This week’s flashback is all about Summer! Hop over by Linda at Mocha with Linda and check out the prompt, write your memories, then share them with us by linking up. Have fun!

I was always ready for summer, ready to get out of school. My mom worked so I stayed with my aunt and her kids until I was old enough to be on my own. The best part of summer we always spent 2 weeks in Arkansas, usually in July! Always a lot of fun!

We had a small pool when I was younger, that I had a lot of fun in. It was probably 3 ft, big enough to get wet.

I was 19 before I knew how to swim. I took lessons at the Y with some cousins; it was a lot of fun. I am not a big fan of swimming, I usually will not swim if it is over my head, but I am ok on boats. I usually always wear my life jacket.

I remember attending Bible School one summer when I was a kid, and it was not a good experience. Maybe that is why I was so involved with planning and putting VBS together when my daughter was younger. I wanted it better for her.

We had a small library in the town I grew up in. I think I remember going to it one time with a cousin. I frequent our library quite often they know me by name.

We did have an ice cream man during the summer. It was a good size truck; he even sold hot dogs and chips. Those were good memories, saving your change and making your own purchase. Made you feel like one of the big people.

During the summer we usually spent the weekends camping, at different state parks. It was a lot of fun and a lot of good memories.

Every once in awhile we would stop at Dog Patch on the way to Arkansas. It was fun. Does anyone remember Dog Patch? It is so sad it is closed now. On our way to Arkansas we pass where it was. It is sad to see all the buildings and things just wasting away and falling apart.

We did take one vacation other than Arkansas when I was a junior in High School. There were 6 of us. My mom, dad, brother Tom and his wife, then my nephew Jimmy (James’ son) took a 2-week trip out west. We saw it all. It was quite a trip, camping in about 15 states.

Any of the Beach Boys songs make me think of summer. I used to walk to McDonalds with my cousins every chance we got. It was a main road – 4 lanes, and we would wave to all the truck drivers. We thought we were so cool actually we were just lucky! This song reminds me of summer the most!


This was a fun flashback, a little all over the place, but fun! Memories are good, even the bad ones. It reminds you how you got to where you are!

until next time... nel

Random Dozen Time...

It is Random Dozen Time again. I missed you guys last week, but we did have a good time in Arkansas. Random Dozen is a weekly meme hosted by none other than Lid over at 2nd Cup of Coffee. We would love for you to join us, it is a wonderful way to meet some fantastic people and make new friends. After you read my answers and leave me a comment, (lol) you can hop over and grab the questions and answer them on your blog. Make sure you link up at Lid’s so we all can get to know you a little better too.

OK Here We Go…

1. Would you rather host party or simply attend a party?

Host a party! I love all the preparations and getting it all together! That is half the fun!

2. Tell us about the most memorable party you've been to.

My daughter threw me a 50th Birthday Party 3 years ago in Arkansas. My hubby was in on it also. It was pretty special, and a total surprise. They did good, even though there was a lot of black floating around.

3. What is one thing you hope for in the after-life?

I hope to eventually see all my family and friends there. But gosh can you imagine… seeing Jesus face to face! What will we feel? How will we react? I can only imagine!


4. What do you enjoy most about sunshine?

The warm fuzzy feeling it gives. Happiness!

5. When you attend a bridal/baby shower, do you prefer to bring your own gift or chip in with others to buy a larger gift?

I usually like to do my own thing. I get pretty creative with gifts. I do go in with my daughter sometimes, she is creative when it comes to gifts also.

6. Would you rather have a FREE week of having your house cleaned or all of your meals cooked for you and your family?

I would think probably house cleaning. I hate to clean house, but I love to cook. So yeah definitely house cleaning. However, Patt does all of our cleaning and cooking.

7. What song describes your mood today?

Yesterday was kind of a rough day for me. Just one of those down in the dumps days, but today, today is different… THERE IS STILL HOPE!



8. What is something you received for your own bridal shower/wedding that you still own or use? (If you are not married, feel free to sub a gift you received a long time ago.)

We have several frames sitting around that I received at my bridal shower at work. A few honeymoon pictures are in them.

