Five Question Friday- 5/2/14

     Five Question Friday is a fun little post each week in which five random questions are answered. It's an opportunity for us to get to know one another a little better. Best of all is that you can participate too! Simply leave your answers to the questions in the comment field below! Or, suggest a question to be featured on a future 5QF!

1. If you had to move and could only take three things with you, what would you take?

     Of course, there would be the practical things of clothing, food etc. Beyond that type of item, I'd probably want my Bible, photo album/book, and a family heirloom (I have several items that were my great grandmother's, and picking only one would be tough!). 

2. What are five things you want to accomplish by the time you're 70?

     Well, isn't that a tall order of a question?! I suppose I hope to have a family that is close and actually enjoys being together. My life be truly reflective of Christ. I hope my marriage continues to grow and strengthen. On a personal side, perhaps one day I'll rise above insecurities. I don't know, I suppose I hope I accomplish simply enjoying life and the journey. (Honestly, I think abstract accomplishments are the best offered at this point in life.)

3. What is your favorite family tradition?

     I've mentioned it before, but it applies again. On my husband's side of the family, we have four families in four states. The chance for all of us being able to get together for a holiday or other event is pretty slim. And so, we decided last year that we'd need to be intentional about planning an occasion for us all to be together again. Last year we decided to all rent a cabin in a central location and spend several days together. I really enjoyed the time together. I love how we can get 12+ families members together under one roof for several days and it still be a pleasant experience (no attitudes, bickering or drama! Everyone also pulls his/her weight in keeping meals prepared and keeping everything going!). It's just so nice to see family actually enjoying spending time together. I can't wait for the trip this year! It will be Tennyson's first family trip!

4. If you could retire tomorrow. what would you do?

     It's kind of hard to answer this question considering I'm not of retiring age or in an outside employment situation. I asked my husband to answer this one instead. He said he'd like to have an eclectic tea shop. He'd take care of the business side and tea and I can make tiny little treats. Works for me! haha!

5. Name two things you'll do as a family this weekend?

    We haven't planned our weekend yet. I know my hubby has to work a bit on Saturday, so Tennyson and I will just treat it as a weekday. We may work on creating the curtain rods for Tennyson's room so I can hang some curtains soon. (Yes, even curtain rods are a DIY project! haha). Beyond that, we will probably just hang out and play with the baby. (He's gotten quite talkative and playful now!).

How would you answer this week's Five Question Friday? What questions would you like to see answered in future 5QF?

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Five Question Friday- 03/29/14

     Five Question Friday is a fun little post each week in which five random questions are answered. It's an opportunity for us to get to know one another a little better. Best of all is that you can participate too! Simply leave your answers to the questions in the comment field below! Or, suggest a question to be featured on a future 5QF!

1. What are you favorite foods? (Thank you Amy K. for submitting this question this week!)

     For our birthdays we each cook the other person his/her favorite meal. For my husband that meal is fried chicken and sides. For myself, I enjoy meatloaf, pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, scrambled (fried) okra etc. Of course, both meals include a delicious glass of sweet tea! Can you tell we're from the South?
     My favorite dessert is ice cream. I love ice cream. The best is coffee ice cream with cookie dough pieces. Yum! 

     For greater insight into favorite foods or the meals we typically eat, view any of the many menu plans listed on the site.  :)

2. If you could meet anyone from the past, who would it be? Why?

      I think I'd want to meet some of the individuals featured in the Bible. There is so much variation of assumptions and interpretations of people and/or events in the Bible that it would be interesting to learn from a firsthand account.  

3. What do you enjoy doing with your family?

     I simply enjoy being with my husband and son. It doesn't matter what we're doing. The mundane everyday routine is just as wonderful as if we went out and did something else. Their mere presence in my life makes it rich and I cherish the time we spend together.
     In regard to extended family, one of my favorite times is what is coming to be our annual gathering in TN. On my husband's side of the family, there are four family each living in different states. Last year we decided to all plan to come together for a weekend. The fact that 12+ family members can be together enjoying one another's company (ie no ridiculous attitudes or arguing!) for several days is a testament to the beauty of this family. I personally want a family that enjoys being together, and to be a part of a family that enjoys being together. Us coming together for this little family vacation weekend is one of my favorite ways of enjoying being with my extended family. 

