It's Thankful Thursday again; I'm hoping that your cup is overflowing and you have so many things to give thanks for.  This week has been busy and I have yet not gotten upstairs to my sewing room but today is a new day and the afternoon is wide open; at least right now and I'm planning on cutting fabric. I'm thankful that I found some coordinating fabric and that it is coming together in my head.
I am thankful that we completed several important errands yesterday, one of which was registering my car.  Now I just have to find a license plate holder for my car-o.k., so I can't decide if I want a dog one, a quilting one or something else.  It is overcast here today but at least the winds have died down.  I'm thankful for the men and women on the front lines of our fires, that risk their lives to protect our state and people's homes.  I'm thankful for cooler temps that will also help in the fight, as well as the lack of winds right now.  I'm thankful for my hubby; he is such an incredible husband and father; plus a wonderful guy who gives so much. 
I've got to get ready to walk in a few; I hope you have a day filled with contentment.
Blessings, Noreen & Hunter

Outdoor Wednesday

Morning friends~I realized how fickle I was today, when thinking it is already so hot outside at 8:00 a.m. and just a couple of weeks ago I was whining about needing summer weather-well girl, it is here! Reminds me of last year, when we had record heat with lots of fires.  Yes, even though we had more moisture this year, the fires have started already.
  As I mentioned one set of my grands have been taking swim lessons and this is the youngest grand(in the middle of the pool) of that family, who is taking them.  Doesn't that water look so inviting.  I grew up with a swimming pool and loved being able to go out first thing and swim.  Of course, once I became a mom and knew the dangers of a back yard pool, it was the last thing I wanted.  Maybe if there had been a fence but even still.  When I was in  6th grade, a toddler from a nearby street wandered away from his mom and somehow got into a neighbor's back yard(even though they had an 6' wood fence)and fell into the pool.  I was the one who found him lifeless on the bottom; but thankfully the fire department was summoned and he was revived. I also remember that it was truly the Lord who alerted me to that child and made me get help.  I remember, to this day, his little form under a couple of feet of water and the subsequent visit to the hospital to see him.  It was uncertain if he'd ever develop normally, because of the length of time he was not breathing.  These are things that impact you for life.  Even going through this, I did grow up loving water and swimming; just never wanted one in my yard.  I do realize this is a fluke thing to occur, but I always insisted my girls take lessons.  It is amazing, here I am 50 yrs older than when this accident occurred and it takes me right back to that day.
So, if it is hot in your area by all means enjoy some water-even sprinklers but keep an eye out for little ones.
Hope you have a blessed day! 
Noreen

Garden Shots

Happy Tuesday to you! Good morning friends; won't you come in for some ice tea? I wish I had enough room on my porch for a swing or couple of chairs, it is just too tight though.

 

I've been enjoying my front plant bed and thought I'd share; sorry the photos are a bit shaded. Two years ago, I planted a Bleeding Heart; at the time it was quite small, but you can see here that it is now huge. I love this plant! It seems to be in the perfect place.

 

 

I am so pleased with the way the front bed is looking; of course I could use a couple more perennials, but all in all for right now it is fine. The white ground cover is Snow in Summer and it has spread a lot-I love it! One of our Japanese Lacey Leaf Maples is front and center; these trees are our favorites.
We also have Clematis,two Hydrangea's and two Mums for the fall.
  We won't discuss my back yard though; when I was going to weed on Saturday, I kept getting bit by mosquitoes. Since I was working alone, I choose not to continue.

 

The other night while hubby and I were watching t.v., I happened to see a male and female Robin with worms in their mouths. Once they flew off, hubby and I investigated and found three babies in a nest; they were already pretty mature in size. Last night, all three granddaughters were over so we showed all three hatchlings to them. This morning I heard chirping from one of the beds and went to check on the babies-well there is only one today. I'm thinking dad and mom are teaching them how to fly; which means that I will have to keep Hunter inside(when I'm not here) so he doesn't see them and think they are toys. I can't believe we didn't realize we had an active nest in the backyard until Sunday.  We have also had several Grackles around and I think they might have a nest as well. These are the birds I can do without, do to the fact that they generally kill all the smaller birds.
I've been back on our walking schedule and love it; hubby and I even rode  14 miles on Sunday but this week it has been in the very high 90's, so riding will be in the evenings. I also ran out yesterday looking for more fabric for the baby quilt and of course it is no longer made.  I'm hoping to find some pink and white toile to use.  I may just have to scrap the original pattern and design one myself.
 I'm off the swim lessons for the grands this morning, got a couple of books I need to read and possibly run to a couple more fabric stores.
I hope you have a wonderful day, filled with sunshine and giggles.
Noreen & Hunter

