Wishing You...

I had great plans, I was going to post a wonderful year end post.  But due to the fact I have been in bed all day sick, the words just are not coming.  However I do want to wish all my friends and family who read my blog which includes my blogging buddies...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!   

I pray the Lord will truly bless you with a healthy happy New Year!  May 2013 be the best one yet!  God loves each and every one of you!

until next year...nel

Wishes...

It has been crazy lately last minute things for Arkansas, so I didn't even have time to join in on Hodgepodge this week.  But woohoo we are heading out tomorrow.  I finished up on Eden's dress up clothes today.  I am sure she will have to give me a fashion show and I will absolutely have to take pictures.  And of course I will then have to share them!  lolol

Just wanted to wish everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Enjoy your special time with family and friends.  Be Safe!

until next time... nel

Hodgepodge Already...

Can you believe it is almost Christmas, where has this year gone?  It was a good year but a busy one, and Joyce is always busy getting the Hodgepodge ready.  Join in it's a lot of fun and you will meet some amazing friends!

1.  So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car? 
It has been to long since I walked in the woods.  That used to be one of my favorite past times.  When we were in Arkansas back in September we went to Petit Jean State Park and walked around.  Beautiful as always.
If I lived closer to the beach I would be there all the time.  Last summer when we took our grand kids to Panama City Beach in FL.  What a fun trip!  
The drive in the car is more our cup of tea.  We are always hopping in the car and taking off with no particular destination.  I love adventures!

2.  Are you sending Christmas cards this year?  About how many do you send?  Photo card or something more traditional?  How do you display the cards you receive?
Perhaps a few.  Last year I did not get any out.  Maybe about 25 or so.  I am sending out some with pictures that I had taken.  I have Christmas folders to put them in.   The cards we receive are placed in a holder I bought years ago from a House of Lloyd party, I think it was called.  It is a sleigh and reindeer. and has a wire spiral that holds the cards.

3. What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week?
"Huh?"  I feel like I have repeated half my life.  Stan and Patt both can not hear the best and I talk softly so I hear huh a lot!   Personally I think it is selective hearing...surely it's not me!  lololol

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan?  Plain or flavored?  Marshmallows or no marshmallows?
Oh yes, I like Cocoa, the only kind of chocolate I really love.  Plain without marshmallows.  We have a big can of it in the cupboard.

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?

I have learned to say no at times, and I don't sweat the small stuff.  I try to remember the reason for the season and not get caught up in a lot of the hype.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?

We received a Lead Crystal Candy Dish as a wedding present from a couple of my friends and I love it.  It is sparkly and right now it looks so pretty with peppermints in it.

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.
I love the song Mary did you know? I have looked for the piano sheet music but have not found it yet.  My hubby and I would love to try and sing it; our piano player at church said she could learn how to play it.  So maybe next year.  Here is a few lines:
 Mary did you know that your baby boy, Would one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy, Would save our sons and daughters?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I must be tired the brain is just not thinking.  It sure has turned cold, I guess it is time, huh?  I need to get busy, I have some sewing to do and a few other things to make before the end of next week.  Where does the time go?  No wonder I am tired, it is after 2:00.  
Well I guess that is pretty random!  lol

until next time... nel

Simple Pleasures...

As all of you know one of my favorite past times is traveling to Arkansas.  I love the time I get to spend with my daughter and her family.  Words cannot express the feeling I get when I am there.  I love watching her interacting with her family and in the back of my mind I wonder where did my little girl go?  But I love it.  

Not only do I totally love my time with grandchildren (they are the best you know!) but I love where they live.  Lusk Farms, what a wonderful place for kids, perhaps a little bit of Heaven.  There is no hustle and bustle of the city just open land and quite a few animals.  They have a couple dogs and several sheep but what catches my interest is their cows, yep that's right cows, the little bitty calves in particular.  

