Hodgepodge ~ June 18, 2025

 Good morning!  Today is all about summer on the Hodgepodge!

1. Summer officially begins this week (in the northern hemisphere)...what was your favorite thing to do in the summer when you were a kid? What do you like most about summer now? 

My favorite childhood activity was to go to the local swimming pool, ride bikes with my friends, and play outside.  I also took a family vacation every year.  We had a camper and made such great memories.  Now, my favorite thing about summer is spending time with my sister and her family around the pool, hopefully seeing a beach at some point, and less traffic driving to work!

2.  Something you'll celebrate this summer? 

I will celebrate hopefully every day the gift of my daughters, family & friendships! 

3. Summer tastes like? Smells like? Sounds like? 

Summer taste like key lime pie, fruits, frozen yogurt and grilled food.  It smells like honeysuckle!  There was a honeysuckle vine at my childhood home and that is a smell of summer to me.  It sounds like fans running at all times, ha!

4. June 18th is National Splurge Day...what's the last thing you splurged on? What might you splurge on today? 

Well mercy, I feel like I splurge a lot! My splurges are on random Amazon items, which I will being doing a post on soon.  These aren't necessarily expensive items, but some things I probably didn't "need"!

5. Share a favorite summer quote, saying, song lyric, or meme. 

The first thing that came to mind was the song by Don Henley, "Boys of Summer".  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I live in the South and it does get hot and humid here.  I have lived here most of my life so this is normal summer weather for me.  The past few years however, I have come to realize I can deal with the heat, but y'all, the bugs drive me crazy!  The mosquitos especially, but also the flies and any other creatures.  That is my random summer rant, ha!

Happy Wednesday friends!

Hello Monday ~ June 16, 2025

Good Monday morning to you! I hope you had a great weekend.

Mine was busy and I am writing this at 4am, because I rarely sleep through the night anymore and being up for a few hours has unfortunately become normal for me.  Here is a brief recap of the weekend.

I have spent a lot of time with family the past few days and it has been fun.  My brother and his wife were in town staying at my parents.  My niece and her girls have been staying at my sister's while her husband is out of town. Friday after work, I took lunch to a friend at work then met up with Jenn for an errand and a trip to Sonic.  I went to my parents house and had dinner with all the family.  I also got to set up the doll house with 2 of my great nieces.  One put things in, while the other pulled things out, ha! 

After hanging out with family, I met up with a friend for a drink.

Saturday morning, I met a friend from church for coffee/tea.

Afterwards, Brook, Wade and I went to my sister's house for a swim/Father's Day cookout.  It was fun having all the greats there and a treat to have my brother and sister-in-law too.  I love them so much and love when my siblings are all together!

My brother-in-law has this new grill/smoker and he smoked a block of cream cheese and put cinnamon topping on it.  I could have eaten the whole thing...it was so good!  He also made one with a peach topping and an apple topping with caramel sauce on it. We served this with crackers as an appetizer for the afternoon.

I got a last minute offer to go to a concert with Jenn.  I went there after the cookout and it was fun, albeit a little sticky and hot.  I had fun with Jenn, meeting her friend, and I got to spend some time with a friend I knew there as well. :)

Sunday morning, I went to church then went back to my sister's house to sit by the pool with her and my sister-in-law.  My sister lives about 45 minutes away, so I have spent a lot of time in the car the past few days!  I got gas Sunday afternoon when I had 5 miles left in the tank.  I don't think I have ever come that close to running out of gas!

My siblings and I took my dad out for coffee later in the afternoon and spent some time with him.  He does so much to be the caretaker for my mom. I am so blessed to have such a Godly dad who loves us and takes such good care of us.

Family of origin photo

I spent the rest of the day at my parents hanging out while Brook spent the afternoon and evening with her dad.  I was able to see him briefly and wish him a Happy Father's Day.  After all, I have the gift of the 2 most incredible daughters with him! I know this day can be hard and honestly, there are some new hard parts about this day for me.  I don't take for granted the fact that I was able to see my dad yesterday.  He will be 82 next week.

I am glad to have a little time at home this week after being gone so much last week.

Have a great day and thanks for reading!

