A Love-ly Hodgepodge

It's great to be back for the Wednesday Hodgepodge. I missed participating in it last week, but my brother died suddenly from a heart attack on February 1 and blogging fell off my radar for the week. I'm making myself get back into normal routines, and Joyce has some fun questions during this eventful week.

1. This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?

No, I've never participated in Lent. And I don't think I need to do anything to get me in a mournful mood right now.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?

I prefer waffles because they have that bit of crunch, but pancakes are okay. I do like IHOP's Harvest Grain 'n Nut pancakes.

3. I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?

Oh, how to choose? It's hard to beat this one by Steven Curtis Chapman:



4. What are some things you do to let others know you love them?

I love getting random gifts for people when I see something that reminds me of them. Or cards. Or just doing something for them that I know they'll like.

5. Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?

Actually, yellow roses are my favorite, and that's what I had in my wedding. A sweet friend brought me flowers the day after my brother passed away. Given the choices Joyce gave, I'd choose the dozen red roses, but my first choice would be a mixed bouquet.

6. President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you? Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring? Why?

I find Presidential history mildly interesting. I've been to Monticello and loved it; I had wanted to go ever since studying him in the sixth grade! I was a lot more interested in visiting the White House when Bush was there. The other ones would be fine to visit but there are other places higher on my bucket list.

7. Are you good at keeping secrets?

Very good. I've always been good at keeping them, and being an RN and dealing with the whole confidentiality issue (years before HIPPA was ever invented) just reinforced that.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Twenty-five years ago today my man asked me to marry him. (Yes, it was the 13th. Valentine's Day was on a Sunday that year so we went out on Saturday night.)

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Hungry Hodgepodge

I'm thinking that Joyce must have been hungry when she made up these questions; three of them involve food or eating!

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

It would be a toss-up. Any of those would be interesting. I guess Abraham Lincoln just because he served in such a tumultuous time. (Not that the American Revolution wasn't, but the Civil War was from within, not with another country.)

2. What's your favorite chain restaurant?

It depends on what I'm in the mood for. For steak, I like Saltgrsss Steakhouse. (Oh, so sorry, that's just a Texas chain. In fact, one of its taglin)es is "Texas to the Bone." We do like our steak here!) But if I want Mexican food, it's Chuy's -- which is kinda sad that that is now a chain. That's a central Texas icon but now they're starting to branch out. Hope it doesn't ruin them. So far, they seem to be doing okay.

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?

Hopefully, I'll look back and say, "Thank you, Lord."

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?

If they're from the Texas valley, I'll take them, although I do slightly prefer oranges. I like grapefruit cut up so it doesn't squirt all over the place. Actually, one of our favorite winter dishes is a fruit salad that is a mixture of grapefruit, oranges, and chopped apple.

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?

Too long. Is there one that doesn't?! Mary Poppins.

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

Oh, I hate these kind of questions! (No offense, Joyce!) Partly because it's hard to choose and partly because my definition of famous is different than most. But I'll choose George & Laura Bush and George Beverly Shea.

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

Assuming 10 is the good end of the scale, I would say a 9. For some reason, that just clicked when I took driver's ed way back in high school. I don't do it often, but I generally don't have too much trouble. I was really proud of myself last summer when my kids were both with me and I pulled into a spot textbook-perfectly. I think they were even a bit impressed!

Disclaimer: This only applies to parking spaces on the right side of the street. If it's a one-way street and the spot is on the left, it's much harder. Kinda like trying to do something with my left hand. That side of my body just doesn't take directions well! LOL

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Favorite Valentine card seen this year, which I gave to my man:

Outside:
I'd give up chocolate for you. That's love.

Inside:
You'd never ask me to. Also love.





One more thing: Brace yourselves--the shelves at the stores will be filled with Easter candy by 9:00 am this morning!

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Happy Valentine's Day

If I speak in the tongues
of men or of angels,
But do not have love,
I am only a resounding gong
or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy
and can fathom all mysteries
and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith
that can move mountains,
but do not have love,
I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor
and give over my body to hardship
that I may boast,
but do not have love,
I gain nothing.

Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud. 
It does not dishonor others,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. 
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails. . . .

And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.

I Corinthians 13: 1-8a, 13

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Love is in the Air

Valentine's Day celebrates love, and what better love to celebrate than the love of God?! All other love pales in comparison, and we love because He first loved us!



Visit Amy's for more songs for your Saturday but first, take a peek at this wonderful gift book designed to strengthen marriages!

