Looking back...

Just wanted to take a few minutes and wish everyone a Happy New Year! My prayer is that God will wrap His loving arms around you this next year and give you peace and that feeling that you know He is there. I pray if you do not know Jesus as your personal savior that this will be the year that He becomes real to you. Trust me there is no feeling quite like it.

Looking back over the year, what a year it was. We had our good times and our not so good times. As most of you know Family means everything to me. My Hubby, grandkids and daughter are my world. We enjoy the time we get to spend with the kids.

We enjoyed a week in Panama City Beach in a condo right on the beach thanks to a cousin and her husband! Our original plans were to spend it with my daughter and her family but as we know at times plans do get changed. Due to Janice’s health her and Clint did not get to join us, but being the wonderful grandparents we are (or maybe a better word is crazy…lol) we enjoyed the week with Eden Jade and Cain. We had a wonderful time, laughed a lot, and cried a little, made memories we will never forget. What more can you ask for? I have to admit Granny and Papa Stan were exhausted when we made it home.

As I said Janice and Clint could not join us due to her health. The first episode she had she thought she was having a heart attack, so off to the ER they went. They could not find anything so they requested that she see a cardiologist. This began a long 4 months of tests, and diet changes and medicines. She was scheduled to have a pacemaker put in, actually was at the hospital, with IV’s in all prepped for surgery when the doctor came in and said he could not do it. She had not passed out completely so the insurance would not pay for it. Yes we were upset, disappointed, agitated, all of the above, but what we did not realize was prayers were being answered. We had been praying that whatever it took please help her to get back her much needed energy and health. After that roadblock she decided to start from scratch and found her a regular doctor. The doctor took a full blood panel and started from square one. From there she did a glucose test… guess what Jan is hypoglycemic and low on Vitamin D. Thank you Lord! With diet change and taking Vitamin D supplements she is feeling so much better. Granted she has a bad day once in awhile but we all do. It is so great to see the spring back in her step and the sparkle in her eye and I have to tell you this momma is smiling a lot. Yes, she still has a problem with her heart, but a lot of people do and never even realize it. If she would have had the pacemaker it would not of made a difference in the way she was feeling. Thank you Lord for always watching out for us.

These last few weeks of the year have been tough, I lost my Aunt Maxine. She was my mom’s youngest sister, the only one that was left. She was like my 2nd mom. She lived at Appleton, where we have our little house (used to be my mom’s); it is our home away from home. She always knew when she passed if the porch light was on we were in town and we would be visiting in a day or two. We had such a good time visiting with her; I already miss that! She was 86 years old, still lived alone and still drove herself wherever she wanted to go. Her mind was sharp, she answered so many questions I had about family history and gave me names for pictures that were mom’s so I could write them on the back. I hope and pray when I am 86 I am as sharp as she was.
When they had the viewing at the funeral home, 130 people signed the book, and we are sure there were several who did not. What a testimony that is, Aunt Maxine was a kind good-hearted woman who loved her family and friends more than anything else. Her husband Doyle Dean passed away in 1985 on December 19, the day before their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Aunt Maxine passed away 26 years later on December 19th. At the cemetery her kids and grandkids gathered to pay their respect and there was not a dry eye anywhere, she will be missed because everyone loved her and she loved everyone.

Don’t you know there was some kind of Reunion going on in Heaven on the 19th!

until next time... nel

Merry Christmas To You...

Just wanted to wish all my blogging friends and all who read my blog a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  We are in Arkansas for a few days enjoying the kids.  Hope you have a great one!
until next time... nel

Christmas Hodgepodge Style...

Christmas Hodgepodge Style, that almost sounds like it needs to be a song or a dance.  It is that fun time again, if you would like to join in just click the button above and swing over to Joyce's place.  Grab those questions then link up after you answer them so we can all learn more about you too.  Of course first you might want to read my answers... or else!

Here we go folks...

1.  Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house?  If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

The Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Area and sometimes the office gets decorations around here.  We did not even pull them all out this year but it still looks festive!

2.  If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

I really think probably Sweden.  I would like to see the Alps, talk about pictures!

3.  What does the word faith mean to you?

Wow...  Believing in something you cannot see but knowing with all your heart and soul it is real with no doubts!

4.  You can go back to your childhood for one day... what day and age would you choose?

I cannot think of one day in particular, but I would love to go back to life when we lived on the farm. We moved when I was 7 years old.  I was 3 years old in the picture and had my best friend Penney with me.  We were inseparable, spent a lot of time running around enjoying life not a care in the world!  Good times and wonderful memories.  When I hear Miranda Lambert's song The House That Built Me it always takes me back to life at home.  I know some of you do not like country but if you have never heard this song listen to the words, guarantee it will take you back too.

5.  When did you last have 'punch'?  If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.
Gosh it has been a long time, probably a baby shower or wedding shower 2 or 3 years ago.  My favorite recipe was given to my by a dear friend of mine before she passed away in 1999.  This is good stuff!

PINEAPPLE SLUSH

2 (46 oz) cans pineapple juice
2 tsp vanilla
½ small bottle lemon juice concentrate
4 cups sugar
4 Tbsp almond extract
Add enough water to make 2 gallons. Freeze. Thaw for 3 hours before serving.

Patsy Athey

6.  Do you fill stockings at your house?  Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?
No we do not do stockings, I always did before I remarried.  We usually always opened them before the bigger gifts.  After Jan married we would do them usually sometime on Christmas day.

7.  What takes your breath away?
My hubby can walk up behind me and kiss me on the neck and still take my breath away.  

8.  Random Thought
I would like to thank those who prayed for my Aunt, please continue to pray for her children.  She is still in the hospital, however they have called Hospice in.  Her body is beginning to shut down.  Please continue to remember them.

until next time... nel

Already Monday...

 

What?  Monday already? I believe it is and it is time for Meet Me On Monday.  If you would like to join in just click the button and grab the questions to answer on your blog then link up so we can all enjoy your answers and learn more about you. It is a lot of fun and what a great way to meet new friends.  So here we go...

1. Tomorrow I'm going to _________?
I think I am going to try and put our Christmas tree up along with some of the other decorations.  Next Monday we will be traveling to Arkansas, our home away from home.  I will have to put the little tree up there and the village.  You got to have decorations for the grandkids.

2. Pudding or Jello?
I prefer pudding, but I will eat jello as long as it does not have anything in it.  My mom was famous for putting fruit cocktail in it, or cottage cheese.  YUCK!

3. What book are you currently reading?
I am reading My Life and Lesser Catastrophes by Christian Schofield.  It is one of my books for review from Bethany House Publishers.

4. What is the first concert you went to see?
Seals and Crofts - approx 1976 at a theater in the round in a suburb of Chicago.  Gotta love some Seals and Crofts...




5. What is your current weather?
Cold but warmer that it was and not near as cold as it is going to get.  How is that for confusing you?  No Seriously it is... 36 and clear right now, supposed to get up in the 60's by Wednesday with some rain.  We never know, it changes all the time.

That's it folks....

until next time... nel

Special Request...

Please remember my Aunt in prayer.  I blogged about her here.  She is in the hospital tonight.  She had a bad stroke.  I am not sure all the details but it does not look good.  Please remember her and her family in prayer! 
Thank you!

until next time... nel

Am I Supposed To Be Shopping...

It's time for that wonderful Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Joyce tried to convince us it would be a nice break from shopping... gosh Joyce that is already done!  And I love it!  Yeah I know I can hear all the boos and hisses I am getting but I am finished except for one frame I have to pick up!  I am waiting on some packages but they should be here this week. I can't believe it... I might need to check my list again.  lol

On to the moment you have been waiting on - Here It Is:

1.  Will you be hosting any house guests between now and the end of December?  Does that though make you happy or crazy?  Do you do anything special for your guest to make them feel at home?  How long should a house guest stay?
I am not aware of any guests coming, I wish they were.  We will be in Arkansas the week before Christmas and a few days after, I am sure our grandkids will spend some time with us.  When I do have guests I try to make them feel at home, and I think how long they should stay depends on the guest. ...just saying!  lol

2.  Walter Elias Disney was born this week (December 5) back in 1905...what's your all time favorite Disney movie?
Wow this is a hard one, there are so many.  I have to admit I have watched more Disney shows as an adult than I ever did as a child.  Disney was just not a big deal in our family.  We are a member of the Disney Club so we have quite the collection for the grandkids.  I think my all time favorite is Lady and the Tramp.  I did not realize the first one came out in 1955.  I love the movie Tangled and Gnomeo and Juliet.  There are so many Disney Movies that are great!

3.  What was the last thing you purchased that you realized was a mistake after the fact?
I have a membership with SMC and I placed an order and realized afterwards I used a the wrong ship to address.  I must of pressed the drop ship button and it is addressed to my daughter's address so I had to cancel it and reorder. :(

4.  What percentage of your Christmas shopping is done online?
I would say probably 95% of it and I must say I am finished, just waiting on delivery!

5.  Amaryllis-snowdrop-poinsettia...your favorite winter blossom?
I think poinsettia, there is something about seeing a poinsettia that just screams Christmas. 

6.  What is one thing on your personal Christmas wish list?  I think we all want peace on earth so let's make this answer an actual item.
I actually blogged about this here.  Short version Christmas Blessing Bags for those standing on the street corners.

7.  If you could only use one word today what would it be?
Thank-you.  Notice I used the hyphen to make it one word.  lol.  There are so many things we should be thankful for.  The word Thank-you could be used for so many things and directed to so many individuals.  But most of all Thank-you Lord for always being there and blessing my life more than I even realize!

8.  Random Thought:  Did you notice how I managed to squeeze in more than one Disney movie...lol.   Isn't life great?  I am so glad my daughter is doing so much better however please remember miss Eden Jade.  She went to the doctor yesterday and it seems she has walking pneumonia.  Not a real bad case but she is not feeling the best.  Hopefully the 3 days of antibiotics will knock it out of her.

I guess that about sums it up.  If you would like to join in just click on the Hodgepodge button above and grab the questions to answer.  Don't forget to link up so we can enjoy your answers too. 

until next time... nel

Trying Something Knew...

I have seen this before on different blogs and decided I would join in.  Kathy at Reflections by Kathy does this one each week.  These are always a great way of meeting new friends.  So if you would like to join in just click the button above and it will take you over to Never Growing Old and you can grab the questions, then link up.  So here goes...

Questions:1. Monday's are _________?
Usually a day of relaxing.  A lot of times I do our laundry on Mondays, basically we just do whatever comes our way.  I am really getting used to this married life of not having to work.  It is kinda nice not to have a schedule and rush through life getting things done.  lol  What am I talking about I meet myself coming and going... the only difference it is usually fun things, things I want to do.
2. What is your favorite kind of milkshake?
Vanilla, hands down.  I am not a chocolate person, at least not a lot at one time.  A small Wendy's Chocolate Frosty is about as big as you are going to see me with and sometimes I can't finish that - but ohhh they are soooo good!
3. What monthly bill do you most dislike paying?
The Dish Bill.  It just gripes me to pay that much money and when you are looking for something good to watch you cannot find anything. 
4. How many email addresses do you use on a regular basis?
Too many!  I have 2 with yahoo that I use the most, then I have 2 with GMail for my blogs, then we have one for our Ebay selling.
5. What color lights are on your Christmas Tree?
Usually multi colored, I am sorry to say we still do not have our decorations up, it seems the time slips by before we realize it.  I like either multi or the clear, I think the trick is several sets.  We even wrap the inside pole, then put the tree together, then the outside lights.  What a difference it can make.

Ok that about sums it up, that was fun.  As you can tell I love to talk, as my hubby says sometimes too much.  Join in and you can have fun too!

until next time... nel

A Moment In Time...

Once in awhile in the midst of our busy lives something we do or something or someone we encounter takes us back in time.  To a Moment in Time, one that for whatever reason has memories that we hold dear to our heart.

I encountered one of these times this last week.  I made a doll quilt for Eden Jade.  The material has squares of different colors and appears to be a quilt block, so of course that was a lot easier.  Instead of quilting it by hand I used my sewing machine and also attached the binding.  I did finish it (fold the binding over and sew down) by hand and I must say it turned out really cute.  I know Eden Jade will love it.  There are a couple of pictures below of the finished product.

While I was working on this project I was taken back to moments in my childhood and in my teen years.  Mom was quite the quilter in our family.  She was always piecing and quilting.  I ran across a box full of pieced blocks not long ago that brought tears to my eyes.  She would sit for hours cutting out blocks and sewing them together and eventually quilting them. 

As I was growing up I remember thinking if she would only match her colors better she could sell her quilts for mega bucks.  But you know what I love my mismatched quilts that cry out my mom's name and I would not take a thousand dollars for any of them. 

As I was stitching down the binding on the doll quilt with my hands getting tired holding it, I thought how in the world did she hold those big ones and sew them and never complained.  I tell you how, a lot of love went into her quilts.  I sat there the other night and glanced at the one I have draped over the chair in our bedroom, there is no pattern to this particular quilt.  Each piece is a different size and it is all sewed together to form the quilt.  There are some big squares and some smaller ones along with rectangular shapes.  Looking closer though I realized each one of those pieces are made from dresses or blouses I remember mom wearing when I was little.  It actually is not quilted it is tacked with yarn which goes a lot faster.  I am almost sure if I took it apart inside I would find probably an old blanket instead of cotton batting.  You see to me this quilt tells a story.  A story of a lady who was making covers to keep her family warm during a time when money was tight.  She cut up some of her dresses and blouses to make the quilt top and put it together quickly.  A story of a lady who would do anything for her family.

I remember as I got older she always wanted me to quilt with her, but it just was not something that interested me.  I didn't ever have the patience to do a quilt, it was so big and took so long.  I wish now I would of joined in that might of brought us closer.  I can also remember those dang quilting frames hanging in the living room.  I was so excited when I was in 3rd grade we moved to Northlake and we had a basement.  Unfortunately they were hung above the pool table and as I grew up I looked at it as an embarrasement.  Ohhh I would give anything to have her and her quilting frames in my living room right now.  Funny how our outlooks change as we grow older.  I know in my heart as I finished Eden's doll quilt she was smiling from above and I know she will tell me what a great job I did at a later moment in time.

"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

until next time... nel

My Christmas List...

I have something I want to share that has been on my heart lately.  First let me make something clear, I am sharing this because it helps me to think things through, it is not for praise.  My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I first told him I was not sure.  So I started thinking about different things but really could not come up with anything.  I am so blessed and he loves to spoil throughout the year, so my list did not amount to anything... and then I received a catalog from World Vision.  Yeah it felt like maybe that was the answer.  I told him two ducks and three chickens.  He kinda gave me that look, you know the look, where they think you have gone off the deep end.  I still liked the idea but there was this feeling of needing to do something closer to home.

Yesterday while on Pinterest I seen an idea - Blessing Bags.  You can see more information on these at this link:  KWAVS.  Maybe some of you had heard about these before but I had never seen them.  What a great idea!  Not only am I going to fix a few special Christmas ones I am going to fix some smaller ones and keep them in the car to hand out at different times.  We are always getting soaps and amenities when we stay different places and usually I give those to the Women's shelter, but this would be another great way of using them. 

My heart always goes out to the homeless especially during the Christmas season.  It would be so sad not to have a family or a home, and yes there are a lot who take advantage of people and for no better word are panhandlers, but among those if there is one person that you can help or touch or witness to isn't it worth it?

So for my Christmas List, I am going to the Dollar Store and buying a few pair of warm socks, and gloves.  Maybe some Christmas Candy, some personal items (e.g. deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash) and hopefully a small Bible and place these in a Christmas Bag.  If you have any other ideas please include them in the comments.  This my Christmas List from my hubby.