Friday Favorites ~ June 13, 2025

 Happy Friday friends! I love a Friday and mainly because I get excited about thinking about Saturday mornings!  Tomorrow morning, I have somewhere to go, but it's not too early and I am really looking forward to it, so it will be motivating to get up and get ready. Typically, I am fairly protective of my Saturday mornings as it has become my favorite time of the week. It was a pretty good week and on to favorites....

I framed this beautiful print that Jenn bought me when in Texas.  Tanya spotted it and showed it to me and the saying meant a lot to me to read on my anniversary.

Because we didn't see each other over the previous weekend, Jenn and I met for lunch at our favorite spot.  It was so fun to have a lunch date and laugh our heads off once again! And yep, that is my fan on my tray.  It had been a rough morning of getting myself together.

I ran a few errands including getting this balloon for Brook, who started her new internship job for the summer.  She looked darling and I took her picture that morning, but she pronounced it wasn't for the blog :).  She had a good first day.  I made brisket (which was already cooked by Costco), roasted veggies and roasted potatoes for dinner for her, the boyfriend and myself. It was a good dinner and good to hear about her first day.

Tuesday morning I was up serving breakfast at the hospital for families.

Tuesday night, I went to my Colombian friends home to watch the Colombia/Argentina soccer (futbol) game.  It ended up being a tie.  Except for the 2 little kids, all the others in this picture, including myself, have all lived in Bogota', Colombia for several years of our lives.  There was definitely some Spanish speaking going on and there were empanadas and my favorite, lulo juice!  I actually know their next door neighbor whom I hadn't seen in years, so it was nice to catch up with her too.

I worked from home Wednesday morning then went down to my sister's house for a pool afternoon.  It was my first time in a pool this summer and always fun to be with the greats.  

My brother and sister-in-law flew into town that afternoon.  I went by my parents house to see them and we all went to dinner at Newks, along with my sister and niece and 2 of her daughters (my greats). They had a good chicken tortilla soup I like. If you don't have Newks where you live, it is a salad/soup/sandwich place.  These type restaurants are always my favorites.

Thursday, I served breakfast at another hospital for NICU families, worked and then served dinner at another hospital that night.

Today includes work, a lunch date and time with family.

Wishing you all a great weekend and thanks for reading!

Hodgepodge ~ June 11, 2025

Yay for Wednesday Hodgepodge with Joyce!  Hope your week is going well. 

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?  

The other spice I reach for is a lot is Everything But the Bagel, which I add to veggies in my air fryer.  I also like cinnamon and taco seasoning. I am not a huge fan of parsley and cilantro.  But, if it is served in something, I will take it.  I just usually don't like to garnish with them.  Honestly, I can't think of anything I have made recently that calls for something other than these spices!

2.  It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

I feel like each week brings a lot of variety as my schedule, other than work, looks different most weeks.  I love that I am able to say yes to a lot of things because of my flexible schedule.  Of course, some yes's means a no to other things. 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Being single adds spice in the way of intensity.  It definitely comes with challenges of every day things and lots of unpredictability.  Of course, it also has some perks too!

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

I wish I could sing and sew.  Not necessarily at the same time, ha!  I wish I had a solo voice so I could be in theater plays as a vocalist.  I wish I could sew because I feel like it is a lost art.  I have some exposure to it and even have a sewing machine.  Brook will use it to make alterations to clothes and I wish I could make some home things, like curtains, pillows, etc.

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

The activity I have loved is, you guessed it, dancing!  I have taken a break the last few weeks, but I loved all of my dance lessons this year.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

My brain is tired tonight, so most of my thoughts feel random!  I am so thankful for my people who help me in so many ways.  

Wishing you a great day!

Hello Monday ~ June 9, 2025

Hello Monday and blog friends!  I hope you had a good weekend.  

Here are a few highlights from mine....

I worked a little Friday morning and then went to our local AAA baseball stadium Friday night.  The weather was actually really nice and it was fun to be outside again at a baseball game.  I am a baseball fan, so it is a sport I enjoy.  I actually have the UT/Arkansas college baseball game on TV as I type this.

