Blast From The Past

For our Christmas present this year, the family gave hubby and I two incredible seats at last night's Beach Boys concert.  It's been several years since we've seen them, but once again the concert was so good.  We grew up listening to and loving the Beach Boys and our enjoyment of the music hasn't waned.  It took us right back to being young in Ca. and yes, I'm still a California girl-just transplanted to Colorado.  Every one stood and danced and Mike Love wanted the audience to sing along-no problem there.  So thank you to our family-it was such a perfect gift for us!
Hope the rest of you are enjoying the last week of the year.  Hard to believe that tomorrow is New Year's Eve; we'll be going out for a very early dinner and then just hang out at home-in bed before midnight.
Blessings to you all!
Noreen

Greetings to you this last week of 2016.  I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year will bring you joy and contentment.  We had a wonderful family Christmas and it was filled with so much love.  We started in the afternoon with an early supper consisting of Ham, Bacon-wrapped steaks, Butternut Squash soup,baked potatoes, salad, rolls and later lots of desserts.  In order to keep photos to adults, I'm only sharing one photo of Little Man holding his new lap quilt.

 Next is Kim showing the table runner I made for her(also for Carrie).  She was impressed because even though she'd been in my sewing room, she never saw it.

 The girls loved the fabric, as did I.  In fact, I loved it so much that I made myself one.

Not much happening here this week, except that our family gave us tickets to the Beach Boys concert this Thursday near our home. We've seen them once before, or what's left of the group and loved it. What a wonderful gift for hubby and I; we grew up listening to them and still love their music. As for the new year, we haven't had a chance to sit and discuss plans other than possibly a short trip to AZ. to get out of the snow of a week and a trip to Maine in the fall. WE are just praying for good health and happy days ahead.  I think I'll take down the Christmas decorations toward the end of the week and then it's back to trying to complete two quilts that I started this year.
May you find many things to smile about this week.
Joy to you!
Noreen

A Friend For Hunter

Happy Thursday to you! Yesterday, hubby and I ran to the grocery store and I saw this adorable Polar Bear that was marked down quite a lot. Do I need anymore stuffed animals-no, but he would make such a cute addition to our decorations. He ended up coming home with us. When I first brought him in, Hunter was quite curious and smelled him a lot.

Later on, Hunter just sat down beside him with a treat and then after eating it, went up and smelled the bears face. I'm thinking Hunter thinks it is one of his pack-small and white just like him.

It's no wonder why Hunter is one spoiled dog-he simply captured our hearts. Will be interesting to see what the other pups think about Polar.
The little things that bring me joy and make me smile.
Have a blessed day!
Noreen and Hunter

Little Man's Quilt

Hello friends. Are you frazzled with all the running around and activities this week? I'm pleased to say, other than wrapping a few more gifts, my days are slowing down. Tomorrow we have four of Kim's kiddos here and then tomorrow night have our two oldest grandsons here for a sleepover. Such fun! Many of you have asked about Little Man's lap quilt. These photos didn't turn our very straight, sorry(but the quilt is straight).  I will say initially I was just going to make him a wall hanging, but Kim let me know he'd love a lap quilt. It was the fastest quilt I've every put together-as you can see; but when you have a very active 4 year old who is rough and tumble, it made sense to keep it very simple. I fell in love with this fabric and knew he would too-he knew the names of wildlife here in Colorado before he knew the names of farm animals. He is truly a Colorado boy. Instead of doing lots of quilting, I machine quilted along the Aspen trunks on the outside of the leaves. I was going to outline the Rockies too, but changed my mind.  He is also getting a new pair of Ug's-but the ones that have a face like a bear.

Also loved the Elk on this fabric, so what would be easier than making this the back.  The lines on the front of the tree trunks, were not straight and you can tell by looking at the back.

