Monday Musings

Good Morning All~ Can you believe that we are at the end of January already? It simply amazes me how quickly the days and months fly by!  I pray your weekend was filled with the richest of blessings and that as you ponder your days, you will clearly see the hand print of God all over your life. 
I've been reading "Going Rogue" by Sarah Palin and I can tell you that it isn't exactly light reading but this book has taught me so much about Alaska's history.  We have many friends who are so opposed to Sarah and that is their right; we try to avoid all political discussions with those not like minded.  This book has also filled me in on her early years of politics and given me a greater respect and perspective than before. 
In the chapter I'm reading, she quotes Charles Swindoll and I found it very fitting for all of us.
"I am convinced that life to 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it.  And so it is with you...we are in charge of our attitudes."
I love this quote and find it so true.  We have a choice in how we view life and what our attitudes are.  Even in the midst of the most horrid of circumstances, life could always be worse.  I am thankful for each day the Lord grants me.  How about you?
Blessings to you this day,
Noreen

Sunday Funnies

Sunday blessings to you dear ones,  This morning hubby shared a video with me that was very funny and although it is a preacher, the topic was that pastors are human too.  So if you are in need of a good laugh, jump over to youtube and enjoy. 

http://www.youtube.com/user/billybobjr705

May all your hours today be blessed with laughter and joy in the small things as well as the big.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Friday

Our oldest and her family recently attended a family party and this game was played, even our grandsons-ages 9 and 7 enjoyed it.  We decided, being big game players, to go ahead and purchase this for the family game times. Last evening we went to dinner at some friends and they had purchased it for us on Amazon along with one for their family; we were able to play about three games before it was time to head home.
It is a wonderful game for ages 6 and up and even those who love strategic games such as Settler*s of Catan will enjoy this(I never got into that particular game).
My week has flown by and today seems no different; I've got to bake a Banana Bread Cake for a memorial service  tomorrow and then this afternoon I hope to spend some time with our oldest and her gang.
Our weekend seems pretty open at this point but one never knows.
Have a wonderful weekend~Noreen

Wednesday Fun

Hi girls,  I hope this finds you enjoying your week-hard to believe that January is coming to a close.  Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day with my friend, packing up her living room.  Two other friends were there and we had a great time working-many hands lighten the work load.  Today we were scheduled to do the same thing, except bring a lunch because two of the friends are having birthdays so we wanted to celebrate.  This morning, first thing, I got a phone call from one gal and she told me there was a change in plans-we were heading to the mountains to spend the day at her cabin and celebrate the two birthdays.  Oh what a fun day we had; it lasted much longer than I anticipated but it was wonderful.  We began by stopping at our local Whole Foods to get coffee, then headed to a local discount market owned by Mennonites and then headed to the cabin.  We didn't arrive there until about 11:30 and helped her unpack some things she had brought up as they've just recently acquired the cabin and are still making it a nest.  We had a delicious chicken soup for lunch and a fruit tart I brought for dessert; after lunch we went on a nice walk enjoying the views and her area.  WE also saw a herd of  Bighorn Sheep and several herds of Elk. You know me,nothing makes me happier.  We finally packed up the car, drove around her area more and headed to a coffee shop in town.  Thankfully, my hubby went to a hockey game in Denver tonight and was leaving fairly early, so I didn't worry too much(maybe just a little) about getting home.  I think I rolled in around 6:30-a long day but such fun and fellowship-reminded me of high school.  The girls are already talking of our next excursion down to Colorado Springs for a day; it sounds like a really long day to me but I'm learning to relax a bit with these gals and not worry about a time frame.  Tomorrow I have bible study in the morning and then in the late afternoon hubby and I are going to some friends home, who live about an hour and a half away, for dinner.  Blogging-well I guess I've neglected it this week but since hubby is gone tonight I'm hoping to get to visit most of you. 
Have a great Thursday!!!!
Noreen

Monday Musings

Happy Monday to you!  Did any of you watch the football games yesterday?  We did and enjoyed them, especially the first one since we were routing for the Packers. 
This morning is cold but beautiful, so far I've only been outside to pick up after our dog.  I've worked on emails, bible study, laundry and this afternoon I will be going to a friends house who is packing to move.  It is always better to share the load with friends when trying to accomplish a major task. 
With our weather being cold and windy, you can always know I'll be in a turtleneck, jeans and warm socks.
Tonight I will be fixing spaghetti made with bison-so much better than beef, health wise, and we prefer the taste over ground turkey. 

I wanted to share this picture that I took up in the Rockies a couple of years ago.  Many of you who are local may recognize it but I just loved how serene this little valley looked.  I can imagine homesteaders living here back in the day, working the land, living a simple life.  Part of me loves that idea but I'll be the first to admit I'm pretty spoiled with our modern life and all the gadgets that make life so much easier.

