Wednesday Hodgepodge….

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated this coming Saturday...what's a favorite article of clothing you own that contains a touch o' the green?

I have a t-shirt that is a bright lime green. Yup, I love lime green!  

2. What's a favorite 'green space' in the town, state, or province where you live?

I really haven’t thought about it I guess.. Going to need to research this a bit more.

3. Do you wish you were taller, shorter, or think you're just about right in the height department?

I think I’m just about right. I always used to wish I was taller, but I think I’m good.  

4. What's the surest way for someone to pick a fight with you?

To just be in my face, or to bring my kids into it.  I can get really mean.

5. Broccoli-Spinach-String Beans-Peas...of the four, your favorite green veg? (Or the one you dislike the least if that first option's too hard. I just know there's some veggie haters out there.)

Oh, that is hard… I love all four!!! Peas are my first, Broccoli second, string beans third, and spinach four, if I have to choose!

6. March is National Women's History Month...besides friends, neighbors and the women you're related to, who's a woman in history you admire and why?

OH my! I was not ready for this question. I would have to say… that I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about. Another one, I’m going to have to do my research and get back to you!

7. Keep Calm and ____________on.

You fill in the blank.

Carry on

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Do any of you have any special plans for St.Patty’s Day? Is this a special occasion that is celebrated by your family?

We don’t celebrate it for any special reason, but like many things.. In spirit of teaching my kids about history, we do. I like to talk about the holiday, and then we usually celebrate with green foods, and for dinner we have Corn Beef, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Yum!

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day?

Doesn’t really seem like an extra day.. but we did touch upon how cool it was. The kids thought it was awesome. Wish I could have come up a with a bit more to do.

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part?

Everyday seems to be a leap of faith lately. I’m really stressing over finances, due to the raising costs of gas. I really am not sure what our future will hold if it goes up as high as they say!

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far?

I don’t celebrate Lent. Not sure what I would give up if I did. interested to see what others give up.

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire?

Hmm.. I think it was this past summer. I cant really remember. Is that sad? Nope, it was this fall.. During Middle Monkey’s Cub Scout kick off. We roasted marshmallows.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option?

When I get Surf & Turf, I usually get Fried Shrimp and Steak. Yummy! Now, I really want to get some!

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose?

Ohh.. I would have to say Brady Bunch, or Bewitched! I’m so old school! Love it!

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat?

I would have to say a gnat.. I really used to have a great memory.. Not so much anymore. Maybe its all the stress. Not really sure!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Wow, March!!! Where does the time go?? I can’t believe we are that far into the year already! Guess it has decided to come in like lion, so hopefully it will go out like a lamb right??!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. February 22nd is National Be Humble Day...what makes you proud? What keeps you humble?

Be Humble Day?? Really???! Is there a day that isn’t a national holiday?

I would have to say that my kids make me proud. (most of the time)

As far as keeping me humble, I would have to say my kids again.

2. Where is the catch-all (aka dumping ground) in your house?

We have a few of those. One is our school room table, and another is the sideboard in the kitchen. Crazy catch all! Drives me nutty! I clean it off all the time!

3. Do you make it a point to visit State/National Parks when you travel or even in your own hometown? What's your favorite?

We love our State Parks, matter of fact.. I just ordered a State Park Pass a few weeks ago for this year. We love the outdoors. I would have to say our favorite here would be hmmm… Baxter or Acadia. Not sure which.

4. How would you define honor?

Someone, who is honest and fair. Willing to admit mistakes, and learn from them. Doing their best everyday, even when it isn’t going to be easy. Making themselves proud, and everyone around them.

5. Angel's food or Devil's food-which cake do you prefer?

I like them both, but I guess if I had to choose between them… I would have to say Angel’s food… You?

6. What's the most recent road trip you've taken? Where did you go and how many hours did you spend in the car? Do you like to zoom to your destination without stopping or leisurely wind your way there with stops along the way? What is your car snack of choice?

Our last road trip was to Portland, when we went to see Disney On Ice. It takes us about Hour and a half to get there. Depends on the situation, but I usually like to break it up a bit.. unless I’m tried, then I want to get there and not stop.

My car snack? I would have to say trail mix.  