This last visit I got to ride with my daughter down in the pasture to count cows and check on the momma's and the babies.  If anyone would of told me ten years ago that my daughter would be doing this I would have called them a liar.  But she is such a natural, she takes out across the field like it is nothing, I have even seen her give a sick one a shot, believe me that would not of happened ten years ago.  I love watching her,  the woman she has become, the mom she is, and the happiness she exudes.  Her and Clint are very happy and that makes my heart happy!

Have you ever watched baby calves, they are so fun.  Even cows they have such personalities.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures.  I don't think this one trusted us, he took off running towards his momma and twin.

 Of course when we drove down in the field they thought we were going to feed them and here they all came.  I thought the picture below was kinda neat. She thought she was sneaking up on me, but I was ready for her.  Janice warned me one of them is particularly friendly and likes to give big wet kisses. (yuck)

These two below looked like they were having quite a conversation, you know how females are.

I think this little one below was afraid we were going to get his milk, it made a bee line to his momma and started eating.  Too cute!

This one below was also cute, look at it's tail.  It is white on it's belly and it's tail.  I had never seen one colored up like that.  It caught my attention.

This one below had such an attitude!  We decided it must be a little bull calf.  It was like he was staring us down, not afraid at all.  I wish I would of got a picture of it chasing the dog, but I was laughing to hard.  He was precious.

It is such a great feeling to get out and enjoy what God has given us!  Some of the greatest pleasures can be from the simplest things.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you and expected end."   Jeremiah 29:11

until next time...nel

Hodgepodging 104...

It is that time again, hop over to Joyce's and grab the questions, then join in the fun!

1.  Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking. 
I don't do Christmas Stockings anymore. Always did stockings when I lived in Arkansas for my grand kids after she married.  She always had a stocking until she married.  We would put them out for decoration then fill them Christmas Eve.  

2.  How many hours of sleep do you average at night?  Is it enough?
Usually 7 - 8 hours.  Yes I think it is, however I really think I would feel better if I went to bed earlier and got up earlier.  I am usually turning the light in between 2 and 3 in the morning.

3.  If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year what would it be? 
Hmmmm... That takes some thinking.  Maybe chips as long as I could eat crackers to get my salt.  lol

4.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals? 
Nope not so much...

5.  For me,  the sound of childhood is__________________.
laughter.  Nothing like a child's giggles and laughter.  Makes me smile just thinking about it!

6.  Fruit cake-yay or boo? What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?
BOOO - my mom made those stinkin' things every year and wondered why we would not eat them.  Give me some Fruit salad any old day!

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?
I want to get my craft supplies moved out to the detached garage in my little ol' craft room!  It will be wonderful to have stuff all in one place!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have been busy with E-bay listings this week.  It takes a while to do the posts but is well worth it when you see things selling!  Love it!

until next time... nel

Unwrapping the Hodgepodge...

Hodgepodge time again.  This week went by especially fast, could be cause we were enjoying Arkansas and the grands.  If you would like to join in please do, it's a lot of fun!

1.  With that being said I think I need to dive right in to some Christmas related questions, don't you? Which do you prefer-pretty gift wrap with a bow or a pretty gift bag with/without a bow?  What percentage of your holiday gifts are currently (as in right this very minute) wrapped in some form or fashion? 
I prefer the pretty gift wrap and bows.  I have a whopping 0% wrapped and what is really sad about that much bought.  Sad, sad, sad!

2.  What is one item on your Christmas list this year?
I really do not have a list, last year I told my hubby I wanted to give Christmas bags with goodies in them to some of the Homeless here in Springfield.  That is what I will probably do again.  That was a humbling experience and they were so appreciative and thankful.  

3.  What makes a home?
A place where friends and family can gather and relax.  Where there is love and happiness and you can feel it when you walk through the door.

