Good morning to you.  Today Iris at Grace Alone is hosting TT, please stop by and see her~ the link is below.
What a nice week it has been, so many blessings to enjoy.  Today I'm going to my ladies study and then probably quilt this afternoon.  It is windy here this morning but we have a forecast for 70 and 74 degree weather tomorrow and Saturday-yippee, spring is here.
Yesterday I planted my three Primroses and hubby helped me plant my new Rose bush.  This weekend I hope we are able to start working on the ground where our new tree will be.
Today I am thankful for Love poured out through family and friends.  I am thankful for Spring.  I am thankful for God's perfect will in our lives.  I am thankful for His word.
I am thankful that my beloved had yesterday off and hopefully his hours will be more normal now, plus with nice weather he gets to golf.
How about you?  What is on your TT list?
Please stop by and see Iris  http://www.eph2810.com/
Hugs today, Noreen

Oh what a wonderful birthday I had.  My party began Monday eve when all of our family gathered here at our home.  Due to conflicting schedules it was the best time to celebrate.  Did my family spoil me or what!
Both families knew that for the last three years I've wanted to go down to Colorado Springs since we've only driven through.  I have an antique mall I want to explore and many quilt shops as well as Garden of the Gods and the Cave Dwellings in Manitoba Springs.  So as my birthday present, hubby's birthday present, Mothers & Fathers Day, we will all be heading down there in a few weeks.  I am so excited about it!!
One day all the guys will go rock climbing while the girls & I go to Focus on the Family.  I love these adventures, especially when we are all together; our oldest and her gang  have been down there quite a bit so they'll be able to take us all around. 
Yesterday morning began and not only did several dear friends text me Happy Birthday but some friends here took me out for breakfast.  We had hoped to get to the mountains but it wasn't to work out so this was perfect.  Let's see-I got a new rose bush, three Primrose plants, a plaque, a journal, a ceramic cross with my life verse on it.  Then I was able to make it to my exercise class with my best friend here-she made my day just  by spending time with me.  Last night I talked to my brother and sister of my heart, my bil-so very thoughtful to have called.  All in all, I think this was the best birthday yet-other than having my granddaughter born so close to my birthday last year.
Today hubby and I will be planting and figuring out where the flowering Plum tree that he bought me will go.
Hope you are having a joyous day and incredible week filled with blessings-I sure am.
Noreen

Many Hearts, One Family

A lovely cake designed and decorated, by her parents, for our youngest grandaughter.  SIL, Eric, is extremely gifted in all areas of art and always makes the most incredible cakes.

The birthday girl; hard to believe she was just joining us a year ago. 

Our oldest Carrie with me and our Peanut.  Snuggling is our favorite thing to do and she was cold after playing outside so what better place to warm up than in Nana's lap.

Cousins make the best of friends.

What am I supposed to do Momma?

This girl couldn't get enough cake-it was hysterical. 

On another note-I have to tell you how remarkable the internet is, despite my grumblings at times. Recently, through blog land, two old friends were able to connect again, continents apart, simply because I told one friend about a blog from her homeland.  Little did I know these gals would not only have known eachother but also were neighbors.  On a similar note,  through the internet, I was able to track down and actually call my best friend from childhood-someone I'd been looking for for the last 30 yrs.  She is currently on vacation but I'm hoping that she answers my email when she gets back home-I'd love to catch up with her.

I pray you have the most blessed day today filled with the goodness of the Lord.  I may be gone tomorrow-some friends are taking me to the mountains, for the day, for my birthday.  This is one of my favorite things to do and I can't wait-just hoping it isn't snowing so we can enjoy the outdoors.

Hugs, Noreen

Happy Saturday To You.  While most of California is being inundated with rain, here we are enjoying mild days-albeit somewhat cool and signs of spring all around.  Early this morning,  before dawn,I could hear the birds softly singing.  Today is a routine day-exercise class, quilting(I actually get to sandwich my top to the bottom today), errands as well as celebrating our youngest grandaughters first birthday.  Rynne is a delight, so filled with smiles and big hugs and quite the sense of humor.  Hard to believe it was just a year ago that she was born.
This morning I picked up my devotional and read yesterdays post and it seemed to fitting to our lives-just want to share it with you today.
From Sarah Young, Jesus Calling " Let thankfulness temper all your thoughts.  A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me.  I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising My sovereignty.  Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin.  Furthermore, a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which you perceive life.  Gratitude enable you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances.  Cultivate a thankful heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy."  March 25.