4. If you could change one thing that happened today, what would it be and why?

     Today is a lazy day. Tennyson woke up rather fussy. He seems rather overtired as though he might not have gotten the most solid sleep last night. So, he's enjoying lots of cuddling time this morning with his Daddy. Hubby and I are pretty tired too. It was a more consuming week, and the rest today feels rather nice. If I could change anything about the day so far though, it would be for there to be a little more energy and productivity. But I know that sometimes you need a rest day, so I'm not changing anything just yet! (It's also so sweet to see the two of them napping together. A good Daddy just melts a Mama's heart!)

5. What do you want to be doing in 10 years?

     Wow, in ten years Tennyson will be...well, 10! Oh my, I'm not sure I even want to think of that just yet. I'm always hesitant to confine the future to a timeline of events. The only part I hope persists is us having a joyful home and life full of family! 

How would you answer this week's Five Question Friday? What questions would you like to see answered in future 5QF?

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What is something you wish you had learned to do before getting married or having children? Why?

(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Five Question Friday- 3/14/14

        Five Question Friday is a fun little post each week in which five random questions are answered. Best of all is that you can participate too! Simply leave your answers to the questions in the comment field below! Or, suggest a question to be featured on a future 5QF!

1. If you could be anywhere right now where would you be? What would you be doing?
      I suppose the most obvious answer to this question would be something like "beach" or "vacation" etc. While those would be nice, I don't really have an immediate longing for such. I know, I'm boring. Honestly, I don't wish to be anywhere else or be doing anything else. I'm quite content where I am. I have my home and family with me and that's exactly where I want to be and what I want to be doing. If the setting ever changed to a vacation or whatnot, then that would be just fine too.
      I did have a moment this week in which an exhausting night and overwhelming day did leave me wishing to be elsewhere. My husband watched Tennyson while I ran some errands. It was wonderful at first, but before long I began thinking of them and wanting to be with them instead.


2. What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
      We have a couple of friends who have been absolute angels. They have stayed connected and assisted us in more ways that we could have imagined during the challenging times the past couple of months. When Tennyson arrived unexpectedly early, we were so far from being prepared for him. I was expecting to have seven more weeks to make purchases and get things ready! We didn't have a bed for him or appropriately sized clothes & diapers etc. I at least did think to purchase a carseat just a few weeks prior. Anyways, this couple went above and beyond to fill in the gaps. They picked up our crib (two hours away!), and even offered to set it up for us. They purchased clothes and a changing pad for him. They picked up our mail and kept an eye on our home during each hospital stay. She even shoveled our driveway, which was quite the snowy and icy mess. Most of all, they offered us their presence. She texted me often, and that was so wonderful to me to have that support and love. All that they were and did still astounds me. If there was ever an example of living out one's faith and following of Jesus, they are it. They didn't just sit with the knowledge of us going through a challenging time and merely say "I'm praying for you;" they acted. They were the hands and feet of Jesus meeting a need and sharing his love. "Nicest thing" just isn't adequate to describe their kindness and generosity.

3. What is your favorite sport to play? To watch?
     I played tennis beginning around fourth grade. I played through high school, then took a break. I then picked it back up and played in college. After college, tennis fell to the wayside. I still enjoy watching the game, but don't do it often. The only sport I care to watch is baseball, but even then I have to be at a game. I am really not a sports kind of person. Sports just don't capture my interest or hold my attention. I think the reason I can sometimes watch baseball and tennis is because I played these as a kid. I'm  the last person you'd want to invite to the game or to the party, but perhaps the first person for fun appetizers or snacks. haha. 

4. What is your favorite song? Why do you like it?
      My favorite song is actually the hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour." The lyrics are so humbling and also remind me to place my focus on Him. They speak to my soul so beautifully. When Tennyson was undergoing a test at the hospital I quietly prayed, then sang this song, and then prayed some more. I still often sing it to him in those sweet nursing moments. It's a song that captures the moment whether it be "in joy or pain." The following video is a really neat version (love a cappella!).  

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

no tender voice like thine can peace afford

I need thee, O I need thee;

every hour I need thee;

O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;

temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;

come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need thee every hour; teach me thy will; 

and thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need the every hour, most Holy One;

O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son

5. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? (Thank you Amy K. for submitting this question this week!)

      I'm quite the arts & crafts kind of gal. I'm drawn to anything creative. If something can be accomplished via the diy approach, then that's what I tend to do. I always have a long list of projects to be done (and another list of projects waiting to be finished). My current project is to paint some simple canvas boards for Tennyson's room. I said I wouldn't decorate the space since it's temporary, but with as much time as I spend in there feeding him I wouldn't mind some color and other little touches to bring the space together. 

       The creative side of me isn't a part that is going to be dropped simply because I now have a little one to look after. I've determined that in order to still get in this happy craft time, I'd pick one project a week and then work on it each day for only about 15 minutes. I find that I can spare 15 minutes during one of his naps. If the project needs more time then I just extend it to being a goal for next week. Hopefully I can get the "projects to finish" listed completed and clutter cleared. 

How would you answer this week's Five Question Friday? What questions would you like to see answered in future 5QF?

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Five Question Friday- 3/7/14

     It's back! You may recall this weekly post from months past. It's just a fun little blog/vlog in which I answer five random questions each week. It's also an opportunity for you to participate as well. I thought it would be a fun way to get the RH blog & community going again, but without completely overwhelming me as I continue to learn and/or establish our new daily routine with our little one. 

     I'd love to hear your responses to the questions, or suggestions for questions to include in the future. Simply leave a comment in the field below!

Questions This Week:

1. What was the best part of your day? What was the worst?

2. What is your favorite holiday? Why?

3. If you could have any pet, what would it be? What would you name it?

4. What is your favorite thing to do outside?

5. What is the most challenging part of being a homemaker?

(Thank you Amy K. for submitting this question!)

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Five Question Friday (2-22-13)

Questions:

1. What is a hobby you would love to learn and why? 

2. What do you wish you could have delivered to your house but does not deliver?

3. What's your favorite snow day activity? Inside and out?

4. Would you meet a stranger from an Internet dating site?

5. If you had to spend 35 hours in a car with 4 other people, who would you choose?

Vlog:

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

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(Your name (first name + last initial) and comment may be used in the upcoming Reviving Homemaking ebook. If you wish for your name to not be included, then please simply use "anonymous" or "guest." Thank you for your input!)

Five Question Friday 2-1-13 Blog & Vlog

Vlog:

Blog:

1. What is your favorite book to read with your kids?

    I don't have children at this time, and so I'm going to alter the question a bit so that it is something I can answer. 

Alternate question- What is your favorite book you're reading?

    I'm currently reading The Resolution for Women  by Priscilla Shirer and Reluctant Entertainer by Sandy Coughlin. Both of these books are amazing. I highly recommend both of them if you haven't read them yet. 

2. After having kids, what body part has changed the most?

     Again, I can't exactly answer this question or alter it to be answerable. (If you would like to participate, then you're welcome to leave your answer to the question in the comment section. Just don't mention anything that would make me cringe at having kiddos myself. There are just some stories that should be shared with a woman pre-childbearing. lol! ;) ).

3. Would you ever go back to college? What would you study?

     I attended college for several years, and then made the decision to pull out to pursue homemaking. I wrote a previous post on my decision to trade college for homemaking. I'm not opposed to ever going back, but if/when I do it needs to be for the right reasons. Right now my focus is on home, family and homemaking, and so college isn't in mind for now or the near future. If I did decide to go back at some point, though, I'd probably wish to study something along the lines of child and family science, early childhood education or something similar to home ec. I'd probably want something that would be along the line of my belief in the ability for the home and family to impact the community (by strengthening home and family the community is also strengthened). Application of this concept can also be carried out through homemaking. Perhaps down the road I may consider college again. We'll see. 

4. How do you close a phone call? Bye, bye bye or other?

     I'm pretty sure I just say "bye." On occasion I'll say "see ya." 