Love and Respect for a Lifetime
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
(Thomas Nelson)
ISBN: 978-1404189409
October, 2010/160 pages/Hardover/$15.99

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs announces a simplified version of his landmark book called Love and Respect for a Lifetime. The condensed gift book makes his complex message easy for spouses to share and implement in their daily lives.

Based on three decades of counseling and scientific and biblical research, Dr. Eggerichs helps couples see how they unintentionally yet oftentimes break their spouse’s spirit. Husbands and wives will find keys to better communication, solutions to initiate change and simple methods to show love and respect that have been proven again and again. Presented in a light and practical way, Love and Respect for a Lifetime is an easy read towards a better marriage – on Valentine’s Day and everyday.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs and his wife Sarah travel the country conducting Love and Respect marriage conferences. Before launching Love and Respect Ministries, Dr. Eggerichs was senior pastor of Trinity Church in East Lansing, Michigan for nearly 20 years. He received his B.A. in Biblical Studies and his M.A. in Communications from Wheaton College and Graduate School. He was later awarded a Master of Divinity degree from Dubuque Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Child and Family Ecology from Michigan State University. Married since 1973, he and Sarah have three adult children. Dr. Eggerichs is the president of Love and Respect Ministries. Visit the website loveandrespect.com.

MY THOUGHTS:
Many, many books on marriage have been written, both secular and sacred, each one claiming to have "the answer" to building a successful marriage. While there are certainly valid suggestions offered in a variety of resources, Dr. Eggerichs reminds us that it all comes down to two words: love, a woman's absolute need, and respect, which is man's greatest need. The basis for this is found in Ephesians 5:33 - To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

This is a beautiful book written for both the husband and wife. Scriptures, examples, and encouragement are beautifully woven together on the glossy pages of this small book perfect to tuck into a gift for a newly married couple or to mentor a husband and wife needing a fresh perspective on their relationship. It is also a great book for you and your spouse to share no matter what stage your marriage is currently experiencing.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson and PR by the Book as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Flashback Friday - Hearts & Flowers

I almost forgot to write my own Flashback Friday post! Thursday was just a little distracting. Here's why:

That is the front of my minivan which is now sitting in some tow truck's yard waiting, I'm sure, to be totaled by our insurance company. I had dropped the kids off at school Thursday morning and was on my way to the church for a meeting when a sixteen-year-old girl late to her school decided to zip across a five-lane road, the road that I was in the fifth (far right) lane. As soon as I saw her, I knew a bad wreck was unavoidable and did my best to brake and turn to the right to avoid hitting her broadside, praying all the while. God was very gracious, and we both walked away from the accident. I am sore and taking Motrin faithfully but it could have been so much worse. The accident was even right by a fire station and a firefighter was standing outside my door in less than 30 seconds.

One of the firefighters or paramedics asked me if I minded telling him how old I am. I said, "Absolutely not! I'm happy to be this age and to see another day tomorrow!" How quickly a day can change in an instant. Hug your family a little tighter today.

What was Valentine's Day like when you were growing up? Did you have parties at school? Did you make or buy the valentines for your classmates? Was it a trend to attach candy to each valentine? Did your family acknowledge the day in any particular way? What about as you got older, in your teens? Was the day eagerly anticipated or dreaded? Did your school sell/allow carnations or other items? Do any Valentine's Days from the past in particular stand out in your memory? What about now - is it a special time or just another day on the calendar? And of course, the all-important question: candy conversation hearts - yes or no?!

Valentine's Day has always been a fun occasion for me. I remember having such fun making my valentine box each year at school; it seems like it was about the size of a kid's shoe box that we wrapped in white paper and then decorated with hearts and doilies. We cut a slit in the lid for the valentines to be put into. Oh, and I just remembered another kind that was really fun--once it was covered really well! The boxes of sanitary napkins (remember Modess? Kotex?) seemed to open from the top but the sides of the opening slanted down and a couple of inches of the front came up with the top. (Does that make any sense?!) So it was like a little mailbox. We would cover and decorate those, too.

We always bought a package of valentines at the store. They usually came with 32 valentines plus one for the teacher. Adding candy or any other treats was rarely done back then. We were so deprived! I was amazed when my kids brought home their valentine collections from school to see the plethora of stuff that kids gave!

First grade, however, was a complete disappointment. I had the chicken pox and didn't even get to go to school! I think I cried. My best friend brought my valentine box to the door and gave it to my mom. My mom's best friend brought me a heart-shaped box of chocolates to cheer me up.

Speaking of candy, regarding the conversation hearts? Blech. I put them in the same category as the Marshmallow Peeps at Easter. I see a kabillion at the store and wonder who is buying them all! And it's funny that they've been modernized now and say "text me," "email me," "friend me," etc.!

In high school, Valentine's Day was always a little bit traumatic. Some group, maybe the Honor Society or Journalism, sold carnations. They weren't just for romance - friends sent them to each other - but it was always a little nerve-wracking. Because of course the cheerleaders and drill team "popular types" always had armloads and the rest of us would have two or three.

I've gotten over it. Really.

Now instead of carnations it's comments on Facebook.

But I'm a big girl now. And have no issues whatsoever.

My mom always made Valentine's Day fun at home. She'd have little treats for us and homemade valentines. One year I remember getting a kite, and she had made a treasure hunt with little poems she had written and glued on hearts for clues. I thought that was a lot of fun.

(And it never occurred to me to ask for or expect another one the next year. I did a treasure hunt for my kids one year for Easter, and all of a sudden they decided it was the annual tradition and I've had to do it every year. How did that happen?!)

With my kids I try to get them something fun - a little candy, a book, or something like that. But more special than February 14, for my man and me, is February 13, for that is when we got engaged in 1988. (Valentine's Day was on a Sunday so we went out on Saturday night instead, and that's when he proposed.)

Now it's your turn! Tell us all your Valentine's Day memories and link up here!

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Flashback Friday Prompt - Hearts and Flowers

Since Monday is February 14, it seemed obvious what this week's Flashback Friday topic should be!

What was Valentine's Day like when you were growing up? Did you have parties at school? Did you make or buy the valentines for your classmates? Was it a trend to attach candy to each valentine? Did your family acknowledge the day in any particular way? What about as you got older, in your teens? Was the day eagerly anticipated or dreaded? Did your school sell/allow carnations or other items? Do any Valentine's Days from the past in particular stand out in your memory? What about now - is it a special time or just another day on the calendar? And of course, the all-important question: candy conversation hearts - yes or no?!

Share your Valentine's Day memories tomorrow and link up here so we can all enjoy reading them!

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Random Dozen with a Valentine's Twist

Woohoo! Lidna's feeling better and we get to do Random Dozen after all. I thought I was going to have to post about taking my MIL for a heart catheterization today!

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I'm fairly pleasant. It's funny the difference between spouses. I like to be hovered over (to an extent) and checked on; otherwise I feel deserted and lonely. My man, however, just wants to be left alone. So what do we do? I'm constantly checking on him, and he leaves me alone!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

Usually a bit of irritation because since it happens so infrequently, our district is one of the last in the area to cancel. Which means they usually post a recording on their phones and put it on the website at 5:30 a.m. If I'm gonna have to set the alarm to check, we might as well have school! Also, I know it means we're going to lose a holiday later in the school year when we will really need it. One year the kids had nothing off at Easter. Both Friday and Monday were Bad Weather Days, and we needed both of them that year.

BUT if the inclement weather were to be due to an actual more-than-flurries SNOW, I'd love it! We generally just have ice on the bad days.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Cleaning. I totally don't get these gals that say they just love to clean.

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day

No.

5. What song is on your mind today

This is actually one of the few days that I DON'T have a song on my brain. Probably because I was at the hospital before the crack of dawn with my MIL and didn't hear any music.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

Give me the classics any day! Especially the old musicals! (Sorry, Lid!) Although I did love You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

I'm pretty good at it. Partially because of my personality and the way I was raised. I hate conflict.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

He was the first guy to ever like me before I liked him.

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

When I saw that Lidna felt well enough to post the Random Dozen! LOL Probably the last time I hurried up some stairs. I'm out of shape, thanks to my plantar fascitis + exercise triggers migraines + general dislike of exercise!

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

First grade: I was sick with the chicken pox and missed school. My friend had to bring me my Valentine box.

Second grade: I'd been sick again, this time with the once-a-year throat stuff. But I was just about well and my mom was Room Mother and I got to go with her just for the party.

Also, decorating valentine boxes in elementary school. We actually used boxes, not sacks or stapled-together paper plates, and it was a big deal to decorate them, put the slot in the top, etc.

In high school, it is a not-so-fun memory. They always had the carnation sales and the drill team/cheerleader girls always got armfuls and I was lucky to get one or two. It was another one of those "rub in who is and isn't popular" situations.

(And don't even get me started on the practice of team captains picking teams for recess in elementary. . . .)

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?
Chocolate. Dark. Bonus points if it has almonds or espresso!
12. Red or pink?

Red. Although I like fuschia. But Pepto Bismol/Mary Kay pink? Blech! (Sorry, all you pale-pink lovers!)



Join in the fun at 2nd Cup of Coffee!

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