Happy Thursday to you!  We've had a full morning today~met a retirement & financial adviser and learned when I should take my social security.  It was informative and actually may have opened the door to a investment relationship in the future.  I am thankful that I may have a little bit of money coming in this summer.  I am also thankful that hubby and I started our tradition of going to afternoon matinees; yesterday we saw a new Tom Hanks movie titled Captain Philip and I think it will be up for an Academy Award.  The acting was superb and it was an intense movie but one I would recommend.
It also looks like the home search may have gotten smaller and hopefully hubby and I will be of one mind in the direction we go. 
Hope you have a warm and wonderful day!
Hugs,
Noreen

It's outdoor Wednesday and here in Colorado, it is cold outside.  I heard rain falling most of the night and cities near us got a real dusting of snow as well. First thing this morning, I had my blood work done; most of the tests are completed, except my Pap and then I see the doctor one week from now. I do have a home blood pressure monitor that I'm using twice daily for a week; I am always surprised that even on medication, my blood pressure is still moderate.  In order to walk Hunter this morning, I bundled up-gloves, scarf, thermals etc. and put Hunter's parka on him.  Of course, our furnace is acting up again so the repairman will be here shortly.  I'm thankful that we can get it to run, even if it is sporadic. 
I hope you have a good day today, filled with warm thoughts and sunshine.
Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Birthday to our Sons

Today is a very special day in our family~both our son-in-laws share their birthday today. We are so incredibly blessed by both of them and so thankful our girls choose these men as their hubby's. Here is our first son-in-law; I can honestly tell you that when I first met him, I wished he was a few years younger because our daughter was not quite 17. I was so taken by his love for the Lord and his heart for ministry. At the time, I didn't think anything would occur with Brent; I love how our plans can be altered by God's plans. Not only did Brent far exceed this mama's heart for what a son-in-law would be like; he stole our daughter's heart as well. He has been a wonderful husband, father, provider, spiritual head of his family and a goof too. I have often wondered where Brent gets his energy-he works long days and often into the night besides being involved with their six kids.  He's got a great sense of humor and has kept kept us laughing over the years. Brent, we love you and are so very proud of you.

 

Eric, is our Kim's hubby; Kim actually met him and he stole her heart. I can say that he has good taste, actually incredible. This son is like me in several ways and often we agree on things, especially color,-I think sometimes it surprises him. He has fit into our family perfectly; he and Brent have such a good relationship too, as their sense of humor is very similar. You may remember that we all take vacations together, go camping and other fun activities. Eric is such a hard worker; he has the energy of the Energizer Bunny, he works long days and comes home and takes care of his family and home. Eric is gifted with art and is our Cake Decorator Extraordinaire, as well master chef. You may recall both daughters, son-in-laws and their families threw a birthday bash for us several years ago; the guys did the bbq, Eric made the cake and the girls did all the food. We are so proud of Eric and all the growth we've seen over the years he's been in our family. He is a wonderful husband, son in law, father, provider and godly head of the house. Eric we are so incredibly proud of you; you make life fun! Both guys have blessed us so much; praying His blessings cover you both today and each day.

 

Brent and Eric, dad and I wish you the best of birthdays! WE love you both so very much.
 Hugs, Dad and Mom

Happy Monday

Good Morning Friends~  Here in northern Colorado, it is cold, dreary, rainy and snow is on the way.  I've taken Hunter out for his walk and I came back cold and damp.  Think it will be a good day to stay inside.  We had a good weekend; joined friends in Denver on Saturday afternoon to take in a play and go out to dinner.  Sunday had us running errands and going to a few open houses.  This week is going to be very busy; got blood work, bone density test etc. etc. to have done before my annual physical.
I will say that last week I had the best Mammogram ever; apparently there is a relatively new item called a Mammopad that sits on the metal and makes it so comfortable.  Of course, the gal who gave me mine was wonderful. 
I hope you have a nice day and that your week starts out on a good foot.
Hugs,
Noreen

October Birthday Party

In our family, we have three birthdays in October, within a week of each other. In fact, our two sil's share the same date. Last night we gathered to celebrate; it was such fun! Below, our three grandsons.