"And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?  He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise."  Luke 3:11

until next time... nel

Hodgepodge Vol 55

Gosh I am not even sure I remember how to do this, it has been so long.  It sure does feel good to be back.  Wednesday Hodgepodge is very entertaining and it is a great way to meet new friends.  So just hop in and join the fun.


1.  Do you send Christmas cards?  If so about how many will you send this year?  How do you display the cards you receive?  Or don't you?
Yes we usually do.  Between the two of us there is probably close to 100.  He has several working buddies and family and I have a slew of friends and family from Arkansas.  We usually receive around 75 and yes we do display them.  I have a stand that has a sleigh and reindeer and has a stiff wire between the two.  In this you place the cards.  It is very pretty when filled.


2.  When do kids become adults?
This is a hard one because I think it depends on the kids,  but usually I would say when they turn 18 or 21 it is time to start treating them as adults.  They need to learn how to figure life out on their own.  I think our job is to be there if they ask for advice or if they need help.  


3.  Does your beauty regimen change with the seasons?
I would say the only change I really make is more moisturizer and lotion.  My skin becomes very dry during the winter.


4.  What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?
If my mom was still living I would probably say turnip greens or poke salad.  She loved cooking these and I enjoyed eating them once in awhile with fried potatoes and cornbread, not corncake, cornbread, no sugar added.  Nothing like southern cooking.  Now I would say probably orange slice candy and saltine crackers.  They are so good together, have that sweet and salt thing going on.  Ohhh thought of another one, mustard on my scrambled eggs.  Don't knock it until you try it.


5.  Gloves or mittens?
I have a pair of leather gloves that my hubby bought me that I absolutely love.


6.  What's the longest queue that you've ever been in?  Was it worth it?
Probably the longest one was waiting to eat at Lambert's Cafe in Ozark MO.  We waited for an hour and a half.  It was definitely worth it.  I might mention Lambert's is the home of the throwed rolls.  Here is the link:  Lambert's Cafe

7.  Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?
We are going to take a day trip over to the Precious Moments Chapel at Carthage, Missouri.  They have decorations and lights outside in the park area.  We have never been there during the Christmas season, so I think it will be exciting.  I am like a kid when it comes to Christmas Decorations.  We also want to go in and talk to someone about older PM pieces.  We are looking for a new book listing all of the pieces.  We sell older Precious Moment figurines, and are listed as an secondary-market seller.  We receive quite a few calls concerning these so an updated book would be beneficial.


8.  Random Thought
I have so many random thoughts rolling around in my head it makes me dizzy at times.  I have a picture that I would like to share.  It is of my mom's baby sister and Eden Jade.  My Aunt was the youngest of nine kids and the only one still living.  She is 86 years old and still living and driving on her own.  She did have a stint put in 5 days before I took this picture, but is doing great.  She is such a hoot, she told her grandkids when they were at the hospital that night that they could all go home.  She was not planning on dying yet.  I hope and pray when I am 86 I can get around as good as she can and be as sharp as she is.  She amazes me at times and holds a very special place in my heart.

That's all folks!  Now just click on the button above and join in, you know you want too!


until next time... nel

Put Another Log On The Fire...

Brrrr...  It's cold out there!  But it is the end of November, right?  I guess it is time.  Christmas is around the corner - 26 days.  Where has the time gone?  I was always told time flies when you are having fun - dang, I must be having a blast, a whole lot more than I realized.  lol.  

We had a wonderful time in Arkansas!  I would like to thank all of you that were praying for my daughter.  She is doing great, like night and day.  She found out she was hypoglycemic and was low on Vitamin D.  So with changing her diet and taking vitamin supplements she is getting her energy back.  She is even getting the sparkle back in her eyes.  Praise the Lord!  This momma is so happy!

Today I have been working on genealogy.  I have been working on a puzzle that appeared to be missing some pieces.  However after writing the information on the census sheets and looking at it all together I have figured out part of it.  I found out a few years ago from a cousin that my mom's grandma Creacy was actually her step grandma.  No one knew the real grandma's name until my mom's sister found an affidavit of when her real grandma and grandpa married.  Her name was Martha Boland.  My hubby and I got a copy of the 1883 marriage certificate from the courthouse in Arkansas.  It is soooo cool!  My mom never mentioned it, or if she did I did not listen.  Oh how I wish I would of listened more.  Anyway I could not find any information on their grandpa besides his name until today.  He was a Henderson.  He remarried when my granny was 11.  No one knows what happened to her mom Martha, that is another trail I have to follow at a later date. 

After my g-grandpa William remarried, my granny lived with her grandpa and grandma and their last name was Plunkett.  At first I thought maybe that was Martha's mom and dad, but was not sure where the Boland came in.  Looking closer at several census records I am almost positive that Mary Plunkett was his mom.  William was 5 years old when they married. He is listed as the Plunkett's son on several different census'.  So John was his step dad.  John is even listed as a witness on my great grandparent's marriage license.  My puzzle now is figuring out who Will's dad was.  Was his mom previously married?  This is possible since she was 30 years old when she married John.  Questions, questions, questions...  

That is what is going on in my corner of the world today, how about yours, what is going on in your corner?  Genealogy is alot of fun, it does take alot of time and research, and it is very addicting.  You should give it a try!

