Celebrate Good Times

Today is a very special day in our family~our oldest Grandson turns 14. Wow, it is hard to even write that. One of the reasons we went to Estes Park this last week was to celebrate J's birthday. Although we always go up there in the winter, for the families Christmas gift, we usually go in January or February. Our boy just got braces last week and still getting used to them-probably the reason for his tight smile.

All of the grands love to watch Duck Dynasty and we thought this was the perfect card for him.

Little man had an old cell phone and was pretending to take photos. Isn't he just a cutie!

Hubby and I love playing cribbage and have taught the grands to play too.  It was fun seeing the girls play.  There is so much life, laughter, love and joy when we are together.
Today it is supposed to get into the 60's-so incredible, just what I need.  I'm going to put Hunter's leash on him and we are going for a little walk.  Last night, I could definitely tell that I haven't been walking, as my legs were pretty tight.  I was surprised because the walk is so flat and easy, only 1 mile, but I guess I need to realize that it has been a month since I've done any walking.  I'm back into my pre-surgery clothes and happy about that, but in the evening my tummy still gets a bit puffy-something that is very common with hysterectomies. 
I hope your day is filled with sunshine, bird singing and contentment!
Blessings,
Noreen

Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a fantastic weekend enjoying life. Years ago, when we lived in California and I worked full time, I often missed the beauty of the area we lived in because I was so exhausted and stressed. Just last night, I was reminded of this when we were watching a show and they stated that if you are a professional person you often miss the joy in the little things of life. I am so thankful that hubby and I are able to enjoy each day to the fullest and embrace the beauty of our area. Our weekend in the mountains was so fun; I will say that by lunch time on Friday I could tell I had been pushing myself to get things done and was wiped out. I did kick back and that made the trip up and the evening much more enjoyable. For the most part, I took the weekend at a slow pace~no snow shoeing for me and I made sure I rested on Saturday. I was able to go to my favorite quilt store with one daughter and her girls, but choose to pass on the indoor rock climbing. Here are some photos that hubby got when they went hiking on Saturday morning.

Our two oldest grandsons hiking with their dad and Papa.

Looks like recess time for the middle school.

Our daughter Kim took the following photos on Friday on the road into RMNP. I haven't gotten photos of mountain Goats since we first moved here.

The herd actually caused a bit of a traffic jam, cars had to wait while they licked up all the salt.

We should have met them in the park, because by the time we drove through on Sunday we didn't spot one animal.  We got back by noon time yesterday and the dogs did really well with our dogsitter. 
Yesterday, after two of the dogs went home, hubby and I took Hunter on a walk. This is the first walk in a month that I've been able to do.  We didn't quite do a mile, but it felt so good to be out. This morning my bff Kam came over with Lexie and we walked our street-the full mile.  I could have gone farther, or so I thought, but choose to add more each day and build back up.  I am also hoping to get off the Tylenol this week-except maybe just one if I need it. 
I have more photos of rock climbing and family fun that I'll be posting tomorrow. 
I hope you are able to get out and about, even if just briefly.  These nice sunny days have made me so anxious for spring-I simply can't wait.  In fact, I'm putting away all my winter snowmen decorations.
Blessings and Joy~
Noreen

Yum Yum From Orijen and Mr. Chewy

It's a perfect Friday here in Colorado. Sun is shining, sky is blue and the world looks good. The promise of spring is in the air and Hunter is one happy boy; the reason is because another monthly goody came yesterday from Mr. Chewy.   Hunter seems to recognize the box when it is delivered and always after me to show him what is in it. I love how he climbed into the box to investigate.

I wanted to get a photo of the size of treat but didn't, however they are perfect for him. Hunter loves all freeze dried treats and would make a meal out of them, if I let him.

You can tell that he is asking for more; a great sign that this is a definite repeat. Sometimes he seems interested in the treats the first time, but then won't eat them after. He already has had two helpings and sat wanting more. I will have to see if Orijen makes freeze dried dog food.

These treats are pure and natural and offer a Whole Prey meat that the bag says our dogs will thrive on.  Made in Canada, the Bison are raised free range and 100% pure Bison.. They are low calorie and caborhydrate free.  I can tell you that I plan to check out their kibble too.
Hunter says these treats are "over the moon and back", he rates them 5 Stars.
We rate Sydney and Mr. Chewy a Diamond rating for the great service and products that are offered.
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On a side note, thank you all for your prayers and thoughts for the sister of my heart-she came through surgery and was already eating last night; they are hoping she'll be released today.  There is quite a difference in the recover from the DaVinci procedure and the traditional hysterectomy.  We are so thankful that she will be home soon; we just can't imagine life without her bubbly and loving self.  
I am still trying to get around to visit, but often find that after several errands each day I am worn out-so know that even if I don't leave a comment, I'm still checking in with you all.  Have a blessed weekend.
With love,
Noreen & Hunter 