Have a delightful day filled with thanksgiving and joy.
Hugs today, Noreen

Saturday Fun

 This morning our oldest daughter had all the girls over for a tea party.  What a delight-breakfast was so good; Carrie made tea sandwiches with honey and bananas, goats yougurt for us with granola on top, sliced apples with peanut butter and dried cranberries on top and fresh fruit.  The ladies had their choice of tea and the girls had juice.  It was such fun.  Above you can see all the llittle girls, except babies, decked out in finery.

The two oldest with the second youngest. 
I tell  you that my girls are just so creative and make our times together so fun.
Here it is so very windy and cold so hubby and I will be staying in today and staying warm.
Noreen

Happy Friday

My day will be filled with sewing and spending time with our youngest and her girls while tomorrow brings another girlie tea party at our oldest daughter's home...such fun, so many memories to be made and the gentle training of young girls.  As our day dawned bright and sunny but with a cold wind blowing, thoughts of a warmer climate crossed my mind-knowing how dear hubby would rather be there than here. 
Whatever your weekend holds dear ones, may your days be blessed and your wanderings bring joy.
Hugs today,  Noreen

Thankful Thursday-Online Community

My dear friend Lynn @http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/  is hosting TT today and her topic is online community and who your closest friend is.  Well, if you are like me, it is so very difficult to pick one or two cause you all feel like best friends to me.  However, I've decided to highlight two gals, many of you probably would choose these two ladies or argue with me that they are your closest blogging buddies.  This challenge was a hard one for me gals-just know I could list about 15 of you that I feel like best friends with.  Maybe one of these winter days/weeks I will take time to highlight more of you. 
So the first lady I'd like to mention is Beth @ http://aninstrument4hisglory.blogspot.com/; I have gotten to know Beth over the last year,quite well and she truly is a treasure.  Her deep faith and love for the Lord ministers to so many; she is a pastor's wife as well as ministering online to so many.  When you read Beth's posts, she takes you right to the heart of the matter and always shares her passion for going deeper still spiritually.  Please visit Beth today-you won't be sorry.
My next closest friend that I want to tell you about is Becky @http://holidayinthesun-becky.blogspot.com/,
Becky and I have known each other for over two years now and she is one of the greatest blessings the Lord has ever given me.  If I had to just pick one friend in my life, Becky would be the one.  Becky and I have never met face to face but we are truly linked heart to heart.  We have much in common and she has to be the most encouraging and fun gal I know.  She and I have been praying for a long time now about meeting and spending some time together and I'm hoping this year might just be the year. If you haven't met Becky yet, please visit her today-you won't be sorry. 
Of course I can't finish without telling you how incredible Lynn and Dineen are.  These gals have been around a long time as well and bless each gal that visits them.  I have had the honor of getting to know them over the last three years; they have such an incredible ministry.
If I didn't mention you today-don't worry, I will on some future day. 
For more TT posts please visit Lynn.
With much love to you.
Noreen

Tuesdays Truth

Morning friends,  Firstly I want to wish our youngest daughter Kim and her hubby a Happy 8th Anniversary.
How quickly the years have flown by, filled with laughter, joy, fun and some tears.  They've got four little girls, ages 5,3,2. 9 mos who have brought such fun into their lives and of course into ours.  Kim and her hubby are a wonderful couple and we are so very proud of them.

Today's devotional from Jesus Calling: "I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents.  In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight.  Your longing  to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts.  Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path.  Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to Me. 
Learn to trust Me when things go wrong.  Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me.  Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far out weigh them all.  Walk hand in hand with Me through this day.  I have lovingly planned every inch of the way.  Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep.  Breathe deep draughts of My Presence, and hold tightly to My hand.  Together we can make it!"

How often we shrink back from trials but sometimes the blessings in the trials far out weigh the trials themselves.  When my sister was in the final leg of her journey with cancer, I remember thinking that walking through it with her daily was such a trial, one I wouldn't choose.  Yet, by the time she finished, I realized it was one of the richest gifts I'd ever been given-to walk through it with her and be there until the end.  What a gift she'd given me by allowing my alongside her.  I most certainly would have chosen life for her but that was not her path at that time and I'm thankful that I was there for her.  There were days when she was definitely the stronger one emotionally, I remember sobbing to her that I wasn't ready for life without her. If we would but keep our eyes on the perfector of our faith we would not shrink back but instead just grab His hand and trust.

