I know it's the first day of spring, but you still need to put the marshmallow peeps down and take a step back, okay? The Spring Hodgepodge won't take long and then you can dive back into your pastel candy with renewed vigor. Just read my brilliantly thought out answers, and then click here to head over to Joyce's and take part in the fun.

1. The first day of spring is here...do you enjoy working in the yard? Weeding, raking, mowing, planting-your favorite springtime garden chore? How about your least favorite?

I gave birth to five boys so that I would never have to work in the yard. Of course, that doesn't mean they do either ...

2. What puts a spring in your step?

Stepping on a tack.

3. Describe a time when you had to spring into action?

A pastor and his family took us out for Sunday dinner after we presented our mission work at their church. Following the lead of our host family, we all ordered the special, which is what they ordered. The special was meatloaf, something that is not a favorite with anyone in our home, but everything else on the menu was more expensive. We had taught our children to eat what was put in front of them without complaining, but apparently they forgot those rules that Sunday. My two oldest repeatedly asked me if they had to eat their meatloaf. Luke, who was four at the time, refused to swallow. He chewed a bite of meatloaf for an enormously long time, and then gagged on it and threw up all over the restaurant table.

4. We're having carrots for dinner...would you prefer yours raw or cooked?

I didn't realize we'd been invited for dinner. We'll be there at six, and we'll eat what's put in front of us. (See previous answer.)

5. Do you take the shampoos and other sundries from your hotel room when its time to check out?

I don't, mostly because they're not usually the brands I prefer. My husband does, and then he brings them home and sets them on the bathroom counter for me to put away. And I do, by throwing them in the garbage when he's not looking. It's a strange system, but it works for us.

6. What's the most enjoyable team or club you've belonged to and what was it that made it so?

I belonged to the yellow team in Awana. And it was enjoyable because we won. A lot.

7. Is cloning a sign of progress?

Yes, but I'm not really sure we want to progress in that direction.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I could use a clone if she would help with dishes and housework. But she would always need to be about 10 pounds heavier than I am. After all, the copy should never be as good as the original.