1. Did you make resolutions or set goals for the year we're waving goodbye? How did that work out for you? Will you set any goals for this new year, new season, or new month? Share one or two if you'd like to share.
My personal self-improvement (for lack of a better word) goals for this year were more in my head than written on a piece of paper or a blog.
I also made seasonal bucket lists which always have a few tasks on them along with some fun things too. I did okay with those, but there were many things I didn't get to and I'm fine with that. Mostly fine. I use the bucket lists more as a guide or reminder as opposed to a 'MUST DO!!' kind of thing.
I need to review my fall list and make one for winter still, and hope to get to that this week.
2. When did you have the most fun this year?
It's hard to choose just one thing, but some of the most fun I had would definitely include time spent with grandkids (and their mommas) at the lake.
We also took a beach trip all together and that ranks high on the fun list too.
College friends here for a weekend was another highlight.
If you read my post yesterday (linked here-Anchored) then you already know my answer, but it's this one-
I also love this one by Christy Nockels and it's another that goes along with my word of the year. I've seen her perform live and she's so good.
My Anchor ...
4. Best (or a favorite) bite of something delicious you tasted this year?
Again, it's nearly impossible to choose just one, but most recently this crab and cucumber appetizer with the coconut lime vinaigrette over all was so scrumptious and something I want to recreate at home.
5. What do you want to do more of in the new year? Less of?
More of?
more time spent in creative pursuits, more movement, more prayer, more filling my mind with 'whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy..' I want to think on those things.
The world screams the opposite so swimming against the tide has to be intentional.
Less of?
less spending, less couch time aka no broken bones, there's probably more but nothing is coming to mind
6. Insert your own random thought here.






Hi Joyce, family time is always the best! Less time on the couch is a good one! Thank you for hosting and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteSo many great memories at the lake! Your grandkids will grow up with a treasure trove of them. The Cornerstone lyrics are such good ones as is the Ecclesiastes verse. Happy New Year and thanks for the link up :).
ReplyDeleteGreat questions and I answered many of them the same as you did. Thank you for sharing your life and your creative questions with us!
ReplyDeleteFamily time is always the most fun for me too - love your photos of good times with your people! Also loved your "more of this" list. I want to think on those things more in the days ahead too. And also, less spending! We'll have to do less spending to accommodate the higher car payment we have now - yikes. Praying you have a great 2026!
ReplyDeleteWhat a power scripture- Amen! You certainly had some very happy times this year- just looking at your pics is making me happy! Thanks for a wonderful linkup each week- Happy New Year Joyce!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love our blog world where we can encourage one another and it is such a positive space. I love seeing the memories with your family. Thank you for hosting and providing a fun place for us. Happy New Year and hope to see you in 2026!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE the Scripture and all your pics. I hope you have a wonderful start to 2026!
ReplyDeleteI love the lyrics you chose for your theme of 2025. That resonates so deeply within me! I love that image of the snowflake with that passage at the end, too. What fun memories you've had this year! We're so blessed to be able to write about things like this, right? I agree about the world needing this kind of thing! This blog community is precious. Happy New Year to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteWay to go on making your lists. Those are three great photos and if you ask me you guys are always having fun and doing exciting things. Beautiful answers for #3. That appetizer looks yummy. Glad you enjoyed it. Great answer for #5, however, you guys do so many awesome things already. Your life sounds so beautiful to me. Love your random thoughts. Happy New Year to you and your family. God Bless
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce, I loved your #5.
ReplyDelete('whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy..' I want to think on those things.) I just shared this with my husband. I actually started to do this in October, as the conspiracy theories started to flood the gates regarding Charlie's death. I needed to step away from it all.
I also am going to be more intentional with filling myself with the fruits of the spirit.
I love seeing all the faces of college friends brings a smile to my face. Thanks for hosting the Hodgepodge each week. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joyce, for the anchor that Wednesday provides for midweek blogging! I was not familiar with that artist and her voice is nice to listen to. Great answer for #5 and great encouragement in #6!! Happy New Year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteYes, fewer broken bones and less time spent on the couch would be a great goal! I don't view my bucket lists as a must do either but do try to use them to keep me more intentional with my time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting! It looks like you had an incredible year and you have a beautiful family! I look forward to linking up with you this upcoming year!
ReplyDeleteThe song, "Cornerstone," is indeed, a good one to help us build on a sturdy foundation we can depend upon when life hands us the hard stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another year of Hodgepodge questions that essentially "take the pulse" of bloggers on so many subjects. It's always interesting to read the responses. I have learned and been encouraged countless times over the years through the Hodgepodge.
Thanks for the questions to end the year. Glad I could participate this week. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family photos and as always, I thank you for hosting Hodgepodge Wednesday. I've been so far behind, but hopefully can get caught up on my blogging really soon. Your questions keep me on my toes, which is a very good thing... Happy New Years.
ReplyDeleteYou are building so many fun lake memories with your family. That was such a good reminder to spend time on whatever is true, etc. It really does help to focus on those things when being bombarded with news of the world. Thanks for hosting every week!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for keeping the Hodgepodge going Joyce. This is such a great community and I'm glad to be a part of it. Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2026 x
ReplyDeleteGreat answers
ReplyDeleteMay your home be filled with laughter, love, and warmth throughout the year.
May you find success in your endeavours, both big and small.
May good fortune shine upon you, bringing prosperity and peace.
May the spirit of mateship strengthen your bonds and bring you closer to those around you.
May you always have time for a yarn with friends, a good cuppa, and the simple joys that make life so special.
Great photos full of wonderful fun and great memories made! Thank you for another fun Hodgepodge, Joyce, and I agree about getting our paths to cross in 2026! Let's put that on our lists!! xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you do with the,weekly Hodgepodge. I don't always join in but I always enjoy it when I do. Wishing you and your lovely family a very Happy New Year.
ReplyDelete