 

7. Recent headlines told how a preschool child in NC had their packed lunch from home taken away and a school lunch substituted by a school inspector who deemed the homemade lunch unhealthy. Reportedly the parent was then billed for the school lunch (chicken nugget meal) although an update to the story says the parent was not billed. The inspector was conducting a routine inspection of the classroom-he/she was not there solely to peek in the lunchboxes. The packed lunch contained a turkey and cheese sandwich, an apple juice box, a bag of chips, and a banana. You can read the story

here. Your thoughts?

I think that is absolutely INSANE!!!

First what is the world coming to, if we can’t even pack our kids lunch without it being inspected.

Secondly, these so called Health people that keep deeming school lunch healthy need their dang heads examined. Most school lunches are no where near healthy!!!!

Thirdly, just another reason, you won’t find my kid in a school.

and lastly! This really blows my mind. I know kids are over weight, but it really doesn’t solely come down to school lunch, if your that concerned.. figure out a way to make fresh fruit and vegetables available to families, and to make them AFORDABLE, so they don’t gravitate to the junk, that you pay less for.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today we threw a party for my Little Monkey who turned 7 this past week. She is growing up to fast, and I’m so sad she is my last baby… Watching them grow is amazing, but sad as well. I’m not ready for them to grow up so fast!

Here she is with her cake….

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. George Washington-Abraham Lincoln-Thomas Jefferson...who would you most like to meet and why?

If I had to choose one to meet, I would pick Abraham Lincoln. I think that he would be awesome to speak too.

2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?

Oh, it’s a toss up… I would have to say that I have two. I can’t choose between them..
Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel

3. I spied this question on the

Bears at Home blog last week and she gave me permission to steal borrow it-

When you look back on your life, do you imagine you'll think about the goals you failed to meet with regret? Or will you look at what you accomplished and say: it was good?

I think that I feel like I have failed some, and accomplished some, but think that I did the best I could at times, and I’m ok with that..

4. Grapefruit-take 'em or leave 'em? Given the choice between an orange and a grapefruit which would you choose? Would you prefer it served as is or squeezed into juice?

I would pick an orange if I had to chose between the two. However, I do like an occasionally red grapefruit.

5. When was the last time you cleaned out a closet? Is there a closet in your home that currently needs cleaning? What are you waiting for?

The other day… I cleaned one out a closet, but I have more that need to be cleaned, and organized. I need more totes, and shelving.

6. You get to have lunch with three famous people...who would you like to see round your table?

Three famous people.. Hmmm… Tough Choice

1. Guy Fieri
2. Vin Diesel
3. Nicholas Sparks

 

7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your ability to parallel park?

Honestly right now, probably a 2.. I haven’t like parallel parked since I got my license. Yes, sad I know.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Tomorrow my baby turns 7!!! Can you believe that? Cause I sure can’t… time has flown. I’m so sad that she is growing up so fast. Happy Birthday Little Monkey!!! I love you!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What is something you are loving right now?

Life… As crazy as it may be, its mine.. and I love it!  

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?

Paris, maybe Venice.. oh, to tough to decide. I want to visit all of them really bad…

3. Are you a romantic?

Not really… something I struggle with.

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

Hmm… so many. I’m not really sure. I love lots of them!

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question.

Tigger, I love to bounce around!

6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?

I love Reese’s hands down, the best chocolate!

7. Share a favorite quote about love.

"You know you are in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams."  Dr.Suess

 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I’m super excited to spend some time with my family!  

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals?

I do my own.. why pay someone for something I can do?? Less money in my pocket that way.. Blah!

2. This next question comes from Kansas Bob...he posed it in his response to something I asked in an earlier Wednesday post and I asked him if I could add it to the Hodgepodge some day. Today's the day....

Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain?

I would have to say they are probably equal. They both make a difference in our lives, and we learn and grown from each experience whether it be good or bad right?!

3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you're not sure what tangerine tango looks like click here.

Interesting.. I am a liker of bright colors, so I would probably paint a wall or room this color. As of right now though, I can’t think of where I would put it.. Maybe a bathroom?? Hmm..

4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly?

Kind of, I collect snowman and village pieces for my Christmas decorations, but they are only out around the holidays… Then they are stored.

I stopped collecting things, cause I am an organizer, can’t stand clutter or mess.. Ask my kids, they are hoarders and it drives me NUTS!