There are a couple of other projects I can't share until after Christmas because they are presents.
I hope you are finding time to enjoy this blessed season!
Hugs,
Noreen

With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas just a few short days away, hubby managed to see this hawk sitting on our railing and got a picture.  I do love winter when the hawks occasionally come by, the doves and sparrows hang out in our trees.  For some reason, I just glanced outside and saw  a red squirrel in our neighbors tree; that may not seem unusual to you, but we don't see them very much here.  However, I have noticed that lately there seem to be more and more.  It's a beautiful day out and I'm going down to the sewing room to finish Little Man's lap quilt.  It is so him-the fabric is wildlife prevalent here in Colorado and I just did a few lines on it; it is all boy and will hold up, I hope, with his craziness.  I'll post a picture tomorrow.
Lunch time will find me meeting my friend Kam; she is a Christmas baby and so we celebrate her birthday early.
That's about all I have going-just working on wrapping up gifts and getting ready for a sleepover with our two oldest grandsons tomorrow night.   They bought the new Bourne movie after seeing it with their dad and we'll be watching it.
Until tomorrow-blessings to you!
Noreen

Happy Monday, It's hard to believe we only have this week left before Christmas arrives.  Today is a special day for our family and I'd like to say Happy Birthday to  our Granddaughter, Miss O.  I've stopped posting photos of the grands~just felt there were too many people out there who might steal photos and don't want my kiddos pics floating around, without my permission.
I've beens sewing up a storm, but still have another project to do this week for Little Man.  I will take photos of what I've made and post them after Christmas-don't want recipients seeing what they'll be getting. Last week our daughter Kim came over to help me assemble some of the gifts-it made it so much easier and quicker than if I didn't have her help.  A million Thank You's Kim!!!
 I've also been spending time with good friends and enjoying the season.
On Saturday our oldest two grandsons participated in a Lego Robotic Competition. They've been attending a class now for over a year and it's so fun to see all that they are learning.  They did so well and actually won two gold medals-one for distance in throwing a javelin and the other for overall creativity.  It is teaching them a lot-beside engineering, they are problem solving, working with a team, public speaking and perservering.  We are so proud of them.  Today I'm heading to the Mail Center, then to Costco and then onto sewing the next project.  I hope you all have a great day.
I know we are all busy and scurrying around like mice; it will be good to get back to blogging after Christmas.
Blessings to you~
Noreen

Another great treat from Mr. Chewy

This month we received two items from Chewy for being their ChewyInfluencer#. The first was a wonderful treat that Hunter really enjoys and would eat throughout the day if I would let him.

"For every Wellness product purchased at Chewy.com from December 5th to December 19th, 2016, one Wellness pet food meal will be donated to the Jackson Galaxy Foundation to feed pets in need. We know you want to show your dog extra love with a treat that is as healthy and wholesome as it is tasty. Grain Free WellBites are soft, chewy and delicious. They feature a unique blend of healthy ingredients like chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, apples, sweet potatoes and blueberries in a tasty, nutritious treat. These real food bites are a great size for training, treating, or just plain spoiling! Key Benefits A great treat for all life stages from puppy to adult Contains no corn, soy, artificial colors or additives Made with two kinds of meat protein for an irresistible flavor and taste Perfect for training or just an everyday reward Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols".

The next item I had such great hopes for was the Ultra Paws SnoJam Fleece Dog Coat.  I can tell  you that the quality is so good and it is made well.  Before choosing this coat, I went onto Chewy and checked sizes; they said the small was for a Bichon Frise.  You can imagine how disappointed I was when I went to hold it next to Hunter and I knew it was huge.  His other coats are size small.  This coat is so big and even when I put it on him he was able to just walk out of it.  The body is too long and of course the legs too long as well.

Ultra Paws SnoJam Fleece Dog Coat provides full-body warmth in times of chilly weather. With removable hood that easily snaps on and off, plus extra-long cuffs your pup will be ready for the colder temperatures from head to toe. The comfy fleece helps ready your pup for cooler temps, whether in the home on drafty floors or outdoors in rain, shine, sleet or snow. It’s the perfect onesie for your pup.