 

The girls outnumber the boys; here is a partial group of girlies, with Carrie's oldest daughter holding her youngest. Family time in always so incredibly special!

 

Kim's hubby with Miss D.

 

Nana's favorite thing to do is to hold grands; here I am with our Peanut.

 

The best of friends.

 

My girl and me; she is holding the quilt I made her for her birthday.

 

I realized I am in desperate need of a haircut-oh well. Today I've already walking, going to Kim's to help out with the kiddos and then this afternoon, Carrie is hosting a tea party for all the girls. Tomorrow hubby and I are joining friends to go to a play in Denver. The weather should be warm and it should be a fun afternoon. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Blessings, Noreen

More Touches of Fall

Yesterday afternoon I headed to our Dollar Tree to see what autumn/harvest/fall decorations I could find. I not only got myself some new pumpkins, but I also got my girls some too. I love them and I loved the price!

 

Aren't these just too cute! A perfect touch for our small guest bathroom. The next three are on our dining room buffet; I love them because they are plastic, though you can't tell by looking at them.

 

Many of you will recognize this craft from Pinterest; I got together with close friends for our monthly craft group and made two. I loved making them and think they would be a fun project for kiddos that are very skilled at crafts. I did find it was hard to get the circles to line up perfectly, but I think they are still cute!

 

Here is the larger one; they can be made in three sizes but since my hubby was just getting home when I was finishing number two, I choose not to make the smallest one.

 

 

This last photo is of a painting my father-in-law painted almost 30 yrs ago. He was a gifted artist and this was a new technique he used-somehow using wax with the paint. We got this painting last spring, when we were clearing out the family home. I love it here,especially during this season.

 

Our week has been so busy with getting all the house repairs done from the hail storm in August and dealing with our insurance company. Will I be thankful when the work is all finished! This afternoon, I get my mammogram and next week my bone density scan. The following week, I meet with my doctor for my annual-can we say fun, seriously, I've gotten to where I really dislike going to the doctor. After my mammo this afternoon, we take my car in for an oil change. Tonight we will be gathering for dessert to celebrate the three birthdays. I hope you have a great day and find things to be thankful for. Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Birthday My Girl

 

This is our oldest daughter, Carrie and today is a very special day-it is her birthday. She is pictured here with her two youngest daughters, Miss A and Baby Girl. Carrie has always been such an incredible daughter and a joy throughout our lives. Her birth was very difficult and traumatic, but she settled into life so easily. A perfect baby, rarely did she cry or fuss; in fact, other friends would ask if she was ever fussy. A calm, placid baby who slept through the night at 4 weeks and was on a schedule for feeding; I was a new mom and it was so easy with her, such a blessing. As she grew, it was apparent that she had a strong will but also filled with love and gentleness. Life was easy with her but when she put her mind to something, watch out! She has always had a deep faith and has grown into the most incredible wife and mother. I remember when she was a young wife, pregnant with her first and trying to analyze her choices in child rearing. I wasn't sure the path she would choose but in the end, her choices were perfect for their family and choices that I had made-being a stay at home mom and homeschooling. Now with six children, ages 12 and under, she still makes it look easy. I so admire her walk, her mothering and the woman she has become. I count it a blessing to call her my friend as well as my daughter. We will be celebrating her tomorrow night with her hubby and Kim's hubby-their birthdays are the same day next week. I can't wait to see her reaction to her gift; no hints though because she does read my posts.
 Carrie, You are the daughter the Lord knew I'd need, the daughter and friend who has made my life so much richer. Thank you for being you. We love you! 
Always, Mom and Dad

A Must Read by Dee Henderson

For any of you who love suspense stories or are familiar with Dee Henderson's early books, you will absolutely love her latest book, Unspoken. This story took me back to her early writing and I found myself unable to put this book down; in fact, I read it in about a day. I can only hope that Dee writes some follow up books to continue on with this story line. I would rate it 5 stars; she has done a wonderful job keeping us guessing at which way the story line will go. Intriguing with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. I doubt libraries will have this in stock yet, but if you can get it, by all means do. Bethany House provided this book for my honest review; I was not compensated in any way. I am grateful for this program and always look forward to reading new books when they arrive.   Below is the author's synopsis.  Happy Reading!

