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