5. February is National Heart Month...besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare?

Fish! I love fish!!!!
I am a big supporter of this cause, as I have a friend with numerous heart issues, and I wish more than anything they could find a solution for her…  <3 you girl!!!

6. When was the last time you had car trouble?

Car trouble… depends on what you call trouble? I had to replace some tires this last week, and this week found out that I need to get a new Steering rack, and pinion. Yup, being a mechanic’s daughter can come in handy!  

7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend?

I am always to demanding on myself, but I am trying to get better about that… Hope that it becomes a good trend.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My baby is going to be 7, in 13 days! Oh my, where has the time gone?? I’m so sad… and proud all at the same time, she is a beautiful, kind soul… but sad she is growing up so fast..

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'?

Patriot? I would have to say… having a love for ones country.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'?

Life in general.. No, I don’t think I really have a giant in my life at the moment.

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18?

Wow, umm.. I had just graduated high school and packed my bags, and moved to South Carolina with my best friend.

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up?

I would have to say ice cream.. but mayonnaise, and mashed potatoes are a VERY close second. Lol

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced?

Waking up on a below zero morning, with a non-working furnace.

 

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve?

Brownies! LOL…

Probably a Taco dip, or a veggie platter.

7. How do you combat negative thinking?

I have a very hard time with this sometimes.. but I would have to say, by trying to think of the positives. Remembering that there is always someone in a worse position than us.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

My baby girl is going to be 7 in a few more weeks.. This is so hard to imagine.. 7!!! How can that be possible??!

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English in 2012-

amazing, baby bump, shared sacrifice, occupy, blowback, man cave, the new normal, pet parent, win the future, trickeration, ginormous, and thank you in advance.

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why? Go here to read more about how the words are chosen.

Not really sure, that any of these really drive me that crazy.. The new normal I guess would be the one I wouldn’t mind seen banished, but other than that, really they are all words I don’t ever really hear that often. What about you?

2. Are you easily embarrassed?

No not really… I try not to let things bother me. (most of the time easier said than done)

I think the things that embarrass me easily are like my kids doing something rude, annoying or just plain embarrassing just because of the typical stereotype we already have to overcome just from being homeschooled.

3. What is your go-to snack?

Ritz Crackers, or Strawberries if they are in the house.

4. Have you ever been to Washington D.C.? If not do you have any desire to go? What site/attraction would you most want to see in that city? If you have been, what's your favorite site/attraction?

I have been a long time ago, like when I was 16ish..

I would love to take my kids there, and it is on our plans for the next year or so.

My son is dying to go to all the Smithsonian Museums, and I would love to take them to the zoo there. I have been there and it is AMAZING.

There is so much history, and sites to see we could have a blast. I love that we homeschool so it is an option to take them for a week, and call if school!  

5. sit ups-planks-lunges-squats...which do you hate the least?

The least??? Lunges, I would say..

6. What's a small act of kindness you were shown that you've never forgotten?

Recently, well like 4 months or so ago now.. The kids and I were in a Mc Donalds waiting for the local museum to open, cause we had brought my husband to work for 7am. We were doing school, and I had bought them a drink and a hash brown, cause we had already eaten at home. Well a lady decided to buy us all a breakfast sandwich, and had the cashier bring it over to us. I was sad she didn’t give us the opportunity to thank her, but am appreciative that there are still wonderful people in the world.

7. Have you ever been a blood donor?

No I am anemic, so I don’t. Plus I have a fear of needles…. My mom though goes all the time, whenever they are in our area.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It is snowing tomorrow, and the kids are so excited that we are getting the first real snow fall of the season. (sadly it is suppose to turn to rain that night / Friday morning) So therefore not so sure how long it will last.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011?

Crazy, Happy, Challenging!

2. Do you like shrimp?

Oh, YES!!

What's your favorite way to have it prepared?

Hmm.. hard choice, I love it fried, and I also love this shrimp garlic pasta we make.

3. Is your house de-Christmased?

Yes, it was a couple days after Christmas…

If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down?

Two days after Christmas, cause our tree was getting pretty dry, and we need to run the wood stove.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies?

Some, but not really a huge fan of them.

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy?

Used to be Ice Skating, but my ankles can’t handle it as well anymore. So now, I would have to say Sledding!  

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it.

