Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Take a break, join the fun!  Visit Joyce to link up. 

1. So, when did you last take a walk in the woods? A stroll along the beach? A drive going nowhere in particular in the car?


It has been too long since I have taken a stroll on the beach. The beach is only minutes from my house and one of my favorite places to be. Even in the winter I love to sit and watch the waves and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. I’ll have to make a better effort to get there. I went for a drive a couple of weeks ago going nowhere particular. Sometimes when I need quiet and to be alone I hop in the car and take a little drive.

2. Are you sending Christmas cards this year? About how many do you send? Photo card or something more traditional? How do you display the cards you receive?

Yes I hope to send Christmas cards this year. I send out about 70. I like to send a photo card of the kids. I still have to get that photo done so I can order my cards. Good thing you can order online at Costco and they have them ready the next day. I display the cards I receive by hanging them on ribbon that I fasten around the doorways in my living room.

3. What's a word you've heard too much of in the past week?

This question is difficult to answer. I guess I’d have to say “ER”. Since last Wednesday my husband has taken his father to the ER twice. He was having severe pain in his back. The first time they sent him home with Tylenol. The second time they had to give him a prescription for something stronger. Hopefully he won’t need to go back.

4. December 13th is National Cocoa Day-are you a fan? Plain or flavored? Marshmallows or no marshmallows?

I like plain hot cocoa with marshmallows. Well really I like it with whipped cream sprayed in on the top but since I am off cow’s milk that option is out.

5. What is something you do to help alleviate the hectic pace of the Christmas season?

Light a candle and sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and just breathe.

6. Besides jewelry, what's a favorite sparkly-glittery item in your home or closet?

The ceramic snowman that my mother-in-law made and I put out at Christmas time. I can plug it in and the eyes and the wreath he is holding lights up. It is glittery all over to look like the sparkling snow.

7. Share a favorite line or two from any Christmas carol.

I have so many favorites. Here is one from “Hark The Herald Angels Sing”:

Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I need to buy a grab bag gift for this weekend. What is your favorite thing to receive at a grab bag ($10-$15)? Thanks.
~Theresa

Wednesday's Hodgepodge

Join the fun over at Joyce's!

1. Share your traditions surrounding the Christmas stocking.


We hang our Christmas stockings on a mirror that hangs in our hallway. We don’t have a fireplace or a mantel so I found that spot works well. I usually put an orange in them along with necessities like toothbrushes or hand sanitizers along with some fun little toys for the kids and candy. We usually forget to open our stockings and end up doing it late Christmas night or the next day.

2. How many hours of sleep do you average at night? Is it enough?

On average I would say 8. I try for 9 since it was suggested to me by a doctor. It is necessary to get good sleep to heal your adrenal glands. Since stress affects your adrenal glands I am sure everyone could benefit from good sleep ;) Yes, it is enough although I would always probably choose more if given the choice.

3. If you had to give up one thing for the remainder of this year what would it be?

I don’t want to pick food since I already gave up bananas, cow’s milk and eggs this year. I had some testing done and have intolerances to those. How about ironing? I could give it up if I had to and it might motivate me to get my clothes out of the dryer when it goes off ;)

4. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or Wills and Kate as I like to call them) have announced they're expecting a baby. Do you follow news of the Royals?

No, I don’t follow news of the Royals unless it is on Joyce’s blog. I am very happy for them though.

5. For me, the sound of childhood is__________________.

Laughter.

6. Fruit cake-yay or boo? What's your favorite dessert made with fruit?

I don’t want to say boo because it is a traditional Christmas dessert but I am not particularly fond of it. My favorite dessert made with fruit is apple pie. Good old American Apple Pie .

7. What is one thing you want to accomplish before 2012 comes to an end?

I would like to sell some items on ebay. I am trying to get rid of some things and make a few bucks while I am at it.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Does anyone know how to change the font of your blog using the new blogger? 

~Theresa

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