Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I am linking up today over at Joyce's.  Visit her and join the 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 gift wrap with a bow but some things just fit better in a gift bag. I have not wrapped any Christmas gifts yet since I haven’t bought any ;) I am still in Thanksgiving mode.

2. What is one item on your list this year?

I haven’t officially made my list yet. I don’t have anything that I have been waiting to ask for in mind. Maybe after I read some other Hodgepodger’s answers that will change ;)

3. What makes a home?

Family, love and warmth make a home. No matter where you are if you have those things it will feel like home. We have a very small house but I try hard to make it a home. I want all who enter to feel comfortable and welcomed. One of the greatest compliments I can receive is that my house feels “homey” and that guests feel welcome. 

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.

I love Motown. My Dad listens to it and I have great memories of Motown playing on the radio while in his car when I was a kid. It makes me smile. When I was teaching second grade I had my class put on a tribute to Motown for Black History Month. We had so much fun singing and dancing. If I have to pick a favorite it would have to be The Four Tops.

5. Red or green-which one is more prevalent in your closet?

Red, I like to wear read for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. 


6. True or false-bacon makes it better? If you answered true, what's your favorite dish made with bacon?

True. I don’t eat it anymore because I am not eating eggs, but I would have to say my Grandmother’s recipe for potato salad. We boil the potatoes then peel and slice them thin when they cooled. Then we add bacon, onion, vinegar, s&p, and mayo. The finishing touches were pouring some of the bacon fat into it along with a raw egg.  Delicious!

7. Share a favorite holiday memory.

One of my favorite holiday memories is driving out east with my husband and children to cut down our own Christmas tree.  We stop off for hot chocolate on the way home and listen to Christmas music in the car.  We laugh and enjoy each other's company.  There is much joy as we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Last week we celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary.  We were married the Saturday after Thanksgiving and this year our anniversary fell on the same day of the week.  Throughout the day I was remembering what I was doing at that exact time on our wedding day.  It seems like so long ago yet at the same time like it was just yesterday. 

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

                    Join in the fun over at Joyce's today. 

1. Turkey-love it or leave it? White meat or dark? What's your favorite thing to make using leftover turkey?


I usually choose the white meat so that my husband and children can have the dark meat, which is their favorite.  I like both though.  I love to make a turkey sandwich with stuffing on rye bread with the leftovers.  If there is lots leftover I like to make a turkey pot pie.  I usually plan for lots of leftovers.  I am making a 22 lb. turkey for 7 people at dinner. 

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?

On my own I wouldn't choose either but if I was forced to pick one it would be climbing a mountain.  At least then I could stop and pant, right?  I have always loved the idea of being a runner but am not very good at it...at all!  

3. Do you feel like social networking has made your relationships better or worse? Explain.

I would say it has improved my relationships because I have made many special friends through it. 

4. How do you find and express gratitude for the hard things in your life?

Knowing that everything that comes into my life is part of God's perfect plan and for my good and His glory helps me to be grateful. 
"For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

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?

Most of my shopping is done through the Internet.  My husband and I usually go out shopping one night and get all the things that are left in person. 
I don't think that the stores should open on Thanksgiving night.  I think those employees should be given the day off to spend with their families.  After all people can live without shopping that day unlike without a doctor or a police officer.  I have no plans to be out shopping on Friday.
 
6. Speaking of the color black-which black item in your wardrobe would you say is your favorite?

Do shoes count?  If so it would be my new $59 shoes that I bought with a coupon code for $18.99 from Lands End.  They are so comfy that I ordered another pair in any color they had available which ended up being navy. 

7. What do you appreciate about your life today?

My family and friends.  The freedom to worship God and to gather with my church family.  The priviledge of  homeschooling my children and creating a home for my husband and children. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy Thanksgiving! 
~Theresa

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it is dark out now.  Today was brisk and gray. 

I am thinking... I left the drapes out on the line and need to get those in.  I don't think they are completely dry but maybe I can just iron them and put them up. 

I am thankful... that we were safe throughout Hurricane Sandy.  We were part of the 10% on Long Island that didn't lose power :)  I kind of feel bad saying that knowing that so many lost so much. 

In the kitchen... meatballs are simmering in a pot of sauce on the stove.  I will boil up some spaghetti and add a veggie for dinner.

I am wearing... gray yoga pants and a teal v-neck.  I dressed comfortably today as I was busy doing laundry, cleaning and organizing.

I am creating... why do I always feel so uncreative when I get to this question?!

I am going... to be busy getting ready for Thanksgiving.  I made a turkey yesterday for our church Thanksgiving meal and will be making another on Thursday. 

I am wondering... why people do the things they do ;)

I am reading... the bible, Lies Women Believe and Young Pilgrim's Progress with my children.   

I am hoping... that my meatballs come out delicious without the egg.

I am looking forward to... celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday and then my 11th wedding anniversary on Saturday. 

I am learning... that God's ways are the best ways. 

Around the house... there is a pile of Thanksgving books on my kitchen table that need to be cleared so the table can be set for dinner.  The blinds need to be closed and the drapes drawn for the night.  I am enjoying all of the fall decorations. 

I am pondering... when to speak up and when to keep quiet.

A favorite quote for today...

Do The Next Thing

(quoted by Elizabeth Elliot)

From an old English parsonage, down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message to me;

Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,

Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.

And on through the hours the quiet words ring

Like a low inspiration--"DO THE NEXT THING."Many a question, many of fear,

Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.

Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.

Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus, "DO THE NEXT THING."Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand

Who placed it before thee with earnest command.

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,

Leave all resultings, "DO THE NEXT THING."Looking to Jesus, ever serener,

(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,

In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,

The light of His countenance be thy psalm,

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,

Then, as He beckons thee, "DO THE NEXT THING."

Isn't that a great encouragemant?  I love that reminder. 

Click here to visit Peggy and The Simple Woman's Daybook. 
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

I'm joining the fun over at Joyce's today.  Won't you join me?

1. What rule of life should never be broken?

"Treat others as you would like to be treated."


2. What's your favorite family recipe?

It would have to be cheesecake.  My Mom makes the best cheesecake from a recipe that is called "Anna's cheesecake" although I don't know who Anna is.  I believe it was passed down through the family.  I have made it a couple of times although I put cherries or strawberries on top since it usually cracks on me. 


3. Is the media manipulative?

Yes, I believe so.  Everyone has an opinion and unfortunately many have an agenda. 


4. Hubs and I saw Skyfall last weekend...are you a fan of the Bond films? If so, who's your favorite Bond?

No, I am not a big action movie fan. 

5. What is one thing you hope people never say about you?

I hope people never say that I was a hypocrite.  I hope that I live my life in a way that reflects what I say and believe. 

6. What's a nearby tourist attraction you'd like to see, but haven't gotten around to visiting?

This may be hard to believe but I have never been to The Statue of Liberty.  It isn't something I think of often living here in NY.  It would be a site to see though and I would love to visit Ellis Island. 


7. Where's your favorite tree?

My favorite is the maple tree, especially in the fall.  Isn't it gorgeous?!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Please keep those affected by Sandy in your prayers.  There is still much devastation here on Long Island.  I just heard yesterday that a friend from high school lost her home.  She is one of many. 

"The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,


A Shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide,

A Shelter in the time of storm."

~Theresa