9. Your favorite flavor of ice cream is?

Rocky Road – hmmmm I could relate my life to that…lolol

10. When was the last time you felt "tested?"

With two grown women living in the same house it happens occasionally. It is just hard at times because we both have our own ideas and beliefs. I have to remind her once in awhile she is not my momma! For the inquiring minds, Patt my husband’s niece, who is 7 years older than myself, lives with us. All in all we do pretty good!

11. "[Fill in the blank] is a food that once I start eating I find really hard to stop."

“Orange Slices” – and like a dummy I picked a bag up today. Enough said…

12. "-----" is the best motivation.

“An upcoming trip to Arkansas” makes me want to get things done. It makes time pass quickly.

And that’s all folks…

We are off to Omaha probably Thursday for a few days. They are still trying to get Fred’s funeral arranged. Hopefully it will be Friday.

until next time...nel

Here and There...

Wow, I think I have a minute to breathe. We had a wonderful time in Arkansas. Wish we could of stayed longer. The decoration was nice even though it rained us out. I got to see a few cousins I had not seen in awhile.

Then last night we went to the graduation. It was so refreshing to see that their school was still letting them have prayer before it started and before in ended. By the way they loved the video!

We are back on the road probably Monday for Omaha. Stan was a court appointed guardian for an elderly friend, who was a cousin of his deceased wife. He passed away this week, a massive stroke. His stepsons said the funeral would probably be Tuesday or Wednesday. Fred had no other relatives, which is sad.

Ok let’s change the tone. I was pleased to receive a comment from Karen at Hallelujah Anyhow! that I had received an award. Karen is a sweetheart. If you have never stopped by her corner in blogland, go check her out. You will not regret it!

Here it is:


This award was a total surprise and touched my heart. Thank you Karen! Now I am supposed to list 10 things that I love and then share this with 10 other bloggers . My first thought was only 10? But we have to abide by the guidelines, or at least we should try.

So… here we go!

I Love:
1. Jesus Christ my Rock and Redeemer!
2. My hubby, my best friend and lover all in one!
3. My family, all my family!
4. All my friends
5. My church family
6. That I live in America where we can choose to worship as we please.
7. Photography, enjoying everything God has blessed us with thru pictures
8. Blogging, my avenue to express myself and what I am feeling
9. Making new friends thru blogging
10. Enjoying life!

Now the Lucky 10:

1. Jewel at Down In My Little Valley
2. Christy Rose at The Secret Life of an American Wife and Mom
3. Cathy at Tales of the TCKK Family
4. DUTA at Places with Character
5. Beth at Outnumbered, Three-to-One
6. Joyce at From This Side of The Pond
7. Shannon and Susan at Let The Journey Begin
8. Andrea at Arise 2 Write
9. A Joyful Chaos
10. Robin at Be Still and Know…

I hope all of you will pick up your award and pass it on. It does make you feel good when you receive one, so share the blessing!

Also, I would like to challenge all of you reading this, if you are not acquainted with these blogs, please take the time to visit them and look around. I guarantee you will be blessed!

until next time… nel

It Worked...

Just a quick post to let all of you know the slideshow worked! Thanks for the prayers! I had gotten the new program, and actually my computer was not quite up to snuff on the requirements. But it still worked very slowly! It timed out on me and locked the computer up, but it still rendered the video file. Praise the Lord! So we have Graduation DVD's 10 of them for my nephews' graduation. There were 16 songs and 295 pictures, with wording on 95% of the pics. But it is done! PTL it is done! Thanks everyone, you know that is what is the best about blogging buddies, when you are faced with something, no matter how trivial it may seem, they will be there for you. Lifting your name in prayer! THANKS, but most importantly... Thank you Lord!
See all of you in a week!



Anthony Dylan and Nicholas Gage

until next time... nel

Guess What Time It Is...

Guess what time it is? It’s Random Dozen Time! You can join in the fun also by answering the questions on your blog, then linking up with Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. It’s just that easy, and it is a lot of fun.

And here is what we have this week:

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!

