A Thankful Hodgepodge

I'm thankful for the hodgepodge today if for no other reason it gives me something to blog about since I have nothing else to blog about, so as long as you're here you might as well sit back, relax and read on.  You'll thank me later.

1.  Let's start with something controversial . . . dressing or stuffing?  What is it called at your house and what's included in your recipe . . . cornbread? oyster? sausage? chestnuts?

I won't be dressing the turkey with any stuffing this year, my sister is doing the cooking.  The only stuffed dressing I have made is the kind where I try to stuff my oversized self into my dressing every day.  I don't think you want my recipe for that.  And stuffing made with cornbread is just so wrong, so, so, wrong people.

2.  Who do you sometimes compare yourself to?

I try not to make comparisons, they always seem to come out badly with me on the short end of the stick.  And since we are being thankful today, I'm thankful for who I am.  Others  have told me that I am a lot like my mother and I'm okay with that.

3.  When were you last inside an airport?

August.  Visited the in-laws and had a wonderful time.  I am thankful to have such loving, accepting in-laws.

4.  What is one side dish that must absolutely be included in a turkey dinner?

Mashed potatoes and gravy.

5.  What Christmas song do you dread hearing?

The one with the dogs barking jingle bells.  I'm not really a dog person but am thankful that other people are, let them listen to them barking on the radio.

6.  If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them?  Do you drop money "in a tin cup" that belongs to a person on the street?  Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

Rarely, but my husband generally will.  Although I did give someone bus fare the other day.  I have been known to buy someone a sandwich or put gas in someones car tank and besides our regular giving to the church we have anonymously left presents on the door step of those in need during the holiday season.  We have been given so much and I am very grateful for what has been given.  I'm a big believer in paying it forward.

7.  Share a favorite Thanksgiving memory.  If you live in a country that doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving share a favorite memory associated with food.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and not because every so often it falls on my birthday as it does this year, but because it is about nothing more than giving thanks and I remember one such occasion when everyone was home.  I don't remember the gifts or the food or if there was cake in addition to the other desserts what I remember is the fellowship and the camaraderie between family and friends as we celebrated our blessings.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I read this today and was inspired to remember what I already have.  I won't repeat Sara's list here but wanted to add my thanks for/to my family and friends.

Your ever grateful servant,
Charming's Mama

 ". . . O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever."

Psalm 30:12

A Nostalgic Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday again and I hope you remembered that means it's time for a little bit of hodge and a little bit of podge.  So read on my friends.

1.  Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on Sept 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger?  How has your own life changed as a result of that day?


Life has alway been fraught with peril.  I think we just became more aware of it, before that day we felt fairly secure here in the U.S. because an attack on our home soil seemed so unrealistic, because we are separated from most of the rest of the world by two oceans.  Unless we went to war with Canada or Mexico it was unlikely that we would ever see an invasion on our soil the likes of which the European, Asian or African continents have seen.  September 11th changed all that.  As a result we have seen an erosion of our personal freedoms, especially when traveling either here in the U.S. and/or abroad, so too has the U.S. been viewed with seemingly more hatred and vitriolic slander and derision than I think ever before.  Historically there has been a rise and fall of all great civilizations and sometimes I think that with the current state of affairs, we are on the downward side of that slope.  Scary thing to think about.  I wonder what the future will bring for my children and their children.  Will I live to see that day?

2.  Do you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up?  How about in hindsight?


No, I was and still am a rule follower (mostly).  I am also an introvert and was a very introspective child and sometimes I think I grew up in a fog of my own making. My siblings talk of things that happened and that I was a part of but I have little or no memory of the event.  Mostly what I remember are the one on one times with my parents or with one of my siblings.

In hindsight I would still say no.  I would be interested to know how a few of my siblings might answer this question.

3.  Share one random but candid fact about yourself.


See #2.  Read this article about being an introvert awhile back and found myself nodding in agreement through the whole thing.

4.  Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?


Yes.  Again, what would my siblings say?

5.  What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?


Not sure I have a favorite and you certainly couldn't call cotton candy food, but that was the one thing that my parents would treat us to when we went any place like that.  So I have fond memories of sticky colored spun sugar on a paper stick.

6.  Tornado, hurricane, earthquake . .  how many of these natural disasters have you experienced?


I live in a mountainous desert so tornados are rare and hurricanes are nonexistent but we are sitting along the wasatch fault line so I have felt my share of tremors and we did have a tornado come through the center of downtown in 1999.