From My Library

During the winter, I tend to read much more than when the weather beckons me outside.  Of course, being at home during my recovery has left me with time to read even more.  The funny thing is that I didn't grow up reading and it wasn't until I was in high school that I discovered the joy of it.  Whenever we travel, I take books along or in the last couple of years I have our IPad with my ebooks on it.  Last week, hubby and I ran into Wal*art for a couple of things and I had to stop in the book section. I saw this book and picked it up-it was pretty cheap.  I haven't read anything by Rose Ross Zediker before; this book is three novellas or short stories centered in South Dakota, about quilt projects that lead to true love.
Each story was unique and relevant; but all the stories had quilts woven through the plot and also had situations that the characters had to overcome.  The book was a quick read, which is something that I needed at this time.  I would read one of the novella's and then pick up my quilting.  I would rate this a Five Star and hope to find any other books that the author has written. 
I've got one more book to read and plan to take it to the mountains with us.  The family is looking forward to our get together, unfortunately though our youngest granddaughter was sick last evening so we are praying they are all well enough to join us.  Our other sil will be traveling out of the country for 12 days and no one wants to share any bugs with him.
On another note-my dear sister of my heart, aka sil, is having surgery today.  I never would have thought the two of us would have the same surgery within a month of one another.  If  you would lift up a prayer for her, it would be appreciated. She is the rock of our family, we love her all so very much and want her to fly through the surgery without any complications. 
I hope you have a wonderful Thursday and remember to give thanks for this day!
Joy to you~
Noreen

Happy Wednesday to you~This morning hubby drove me to a coffee house where some close friends from church were getting together for coffee.  I seriously thought about canceling, but decided to go for an hour. I was glad I did; nothing like a Chai Tea to boost your mood.  After that, hubby and I ran to two stores, one for birthday presents for our oldest grandson and then to Wal*art to get hubby a new phone case and car charger for his new IPhone.  We've had lunch, played cards and I'm headed for a nap.  The ladies today couldn't believe I was out and about-several of them who've had this surgery said it took much longer before they were out doing things. Made me feel good because my energy still is used up after just a short activity.
I hope you have a good day today.  I'm looking forward to some sunny weather. 
Blessings,
Noreen

Love Poured Out

Happy Tuesday to you! Three weeks ago, when I had my surgery my daughter posted here and on FB how it went~well I have to share with you what she told me after she posted. She told me "that I had lots of friends who loved me"-or it was similar to that(remember I was on heavy pain meds). To put it mildly, I have been so blessed by all of you! I won't say this has been easy(what surgery ever is), but with your encouragement, prayers, emails, notes etc. it has been better than I ever thought. Yesterday the doorbell rang and a flower delivery man was there-I was in shock. I had received a floral arrangement from our bff's in Ca., but couldn't figure this one out. It was from my nephew in Ca. It made my day! I've read that emotions can bubble up to the surface during recovery, but truly didn't expect them to impact me; however I know that if I am tired I tend to be more emotional. I love the green spider Mum(I think that is what it is)in the arrangement. This brightened my day!

Then in the afternoon, hubby retrieved the mail and there was a package from a blogging friend in Utah-Michelle and Goose. We have followed Goose as long as we've been blogging and love all the adventures he has with his mom and friends. You can find them here: www.gospelofgoose.blogspot.com

Goose and his mom have made See Beautiful a lifestyle and we are always reminded to look for beauty in daily life.  They have impacted more people than they can possibly know and I am so thankful for them. 
I received a wonderful card from another blogging buddy, Cindy at Consider It All Joy.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, who knew that blogging could be so rich and rewarding?! Too all of you, you have made my life so much sweeter and I hope you receive the love right back poured over you, like it has been to me.
Hugs,
Noreen

Happy March

Good Morning to you!  I can hardly believe it's March already and that three weeks ago I was having surgery.  I found this picture years ago, when I first started blogging; it so reminded me of winter and spring in northern Ca.  The hills of Sonoma County are always green in the winter and by now, spring flowers and bulbs are starting to poke their heads out of the dirt. While we do experience a lot of sunshine, even in winter,  the ground here is brown and most of the time we have snow around us. 
We had a good weekend, nothing too exciting happened-just more naps for me, stitching and reading.  We watched 'Becoming Jane' Saturday night and it was so good; I wasn't sure how hubby would like it, but once he got into it he thought it was a good movie. 
I am ready to get back into my regular daily routine, but know that I've got a bit longer to regain my strength and energy.  It has been three long weeks since I took Hunter on a walk and he lets me know about it daily.  This coming weekend the entire family is heading up to Estes Park for a fun filled family get away.  WE always give both daughters and their families this trip for Christmas.  We used to take them all snowshoeing, but with little ones we had to skip that. I imagine in another year or two, they'll be back to going.  Instead, the older kids go to an indoor rock climbing facility; we spend the weekend laughing and playing games.  The girls and I will go to our favorite quilt shop and see if there are any projects that they are interested in.  We still need to finish their Feb. project,  I'm thinking next week.  I continue to work on my quilt in the evenings and it is coming along; one of my problems though is that the longer I sit and stitch on it, the more I want to add to the quilting. Keeps me busy that is for sure.
I hope you all had a great weekend and find joy in today.
Blessings,
Noreen