Not really…

7. What's a place or space that motivates you?

Not sure I really have one anymore… on my list to do this month, is reorganize my school room, so I can use it more efficiently and be able to craft more, and get more done.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Boy is it cold here today. The weather is really strange lately, warm and raining one minute, then freezing cold the next. This morning it was 4 degree’s when I got up, Monkey Man didn’t want to even go out and take care of the chickens.

Wednesday Hodgepodge:

 

 

 

 

1. Share something you loved about your Christmas Day.

It was relaxing and we played lots of games.. easy meal and no clean up!  

2. You get to put five items in a time capsule to be opened in 100 years, what items would you choose and why?

I’m going with items I think would be cool, but may or may not own.

• A Tablet of some sort: downloaded with a few e-books, and movies, maybe a couple apps (games)
• A cell phone: cause we all know they are only going to keep getting more advanced. I mean my kids would die if the saw the phones we used to have “back in the day”
• Clothes: I mean look at how Bell bottoms came back. Do you think that things that are popular now will be in 100 yrs?
• Scrapbook: So people could see what life was like, and how our ancestors looked.
• Pens & Pencils: cause I’m pretty sure those will become things of the past sooner rather than later.

3. What do you like on a cracker?

Depends on the type of cracker… Saltines or Ritz, I love peanut butter on them. Not really a big cheese fan on them, maybe some pepperoni on a Ritz.

4. Do you make resolutions at the start of a new year?

No, cause lets face it.. You start the year with this lists of Do’s and Don’ts your bound to screw that up!

How'd that work out for you this past year?

Great cause I didn’t have any expectations. However, I do have a list of  “I would like to see happen’s”

5. What's a song or song lyric you'll associate with 2011?

Don’t really have one.. Hmm I don’t really think about that I guess.

6. How will you ring in the new year?

We are going to start the evening off by attending a Homeschool Graduation of a friends.. Then we will come home to snuggle in, watch a movie maybe, eat a few snacks, play a couple games, and pass out!

7. What is something you look forward to in 2012?

New and better things… more organization, and improved friendships! You?

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can you believe it will be 2012 in 3 days!!! HOLY MOLY!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Are you cooking Christmas dinner?

No, my mom and I have this new tradition.. We got tired of being stuck in the kitchen all day long cooking, and then having clean up for the rest of the day.. SO we now do finger foods for Christmas. Like a veggie platter, pickles, olives, fruit, and then we do Ham Italians. No worries we do a big dinner on Thanksgiving.  

How many will be round your table this year?  We usually only have 8 of us here on Christmas, sometimes 10.

What are we having?  For breakfast, we will be having a Breakfast Pizza, and cinnamon rolls, and then the rest of the day, we will have veggies, fruit, and Ham Italians. YUM!

2. What is one must-have Christmas cookie in your house?

We don’t really have a must have Christmas Cookie. We sometimes make Sugar & Gingerbread cookies for decorating.

Other than that, we make other goodies.  

3. Santa likes a glass of milk with his cookies. Do you?

No, I detest milk!! YUCK!

What kind of milk is on tap at your house-skim? almond? soy? full fat (Gasp!)  We have whole milk in the house for my middle monkey and Hubby..(he is picky) and then my Monkey Man & Little Monkey is on Lactaid…

4. Time magazine recently named their 'Person of the Year' for 2011. This is the person the editors believe had the greatest impact, for better or worse, in the past year. This year they chose 'The Protester'. Your thoughts? Who would you name Person of the Year for 2011?

Don’t really have any thoughts on this … Not a bit follower of all these clebs, and why should they get named person of the year?? Did they do something big, heroic, or amazing?? Just my thoughts…

5. December 21st is National Flashlight Day... when was the last time you needed a flashlight and did you know right where to find one?

Yes, I have a flashlight right in my car, my purse, and in a few drawers. We actually use on a lot, cause we need one at night when we check the chicken coop after 4pm, darn daylight going away so early!!!  

6. candy canes...yum or yuck?  Have to be in the right mood for one.. I’m more partial to the flavored ones though.

7. What Christmas carol lyric means the most to you?

Don’t really have one  that means the most to me..  I am not a huge Christmas Carol person.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Wow only 4 more days til Christmas…. and I’m still not down sewing, cooking, wrapping, or anything!! AHHHH!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Do you put Christmas decorations in every room of your house? If not every room, what rooms do you decorate?

