Hodgepodge, 2015: A Ten

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. Share a favorite memory/moment from the week of Christmas.

Sitting around the table for Christmas dinner with my family.  I love when everyone is together and we have to scrunch in so everyone can fit.  One of the best things about celebrating Christmas is being with the ones you love.

2.  If someone wrote a book about your life based on the past year, what genre would it fall under? What would the title be?

Adventure.  "To Move or Not To Move".

3. What made you feel patriotic this year?

I always feel patriotic when "Our Country 'Tis of Thee" or "America, the Beautiful" is sung.  We sing a patriotic song at our homeschool group each week.  I often get choked up or teary eyed while singing and thinking about the lyrics.

4. What experience from this past year would you like to do all over again?

Well, I hate to even think about it....but I said some things I shouldn't have and the phone never hung up.  I was overwhelmed and it was someone trying to set up an appointment and that was the last thing I had time for.  We were in the car and I picked up the cell phone and was sorry I answered instead of letting it go to voicemail.  I thought I hung up and then started ranting and raving to my husband for a few minutes.  I looked down and saw the phone never disconnected the call.  I was sick about it.  And still feel sick to my stomach thinking about it.  If I had to do all over again, I'd let the call go to voicemail and call back at a time when I was better able to communicate clearly.

5. What song lyric sums up or is a reflection of your 2015?

"Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me"!

6. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate 2015?  (10=stellar) Why?

I want to say 10 because I don't want to be ungrateful for the many blessings we take for granted every day.  We have food, clothing, and shelter and with these we are to be content.  We live in a country where we are free to worship (at least for the time being).  I have family and friends that I love and that love me.  His mercies are new every morning.  I'm going with a 10.

7. What part of the upcoming year are you most excited about?

Getting back to exercising and eating well.  I feel so much better when I do.  I know it will be a struggle to get started and I will likely not feel well for the first week or so, but I have to remind myself how good it feels after that.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

~Theresa

Wednesday's Christmas Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. What's your biggest 'first world' problem?

Trying to find enough space to store all our non-refrigerated food items.  Since moving in September I have a hard time trying to put away my groceries after shopping.  Our old house was much smaller but had a closet that we made into a pantry so there was always room to put "one more thing".  This house has more cabinets but I have to use them to store everything.  I must remember to be grateful for the things I am trying to find a place for.

2.  Each year Time Magazine names a 'Person of the Year', someone who has 'for better or worse...done the most to influence the events of the year.' It was recently announced they've named Angela Merkel Person of the Year for 2015. You can read more about this year's selection here. Your thoughts? If you were in charge, who would you declare Person of the Year? 

I don't really have a feeling about it one way or the other.  I'm glad I'm not in charge because I don't think I could find just one person to declare Person of the Year.  I think of the many ordinary people doing extraordinary things each day.

3. Do you have a nativity set in your home? If so share it's history and how you display the pieces.

Yes, I do.  My mother-in-law made it in ceramics several years ago.  She gave a set to each of her children and my husband packed his away (he was single then).  Since we've been married we display it each year.  It is on the top of an antique bookcase we have in our living room.

4.  Do you make an extra effort to give back in some way during the holiday season? How do you encourage those who need encouragement this time of year?

Yes I do, although I could always be doing more.  We fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I also bake cookies and love making up platters to share with others.  I try to make sure I smile at store clerks and say "Merry Christmas" as often as I can.

5. Who is your favorite person to shop for? Why?

My favorite people to shop for are my children.  I love to see them open their presents and the smiles on their faces.

6. What's the last delicious thing you ate?

Do Junior Mints count?  I popped a few of those in my mouth yesterday and they were delicious.  If I am supposed to pick a real food item then it would be the sausage, peppers and onions I made over the weekend.

7. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is________________.

Singing loud for all to hear.  Sorry, I couldn't resist.  But there is some truth to that.  Listening to Christmas music is a great way to remember what the season is all about.

8. Insert your own random thought here.* 

Since there won't be a Hodgepodge next week I wish you all a Merry Christmas!  Enjoy :)

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge: Hear The Angels Sing!

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1.  Many families have a story they love to tell every year around a holiday. Does your family have one? Are you the star of that story, or does another family member take center stage? Share your story if you want.

No, I can't think of a specific story that is told every year.

2. Are you afraid to speak your own opinion?

Not usually.  If it isn't asked for and the topic isn't important I will try to keep quiet.  If it is an important matter I usually share my opinion, even if I'm not asked.

3. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2016, and for the first time have chosen two shades-rose quartz and serenity. Hmmm...did you know serenity was a color? You can read the thought behind their selection here, but essentially it's blending the warmth of rose quartz with the tranquility of a very soft shade of blue. So what do you think? Are these colors I'd find in your home or wardrobe? Will you add something in these shades to either place in the new year?

I like the name serenity for a color and it sounds nice.  I don't think I have anything in those colors in my home, although my bathroom paint color may be close.  We haven't painted yet so I can't say for sure ;)  I try to stay away from pastel type colors in my wardrobe unless it is an accent color and mixed with white, black or gray.  I have a shirt that my sister lent me that is close to serenity but I usually only wear it when I'm home since I don't think it does anything for my face.  I will not go out of my way to add those colors in the new year.

4. If you could be in a Christmas carol, which one would you choose? Why?

"It Came upon the Midnight Clear"

"It came upon the midnight clear, 
that glorious song of old, 
from angels bending near the earth 
to touch their harps of gold: 
"Peace on the earth, good will to men, 
from heaven's all-gracious King." 
The world in solemn stillness lay, 
to hear the angels sing." 

It sounds so peaceful, with the angels and their harps and the word in solemn stillness.  And the birth of Jesus, Lord and Savior, Prince of Peace.

5. December 9th is National Pastry Day. Will you celebrate? When did you last purchase something from a bakery? What's your favorite treat that falls under the heading of pastry? Do you make it yourself or buy from the professionals?

Now that I know, yes I will celebrate.  We have a wonderful bakery here in our town.  One of the best things about NY is the bakeries.  I was shocked to find out that some states do not have bakeries (or delis). The last thing I purchased was bread.  They have the best Italian bread and Rye bread (no seeds, please).

If I could eat it I would choose a Napolean from the bakery.  On special occasions someone usually brings an assortment of Italian pastries from the bakery.  Since I avoid eggs I try to make my own desserts for special occasions, but never tried to make my own Napoleans.  We do make cream puffs though.

6. When it comes to holiday decorating_____________________________.

I'm almost finished.  Yesterday we decorated inside and outside.  We just have to put the ornaments on the tree and I have a few finishing touches to add.

7. When did you last laugh so much it hurt? Explain.

It was a few months ago.  I don't even remember what it was about but I started laughing with the kids and could not stop.  They were hysterical watching my laugh and that just made me laugh harder.  My stomach was hurting from laughing and my abs were sore afterwards (I know that is pathetic!).

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Visit Joyce and join the fun!

1. Did you watch The Charlie Brown Christmas special Monday night? Who's your favorite Peanuts character and why?

No, I didn't, but I would have recorded it on the DVR if I knew it was going to be on.  My favorite character is Charlie Brown just because.  

"Most psychiatrists agree that sitting in a pumpkin patch is excellent therapy for a troubled mind."~Linus  

Would you agree? 

Yes, I would.  A pumpkin patch is part of nature and there is something about being out in nature that helps to clear your mind.  Remembering God's creation and just how awesome it is puts things back into perspective.  

2. Describe a sound from your childhood. What does this sound bring to mind? 

The 6:00 whistle.  Every night at 6:00 the fire sirens would go off letting everyone know what time it was.  As kids if we were still out playing we would usually break up and run home for dinner.  

3. You've won a trip to a winter wonderland...would that excite you? Which one of the following would you most want to experience (or which one would you dislike the least)-see the Aurora Borealis in Norway, stay in Sweden's Ice Hotel, go dogsledding in Lapland Finland, take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone or celebrate Winter Carnival in Quebec? 

Yes, that would because I love winter.  I would probably take a winter wildlife safari in Yellowstone because I've never been there and there is so much to see right here in the good old USA.  

4. Who or what keeps you humble? 

God's Word.  I try to remember not to think too highly of myself and the verse about let those who stand take heed lest they fall.  

5. What part of preparing for Christmas do you like the most? Explain. 

I like baking the most.  It gets everyone excited for Christmas and I love how much everyone enjoys something that I have baked.  

6. Gingerbread-yay or nay? Is making a gingerbread house part of your family holiday tradition?

Nay.  I don't like gingerbread although we usually buy kits from Trader Joes so the kids can make a house, because it is fun to do.  

7. What's one thing you want to start, do, or complete before the calendar rolls into a new year? 

List a bunch of coats and boots on Ebay.  I keep putting it off but really would like to get that done.  

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I keep missing the Hodgepodge each Wednesday but this week I remembered while it is still Wednesday.  The weeks seem to fly by.  

~Theresa