Our Side of the Mountain

1. February ended with an extra 24 hours in 2016. What did you do with your bonus day?

I wish I could share something exciting, but it was the usual kind of day. We homeschooled. We ran errands. We prepared meals and tidied the house. The flock free ranged. I crocheted.

2. What's something in your life that's grown by leaps and bounds in recent days, weeks, months, or years? I'm giving you lots of room to come up with an answer here, so no fair passing on this one.

My faith. I have only been saved about 18 months or so. Although as a child I went to church, I didn't as an adult. Ever. I have a wonderful church family, and a husband who doesn't mind buying me journaling bibles. (They have a new one coming out with preprinted coloring pages on the edges!) I'm a visual, creative person, and bible journaling as become an awesome way to study.

3. Do you read reviews about a film before deciding if you'll see it? Did you watch The Oscars this year, and if so your thoughts on the program? How many of the Best Picture nominees had you seen prior to the broadcast? (Spotlight, The Martian, The Big Short, The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, and Brooklyn) If you watched The Oscars who gets your award for 'best dressed'?

I have only heard of The Martian. (My kids have seen it twice.) But I haven't seen any of these movies. I suppose I'm not much of a movie-goer. I would rather catch them later, borrowing from the library, and watch them in the comforts of home.

4. When did you last have overnight houseguests? Give us your top three tips on being a good houseguest.

My parents visited for a few days in the fall. It was a memorable visit as Dad broke the toilet and flooded the bathroom in the first 60 seconds of arriving. Being a good houseguest? Don't break the toilet! Don't flood bathrooms! And be handy with a toolbox when you do!

5. March 2nd is Peanut Butter Lover's Day. Will you be celebrating? If so, would you prefer a home made peanut butter cookie, a Reese's peanut butter cup, an old fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or shall I just hand you a jar and a tablespoon?

I love PB! I make quick no bake chocolate peanut butter bars that are oh-so-yummy. Think chocolate dipped peanut butter balls without the hassle of dipping...I don't make a lot of PB goodies though as my daughter is allergic. I save them for when she is visiting family.

6. Why is failure important? Or isn't it?

Life is a lot of failure with a little success. We don't usually do things right the first time around, and it's OK. Failure helps us grow mentally with thinking, creatively with problem-solving, and emotionally with self-confidence. It's a great thing! (As long as you don't let fear of failure keep you from living.)

7. Share with us one fun thing on your March calendar.

My daughter and step-daughter both turn 14. Our girls are turning into young ladies!

8. Insert your own random thought here.