Good Friday

Good Morning Friends~I hope your week has been extraordinary and your days filled with contentment and peace.  My week has been busy but good; not only was I working on preparations for Easter here at our home, but also just taking care of everyday chores.  I can't believe that I never posted yesterday!  Today is such an important remembrance for believers, but it is also a day that my family celebrates-it is my birthday.  We don't have much planned-a walk with my bff, dinner with hubby and another couple and then we will head to our oldest girl's house for dessert and presents.  I tell you I have the best family and friends ever!
I pray you will be blessed this Holy Day and give thanks for all He did for us.
May your Easter be filled with joy!
Noreen & Hunter

Miss A's 3rd Birthday

It is amazing how much growth can occur over one year; last year Miss A did not want a birthday or a party, but this year she enjoyed both her birthday and her party. She is such a character, has a quick wit and sense of humor; she is a joy to whole family.

 

 

All of our grands adore babies and little ones; even the boys love to play with the babies. Here, little man is being entertained by his cousin.

 

It is so hard to believe how quickly our grands are growing and maturing!

 

Many of you may remember how our Peanut struggled with various health problems over the years; well here she is, almost five and looking very healthy. She still deals with some problems but oh how wonderful she looks; she is thriving in school, reading chapter books like the Boxcar Children and is a wonderful artist.

 

All of our grands are so active and busy but this one takes the cake, so to speak. Can't you just tell by looking at her.

 

Our little Miss A is such a doll; I love her smile! Her sweet temperament is shining through those beautiful eyes.

 

Nana and birthday girl.

 

Baby Brother, now six months old.

 

Instead of a big cake, Miss A requested something different so her daddy made individual cakes in Mason Jars. So creative and so yummy.

 

Our kiddos put on incredible parties and this was no exception. Unfortunately, we didn't get any good photos of the older boys but considering we have another party, for two of the girls, in two weeks we will have more photos to share. I also didn't get a photo Miss S, the oldest in Kim's family-but that will come.
I hope you have a wonderful day; we are having beautiful days here and I'm thankful for the sunshine. I'm also ready to get out and start bike riding.
Joy to you!
Noreen and Hunter

                                                      Rest In Peace Bette Taylor
                                                                   1925~2013

 My dear Mother-in-law passed away last week, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
                                                       An early photo with her four small children. This photo is very dark but shows the love she had for her children; a love that lasted throughout her lifetime. Bette had four children, each born within one year of another. Can you imagine the chaos of having three children in diapers and trying to potty train the fourth?!

A birthday celebration for Bette at Lake Tahoe four years ago.
From left to right-Second Row-daughter Gay with her friend Matt standing behind her, me with my beloved behind me, daughter Nancy with her fellow Bernie behind her, grandson Jeff with his wife holding their son Jack, son James standing behind them.  Bette front and center.  At this point, she was still living at home and the disease had not yet taken over; the family went to the Boat Show near Sunnyside and had a wonderful lunch afterward.  My dear hubby and his family vacationed near Sunnyside every summer when he was little; this gathering brought back many fond memories for all of the family.
Bette was a wonderful woman who constantly helped others around her, loved doing things for her children and making life just a bit easier for everyone.  She had a wonderful sense of humor; Bette also loved to travel.  When hubby and I venture to Alaska this summer, she will be remembered-it was one of her favorite trips.  For me, Bette was another mom; she was the only mom I knew for the last 38+yrs.  I am thankful for all her support and love over the years. I am so thankful for the incredible son, husband, dad and grandpa she raised.  Hubby's devotion to our family is one of his strongest character traits and something I cherish.  Thank you mom for the wonderful job you did!
 The last time I was able to join hubby to visit her in the Assisted Living Facility, she recognized me when we walked in and was so excited to see me.  I hold this memory dear.  She will be deeply missed!  Hubby and I are so thankful that she lived a good, long life.

WE LOVE YOU MOM!

Good Morning Friends,  I thought we might have to travel this week but it was postponed, so here I am.  We had Lily here, Hunter was so happy to have her sleepover.  They play so hard the first few hours and then they settle into a nice routine.  By yesterday morning, they were both tired; Lily is going to be five this summer and with Hunter being only 1, I think he gives her such a hard time.  He chases her, holds onto her tail, ears and plays bitey-feet too.  Of course, Lily does give it right back to him; she has even taken to teasing him but taking his most cherished toys and running with them.  Funny thing is, she doesn't play with toys at home.  The top picture is yesterday morning, snoozing in the sun.  We had snow here over the weekend and while they would go out to walk around and take care of business, it wasn't like it normally is with them being outside much of the day.  The second picture is of Hunter, after Lily left-he crashed!  I know the pups love there time together but I wonder if they are happy when they are back in their normal routine. 
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for us during this time.  Even when someone you love is ill and you expect their passing, it is still very difficult.  We are working through all the technical issues that need to be handled. 
Have a blessed day dear ones, hold tight to those you love and let them know just how important they are to you.
Noreen and Hunter

