Hodgepodge Spring Sprucing

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1. What are two or three expectations you have of yourself?

I expect that I will be available to my family if they need me and to do my best to be a kind, caring person. 

2. In what way does your outdoor space need sprucing up this spring?

Our outdoor space needs a lot of sprucing up this spring.  My husband built a deck and it still needs to be stained (and cleaned first).  We still have leaves that need to be picked up, trees that need trimming, fences that need repairing and lots of planting to do. 

3. According to this site (Roadtrippers), six of North America's most wondrous waterfalls are-Webster's Falls in Ontario, Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, Multnomah Falls in Oregon, The Lower Yellowstone Falls, and Niagara. Have you seen any on the list? Which one on the list would you most like to visit? Prettiest waterfall not on the list that you've seen in person?

I've seen Niagara Falls when I was a kid, but never have seen any of the others listed.  I saw some waterfalls upstate NY but don't know the name of them. 

4. Looking back, what's something you wish you'd done as a teenager?

Been kinder. 

5. Ham...yes please or no thank you? If you said yes please which of the following do you like best-baked ham with all the trimmings, a ham and cheese sandwich, prosciutto with melon, a ham biscuit, a bowl of split pea and ham soup, or a slice of pizza topped with ham and pineapple?

Ham, yes please.  My favorite is baked ham with all the trimmings.  I like mine cooked with pineapple slices and glaze and served with applesauce, mashed potatoes, veggies and a crescent roll. 

6. Are you typical of your generation? How so?

I think so.  By being busy raising kids and starting to care for our parents. 

7. April rolls in at the end of the week, and in keeping with that theme...'act the fool', 'nobody's fool', 'a fool's errand', 'could have fooled me'...which foolish idiom most recently applies to you? Explain.

I'd say "act the fool".  I often act silly with my kids to make them laugh.  It's a side of me that only comes out when I'm with them. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I woke up this morning to the sound of tree trimming trucks and chainsaws.  The power company is making sure there is clearance around their power lines, some of which happen to be in our backyard.  I hope they do some of the spring sprucing up for us ;) 

Welcome Spring Hodgepodge

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1. Has spring sprung in your little corner of the world? Other than the calendar how would I know? What's your favorite thing about spring?

I haven't seen many signs of spring, especially since we woke up on Monday to about 6 inches of snow.  It melted pretty quickly though.  You would know it is Spring because the birds are chirping each morning.  My favorite thing about Spring is watching all the birds that visit my backyard.  So far I've seen bluejays and cardinals.  I love catching a glimpse of them from my kitchen window. 

2. Besides the weather, what's put a spring in your step recently?

Mallomars.  It must be the caffeine in the chocolate ;)  You can only find them at certain times during the year and when I see them on sale it makes me happy. 

3. How does Easter impact you?

It reminds me that I serve a risen Savior.  It gives me a renewed purpose and helps me have the right focus in life. 

4. I saw this somewhere on Facebook and thought it would make a fun Hodgepodge question. Which of the following would you find most disappointing...

a just stuffed taco shell breaking open and spilling out before you take the first bite? dropping a just-purchased Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts coffee? opening the peanut butter jar and finding it empty? upending onto the sidewalk a just-purchased ice cream cone? a burnt bagel popping up in your toaster when you're rushing breakfast? or cutting into an avocado and finding out it's rotten? 

Upending onto the sidewalk a just-purchased ice cream cone for sure! 

5. What's something held together with tape at your house? Or a paper clip? Or a wing and a prayer?

The lever on our toaster.  It probably should be glued on but when it falls off I just put it back on and hope it doesn't fall in the crack between the counter and stove. 

6. Do you feel underappreciated? In what way?

At times, but it is usually the start of a pity party which I try to put the brakes on.  I want to do whatever I do not being motivated by feeling appreciated but just doing it because. 

7. What's something you'd build if you knew how?

A fire pit in the backyard.  I can buy one but I think it would be cool to build one myself. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Happy Easter! 

~Theresa

Top of the Morning to You Hodgepodge!

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1. What do you think about luck?

I do not believe in luck.  I do believe in God's favor towards people or particular situations.  Luck is defined in Webster's dictionary as "a purposeless, unpredictable and uncontrollable force that shapes events favourably or unfavourably for an individual, group or cause".  I don't believe in a "force" that does those things, I believe in God who controls all things. 

2. Not counting your own backyard, what's a favorite green space in your town, city, or state?

My town has lots of green space.  We are on the Long Island Sound so there are lots of beaches.  There is also a river with a big park, bike trails, boat ramps and more.  My favorite green space is the wooded area at one of those beaches. 

3. How do you make your life more complex than it needs to be?

Oh, let me count the ways! I think I tend to overthink things and that makes simple things complex.
I also have a tendency to add things for me to do when I am already busy or tired.  Instead of keeping it simple I complicate it.  For example, if I need to make a dessert to take somewhere I will pick something that takes a lot of time instead of whipping up something simple that doesn't take a lot of time.  I'm working on it though. 

4. I read here the three places you should visit with friends. They are-New York City, Hawaii, and Amsterdam (rent a bike, walk along the canal, visit one of their world class museums). I felt the need to expound on that one. Moving on...Of the three places listed which would you most like to visit with friends? What's one place not on the list you think should be visited with friends?