Just a reminder 26 days until Christmas!  Is your shopping done?   :)

until next time... nel

Just Wanted To Say...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A special wish to all those who read my blog and to my special bloggy friends!  You are the best!  Headed back home Saturday after a wonderful week in Arkansas... yes I am smiling!   Have a great day and have fun making memories!

until next time... nel

Over The Top in Kansas City...

Before I really get started I must apologize for being M.I.A. in blog land.  I feel like I have been meeting myself coming and going.  What free time I have had I have not felt like sitting in front of the computer, the sewing machine has been my friend lately.  Okay enough of that let's get to what this post is really about... and yes it is going to be long, you know how I love to talk!

On November 4th and 5th I had the privilege of attending the Women of Faith conference in Kansas City, MO entitled "Over The Top."  What a joy and blessing it was!  We were laughing one moment and crying the next.

Unfortunately the speaking schedule had to be changed due to Marilyn Meberg being under the weather.  We missed you Marilyn and hope and pray you are feeling better.  I have to say your cohorts regrouped nicely and schedules were adjusted.

What a blessing this weekend was from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon it was awesome!  The Worship Team consisted of Kara Tualatai, Hope Darst, Michelle Swift and Jovaun Woods.  They started us off with praise songs and continued various times throughout the conference.  There is something about 6000 women lifting their voices and hearts to God.  He was there, you could feel his spirit all around us.  On the choruses they would hold the microphone towards the audience so we could be heard.  The only way I can describe it is that is how I imagine the angels singing in Heaven sounds.  It was beautiful.  We were singing praise songs to Jesus but the song that kept going through my head was There's a sweet sweet spirit in this place and I know that it's the spirit of the Lord... as I wiped tears and recovered from cold chills.  What a blessing!

Patsy Clairmont was our first speaker.  What can I say about Patsy, she can have you laughing one minute and wiping tears the next. Patsy shared her life with us ups and downs.  

There are 3 things we need to do every morning: 1) We need to say Yes to God.  He has an adventure waiting for us, whatever the day might bring, we need to remember He is with us.  2)  We need to Thank God, for all He has done for us and for all he is going to do.  3) We need to be able to say No sometimes, not no to God but no to the people around us who tries to pull us from God's agenda.  We need to learn to have a Heart Attitude of Grattitude.  We need to remember behavior is louder than what we say!  Sometimes we just need to shut up in Jesus' name.  We all have stained glass hearts, they have been broken and devastated at times, but when we let God shine through it is beautiful, like a masterpiece.

Andy Andrews thought he was special by being the only male speaker but believe me that is not what made him special.  What a man of God!  He is a wonderful motivational speaker. 
We need to invest in ourselves, we control the input, what we watch, what we listen to, where we go are a vew examples.  We need to live our life purposefully.  Our purpose is not yet fulfilled, the best is yet to come.  As long as we are still breathing that is proof of Hope.  We need to remember that everything we do matters but so does everything we don't do.  God gave the birds worms to eat but He did not put them in their nest.  Instead of sitting back and letting life pass us by we need to find our passion.  Perspective is more important than answers, where is our perspective?  One of Andy's secrets he shares is you need to always smile while you are talking, this will make a difference in the way people see you.

Lisa Whelchel was a well known figure in our household.  I don't think we missed an episode of Facts of Life where she played Blair.  Lisa grew up on the set of Facts of Life, that is why she realized when that part of her life was over she did not really have any friends and she wanted so bad to have friends.
Lisa had several important points:  1) To have a friend you have to be one.  Do not place expectations on people, just accept what they have.  2) Find a friend who has it all together - then run.  If you feel they tend to be perfect they are going to expect you to be perfect too.  3) An imperfect person can turn into the perfect friend.  4) A real friend listens hears and recieves you - they don't try to fix you.  We need to remember God sees us, hears us and still draws closer when we mess up if we let Him.

Brenda Warner has a wonderful testimony of God's love and how He has always been there through times of testing and tragedy. 
At 18 Brenda was serving as a US Marine Semper Fi.  She is married to Kurt Warner who is a retired NFL superstar.  Her life has taken her down many roads of sorrow and loss.  She has faced many challenges and continues with God by her side.  She pointed out that our circumstances to not determine who we are.  We have the choice of what we do with those circumstances, how we face them.  At times we are faced with choices we have to make; do we wallow in self pity or do we worship God no matter what?  Brenda is a wonderful courageous speaker!

Deborah Joy Winans (neice of CeCe) was on the Drama Team.  She did a wonderful job and had us laughing and then wiping tears the next moment.  She is an extremely talented lady!  And we were so excited she announced her engagement to the Women of Faith team on Friday.  Congratulations Deborah!

Sandi Patty also shared her lifestory and worshipped with us in song.  She is such a talented beautiful lady inside and out.

Mandesa is a talented young lady also.  She was a finalist on American Idol and has come a long way since singing in her bathroom using her curling iron for a microphone.  She mentioned that she can see the work God is doing in her heart and you can tell by her singing.  Wow!  You can hear Stronger from her album What if We Were Real here. 

Amy Grant one of my all time favorite singers during the time I was a youth leader at our church put on a fabulous concert.  She is such a special lady and so down to earth!  You can listen to Better Than a Hallelujah from her CD entitled Somewhere Down The Road here.  This is one of my favorite songs.