Gosh high school graduation, that was a long time ago. I remember I was so glad to get out of school. I disliked high school and everything that went with it. So I was actually excited to be graduating. I know we had a party for relatives at our house, but other than that I cannot remember a lot about it. And, I do have a few pics on my hard drive, but it is tied up rendering my video file for the slideshow I am doing. My great-nephews are graduating. There are 16 songs and about 295 pics in it. So yeah major production… lol. I love the way that sounds! Anyways, my pictures are on my desktop, so sorry no pics here.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times?

There is always a flashlight in there, hopefully the batteries still work. Guess I need to check those. And I always keep a fleece blanket in the trunk or backseat.

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar?

I really don’t know if they do in Missouri or not. In Arkansas, usually it is a party at the home of the graduate. Sometimes finger food, but a lot of times bar-b-q’s. Wow, seems my calendar is open… shhhh I better not say that too loud.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood.

There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for motherhood. People can tell you but until you experience it, you do not have a clue. If I only can pick one truth about motherhood, I think it would be: Us mommas are like mother hens. You can mess with us but don’t mess with our kids, we will flog you. We are talking major hurt here, and it doesn’t matter how old they get.

5. What was the last thing you broke?

I broke one of my daughter’s wine glasses while washing dishes for her. I was glad it wasn’t anything special. Had me worried for a minute.

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily?

Probably 2 –3 in my name. Sometimes a lot more than that, it depends on the time of month it is.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog?

Yes, but usually order online or by phone.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job?

Stan does the front and side yards and Patt does the back yard. I don't do lawns, he knew that before we married. Now flowerbeds, I love working in a flowerbed, but Patt does these.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home?

Here in Missouri, probably the bedroom. In Arkansas, I would love to redo the bathroom and the kitchen. Would love new fixtures in the bathroom. And the kitchen I am going to decorate and paint in Coca Cola colors. I have a lot of collectibles for the kitchen. And also have my mom’s old white cabinet, that has the flour sifter in it, that I would like to redo and put in the corner with a few of the coke products on it.

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?

Not really, I pick one up every once in awhile, but I usually read the world news and our local news on the internet.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

Definitely, something I have always believed, even before I was a Christian. Now I know who holds tomorrow! And know that He has everything under control!

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Doing the right things, that is what really matters. If you are doing the right thing then you shouldn’t have to worry about doing things right.

And that is all she wrote... well almost. You knew I couldn't quit there, I like to talk to much!

We are Arkansas Bound again; Decorations taking place where Mom and Dad are buried. I always enjoy going to the cemetery at decoration, get to see a lot of relatives. Plus kinda carrying on a tradition, putting flowers out, something my momma did. I did it with her, now my daughter and her daughter do it with me. Hopefully they will continue do so even after I am gone. One can only hope and pray!

Not sure how much blogging time I will get in, I am sure there is a little girl that will need some attention. Imagine that! We will be back a week from Saturday. I also have my pacemaker check in Little Rock next week. I am sure everything will be fine with it. Oh well, hope all of you have a good week!

until next time... nel

Recipes to Share, Among Other Things...

This is a busy week in the Fastenau Household. I am diligently working on a slideshow presentation for my nephews’ graduation. Yes, two of them, actually they are my great nephews. Their dad, Jim, is only seven years younger than me, so I was more like a big sister to him than his aunt. And we were always pretty close. It is really kinda strange Jim’s oldest son, Kyle, is seven years younger than my daughter, and they are also pretty close.

Ok, back to my story, I am putting together a slideshow with 285 pictures and several songs. Their mom wants to play it at their graduation party. I have a new program, and let’s just say it is smarter than I am. But, with God’s help I will get this done. They graduate a week from Friday, but we are Arkansas bound again at the end of this week. Decoration is at the cemetery where Mom and Dad are buried this Sunday. So yes I have limited time, lol. And no I did not procrastinate with this! Geesh! I have been working with it right along. Anyway pray for me please! lolol

Now, on to the good stuff! Several of you requested the Fire and Ice Pickles that I mentioned in an earlier post. Also I am including a recipe out of my Country Woman magazine. Stephen Munro of Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia contributed it. Patt made them the other night, and ohhhh they were soo good! So enjoy ladies and men, we did!

FIRE AND ICE PICKLES

1 – 32 oz sliced dill pickles
2 cups sugar
2 Tblsp Louisiana Hot Sauce
2 tsp crushed red pepper
2 – 3 cloves of garlic

Drain pickles (save your jar). Put pickles into a bowl. Add sugar, hot sauce and crushed pepper. Stir frequently for 2 hours. This will make the juice for the new pickles. Place in jar with 2 – 3 cloves of garlic. Refrigerate for 1 week before eating (Good Luck!).

You can buy whole dill pickles and slice them yourself. And you can cut back on the hot stuff if you prefer. I have fixed them both ways and we prefer the original recipe.

Also, you do not have to wait a week to eat them. We start eating on them the day I make them. They are too good not too. ENJOY!

***Added Note to Pickles. Do not save the original juice, just pour it out.**


HEAVENLY FILLED STRAWBERRIES

1 lb fresh strawberries
2 pkg (one 8 oz and one 3 oz) cream cheese, softened
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
¼ tsp almond extract
Grated chocolate

1. Remove stems from strawberries; cut a deep X in the tip of each berry, being careful not to cut to deep. Gently spread berries open.
2. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and extract until light and fluffy. Pipe or spoon about 2 tsp into each berry; sprinkle with chocolate. Chill until serving. Yield: about 3-dozen.

Note: You can also use a plastic bag to put your cheese mixture in the berry. Place it in the bag and cut the tip off one of the corners and carefully squeeze into berry.


Hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! At 8:45 a.m. my phone rang, and there was a little girl saying, “Hi Granny, Happy Mother’s Day! I love you.” I mean how much better can you get?


“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3

And They Do...

I have had a song going thru my head for several days so I thought I would share it with you. I put together a slideshow for my daughter for Mother’s Day using pictures of Cain and Eden. Oh my gosh, Cain was just 3 years old when he became a part of our family. He was so little! And of course Eden from her first pictures where she is ready to be transported to Children's Hospital, she has come so far and has gotten so big.

Then I look at my daughter, I still remember bringing her home from the hospital like it was yesterday, and I look at the beautiful momma she has become and I smile as I wipe tears. Not tears of sadness but tears of joy. It seems like yesterday that she was the toddler taking every step that I took, watching every move I made. But time rolls on, and they grow up on us, but what memories we do have to hold on to.

Probably a lot of you empty nesters are feeling this also. This song is more country and is now sung by Trace Adkins, but the first time I heard it, Susie Luchsinger, who sings Christian, was performing it. And when I look back at my life as a mom and grandma, I would not be where I am today without His touch in my life. Prayers that were answered, and miracles that happened and I Praise the Lord for all of them! This is not a great video of the song, I could not find Susie performing it, but hey you get what you can. Just ignore the pictures, cause I have no idea who they are. Hope you enjoy the song!



You can hop over to Amy’s at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders to join us for Then Sings My Soul Saturday. It is a lot of fun, and you get to hear some wonderful music! What are you waiting for go check it out and join in the fun! Oh but first, leave me a comment!

until next time… nel

And it's Random Dozen Time again...

It is Random Dozen Time again. Be careful though Lid says she is shooting from the hip. That sounds dangerous! I think she feels like she is beginning to repeat herself at times, but Lid from what I have been told that happens with age, and so does forgetfulness. So the way I see it you can repeat because we have already forgotten it, since we are all getting older, right? Sounds like a pretty good story, I think we need to stick with it!

So here we go...

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated?

I have a book that I am reading, that I need to do a review on. I just have been finding other things to do besides read.

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night?

I have to be honest, usually as soon as I roll over on my stomach I am down for the count. However, the ceiling fan needs to be on along with the big fan. Our bed is wonderful. We invested in a poofy mattress cover, which has a mattress pad under it. Then we have 600ct sheets and a duvet with a generic down comforter in it. It is so comfortable almost like floating on a cloud. And yes usually I sleep through the night, unless I am not feeling good.

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles?

I really am not sure. I have never really gone with the fashion. I am a jeans and t-shirt kind of person, so probably the 70’s. I look for comfort, really never cared if it was in style.

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd?

Either my chili, which everyone loves, or my home made sloppy joes, with my Fire and Ice Pickles on the side. They are both good dishes for crowds!

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?

