Wednesday Hodgepodge

 
 

1. What title would you give this current chapter of your life?

Embracing the Changes, While Savoring the Moments

Back when the children were younger and older women would tell me to enjoy this time because they grow up so fast. I would smile and nod. I was enjoying "this" time, but the growing up fast part didn't really register as truth to me then. But they were so very right. So now I'm embracing the changes, happy for my children at the opportunities they have and the decisions they are making, but I savor the moments we have together, knowing that the changes I'll be asked to embrace are only getting bigger.

2. December 6 is National Microwave Oven Day. Who knew? Besides popcorn and coffee reheats, what's the most common thing you microwave? Could you get along without a microwave?

I'm not a fan of microwaves. We hadn't used one in years, but then someone gave us a small one and before we trundled it off to the attic, Sharon used it for some of her science experiments, and then because it was sitting there it became a convenient thing for a quick reheat. 

It has been banned from the kitchen counter, but today may be the day when it gets wiped down and tucked away.

3. If you could insert yourself into any Christmas carol and experience the lyrics in real life, which Christmas carol lyric would you choose and why?

While I always thought it would be exciting to be one of the shepherds and be there when the birth of Jesus was announced in While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night  I'm going to have to go with Jingle Bells. Not exactly what I would call a carol, but it's the one song I could actually experience in real life.

I think I'd enjoy it for a few minutes, minus the getting into a drifted bank and being upsot part.

4. Describe the most beautiful drive you've ever taken.

We love road trips and have enjoyed spectacular views on many different drives, but the one drive that really sticks to me was much more simple, and unexpected.

Sharon and I were on our way to meet someone less than a mile from our house. There is a narrow dirt road with trees on both sides which creates a tunnel like experience during the summer. This time as we entered the "tunnel" the air was filled with hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of butterflies. I drove slowly as Sharon sat beside me, breathlessly silent, her little hands clasped in delight and wonder. When we emerged from the other side she gave a happy little sigh and said, "That was the most magical thing ever!"

I had to agree, and that's why I'm choosing that little drive as the most beautiful I have ever taken.

5. What's something on your Christmas list this year? (an actual list or figuratively speaking, either one)

The very word lists, makes me happy.

I have a number of Christmas lists. One of them has the food we want for our traditional Christmas breakfast, another has the groceries I need to buy to make that breakfast. Another one has the gifts I want to give, while a different one has the names of everyone I want to send a Christmas card to this year.

As for a list for things I would want. Well, I'm really easy to please, no lists needed.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Everywhere I go, there are hushed whispers and excited giggles. The girls will take turns spending hours in their room. There's a lot of silence, but then there are rustling noises, and then the hum of the sewing machine. Day by day the stack of gifts they are working on keeps growing.

Steven is caught up in the spirit of it all as well. His options are a little more limited, but he'll come asking me to help him wrap up another picture he drew for someone. I know I'll love mine.

This afternoon we'll be making Christmas snacks and treats. Steven loves helping in the kitchen so I suggested he wrap up some treats to give as well. He was so excited about the idea, I'm almost surprised he didn't wake up way early in hopes of getting started sooner.