No, I do not go with every room of the house. We have decorations in the Living Room, Dining Room, and Kitchen. I at some point would love to have a nice set up for my village in our school room maybe.  

2. If you could visit one of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) which one would you choose and why?

Ohh.. Hard question, I would love to visit all of them really. But if I had to choose just one, Sweden I think. I just have always wanted to go there, and see what it is like.

3. What does the word faith mean to you?

To believe… to keep the mind set that anything is possible. To keep our heads clear..

4. You can go back to your childhood for one day...what day and age would you choose?

Not really sure. I think probably like 4 or 5.. things were simpler then, and as a child I had no worries.

5. When did you last have 'punch'? If it's not too much trouble share your favorite punch recipe.

We make punch for all holiday’s. Its one of our traditions.

1 Bottle Pineapple Juice

1 Bottle Apricot Nectar

1 Bottle of Ginger ale

and scoops of rainbow sherbet! YUM!

 

6. Do you fill stockings at your house? Are stockings opened before or after the bigger gifts?

Yes we have stockings.. Actually the kids helped make their own stockings last year. It was fun, and they are so cute!

We let the kids get in their stockings in the morning, while they are waiting for mommy and daddy to be ready to open the big presents. Gives them something to look at, while waiting.

7. What takes your breath away?

When my kids do something so sweet and kind, without prompting that was very unexpected. Makes me so proud!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Only 11 more days before Christmas!! Are you ready? Me, not so much… very behind this year on getting my presents, still working on a few sewing projects, and our tree is not even decorated. We are getting there though… this is when I’m happy we are homeschoolers, cause we can do all of these things in our own time, without feeling the pressures, cause we don’t have to compete with school or work.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Do you send Christmas cards? If so about how many will you send this year? How do you display the cards you receive? Or don't you? (gasp!)

I try to send Christmas Cards every year. Some years I get them addressed but not sent. (oops)

We hang the cards on the wall around the house, or on our card holder.

2. When do kids become adults?

Do they ever really become adults??

3. Does your 'beauty regimen' change with the seasons?

No… I’m not really huge on “beauty regimen’s” I am a crawl out of bed, brush my hair and throw it up kinda gal. And out the door.

4. What's something you like to eat that might cause another person to turn up their nose?

Not really thinking there is anything that I would eat, that would make other people turn up their nose. I like to eat my french fries with ketchup and mayo combined.

5. Gloves or mittens? 

Either really.. Gloves are nice for driving.  Mittens are better for playing outside.

6. What's the longest queue you've ever been in? Was it worth it? Queue=line but doesn't queue sound nicer?

No idea… I’m not a black Friday shopper.. So probably going to be a line when we were at Disney!

7. Besides Christmas, what is one thing you are looking forward to in the month of December?

Playing in the snow with my kiddo’s, sledding, making a snowman, and decorating cookies. Lots of fun stuff!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

The end of this year is almost here.. Wow, this year flew by.. crazy! Where did all the time go? Hoping the next year is full of amazing times, friends, and opportunities.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What song reminds you of a specific time in your life and what is it about that song that makes you remember?

Don’t really have one.. Or at least at this moment I can’t think of one.

2. What's something you've given up on?

I haven’t really given up on anything… although frustrated with many things.

What about you??

3. What's something you'll never give up on?

Teaching my kids to listen, and be respectful.

4. If you had to cook something from scratch in the next hour what would it be?

Mac & Cheese, it’s the easiest thing to through together from scratch.

5. Have you started Christmas shopping? Decorating? Listening to Christmas music?

Yes, I have started shopping. (However, sad that I am not done, like I usually am)

No, decorating done yet. I wish, but after Thanksgiving.

Yup, I have been listening to Christmas Music.

6. What do you know about your parent's wedding?

Who was in it, and such. Seen the whole album.

7. I can't believe I ___________________.

am so behind in things that I need to be done.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Next week is Thanksgiving. Where has the time gone? Last time I looked it was summer. I can’t believe the year is almost over. Have any of you made plans for New Years yet? Is it something you enjoy?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Of all the tools and gadgets you own which do you most enjoy using?

I would have to say my laptop is probably the most high tech gadget that I own. I would like to get a nook, or IPod.

2. When (if ever) is impatience a virtue?

I would say always! I’m the most impatience person I know of.  

