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

Maci LeAnne Melton

Just wanted to share some pictures of my g nephew's baby.  This is Maci LeAnne Melton.  Her mommy and daddy are Amanda and Tony Melton. 

She was born 8-18-11 at 12:26 pm. She weighted 2 lbs 9ozs and 14 1/2 inches long!

And yes she already has Daddy by the finger...

And here she is snuggling with her mommy!  Look how tiny, is she not precious?

She is a little fighter they had to place her IV in her head because she kept pulling it out.  As of Sunday she weighed 2 lbs 13oz and only has a feeding tube.  They are feeding her thru a tube as a precautionary measure.  She is breathing on her own and always has.  They are estimating probably about 4 1/2 weeks in the hospital.

She is definitely a miracle baby!  Thank you so much for all of your prayers!

until next time... nel

WOO HOO!  I am so excited.  I now have my Greeting Card/Photo Blog up and running.  Stop by and check it out! NFAST PHOTOS We are open for Business!   Would love to hear your comments and thoughts and would love to have your business!  Keep me in mind when you need that special card.  If you don't see it just ask...

until next time... nel

Hodgepodge Perfection Vol. 41...

I am so glad to be back this week.  This summer has been crazy... in a good way, just busy!  It is hard to believe that school has started, before we know it it will be Christmas time.  (sorry!)

If you would like to join in click on the button above and grab the questions to answer on your page, then make sure you link up so we can laugh at yours too.  Of course you want to read my answers first, you know you do... Right?

1.  What is something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly?

Gosh I can think of a few different things, but top of the list would be:  Balancing the checkbook with the bank to the penny!  It's my job gotta do it!  Another thing is when I sew, I have been known to rip things out several times just cause I do not like the way it looks.  Nobody else would probably even notice, but I do and it would drive me up a wall to leave it.  

2.  Do you think a 6th sense exists?  Explain.

Yes I do, I think women have a 6th sense, men not so much.  Most women especially if they are moms have a way of knowing things.  You just get feelings, you know when something is not right.  

3.  Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?

We don't say goodbyes, it is always see ya next time, see you next month or catch you next time.  Goodbyes to me are to definite like the last time.

4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food?  What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?

I would say I am about a 5 or 6.  I do not like it really hot but I do like a little bite to it.  I would say my favorite spicy dish is a fried Spanish rice that Patt makes. She puts ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and corn in it.  Good stuff!  We actually had it tonight, mmmm good!

5.  What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?

This one was fun, I had to finally stop looking at all of the clips on youtube.  lol.  I think my favorite was Good and Plenty Candy.  Gosh I remember singing that all the time when I was little.

6.  Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?
I love to travel by auto, especially if I am not in a hurry.  I love to stop and take photos on the way and I prefer to travel the back roads.


7.  What is something you take for granted?
I think there is a lot that we take for granted.  But probably the biggest is health.  We fail to count our blessings if we are in good health.  I think we tend to take our family and friends for granted sometimes also, we just get in this mode where we think they will be around forever, time passes too quickly. We think we will tell them how much they mean to us and how much we love them tomorrow... but sometimes tomorrow is gone.


8.  Random Thought
I have a special prayer request.  My great nephew and his wife had a baby last week, Maci LeAnne.  She is a preemie about 9 weeks early.  She weighs 2 lbs 9 oz. and is 14 inches long, she is just a tiny little thing.  She seems to be doing wonderful.  Please remember her momma also, she had a C section because of some complications and is still having problems with her blood pressure.  Please remember them in prayer.


until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: The Canary List

The Canary List by Sigmund Brouwer finds Crockett Grey or Mr. G as Jamie calls him mourning the anniversary of his daughter Ashley’s death. This being the one-day every year that Crockett allows himself to drink himself into oblivion. However, he had the feeling he was not by himself and looking up at the window he thought he saw her looking back at him, but of course he knew it could not be. It was Jaime Piper a foster kid from his school.

