Leap Over to Hodgepodge...

It's that fun time of the week, Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Click on the link above and join in the fun. 

1.  The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year.  How will you spend the extra day?

Nothing special, it is just a normal day.  I have to get my stickers put on my greeting cards, few little odds and ends.

2.  What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?

I think taking my cards in and talking to the store owner about them.

3.  We're one week into the season of Lent... are you marking these 40 days in some way?  Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life?  How's it going so far?

Not something I have ever practiced.

4.  When was the last time you sat beside a fire?

Too long ago!  It was probably about 4 or 5 years ago.  During our Thanksgiving trip to Arkansas we joined my cousin and her family at her cabin up on the mountain.  We sat outside around the fire most of the day enjoying life!

5.  Surft and Turf is on the menu.  Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf, just the turf, or a menu so you can select another option?

I would ask for the menu, I always like to see what is available before I make my choice.

6.  If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?

This is a hard one.  I remember a show I watched every week when I was a teen, Then Came Bronson.  I had a major crush on Michael Parks...lolol.  Motorcycles scared me but yeah I would of rode off into the sunset with him.



7.  They say an elephant never forgets.  These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?
It depends on the situation.  Usually I am an elephant, I can remember all kinds of things, but if I am stressed, in a hurry, or not feeling well a gnat.  

8.  Random
I am busy today getting last minute things done.  I have to get some pictures ordered since the sale goes off today.  I have to get my stickers on each of the cards with my booth number and my inventory number.  I also have to get some Assortment packages together.  Busy day...but exciting!

until next time... nel

BOOK REVIEW: Heaven is for Real

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent is an amazing story involving his 4-year-old son, Colton. Colton was extremely sick and the doctors kept saying he had the flu because of test results. His parents finally decided to take him to a different hospital and there they took x-rays. They were shocked at the results; Colton’s appendix had ruptured and he needed immediate surgery. It had been leaking poison into his system for 5 days.

Colton almost died and during this time he made a trip to heaven and sat on Jesus’ lap. Following his recovery after he was at home he casually mentioned that he was with Jesus. He explained in detail what his mom and dad were doing during this time. He also mentioned his older sister from a miscarriage his mom had that he knew nothing about. There were many details that Colton related over a period of time, which you can discover by reading the book.

I highly recommend this book. Children are innocent and see things that we do not. Who are we to say this is false and did not happen. I believe with all my heart this little boy had a heavenly experience. I truly believe innocent children can experience things we cannot. This is a great read for everyone!

You can click here for more information at the Thomas Nelson Publishing page.

I received this book free from Book Sneeze as part of their 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

BOOK REVIEW: My Life and Lesser Catastrophes

Life was close to perfect for Allen and Chrissy Schofield. They lived in Rolla, Missouri along with their daughter Lily. He was a Campus Minister and Chrissy worked as a free-lance illustrator from home.

Life was busy, two days after their 13th wedding anniversary they finally had a little time to spend together. They decided to go for a joy ride on the motorcycle – an anniversary ride – a ride that would change their lives forever!

Hitting the patch of gravel on the road Allen lost control of the motorcycle. They went off the road into the ditch and were thrown approximately 20 feet through the air. A young lady who was part of their campus fellowship spotted them on her way to work and immediately called the paramedics.

Chrissy was released that evening with a concussion; a couple of friends drove her to the hospital where Allen had been transferred by med-flight. He was not so lucky. Allen had broken his neck and injured his spinal cord. The doctors did not have a good opinion on Allen’s diagnosis. They were not positive he would survive, and if he did, would he ever walk again or breathe on his own.

Does Allen survive? Will he ever be able to walk again? How long is Allen out of commission if he does survive? Will Chrissy cling to her faith or will she question God? Grab this book and find answers to all these questions, and realize that God still does hear and answer prayers.

This is a great book. It helps you realize we all have the same feelings; when we are on top of the mountain and things are great we trust God and are so in tune with Him, but when we are in the valley and overwhelmed with consequences of life we start questioning God, wondering why me? Fortunately, He is still there right where He always is.

Click here to read more about this book on the Chosen Books website.

I received this book free from Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group 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

Wednesday Hodgepodge #67

I missed out last week to much stuff going on, but I'm back this week and ready to go.

1. February 22nd is National Be Humble Day...what makes you proud? What keeps you humble?

Thinking this over I would have to say my daughter makes me proud.  I am so proud of the lady she has become and the momma she is.  She never ceases to amaze me.  She just got her Bachelors in Business Administration while working full time and raising a family.  Yep she makes me proud!

Humble - I would have to say thinking about what God did for us.  He gave his only son so we might have eternal life.  He wasn't thinking about himself, he was thinking about us... and we are so undeserving. 

2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?

I have two places.  In the bedroom, my dresser.  It seems no matter how hard I try it gets piled, and yes it is me usually doing the piling.  In our office either my desk or the shelf behind me.  Could be because they are the closest thing to the backdoor.

3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?

Oh yes we always visit the State/National Parks, love them.  We have a Senior Pass Card for The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands.  It is a lifetime pass, you can get it if you are 62 or older.  We both get in free with it.  Love it!  I think my favorite National Park was The Grand Canyon, BEAUTIFUL!  Here at home the Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is one of our favorites.  I love to go and take photos.

4. How would you define honor?
I would say honesty, good name, public esteem, good reputation, as in he is a man of honor. 

5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?I would have to say Angel's food, like I have said before I am not a big chocolate fan.  Angel's food is good by itself, but also with strawberries and whip cream or sliced peaches... mmmm good!

6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?
We have not been on any trips since Arkansas at Christmas time.  It takes about 4 hours to get there.  And we usually make a stop at Walmart at Harrison - about halfway and it is a good place to stretch the legs.  We usually only stop the one time when headed there - could have something to do with who is waiting for us on the other end.  lol.   Usually when we do take a road trip we make frequent stops - it has something to do with that camera that is glued to my hand. lol.  We love just getting out and kicking around.  I would say probably chips or pretzels are our car snack, sometimes cookies.

7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story here. Your thoughts?
Whoooaaaa!  I have a problem with this.  Since when is chicken nuggets healthier than a turkey sandwich.  And let's talk about allergies, plus what right do they have taking our child's lunch from them.  Oh it is a good thing I am not in that school district...it wouldn't be pretty!

8. Random...
I actually have two randoms, I can do that it is my responses.  First of all, I was so excited I tried to leave a comment on Joyce's post about the Smokies and it worked. I did not have to get out of Internet Explorer and go in to Chrome.  By the way Joyce that is why I have not been commenting much.  I am so glad it worked today!
I have something else I am excited about also.  We have a place here in Willard called Village Mercantile and Florist and there is a Tea Room also.  As of March 1st I am putting a rack with my greeting cards which use my pictures in the shop.  I am so pumped!  I am praying they are received well and that I will have to restock often.  They were excited also!  Praise the Lord!

until next time... nel

Book Review: GO BIG

Go Big by Cory Cotton is a great book that tries to encourage all of us to follow our dream.

This book is about six college roommates that made it big in under two years by shooting and filming crazy basketball shots in their backyard. Having fun they decided to launch a YouTube video of their favorite shots, which ended up on “Good Morning America” two days later, thus Dude Perfect was born.

These six young men have a Go Big approach to life and they share it with you throughout the book. There are five principles you have to accomplish to Go Big in the connected world. They are: Get Excited; Own It; Blink Later; Inspire Others; and Give Back. These principles are explained within the book.

This book was very interesting and informative and is full of fantastic ideas. I would recommend this book to anyone especially if you have an idea or a dream that you want to expand.

Click here to read an excerpt from Chapter 1.

Click here to listen to a trailer about Go Big.

I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group 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: The Harvest of Grace

The Harvest of Grace is a true romance in the making. It is well written with strong characters.

Sylvia is the oldest of nine girls, single, and leaves home which is unheard of in the Amish community. This happened when Sylvia and her brother-in-law, which happened to be her previous beau, could not keep their feelings in check. How did Elam go from being her boyfriend to her brother-in-law?

Sylvia takes a job at a Dairy Farm for an older couple, the Blanks. Their son Aaron, whom never wanted to be a farmer, comes home following rehab trying to convince his parents to leave the farm and move to town with him. Instead he finds Sylvia trying to help his Dad get the farm back in the red. Will Sylvia and Aaron work out their differences?

There are several other romances taking place developing in the story also. Cara ended up in Dry Lake with her daughter Lily. Cara grew up in the Bronx, her mom died when she was young and her dad abandoned her. Cara has found her self head over heels in love with of all people an Amish man. Will Cara ever get through her training and learn the Amish ways? Can she leave her old life behind?

There is also Lena Mast who has a large birthmark on the side of her face; she is in love with Grey. Grey also loves her but he is an upstanding Amish man who lost his wife last year. They have to wait out a mourning period before they can proceed with their life together.

There are a few other characters you can meet and answer all the questions when you read the book The Harvest of Grace. This is a very good fast paced book. There is a lot going on and it keeps your interest. It is written very well.

Read more about The Harvest of Grace or purchase it here on the publisher's site.  You can read an excerpt from Chapter 1 here.

I received this book free from Blogging for Books at Waterbrook Press Publishing 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: Out of Control

Out Of Control by Mary Connealy is Book 1 in The Kincaid Brides series from Bethany House. It is a Christian romance set in Colorado territory in 1866.

Rafe Kincaid had returned to the cavern one more time trying to overcome his fears. Going there caused him to relive the terrible day of the accident but instead of hearing the cries of his brother Seth he heard a woman screaming. Rafe facing his fears head on manages to get the woman, Julia Gilliland, to safety.

Rafe proceeded to try to find out more about this upset woman. Julia claimed she was the daughter of the owner of the general store in Rawhide, however Rafe knew the owner. He also knew he did not have a daughter named Julia.

As late as it was getting Rafe managed to convince Julia that she would be comfortable at the ranch until morning light, promising he would take her home, if they could find home. When they arrived at the ranch Ethan met them on the front porch, which totally surprised Rafe, since this was his first time home since the accident.

After Julia had calmed down her interest was directed towards the cavern. She was determined that yes she had to get home, her family would be worried but her main concern was her return trip to the cavern. She had found fossils there like she had read about in her books, but the problem was there was also something else there. It was a man who had scared her to death, so she had to figure out a way to get Rafe to help her.

Does Rafe and Julia ever work out their differences? Does Julia ever realize the truth about her Dad? Does Rafe and Ethan come to terms about the accident? And who is the crazy man in the cavern? Find the answers to these questions and a lot more in this book.

This was a good book but I found it a little hard to follow at times. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance with a little twist or books set in the west.

If you click here it will take you to Bethany House.  There is more information on the book and excerpts from it.


I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group 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

Love 'N The Hodgepodge...

Can't you just feel the love?  It is that time of the week that we all love, time for Wednesday Hodgepodge.  Click on the button above grab the questions and join the love.

1.  What is something you are loving right now?

Right at this exact moment I am loving my thermal shirt and my long-sleeved denim shirt.  They feel good on this chilly night.  I think my real answer is I am loving Life!  I don't think it could be much better than this! The only way it could be better is if we lived closer to my grandkids, but life is good, and I get to see them quite often.

2.  Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world.  Which one would you most like to visit?

I would have to say New York.  There is just so much to see in the United States and I have never been there.  I would love to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. 

3.  Are you a romantic?

I am a hopeless romantic, believe in the fairy tale!

4.  What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

I know this does not surprise you but I can't list just one.  My favorites are:  Shall We Dance?, Message In A Bottle, Sweet Home Alabama and The Notebook.

5.  Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? 

I took the quiz and it said Winnie-the-Pooh.  It says I am lovable and kind, even if I am a bit slow sometimes.  All I need to be happy in life is good food, good friends, and good fun.   Well at least it didn't say I look like Pooh Bear.

6.  What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?

I am not a big chocolate eater but I would say probably Lindor Truffles - good stuff!

7.  Share a favorite quote about love.

"I love you bigger than the sky"  My daughter has said that to me since she was about 3 or 4 years old and still does. 

8.  Random.

We spent yesterday afternoon out at the lake Eagle Watching.  It was such a nice time, and there is nothing better than spotting a couple of Eagles.  They are so pretty.  They were pretty much staying in the trees, but one did soar down to the lake once, so pretty!  Have a couple pics to share.



There is one sitting in the tree on each side of the pic.



It was so pretty in flight.

Sitting Pretty!

It was a fun afternoon.  I love just doing spur of the moment road trips and kicking around with my husband.  Taking pictures just adds to the fun.  I love capturing what God has given us!


until next time...nel

Wednesday Again....

That's right it is Wednesday again, that is a good thing!  That means it is time for Wednesday Hodgepodge.  If you would like to join in this fun time just click on the button above and grab the questions, but you know you want to read my answers first.  So, what are we waiting for?  Let's go...

1.  It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season!  Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals?

I probably could, but we take ours to a CPA here at Willard.  He does a wonderful job and does not charge a horrible amount, and I have no stress!

2.  Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain?

Wow, this could get deep.  I would say about even for me, let me explain:  I went through a lot of pain during my divorce and did not trust anyone.  Then I met my hubby and through his love I trust again and am happier than I have ever been.  Had you worried for a minute when I said it could be deep, you were afraid I was going to be long winded.  To be honest, I even surprised myself! lol

3.  Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts?  Would I find this color anywhere in your house?  How about in your closet?  If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012?

I like the color, it is a fun color.  I don't believe I have any of that color in my house except maybe one or two of my sunset picture I have hanging in the office and the sun room.  I don't believe I have that color in my wardrobe, I might need to look into that.

4.  Are you a collector?  What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly?

I have a collection of snowmen and I love Coca-cola collectibles.  Yes I admire them and they get dusted when the rest gets it.  A lot of my Coke collectibles is boxed waiting on my kitchen in Arkansas to get an overhaul.  I plan on putting all of it in there.

5.  February is National Heart Month... besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare?

I am not sure what recipes I use that is really heart healthy... shame on me!  I know!  We love Fruit Salad... will that work?  :)

6.  When was the last time you had car trouble?

It has been a couple of years, the old caddy had quite a few miles on her.  We have not had any problems since we bought this one last year.

7.  Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less?  Is that a good trend?

This question is hard to answer since I do not work, and just basically do what I want and enjoy time with my hubby.  We have been busy with EBay lately but other than that, each day is a new day!

8.  Random

I have a Prayer Request.  We attend a very small church on the outskirts of Springfield and as of Sunday night we are without a pastor.  There are no hard feelings, he just felt like the Lord was leading him to move on.  He had been there 13 years.  We found out Sunday morning, so please remember our church in your prayers.  Please remember him and his family in prayer also.  It is going to be so different...  

That's all folks... 

until next time... nel