From My Library

Many of you may be acquainted with author Dee Henderson; if not, she is a fantastic writer. I started reading her books back when my girls were in their late teens; in fact, the first book I read was The Negotiator. This book was so timely in my life because I was working in a bank and I had read it right before the first time(not the last)that I was held up. Dee's books are intriguing and riveting; suspenseful and filled with faith. When I saw that she had a new book out, I jumped at the chance to review it for Bethany House. Jennifer is the story of one of the O'Malley clan; she was introduced in The Negotiator but wasn't the central character. The family is comprised of seven members who became family when they were in the same orphanage. The characters are deeply developed and rich; fiercely loyal and protective of each other. Jennifer is a pediatric doctor in Texas who is actively involved with her patients, even when it means heartbreak over loosing them to disease. She meets a surgeon who wins her heart slowly and patiently; their future looks bright.
 I found this book impossible to put down and with only 154 pages, it was a quick read. I will say that the only disappointment I had is that the story leads into the first series, The O'Malley's-specifically "The Negotiator". Unfortunately, I gave all my books by Dee Henderson to my daughter ten years ago and she has since sold them. I remember the story line a bit, from the first series so won't go and reread it. I will say that if you haven't read anything by Dee, by all means get this book and then go to your library and read the rest of her books, you won't be disappointed. I'm hoping that Dee's next book, due out in 10/13, will be just as good. I'm glad to see she is writing again. I would rate Jennifer a 9 on a scale of 1-10; a 9 simply because it was so short and I wished the story didn't end. Reading this was like seeing an old friend and then not having the time to catch up.
 I received this book from Bethany House and was asked to review this book. I did not receive any payment or compensation for my review. Summer is a great time for easy reading, so take a chance on this book.
Have a great day!
Noreen

A New Baby Sister

 

Good Morning~Here is our oldest grandson holding his baby sister; I can honestly say that he is always happy holding a baby. I've never seen a young adolescent enjoying little ones the way that he does-it is so very precious.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the entire family is thrilled beyond words! Hubby and I spent some time with them last night after we took dinner; it was a lovely evening so we were able to sit outside and watch the kiddos play. Our daughter looks so relaxed-not like she had just had a baby; she makes it look so easy. Baby E is still settling into life, but what a darling she it! Today, I start cutting fabric for the quilt and sewing; later this evening we head to some friends for appetizers and a movie. They just got a 3D t.v. and we are going to test it out seeing the Life of Pi. Should be fun! I hope you have a productive weekend. Blessings,
Nana Noreen

Meet and Greet

 

Happy Friday Friends, Yesterday morning hubby and I took the five kiddos to the hospital to meet their new sister. The oldest grandson quickly figured out that the hospital bracelet his dad was wearing was pink, which meant he had a baby sister.

 

Our daughter with her new daughter.

 

How quickly your youngest, Miss A now 3, looks so much bigger when there is a new baby in your arms.

 

Dad and his girls.

 

A VERY Proud Papa

 

Isn't she lovely, Isn't she wonderful!

 

Nana's heart is soaring with love.
I'm off to bible study this morning and then making dinner for new proud parents and siblings.  I hope you have a delightful day filled with all that makes you sing.  I'll be back posting more photos tomorrow.
Joy to You,
Noreen

Our Newest Addition-update

I am proud as a Peacock to share our newest addition with you.  For now, I will refer to the baby simply as baby C; you see the rest of the kiddos haven't met their sibling yet and don't know whether they have a brother or sister-so I can't share.
So I will now share this little ones name-baby E(sorry can't share due to privacy issues) was born last night at 10:20 p.m., weighing 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 3/4" long.  The kids were so excited when they met her; she is the cutest little one ever.   She has brown hair and it looks like blue eyes for now.  Each sibling got a chance to hold her and the girls were beaming with a new sister.  We took lots of photos and will share them tomorrow and the coming days.  My girl had about 5.5. hrs of labor and the baby came very quickly.  Momma is hoping that they are released tonight so she can be back at home.
I will say that we are busy playing legos, games, running to stores to get some girly baby clothes and this nana is loving every minute.  We have a town bbq to go to tonight and possibly going out for frozen yogurt afterwards.  
I will report that Mama and Babe are fine but tired.  We will be taking them dinner tomorrow night and then trying to let them settle into their family routine.  I know that the oldest kiddos will be big helpers.  We are so thrilled for all of them.
Blessings~Nana Noreen