And of course we have to mention Anna Trent, she was our announcer and by the way just happens to be Sandi Patty's daughter.  She did a wonderful job!  Yeah Anna!

We received an added blessing by meeting Lynda Randle.  She is a sweetheart and such a woman of God.  She is a wonderful singer and has appeared on several of the Gaither Homecoming Videos. We were so excited to have our picture made with her.

What a weekend!  If you ever get a chance to attend a Women of Faith Conference do not let the chance pass you by, grab it!  All of you people behind the scenes did a wonderful job getting this together!  You are awesome!

I would like to personally thank Book Sneeze a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing for this opportunity.  I review books for Book Sneeze and had the opportunity to enter my name in for 2 free tickets.  The only stipulation was to review the conference on my blog which is an honor!  You guys rock!

Here is a slideshow of the pictures I took.  Hope you enjoy them.



until next time... nel

Blog Catch-Up Post #1

I am going to try my best to catch up on my blog this week. I have not posted about our wonderful anniversary adventure. We had such a good time. I love getting away and just enjoying life. We stayed at a wonderful place; it was nestled in the trees and hills on northern edge of Branson. It was a Bed and Breakfast, but we opted out on the breakfast. You can check it out by clicking on the name: Aunt Sadies Bed and Breakfast.

We stayed in the Hideaway on the end of the main house. The room was beautifully decorated and very clean. The hot tub on the screened in porch was an added amenity, one that we enjoyed every night.  Everyone was very friendly and the surrounding area was so peaceful, very homey and country! Here are a few pictures:

This pear tree was close to our room unfortunately it was behind a fence, it just looked so inviting. I am sure that was why the fence was up it looked inviting to the deer also. We did not get to see any deer while we were there, probably because we did not get out of bed early enough…lolol.

This was an old cream separator that they were using for a planter. A nice added touch! The sign on it said “While you’re here as our guest, may you find peace and rest.”

Another touch of country…

I thought this was a beautiful lamp.

The yard was a wildlife sanctuary, especially for the birds.

The hummingbirds were fun to watch. They were going at it all day long. This is one of many pictures I took of them.

This feeder was filled every morning and by dusk it was empty.

Every bird needs a church.

This was a neat flower made out of thin metal.

I loved this; it was on the end of the main house.

We were very pleased with our stay and would recommend it to anyone.  Next post will be about the wonderful shows we attended.

until next time...nel

Be still...

I want to apologize in the beginning for this long post, but I just felt led to share what was on my heart...

Have you ever taken a step back and looked at the situation and realized your prayers were being answered but you were not listening? I am sure we have all done this more times than we would like to admit. We get caught up in the moment and human nature takes over and we forget to listen. We forget to listen to that small but oh so big voice that tries to guide us the way we need to go.
“Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalm 46:10a

As a lot of you know my daughter has been dealing with some health problems. About 4 months ago she was bowling with her family and friends when she started feeling funny. Actually she thought she was having a heart attack, so off to the ER they went. Thank God it was not a heart attack but they did think it was something to do with the heart. After many tests they decided she had this syndrome with a big long name, but basically it is where your brain and heart are not communicating properly and your blood pressure drops and you feel like you are going out. This is one of those syndromes that sometimes people have and do not realize it until it suddenly shows up. Basically there are three ways to correct this, 1) with diet change (lots of salt) 2) medicine or 3) a pacemaker. She had been having other symptoms also: just a yucky feeling, and no energy at all. They tried the diet change, but it did not make a difference, she could not handle the medicine because of the side effects it caused, so all that was left was the pacemaker. There was another important factor several times during this period her potassium level showed up as being low. Unfortunately she did not have a general physician, the one we had used for years had retired.

I want you to remember this has been 4 months my daughter has been dealing with these issues, and this momma has been worried. Key word worried, why do we worry? God has it under control; there were a lot of people praying for her. But again human nature takes over, I think us mommas just think we should be able to fix everything and if we can’t we worry about it.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Let’s fast forward to a week and a half ago, on a Thursday; she was scheduled for a pacemaker in Little Rock. She was ready for the surgery, x-rays were taken, blood was drawn, heart monitor was on, iv was inserted, the nurse came in and said all they were waiting on was the doctor. Five minutes later he came in and told us he was not doing the surgery, when they ran it through their program it kicked out that the insurance would not pay for it because she had not completely passed out. Unbelievable… or that was my thoughts at the time, I bit my tongue while he was talking, just could not believe this was happening. So we did the only thing we could do we left. My daughter handled it very well, she did not get upset, and they made a few phone calls to the insurance hoping to get something worked out.

My daughter and I were talking a few days later and we talked about how we believe that everything always happens for a reason, God is in control. Our prayers were answered, we had been praying that the Lord would take care of her and whatever she needed he would see to it. Evidently she does not need a pacemaker at this time, perhaps that pacemaker would not help with the sluggish worn out feelings, perhaps that has to do with the potassium levels. She has an appointment with a GP Thursday, they are going to start with new blood work ups and check everything.

It is so hard to see your kids hurting and feeling bad and you can’t fix them. But we can do one better we can pray and ask the Master Physician to wrap his arms around them and protect them and help them. But when we do we need to have faith He will answer our prayers if it is His will, we need to just lay it at His feet and give it to Him. A Lesson Learned!