3. What temperature do you keep your thermostat set to in winter? Do you have another way to heat your house besides a furnace of some type?

I like it at around 65. I find that perfect. We heat with an outside wood broiler which is nice, cause it also does our hot water. Plus we have a wood stove in the living room, for those really cold days when you need a bit of extra heat.

4. Do/did you have a close relationship with any of your grandparents?

Not as close as I probably should. My mother’s mother lives near me, so I keep an eye on her. I try to call and visit when I can.

My dad’s mother lives about an hour away, but I don’t get there as much as I should. I keep in close contact with my cousin who live near by, and make sure she doesn’t need anything. I need to get better.

Both of my grandfathers are dead. I didn’t know my dad’s dad at all, and barely knew my mom’s dad before he got sick, so you really couldn’t get to know him.

5. When did you last have a family portrait taken?

We haven’t had one done in forever! I really should do it again soon. I think it has probably been about 3 yrs. Every time I think of it, my hubby is not with us. This upcoming weekend, I may try to get us all done though.

6. What does the word patriotism mean to you?

That you show you love your country.

7. Do you like to play cards and if so, what's your favorite card game?

I do love to play cards, every now and again. My favorite games to play are skip-bo and phase ten. They are very fun.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can’t believe that Thanksgiving is only like 2 weeks away. What are you all doing for Thanksgiving? We are going to have dinner here, but hubby has to work that night, so we are going to eat early. I miss the days when I was younger and the whole family would get together to have holiday’s together. I am in hopes to get that to happen in the next year or so. I would really like my kids to be able to experience that at least once.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Who taught you how to cook?

My grandmother and my mother…. I loved watching my gram cook when I was little. And my mother teaches me to cook all the time, we love to try new recipes together!

2. Have you been told you think too much? Are too much of a perfectionist? Are too sensitive? Were they right?

Yes, I have been told I think to much. My brain never shuts off! Not a perfectionist, but I am getting worse in my old age. Sensitive, yes that I am.. I take everything to heart, and will cry at the drop of a hat.

3. As a child did you have a favorite blanket or toy? Tell about it.

I don’t remember to be honest. I think, I may have had a toy. But not really sure.

4. What 'institution' do you have the most faith in?

Honestly… I’m not really sure.

5. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage...your favorite in an autumn garden?

I would have to say Chrysanthemums.  

6. What superpower do the kids in your neighborhood seem to posses?

We don’t have any kids in our neighborhood. We live in the woods! I love it that way…then my kids aren’t easily influenced.

7. Are you a fan of the cranberry?

Not Cranberries, but love Cranberry sauce! Yum!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only 22 more days away?? I have so much planning to do for the dinner. Must get on that.  

 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What gives you goosebumps?  Erie noises!

2. Halloween-are you a lover or a hater? Okay, that sounds harsh...Halloween-yay or nay?  I’m kinda a yay and nay.. I love to decorate for Halloween, but I’m not huge on going around trick or treating. You?

3. Can you respect someone you do not trust, and can you trust someone you do not respect? No, I can not respect someone I do not trust. Nor can  I trust someone I can’t respect. I really think it is a two way street.. they kinda go hand in hand.

4. Apples or oranges? Yes, you have to choose.  Oranges hands down.. apples are good. However, not my favorite, unless cooked.

5. What is something you wish was in your town? (shop, restaurant, attraction, etc)

Nothing really.. I think I like it the way it is. To much stuff means why to many people in your town and annoying drivers.

6. What non-food item is in your refrigerator or freezer?

The only thing we have in our fridge non-food is baking soda. In the freezer is ice packs.

7. Are you at all superstitious? Not really.. I sometimes crack jokes about it, but not really.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Can’t believe my middle girl is going to be 8 yrs old tomorrow. WOW!!! Time sure as heck flies, doesn’t it?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

1. Have you ever been 'asked' to report for jury duty? Were you chosen to serve? If not, were you happy or disappointed?

No, I haven’t yet.. Can you believe that? It will probably come back to haunt me, after saying this. Lol!

2. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very), how mechanically inclined are you? Give an example to back up your answer.

I’m not sure on a scale.. I’d say probably a 7. My dad is a mechanic, so pulling things apart and putting them back together was a favorite pass time.