Dear Friends,  We got that call everyone dreads, about a beloved parent; needless to say I will offline for several days or even a week. I will do my best to check in on you.
Blessings,
Noreen

It's Thankful Thursday and I pondered what items to share today.  Firstly, I am thankful for the many blessings my heavenly Father has showered on me.  An incredible husband, two loving daughters, two creative, talented and loving sil's, and all our grands. 
I am thankful that my bff, Kam, is back from her moms and we've picked up our walking schedule again. 
I am thankful(o.k. I'm trying)that snow is in the forecast for this weekend; apparently a lot of snow.  Although I'm so ready for spring, Colorado desperately needs the moisture-there has already been one fire in Fort Collins and it is so early yet.
I am thankful that Hunter is totally back to normal and that he and Lily get along so well. We will have her here this weekend.  Hunter loves to torment her; they play so well together!
I am thankful that hubby and I will have a relaxing day here at home. 
I am thankful for blogging and for blogging friends, like you.
May gentle blessings fill  your day.
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Spring

Happy Spring to you friends~Here in Colorado, it isn't feeling warm like I expected, but then again it isn't snowing.  I'm thankful for that! There is a dampness in the air today that reminded me of the California coast.  That is one thing I don't miss-that damp feeling that chills you to the bone.  Hunter and I did get a walk in this morning and even met another Bichon in our development; well I'm assuming Hunter made introductions because both pups acted like they wanted to play and be friends.  I've run some errands and even took a salad over to my girl's house to share. I was planning on trimming more of the Crab Apple Tree but it is just too cold outside. I think we are still in the 30's-burr!  I am planning on doing some reading and sewing this afternoon. This week has been pretty open and I had hoped to get more accomplished than I have; actually my dear, sweet mil is not doing well and knowing we might have to jump on a plane, at any time, has made me try to get some grands birthday presents bought and ready to wrap-just want all our ducks in a row.  My hubby's mom was the only mother I've had for the last 38 yrs and it is hard to think of life without her.  She has been such a blessing to our family as well as to me.  She is the last of the grandparents and parents, it will be hard without her, but we also don't want her to linger in pain.  God Speed Mom.
I hope your week is going well and that you enjoy this new season we are entering.  Spring in Colorado usually doesn't happen until after Mother's Day; until then we can have snow and frost, so you never plant earlier than that. I guess if we had a green house we could, but we don't and I'm not risking having new plants die on us. 
Blessings to you this day!
Noreen & Hunter

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

A Boy and his buddy; yesterday afternoon I stopped by my youngest daughter's home to say hi and see how her day was going.  Little Man had just got up from a nap and was feeling photogenic.  He was all smiles but snapping a pic of him with my phone was a bit harder than I thought.  He adores his/their small dog Petrol and the feeling is mutual.  Doesn't he just scream Irish Lad?!  I love his ginger colored hair and blue eyes and pray they stay this way. 
I hope you had a good Monday and have an even better Tuesday.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

St. Patty's Day Tablescape

 

Happy Monday to you! As many of you know, St. Patty's Day is a very big deal at our house and in our family. Not only do we wear green, I decorate the table and the family eats a traditional Irish-American meal of Corned Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes. I thought I'd share my tablescape with you today; enjoy.

 

I thought about trying to get some of my mom's Spode out of boxes but decided against it; after all we were eating at our youngest daughter's house. What fun we had-I shared stories/tales passed on to me from my mom about life in Ireland and the Leprechauns mischief. I found this little dish last year and loved it; I don't have many pieces to decorate with, so it made its way home with me.

 

This sweet vase is Belleek and a gift from my brother and sister-in-love, purchased when they were there two years ago. I love it!!!
We had a wonderful weekend; I hope you did too.
Happy Day!
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Friday to you!  Oh the joy of warm weather; hubby and I spent a good part of the morning cleaning up the Crabapple tree after I went to town on it with a trimmer yesterday.  After finding out just how poisonous this tree is for dogs-leaves, branches, bark I decided the less likely hood of Hunter getting any part of it, the better. I also got my weekend grocery shopping done-plenty of corned beef and cabbage for this house.  Now that I've had lunch, hubby and I have to head over to the refuse area and empty the back of our vehicle.  I must admit that the area under the tree and the tree itself, look so much better. 
Tomorrow morning we will have 9 out of 10 grands here while their parents go to a used curriculum sale and purchase books for next year.  Sunday will be our traditional St. Patty's Day dinner with stories about my grandparents.  We will also have Lily here overnight and I know Hunter will be happy.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter

Thankful Thursday

What a great day it is!  So much to be thankful for; sometimes it is easy to let the little things, for which we should be grateful, slide.  We have to make a purposeful decision to give thanks.  Some find it easier to write down things; I have done that in the past and would agree that the more you write down, the more you find to give thanks for.  How about you?  How many things can you give thanks for today?  Here's the start of my list.
~I am thankful for the beauty of the day; it is starting to look so much like spring!  I love warmer weather and being able to go outside and not freeze.
~I am so thankful that all indications are that Hunter is recovered from his illness.  Today is the last day of his medicine; so very thankful the little guy is back to normal.
~I am thankful that my sweet hubby agreed with me about putting a 3-4' high fence around our Crab Apple Tree.  It drops its fruit and can cause dogs problems; Hunter has been nosing around the tree and I don't want him eating anything that will make him sick.  I've spent several hours trying to pick up the fallen fruit but the tree is a good size one and there are hundreds of dried up berries on the branches. Once we put the fence up, I'll cut some of the branches so they don't hang over.  Hunter loves being outside,whether we are home or not, so this is the plan we came up with so that he has the run of the yard.  There will always be things he can get into, but I want to eliminate possible issues now.
~I am thankful for my friends here and especially my bff  Kam.  We have so much fun together; in fact we have bible study this morning.
~I am thankful for the freedoms we have in our country-freedom to worship, attend bible studies etc.
~I am thankful that the Catholic Church has elected a new Pope.  I was raised Catholic and realize this is a big deal.
~I am thankful for my heritage and how we love celebrating St. Patty's Day with all the food and trimmings.
~I am thankful that hubby is going to be playing golf today.
~I am thankful for the man I married!
~I am thankful for my family-immediate and extended.
~I am thankful that I got some sewing done yesterday on the border; still a lot of work to do before getting it ready to quilt but it felt good to make some progress.
~I am thankful for life and health.
Won't you stop and look for big/small things you can be thankful for today! It will change your whole outlook.
Blessings to you!
Noreen & Hunter

Outdoor Wednesday

Good afternoon to you!  I had hoped to get here earlier but you know how it goes; I met a friend for coffee to talk about our crafts for next week's lunch/craft time and then ran to Hob*y Lob** for supplies as well as Michael's.  It is a beautiful day out, temps are about 52 degrees which is so much nicer than yesterday-it was snowing a good part of the day.  I came home with the supplies I needed and then had a quick bite of lunch before taking Hunter and hubby out on a short walk.  It feels like spring and I'm not sure about the rest of you but I have a tendency to get sluggish in winter, so I'm looking forward to nice weather.  I always exercise more and like being outside in the garden in the spring, even though we don't start planting until after Mother's Day.  It is amazing how a little bit of sunshine can make you feel so much better.
Hunter absolutely loves being outside; in fact I'm thinking once we get a screen door with a doggy door in it, he'll spend most of his time in the back yard.  He is feeling so much better and looking pretty good after getting groomed yesterday. 
I hope you are enjoying your day today too.  I'm going to pop in and say hello to a bunch of you and then lug my sewing machine back downstairs to work on that quilt that is taking me forever.  For some reason, this winter I've had a hard time being motivated.  Just wish some of you quilters lived next door so you could encourage me.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

On The Road To Sedona

Morning Peeps~I hope you are enjoying some nice weather; last night the snow returned and is continuing to fall this morning. It is very wet, something we call "Sierra Sludge" because it reminds us of California snow. Being so wet makes it so much harder to shovel; I will say that the roads are clear, due to the warmth of the pavement. Here is my last bunch of photos from our warm winter get away.

 

This Cliff Dwelling is called Montezuma's Castle; I visited it about 15 yrs ago and I remembered it being much bigger than it really is. That may be in part because I've been to Mesa Verde and everything else is dwarfed compared to it.

 

The sky was overcast and so these pics aren't as vibrant as they would have been on a hot, sunny day-hope you enjoy them anyway.

 

 

I just love the red rock!

 

After having a wonderful lunch at a local shopping center, we strolled through the gardens. Here are a few pictures of sculptures we wish we could have brought home.

 

 

 

I hope you've enjoyed out get away; seeing these photos makes me want to explore some more of Az. To all my blogger buddies who live there, feel free to share the names of more treasures so that next visit we'll have lots of adventures.
Joy To You!
Noreen & Hunter

Tubac Golf Resort

Many of you may remember a movie with Kevin Costner called Tin Cup. We didn't realize that it was filmed at the Tubac Golf Resort, until hubby recognized some of the holes. It is a beautiful course with some incredible homes around it; this shows I'm married to a golfer-when I appreciate outstanding courses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If there was a time that money wasn't an object and I needed a good present for my hubby, this is where I'd take him. Just seeing these photos makes me want to go back to this resort; it was that gorgeous. We had a good weekend; fun party yesterday and Hunter is almost back to himself. He is doing so well that I'm taking him on a walk this morning. I hope you had a great weekend and are refreshed today. Remember to see Beautiful in the world around you!
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter