Wednesday Hodgepodge

What's something that has recently 'tried your patience'?

Florida drivers. If you are from Florida I apologize, but my experience this past week has been that they are rude! If you need to get over in a lane, forget about it. If there is a detour that has been mandated, you can bet Florida drivers are going to cut you off to get in front of you. It was really crazy to me for it to be so obvious!

Do you think patience comes to us naturally or is it something you have to learn as you grow? On a scale of 1-10 generally how patient are you? (1= I blow at the drop of a hat and 10= I've got all the time in the world.)

Patience is definitely something I have developed over the years. My patience level used to easily be a 1. But I now have an uncanny ability to just move through frustrations more easily. It does sometimes actually take me talking myself through those times. I just remind myself that it's okay, there is (usually) nothing I can do about it, and it will all work out. I also take deep, cleansing breaths. I would give my patience level about an 8 now.

Share about a time when you felt like you could fly. Or a time you wished you could fly. Or a time you felt like you were flying.

Last Thursday morning, as I was starting my morning in Florida, I received a phone call from Kyndal in Missouri. She was at her routine OB appointment where they had just learned that her baby no longer had a heartbeat. And I couldn't be with her. She was alone. It was a routine appointment so she went alone, although if I had been home I would have gone with her because that's just what we do. Collin was at work, and she was not able to get ahold of him. Nothing mattered to me at that moment than to get someone to her immediately. I called Dawson, and he and Taylar rushed there, as did her Mother-in-Law. I would have given anything to have been able to have flown right to her side.

Your favorite song with the word 'fly' in the title or lyrics, or your favorite song that relates to flying in some way?

"Fly Like an Eagle", the Seal version.

What's in your fall picnic basket and where are we picnicking in your neck of the woods this time of year?

We are picnicking at Farrington Park in my little hometown watching the kids play and admiring the beautifully changing leaves and the wildlife on the pond. Our basket contains sandwiches, grapes, apple slices, and some homemade pumpkin bread.

Photo credits go to my friend Heather who posted this on IG today.

Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, landscaping ... which skill would you most like to possess and how would you put that skill to use today?

Definitely carpentry. I would tear down our back covered porch, repair the garage roof, and build an enclosed breezeway between the garage and the house. I would also gut our bathroom and redo the whole thing.

What's something you think is too expensive to justify buying lately?

I want a pair of Tieks flats, but they are about $175. I have learned over the years that when it comes to shoes, you get what you pay for. I like basics, and I want those basics to last for years. For instance it is worth it to have Ugg boots, Brooks running shoes, and even name brand slippers because they last forever and are comfortable. Although I cannot justify buying a pair of Tieks flats right now, I know that I will wear them for many, many years so I am planning to use my Christmas money from my parents to buy a pair.

Insert your own random thought here.

As we continue to grieve the loss of our sweet grandchild, please keep Kyndal and Collin in your prayers. It has been a difficult week for them, but they are strong in their faith and are comforted in knowing that their baby is with Jesus. It doesn't take away from the pain, but they know that all things work for God's glory. They have been assured that there is no reason to not try to conceive again in the next couple of months, and they will do so because being a mommy is Kyndal's greatest desire. We were blessed for a short time with this little life, but it will impact us for a lifetime.