of Lego's, and this Taj Mahal was incredible. I think this inspired our grandsons to buy even more legos and to see what they can build. Lots and lots of rides for all ages. Grandpa loved getting wet as the temp. was 105 on the day we were there.

Rides for big kids as well as preschoolers.

Cars made out of Legos.

Brothers and sisters=Best friends

A long day filled with so much fun but it just tired our babies out.

Time spent with my best friend from high school. Although the miles separate us, heart bonds remain as close as ever. Aletha and her hubby had just adopted this rescued puppy-o.k. so she is the first to admit Ruby is so ugly she could win a contest. Howeve, her personality is so very sweet that you soon overlook her outward appearance. They talked about naming her Yoda or Gremlin and kept it at Ruby.

You can see the beauty of the mountains behind Aletha and I-as I've said this is my mountain retreat.

We drove a total of 3,000 miles to celebrate my brothers 70th birthday at the end of Oct. and it was all worth it. As we've aged we've grown so much closer and I love spending time with Rich and Sue. They truly spoiled our entire family at Lake Tahoe and gave us memories we'll cherish and have forever.

Well, now that I've shared some of our many photos I'm off to the grocery store to stock up and
then to finish laundry and unpacking. Although we were just gone for 10 days it seemed much longer. It is good to be home and have my own old doggy back from the kennel.

Have a very blessed day! Noreen

Hello my friends, I can't believe I haven't been on the computer very much this week; either we were too busy driving and then visiting with dear friends or we had to pay for Internet...ugh!!!
Therefor you will have to wait to see photos on Monday or Tuesday. I have grown to love blogging so much that I truly feel something is missing when I'm not writing or connecting with all of you. We had a wonderful time down in Oceanside; the weather was glorious and although I didn't get to meet my dear friend Lynn Donovan from SUM, I did get to chat with her on the phone. The drive up to Carmel Valley was beautiful along the coast and we had a great time with our friends. They live in the mountains above the valley and it is our mountain retreat-truly feels like we are at a retreat because of the gourmet meals and views. They have two dogs and of course we have fun playing with them.
I can honestly tell you that there are areas of California that I really miss-from Santa Barbara up to Carmel and also the Sierras-especially Nevada City and Tahoe. Things I really don't miss about our old state-TRAFFIC-it took us 2 hours to go 80 miles in Los Angeles and from the Monterey peninsula to Palo Alto was bumper to bumper about 20 miles per hour. We were able to spend a bit of time with my dear mother-in-law who is in failing health and in an assisted living home. Hubby was also able to spend some time with his brother, enjoying their favorite activity-playing cribbage. Thursday night we were in Nevada City with some of our dearest friends. They so graciously put us up for a night, fed us a delightful dinner and visited. They have three dogs and one of which, a little cockapo, I would have easily taken home with me.
Friday found us at Lake Tahoe meeting my brother and sister in law; so far we've had a wonderful time and this afternoon are going out on the Tahoe Queen, a paddleboat that goes out to Emerald Bay. Tonight we have my brother's birthday celebration and he gets his special gift that I made-I can't wait to give it to him. After breakfast tomorrow we head for home but will spend the night along the way. This has been a wonderful trip but everyone is feeling the desire to get back to our beautiful Colorado.
I am anxious to visit each of you and see what's happening in your life!
Until next week....
Hugs, Noreen