I don't know about you, but I certainly want to be able to see the Light of His Presence shining in all my circumstances.  I want my simple life to glorify my Lord, in all things.
Weekend hugs to you today.  Noreen

Riverdance

Hi there, After trying to upload a photo of Riverdance and being unable to, I want to share that you can go to their website and see photos or watch the dance on You Tube.  What a wonderful evening we had; thanks again to our children and grands for this thoughtful Christmas gift.  Hubby and I last saw Riverdance about 15 yrs ago and it has certainly changed; they've added musicians, singers and tappers as well.  Being all Irish, this was an evening that brought smiles to my heart and having been a folk dancer, it got my feet to moving.
The dancers are young and champions; mostly Irish but a few international dancers as well.  I thought it was an added delight to see the "dance off" between the two tappers and the male dancers-they were both incredible.
Before the show started I had commented on the fact that I wished Celtic Women and Riverdance would do a show together but this was just as special.
Unfortunately no cameras were allowed but if you haven't ever seen a show-either live or on t.v., by all means check out their website.
Have a wonderful, relaxing and fun filled weekend.
Hugs today,
Noreen

Happy Thursday All, Today Iris at http://www.eph2810.com/ is hosting TT so please stop over and say hello as well as see others who have thankful lists.
Today I am so excited because after spring break, I am going to bible study again.  I'm thrilled to be joining these ladies again to study the Word of God.
This evening dear hubby and I are joining a friend and going to see Riverdance. Hubby and I have seen it once, years ago, and I'm thrilled to be able to go tonight.  A big thank you to our children and grands for the gift of this last Christmas. 
I'm so thankful for each blessing the Lord has given me.
Well since I've got to pick up  a friend today I'd best get going.
Blessings on your day.
Noreen

Oh Happy Day

Happy Wednesday friends,  Yesterday morning I woke up with this old hymn resonating in my spirit and sang it all morning.  Today I'm singing it for a different reason; you see about three weeks ago we received a request from our health insurance provider asking that we submit a copy of our marriage license.  Well, after searching and searching I was unable to find it; it probably was misplaced in our move.  So I began the time consuming task of obtaining one online since we now live in a different state.  I filled out the paper work etc. only to find out we needed a notarized statement before the vital record department could continue.  I totally understand that and appreciate it since hubby and I were both victims of identity theft.  So I comply and mail it off last week, only to get several emails indicating they hadn't received the notarized form.  Mind you, we have to have this into our health insurance company by the end of April or my coverage is cancelled.  Can you hear the panic in my voice?  This morning I placed yet another call to the record company doing the search and was placed on hold for 25 minutes after several previous attempts.  That would have been alright but after the 25 minutes I was disconnected.  All the while I am trying to have a good attitude and be positive so I don't alienate the person on the other end.  I ended up calling back and requesting a supervisor, which I should have done first thing.  Long story short-the forms have been sent to California and my certified copy should be here within 10 working days.  So I again am singing Oh Happy Day.  It is just hard to believe that after so many years with the insurance company, they are now wanting my marriage license.  Oh well, I will be happy to send them a copy.  If our marriage had occurred within the last 10 yrs it would have been much easier but because we've been married over 30 yrs there are more hoops to jump through.  That's alright by me. 
I hope your morning is going great and that your day is bright with all that makes you happiest.
Hugs, Noreen

A Fun Give Away

Happy Tuesday to you.  If you are anything like me, you love to visit other blogs especially if they are having a give away.  Today I would like to highlight one that my dear friend Becky @ Junk to Joy shared yesterday.  You'd be amazed at the items this gal is giving away, so drop on by and see for yourself.
http://talesfromanoccottage.blogspot.com/  Here is just of sample of her give away.  But really, don't feel like you need to enter-just leaves more chances for me-lol.  I think it is wonderful that blogs have give aways-so much fun and I can honestly say that if we weren't on a fixed income I'd be having them too.