4.  Motown founder Berry Gordy celebrates his birthday on Hodgepodge Day-November 28th. Are you a fan of the Motown sound?  If so, who's your favorite Motown artist and/or song? Here's a list in case you're stuck. 
Gosh I love Motown, used to listen to it when I was a teen.  I think my favorite would be The Temptations -My Girl.  And then "War" by Edwin Starr.  My brother was in Nam so I was very aware of surroundings in 1969-70 even though I was 12 years old.




5.  Red or green-which one is more prevalent in your closet?
Really neither one, you would have to really look but probably more green.

6.  True or false-bacon makes it better? If you answered true, what's your favorite dish made with bacon? 
I love bacon, if it is done.  BLT's rank at the top of the list, but so does a Egg/Bacon/Cheese biscuit from Mickey D's!  I also tried a new dish at Thanksgiving, green beans with bacon, onions and water chestnuts chopped up.  It was pretty good, they were almost all ate.

7.  Share a favorite holiday memory.
Oh gosh I have so many holiday memories it is hard to choose one.  I love the time that I spent with my daughter making candies. We made all kinds of different ones and we usually worked on it for a week. Christmas music would be playing in the background, and lots of talking and laughing going on.  Good times!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
This crazy thing evidently messed up on me last night.  It was okay on the preview but it sure wasn't this morning.  
Now my real random thought...  lol
I was so proud of myself doing the Thankful posts and staying caught up and then it happened.  I went to Arkansas and did not have time.  Amazing how those grand kids can take up so much time.  I love it!  We had a wonderful visit, did a lot of cooking, visiting, laughing, and a few tears wiped.  Nothing better than spending time with family!

Cain just made a basket.  He is a pretty good player!

Angel... yes, but the halo is slipping off.  lol

until next time... nel

Wednesday Hodgepodge - Thanksgiving Style...

I love me some Wednesday Hodgepodge!  Join in and have a little fun with us.  Joyce is a wonderful hostess.  And you will meet some great people...Come on you know you want too!

1. Turkey-love it or leave it?  White meat or dark?  What's your favorite thing to make using leftover turkey?
I love turkey, my refrigerator usually has turkey lunch meat in it.  White meat for me, my hubby prefers the dark, so all is good in our household.  lol.   I think my favorite is Turkey Salad, no particular recipe, I just go with it.

2. Gotta burn off all those carbs the day after a holiday feast so which would you rather do-run a 10K or climb a mountain? 
I am so glad Joyce has a sense of humor, you are kidding right Joyce?

3.  Do you feel like social networking has made your relationships better or worse?  Explain.
There are a lot of people who hate Facebook.  I for one love it, that is how I stay in tune with what is going on in my friends lives since I live in a different state.  My daughter and I share pictures and funny stories.  It can be bad, and yes there can be a lot of drama with other people, but you can adjust it where you don't even have to read their posts. Or if someone is using a lot of profanity, Ignore them, you can adjust it where you only get their important posts, or just delete them.  It really can be a good thing, like anything in life it is what we want out of it.

4. How do you find and express gratitude for the hard things in your life? 
I have always believed that everything happens for a reason.  You just have to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and keep on keeping on.  It is hard at times, but I always try to find something good in everything.  God knows what He is doing!  The trials and hard things in our lives make us stronger.  I would not be the person I am without those times.

5.  In the US, the day after Thanksgiving has been dubbed 'Black Friday'.  Is most of your holiday shopping done live and in person, or is it done more through the magic of the Internet? How do you feel about stores opening at midnight Thanksgiving night? Will you be out amongst the masses on Friday? 
My shopping is about half and half, I also make part of mine.  I am not a Black Friday person, nothing is worth fighting the crowds.  I know some live for Black Friday, different strokes for different folks.  I do sometimes catch deals on the internet. The opening on Thanksgiving, I can understand, look how many people are just waiting to get in.  With this economy the stores have to do anything and everything to stay grounded.

6.  Speaking of the color black-which black item in your wardrobe would you say is your favorite?
Actually, I do not have anything black, not by choice.  That however is going to change due to the fact that my Psoriasis is finally getting under control.  I am so excited.  You can read about that here. 

7.  What do you appreciate about your life today? 
I appreciate the love and security I feel from my husband.  I do not worry about tomorrow because today is perfect.  I appreciate the time we spend together discussing scripture and enjoying our church family together.  God is Good!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
We are in Arkansas for Thanksgiving.  Nothing like spending holidays with families and friends.  There will probably be 15 and 2 little ones at my daughter's house for dinner.  I will be making the turkey and she will be helping with side dishes and desserts.  Life is good!
You know I cannot pass up a chance to mention my grand kids.  They are growing so fast.  Cain is now about 2 inches taller than me and Eden Jade is getting taller also.  She read me a book last night instead of me reading to her.  Amazing...   Here are a couple of pictures I could not resist sharing.

He is making a good basketball player!

Can you tell she is a mess?  

A Thankful Month - Day 18

Today I am thankful we have running water in our little house at Appleton.  For several months last year we did not have.  Our pipes had froze and busted and it took awhile to find someone that could come while we were in town to fix them.  We took showers at Jan's, and we carried water to flush the commode and we had to heat some to wash dishes.  Not a lot of fun, it is so much easier when you can just turn that faucet on.  I am not sure I would of made it in olden times.  How spoiled we have become and how we take things for granted.  Yep running water, very thankful for it!

until next time... Nel

Playing Catch Up - Day 15, 16 & 17

A Thankful Month - Day 15 
I am thankful that we will spend Thanksgiving in Arkansas.  I love it that my hubby has no problem with making frequent trips south.  We have to get in some spoiling time with the grand-kids. And I so enjoy my time with my daughter.
A Thankful Month - Day 16
I am thankful for my extended family.  Stan and I our friends with Janice's dad (my ex) and his wife Gina.  We share our grand-kids and our kids.  Friday night I helped with her dad's 50th Birthday Party.  It turned out great and we all had a great time.  There were about 45 - 50 family and friends there, several whom I had not seen in several years.  It was a lot of fun.
A Thankful Month - Day 17
I am thankful for our house in Arkansas.  It was my mom's little house and was left to me.  It is great because we have somewhere to stay when we are visiting the kids.  It is kind of our home away from home, our getaway.  And the grand kids can still come to Granny and Papa's house!  That I love, and Eden Jade is asleep in the recliner right now.  Life is good!

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 14

Today I am Thankful for my camera.  I have a Canon Rebel Digital and I love it.  I love capturing what the Lord has blessed us with and sharing it with others.  My hubby teases me that I would remember my camera before I would remember him.  He also has realized when I yell STOP going down the road, it is not an emergency.  I just want to take a picture of something. Yep it would be hard to live without my camera. 
until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 13

Today I am Thankful for my blogging friends.  It is amazing to me how many wonderful friends you can make just by reading each others blogs.  Memes like Wednesday Hodgepodge is a great way to make friends.   It is so cool how you know these bloggers only online (unless of course your are lucky enough to meet each other) but you still feel like they are your friends.  If they are missing you tend to wonder what is happening in their lives.  Or you pray they are safe if they live in the area of a storm.  You know if you need prayer all you have to do is ask and you will have a team of friends praying for your need.  Blogging friends are special people and no one understands that unless they are a blogger!
until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 12

Today I am Thankful for my dermatologist.  I have had on on-going problem for about 18 years with scaling on my scalp, my neck and the last 6 months or so my ears.  My hubby finally convinced me to make an appointment and of course it took about 4 months to get in since I was a new patient.  I had been told before it was dermatitis or eczema but she diagnosed it as psoriasis.  She looked at it closely and said there was quite a build up of plaque.  I was instructed to wash my hair daily switching between two dandruff shampoos and she gave me a prescription for a foam to use twice a day on my scalp and ears.  After two weeks I was to cut back to once a day.  She warned me that there was a good possibility that this would not work.  I have a follow up appointment in 6 weeks. Can I just say Praise the Lord!  Tomorrow will be 2 weeks and I have no scaling at all.  I actually can comb or brush my hair and not have to brush my shoulders off.  See some of you may not understand... that brought tears to my eyes because I have been dealing with this for so long.  And there is no itching at all, before it was constantly.  I can't wait to go back in four weeks.  She is going to be surprised!  Unfortunately there is no cure, I will probably have flair ups now and then, but now I will have something to control it.  Yes for this I am very thankful!