In His Grip, Noreen

Monday Musings

Happy Monday dear friends~how was your weekend?  Ours was very nice; Saturday our granddaughters were here for the day and it was such fun!  Yesterday hubby and I went on our search for things to wear for our Victorian dinner in Feb.  I found a burgundy velvet jacket to wear with a long black dress and once I add some lace it will be perfect.  Hubby did find a jacket at a costume store that will work; now that we have some things lined up we can relax and just enjoy the party.  I will say though that this has brought up a topic of conversation with our youngest daughter because back when she was in high school she had a dark green Victorian style dress with velvet collar and matching boots but being the woman she is, she gave it away because she didn't have a need for it.  Our other daughter however saved all her formal dresses in case she had daughters and they wanted dress up clothes.  Such a contrast in personalities and we cherish each daughter.  I've done things like this before; in fact after I had children I gave away many of my preschool resource books not realizing that down the road I would go back into teaching.  So it made me wonder how does one know what to get rid of and what to put away for another day?  When we moved I also gave away several costumes that might have come in handy at a later date.  I did keep tons and tons of costume jewelry for my granddaughters though. 
Hubby and I are finally feeling like we've beat this nasty cold bug-hopefully it will be the only one this year.
Have a warm and wonderful day and smile-the world will look better.
Noreen

Happy Friday

So gals, are you doing the happy dance because it is Friday?  I always look forward to this day even though we aren't working, guess old habits die hard.  Well yesterdays study was good~I love the fellowship, accountability, and of course digging into the Word.  After the study my girlfriend and I went to Whole Foods for lunch(for those not familar with this store, it is a health food store as well as deli/backery) they have the best salad bar ever and it is a favorite place that I can get gluten free salads etc.  We headed to several costume stores and a thrift store after that.  I got some ideas but I'm here to tell you that I won't spend $90 to rent something for a dinner.  I think if I was participating in real life enactments it would be different; my friend may have a jacket and top that would work for me otherwise the only other thing I can think of is that we do have an old Southern Bell dress, from when my girls were in high schoo, and maybe if I added lace to the top that might work????  I also might hit GW on Monday to see if I can find something; when we moved here I gave a lot of my nice outfits away that would be suitable so I don't even have a nice evening skirt/dress I could wear.  Hummmmmm. 
We are off to the Mint this morning and it should be lots of fun except that cell phones and cameras are prohibited so I won't be taking photos my friends.
Have a wonderful day and fun filled healthy weekend.
Hugs, Noreen

Good morning my friends,  I'm so thankful that it is Thursday and that I am feeling better; still have the cough but girls I'm back on track and so glad to be able to be out and about again.  Hubby and I have spent the week inside just staying warm, working on puzzles, watching some t.v. and trying to beat this thing.   Today my ladies study begins again and I'm looking forward to it.  I haven't seen Priscilla Shirer before but am told she is an incredible teacher, so looking forward to today.  After the study,a girlfriend and I will hit a costume store in a nearby town because hubby and I are going to a Victorian dinner and wouldn't you know it-we don't have a thing to wear.  I'm going to see if there are a few items that we can get that will give us the look without the price-know what I mean?  Tomorrow our whole gang is going to the Denver Mint on a field trip and we are all very excited.  On the way home, I hope to stop at a wonderful bakery that carries the most incredible gluten free french bread you've ever tasted.  My hope for today is that I can get through the study without a coughing fit.
So how are you?  How has your week been?  What blessings has our Father poured out on you?
From here in cold Colorado, warm winter wishes.
Noreen

Tuesday's Treasures

Bright and early this morning, amidst -13 degree weather, daughter Kim and her hubby brought over three out of four of their girls as they had an appt. for their youngest.  After breakfast the girls settled in for a few shows this nana had recorded for them.  Each one is a delight and more than enough to warm our hearts.  They will be here for an hour or so but come back later for dinner; chili and corn bread.  Just can't get enough of them!!!!
Stay warm, Noreen

Happy Happy Monday

Good morning friends,  Oh what a lovely day it is-the sky is bright blue, sun shining, no snow except on the ground and trees; what a glorious day to be alive.  You guessed it I am feeling better, not 100% but so much better than last week.  A little Vicks, hot tea, Musinex all have worked wonders as well as just staying in(except for shoveling the driveway and walks yesterday but the cold air felt good); we worked on puzzles and watch lots of football games.  Funny thing is that if you have known me for many years you will be laughing cause I'm not a gal who generally watches sports of t.v.  However, since we moved here I've gotten into the Rockies baseball games on t.v. and as we draw near to the end of football season, we always have friends who invite us over to watch games on their big screen t.v. in their media room.  There is something about being with friends and watching on a big screen t.v. that makes it more entertaining.  Usually I'd rather be quilting.  Well, you guessed it-this weekend was spent watching all the games and I will tell you that I'm so very thankful that the Packers won the game against the Eagles.  I will be really honest here and say the only reason is because I can't stand Michael Vi*k; in case you aren't familiar with the name this is the guy who was heavy into dog fighting.  The very idea of dog fighting turns my stomach and I feel like anyone who participates should be locked away, which he was but is now back making tons of money.  I'll get off the soap box now.
Hubby and I did watch several shows on Alaska-three on gold mining and of course we are fans of Sarah's Alaska show.  Regardless of politics, this show has shown us some beautiful country which I now, more than ever, want to visit.  It has also shown us how many of the folks who live up yonder work so incredibly hard to make a meager living.  I love shows that highlight our beautiful country, be it Maine, Alaska, Kentucky etc etc.
Now that I'm feeling better I hope to get some things accomplished this week; quilting and cleaning to name a few plus putting on a big batch of chili. 
May all your journeys be blessed dear ones.
Noreen