                                    

 UNSPOKEN      
" Charlotte Graham is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history. The task force of FBI and local cops found her two abductors, killed them, rescued her, but it took four very long years. The fact she was found less than three miles from her home, had been there the entire time, haunts them. She’s changed her identity, found a profession she loves, and rebuilt her life. She’s never said a word—to the cops, to her doctors, to family—about those four years. A family legacy has brought her back to Chicago where a reporter is writing a book about the kidnapping. The cops who worked the case are cooperating with him. Her options are limited: Hope the reporter doesn’t find the full truth, or break her silence about what happened. And her silence is what has protected her family for years. Bryce Bishop doesn’t know her past, he only knows she has coins to sell from her grandfather’s estate—and that the FBI director for the Chicago office made the introduction. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes, an interest encouraged by those closest to her.. But nothing else is working in his favor—she’s decided she is single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she’s willing to forego a huge inheritance to keep her privacy. She’s not giving him much of an opening to work with. Charlotte wants to trust him. She needs to tell him what happened. Because a crime cops thought was solved, has only opened another chapter. . ."

Have a joy filled day!
Noreen & Hunter

Playtime with Pups

Good Morning Friends~I hope you had a great weekend! Hunter certainly did-our daughter brought their pup, Petrol, over for a couple of days. Hunter was in pup heaven, having a playmate available for the two days. Here is Petrol; she is such a cutie and so smart. Typical Terrier but Hunter gets along so well with her.

 

Who could resist this face, or either face for that matter. Hunter knows just how to look at me to get me to do what he wants.

 

He didn't want to go out into the snow until Petrol was here; he then decided laying down in it was pretty fun.

 

Tag, you're it. Hunter, bet you can't catch me; are you listening to me?

 

 

 

After all the racing around the yard and doing circles in the house, they were two tired pups. Tired but happy. I am thankful that both our daughters dogs get along well with Hunter, makes life more fun and easier when trips happen. Have a warm day and enjoy each moment of autumn; here it seems like winter has already come.
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

A Small Project

Happy Friday to you! Well, hubby has flown the nest for the weekend so I've got tons of time on my hands. This was a small kit I got in Alaska, a wall hanging to remind me of our trip. As many of you know, I love quilting-especially hand quilting but somehow I never got into Applique. I tried it and even took a class at Pacific International Quilt Show but just never mastered it. In fact, to be honest I will tell you that I've been intimidated by it for years now. So when I saw how easy this technique is, I knew I had to give it a try. My bff, Barb aka quilter extraordinaire, helped me when we were in Ca. I'd love to say that this weekend I am going to put a back on it and do fmq, but I've also got a new book to review and those doll clothes to begin. This would only take a bit of time, so we will see.

 

Our girl, Kim and her family, are going down to the Springs for the night;  Hunter will have Petrol here to play with. The pups get along so well, I know they'll have a ball. We woke up to snow on the ground today and I am so very thankful that our furnace got fixed last night. Apparently, when you hook up a new thermostat, you need to turn the power off-which hubby didn't do. This caused a fuse to blow out; it was so an easy and cheap fix-lesson learned. Now I have to figure out how to program it today. Wish me luck. I don't have a lot of plans for the weekend~maybe going to Homegoods, Kohl's and Hobby Lobby. Monday I have our craft group and need to get materials for our project. I hope you have a warm and wonderful day!
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Thankful Thursday