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 11

Today I am Thankful for all our Veterans past and present.  You guys and gals are awesome!  Thank you for putting your life on the line for our freedom!  For leaving your families and homes whether on foreign soil or in the USA I thank you.  My Dad fought in Germany, my brother Tom fought in Nam, my nephew Jeremy Curtis and Dustin Curtis fought in the Army and were in Afghanistan, my great nephew Eric is in the Air Force in Germany and my great nephew Corey joined the Marines and is in training in California.  If I missed anyone I am truly sorry!  We don't say it enough - THANKS TO ALL OF THE VETERANS!

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 10

Today I am thankful for my family and friends.  Besides my brothers and their families I have cousins everywhere.  But families are so important and so are friends.  Life would be lonely without family and friends.

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 9

Today I am Thankful for my mom and dad.  We were not raised in a Christian home but we were raised to know right from wrong.  We knew they loved us even though they may not of said it.  They both worked hard, and we had a life we could be proud of.  Family was very important to both of them.
I still miss both of them!

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 8

Today I am thankful for my cell phone.  And folks I have to be honest we have just a cell phone, it does not have all the bells and whistles, we don't even have texting, but it does have mobile to mobile on it. And I am so thankful my daughter is with the same provider.  It is such a good feeling to know that she can pick up the phone and call me or I her and not have to worry about how long we are talking.  That was the only request she made when he asked me to marry him, that he would make sure I always had a cell phone.  What did we do before cells?  I would hate to pay the long distance bill between us.  We usually talk every other day if not every day, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day, sometimes for an hour or more.  Wouldn't you hate to pay that bill?  Yes sirree I am thankful for my cell phone!  (and I know Stan and Clint are!)

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 7

Today I am Thankful that I live in the United States of America.  We have many freedoms that other people in other nations do not have.  Yesterday, I along with everyone that was registered got to place our vote for who we supported.  Not everyone across the world is given that opportunity.  Granted I am disappointed today because it looks like my choice did not win, but I still got to voice my opinion.  As a nation we need to turn it over to God, He is still on the throne, and He will protect His people.

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 6

Today I am thankful for our Church and Church Family.  We are not a very big church in fact we are known as 'the country church at the edge of the city.'  We have a wonderful pastor and his wife is a sweetheart!  And we are all like family.  When we started there about 6 years ago we averaged 12 on a good day, now we average 24 or 25 and at times we have 30.  I love the fact that I feel like I have been to church on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights.  On Wednesdays we have a wonderful Bible Study.   About the time we switched pastors, an older couple started attending.  Talk about a piano player and song leader...the Lord has really been blessing us!  If you are ever in the Springfield MO area look us up.  Heritage Chapel Free Will Baptist on Farm Road 146 off the Bypass.  You would probably even get to hear my hubby and I sing a song.  
Yep, definitely thankful for my church and church family!

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month - Day 5

Today I am Thankful for my son-in-law Clint Alan Lusk.  He is a great husband to my daughter and a great daddy to my grandkids.  He is a wonderful provider and a hard worker, my daughter says to hard sometimes.  lol.  He amazes me at times, it is wonderful to see someone at his age setting goals and working towards accomplishing them.  But most of all I love it that he loves my daughter and makes her happy.  I am proud to call him one of mine!

until next time... nel

A Thankful Month Day 1 - 4...