Key Benefits

• Povides full-body warmth in times of chilly weather
• Features a removable hood that easily snaps on and off, plus extra-long cuffs your pup will be ready for the colder temperatures from head to toe
• The comfy fleece helps ready your pup for cooler temps, whether in the home on drafty floors or outdoors in rain, shine, sleet or snow
• Decorative collar with opening to attach leash for easy on/off
• Machine wash with warm water, gentle cycle. Do not bleach or dry clean. Tumble dry low. Cool iron if needed

It was such a good looking and well made coat; I'm wondering if any other Chewy customers have found the size issue to be true. I'm thinking it might fit a beagle or a small border collie.
If you have a mid-size dog and think you might be interested, I'd check Chewy for the measurements of the coat.  If it will work, let me know and I'll mail it to you after the holidays.  This is open only to bloggers who are active or that I know and followers of my blog.
May your day be merry and bright.
Chewy provided us with these items as a Chewy Influencer.  We did not receive any compensation for  our review.  All opinions are our own.  You can find more goodies here at Chewy:
https://www.chewy.com
Thank you to Sydney for all her help.
Noreen and Hunter

One of our own

It's less than two weeks until Christmas and I'm scurrying around like a mouse.  Forgive me for not being here often.  I do want to share some news with you and to ask a favor of you.
Many of you know Kathy of Empty Nest, Full Heart~if not I've known Kathy through blogging for about 6 years, maybe longer.   You can find her blog here: http://nanato4ts.blogspot.com  She is an incredible woman of faith, friend, Mom, Nana, wife, quilter and a dear friend.  Several years ago, Kathy was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer; she has been fighting through with treatments etc.  She doesn't blog much anymore, but I saw on FB yesterday that the treatments have stopped working and her battle is drawing to a close.  My prayer and the prayers of many is that she can make it through the holidays.  If you know Kathy and/or are a prayer warrior, would you please send up some prayers for her, her daughter Robin and their entire family.  Kathy is in good spirits from what Robin has shared and thankfully Kathy and her husband moved to a house directly behind Robin-so she is very close to her grands as well. When I read the post on Facebook yesterday, it brought me to tears.  Kathy is a friend I will alway treasure-she encouraged me constantly concerning my quilting; just wish I had the chance to meet her.  Losing a loved one during the Christmas season is especially hard~my father-in-law passed two days before Christmas, many years ago.  Our daughters were still in grade school, so I understand how difficult this final chapter may be for them.
I know each prayer is able to achieve much.  Let's circle her in love and light.
Blessings~
Noreen

Can We Say Spoiled

Happy Monday to you! It's been so busy here that I'm just having a hard time sitting down to blog. I do try to check your blogs whenever I have a few minutes to and I'm loving what I'm seeing over this Christmas season. Last week we had Lily and Copper with us for a few days while the family headed out to Southern California. In case there is any doubt about just how much we love our Hunter, as well as the other family dogs, this should clarify. The first photo is one my sil took when they were here visiting. We were enjoying ice cream and Hunter felt he needed to share mine.

During the evenings, hubby and I sit downstairs to watch t.v. All three dogs were piled up on me and hubby got this photo. Hunter was actually resting his head on Copper.

Dogs make our lives so much richer and I'm so thankful we have them.
I hope you are staying warm and enjoying this time of year.  I'm heading down south today with three neighbors for lunch; this is the first time and we decided we should celebrate the season and our friendship.  In the afternoon, we are having a Medicare Broker come over and walk us through what plan to choose.
The rest of the week is already filled as well, along with sewing.  Hope you are having a wonderful December.
Joy to you!
Noreen, Hunter, Lily and Copper

December Grooming, all ready for Christmas.  Of course, tomorrow Lily and Copper come for several days so I'm thinking he will need another bath after they go home.  It's cold and snowy here, the perfect day to stay inside but I will be venturing out this morning.
Enjoy your day!
Noreen

Celebrating Family

Last Saturday the girls and gals headed to Denver to see the Nutcracker.  Here we are trying to get some photos before we left, can you tell we had multiple cameras clicking shots?  On the left is my daughter Carrie, Kim, myself and the sister of my heart- Sue.  Sue has enriched and blessed my life for such a long time, too long to mention in years, but she has been a teacher, mentor, counselor and best friend and I simply can't imagine life without her.
The day was perfect, except for how cold it was and little ones shivering while waiting to be picked up.  After the play, we met up with the guys and headed to the Cheesecake Fa**ory for an early dinner.  We did stand out because there was 19 of us; service and food were great.  Rich and Sue left Sunday afternoon and we settled back into our daily routing.  Yesterday I had my teeth cleaned and spent the afternoon sewing. I still have so many gifts to make before Christmas-hope I get them all done.  Today Hunter goes to the groomer and I will sew again; tomorrow is our last study if the big storm that hits doesn't close everything down.  I will be spending most of the day and night here so I am close to a bathroom.  Thursday is one of those fun days where I get to go have a test that 60 yrs olds get every 4-10 years.  So tomorrow I won't be leaving home except first thing in the morning.  Friday I have my mini quilt group party-should be such fun.  The days are flying by and before you know it Christmas Day will be here-hope I get everything done!
Hugs,
Noreen

He's a Big Boy Now

Happy Monday to you! This weekend was filled with so much love and laughter, including celebrating Hunter's 5th birthday. I pulled out some photos from when he was a puppy-seems like so long ago. He was scruffy and adorable and within days, had our hearts.

His first day home, so needing to be groomed.

Hunter, on the left, and Lily on the right-two peas in a pod!

His birthday cake, aka dog biscuit that he wouldn't eat and that Copper is enjoying.

Taken recently; he is such an incredible companion and I couldn't imagine life without him.
Tomorrow I'll share our outing to Denver on Saturday, with our entire family-so many memories of times when our girls were little and making precious memories with our grands.  I couldn't be more blessed!
Hugs,
Noreen

Happy Friday to you! Snow is on its way and as long as my brother and sil arrive shortly, I'll be fine with it. Hubby decorated the front yard again this year and it makes me so happy. Photos aren't the best, but it shows our holiday spirit.

Tomorrow is Hunter's birthday, I double checked because I was sure it wasn't today.  So he will be getting his treats tomorrow; I probably won't post until Monday due to frantic running about tomorrow getting ready for the Nutcracker in Denver.  Hope you have a blessed weekend.
Joy to you.
Noreen

It's Thankful Thursday and I'm so thankful for life, for my beloved hubby and family and all our of fur-babies as well as friends. Last night we gathered to celebrate our daughter's birthday. One of the gifts was a home made apron~she saw the Row by Row pattern last summer and wanted it; I told her no, which was very unusual for me-but the reason was I knew I was making it for her. It was a lot of fun and I can see myself doing more in the future.  It has a camping scene on it; I was going to make the scene a pocket, but it was too large.  She really liked it!  I'm thankful for that.

This morning I was over at Carrie's house hanging out while our oldest grandson got his braces off-can we say Yeah!  So I wanted some more pics and stats on Copper; Sophie of Critters in the Cottage, owner of Wilhelmina and I often share the latest and greatest developments with the pups.  Copper and Sophie look so much alike and are only 1 month apart in age.

She is petite, which I love and such a sweetie.  She and Lily love me and Lily is often in my lap-but she will sit in anyone's lap.  We have discovered that Copper is very much a watchdog and also shy when strangers are around; her temperament is very much like Hunter's.
My brother and sister of my heart are here in Colorado and will arrive at our house tomorrow.  We will see family and then on Saturday all the girls, except the youngest, are going to the Nutcracker while the boys and Miss E go find some other things to do.  WE will all go out to dinner afterward.  We love having family here and wish they had a townhouse, so they could come more often.  We have dubbed our guest room "their room".
Hope you are all staying warm.
Joy to you!
Noreen

Happy Wednesday to you!  This is short today~I have ladies study to attend this morning, but will only stay for half of it as my hubby will be home and there is a lot of cleaning to do before my brother and sister of my heart arrive tomorrow or Friday.  I also have to work on her present-didn't get to it yesterday, wrap presents for our daughter's birthday dessert tonight and have a short visit with a friend who doesn't get out due to health issues.  That part will be hard because I haven't seen her in a few months and I'll only have an hour to spend with her.
Hopefully by tomorrow I might have some photos of the outside of our house, we'll see.
Have a great one!
Hugs,
Noreen

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Happy Tuesday to you! Around our house Christmas is definitely in the air! As you can see, we are decked out and now focusing on creating gifts.

Our antique buffet always holds our Dickens Village; hubby does a fine job arranging everything.

