Wednesday Hodgepodge

Click above to join in with Hodgepodge.  You will definitely enjoy it, plus you might make some new friends.

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

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 were chosen.
To be honest, I haven't heard any of them used overly much to where I've gotten tired of them.  So in my opinion they should all stay.

2. When was the last time you rode a train? Where did you go?
In September, we rode a train at Disney World.  It's at Animal Kingdom and goes to the the Animal Nursery called Rafiki's Planet.  I have a picture of the train, however my pictures have not been loaded back on my computer since it had the virus.

3. Bagels-yay or nay? Favorite 'flavor'? Favorite topping?
Yay, but I rarely ever have one.  I really think I've only ever had the plain ones with cream cheese. 

4. 'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?
"Lake House".  I love that movie and I love that house.

 Both of these pictures are from the internet

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you? Do you think kids perform better if seperated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination? If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?
I didn't know that was being discussed.  I really don't have a problem either way.

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?
Someone else cleaning up the room and making the bed.

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013? What's the story behind your choice?

 This is my word for 2013.  You may read my 2 previous posts to see why.  I thing while I'm here I'll add a few more thanks:
6. a good supper made by my husband
7. the chance to spend time with this little sweetie.

She loves playing with her mama's phone

8.  Home made potato soup
9.  A good book I'm currently reading "The Way of Grace" by Cathy Bryant
10.Blogging Friends

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Little by little we're getting our house a little more organized.  Still have a long way to go though.

Christmas Break Is Over Now! And One Word 2013 "Thanks"

The month is over and Kelli left today to go back to school. It surprised me because it was a little hard to walk away at the airport. My husband said he felt the same way. Normally, I really have no problem when she leaves because I know she loves school and is doing what she wants. For some reason, it was different this time.

I know she is still doing what she wants, but I don't think she was quite ready to go back either. She said she wished she could have stayed just one more week and we would've loved it to. But, time goes on and we have to also.

Here are a few pictures from her time at home.

Kelli in her banana costume (I have no idea why!)

Kelli and Kerri

Kelli and I at "White Christmas"

Kelli with her new guitar

Kelli and Carina

Doesn't she have the most beautiful hair!

At the airport Monday morning

Having fun at the airport

Kelli and her daddy

It's been a really good Christmas break. Kelli, I hope you have a great semester back at school. Love you bunches.

******************************************

On the 15th of each month, Melanie at "Only A Breath" is sponsoring a Link-Up Party to encourage us to keep on keeping on with our One Word for 2013.  Today is the 15th and though I just original linked up on Sunday, I still want to give thanks for some things.

1. I'm thankful for my husband, the spiritual leader of our home.  I have learned so much from him over the years and I love him with all my heart.

2. I'm thankful for Kelli.  I believe you can tell that by the first part of this post.  She is just so fun and full of life.

3. I'm thankful for Kerri.  She is such a hard worker and has so many things she wants to do.

4. I'm thankful for a good job.

5. I'm thankful for our home.

Thank you Jesus for these wonderful blessings.

One Word 2013 "Thanks"

I've thought and thought and decided my one word for 2013 is Thanks.  Lots of things have happened in our lives in the last three months and some of them have not been too great.  However, I believe that God has been with us through all of it and I just want to give Him thanks for all He's done.  I'm hoping in 2013 to be very deliberate in looking for things in our everyday life to be thankful for. 

So I'm joining in with One Word Three Sixty Five where I can find encouragement from others to keep on through the year trying to remember to give God thanks.

Melanie at "life is Only A Breath" graciously has offered to make the buttons for anyone that asks.  Also you can sign in at Melanie's site too.  I believe on the 15th of each month she will be having a linky party so we can join in with the community and what their word has meant to them in the past month.

Bill of Rights

I was thinking about how long I've been blogging and realized it's been over 4 years now. I started in September of 2008. Anyway, I was looking back at some of the early things and ran across this "Bill of Rights" and just had to post it again. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


My son came home from school one day,
With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough,
To put me in my place.

'Guess what I learned in Civics Two,
that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today,
The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room,
Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think,
Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion,
And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head,
And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want,
And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like,
Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me,
I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges,
With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me,
My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses,
that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals,
Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control,
And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights,
So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division,
Better known
As 'C.S.D.'

Mom's Reply and Thoughts

Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully,
I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face,
he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping
At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, 'Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D .
Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes
Instead of Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment
To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned
So I'll decide what's best.'

I said 'No time to stop and eat,
Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn
To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite,
And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions,
A favorite dish of mine.'

He asked 'Can I please rent a movie,
To watch on my VCR?'
'Sorry, but I sold your TV,
For new tires on my car.
I also rented out your room,
You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D . Requires
Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now,
I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get,
Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski,
Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying,
Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out,
Instead of C.S.D..?'

From a M.O.M.
(Mean Old Mother.)

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close? Do you have a plan to make it happen?
My whole house.  Starting one closet and/or drawer at a time.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?
I had to wear a police type outfit when I was a full-time dispatcher. White shirt, black pants, badge, patches, the whole bit.  It just wasn't all that comfortable. Plus if I stopped anywhere on the way to or from work, I felt like a fish in a fishbowl.  Everybody would look at you (thinking I was a police officer).  Just not my thing, although a lot of people like it. 

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'? This question comes to you courtesy of Betty who blogs over at A Glimpse Into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!
The last one was just last week.  I burned a grilled cheese sandwich I was making.  Yuck!

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?
I just try not to stick around too long when things are getting really negative.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree?
Probably my younger sister in looks, but in actions I believe I'm my mom made over.  People say our girls look like their dad.  They're probably right as they definitely have his coloring.  

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?
No, I much prefer a shower.

7. Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah), Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnivale (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China). Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?
Maybe Mardi Gras just because I'd like to go to New Orleans again.  I probably wouldn't go to the Festival, but just visit the city.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This little one and her mama are staying with us for a little while. So you'll probably be seeing a lot more pictures of her here.  I have to say it's kinda fun having a baby in the house.