{Wednesday Hodgepodge // Beach Days, Roller Coasters, and Sweet Family Moments}

It’s time for another round of Wednesday Hodgepodge...a fun series hosted by Joyce, of random questions that offer a peek into everyday life. I always enjoy reflecting on these thoughtful prompts and reading what others have to say, too. This week’s questions cover everything from beach bags to roller coasters to the slowest (and fastest!) passing of time. Let’s dive in...

1. When does time pass slowly for you? When does time pass quickly for you?

Time passes painfully slow when I’m not with my boys. It’s almost as if the minutes stretch out just to remind me that I’m missing them. This is especially true during the weekdays when Nate is at work. He leaves the house around 4:00 AM (bless him!) and doesn’t get home until close to 5:00 PM. And while I totally understand that it’s part of his routine, I genuinely miss him during the day. Same with Mason, especially when he’s busy with sports, friends, or activities. They are my heartbeat, and being without them just feels... off.

On the flip side? Weekends. Blink-and-you-miss-it fast. Can I get an Amen?! I always wonder why weekdays drag while weekends feel like they’re gone in a flash. Just when we finally get into that relaxed rhythm, it’s already Sunday night. Honestly, I’d vote for a three-day weekend every week if anyone’s taking suggestions!

2. Do you have a favorite beach? What’s your favorite “beach” activity? What’s in your beach bag?

Yes, yes, and yes! We absolutely love the beaches in Mexico and the Bahamas...those soft, white sands and the most stunning turquoise waters (my favorite color, of course!) make them hard to beat. But here in the states, give me 30A all day long. Fort Walton, Destin, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Panama City Beach all hold a special place in our hearts. There’s just something so charming about that stretch of the coast.

As for favorite beach activities... I love slow mornings on the beach, toes in the sand, soaking in the view while chatting with family or reading a good book. Give me sunshine, some good worship music, and my people and I am content. I also love watching big ships pass by and capturing sunsets on the ocean. 

What’s in my beach bag?

• At least three beach towels

• Mason’s snorkel mask and goggles

• A mini first aid kit (just in case)

• A smaller bag inside with sunscreen, bug spray, and chapstick

• My Stanley cup full of ice

• A couple of bottles of water because hydration is key

Pretty simple, but it covers all the bases!

3. Your favorite book or movie with a beach setting?

I just finished reading Beach Read on our most recent trip, and while it may not be my absolute favorite book ever, it was a solid vacation read and had me hooked. Light, summery, and a little emotional, which is kind of my jam.

As for movies...throwback time...I used to be obsessed with Blue Crush. I’m talking watched-it-on-repeat, knew-the-lines kind of obsessed. I haven’t watched it in years, but now I’m thinking I need a nostalgic movie night. There’s just something about strong female leads and that beachy, surfing vibe that gets me every time.

4. What’s a food you love but find is a pain to eat? Is it worth it?

This one stumped me a little because I’m not a super adventurous eater. I like things simple and easy. But there is something that comes to mind... well, someone else’s food choice that always ends up affecting Nate...ha!

Crab legs or lobster. Mason loves both, but guess who always ends up having to crack them open for him? That’s right, Nate. It’s become a bit of a running joke in our family. By the time Nate finishes cracking shells for Mason, his own plate is cold. I know he kind of cringes when seafood is on the menu, but he’s such a good sport and always does it with love (and maybe a slight eye roll!).

5. Do you like roller coasters? What’s the best (or worst) one you’ve been on?

Oh man... I used to love them. Growing up, summer meant Six Flags season passes and spending hours riding roller coasters with friends. The bigger the loops, the better! I was fearless back then.

Now? Not so much. My motion sickness kicks in pretty quickly, and I end up feeling miserable for the rest of the day. So, I usually pass.

Worst coaster: The Texas Giant. I know it’s iconic, but it’s such a rough ride. I always come off it with a headache or full-blown migraine.

Best coaster (from back in the day): The Shockwave! It had two loops but felt so smooth. I rode that one more times than I could count.

6. Random thought of the week...

We just got back from our beach trip and it was honestly one of the best ones yet. We spent about 90% of the time at our rental house, and none of us were mad about it. It was our own little oasis...peaceful, cozy, and just what we needed.

We soaked up so much sweet family time. Fishing off the dock, floating in the pool, and just being present. Mason even said, “That was a fun trip!” on the way home and y’all... that meant everything. When your 15-year-old enjoys the slow, simple days without a big itinerary, you know it was something special. I didn’t want it to end and am already dreaming of the next adventure.

Thanks for following along with this week’s Wednesday Hodgepodge! I love the chance to pause and reflect on both the silly and the sentimental parts of life. If you’ve ever thought about joining in, I highly recommend it...it’s a sweet way to connect and share.