The Table Setting

Happy Tuesday to you. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere I go. I can just hear Bing singing this; my dad adored him and all season long, as a child, this album was playing on the phonograph. O.k. that last sentence dates me. I finally figured out what I was doing wrong yesterday, thankfully, so here is one of the shots of our dinner table from Friday night. I meant to get it when the candles were lit and add a bit more glittery stuff but it ended up being very nice.
 Yesterday I had a great time with my friend; we ran errands and I ended up buying a bundle of things at Bath & Body Works. Then I introduced her to Mad Greens, a fast food salad restaurant here that is healthy and fresh, one of my favorites. Whenever she visits I try to introduce her to a healthy alternative for lunch; last year I took her to Noodles & Co. which she loved. We did a couple more things-oh I might as well share that we went to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a piece of candy to finish off lunch. Although the drive to and from her place is between 30-45 min., I think having a friend come visit helps her days to pass quickly. I got home and hubby and I ran to the golf course restaurant to meet his coworkers and visit. It was so cold I really enjoyed a cup of coffee. The rest of the evening was good; we watched the Voice and it is fun to see it getting down to the last four singers. Hubby and I both think that the one remaining girl is going to win-she is the total package.  I must say all the singers are really good and even the one fellow we didn't like has finally changed his look; thus appealing to a wider audience. 
Today I will be walking Hunter shortly and then Kam is taking me out-my Christmas present, for a manicure and tea at a very special tea house.  What Christmas fun!  Tonight hubby and I are going to the library for a presentation on E-Readers.  Last year I had thought of getting one for our travels but put it off and  now I am going to check into the Kindle Fire; which allows you to get Internet and emails etc.  When we travel we always take a laptop and if we could take something smaller it would be easier.  I also have thought about a notebook but the Kindle seems more reasonably priced.  I haven't seen my grands in forever, due to their being down with the flu(yes, I am one of those Nana's who stays away from kids with the flu)and I'm missing them like crazy.  Maybe tomorrow or Thursday I'll get to visit with them.
I hope you have a great day today!
Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

A Holiday Dinner

Good morning friends~Once again I am having issues with loading photos-even from Picaso. I am going to try another photo gallery that my blogging buddy Val suggested.  This is enough to make a gal crazy!   I think I need to take some sort of class on uploading photos. 
We had a wonderful dinner with our friends on Friday but I only got a couple of photos of the table setting, which is still in Picaso.  . 
We laughed, we ate and celebrated the holidays.  Saturday hubby and I did some shopping and then we had dog training. I can tell you that it showed we haven't been to class in three weeks; Hunter was simply so distracted.  I will say that I had to remind myself that the other two dogs are older, by many years, and have been trained by our trainer-so it isn't fair for me to compare.  We are now working more on down-stay, off lead, and Finish & Around.  I am hoping that by this Saturday he will be back in the grove.  The trainer had one dog "Drop" and immediately that pup hit the ground-I couldn't believe how quickly she responded-that shows her level of obedience; the trainer actually told me we are going to be doing that this session-to which I just giggled.  We only have two more classes left and I just don't see Hunter as being that advanced. Call me a bad mom for not giving him credit but really, he is just so young yet.
Today I'm heading down to see my girlfriend again and I will also go back on Friday; trying to get in as any visits as I can.  This week is already jam packed and I'm looking forward to some more down time at home where I can sew. 
It is 12 degrees here and so cold; hope you are staying warmer than we are.  No snow this weekend although it was predicted. 
Have a blessed day dear ones.
Noreen & Hunter

Happy Friday to you!  I saw this video a few minutes ago and it is so cute, I just had to share.
Yesterday was a busy day but one filled with joy!  Finishing my ladies study was bittersweet; at this time of year it feels good to have one more free day, but still I just love the discipline of a weekly group study.
Last night hubby and I got a quick bite to eat before we watched the Broncos do what they've been doing-namely beating their opponents.  Even though we came from California, we never liked the Raiders and were happy the Broncos beat them.
Today is a day filled with errands and then we have so dear friends coming for dinner.  It will be an easy dinner of bbq chicken(even if it snows), vege's and the gals will bring rolls and a salad.  I made cheesecake yesterday and it should be set up perfectly, by tonight. I may take a picture or two of our table, because I've felt neglectful of posting photos. 
Here in Colorado, it's beginning to look alot like Christmas and I couldn't be happier.  Actually, I could if the flu bug floating through our daughter's  church would bypass our grands(it has already hit three) this nana would be happy. 
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this season.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Morning Peeps~I can't believe it is already Wednesday! I wanted to share what we got for Hunter to celebrate his first birthday. He wasn't too excited about the pork bones; not quite sure what that is about.

