Wednesday Hodgepodge

I'm getting my Hodgepodge answers up late this evening because we have had a crazy week! I'm in bed super early with my book, my crossword, and my computer, just chilling.

Do you find yourself influencing your world, or is it more the other way around?

I am a hermit, and I really do not let in a whole lot of the world. When I am out, I pretty much try to keep to myself. (I used to not be that way, but I totally am now.) My greatest sphere of influence would be my children, so I would say that I am influencing the world through them.

July 14th is National Tape Measure Day ... the device was patented on this date in 1868. When did you last use a tape measure? Do you always know where to find one in your house? Tell us one way in which you feel blessed 'beyond measure'.

A couple of weeks ago I used a sewing tape to measure the inseam of Chad, the friend of Dawson's who is now living with us. He was getting ready to start a new job and we needed to order him some khaki pants. He had no idea what size pants he wore, so we had to measure. That tape is usually in the hall closet or in the basket on my microwave. We have regular tape measures, but they are usually moved around and I don't want to look for them. There are so many blessings in my life, but I am feeling especially blessed as we (and by that I really mean Rick) are making huge strides toward pursuing a dream of mine. It's really going to happen, and without Rick and his love for me it never would have.

The Plaza Hotel (Eloise), The Land of Oz (The Wizard of Oz), Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia), The Hundred Acre Wood (Winnie the Pooh), Wonderland (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland), or Never Never Land (Peter Pan) ... which storybook land (one this list!) would you most like to visit and why?

Definitely the peace, love, and serenity of The Hundred Acre Wood. I don't want to be anywhere hoity toity, scary, mystical, strange, scary, or dangerous. I do anything to create peace in my life.

Where and when do you get your best ideas?

In the mornings, in the shower or when putting on my makeup. I can solve all the greatest problems of the world in those moments.

So what have you been watching on TV this summer? Anything good?

I pretty much watch the Kansas City Royals play baseball every night. I think the only thing I have set to record on my DVR right now is Food Network Star and Chopped. If I am not watching the Royals then I am reading. And when they aren't playing good, which has been a lot lately, I read while the game is on.

'Don't swim for an hour after you eat', 'Dog days of summer', 'Knee high by the fourth of July' ... choose a summer saying from the list or share one of your own, then tell us what image or memory comes to mind when you hear it spoken.

"Don't feed a baby watermelon in its first summer." My mom has always said this because my Grandma Alice always said it. It's an old wives' tale, I guess. I have a feeling Bennett will be getting watermelon next summer because we all love it so much, especially his mama. Sorry Grandma.

In a simple sentence, sum up one life lesson you've learned.

This week I read a quote by Joyce Meyer ... "It changes everything in your life when you know that God loves you unconditionally." This is so true, especially when you realize that a good portion of those in your life, whom you expect to love you unconditionally, really don't. Knowing that God does takes away the pain.

Insert your own random thought here.

Please be praying for Collin's younger brother, Austin, who was in a serious rollover car accident on Sunday night. He received a spinal cord injury that has left him with paralysis from the waist down. He was severely burned on one of his arms, had a collapsed lung, broke his collar bone, and lost some teeth. We praise God that He is alive! He has had a spine stabilization surgery and will have a skin graft on his arm tomorrow. He has a very long road to recovery, but is a strong kid with a positive attitude so we know he will come through this just fine. Please pray that all infections will be kept at bay, that he will continue to heal, and that the poor prognosis in regard to his paralysis is just plain wrong! Also, Collin's sister Paige is due to deliver her second baby in the next couple of weeks. And, of course Kyndal is also pregnant and due in 9 weeks. This family has a lot on its plate right now. We would appreciate your prayers for all of the family .. Tracey and Pam (Collin's parents), Spencer and Paige, Collin and Kyndal, and especially Austin. Prayer works!!