Isn't he the cutest?  I received that on an e-mail years ago.  Hopefully I am not infringing on anyone's rights or property.  If I am I am sorry and I will gladly remove it.  No harm was intended.  
I love the little guy though.  He just speaks the season we are in.  He looks like he needs a little sign that says "Happy Fall Y'all!"

I have decided I am going to try and do a post every day on things I am thankful for.  I noticed a lot of people were doing it on Facebook and I thought I could do it here and just share it there and kill 2 birds with one stone as they say.  Don't you just hate cliche's!  If you do you are probably at the wrong place.  Would love to have you join me on the Thankful posts.  Just leave me a comment on mine and I will head over your way to read yours.  As usual I am already behind, but I am going to try my best to stay caught up this month...lol.  Yeah right!  Okay I will give it my best shot.  First I want to say I am always and forever thankful for things in my life not just one month out of the year.  I do think sometimes it is a good thing to write those things down just to remind ourselves how good life is.  Okay now I will shut my mouth and get started.

Day 1:  I am thankful for God who sent his son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sins so I can have a home in heaven.  
Day 2:  I am thankful for my sweet hubby Stan.  I truly believe he is my soul mate, we were made for each other. He is my provider, my friend and my lover.  He loves me in spite of myself.   Prayers do get answered!
Day 3:  I am thankful for my daughter, Janice.  She is the best, always has been.  She is a wonderful daughter, but yet a best friend!  She has grown to be a beautiful woman and a wonderful wife and mom.  I only pray her and her kids are as close as her and I.
Day 4:  I am thankful for my grandkids, nothing like those grandkids.  Eden Jade is a mess, she is so funny and loves to make you laugh.  She is my sunshine!  And Cain Alan is growing up on us.  He is so serious about some things but has such a sense of humor.  I am so glad I can call him mine!  I love both my grandkids!

until next time... nel

100th Hodgepodge...

Wow, I think Joyce deserves a medal or something.  100 posts and still going and on top of that she is in the midst of a storm - not just any storm but Frankenstorm, and she still had Wednesday Hodgepodge ready for us.  Amazing, but that is how she rolls...  Thanks Joyce!

Here are my answers:

1. What creeps you out?

Mice, rats, nails across the chalkboard. 

2. What's your least favorite candy?

Licorice of any kind!  I am not a big chocolate fan either... I know weird!  And by the way Joyce they still have Mary Jane's at candy stores.

3. Are you a fan of scary movies?  What's the scariest movie you've ever seen?

Nope, don't really like them!  Gosh probably "The Birds."  That is the only one that comes to mind.

4. What part of life confuses you the most?

You have an hour or two?   I would say child abuse is number one on the list.  Probably world hunger, especially people in the US going to bed hungry would be up there on top of the list, and why do they spend all kinds of money on stupid studies that do not really matter when they could be using it for research on cures for different diseases.  Okay I will stop...

5. Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, poppy...what's your favorite seed?

I love me some good salty pumpkin seeds.

6. Imagine your life ten years from today...what's changed?

Cain will be 21 years old by then, I could have great grandchildren. Oooooh what a thought.  Eden will be a Junior in High School.  I am hoping I am still enjoying life with my sweet hubby, still traveling and taking adventures.  I can't imagine anything changing a lot because I have not worked since we married and he is already retired.

7.  What do you a) love the most and b) like the least about the Hodgepodge? 

I love the fact that even though you have never met your online friends there is still a connection there.  I have met some wonderful people through Hodgepodge.  What do I like least... hmmmm  maybe that it is on Wednesday.  We attend Bible Study on Wednesday nights, so it is usually Thursday before I really get to read everyone's answers.  But then again I can't imagine it being called anything else... Monday Hodgepodge... no way!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I have been looking at photos and catching updates on Hurricane Sandy.  What a storm!  My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you that has been affected by this mass storm.  May God Bless!

until next time... nel

Thinking of you...