It's that day again, where we pause and give thanks for all those blessings in our lives.   Gratitude is a habit or discipline that needs to be developed and practiced, even when you don't feel like it.
So, in that determination, I am so very thankful that the weather is 37 degrees this morning and not down to the 20's like yesterday.  I am thankful that we bought a new thermostat, even though we've yet to get it to work.  I am thankful for quilts and sunshine and portable heaters.  I am thankful for pretty days in which we can still be outside. I am thankful for a fluffy little white furball that keeps me warm. I am thankful we are never alone.  Blessings flow from loved ones and friends, I am rich indeed.  The blessings from above are not poured out dependent on my life and choices, but He that first loved me  continues to bless.  I am thankful for my hubby and the man he is.  I am blessed beyond measure by his love and faithfulness.  Even on those days when life throws curve balls, he remains steadfast in his commitment to me.  I am thankful that my days have been determined by my Lord and that my lot is secure. 
I pray that your day is filled with an awareness of blessings and love.  Our life passes so very quickly that we need to be grateful for each day we have.
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

Baby It's Cold Outside

Happy Outdoor Wednesday friends~I will say that at 25 degrees it is cold outside, but here is a newsflash-our furnace isn't working(we think it is the thermostat)and baby it is also cold inside.  In fact, this morning the idea of getting out of bed wasn't too appealing.  During the night, I couldn't find our Hunter-he is normally either next to us or at the bottom of the bed. I got up to check and eventually found him hunkered down in his crate, at the very back, snuggled into a nice fleece blanket.  That told me it was cold!  I'm waiting to walk for another hour, in hopes that it will warm up a tad. 
We had a nice dinner with our daughter and grands last evening; they brought Despicable Me over so Papa and I could watch it.  It was a cute movie, although to be honest I was sewing so probably didn't see the entire thing, but listened to it more.  The character Cru sounded just like Borris from Bulwinkle, the cartoon from our childhood.
Today should be busy as always-getting the thermostat on before hubby leaves on a golf trip; it never fails that when he is away, something happens here at Chez Nana's.  Several years we had heavy rains which had me pumping out our window wells all night, one year I tried to clean our jetted bath tub and it leaked through the ceiling of our laundry room; of course the big one was when we were only here five months and the tornado ripped through our town. I have repeatedly told him if things like this continue to occur when he's away, he'll just have to stop leaving.  Huh-like that would really happen, he is a golfer after all.
I hope you are staying warm this week! 
Hugs,
Noreen & Hunter

The Beauty of Autumn

Good morning to you~ I'd love to say this photo was taken here, but it is courtesy of Pinterest.  We are seeing some color around, but just here or there, with no reason for the variation.  I will say the trees in our yard show signs from the hail damage back in August; I am thinking those that are vibrant weren't impacted as much.  When my brother and sil were in Vail last week, they said the colors were peaking and so incredible. I've grown to love the golden oranges of Aspens but do miss the red and purples of other areas.  I am hoping in two years that we will be able to spend several weeks in Maine, one of our favorite states.  Yesterday we spent time with our daughter and her kiddos; went to some friends for a simple yet yummy chili dinner, before they leave for the desert.  They served Cinnamon Rolls with their chili-something we have never seen before, but she told us it was a local thing.  I couldn't have one, but hubby said it was a good contrast in tastes.  Hunter had a fun time playing with Bentley. When we came home, we watched the Voice and all I can say is that each season the voices keep getting better and better.   Today, I am walking(I think)and also meeting a friend for lunch; later our girl and her kiddos will come over for dinner.  Her man gets home tomorrow from Denmark; I know they are all very excited.  It is cold this morning, 37 degrees, and rain/snow is in the forecast for later today.  Winter has definitely arrived here and I'm not quite ready for it. 
I hope you have a great day, embrace all that life gives you.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Thunder and Rain

