More Of My Nest

Happy Wednesday to you! I am enjoying the morning so far; yesterday I was able to accomplish all that I hoped I would-finishing my lesson for my study tomorrow, cutting fabric for craft day today and then starting a little girl's doll dress. As I was sewing the skirt together, I realized I have almost a month to make three in and that should be plenty of time-so why get in a fuss about it. I was never the seamstress when it came to clothes and although I love quilting, I just never got into sewing anything else. I did take a sewing class at the local junior college, with my girls, when they were in high school and got an A in the class but that is the extent of my skills. Today, I am going on my walk shortly and then will meet a dear friend for lunch-her birthday is Friday so I'm taking her out today, even though I'll see her tomorrow at study. After that I have to head to the craft group to work on the ornaments. I did want to share some more of my snowmen collection.

These two groups, among some others sit above our kitchen cabinets. They always make me smile. No snow in the forecast here, thank you very much. I hope you are finding little things each day to smile about. Life is good! Joy to you.
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Tuesday friends~Well the weather outside is cold and the sun is still shining, despite the frost.
I finally got our Christmas Cards ordered and I'm hoping they arrive faster than a speeding bullet.  I know I didn't order enough but I was too late for some of the specials and they cost more than I'd like; that is what happens when you take to long to figure out what you're doing.  We saw both families last night and presented the girls with NOEL signs for their decorating; I saw a blogger copy Pottery Barn's sign and decided we needed to make two ourselves.  We also got to see Miss A and wish her a happy birthday; she will have her party on Sat. along with her sister Miss O, who has a birthday in Dec.  Got to love joint parties.
I don't know about you but there seems to be a lot to accomplish in the next several weeks, so I am making a daily list and hoping to avoid stressing myself out.  Having said that I'm got to get lunch and then catch up on my ladies study as well as cut fabric for tomorrow's craft project.  A friend hosts a get together at her house, once a month  and everyone bring something to work on.  That same friend and I try to work on the same project, it is easier to pull together like this. We will be making quilted star ornaments, that I shared about last year but never made.
I hope you have a wonderful, peaceful day!
Big hugs, Noreen & Hunter

A Few Of My Christmas Favorites

Greetings Friends, For those who have been dealing with blogger issues, I'm in the same boat and it is driving me crazy. I'm not willing to pay for extra storage for photos, so have taken to using picaso for my pics; however that means I actually have to figure out,by myself, how to get photos from there to here. I'm getting it-I think, but sure there is an easier way. Why does blogger have to change things up, just when we are getting the hang of it. No grumbling-o.k. maybe just a little. I will say though, since it is still November and I want a thankful heart, I am thankful that we have a computer and a camera that takes nice pictures. I am thankful that I have two eyes that see well and a mind that works most of the time, if I could just remember where I left it...haha. Some of my dear sweet friends have asked me to post my collections, so here are a few pics for you.

My antique treadle machine with one of my collections; the sewing machine was my mom's and the Santa and toys-approximately 20+ yrs old.

This is above our kitchen cabinets; we have more decorations that I will try to get posted tomorrow.

This is a village that started about 23 yrs ago-mostly from my mil but one special shop was from our bff's-Barb and Jim, in Ca.  I love this village and love the fact that my dear hubby tackles this every year for me-he does an incredible job.

The rest of my day will be quiet-except that I need to do a very special birthday greeting to our granddaughter, Miss A-the youngest child of daughter Carrie. Miss A turns 3 today; it is hard to believe. She is always so happy and giggly; so much fun to be with and if I wasn't having such a hard time with pictures, her's would be front and center-I'll try for tomorrow. Grrrr. I hope you have a wonderful afternoon and that you aren't experiencing the same issues with blogger as I am.
Warm winter hugs to you today.
Noreen and Hunter

