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

It's a Grammar Infused Valentine Hodgepodge

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1. Create an acrostic using the word LOVE. If you're unsure what an acrostic is click here. 

L- laying aside one's desires

O- often thinking of others and putting them first

V- volunteering to serve and help where needed

E- expecting nothing in return

2. Does love really conquer all? Why or why not?

Yes. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." John 15:13

3. Tell us about a time recently, where you really put your heart into something.

I recently helped a new friend who just moved to the area.  I don't want to go into details but I really am trying to help her and put my heart into it. 

4. What's your favorite fictional love story?

Cinderella, of course :) 

5. Do you generally wear your heart on your sleeve, or keep your cards close to the vest?

Generally I wear my heart on my sleeve.  Even if I try not to it is hard for me to hide how I feel.

6. What food says love to you? Why?

Ice cream because it makes me happy (even the "fake" coconut milk kind).  My husband says if you want to see me smile give me ice cream. 

 7. When were you last 'tickled pink' over something? Explain.

On Sunday afternoon, after church, when my husband started driving toward the ocean instead of home.  It was a blustery, cold day but the sun was shining.  A quick brisk walk on the boardwalk, being careful not to step on the snow or ice, is always refreshing.  We watched a surfer ride a few waves and saw a snowman someone built on the boardwalk.  We saw a few deer along the road and stopped to take a closer look.  I love the beach and there is something special about being there in the winter.  I can't help but think of how awesome God is and how small I am  as I stand in front of the ocean.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Thanks for another great Hodgepodge Joyce.  I was reminded of some grammar lessons with the acrostic poem and two idioms! 

~Theresa

Lean on Me Hodgepode

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1. Describe love using all five senses.

Love tastes like chocolate, feels warm and fuzzy, sounds like my children's voices, looks like serving others,  smells like fresh flowers. 

2. February is Canned Food Month. What's your favorite food that comes straight from a can?

I don't eat many canned foods but in the summer I like to keep Bush's baked beans on hand.  I can't think of anything I eat from a can without heating or adding something too. 

3. A principal in a UK school recently sent home a letter to parents requesting they (the parents!) dress appropriately when escorting their children to/from school (basically saying please don't wear your pajamas) You can read the letter here. It's gotten a lot of publicity, both positive and negative. Your thoughts? And do/did you ever make the school run (or hit Starbucks, Walmart, etc) in your pjs?

While I don't appreciate looking at people wearing their pajamas at the store and such it really is not the principal's right to tell the parents how to dress.  I may get the mail in my "lounge clothes" but I think they can pass as regular casual clothes.  Since we homeschool I don't have to drive my kids to school but I do remember my mom driving me to high school super early in the morning with a coat over her nightgown.  She just dropped me off at the door and didn't have to get out of the car though. 

 4. Crew neck, V-neck, turtleneck, scoop neck...which is most prevalent in your wardrobe?

I think I have mostly crew necks, some v-necks and a few scoop necks.  I hate turtlenecks, they make me feel like I am choking. I think they look nice on other people though.

 5. I read here recently a list of four things to avoid so you wake up happier. They were late night snacks, hitting the snooze button, social media just before bed/upon waking, checking emails. 

Are you guilty of any of these behaviors? Which on that list do you need to work harder at avoiding?

Yes, I am guilty of them all.  The one that I do the most is check my emails.  Not sure what I'm looking for ;) 

 6. Share something you remember about a house you lived in as a child? Of all the homes you lived in as a child, which did you love best?

I only lived in two houses as a child and only remember one since we moved when I was two.  I remember the chain link fence around it and the red bricks.  It is now my sister and her family's home so I still get to see it often. 

 7.Your favorite movie based on a true story?

"Lean On Me" with Morgan Freeman.  It is based on Joe Clark, the principal of an inner city school in New Jersey, and what he does to get the school's test scores up and bring order to the school. 

 8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Don't know if the groundhog got it right this year.  We are expecting rain, not snow today with temps. in the 50s.  It just doesn't feel right to have Spring weather in February! 

~Theresa