Not really, usually I think things thru, but today we were in Hobby Lobby and I bought a Krafty Blok, which are the glass square blocks. They were on sale, and I had wanted one to try a craft idea on.

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral?

Do not open the casket at the church. Actually I hope to have everything arranged so if it is just my daughter she will not have to deal with it alone.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today?

It must be pretty joyful, more than I realize. A very simple day, we did grocery shopping for the month but other than that it was quite simple. Just spending time with my hubby.

8. What is your favorite type of bread?

Panera has a twisted Italian loaf that I have become pretty fond of. Actually let’s be realistic, I LOVE ALL BREAD!!! Ohhhh fresh yeast rolls… mmmm!

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.)

Grumpiness – A lot of people as they age they tend to get grumpy. Nothing is the same as it used to be, they are not happy with anything. They see fault with everything. My mom was like that, and it was hard to deal with at times. And I do not want to burden my daughter or my granddaughter with that kind of attitude. I want to be happy and be thankful for all the time I am given.

Also forgetfulness scares me. My dad had senile dementia… enough said!

10. What trait would you like most to develop?

The ability to follow thru. I have a lot of ideas and a lot of things I want to try, but I put them on the back burner. A lot of projects I have started or have the items to start them. Hmmmm can we say PROCRASTINATION. lol

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?

Here in Willard, probably our bedroom, there are a few things I would like to change, and will in time. It is my room of comfort!

In Arkansas, at our little house, the living room best reflects my personality. It is country; there are several antique items that were my mom’s. A cane bottom rocking chair with my wedding ring quilt that she made draped over the back. It is very warm and cheery and homey! Comfortable!

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging?

I am lucky; when I remarried I did not have to work. I basically do whatever I want, so it is pretty easy to maintain balance. Maybe lucky is not the word for it, I like BLESSED better!

Ok that is it for this week. If you would like to join us link up with Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee. You will be glad you did! And you get to meet all kinds of fun people like me...

FYI – I think I am finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am not coughing as much and it is a much looser cough. The sneezing has stopped. Life is starting to look normal again!

until next time... nel

CSI Little Rock...

That is about how I feel. I have been under the weather since returning home from Arkansas. Last Thursday I went to the doctor and found out I have a sinus infection and a touch of bronchitis. I am taking 1750 mg of Amoxcillin daily, along with my zyrtec and cough syrup. So I have been kinda out of it.

However I know all of you have been curious about our CSI:Little Rock. Well hold on to your seats I am about to tell you how it went down.

Ok so much for the drama. It was actually kinda scary. We were in Little Rock to do our March for Babies Walk, which got rained out. About 30 minutes after it was cancelled the sun came out and it was a beautiful day to do some shopping, that is what us girls are supposed to do, right?

We made our rounds to the different stores at the different malls and we had one last stop to make… Toys R Us! We had a 3 ½ yr old with us remember?

As we pulled into the parking lot, we couldn’t help but notice two police cars sitting at odd angles by a red tractor-trailer cab. It was a fairly new cab; there was no name on the passenger side, not sure on the driver’s side. But what was really strange there was the yellow and black tape stretched around the truck to the cop cars. It said Do Not Cross Crime Scene. There were no other vehicles just those.

Of course, we thought that was kinda strange, and a little scary. We thought maybe someone had gotten sick, or was too drunk too drive the options were numerous. As we made our way in the store we commented that if bullets started flying we would need to hit the deck. We were laughing at the situation but I think it was nervous laughter.

We were in the store about 45 minutes and when we arrived back at our car, there were a few more vehicles surrounding the truck cab. There was an ambulance, without lights on, and another van. We did not have a real good view but we could tell they did have a stretcher out. I drove to the end of the parking lot and came back up that aisle. The other van was actually the county coroner. Not only did they have a stretcher out but they had a body bag, and yes we seen them carrying the bag to the van. The car got very quiet; it was like it almost took our breath away.

You know we joke and we laugh, but this is stuff you see on TV, we're not supposed to see it in our world. We couldn’t help but wonder what had happened. We prayed for his family, if he had family. We prayed for all those involved. We prayed for our safety. When you are faced with something like that it kinda slaps you in the face and makes you realize how much times have changed.

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16