5. What is the one food that will always be your "cheat food" on a diet?

      Probably chocolate. I love chocolate and sweets in general. After the sweets we had in December and then in January for our birthdays, I'm thinking a sugar "diet" would be a good idea. I'll probably still have my chocolate though! I'm thinking of replacing loads of conventional chocolate with less quantity but higher quality (fair trade, organic, dark chocolate). This way, I can still have a little chocolate in the day but also get the benefits of the antioxidants and well..the fact that it's my happy place. hehe

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

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Five Question Friday (blog & vlog)

1. Do you embrace or dread snow/cold weather days?

     I love them. I'm originally from the South, so we didn't get very many snow days. Then, I moved up North and get plenty of them now. 

     This past Christmas, I was watching all the festive movies and wondered what kind of place gets and keeps snow like they picture. And now I know that where I live is actually that kind of place. It seems like daily that I can wake up and casually note that there's a new layer of snow on the ground. 

     It's still thrilling and exciting to me to have so much snow. Well, that is, as long as I don't have to drive in it much. I have had the experience of driving on winter weather roads twice now, since I know that this is something I need to learn and be capable of doing. I made it to my destinations and back without a wreck, but will admit that there was some major steering wheel gripping! haha.

2. Which game show or reality show could you totally win?

     I have no idea. I can't actually remember when I watched a game or reality show that involves winning something. Um... definitely not a trivia type show. Perhaps something like a Pictionary type show. I think there used to be a game like that. Um..yeah, I don't know so we'll skip on to question three. 

3. What is your preferred climate?

    Well, where we are is pretty good! Where we used to live was ridiculously hot and humid. Ugh, the humidity. I don't miss that part at all! It's actually pretty dry where we live now, which has been wonderful. It helps keep the"glistening" look and makeup melting off your face situation down. haha. 

4. What do you buy every time you walk into the grocery store, no matter what?

Produce? I'm a produce fanatic. I love fresh fruits and veggies. That's pretty much the majority of our grocery shopping, and everything else will vary from week to week. Produce- rather boring, right? I feel like the question needs an answer like, "I buy a little chocolate or something at the checkout each time." But no, not that exciting. Oh well, lots of produce in the cart is pretty exciting to me still. haha

5. If you see a spider/bug in the house, are you brave enough to kill it, or do you call for your hubby?

     I'm totally one to squeal, run away, and get him to get it for me. I can kill the pest if need be. If he's there though, I get him to do it for me. Really, I'm allowing him to be my hero and who wouldn't want that role? haha! 

     One thing I can't do is go to sleep with something crawling around in the room. The stories of bugs and creatures crawling into ears at night totally ruined me. The thing must be killed before I rest. haha.

      I could kill the spider/bug on my own if I needed to do so. I just usually get him to do it. haha

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

Linked up at: What Joy is Mine, The Better Mom, A Mama's Story, The Alabaster Jar, Far Above Rubies, Growing Home, Time-Warp Wife, Women Living Well, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Homemakers, We Are THAT Family

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Five Question Friday 1/18/13

     I had intentions to switch my planned posts for Thursday (yesterday) and Friday, but I didn't get the 5QF finished. So, that is why in the video I'm referring to this 5QF being done on Thursday even though I'm posting on Friday.  Also, since I recorded yesterday before this week's questions were posted, I went back to last week's (1/10) questions. Perhaps I should just stick to my original post plans and not complicate things in the future! (haha). I've left it in video format for lack of time right now to type out my responses as well. Let me know if you'd rather see the text as well and I will add it later today. Enjoy!

Questions:

1. Flu mist? Flu shot? Or take your chances?

2. Do your kids have iPads? What are some good educational apps? Price?

3. What are your favorite boy/girl baby names?

4. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, which apple do you choose to eat? (red/green, gala, red delicious...)

5. What is your favorite place to escape to for peace & quiet, to think? Why?

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

     Have a great weekend! :)

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Five Question Friday

1. Have you set any goals/resolutions for 2013?

    Oh yes, I'm a goal setting kind of gal. You can find out all about my 2013 goals in this post. 