I'd pick Hawaii because being at the beach with friends is a must.  I've been to NYC with friends several times, especially when I was young and adventurous ;)  One place that I think should be visited with friends is Long Island, of course!  Because of its beautiful beaches. 

5. What's the last live performance you saw? On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being best) how would you rate it?

I can't remember anything recently, but when I was dating my husband we went to NYC to see an off Broadway play based on the apostle John.  I'd say it was a 10. 

6. March 14th is National Potato Chip Day. Are you a fan? Your favorite flavor? Besides potato, what's your favorite chip type of snack?

Yes, I'm a fan.  My favorite flavor is BBQ, especially Trader Joe's Hawaiian style Hickory Barbeque Chips. 

7.What rule is most important in your home?

While there are many practical rules (no shoes in the bedrooms, replace the toilet paper or paper towels when you finish it, etc.), I'd say it is to be loving and respectful towards others.  If that rule is followed then all the practical ones will be too. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Wish I could send you all a piece of Irish Soda Bread to celebrate :)

~Theresa

Influential Women Hodgepodge

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1. March is National Women's History Month. In that vein, who are three women who've been influential in your life? How so?

My Mom, of course!  She has taught me many things; how to work hard, help others, when you see something that needs doing you do it, that family comes first.  There is nothing like the love of a mother.  She also taught me many practical things such as how to clean, to never go somewhere empty handed and to always make sure you cook "enough" because you never want to be embarrassed and not have enough food.

My Aunt Carol, is my dad's sister and very special to me.  She is a wonderful example of someone who puts others first.  She never forgets an occasion and is so thoughtful.  She makes friends everywhere she goes.  She treats others with respect and is kind.  She is always there for others and is a cherished friend to so many.  She is always there to lend a listening ear and a word of encouragement. 

My Titus 2 woman, Sharon.  We've never met in person and live many hours apart but she has had a big impact on my life. She always points me to God's Word and gives godly counsel.  She is an example of a woman who is committed to live for the Lord.  She shares what God has taught her and then encourages women to disciple others.

I know the question asks for three, but I can't forget to mention my two older sisters who have both been influential to me at different times in my life. 

2. In what ways do you think women have it easier than men? 

Well call me old-fashioned but I think women have it easier because they do not have the responsibility of financially caring for their family.  Women can contribute but I believe the sole responsibility is with the man. 

3. What do you need most right now: faith, love, hope, or peace? 

Love.  Can you ever have enough love?

4. Do you have a collection? If so, what do you collect and why? 

I collect Vera Bradley bags and accessories because I love them.  I usually stick to basic colors with my wardrobe and my Vera Bradleys bring in some fun without being over the top. 

5. Plaids, checks, polka dots, stripes...your favorite?

I like plaids. 

6. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self? 

I still have the desire to help others.  As a child I loved being a helper.  I like to think that I still look for ways to help others. 

7. You're a contestant on the TV game show Jeopardy. What category will you ace?  

Song lyrics, hands down.  There was a show on for a brief time called "Don't Forget the Lyrics".  I loved it and my family was amazed at how many songs I knew.  It would have been fun to go on that show. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Since we are on the topic of influential women, Former First Lady Nancy Reagan passed away this week.  I saw this on FB and think it is so beautiful!

“What do you say about someone who gives your life meaning? What do you say about someone who's always there with support and understanding, someone who makes sacrifices so that your life will be easier and more successful? Well, what you say is that you love that person and treasure her. I simply can't imagine the last 8 years without Nancy.” - Ronald Reagan, August 1988

Have a great week :)

~Theresa

Leaps & Bounds Hodgepodge

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1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

I didn't do anything special.  Since it was a Monday we homeschooled during the day.  I went to the chiropractor and then to Lowes with my husband. 

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

My faith.  I may not realize it every day but when I look back I can see how my faith has grown over the years.  I believe it is through day to day living that our faith grows.  We learn to fret less and trust more.

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

I am not much into movies.  I don't go to movie theaters so if there is something I'd like to see I usually wait for it to come out on DVD.  I didn't watch The Oscars since I wouldn't know what was going on.  I haven't seen any of the Best Picture nominees. 

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

1- Pick up after yourself.  Keep your space neat and clean.
2- Be considerate.  Don't sit and not offer to help when meals are being prepared or cleaned up. 
3- Be sure to say thank you or show your gratitude some other way. 

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

I will not go out of my way to celebrate.  I'd prefer an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a glass of chocolate milk.

6. Why is failure important? Or isn't it?

I think failure is important because it teaches us to not give up.  Also it is a reminder that we are not perfect and there is only One who is. 

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

Parents' Night at our homeschool group.  This time this kids will be putting on a play about a spy ring that took place during The Revolutionary War.  They also share the scriptures and character traits they have memorized along with the songs they have learned and a few of them will share a special talent.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Yesterday felt like Spring, today the wind is howling and we are watching a snow storm for Friday.  I took my Easter decorations out of storage but they are still in their totes in a corner of my dining room.  Have you started decorating for Easter or Spring yet?

~Theresa