Happy Sunday to you~I am so glad that we are having a lazy day here today.  I am thankful for days that this, when you can just stay in bed and have a slow relaxed morning.  Friday I spent the entire day decorating the house and let me tell you I was one tired pup when I was done. My sweetie did help out a lot but it still felt never-ending.  I do love it when the house is done but what a lot of work. Now I understand how some gals, who have really big homes, hire professional Christmas decorators to come tackle the job for them.  Yesterday, we ran errands and then in the afternoon I just didn't have a lot of energy so ended up at our daughter's house holding the baby so she could decorate; such a sacrifice-ha!
Today, we will be watching the Broncos play Kansas and I do have some craft things to get together for this week. 
I am so thankful for the slower days of winter, although we were supposed to get snow, we didn't.
I am thankful that it has been a bit drier this November than previous years and that pleases hubby.
I am thankful for Christmas carols playing in the background.
I am thankful for the little fur ball curled up at my feet.  Hunter loves to snuggle and I am thankful for that.  Our last dog Reggie was not an affectionate dog, probably a puppy mill dog, and never gave kisses; I do love Hunter's greeting us in the morning.
I am thankful for the wonderful ideas I find, in blogland and Pinterest, for decorating.
I am thankful for the wonderful get togethers over the holidays.
Joy to you~Noreen & Hunter

From My Library

I received this book from Chosen Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, to review.  I have listened to Jack Hayford for many years on christian radio stations, so was familiar with his teachings and character.  For any person who longs to  see answered prayer in their lives or the lives of their loved ones, this is definitely a book to read.  The topics cover a wide range but include answering God's invitation to partnership, how to apply promises from the word, how to pray for someone you'd rather not pray for.  A concise book of just 12 chapters, Pastor Hayford  shares biblical truths, principles and specifics on how to unleash God's power in the lives of those we love.  I found it easy reading but it caused me to stop and really dig deeper.   For those who love prayer and praying for others, this is a must read.
I was given this book for my honest review; I think it is a book that should be on our bookshelves at home.
Noreen

The Holidays Are Here

HAPPY FRIDAY FRIENDS~Many of you are out fighting the crowds for bargains and I can honestly say that I have no plans to hit the sales today. Last night on the news, we were told that the prices were actually less on most items, back in Sept., then they are today. Having said that, I will state that Best Buy is/was selling a 50" flat screen LCD t.v. for $400. Now that is a really good deal and I did tell hubby that if he wanted to go get in line at midnight for one, it was fine with me. I am happy with the t.v. we have but he would love a bigger screen. He didn't go, but is off playing racquetball this morning; I've got the house to myself, except for Lily and Hunter. I plan on getting the decorations up from the basement and slowly starting the process. Of course I've also got a craft I have to work on, a study to start and a review to do. Meanwhile, here is my boy all set for the season; I took this on Wed. as soon as he got home from the groomers; never know how long he'll stay clean, especially with Lily here. This is not our photo for our Christmas Card but I think he is just the cutest little guy ever.  Who knew I would fall hopelessly in love with him; he brings me such joy.

We had a great day at our daughter's house yesterday; our oldest and her family had to make a last minute trip to California to spend Thanksgiving with her mil.  So our youngest graciously decided it would be easier to have it at her house; lucky me! I offered, but so enjoyed the relaxed afternoon we had and the food was incredible.  Our sil, the one who loves to bake and decorate cakes, prepared the turkey and much of the meal-I think he has another calling in his life.  Chef extraordinaire.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are able to embrace the Christmas season, with all the joy and activities.  I am so thankful for this season of life and  focusing on the true meaning of this Holy Season.  I used to go so crazy buying so many things for our loved ones but now we simply do stockings and a family gift-makes it so nice not to spend so much money and go crazy shopping.
Blessings to you today!
Noreen & Hunter

The Holidays Are Here

Hubby and I have been running around gathering groceries that we forgot and some craft items I need for Christmas presents; it is a beautiful day here in Colorado and I hope it stays this way for another month.  Hunter went to the groomer and I got a cute pic of him, but for some weird reason blogger is telling me that I am out of storage for photos and can upgrade(pay the piper)to a Picasso folder which I don't plan on doing.  It seems I ran into this issues about four years ago and because I don't use Picasso blogger finally solved the problem; I will say that I get frustrated with blogger at times too, just like many of you. 
On a side note, our groomer told me that there is an outbreak of scabies/mange in dogs here in our town and to make sure Hunter didn't play with any dogs we don't know well or go to dog parks.  I have seen dogs with this before and know it is awful, as well as the scabies that humans can get-gives me the creeps just thinking about it.  So no dog parks for my boy!
I won't be on tomorrow to post but will hopefully get by to say Happy Thanksgiving  to you all today; if not consider yourself hugged. 
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter