Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)

Yes. Since having kids I send out photo ones. I probably send out about 60-70 although I think my list is getting smaller. I display the cards I receive by stranding them through ribbon and hanging them around the doorways in my living room.


2. When do kids become adults?

At 18, when they can vote, right?


3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?

No. I have a pretty basic routine. In the summer I may put some separate sunscreen on my face if I am going to be out in the sun for long. Other than that, I can't think of anything different.


4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?

I can't believe I am going to write this! Pork neckbones. My mom has been making them in tomato sauce since I was a kid. She learned it from my grandmother. I haven't had them in years since I won't make it, but I wouldn't turn it down if my mom or sister made some ;)

5. Gloves or mittens?

Gloves. I received a nice pair of mittens a couple of years ago, but I don't really like the way they feel with your fingers not separated.


6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?

This is a tough question. I hate waiting in line and usually will refuse to. I have to wait in line on buffet lines at church but that I don't mind because I am usually talking to someone and the food is really good.


7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?

Driving out east on the North Fork with my family. We cut down our Christmas tree and stop for hot chocolate. It is so beautiful and peaceful there.


8. Insert your own random thought here.

Am I the only one with fall decorations still up? I guess I will start taking them down today, but I refuse to start decorating for Christmas until December 1st :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... the sun is shining and there is a nice breeze. It is in the mid 60s.

I am thinking... time to start thinking about Christmas presents.

I am thankful for... wonderful family and friends.

From the learning rooms... back to school today. We took off a few days last week for Thanksgiving and today we are back to the books.

From the kitchen... I don't know what I am making for dinner yet. I had leftover turkey pot pie for lunch. It was really good.

I am wearing... jeans, a brown t-shirt and brown lined Crocs.

I am going... to get my teeth cleaned tomorrow :)

I am reading... the Bible, "Womanly Dominion", "Instruments in The Redeemer's Hands"

I am hearing... the kids playing (recess) and my husband talking on the phone downstairs.

One of my favorite things... cool breezes (I am usually hot when everyone else is cold ;)

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Our Anniversary and Thanksgiving

Not only are we celebrating Thanksgiving today, we are also celebrating our 10th Wedding Anniversary. I am so thankful to God for giving me a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family.

With Thanksgiving becoming more like an opportunity for people to get great deals on their Christmas shopping, I think this helps to remember what Thanksgiving is truly about:

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be."
—George Washington

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.

1. Let's start with something controversial...dressing or stuffing? What's it called at your house and what's included in your recipe...cornbread? oysters? sausage? chestnuts?

Stuffing. My recipe is a simple bread stuffing made with white bread, butter, onions, black pepper, nutmeg, thyme and eggs.


2. Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

The Proverbs 31 woman :)


3. When were you last inside an airport?

The last time I flew was 1995- (gasp). I have picked someone up or dropped someone off probably six years ago. I have no desire to go to one, especially with the security and patdowns or walking through machines that scan your body.


4. What is one side dish that absolutely must be included in a turkey dinner?

Stuffing! And mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cranberry.


5. What Christmas song do you dread hearing?

Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer.


6. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

No, but I will buy them something to eat if they are hungry. I have dropped money into the tin cup or in NYC a hat. I love the Salvation Army workers that ring the bell during the holiday season.


7. Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory. If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food.

Ten years ago on Thanksgiving, it was two days before our wedding. All of my husband's siblings and family were here in NY for the wedding. We all gathered at his parent's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was an extra long table to fit everyone and that was the largest group I've been with for Thanksgiving. I loved seeing how happy his mother was to have all five of her kids and their families together for Thanksgiving since it had been many years.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Have you heard that some stores are opening at 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Really? Can't we let the store employees enjoy their Thanksgiving too?! I just can't think of anything that can't be bought the next day.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is dark out. Today was a beautiful day- sunny and around 60 degrees.

I am thinking... I have a lot to do this week.

I am thankful for... so much! Today at church we had our annual Thanksgiving service. I was wiping tears as I listened to people share God's blessings in their lives and thanking God for mine.

From the learning rooms... first quarter paperwork is due this week. I will also be writing their report cards.

From the kitchen... turkey, bread stuffing, and coconut custard pie.

I am wearing... my PJs- periwinkle lounge pants and a navy top.

I am going... to be hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner this week.

I am reading... the Bible, "Womanly Dominion", "Instruments in The Redeemer's Hands"

I am hearing... the dishwasher.

One of my favorite things... the sound of crunching leaves as you walk.

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is dark out. Today was cloudy and in the high 50s. It is finally starting to look like fall here.

I am thinking... I need to get on my Gazelle still for today.

I am thankful for... a great day worshipping and fellowshipping with my church family yesterday.

From the learning rooms... we covered all the basic subjects today. A lot was completed.

From the kitchen... saucy beef and penne with cauliflower.

I am wearing... my workout clothes- navy shorts and a blue t-shirt.

I am going... to acupuncture this week :)

I am reading... the Bible, "Womanly Dominion", "Instruments in The Redeemer's Hands"

I am hearing... Franklin on the TV.

One of my favorite things... a comfy pair of jeans and now is the perfect season.

A picture for sharing... photo credit
Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today for Wednesday Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce.


1. Of all the tools and gadgets you own which do you most enjoy using?

My Kitchen Aid mixer, hands down. I love my dough hook and using it to make pizza dough. It makes baking so much easier as well. I would love to get the real big one for when I bake Christmas cookies. That way I could triple my batches while mixing.


2. When (if ever) is impatience a virtue?

The only thing I could think of is emergency medical situations. I mean who would mind someone going ahead of you in the doctor's office who was in a life or death situation?!

3. What temperature do you keep your thermostat set to in winter? Do you have another way to heat your house besides a furnace of some type?

During the day 68, at night 62. We have a couple of electric space heaters that we use in the morning if it hasn't warmed up enough yet.


4. Do/did you have a close relationship with any of your grandparents?

All of my grandparents have passed on. I have great memories of special times spent with all of them.


5. When did you last have a family portrait taken?

Um...we have never had a family portrait taken professionally. We do have a family member snap a shot each Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter though.


6. What does the word patriotism mean to you?

It means feeling a sense of pride in your country. Sometimes that means getting a lump in your throat and teary eyed when singing The National Anthem. Other times it means fighting for what our forefathers founded our country upon.


7. Do you like to play cards and if so, what's your favorite card game?

Yes. My favorite game is 500 Rumy.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Is anyone having real fall like weather yet. It has been so mild here. I actually had the windows open today (ok, we did get some snowflakes last week) :)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it is sunny and looking like fall. The temperatures are mild today- the high 50's.

I am thinking... I am so thankful that my laptop is up and running again. I missed reading all of my blogging friends' posts.

I am thankful for... autumn. I love this season. It is such a beautiful display of God's creation.

From the learning rooms... Astronomy for science, Ancient Greece for history and all the basics.

From the kitchen... pork roast is in the oven. I cut up some garlic cloves and put them into slits cut into the meat, seasoned with salt and pepper and then poured orange juice mixed with brown sugar over it. I am roasting some butternut squash and have a green salad to go with it.

I am wearing... the most comfortable gray Lands End pants and a lavender polo.

I am going... to the last soccer game of the season on Saturday.

I am reading... the Bible, "Womanly Dominion", "Instruments in The Redeemer's Hands"

I am hearing... my son playing, my computer humming and my daughter shuffling papers.

One of my favorite things... the beach. We went last Monday and the kids built sand castles while wearing their coats. It was a great day.

A picture for sharing...



Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Women's Daybook