When driving out to our daughter's house on Saturday we drove past this bar that has been around forever. This place is known for Rocky Mountain Oysters; all I can do is say yuck. I keep thinking we need to have Guy Fieri come and check this place out for his t.v. show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  You know you're in the country when you drive by a bar and there are tons of motorcycles parked in front and a horse tied up in back. I have never gone in it and probably won't. However, we spotted the art as we drove by and it made me think of our friends Michelle and her beloved companion Goose. Now, if you know Michelle you know that she would likely do an outreach here(I think)but I cracked up when I saw the words Goose Headquarters. So Michelle and Goose, if you are thinking about moving to a small town where the motto is the Geese Fly and Bulls Cry, you can come stay with us for a bit til you find a new nest. I know you aren't planning to move, but it is fun to think about you being in Colorado.

Today I am heading down the road to see my friend and also go by a huge Whole Foods to pick up some items that we are out of in our store. I hope you have a wonderful day! Noreen & Hunter

Last night we celebrated another birthday; our youngest daughter, Kim, will turn 31 on Christmas Day. When she was little we began celebrating her birthday on the first weekend of the month, so she wouldn't feel left out with parties and such. This tradition has continued throughout the years; this has also left her little one, Miss A who is just two, a bit confused. Everyone came to our house for presents and desert; fun was had by all. Kim is a wonderful daughter, wife, sister, mother and woman of God. Always willing to lend a hand or just to hang out, I can say I am the luckiest mother in the whole world because I have two incredible daughters. Kim is creative as the day is long; she not only has five little ones, ages 7yrs-2 mos, but also homeschools, makes lots of knitted clothes including pants for her children and runs a well organized household. Both our girls are like this; I think they got it from their dad. Happy Happy Birthday my girl! Hopefully this photo is alright with you.
Now that birthdays are complete for the month and year, I can really focus on Christmas. I still have some more doll clothes to finish. Today I'm getting our Christmas cards in the mail and I also have a Ornament Exchange party tonight. Tomorrow morning I will head down the road to spend the day with my California friend who comes to dogsit for three weeks every December. I hope you have a great day today; make sure you stop by tomorrow because I have a photo for a blogging pup that we all know and love...wait and see.
 Hugs, Noreen & Hunter

A Sisters Birthday Party

Our daughters have found that having joint birthday parties for their girls, who have birthdays several weeks apart, is a wonderful way to celebrate. Yesterday our oldest, Carrie, had everyone over for a Birthday Breakfast. The children do get to pick what type of party they'd like and the time of day for their party. We had a delicious breakfast and then the girls got to open their presents. It is always so much fun.

Miss A(on the right) turned 3 a week ago and Miss O turns 5 in a week and a half.  They are such wonderful girls and are so close. What a fun party we had!  

Tonight we celebrate our daughter, Kim, 31st birthday-which falls on Christmas.  It should be another fun evening.

On a side note, our little Hunter is one today; I've got to get to Petsmart and get him some special treat.  

I plan to give him a bath today, he is so dirty and hope to take photos of him later this afternoon.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend; if you are in California I hope you aren't experiencing flooding and horrid rains.  We are still having wonderful weather except for high winds, which are creating fire hazards.  

Blessings on your day!

Noreen & Hunter

Happy Happy Friday dear ones.  I hope you week has been good and that your heart has been filled with thanksgiving.  Yesterday was a good day and I actually got some sewing done; although it took me quite awhile to figure out and correct one of my mistakes.  Today I am heading down to see one of my close friends, who I met through blogging; we will be going to a Christmas Homes Tour and then going out to lunch. I will probably stop at a local store and pick up some special goat milk soap for a special Christmas present; some of our family have sensitive skin and goat milk soap works incredibly well for us.
The next couple of weeks are jam packed but that is alright, I just have to focus on the tasks at hand and remember the real reason for the season.
I hope you've enjoyed November and giving thanks; I have.
I am thankful for this season of life and each new day.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter