wednesday hodgepodge

My friend and I had a great time over the weekend

and there's lots to share. But today I am participating

in the Hodgepodge. I appreciate Joyce's commitment

to this fun meme every week!

1. Share something you appreciate (or something you appreciated as you
 were growing up) about your mother.

She was my best friend and my biggest supporter. She was always there to sew
the new outfit, help with the school project, applaud me in my big moments and
love me like no one else. She died when I was 28. She met our oldest child,
but passed away while I was expecting our second. She would have been the
best grandmother. I miss her every day!

2.  A quote most commonly ascribed to Plato reads "Necessity is the mother
 of invention." When did this last play out in your own experience?



I've already talked about this here, but when I crocheted the blanket
(in a ripple pattern) for our grandson due in a couple of weeks. I realized,
after I had done about 8-10 inches, that it wasn't as wide as I thought it would be.
I wasn't willing to start over...and decided I would figure out a solution when I was
done. So, when I had reached the length I wanted, I decided to try crocheting
a few rows on single crochets on the sides and make a border. Praise the Lord,
it worked and I really liked the way it looked. I might even make another
one like it...on purpose!! ha! ha!

3. Share one of the earliest memories you have from childhood.


When I was 5, I had eye surgery. They failed to tell me that my eyes would
be bandaged when I woke up. I remember being scared when I woke up
and couldn't see. I cried out for my mom and she was there to
comfort me...like she always was.

4. When did you last 'hit the mother lode'? What was it?


Not sure if it was the "mother lode', but my friend and I did find some
real bargains at a sidewalk sale in Senoia (a little village with antique shops,
gift shops and cafes) this past Saturday. They had bins full of jewelry, scarves
and other accessories, regularly priced $10-$20, for 25 cents and $2!
We both spent some time digging in those bins!!!

5. What is/was your favorite dish mom made? Do you make that dish
 for your family/friends now that you're all grown up?

Spaghetti...she made her sauce from scratch and it took her all afternoon
to do it. We did not have it often because it was a lot of work, so it was special
when we did. Many times, I asked for it as my birthday meal. I make spaghetti
regularly, but not like that. Ragu and Prego works for me!! She also made a
German Chocolate Cake for me every year for my birthday, too...my favorite!
After she died and I made one for the first time, I realized what a gift that cake was!
It seemed every pot and bowl in my kitchen was dirty! :-)

6. Mother May I? was at one time a popular children's game.
It required no equipment or parts to play. What was your favorite childhood game
where you could just turn up and play-no gear needed?


I liked hide and seek...outside. But my favorite was hopscotch...you did need a rock,
but those were easy to find!

7. Which TV mom (past or present) is your favorite, and why?

I would say Olivia, the mom on the Walton's. She was real...kind and loving,
loyal and hard working, strong and capable, but she also lost her temper some
times and she got discouraged. Her character was one I could relate to.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

As a mom, sometimes I wish I could "wiggle my nose" or "wave my magic wand"
and make everything right and perfect and happy for my children. But, I know
that is not possible. It is hard to see them get hurt and have disappointments,
to struggle and to have to make hard decisions. But I know that God uses the
hard times to teach us lessons in perseverance and humility. Those times of difficulty
grow our faith and our patience. God is molding our children into the men and women
he wants them to be. That requires some" kneading and re-shaping"....and that can be uncomfortable... for them and for me! But the results will be worth it!