Hunter's tower, where he watches all the activities on our street.  His buddy Odie, across the street, is gone for three weeks~but he still waits and watches for him.  
Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon sewing and almost finished one gift-it felt pretty good.  I'm glad I have multiple to make, because I'm learning what I like and what I don't for this project. Sorry I can't share-too many eyes come here and I don't want to spoil the surprise.  I can say it is not a quilt.
Today I'm meeting Kam for coffee and then will hit the grocery store-it is Mother Hubbard's Cupboard here.  This afternoon I will be with grands for a bit and then have to run to the pet store to get Hunter his birthday presents-he turns 5 on Friday.  Where have the years gone?!
I hope you have a great day, here is it so cold!
Blessings~
Noreen

Happy Saturday to you!  I'm so thankful that the food is disappearing, the house is almost finished and we are still enjoying family time.  Today we celebrate two granddaughters birthdays, even though they are weeks apart one grandmother is here from California.  Family times are the richest and today will be no different.  I'm hoping that hubby gets a photo of our tree lit up so that I can share with you.  I think I'm definitely hiring our granddaughters to help decorate next year.  I haven't done any shopping of sales this weekend, though I need to get some gift cards yet.  I've been sewing up a storm and today my wrist is telling me I need to take a break.  I haven't experienced a sore wrist, from sewing, before-but then again I don't think I've ever sewn as much as I have been this year.  So today will be spent doing some other things.  I wish you the best and hope to have some pictures for next week.  Anyone notice new changes in Dashboard?  Now I'm back to figuring my way around.
Joy to you!
Noreen 

TRUDOG Treat Me Treats

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving~but Hunter is very thankful for his latest treats from Chewy.com. As a #Chewy Influencer, Hunter looks forward to that time of month when new treats arrive for him to taste test.  This one was a winner in his book!  He loves to have them as a treat and I also sprinkle one in his kibble, although they are not intended to be meal replacements.  They are small and just perfect for Hunter.

The photo above is a bit blurry because he was so excited to sample these yummy goodies.
Here is the description from the company:

TruDog Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight Freeze-Dried Raw Super Dog Treats are made with 100% raw single-source US beef that is freeze-dried for optimal nutrition. Whole organ meats, including beef tripe, beef lung, beef heart and beef kidney are also added for an iron-rich superfood treat. Each crunchy bite is chock-full of high-quality meat with no added salt, and these treats contain no grain, wheat, corn, fillers, sugar or chemical additives, so they’re easy on your pup’s digestive tract. This veterinarian approved, hearty treat helps to keep breath fresh and supports easy digestion, plus it’s great for training, for dessert after meals or any time of the day between meals.

Key Benefits

• 100% raw, freeze-dried, high-quality US beef for optimal nutrition and flavor
• Whole organ meats like beef tripe, beef lung, beef heart and beef kidney are added for an iron-rich superfood treat
• Contains no grain, wheat or corn for pups with food allergies. No added salt, fillers, sugar or chemical additives, so they're easy on your pup's digestive tract
• Veterinarian approved treat to help keep breath clean and fresh while supporting digestive health
• Great to be used for training or just as a snack to indulge your furry friend"

We always look to make sure the treats/food is made here in the U.S.A. and love supporting companies that are health oriented for our pets.  Mr. Chewy always has a great supply and prices of any company we've found.  

If you want to check this out for your beloved companion, you can find them here:

https://www.chewy.com

All opinions  are our own; no compensation was received.  A Big Thank You to Sydney and the staff for having such wonderful products for us to try.

Noreen and Hunter

Dear Friends,  Yesterday hubby and I ran up to Estes Park~specifically for the reason we needed to renew car registration and the DMV up there is always empty, so we walk in and get it done within five minutes.  We decided to try to get some Christmas Card shots and here is one of them; I really like it but hubby doesn't, so we will use another one.  It was cold!  I had my jacket, but didn't put on my casual snow boots and I  paid for it-by the time we walked around this lake(only 1/2-1 mile), my socks were wet.  I was so shocked, because they are my everyday shoes and made well.  I guess the slush got in through the stitching holes.  It was a fun drive and errand; gave me a taste of the mountains I love.  Today hubby is working on refinishing the treadle machine cabinet we got several months ago and I'm headed downstairs to sew.  We've got grands coming over this afternoon, so big sister can do some Christmas shopping with her mom.  I hope you have a great day today!
Sending love your way!
Noreen

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas

Happy Monday to you friends! I hope that you had a great weekend and a starting the week enthused~it is that time of year where we stop and give thanks for all the good things in our lives. Hopefully this is not just a once a year practice for you! I try to make sure I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving each day~some days are easier than others. Just waking up in the morning, breathing, have a warm bed and home is a reason to be grateful. Last week we had one day with temps at 82, the next the snow was falling. I loved this big Blue Spruce in my daughter's yard. Doesn't it just emit winter! As much as I've been enjoying and relishing the summer weather, I will say this was such a pleasant surprise. So much so, that when I came home I quickly went to work in my sewing room.