Jaime was different than a lot of the other kids, she could sense Evil really sense Evil, as in Demons and it scared her to death. Dr. McKenzie was helping her deal with these issues, or was she? She told Jaime they were going to hunt Evil and find it. Jaime finds herself testing the Cardinals in the Vatican – seeing if they were demon possessed. Crockett Grey finds himself in the middle of all the problems, only because he knows too much and he has to clear his name. He was framed. There are a lot of characters in this book and a lot going on, and a lot of mystery.
This was a very good fast-paced book, but could be very confusing at times. It was one of those books that found you sitting on the edge of your seat, one that you wanted the lights on while you were reading it. I highly recommend it if you like a good mystery.

To download Chapter 1 or watch a video about this wonderful  book click here.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books the blogger review program for Waterbrook Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: A Place Called BLESSING

A PLACE CALLED BLESSING, Where Hurting Ends and Love Begins by John Trent, PhD with Annette Smith was an eye opener for me. This book is wonderfully written and makes you think about how everything we do has an affect on someone around us. Are you a Blessing to everyone you meet? This is the question you start asking yourself after reading this book. It kind of jumpstarts you and makes you realize everything we do can be a blessing to those around us, and isn’t that a way for us to be more Christ-like.

Dr. Trent has shared the message of the biblical blessing for years but this book shares that same blessing in a story form. This book finds Josh who through unfortunate circumstances lost both his parents in a drunk-driving accident. Josh has experienced it all, at first it was good, him and both of his brothers were in the same foster home, but then after the tragic fire they were separated. Josh blamed himself for this separation; after all he caused the fire, didn’t he? By the time Josh was eighteen he was an angry young man with an attitude. Fortunately, Josh meets up with Mike and Anna who not only gives him a place to stay but offers him unconditional love, for the first time in Josh’s life, but tragedy strikes again? Will Josh remember what he has learned about the blessing? Find out the answers to these questions in this wonderful book.
This is a great book and includes a wonderful study guide and “A Special Message From Dr. John Trent” to help you completely understand “The Blessing,” and perhaps take The Blessing Challenge.


I received this book free from Book Sneeze the blogger review program for Thomas Nelson Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
 
until next time... nel

Missing In Action...

This is how I feel, like I am missing in action.  I ended up going to the doctor when we returned home, I had a toe that was bothering me.  Yes it was an ingrown toenail, but unfortunately it got really infected and was turning black and blue with stuff draining from it.  So yes I decided it was time.  For a week I took 2000 mg antibiotic a day, which put me to sleep.  I have to say it did clear up the infection, so on Monday of this week I went in for him to look at it.  He decided to remove part of it... notice I said he decided.  I would love to say Thank Goodness he deadened it, and yes I am glad he did, but those needles hurt worse than anything else.  He stuck me five different times, he tried to make me feel better about it, said the one was an extra on him, he put it in the wrong place.  Thanks Doc!  Needless to say when he cut the nail and pulled half of it off I did not feel a thing.  It is a little sore now especially when I have to change the bandage.  I have been taking some pain pills, they are working really well, don't feel a thing and can fall asleep at the drop of a hat.  I will be glad when I can quit bandaging it up and quit taking any pills.  I hate taking medicine!  


We have had a pretty easy week here in the Fastenau household.  We mess with Ebay some and I listed several things this week.  One of them was an old milk bottle with the dairy name on the side.  I started it at $25 and it closed at $136, I was pretty excited, I would of been happy with 25 but I was jumping for joy and what it closed at.  You just never know with Ebay.  I had picked up 3 coffee mugs for 30 cents at a yard sale and sold them for $5.00.  


My grandkids started school this week.  Eden Jade is in Kindergarten, that is so hard to believe.  She is just growing by leaps and bounds and has come so far!  Cain Alan is in 5th grade this year, that is hard for me to believe also.  He joined our family when he was 3 years old.  Nothing like those grandkids!  These are taken on their first day of school this year.  