3. Beets-cabbage-cauliflower-butternut squash....of the four, which is your favorite fall vegetable?

Oh so hard.. Butternut Squash, and cauliflower, I can’t just choose one. Not a big fan of beets, but love beet greens. Also not a big fan of cabbage unless raw and in a salad.

4. What do you recommend to overcome self-pity?

Realize that someone is always worse off than you, and that you can help make someone else's life better if you try to find the positive in a situation.  

5. Do you enjoy classical music?

Its alright, but not a huge fan.

6. October is National Book Month...what's on your reading list this month?

Ohhh.. I love to read! I am trying to read through all of Barbra Delinsky’s, Debbie MaCombers, Diana Palmer, and Kristen Hannah’s books right now. Doing pretty good might I add. Plus I just got Nicholas Sparks new book today!!!! Oh, and I’m working on  The Lost Hero.

7. What is your idea of 'cute'?

Kids when they smile, a tooth missing, lots of things are cute.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today is my 10 yr Anniversary! I’d like to say I’m going on some great vacation getaway, or a night out, but that is not the case. Instead, my hubby is working, and I’m going grocery shopping. What an exciting life I lead huh? We don’t have the money to do anything big, but I’m ok with that. Spending it with family is just as important.  

The Homeschool Mother’s Journal

In my life this week…  we enjoyed our last week of vacation, before starting back in for another 8wks. We also had a field trip, do a few fun things, spent some time with some friends. Endured a traumatic situation…. Not to worry everyone is ok.

In our homeschool this week…  We went on a Field Trip to the Apple Orchard, and had a great trip. Had a celebration pizza party for 4H , and elected new officers. Monkey Man is our new president this year. (I think this will be good for him)

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… None today… I’m fresh out of good advice.


Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…  This week… Hmmm, we are going to not be going anywhere to special that I can think of anyway. We might have a playdate later this week. Trip to the library of course, that is a given!

My favorite thing this week was…  The trip to the Apple Orchard with the family and our homeschool group.  

What’s working/not working for us…  Taking time off every 8 wks. Even though the last two weeks did not go as smoothly as I had hoped.. (due to non-stop rain) It was a good break for us all. I think that next time we will try to do another 2 weeks, but if that seems to long for them, we will cut it back to a week.  Does anyone else do something similar??

Questions/thoughts I have…  How do you get your kids to stop fighting??? I’m going nuts!

Things I’m working on…  A list of games, and treats we are making for Middle Monkey’s birthday party!

I’m reading…  The Last Hero

I’m cooking…  Chili, my mom’s choice. Its her choice, cause today is her birthday! We have a tradition that the birthday person gets to choose dinner!

I’m grateful for…  A loving family! They were much needed this week.


I’m praying for…  know it all people, to get a clue and learn that things aren’t always so cut and dry, or what they seem!


A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Just one side of the apples in the cooler at the orchard, can you imagine how many apples that is!!!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. What's your favorite meal to serve on a chilly autumn evening? Hands down chowder, or a stew! Yum… gonna be on our menu later this week. Love Corn Chowder, Fish Chowder, Beef Stew, and Chicken Stew or Turkey Stew.

2. Are you a creature of habit? Explain. No I don’t really think so.. Never really thought about it.

3. What food product (no longer readily available) do you remember and miss from days gone by? You know its been so long.. I cant remember, but I know there was something I couldn’t get anymore. Hmmm..

4. What's something you've lost that you've never been able to find? Any theories as to what happened?  Oh, I’ve lost so many things over the years, jackets, books, papers, wallets, hair things, clothes.. You name it I’ve probably lost it! I have a theory that in this house, things grow legs and walk away!!!

5. Zoo~circus~ carnival...your favorite?  I would have to say the Zoo. We love animals, so we like the opportunity to get right up close and personal. (where allowed)

6. What song makes you feel instantly happy? Summer of 69 , Love that song, and the beat! It’s a gotta crank it up and sing along song!  

7. To what extent are you an argumentative person?  My husband would say very! I try not to be… but when I was younger, I NEVER stood up for myself. I didn’t have a backbone. So when I found that voice and could stand up to all those who would put me down.. It felt good. I try to be a bit better of a role model now. But if you wanna get into it with me, I can make a good case.  

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Brrr!!! It really feels like fall here now.. I actually just dressed my kids in hats, mittens, and winter coats to go out and play. It’s a chilly 50 degree’s here today, and WINDY!