2. Have you made any travel/vacation plans for 2013?

    We have yet to do an annual vacation. Instead, we'll take a week to travel to visit with family. Although, I'm sure it would be nice to also have a trip just to ourselves, we place family as a high priority in our life and so feel that a vacation spent with family is time off well spent. We've also determined to make the most of all of our time together throughout the year, and so don't feel as though we are missing out on some solitary relationship building time by not taking a vacation just to ourselves. So far, it's just what has worked well for us.

3. What room is never cleaned in your house?

   I feel like the kitchen is never cleaned! With the kitchen being used to prepare three full meals plus snacks each day it is a constant effort to keep it clean. That's what happens when ya cook, so it's not a bad deal when I consider the joy of serving my family with yummy foods.

4. What food must be in your house at all times?

    Fruit. I love fruit! Breakfast just doesn't seem complete without a bit of fruit. It also makes a great snack option, especially when I'm wanting something sweet. 

5. Are you a hugger or more of a hands off person?

     If I'm really familiar or close in relationship with someone, then I'm a total hugger. If not, then I'm a strict hands off person. I'm generally also a non-hugger or at least a side-hugger when it comes to men other than my husband. That's just my personal preference.

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

                                                           Have a great weekend! :)

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Five Question Friday (12/21/12)

 Vlog Format:

  

Text Format:

 This week there aren't any new questions, so I thought we'd go back to the questions from last week since I didn't do a 5QF post last week. Either way, it's five questions! If you enjoy these posts, then join in! Leave your responses in the comment section on the blog page or the Facebook page. Just have fun with it. :)

1. If you bake during the holidays, what is your favorite thing to make?

     I love baking during the holidays. This year I want to make every cookie there is! I could probably eat them all too! I found a new cookie recipe that I'm excited to try. It's a shortbread cookie that is topped with caramel, sprinkled with salt and drizzled with chocolate. We've learned how to make homemade caramel and chocolate sauce, and expect that they will only make the cookies so much better. I'm sure we'll make a bunch of other ones as well. We'll probably end up with way more than we can should eat, but we'll give it our best. ;)

2. Present giving: gift bag or wrapped box?

     I really enjoy gift wrapped presents. To me it's so much more exciting to tear open the wrapping and getting into the box versus simply lifting out tissue from a bag. 

     Side story that makes me smile- Growing up my mother would use any box she could find and repurpose it for gift wrapping. We'd tear open the paper to discover a box of...cereal. Inside the box, of course, was the actual gift (not cereal). We'd give her a hard time and joke around when we unwrapped the box to find it was from the pantry. (Mom- yeah, secretly we enjoyed it. It was those kinds of fun and simple things that made Christmas "good.")

3. What do you keep your thermostat on during the summer and winter?

     We keep ours set at 80˚F in the summer and 70˚F. Those are the limits that we can still be comfortable and save on energy costs.

4. When thinking of your Christmas To Do list what percentage done are you?

      The biggest item on my To Do list was getting all the gifts completed and shipped in time. Since we'll be away from family now during the holidays, I had to make sure I had everything done sooner than I usually do. Now that the gift aspect of the holiday is finished for us, I'm relaxed and enjoying the Christmas Countdown that my husband and I have been doing this year. Although some of the countdown activities have required some planning and preparation, they've been so fun and so haven't felt like a To Do list task to complete. 

5. Do you do the "Elf on the Shelf?" If so, is your Elf naughty and what shenanigans has he gotten into?

     Well, considering it is just my husband and I currently it would probably be crossing a line for me to do Elf on the Shelf for him. haha! I've seen so many creative and fun ideas for the activity, and would probably want to incorporate that into our Christmas celebration in the future when there are kiddos. I probably wouldn't want to use it in a disciplinary manner though (ex: Santa- be good or else there won't be presents & Elf- he's watching and will report back to Santa so be good). Somewhere there is a balance in blending fantasy and fun. I imagine that's a tricky thing to do with Christmas elements like Santa and Elf on the Shelf. We'll see what happens when I actually get to that point in life. haha. I do think it's cute though. 

How would you answer today's Five Question Friday? Share in the comment section below!

Have a great weekend! :)

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