Prayers do get answered!


I will try to get back in the blogging groove.  I have to get caught up on reading everyone's posts also.   Have a great week...


until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: The boy who came back from heaven

“The boy who came back from heaven” is a true story written by Kevin and Alex Malarkey. This story finds Alex and his dad Kevin on their way home from church, after making a few stops. Kevin was talking to his wife and turned to answer Alex as he was pulling into the intersection and the next thing he remembers is the sound of metal crunching and then silence. There was a terrible accident. From all account they did not think Alex would pull through. He was taken to Children’s Hospital by helicopter. Kevin was taken to the local hospital. Kevin left the hospital after he was told he had no broken bones but they were going to keep him for observation. He had different plans; he had to get to his son and the rest of his family. Alex was in a coma for two months, people around the world were praying for him. He had extensive injuries and they were afraid if he did come too there would be brain damage. Little did they know Alex had the Great Physician on his side.

This story talks a lot about the family’s hardships and the trials they were faced with and how their praying and other prayer warriors helped them to overcome. Alex also talks about his time in Heaven. I am sure a lot of people will be skeptical, but there were details of the accident that Alex knew because he was watching from Heaven. Alex describes some things in Heaven but there are some things he is not allowed to share because God told him not to.

There is so much I could say about this wonderful book. Alex is truly a courageous little boy, but he does not want this to be about him. He wants it to be about God, he wants to share Him! There was a statement in the book that I would like to share. This is Kevin the father talking: “Every one of us will, to some degree or another, be faced with a new normal sometime in life. When we embrace it and carry on we tend to be a lot happier.” This is a book you do not want to miss!


You can find more information about Alex, his story and read Chapter 1 here.



I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.



until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: Stealing Jake

Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman opens on the streets of Chestnut Illinois in November 1874. Livy O’Brien steps in and corrects the situation of a street kid stealing a watch from a gentleman on the boardwalk. A street kid named Luke. Livy is quite knowledgeable in the ways of the street experiencing it first hand before she turned her life around and Mrs. Brooks took her in. Neither Luke nor the man who happens to be Jake Russell the sheriff’s deputy realized she replaced the watch in the blink of an eye. Livy helps Mrs. Brooks at the children’s home and has made it her mission in life to reach out to the street kids and get them off the street. A lot of things are changing in the little town of Chestnut. A Glove Factory opened in some of the older buildings close to the mine. Street kids are running rampant in the little town and burglaries are on the rise.

Luke is an important character in the book. Luke and his brother Mark had found themselves in some trouble in Chicago for stealing. Expecting to go to jail Luke was quite surprised when money exchanged hands and he suddenly was placed in a wooden crate with three other boys and it was nailed shut. The crate along with others were placed on a train headed to Chestnut to the Glove Factory. However when the crates arrived Luke was able to escape from his captors, thus finding him on the streets of Chestnut. Luke made it his mission to find his brother Mark and help the other street kids. Little did he know Livy O’Brien considered him her mission.

Does Luke ever find his brother Mark? Are the kids on the street committing the burglaries? Does Livy ever fess up to Jake that she was known as Light-Fingered Livy O’Brien on the streets of Chicago? Is there a reason the kids started appearing when the Glove Factory opened its doors? Do Livy and Jake ever realize they are both attracted to each other? Find the answers to these questions along with others in the book Stealing Jake.

This was quite an enjoyable book. I love a book where I can feel what the characters are feeling and Pam Hillman did a wonderful job creating this in her story. I did not want to put it down I wanted to continue reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast moving read. This was my first e-book.

This book was made available to me for free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


until next time... nel

Time for Hodgepodge...

I am so excited I get to join in on Wednesday Hodgepodge this week I am actually at home. Woo Hoo! Surely you remember how to do this, just read all of my answers, and then you can click on the button above and be transported over to Joyce’s corner in blog land. She is in charge of this fun meme! Join in you know you want too!