Just wanted to let all of my blogging buddies and other friends that live on the East Coast know that I am thinking about you.  May God watch over you!  Be safe!

until next time... nel

99 Hodgepodges on the Wall...

Ninety-nine, that is hard to believe!  I would love to say this is my 99th group of answers but nope I can't do that, just not as dedicated as Joyce!  Joyce does a wonderful job, join in you will have a lot of fun and meet some great people!  

1.  So, do you like beer? 
Once upon a time I was a beer drinker, I could hold my own on Friday and Saturday nights.  I have not lived that lifestyle in ages!  I think everyone has different ideas and believe differently about drinking but I know for myself I don't want anything to come between me and my God.

2.  What's your least favorite repetitive task? 
Probably cleaning the commode.  Yuck!

3.  When was the last time you rode a bus?  Where was it headed? 
Does a church bus count?  There is a really good place to eat about 45 minutes from our church and we rode the bus over there.

4.  What song from your childhood or from your own children's childhood could make a parent's nerves stand on end? 
Oh my gosh, Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, that one gets old after awhile. 

5.  The US Presidential election cycle is drawing to a close (can I get an AMEN??), and the third and final debate was held last night...what was the last thing you 'debated about'?
We have been reorganizing our extra garage and we have debated or discussed what needed done and where to stack things.

6.  Can a person make too much money?  How much is too much?
I think a person can make too much.  And I think too much is when it starts becoming the most important thing in your life.  It seems people with a lot of money tend to be unhappy.  

7.  Pop-soda-coke-something else...what's it called where you live?
Growing up in Chicago it was always pop, but after moving to Arkansas in 79 coke caught on real fast.  I always say coke now no matter what flavor it is.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
I have got to get busy working on Christmas gifts.  My granddaughter informed me all of her dress up clothes were getting to little.  So for Christmas once again we are going to give her dress up items.  Three years ago that is what she wanted and she has been dropping hints again.  I don't think I am going to make all of them, but have picked up a few things at yard sales that I am going to rework.  I found a beautiful poofy skirt that I am going to put elastic in the top and put a couple ribbon straps and make her a long dress.  We have picked up a few hats and pairs of heels and of course purses and jewelry.  Yeah I think she will be all fixed up.  Nothing like grandkids!

That's all for this week-remember God loves you!

until next time... nel

Open Your Eyes...

"The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship... 

Without a sound or word, silent in the skies,

 their message reaches out to all the world."   

Psalm 19:1, 3-4 TLB

until next time...nel

Hodgepodging Again...

This weeks questions...

1. Noah Webster was born this week back in 1758....besides the online version, do you own a dictionary? Do you ever use the hardback copy or is your hunt for a definition strictly online these days?
Yes I do have a nice Webster Collegiate Version, sounds impressive huh?  lol.  However, I usually use the online version, unless I have several things open and my computer is extremely slow.

2. Should public schools ban Halloween celebrations? What about other holiday celebrations currently under fire?
I see nothing wrong with Halloween celebrations, it is what you make it. I always enjoyed dressing my daughter up and making her costumes, and have made a few of Edens.  I love handing out candy and seeing all the young ones come to the door.  It is bad if only you make it bad.  I do not have a problem with any of the celebrations, I do like the idea that if children bring presents they have to bring for everyone, that way no one feels left out.

3. What's your favorite 'dog' movie?
My all time favorite show was Lassie or RinTinTin?  Do you remember that one?  But as far as a movie I would have to say "Old Yeller" or a newer one would be "Beverly Hills Chihuahuas."

4. When were you last somewhere you'd describe as 'too quiet'?
I guess probably the last Sunday night of September at church.  We have food and fellowship following the services and it was very quiet in there, every one was busy eating, but I mentioned it was too quiet.

5. Are you a neat cook or a messy cook? In other words do you clean as you go or make a big mess and then deal with it later?
I usually clean afterwards, but usually there is not a big mess, because I do put things by the sink as I am finished with them.