Well I'm off to the grocery store before my exercise class.  Now that the weather is a bit nicer, I'm enjoying those times when I can get out for a walk.  I guess our Ca. friends are having lots of rain but thankfully it hasn't hit here yet.
Have a fun day today.
Noreen

A Great Flick

Happy Springtime friends~ Did you get to spend some time outside this weekend?  Last night hubby and I watched the movie "Secretariat" with Diane Lane, John Malkovick, Dylan Walsh and many others.  What a wonderful movie this was; even for those who aren't into horses.  It was a bit of history from my era, a true story-although with some changes to it, and a movie that children would enjoy too.  I learned more about Secretariat than I previously knew and also found out that the owner of this incredible horse was from Denver.  If you get a chance to rent this, by all means do-it is a heartwarming story. The acting was good and the scenery was breath-taking. I just read some info online about Secretariat and after he died, an autopsy was performed on him and his heart was two and a half times bigger than the average horse.  Pretty amazing.
Another interesting tidbit is that when our girls were junior high age we leased a horse for them.  We were very into horses but didn't have the land to keep one and didn't necessarily want to but one at that time.
The horse we leased was a direct descendant of Man of War, another great race horse.  During that time we went to Kentucky to see some of the big horse ranches and museums and actually got to see photos of Man of War and also a huge statue of him.  I'm sure we also saw photos of Secretariat. 
Well, I've got lots of errands to run today and more sewing to do so I best get on with it.
Have a wonderful day.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Saturday

Good Morning to you.  Here in northern Colorado the weather is wonderful, spring is in the air and the birds are enjoying the left over berries from our Crab Apple tree.  A good week it has been; hubby is finally on the mend, I spent time with girl friends, walked with my dear friend, began the birthday quilt, celebrated one of our families favorite holidays, got  positive feedback from our vet on our old Reggie, saw both sets of grands, did some shopping with daughter and her four girls.  Today first thing, I finally got to taking off my Christmas playlist(I'm a bit late)and setting up a new one.  Later this morning, hubby and I will head to Denver to meet up with my girlfriend and her very pregnant daughter(who I made the quilt for), hand off some presents- for she is due next month.  She lives up in Vail, which is about a 3 hour drive from us, so chances are we won't be seeing her for a bit and wanted to get her momma the quilt I made and give the gal her baby presents.  Later dear hubby needs to work at the golf course so I'll be busy here designing and sewing.  Most of my quilts are not from patterns but are just from memory of past quilts.  This new one is a design I haven't done before so it is a bit more challenging thus requiring more prayer.  Seriously!
I was fine with the deadline until my dear hubby asked when it was for and when I told him mid-April he actually looked really concerned about whether I could get it done or not.  That kicked me into high gear but if it must be known, I do work better when I'm under a time crunch.  Our weather though is beckoning me outside...oh well.  Tomorrow hubby will be working on a workbench for the golf course so I should have plenty of time to sew. 
Have any of you ever had a child that suffers from bad night terrors?  If so, how did you handle it?  Any suggestions?  On of our grands gets them occasionally and even her parents can't wake her up and get her calmed down and it sometimes last for several hours.  She always dreams of spiders and bugs; they show her the next day that her room is totally free of any bug but they can never pinpoint when this is going to happen.  If your child has had this, is it something that they grew out of?  I used to have nightmares and would walk, talk, sing, etc in my sleep but this is different. 
So, I hope you are having spring like weather and that you can enjoy your day!!!
With a song in my heart,
Noreen

The Winner Is...

Happy Friday to you all!  Well, after using Random.org for a random number generator I am please to announce that our winner is:

Debbie @ http://www.debbieschroeder.typepad.com/

Girls, I wish I had many copies to give away-cause I'd love to bless you each with this book.  You never know, I may have another drawing in the future...so stay tuned.  Debbie is a new follower and I've enjoyed visiting her blog; please drop by her place and say hello.
May you each have a restful and enjoyable weekend, abundant in His grace.
Love to you!
Noreen

Green Pastures

You make me lie down

In green pastures

You make me wanting for nothing

You fill my hunger

With honey from your sweet sweet word

You let me worship before you

So I will love you and adore you

You are my Shepherd

You are my Jesus

You are my Lord

May all your abiding, dear ones, be in His pasture and His provision this day.  May your hearts bow down in worship before the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Our Shepherd, Our Jesus, Our All.