Typically at our home, we don't decorate until Black Friday; I always find I'm so exhausted by the time it is all done that I wanted to slowly get things out prior to the tree going up.  WE have less than a month from this Friday till Christmas is here and that time always goes so fast; I want to enjoy the decorations as long as possible. This is one of the wall hangings I made~I love it and my daughter even helped me with some machine quilting.  I looks great in our hall and I'm very pleased with it.

This is the wall hanging I made in Sisters, Oregon this summer.  I love the contrast with the wall color.  It just screams Christmas to me.

This morning I'm off to get my annual Mammogram; none of us enjoy this, but girls it is so important  for our health.  If you are putting it off, please set up an appointment.
After I get home, hubby and I are heading back up to Estes~we have to go to DMV and then may go into the park and see if we can get some pictures for our Christmas Card.  When we get home and the tomorrow and Wednesday, I will be sewing-working on Christmas presents.  Thursday we will have dinner together with the family at our oldest daughter's house.  It should be wonderful.  Between now and then I also want to get the rest of the decorations put out.
I hope you have a great week; for those traveling I wish you travel ease and safety.
Blessings to you!
Noreen

It's Thankful Thursday and today I'm so very thankful for this crew, our family. I'm thankful for family time spent together and the love that we all have for one another, as well as being silly. As little man says-Photo Bomb.

Yesterday we enjoyed 82 degrees and this morning a storm is moving in and I can feel the snow coming. I'm looking forward to it because I've got several projects I need to make for Christmas as well as some pillows, similar to Pottery Barn Christmas pillows. I found fabric last summer in Sisters and it is pinned to my wall-I just need border fabric. Hubby is down to painting the entry hall closet and the laundry room and then we'll/he'll be done until after the holidays when we will paint the downstairs. I'm off this morning to hang out with grands, while one goes to the eye doctor. I hope you have a great Thursday!
Joy to you.
Noreen

No Fear Of Heights Here

WARNING: If you are afraid of heights, we may want to pass on this post, which is heavy on photos of rock climbing. You know whenever we are in Estes, our grands spend several hours climbing at the indoor climbing gym at the Mountaineer store, (which this Nana loves)and this year even the youngest two got into it. I am being intentional about not showing faces, for privacy and protection.  Our oldest grandson showing just how easy it should be; the climbing teacher called him "a beast" because of his skills.  Notice he is not roped on, but just bouldering or free climbing.

Our youngest grandson getting help from his cousin.

Another great climber, who climbs like I used to(when I was in college), I was often referred to as a spider.

Our oldest granddaughter, who challenges herself.

No ropes here either; before you report me into for neglect, there are mats beneath the walls where people climb free.

Photo above is accurate in just how high he is climbing; I think he was timing himself as well.  Our oldest two granddaughters also made it to the top of this wall.

If climbing isn't enough, our Peanut loves photography and often borrows our camera.

Our oldest daughter Carrie watching one of her kiddos climbing, can you tell from her expression just how tense she is.

While many would prefer their grands to play soccer or another "on the ground" sport, I love seeing our grands climbing!  When our daughters were young, we had close friends whose daughters were international rock climbers.  The sport is very expensive if you have world records in your sight, but I would love to see one or more of our grands continue to climb.  Even a couple of them who have been afraid of heights in the past, seem to have conquered their fear.  To all of our grands-Well Done. I used to have a t-shirt from Yosemite that read "Go Climb A Rock"; maybe I should get some for our Colorado climbers-all 11 of them.

I'm off to my ladies study this morning and then will have some errands to run.  I hope you have a great day!
Blessings~
Noreen