6. Did you hear about Felix Baumgartner, the skydiver who broke the sound barrier via parachute? Was your first thought COOL! or was your first thought CRAZY! Are you adventurous?
I didn't hear anything about it.

7. What's not a word but should be?
Some say ain't is not a word but it is in mine. lol.  Whatcha - I use that all the time.  As in - Whatcha doing?  Whatcha up too?

8. Insert your own random thought here. We have a big project going at our house.  We have an extra garage that needed organizing.  I don't think my hubby had any idea what he had out there.  Him and Alice did alot of flea markets and collector's shows, and we have a lot of merchandise left.  Trying to get a good inventory on it so I can start listing it on Ebay.  If you are ever looking for anything older in Ty, Precious Moments or Hallmark Ornaments, let me know, who knows we might have it in stock.  We do have a few other pieces also. The best part of this project is I will have my own craft space.  The previous owner had a beauty shop on one side of the garage with a wall dividing it.  That is going to be my craft corner or room.  Can't wait, I am getting excited!  
That is it for this week, if you would like to join in click on the button above and grab the questions.  Joyce is a wonderful host and does a great job with the questions.  Hope you have a great week and thanks for stopping by!   

until next time... nel

Hodgepodge Time...

1.  In what ways do you indulge yourself?
I tend to sleep in of a morning, which I am up till 1 or 2 in the a.m. that makes it okay, right?  

2.  Have you ever taken a cooking class?  Any interest?  What type of class would you most like to try?
I have never taken a cooking class, I like to try new recipes on my own.  I would love to take a class learning how to oil paint.

3. What does it mean to be a good citizen? 
I think exercising your right to vote is at the top of the list for being a good citizen.  In my mind it is loving wherever you are and taking pride in it.

4.  'Tis the season of the political advert...do these ads influence your vote? 
No they do not...I hate the ads.  They are usually just running each other down.

5.  What's something you see today that makes you wish you were a kid again?
Lego Blocks - I would of loved me some Legos!

6.  What's your least favorite cliche?
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

7.  What percentage of your Christmas shopping has been completed?  How does that make you feel?
0% - doesn't feel that great...

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Glad to be back at Hodgepodge!  My grandbaby has not been feeling very well lately.  Please remember Eden Jade in prayer...you can never get to many prayers!

until next time...nel

Playing Catch Up...

It is beginning to look like fall around here.  Actually more like winter.  We had 85 degree weather one day and then 55 the next,  and it got down to 33 last night.  I have been watching our neighbor's tree this year, usually it puts on quite a show, beautiful colors, but it just hasn't made it yet.  It is starting to change, but the colors are not bright, more on the drab side.  I am sure this is due to the extreme dryness we had this summer, unfortunately I don't believe there will be as many pictures snapped this year.

We have had a busy summer, just seemed like one thing after another.  Do you ever feel like you meet yourself coming and going. I think I have been MIA all summer in blog land.  Perhaps I can get caught up over the next week or so. I  also have several books I need to get reviewed and a few I need to read.

Our grandkids spent a week with us the end of July.  What a joy they were.  They are growing so fast.  It was so hot out we really couldn't do a lot, but one thing we could do was enjoy the pool.  We have a wonderful Aquatic Park here in Willard.  The kids really had a good time.  Cain got brave and even went off the high dive, his dad and Janice were really surprised.  He loved it!  Eden went down the big slide once, but they said she could not go on with her life jacket on, so she spent the rest of the time in the kids end.  Needless to say, Cain spent most of his time on the far end of the pool, so I did not get as many pictures of him.

As you can tell they love to make things, I ran across this kit at a yard sale.  I have to say it is the best $1.00 I ever spent.  There are forms with little pegs sticking out that you put these plastic beads on, then you use the iron to melt them together.  When it cools you carefully pop your design off.  They had several hanging designs to take home with them.

We all laughed at the last one, we told her Daddy he better get the big guns out!  The kids had a good time and already talking about next summer.  Making memories -- that is what it's all about!

until next time... nel