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

until next time… nel

Please continue to remember my daughter and her family in prayer!

Guess Where I Am Going In A Month....

I am so excited!  The timing of this conference is perfect, but then again everything God does is perfect!  Life has been so crazy and hectic lately with everything going on with my daughter, I think this is just what I need!  And to top it off - I received the tickets through Book Sneeze, a publisher I review for.  How awesome is that?  Since my daughter has not been feeling well she declined to attend so I offered the chance to my sister-in-law.  So we are going to spend two fun filled days praising the Lord!  You can't get much better than that!

Here is a tentative listing of the speakers:  Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Lisa Whelchel, Brenda Warner, Deborah Joy Winans, Amy Grant and Mandisa.  Below is a film clip about the Over the Top Conference put on by Women of Faith.



I have always wanted to attend one of these conferences, but the opportunity had never arose until now.  Yes I am excited! And yes, you will hear more about this wonderful conference!


"But grow in grace, and in Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen"  2 Peter 3:18


until next time... nel

Hurry Up and Wait...

What a familiar phrase...  that is technically what happened this morning with my daughter's surgery.  We were in her room waiting, the nurse had told us we were good to go... just waiting.  And folk's she is still waiting.   The doctor came in and basically told her that her insurance was not agreeing to pay for the surgery this morning, supposedly because she had never passed out completely.  So they did not do it.  
Evidently the hospital ran it thru their insurance program and it did not pass.  Why they waited till the last moment I am not sure.  Jan and her hubby are talking to the insurance and waiting for a reply... they said they did not deny it.  Two insurance reps had already approved it.  So Jan and Clint went to the doctor's office and got the case numbers from when it was approved.   So the insurance representative is trying to figure out what is going on.   So....   
Again I ask for prayer that this bend in the road be straightened out quickly.  My daughter needs to get her strength back.  Remember this momma in prayer also...  they are messing with my baby!


until next time... nel

Please Remember To Pray...

My daughter is having the pacemaker put in this morning.  Please pray for her and for the Doctors that our Lord will guide their hands!   Praying and believing this procedure will restore my daughter's health and she will regain her strength!   Thanks for storming Heaven...


until next time... nel

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays...

I have not been here in some time but I ran across this song.  I know a lot of you do not like country music but this is a beautiful song... humour me and just listen to the words!



That about sums it up, what more do you need?  Besides 3 nails and a cross!

 until next time... nel

Catching up...

We had a wonderful time in Arkansas as always, a busy time but a good time.  Cain turned 10 years old so there was a birthday party.  He is getting so big.  He had a wonderful time, he received several nice presents and a hand full of money.  His dad and Jan got him a notebook computer, he was so excited.  Here are a few pictures:

One night Cain played football, well unfortunately he does not get to play a lot this year.  It is 5th and 6th graders and he is in 5th, but boy watch out next year, he will be ready for them!  Other than that we really did not do a lot.  I did some hand sewing while we were there.  Eden Jade was invited to a Toy Story themed birthday party.  She decided she wanted to be Jessie, at least it wasn't the horse or Buzz.  It wasn't real hard just dressed up a white shirt and some jeans.  Just for the record I love to sew but I hate hand-sewing and everything was done by hand.  It was well worth it though, especially when a little girl looked up at me and smiled that special smile and said, "Oh Granny this is so cool, Thank you so much."  Yeah, that did it the fingers quit hurting and I never thought about it again.   She looked real cute.  Here are a few pictures, you knew I would have pictures, right?  lol.

Well it looks like they have finally decided what to do for my daughter.  She is having a pacemaker put in on the 29th of this month.  Please continue to remember her in prayer for a speedy recovery.  Also, that she will get back her strength and start feeling better.  She is getting so tired.  She will be able to return to work after a few days but will not be able to use her left arm or drive.  She will wear a sling to remind her not to use it, I remember that is the hard part.  Our plans are we will be there for the surgery, then Stan will come home and I will stay to help my daughter, then later in the month he will come and get me.  Please remember us in prayer also, this will be the first time since we married that we will be apart, I am really going to miss him.  You do what you gotta do though, and my daughter needs me!

My hubby is so sweet, he knows how I enjoy the internet, and my blogging, unfortunately we do not have internet in Arkansas, so we are getting a hotspot from Verizon for me to take.  After I return home we will then cut our DSL off and use the hotspot here at home also.  He is soooo sweet!

I think I have rambled long enough.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song I will praise him."   Psalm 28:7

until next time... nel

It's Hodgepodge Time...

Wow Where does the time go?  I have been planning on posting some pics from our Arkansas trip and write a little about it, but here it is time for the Hodgepodge.  I will get it done, eventually...lol.   But now it is time for Wednesday Hodgepodge, just click on the button above and grab the prompts from Joyce and share your thoughts with the rest of us.  You know it will be fun... trust me!

1.  What do you do at the first sign of a cold?  Will you get a flu shot this year?
I usually take an over the counter generic cheap pill for a day or two and see if it will take care of the problem.  It usually does.  I do better now that I take a generic sinus pill every night before I go to bed.  Have not been sick enough to go to the doctor in over a year.  As far as the flu shot - nope not me, never have, I don't see any reason to start now.  I would probably be like my dad he took one once and thought he was going to die... that would be my luck.  lol

2.  What advice can you give about how to conquer fear?
Pray about it and pray some more!

3.  Share two good things about your life right now.
Stan and I are both basically in good health.  Secondly, I am happier than I have ever been thanks to my sweet hubby!