7.  Labor day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate.  Growing up, did your parents assign regular chores?  Were you paid for doing those chores?  If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children?  Why or why not?


Yes we had chores and no we weren't paid for doing them.  Our payment was room and board, not that our parents would have kicked us out.  We did get an allowance for a while, but it wasn't based on whether or not we did our chores and ended sooner than I would have liked.

At 4 and 1, I have not assigned specific chores to my kids yet but I do make them help clean up the messes they make.  They have been nicknamed "Mr. Twister" and "Dr. Destructo" for good reason.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.


Since we are reminiscing . . .

This is a picture of one of my brothers, me and my only sister the summer before she started kindergarten and my earliest memory is one of me standing on the couch with tears in my eyes watching through our big picture window as my mom walked my sister out to get on the bus to go to school.  I didn't want her to go and wondered why I couldn't go with her and I remember my younger brother trying to console me and my pushing him away in disgust.  When my mother got back into the house she found him on the floor in a puddle of tears and me sobbing into the couch cushion.  Why is it that first memories are often traumatic ones?

Anyhoo . . .

I hope you all remember to leave me a comment and then head on over to Joyce's place for little more hodge and a lot more podge.

Lazy Day Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday again, must be time for the Hodgepodge, and I'm sure you know by now that it's seven questions and one random thought and I figured I wasn't too lazy to participate today so here goes.

1.  If you could work for any one government agency which would you choose and why?  (If you're in the US here's a helpful list.)

I took one look at that list and was appalled.  No wonder our government is so deeply in debt.  And I was too lazy to look at the whole thing and pick something, probably because I have no desire to work for our government.

2.  How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?

Gosh, if I refused to forgive I would be a mess.  I have known plenty of stubborn people who have hung on to a hurt for years and it has made them a not very nice person.  Forgiveness frees me from anger, pain, resentment, bitterness and all the heartache that comes from holding a grudge.

3.  What is your favorite meatless supper?

Growing up if there wasn't meat on the table and a dessert to be had my father said it wasn't a meal.  However there were those rare occasions when we would have coffee cake and/or popcorn for supper.  Mom usually let us make it ourselves and I have fond memories of doing so.  

Today I would have to say macaroni and cheese ( I'm not talking Kraft here people) with a side salad or better yet a fresh picked garden tomato still warm from the sun on a sandwich with mayonnaise, a little salt and pepper, maybe lettuce, a slice of cheese and a great big dill pickle.  Yum.  Now if only I had me some bacon.

4.  Wednesday August 10th is National Lazy Day ... will you be celebrating?  If so, tell us how so we can be lazy too.

Really, I never knew there was such a thing.  Somehow I think that many of us don't need an excuse to shirk our responsibilities.  Must be run by a government agency.  Anyway if I had the time and money I would love, Love, LOVE a spa day.  Pretty sure that won't happen so I guess I will have to settle for a pedicure.  But. . . can't really afford that either.  So maybe I'll just sit on the couch, eat bon bon's and watch soap operas. ;~)

5.  As a child did you have any special back to school traditions and if so, what were they?  If you're a parent did you carry on those traditions with your own children?

I can remember going shopping with my Mom for new jeans and fabric so she could make me new clothes, other than that I think she was just glad to get us out the door (there were 8 of us).

My boys are still little and not yet in school.  Well, HT is going to go to preschool again this year but only for 2 1/2 hours, 3 days a week.  At this age he really doesn't need much.

6.  Write a summer tongue twister.

I'm too lazy, you write one.

7.  Would you be interested in observing a surgery or do you turn away when the nurse brings out the needle?

I have fainted at the sight of my own blood.  Does that answer your question?

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Even though I made light of working for the government above I have a very beautiful, intelligent niece who is working as a liaison for the state department in a place that is anti-American and no respecter of women.  Please say a prayer for her.

If you're not feeling too lazy leave me a comment then click on the button and go see what laziness everyone else is up to or not as the case may be.

Okay for some reason I can't get the button to work and I'm too lazy to figure out why so click here instead.

Oh Say Can You Hodgepodge?

So it's time once again for Wednesday's Hodgepodge hosted by Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond.  By now you should know the drill, seven questions and one random thought.  It's easy and fun!  Play along won't you?

1.  What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?

When good wins.

2.  What's your favorite patriotic song?

Beside the national anthem I would have to say "God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood.  You can  listen to it here.

3.  Do you believe that opposites attract?  If you have a significant other, are you opposites?

Um . . yes, wait it depends, maybe not or it could be relative.  If you had nothing in common there wouldn't be anything to keep you together after you've met.  Me and my hubby are alike in some ways and opposite in others.  He is an extrovert and I most definitely am not.  But we both play golf (except I haven't played in a couple of years) and we mostly like the same kinds of foods, we have the same ideals and values, and its important to be on the same page when dealing with your kids.

4.  You're going to get a behind the scenes look some place  . . .  where would you like that to be?

Heaven.

5.  How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel (merry-go-round)?

Well, why would anyone want too?  Not so much fun for the over 10 crowd however I wouldn't have to go very far, there is one at the South Towne Center mall and I have actually ridden on it with my boys recently.  Yeah, not so much fun for the over 10 crowd.  But they had fun.

December 2008

6.  When was the last time you saw fireworks?  What was the occasion?  Do you enjoy fireworks?

Last July 4th we went over to friends and watched with them.  I do enjoy them, but I don't enjoy the crowds or the mosquitos.  When we were kids we used to climb up on the roof of our house and we could watch them all over the valley.

7.  Of all the beauty products you own, what item do you consider to be the most overpriced?

All of it, if it delivered on all of its promises then it might be worth the money but $15.00 for a tube of mascara is a bit much and I have yet to find one that doesn't flake off or smear during the day or $20.00 for eye cream that is maybe an ounce.  The packaging keeps getting smaller and the price keeps getting bigger.  Ouch!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.


Say a prayer today for our leaders, whether you are republican or democrat, whether you are from Zimbabwe or America or somewhere in between.  They have a thankless job and the whole world is watching to see if they screw it up.  Pray that God would guide and direct them according to His will.

 ¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving 

be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, 

that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I Timothy 2:1-2

Now hop on over to Joyce's and see what everyone else had to say.

Happy Wednesday everyone.

Message In a Hodgepodge Bottle

May day, may day, it's Wednesday's Hodgepodge and I'm "sending out an S.O.S."  That's what came to mind when I read Joyce's post for this weeks questions and now I've got Sting singing in my head.  Thanks Joyce.  NOT!

Hum along with me will you.

1.  Have you ever been served breakfast in bed?  Do you enjoy that?  If someone was serving you breakfast in bed this coming weekend what would you hope to see on the tray?

Um. . . yes.  But it wasn't very romantic or sweet, it was delivered by a hospital cafeteria worker after I'd given birth to both my babies, no roses, no mimosa, no tender peck on the cheek.  Sigh.  It wasn't exactly the highlight one dreams about.  Frankly I'd rather eat at the breakfast table rather than getting crumbs in the bed and as long as someone else cooks and cleans up they can serve me anything they want . . . well almost anything.

2.  What is one piece of advice that you would give to a new mother?

Don't sweat the small stuff, it all comes out in the end anyway and keep plenty of wipes on hand.

3.  When was the last time you wanted to scream?  Explain.

I'm finding this one hard to answer, 'cuz even though I'm sure I have wanted to scream it rarely does any good and just makes others scream back at you louder and my ears would rather not hear it.

4.  Can you hula hoop?

Nope.

5.  What is something people do in traffic that really bothers you?

Pretend like they know how to drive.

6.  What do you do when people don't admit that they are wrong?

Ignore them.  I have found it best to heed the advice of Mark Twain who reportedly said, "Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference".

7.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word fun?

Another song only this time by the Ramones  "we're out there having fun in the warm California sun."

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

If you are lucky enough to still have your mom, please remember her on Mother's Day, if not tell another mother, sister, sister-in-law or any woman you know who needs a little encouragement that you really appreciate what they do for you and for others.   And say a prayer for my cousin, whose mother will probably not make it to see another Mother's Day.

Now go visit Joyce to see what everyone else has to say.

Happy HO HO Hodgepodge

I had so much fun playing along a few weeks back I thought I would join in the fun again.

1.  Share your Christmas Eve tradition.

Rushing to the mall to buy that last almost overlooked gift.  Try to get everything wrapped.  Making one last grocery run for Christmas Day dinner.  Getting to church late for the children's Christmas Eve service, enjoying the chaos of the impromptu live nativity.  Going home tired and exhausted then wrangle two little munchkins into bed and finish up with the wrapping and filling stockings and falling into bed myself for a much needed hour of sleep.

What do you think, do you like the stockings?  I made them myself.

2.   What is the best book you read in 2010?

Do children's books count?  Cuz' that's about all I've read.

3.  Do you have any pets and do you allow them on the furniture?

No and no.  Sometimes I think I'd like to keep my children off the furniture, at least until they are 21 but that'll never happen.

Sitting atop the train table, "cleaning" off the window sill.

4.  What event from 2010 are you most thankful for?

That God has provided, despite being faced with yet another year of seasonal work.

5.  What did you do in 2010 that you had never done before?

Resurrected this here blog that my sister started several years ago.  Was it a good idea?  You tell me?

6.  Brussel sprouts . . . friend or foe?

Well I've never actually had one so I couldn't say.  Truth be told I have been unwilling to try one, they just look so, well, vegetable-y.  Except I thought the ones Bobby Flay made during the Throwdown challenge with the Pioneer Woman actually looked good and I thought I might like to try one.

7.  Who would you nominate for man/woman of the year?

I don't really think my opinion counts, but since you asked I would nominate a soldier, someone who's done his/her best to serve their country despite great personal sacrifice and hardships on their family and friendships and at risk of losing their life for a sometimes ungrateful country that protests their going to fight and their battle weary home coming, even if that home coming is in a pine box.  Next time you find yourself under the mistletoe, kiss a soldier and say thanks!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

If you're in need of a good laugh go here, you'll thank me for it later.  But don't forget to thank me for it, so come on back and leave me a comment.  Then hop on over to Joyce's for more Happy HO, HO, Hodgepodge-ness.

Cheers!

Happy Hodgepodge

Joyce over at From This Side of The Pond started up a new blog carnival a while back called Wednesday's Hodgepodge and today I decided to join in the fun.

See her cute button.

1.  Have you ever been on a real sleigh ride?  How about the warm weather version - a carriage ride?

We went on a carriage ride on our wedding day.  My nieces and nephews arranged for it to take us from the church to our reception.  The horse pooped right in front of the church just before we got into the carriage.  Fun times. 

2.  What's your policy on 'chain mail' . . . you know, the emails you receive that are often some sort of poem/blessing/good wish that asks you to sent it on to 10 or 12 friends?  Do you delete without opening, read and trash, read and trash and then worry you won't be blessed/lucky/protected?  Do you delete the sender from your contacts or just go ahead and send the love onward?

Depends, if I don't know the sender I don't open it and if I do know the sender I will read it then trash it. Unless it's too long then I may only read a part of it.  I don't usually send them along.  Actually I can think of only one time I forwarded one only to find out via snopes.com that the whole thing was a hoax. So yeah . . . and if I didn't believe in grace, I might need an email to bless/luck/protect me, but I do, so somehow I think I'm covered.

3.  Who is your favorite character in any of the Christmas movies and why?

Right now I totally identify with the mom in "A Christmas Story".  With two small boys, I haven't eaten a hot meal since the day my oldest was born.

4.  Share a favorite quote.

Well since you got me thinking about movies . . . 

"And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva . . ."

5.  What's your favorite holiday scent?

The smell of fresh baked anything. 

6.  Does the Christmas season stress you out?  In what way?

Um, not really and sort of.  

Tree still not up, check.  

Shopping still not done, check. 

Projects still not finished, check.  

Cookies still not baked, check.  

But hey, why get stressed over things you can't control.  No money, no energy, no job, no fun.  

"Doh!"  

Actually because I have relaxed a bit about it all, I am enjoying this year more than last.

7.  What's the best thing about your life right now?

What's not to like, a heart full of love and a sink full of dirty dishes! (If there's a dish fairy out there, it seems to always get lost when coming over to my house.)  And of course these three guys.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

"Deck the harrs with boughs of horry, fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra."

This charming window display belongs to
Aunt Elsie's Trinkets and Treasures
in Gardner Village.

Now head on over to Joyce's for more random thoughts and hodgepodge fun, that is of course after you have left me a comment, you should always leave a comment, or not.

Cricky rinky here.