Happy Friday

Well today was the first day I felt like I could make it out to the grocery store, so you know I'm on the mend.  One dear sil  has also had this nasty cold and he recommended Musenix, so I talked to the Pharmacist and ended up getting Musenix DM-we'll see if it makes a difference. I am actually able to work on a puzzle we started.  I'm still staying inside for the weekend, I don't want to share this bug with anyone.  I also found a gluten free soup and it was delicious.
How about you?  What do you do when you've been knocked flat by a cold/flu bug? 
Have a restful weekend and stay healthy!
Hugs, Noreen

A Fresh Beginning

Good Morning to you.  Isn't it hard to believe that it is Thursday already.  Among the sickness one daughters family has been struggling with and so graciously shared with this nana, there is still so much to be thankful for.  I shared the other  day that I don't believe in making resolutions, been there done that, but I do like having goals and aligning my thoughts with the Lord and His plans for this new year.  How about you?  Do you have hope, dreams, goals that you are putting before Him; asking for His blessing.  That is the wonderful thing about being a daughter of the King-we can have fresh beginnings any time we need them; He doesn't hold our weakness against us, yes He may want us to change our attitudes but His love and grace are new every day.  I'm so thankful for that! 
It is a new day, so lift your head high and go forward in His love.
For more thankful Thursday posts, please visit Lynn at http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/
Hugs, Noreen

Outdoor Wednesday

Happy Wednesday dear ones~ Since last month was so busy I never got around to posting photos of the dogs my girlfriend was taking care of for the month.  The photo below is pretty small but if you click on it you should get a better idea.  You may remember that she was caring for 15 Springer Spaniels; it is a continual task that she loves.  I so enjoyed my time with her at her brother's place and of course spending time with the dogs as well.  There are several ready to retire but, at least for me, two negatives are that they have long hair and that they are hunting dogs so even if they are retired they would not be doing what they've done their entire life and would not be as happy as living with someone who would take them hunting.

 A morning sunrise; it was so beautiful plus there wasn't snow which made out outdoor time even more pleasant, although finding those "doggy mines" isn't nearly as easy.

 This guys is one of my favorites-I just love his markings.  You may remember that most of the time we had 8-10 dogs inside at any given time.  A little crazy for me.

 These dogs are so well trained, which is why they place so high in trails-both hunting and obedience.  I would love it if Cyndi and her hubby would choose to relocate here-then I could get my dog fix any time I  wanted. 

Meanwhile, Reggie and I are content to enjoy life in the slow lane.  I did see my dentist yesterday and we decided to just proceed with the antibiotics, hoping this will clear up whatever is going on with my tooth. 
We had an absolutely beautiful day yesterday but snow is in the forecast for tomorrow; since I have a cold I think I'll be staying in quilting.
Have a exciting day, giving thanks for all the blessings in your life.
Noreen

Tuesday's Nugget

This morning as I read my devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, I knew I had to post it; it certainly seems appropriate for things going on here but with so many others.  Enjoy.

"I want you to learn a new habit.  Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you.  If there is time, think about who I am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My love for you.
This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe.  When you view events from this perspective-through the Light of My universal Presence-fear loses its grip on you.  Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what.  You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace.  Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me."

I don't know what situations you are facing today, this month, this year but one thing is certain-the Lord does.  He will never leave you or forsake you!  Seek Him and He will rescue you.
In His Arms, Noreen

January Musings

Happy New Year dear friends!  This is the very fist Monday of a brand new year so filled with possibilities and adventures.  How was your New Year and your weekend?  Mine started out with a major tooth ache which also included an abscess-such fun.  I will see the dentist tomorrow and hopefully antibiotics will clear this up; I've been down this road before and not excited about traveling it again especially when looking at the potential costs. 
Saturday evening our oldest and her family came for a turkey dinner and some games-so much fun!  The weather all weekend was so very cold but after Friday we didn't get snow.  Of course today the sun is shining and I'm hoping that maybe, just maybe, the snow will melt away.
Do you make resolutions or goals for the New Year?  I don't really but I'm desiring some positive changes for the year-more exercise and a healthier body.  I'm praying that the economy picks up and life becomes a tad bit easier-o.k. a lot easier.  But more than all this I want to continue to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all areas, even challenges and to live each day to the fullest, cherishing every minute and every person, for I am truly blessed.
Hugs to you today, Noreen