They're here, they're here and I'm so darn excited! My brother and sister-of-my-heart arrived today from northern California. This photo was taken last year on my birthday when they surprised me by coming to Colorado during winter. I just can't spend enough time with them and I'm so thankful that they braved the elements and came back. Actually, they were supposed to come for Thanksgiving but in the end we all decided that the weather was too bad for them to fly in and have to drive up north. We will be spending lots of time with our daughters families and celebrating the upcoming birth of our newest granddaughter. Amidst all the craziness our life contains, we do hope to get them up to see some Elk. Whatever we do will be just perfect because we'll be together. I'm sure I'll have photos to post on Monday...so whatever you do this weekend enjoy-life is too short to waste it.
Hugs, Noreen

Happy Birthday John

Our first grandson, John, was named after both his grandfathers. John is such an amazing guy! He has a fun loving personality but is a deep thinker as well. He reminds me so much of his momma. A born engineer who loves to build things, either with his legos or outside. When we lived across the street from our daughter's family, John would be over every day to build something with his grandpa. He also reminds me of my hubby; his brother and sisters adore him and he is a wonderful help to his parents. I've never seen a boy take to holding babies more or helping with his sisters more than John does. He has a hard working personality, always ready to lend a hand and pretty much keeps up with the men folk where work is concerned.

We celebrated John's birthday Monday evening, but today is his special day.

What kid, or should I say person, doesn't like opening gifts. Of course help from brother, sisters and cousins is very important.

His mama made a lego cake for him-isn't it amazing! Our daughter's are so very talented! Plus it was very good.

John we are so incredibly proud of the young man you are. We know that as you grow and mature the Lord will bless you. He has amazing plans for your life.

Love, Nana and Papa

What a beautiful day it is today. Yesterday reminded me so much of the weather we had in Sonoma County but today is bright and sunny although a bit cool still. Makes me just want to sing and dance; this song immediately came to mind this morning~may it make your heart sing as well.

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever by Sonic Flood

Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when your love came down
[Chorus] I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
I could sing of your love forever
Over the mountains and the sea
Your river runs with love for me
And I will open up my heart
And let the healer set me free
I'm happy to be in the truth
And I will daily lift my hands
For I will always sing
Of when your love came down
[Chorus]
[Chorus]
Oh, I feel like dancing
Its foolishness I know
But when the world has seen the light
They will dance with joy
Like we're dancing now

So lift your voice heavenward today and give praise to the One who deserves all glory, honor and praise.
Noreen

Monday Morning Musings

Words can convey emotions in such a profound way for each of us. Take the word Fear-it can represent such a variety of feelings in our lives. Have you battled with fear? I have, throughout my life, centered around different things. Fear of rejection hovered around me during childhood; while in college, being in dangerous settings, I experienced paralyzing fear that kept me from fleeing to safety. After the '89 Loma Prieta earthquake I experienced Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome on a small level but had great anxiety for approximately 8 mos. There are those folks that don't ever fear much and if they do they certainly don't talk about it. For many, there is a fear of loneliness, of financial despair, loss of loved ones and as we age, we often fear the end of days or sickness. Fear may start out like a small shadow but can build and build until it is overwhelming, suffocating a person. When I worked in a bank and was robbed I dealt with fear during and after that day. When we moved cross country in the winter and saw semi's jack-knifing around our vehicles, I remember being fearful. I also remember always crying out to Jesus to save me. He has never let me down!
So when I am overcome with fear I run to God's word and I can tell you that it helps.
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!".
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper,
And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinion,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.
A thousand my fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes,
And see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the Lord, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.

Because he has loved Me therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
He will call upon Me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
And let him behold My salvation.

Today if the storms of life are threatening to overtake you, run-don't walk-to the Lord and to His word and you will find security there in His presence.

Have a blessed day dear friends.
Noreen

Warm weekend wishes to you my friends. Life continues to speed by at a very fast pace. We enjoyed a wonderful warm week-almost every day was sunny and comfortable outside-that always seems to brighten our spirits. I continue to help out my girl in the mornings during the week and also try to finish the hand quilting on the baby quilt so it will be ready when she arrives. I'm not so sure it will be but I'm trying. During this time, I am also trying to figure out some health issues before our trip. Next week my brother and sil(sister of my heart)arrive for a four day weekend-Yippee! I can't wait. I'll be here checking in on you and writing as I have time but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a wonderful Saturday.
Noreen

Good Morning Friends~ Today I am thankful and grateful for so many things.

I am thankful for a place to write the rambling thoughts of this nana-my journey of life, family and faith for those I love but that also hopefully encourage you in your life today.

I am thankful that our daughter's ultrasound yesterday showed her little girl to be the perfect size for this point in pregnancy and that even if she arrives early, she should be a good healthy size. I am thankful that the Lord has my girl in the palm of His hand.

I am thankful for time spent with all the grandkids and of course their mama's-my girls. How blessed I am by them.

I am thankful for a week with the weather in the 50's-promises of spring. I am thankful for our old dog, Reggie, and his faithfulness to me. I am thankful for each day we have with him; for although he wasn't a dog I choose, he has been a wonderful companion to me.

I am thankful for dear friends, those prayer warriors, who will stand in the gap for another.

I am thankful that the Lord hears our cries even before we utter them.

I am thankful I can trust fully in His plan for my life, even when it isn't as I pictured it.

Nothing comes into my life that first doesn't filter through His hands. I am thankful that He is Yahweh Rophe-The Lord Who Heals and nothing is too hard for Him. I am so thankful that no matter how uncertain life may appear at any given moment, He will never leave or forsake me.

And as always, I am thankful that you stopped here for a visit. I am blessed by you dear friends.

Hugs today, Noreen

Don't you just love it when your week begins full speed with a promise to continue. Truly, what a blessing to be alive in such a time as this. Here it is dinner time and I'm just now thinking about a post, oh my! This morning I spent time with our youngest daughter, who is on restricted physical activity prompted by a recurring problem at the end of pregnancy. This week is filled with several appt's for her so I will be joining her girls bright and early tomorrow and Wednesday. I can't imagine life without our grandchildren nearby. This afternoon hubby and I ran out to our oldest's home; he worked on some model planes with the boys and I got to hold baby and also watch the two other girls work on a collage. Such Fun!
So over the next week or so I probably won't be posting as much as normal, but I'll be around. Even if I'm not posting, you can be sure I'll be visiting your blogs.
Blessings to you this day,
Noreen