Saturday morning, I enjoyed my leisurely morning at home once again.  It was a rainy Saturday morning, so it was easy to be lazy.  I watched 2 episodes of Ransom Canyon and then worked on putting away laundry and organizing/going through a lot of stuff in the primary bedroom.  Piles of things had been sitting there for months and it felt so good to finally go through things. When the sun came out, I did go outside for about 20 minutes to work in my backyard.

That evening, I went to see my great niece in a play after spending the week at theater camp.  The bonus was seeing all the other greats.  These 2 wanted to sit by me and it was the sweetest thing.

After the play, I met a friend for a drink and chips.  

Sunday, I went to church and was lazy for the afternoon.

It looks like it will be another busy week with some family coming in town this week, but I am looking forward to it.

Have a great day and thanks for reading friends!

 

 

Friday Favorites ~ June 6, 2025

Good Friday morning friends!

I mentioned this earlier in the week, but having my daughter home is a favorite and will be a favorite throughout the summer!

Having an impromptu lunch with a new friend this week was fun.

I spoke at a women's event Wednesday night.  The lady hosting had a coke machine in her home, which was so fun to see! Some of my dearest friends were there as well.

I also received these flowers at the event that I brought home. I love having fresh flowers in the house!

The week also consisted of working a little bit, an appointment, grocery shopping and then listening to live music on the square.  I really enjoyed the band and Jenn and I always enjoy each other's company!

It looks to be a busy weekend, but I am looking forward to it.  

Wishing you all a Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

 

Currently Hodgepodging ~ June 4, 2025

 Good morning!  Today is a double link up post with Joyce for Hodgepodge and Jenn for Currently.

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up? 

When my daughters were young, I would always hang streamers from their doorframe to walk through the next morning.  I always had a Happy Birthday banner hanging, along with other decor.  I used birthday plates to eat each meal on throughout the day.  I loved hosting themed birthday parties for my girls! Some themes we had were a farm party, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, prairie, Legos, dance, Polly Pocket, books, painting, space, William and Kate, and Hollywood. I would either cook a favorite meal or we would go out to eat at a restaurant of their choice.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

I would take any color.  I think a variety is just beautiful though! I do try to look through rose colored glasses most of the time.  I try to often remind myself the alternative is to be negative, depressed, cranky, etc.  I am realist, but prefer to stay hopeful as much as I can!

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese? 

I could celebrate cheese every day, ha!  I eat a low-fat mozzarella cheese stick most days. I want to make a broccoli salad this summer, which calls for shredded cheese.  

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? 

I had so many weddings to attend last year, but only have one confirmed to attend later this year in September.  The first word that comes to mind when hearing marriage is idol.  I believe marriage is idolized in society and especially in the church.  I am so thankful Jesus came to die for you and for me, for individuals and not for marriage.  I am pro-marriage, but I do think it is idolized.

5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

I am looking forward to having someone in the house with me, seeing my older daughter and a friend from South America who will be stateside.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I am going to transition to linking up with Jenn for Currently.

 loving

I am loving having Brook home to say good morning and good night to, even though there are a few these I will miss with our schedules. Monday, we took a Costco trip to stock up on food for us and we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch afterwards.  Because of all the food we bought, none of it quite seemed like lunch food and Costco will work up an appetite! 

doing outside

I am spraying weeds and trying to get weeds out of my flower beds.  This, and weed eating my back yard, are both never-ending outside chores.  I know by July it will be too hot and I will just let it go more than likely unless if we have a cooler weather day.  I do enjoy having a cleaned up yard though!

cooking/grilling

I cooked some beef sirloin and sweet potato fries Monday night for dinner for Jenn and me.  These were both Costco items I bought!  I served it with salad, sourdough bread, carrots and hummus.  I also purchased some delicious pimento cheese flavored crackers.  I hope to eat some grilled meat this summer, but I don't have an outdoor grill. 

 excited about

I am excited about having outdoor concert events this summer, having weekend plans, and life going forward!

wearing

American Eagle is my go to place for jeans and casual pants because I can order online in an X-Short size vs just short length.  I recently got these jeans and I am loving them!  

Here is another pair of AE jeans I have.

This is my new dress I bought in Texas. It is becoming dress season as it slowly warms up here.  

Have a great Wednesday friends and thanks for reading!