4.  A hot fall fashion trend in 2011 is a return to sixties style...tunics with pants, shift dresses, pencil skirts, cinched waists, bold prints, high necklines and short lengths to name a few.  How does this fashion trend fit with your wardrobe and personal sense of style?
I have never been one to worry about fashion, I wear what I have and what I like, always have, always will.

5.  Were you involved in scouting as a kid?  How about as an adult?
No I was not involved, was never allowed to join.  I did attend a bluebird meeting at a neighbor's house and thought it was so much fun, but my parents still would not let me join.  After I was an adult and had my daughter, I would of in a heartbeat, but Jan was never interested, so no not as an adult either.

6.  Apple, pear, plum, pumpkin...your favorite fall flavor?
You know I cannot choose just one, so I am going with apple and pumpkin! 

7.  What characteristics do you think are essential in a good teacher?
The ability to work and accept diverse backgrounds and abilities is essential, along with:  a desire to educate, creativity, energy, patience, and the ability to be excited about what they are teaching. 

8.  Random...
My daughter has an appointment with the cardiologist today.  It will be interesting to see what they are going to do.  She was unable to take the two medicines they prescribed due to the side effects.  She could not function while taking those meds.  Please remember her in your prayers, she is so disgusted with the whole thing and this momma wants to go have a talk with them...lol, but that would probably not be a good thing!  So I need to pray also and let the Lord have it, for He will take care of it for us!

until next time... nel

Here We Go...

Yep that is it here we go...   On the road again!  I think that should be our theme song!  We do love to travel even if it is short trips or adventures.  We are headed to Arkansas, we have to get some spoiling time in.  Plus we have a birthday party to attend, Cain Alan will be 10 years old here in a few days.  He was a little bitty guy when him and his dad joined our family.  Here he is at 3 years old,  

now he is almost as tall as me and weighs in at 109 lbs.  He is playing for the Peewee Football Team and I am so excited they have a game Tuesday night!  So we know what this Grandma and Papa will be doing on Tuesday!  My daughter told me earlier today they were already asking her if they could spend the night tomorrow and Sunday, and her response was Granny may not want you!  Eden's reply was huh?  Granny always wants us...   they know this Granny and Papa pretty good!   Not sure how connections will be... so if I am not here see you at the end of next week!  Have a good one - we will!

Happy Birthday Cain Alan!  We Love You!

until next time... nel

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Number 42...

It is that fun time - Wednesday Hodgepodge.  This is week 42, that is hard to believe!  Joyce, I just want to say Thank You, you are doing a remarkable job. I don't know how you come up with so many ideas!  If any of you would like to join us just click on her button above and you can get the prompts for this week.  It is a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends.

Here we go...

1.  Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001, or did we just become more aware of the danger?  How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

Yes I think it did.  I think it resulted in terrorists realizing they can get into the United States and cause havoc here.  As for me I think I am more conscious of my surroundings and I listen to the news and read reports online more.

2.  Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about hindsight?

Yes I did, I was not allowed to join in anything at school.  Now though, I understand why they felt that way.  We were living in the city and they were from the south and did not have a high school education.  Some people out in the work place made fun of them and they were protecting me from that humiliation.

3.  Share one random but candid fact about yourself.

I am scared to death of roller coasters, the big ones, notta, no way, no how!

4.  Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far to complicated?

Simple, I had to ask him, that is what I was hoping he would say.  He said I like the simple life and that I do!  

5.  What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?

I would have to say either popcorn or nachos with a few jalapeno peppers on the side and a great big coke.  Actually that would be carnival food, I have never been in a professional stadium except back in 1999 when our Hector Wildcat Football team went to state.  I have never been to a professional ballgame...I think I need to change that! 

6.  Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural  disasters have you experienced?  Which event do you think would be the scariest?

I was in a tornado on my 19th birthday.  It was quite scary.  I just searched my blog and cannot find where I have ever really written about it, I need to do that soon.  I think an earthquake would scare me to death.  I guess it is the unknown, whatever you are not accustomed to.

7.  Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate.  Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores?  Were you paid for doing those chores?  If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children?  Why or why not?

I really did not have any assigned chores.  When my mom cleaned house I usually dusted.  And I usually mowed the yard.  I wish now I would of had more to do.  I remember when I was a teen they gave me $5.00 a week, and if I wanted something I saved my money to purchase it.  If I bought my lunches at school, that also had to come out of that money.  

I think my daughter had a few chores probably not nearly enough.  And usually I think we gave her a little money for doing them.

8.  Random Thought

Can I have three?   First... make sure you check out the pictures on my last post of that precious Maci LeAnne.  Second... The post before that is about my photo blog NFast Photos.  It is finally up and running make sure you check it out.  Last but not least... Please continue to remember my daughter.  Bless her heart they still are trying to get her fixed.  The diet change did not work.  They told her they had a couple medicines that usually worked, well guess what... she had allergic reactions to them.  She is waiting now to hear from the doctor she called today about the last medicine.  We may be looking at a pacemaker and she is only 29 years old.  Please remember to pray for her... and pray for this momma that wishes she could fix this!

until next time... nel