1. Share a favorite song lyric.
Oh Joyce, you should know I could not just go with a lyric. The song that takes me back in time and plays in my head quite often is Simple Things by Carole King. It is a very good song!

Simple things mean a lot to me
Some things only children can see
Simple things like horses running free
And easy acceptance of life.

Simple things never compromise
All things have a rhythm I can't realize
I feel content in my freedom
And I feel my freedom is right

I never want to stop being a child
I want to see the flowers growing wild on the hillside
To see the sun rise in the morning
Sunlight growing, filling the skies

Simple things of the earth don't die
They just grow and change as time goes by
There are no questions without answers
I've found my answer to life is living
The secret of living is life.

2. When was the last time someone yelled at you?
It has been awhile probably 4 months ago, Stan’s niece that lives with us and I had a heated argument to put it lightly.

3. Money, fame, happiness…are they mutually exclusive?
No I don’t think so, money and fame does not buy happiness. Usually wealthy famous people are not truly happy and are very lonely. There is only one thing that can provide true happiness, and that is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

4. What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and friends that doesn’t require turning on the stove, oven or an outdoor grill?
A nice big salad with all kinds of ingredients is always good especially during the hot summer. Of course a frozen yogurt pie works real well also.

5. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What is one thing you could do this week to simplify your life? Will you do it?
They come up with all kinds of special days and weeks these days. It is strange, but I really cannot think of anything that I could do. My life is just pretty simple! No wonder I like the song in #1.

6. On a scale of 1-10 how tuned in are you to your country’s national political scene?
I am ashamed to admit but probably a 5 or 6. I am just not into politics; they are going to do what they want to anyway. Before you start griping at me, I do vote and at that time I do read and research the candidates and find out what they say they believe in and stand for before I make my decision.

7. What are your final parting words to the month of July?
It was a fun ride and I am ready for cooler weather.

8. Random Thought…
My head is full of random thoughts; it needs to slow down…lol. I guess the one I will share here is: I am so happy and so proud of my husband Stan. He has smoked since he was a teenager and he is, well let’s just say he is older than me…lol, and he did not buy any cigs this month. He is using an E-cig that we purchased while in Florida. I am so happy and excited for him. I can only imagine how hard that is, but the E-cig is helping. He said it tastes like a cigarette but there is not the smoke smell. In fact I like the way it smells. It will take awhile, but I am sure he will feel so much better. Please remember him in prayer! WTG sweetie!

until next time… nel

Where did the summer go...

It is hard to believe it is already the first day of August!  Time just keeps slipping by.  There were so many things I wanted to work on this summer, but hey they are still there and I will get a round tuit one of these days....lolol.

I am so excited, I mean super excited.  As most of you know I read books and do reviews here on my blog.  A month or two ago I received an email from BookSneeze stating they were offering tickets to the Women of Faith Conference in the city of your choice.  They had a limited amount of tickets for bloggers who review.  This was something I have always wanted to attend and entered my name and basically forgot about it, didn't think anymore about it, until...   While we were in Florida I received an email stating I was a blogger that had been selected to receive two tickets to attend the conference. Yes, as in free tickets, all I have to do is blog about it twice, once before and once after the conference.  I am so psyched!  But most of all blessed!  Naturally my first thought was asking my daughter to join me, but unfortunately with her health situation and all the time she has been off from work she did not feel like she could make a commitment, so my next choice was my sister-in-law Carol.  She was as excited as I was.  So for two days in November we will be worshiping and praising the Lord and having the time of our lives.  My hubby and my brother James will be joining us in Kansas City and they are going to pal around while we are at the conference.  Actually that is kinda scary...lol.  I am sure we will all have a wonderful time.  And I am sure I will have a lot to blog about!


We had a wonderful time in Florida, the grandkids were so much fun!  I will share about our trip later in the week.


until next time... nel