Happy Monday Friends~This morning we were awakened by loud rumblings of thunder. It is unusual weather for us; we normally have rain and thunder during our monsoon season, which ends in September.  When it is that time of year, the thunder rolls in during the evenings; I haven't heard it in the morning before.  All I could think of is my granddaughters who freak out at storms; thankfully we were headed over here so that our daughter's  air conditioner could be replaced.  It was damaged in the big hail storm and the company is just now putting in a new one.  Snow if forecast for tomorrow and Friday, so I'm guessing that winter is here. 
Our weekend was good; we had dinner at our youngest daughter's house on Saturday and yesterday enjoyed a relaxed day filled with football and planning some Christmas presents.  I won't be walking today and I'm really missing our bike rides but I think it will be over for the most part. 
I hope you are having a good morning so far and that your weather is not to dreary, if so then maybe you are able to stay inside, possibly reading or just staying warm.
Warm Winter Hugs to you,
Noreen

Happy Friday to you!  When my brother and sil were here, he asked me if I recorded each winter's weather to compare this coming years pattern.  I told him that hubby and I have been told repeatedly that since we moved here six years ago, we haven't experienced a normal winter.  I can recall the first two years and the last two years but don't remember the in-between years.  Now, I've decided that this is something I should do.  Even if I only write down what each week is like, it will give us a good picture of the months and how bad the snow levels were or how dry our winter was.  As of today, I hope to begin journaling our weekly weather.  I am hoping that this year will be dry, like the last two years, but one never knows.  Seven years ago, maybe eight, Colorado had four blizzards in a row that stranded our neighbors-I am glad we've never experienced this. 
What about you?  Do you keep a journal of weather-be it rain, wind, snow, hail etc.?  I can tell you that in five years, we've gotten two new roofs-due to the tornado(2008) and the hail storm in Sept. this year.
I'm somewhat excited about this; I love keeping track of how much I was riding this summer-I really need to get back to riding before the snow starts.
Have a great day and a fantastic weekend!
Noreen

Family Time

It's Thankful Thursday and today I am so very thankful for the love of family! My brother Rich and sister of my heart, Sue, were here with us for three days. We had seen them in Ca. several times over the last six months, but I have to say I don't ever get enough time with them. They had an enjoyable time in Salt Lake City, Vail and finally arrived at our home Monday afternoon. Thankfully, the weather was cooperating and they had safe travels. We enjoyed a nice dinner out on Monday and just relaxed in the evening. Tuesday morning we went on a nice walk and in the afternoon drove around our area looking at homes etc; don't get the idea they are moving here, but we were trying to see if there was any houses available that hubby and I would be interested in. Our girl, Kim, and her children came for dinner Tuesday evening; we enjoyed bbq'd chicken, fresh string beans, carrots, baked potatoes and a wonderful dessert that Kim made. It was such fun to see Rich & Sue get caught up with the grands and Kim. Kim's hubby is out of the country on business, so he missed all the fun.

 

 

Yesterday, we went on a walk first thing and then drove to one of the college towns nearby. We walked around old town and had a great lunch. Rich and Sue found a piece of art and ordered it-it will look beautiful in their home! Last night, Carrie, Brent and their kiddos came for a visit too. We had a great dinner of bbq'd ribs, steak, green salad, beans and also home made cookies and fruit for dessert. We decided to take the photos in groups-so all the girls gathered for the first photo.

 

Had to get a close up on the youngest grand; Hunter also wanted to be included.

 

They boys had to have equal opportunity for photos.

 

Now for the whole gang; it was decided we needed to put the couch and love seat together for future photo ops. If Kim and her gang had been here, it would have been pretty crowded.

 

Sue and Rich left this morning, headed back to Salt Lake for the Stanford-Utah State University football game on Saturday. It was such a blessing that they took time to stay with us. They are the most incredible people-of course I am a bit prejudiced. The weather is supposed to change today, so I am praying they get back to Utah without any issues. I hope you've had a great week and now that life will be a bit quieter, I am planning to come visit you. I also plan to get stitching again and possibly begin sewing doll clothes for Christmas.  It will be here before we know it.
Blessings,
Noreen & Hunter