Blessings, Noreen 

Tuesday Truths

For those who may have missed my post yesterday and are interested in my book giveaway-you can enter through Thursday.  I will joyously announce the winner Friday morning.  You can enter as many times as you like.

I am just finishing Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts and I have been challenged again and again to journal blessings throughout the day.  I did find that if my journal is out of sight I didn't take notice as much, so this morning it is out again as a reminder to stop and partake of all He has given. 
In my devotional today, there is a verse that I will share at the end of this post, that I think I need to continually dwell on.
From 3/15 Sarah Young writes: "Listen to the love song that I am continually singing to you.  I take great delight in you...I rejoice over you with singing.  The voices of the world are a cacophony of chaos, pulling you this way and that. Don't listen to those voices; challenge them with My Word.  Learn to take minibreaks from the world, finding a place to be still in My Presence and listen to My voice.
There is immense hidden treasure to be found through listening to Me.  Though I pour out blessings upon you always, some of My richest blessings have to be actively sought.  I love to reveal Myself to you, and your seeking heart opens you up to receive more of My disclosure.  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Did you catch the verse from Zephaniah 3:17-read it again to yourself.
"The Lord your God is in your midst,  A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy.  He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." NASV.
"I will take great delight in you.  I rejoice over you with singing."NIV
"He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs".- One Thousand Gifts.
Did you hear this?  He will rejoice over you with joy.  I always use either NASV or KJV but whatever version you read, claim this verse today and walk as a daughter of the King.
Blessings, Noreen

Book Giveaway

Good morning friends,  Today is a very special day.  This is the very first time I've had a give-away, although I have highlighted this book several times.  My dear friends, Lynn and Dineen, co-authored this book geared at encouraging women in spiritually mismatched marriages to thrive, not just survive.  Take a moment and watch the video clip; it is like sitting down for coffee with these gals. 

In order to participate, all you need to do is leave me a comment and I'll enter your name in the drawing. If you are a follower or choose to follow me, I'll enter you a second time-just let me know. 
Also in the event you are in ministry or know several ladies that would be blessed by this book, you can click on the link below and order a copy online.  This book will be a blessing and incredible tool; it even has a study guide.  I've got my own copy and I know that I will reread it again and again.
http://www.winninghimwithoutwords.com/
I will keep this drawing open through Thursday, so enter as many times as you like.  I will announce the winner Friday morning.

Have a wonderful day dear ones.  Noreen

Friday greetings to you dear ones~  Just stopping in briefly; I've been glued to t.v. and all that is happening around the world-especially Japan.  Please lift these people before the throne today and also for protection for those living on the West Coast that might be impacted. 
Blessings to you today and may your weekend be abundantly filled with joy.
Hugs, Noreen

Yes it is Thankful Thursday again and let me tell you my heart is bursting with gratitude. 
Firstly I am so very grateful that our "little man" John is ten today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN.
May our Lord open up the flood gates of heaven and shower you with the richest of His gifts.
John is an incredibly mature boy, filled with strength of character and a sharp mind.  A engineer in the making, a fine cook of bacon, and a wonderful care-giver to his siblings, cousins and any other little one needing help.  You will often see a toddler in his arms and there aren't many boys that nuture like John does.  Boy he is, complete with torn jeans and socks; always outside if possible or building.  Some of the best memories we hold dear is when he lived across the street from us and would spend countless hours with his grandpa building.  I see many of the same traits in John that are in my sweet man. 
I remember the day he was born and joy we felt as we gazed upon our first grandson.  That pride continues to grow each year.  I know the teen years are ahead but this guy is something special. 
Congrat's to his dad and mom for doing such a wonderful job raising him.
We love you John, no matter where you are or what you are doing, always know our love for you is constant.xxxooo Grandpa and Nana

I am also very thankful for the incredible spring day we are going to experience today.  The weather man said our temps will be in the 70's-did you hear that gals?  We had snow a week ago but today is clear and bright.  I am thankful for a Lord who redeems everything and wastes nothing.  I am thankful for His creativity and for all the ways He pours His love into His children.  I am thankful for unending grace and mercy and unconditional love.  I am thankful for His letter written to us so we could know Him better.
I am thankful for birds that sing, flowers that bloom, a dog at my feet and food on the table. I am thankful for the love of a good man.  I am thankful for dear friends whom encourage me and love me through cyberspace and the gift of blogging.  Who knew how much I'd love it and how many close, yes I say close, friends I'd make.  I'm thankful that my muscles aren't sore today from my class on Tuesday.  I'm thankful that I can go to bible study this morning. 
With a heart filled with gratitude, Noreen

For more TT posts please visit http://www.eph2810.com/

Quilts and such

Good morning friends, happy Tuesday to all of you.  So how are you this fine March morning?  I finally finished the baby quilt for our friends first granddaughter.  It is much smaller than I normally make and to be honest, I am a bit concerned, but I also put much more hand quilting on it than I normally do.  As always, I've prayed over the quilt and the little lass who will receive it. 

Well, winter has returned to Colorado and I can honestly say I wasn't really pleased to see it this morning.  I still love it and it will provide me with a morning to stay inside and probably get some much needed housework done.  This afternoon I do indeed need to start a new quilt for a grand daughters birthday next month but I'm in the middle of reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  It has been a great book, albeit a bit heavier than her daily posts but I'm again struck with the fact that Ann has a gift for words; in fact she is like a poet-her phrases are so beautiful.  When we first moved here and I started reading her daily posts, I began to jot down blessings around me but then got into blogging and my list got side tracked.  After reading Ann's book, I realized that I want to begin in earnest again, to jot down each and every blessing throughout every day.  I know that when I take mental notes of all that blesses me, my attitude is to find more and more but now I am hungry to write them down for a record for the grands to have. 

This has also made me ponder another question-not about thanksgiving but gals do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by how many blogs you follow and want to read daily?  Am I alone in this?  I won't tell you how many of you I follow but it would seem each day I find at least one more that I go back to, that I don't follow, because you all are just such blessings.  If I read all that I follow each and every day I'd never leave the computer.  How do you all manage this?  I've got different categories that I read-firstly those sisters who encourage and write about their walk of faith, times with nana, quilters and of course doggy-blogs.  My youngest asked me what I meant by dog-blogs and I told her it was kindred spirits that love dogs and write about their lives with their pups.  So do any of you have tricks to make sure you are caught up?  I've determined that, as much as I'd like, I am not signing up to follow any more unless I weed out some that I just don't read.

Wherever you are dear friends, have a rich and joy filled day.  Do you have a gratitude list; if not, why not start one today-you might just be amazed at the many many blessings in your day.

Hugs today, Noreen

Happy Monday

This weekend we celebrated our oldest grandson's upcoming birthday; he is turning 10.  Gosh, I still remember being at the hospital when he was born; the years have flown by.  We are so very proud of you John.

Surrounded by siblings and cousins...such love.

Lilly had to be part of the party as well.  Her training is going well and Kim's little ones aren't bothered any more when she wants to play.

Mom, Dad and baby sister.

Brother Ben looks on because somehow his name is on this present too.  All the kiddos love the audio series Jonathon Park and so Uncle Eric and Aunt Kim got communicator watches for the two boys.  What a hit.

Speaking of hits, the kids have never seen a pinata before-they had fun swinging at it.

Birthday cake in the morning, another special treat!  A great time was had by all, except the uncle who is in Denmark on business. 

Have a delightful day dear ones.  Lots of love, Noreen

Friday Fun

Good morning all~ I had a rather long video that I was hoping to share today, on quilts set to music, but unfortunately it is not on Youtube and I can't get it loaded.  Oh well, it was wonderful music with beautiful quilt patterns.
Just now my sweet hubby called me from our family room that the Ididarod(so sorry about the spelling!) sled dog race was on t.v.so we got to watch a quick clip.  It made my whole morning; for those who know me you know there isn't anything I like better than to watch a show about dogs.  I've been frustrated because we can't seem to find the race listed on t.v. and I would love to record it and watch it later.  I've checked the National Geographic channel in hopes it might be there but no such luck.
Tomorrow we are gathering, for breakfast, at our oldest daughters home to celebrate our oldest grandsons birthday.  He turns 10 next week-where did the years go?  Our daughter is so incredibly thoughtful-she is having lots of gluten free food for those of us who can't eat the normal pancakes etc.  What a girl!
So I will be doing a post for our oldest grandson John next week. 
Have a delightful weekend, if you have warm weather get out and enjoy it!
Hugs, Noreen

Good morning all, happy Thursday to you.  Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day!
Although I did catch a wee bit of a cold, it doesn't seem too bad today so I will be off to my ladies study; this next study is on Jonah and I'm thinking it should be great.  Last night I went to a ladies fellowship with a friend and it was such a sweet time of worship and of the testimony of God's hand working in a young woman's life.
Today I am thankful for the ability to get out and go to studies and fellowship and classes. 
I am thankful for the encouraging news from Lisa Shaw; for those who don't know Lisa-she is an incredible encourager and woman of faith who has been battling some health issues the last few months; you can read her story here http://www.lisashawshares.com/.  Many have been upholding her and I was thankful to see her updated post on her blog.
I am thankful for all those loved ones in my life who love me unconditionally-number one being my man!!!!
I am thankful that I may get to go on a walk with my girls and grands this afternoon, that is if my energy level is good. 
I am thankful for seasons of life and this day.  I am thankful that what little wisdom I have gleaned at my age, I can share if others need the info.  I am thankful for my friend and neighbor Kam and her willingness to take our exercise class together-it is always so much better to go with a friend than to go alone.  Love you Kam.
I am thankful for the grace and abundant mercy of my Lord and Savior, and that He is never too far away to help us in our distress.
I am so thankful for all of our modern conveniences-cars, clocks, computers just to name a few. Here in the U.S. we are blessed beyond most countries and often take things for granted.
Please join Iris today for more thankful Thursday posts-  http://www.eph2810.com/
Whatever you do today, do it unto the Lord and be blessed.
Noreen

Hi friends,  There are so many things I want to share with you today but before I do I have a big favor to ask of you.  My two good friends, Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller, have just had a book they wrote released to the public.  I've highlighted their website and you will probably remember that I've shared the amazing ministry these gals have to women.  Their first website is Spiritually Unequal Marriages and they also have a Yahoo group for encouragement.  Although their book was published two weeks ago, apparently some bookstores are not willing to carry it; I can understand why some such as Borders or Barnes & Nobles wouldn't but I would think christian bookstores would jump at the chance.  Ladies, I had the privilege of reading this before it went to publisher and I can tell you that it is a powerful tool for women and provides ample study questions.  Would you join me in praying for this book to make its way into bookstores all over our nation and that many would be impacted by the truth they've shared.  It encourages us to thrive in marriage and not just survive.  I think every church and ministry should have at least two copies of it-it really gives insight to those who walk this journey.  Thanks dear ones!  Look out for a future give away of this book.

Now, onto another subject.  Last night hubby and I had a man come over to demonstrate a vacume we've never heard of before-it is the Majestic vacume.  I think there was another word it its name but we were so very impressed.  With finances being what they are, we didn't buy one-they are very expensive but girls let me tell you we were impressed and it showed me just what our Hoover is failing to do with picking up dirt etc.  Do any of you have one?  Are they as good as it appears?  I don't anticipate buying one, unless we find a money tree in the backyard, but I am curious about how good they really are.  I guess I'm being a bit of a synic but I never fully believe salesmen who make it seem that they have the best product ever made.

We are having a beautiful spring-type day here.  I will say I've got a bit of a stuffy nose so won't go to Pickle Ball today-to many other things going on the rest of the week and I don't want to run myself down.
Have a fun filled day today.
Hugs,  Noreen