Why, yes! I'm not dead!

So I know I'm hailing from the land of #icanbarelyhearathing and #haventtrulypostedinwhoknowshowlong, but I'm still going to keep it simple. Because, well, this mind has pretty much stayed as simple as it can over the past few weeks. Between just enjoying my time at my sisters (yes, I'm well aware I've still to post on that...and with my memory as of late, it just might not happen), getting sick, going to my lil sis' wedding (WHAT?! So surreal you guys!), and Zoë getting pink eye all while I'm still fighting off the remnants of my illness (Thank you for the double ear infection and ruptured ear drums. I was asking to constantly say "Huh?! I can't hear you. Speak up! Talk in this ear!" Yep.That's what I was hoping for.)...well, I think you get the point. Ha! So on to #5QF.

1. Who drives when your family is together: you or your spouse?

Usually Ben drives and I sit in the passenger seat. I do enjoy driving at times and I'm no fan of the back seat as I get car sick quite easily, but if he's around, he generally wants to drive. So I let him :)

2. Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Introvert. Hands down. And being a mom/wife has only helped me revert into myself a little more. It's not that I don't like people. Honest. It's just I'm rarely comfortable around anyone I don't know and I hate, hate, hate large groups. Like "I have clautrophobia" hate large groups. (Yes. I really am clautrophobic, but thankfully I do try to conquer my fear so it doesn't completely hold me back. I just might have panic attack if put too outside my element. Ha!)

Peace?

Quiet?

Only me?

Please and thank you!

Though, I do enjoy time with my friends and I can really get into being in the same room as someone I really care about or am close to but not saying much. Just doing your own thing in the same space.

Yep. Introvert.

3. Are you married to an introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert. Completely loves to be with people. I have to tell him at least an hour before I'm ready to go that I am. Because it will take no less (no, I'm not joking) than one hour to get him out of wherever we are. He doesn't know a stranger.

We used to get in fights daily, now just a couple times a week (it's getting better...s...l...o...w...l...y) about how he was "on top of me". While I was brushing my teeth. Cleaning dishes. Getting ready for bed. Making dinner. You name it. He was following me. Literally.

Yes, I married an extrovert. And we are so very much polar opposites.

4. What's your favorite type of social media?

Twitter.

Hands down.

It's to the point. It can keep me connected with the news world, which I'm a fan of because I generally forget to turn the news on and can only handle all the broken stories in small bits.

Now if I only had a smart phone... (ha!)

5. What's your favorite way to "recharge"?

It just depends, really.

Some days I just want to take a quick nap.

Others I love to sit with a good book somewhere where I can't be bothered. (Which obviously can't be done at home anymore. I lament this fact.)

And then on the days that I do want to get out of the home, I love finding my own corner of a coffee shop (see, I do like people, just to do my own thing.) and setting up with my computer, some good music and do whatever my heart desires. Whether it be reading, surfing the web, playing an online game (Candy Crush Saga, anyone?), or just listening to music alone.

However, I should make the point that to "recharge" I have to be alone. Not interacting at all with someone I know. And I need at least an hour.

I joke that I could be a hermit. And honestly, if it weren't for feeling called to be a wife and mom, I'm pretty sure I would have found a way to slightly give myself that pleasure. Because I could give my all, all day long, to others and then just recluse myself for several hours in the evening. And that would be just fine with me. On my bad days, I wish I was a hermit. But then I remember that I have the greatest blessing and refining tools with me on a daily basis.

Why would I give them up? I can't imagine life without them.

And after all, even hermit-loving people like me know life was meant to be shared not isolated.

Yeah, I got a little serious. But I figure I'm just sharing bits of me :)

Happy Friday everyone! (Oooy...one day that will mean my husband actually has a weekend....one day...)

It's Friday

And today that means I'm going to participate in Five Question Friday (#5QF on Twitter).

1. How often should adults have birthday parties? Gee. I honestly don't know. Personally, I prefer to celebrate them in a small way. Cake, maybe a special meal with those closest to you. So at this present time, that would mean me, Ben and Zoë. If my immediate family were here, we'd likely celebrate it with them but not on the day of. Because I reserve the day of for my own family now. That's the way I like it :) And Ben agrees.
2. What was your room decorated like when you were a child? Honestly, we weren't really allowed to hang stuff on the wall so the walls were bare. Literally. (Well, that is until my sister and I decided since would couldn't make holes we would tape posters up. So, of course, we hung pictures of our favorite boy bands and the like. Your normal middle school girl type stuff.)n However, it was painted a pastel yellow which sort of compensated for the bare walls. I shared a room with my little sister and for a while we shared a bed. BUT, after a couple years of that my parents bought us matching twin size beds and this old timey quilt with a little girl on it. (Matching of course.) Not anything I would pick. But it was a bed. So I'm  not going to complain. 3. Do you have any traditions for Easter? If so, what? And do you have a why behind that? As of yet, no. Because of finances we haven't done anything for each other. And since Zoë is only a year old, which means she was only a couple weeks old last Easter, we haven't started any with her either. Ben and I were talking about this the other night *cough* I asked this question *cough* and there were a couple of ideas we threw out there. One, let me say that I would love to continue what my mom did for us with our Easter baskets each year. Easter holds a lot of meaning for me because of my belief in Christ. Though the cross plays a huge part in that belief, without the resurrection, which is what Easter celebrates, the cross is meaningless. That said, my mom always made sure that our baskets tried to somehow convey this very important meaning. To get a better idea of what this can look like, you can hop on over to my sister's blog, A Dollop of My Life, where she wrote a great post on how she did this for my two (almost 3....YAY!) nephews last year. Second, apparently Ben loves the chocolate bunnies and wants to make sure our kids get one every year. (Of course, we did not buy one for Zoë this year.) I'm talking, that is the only thing related to Easter we have bought/done every years since we've known one another, four years. I have to say I find this hysterical because if you were to ask Ben, who is a history buff, where Easter originated, you would get an approximately 15 minute speech about how 1) he will not tell his children this story until they are older and 2) it's a pagan holiday that was turned Christian in some weird way or another. I don't know. He's told me twice. Point #2 is all that I can remember from what he's told me. It's actually kind of gross and inappropriate so...I'm pretty sure I'm glad I don't remember. And the bunny somehow ties into that. Yet, that choclate bunny. Oh that chocolate bunny. The minute the candy comes out and we're at the store together I hear, "Hey, the chocolate bunnies...You want one?" (aka I want one but don't want to just ask for myself. Ha!) We also discussed how we think it would be fun to do an Easter Egg hunt. Whether with a group of people or do our own or both, we're not really sure. But Ben said that was something he really enjoyed and would love to do for our kids. As far as preparing for Easter, because Zoë will be a little older where she will be able to start grasping small bits of an entire concept next year, I'm hoping to find some decently priced resurrection eggs this year. My sister also recommended a couple of books this year and one of them, The Story of Easter by Patricia Pingry, is a board book that I plan on purchasing also. For now, that's the plan. I'm sure it's apt to be tweaked a little, but the general idea is to keep it Christ-centered.
4. Do you get Good Friday off? If so, any plans? Umm...for the time being, I get no days off. The hubs helps out some when he's home but that just usually means I'm off somewhere else cleaning or cooking or what not while he's watching the babe. Thus, no plans. It was just a normal day for us.
5. Did you wear hats & white shoes to church on Easter? (Or was that just in the South?) Well, I am from the South. The deep South. As in you almost can't go much more before you're in the gulf, deep South. And we never wore hats. Maybe because that wasn't something my mom liked. Or our budget just didn't allow for it. Or a little of both. I'm not really sure. White shoes? Yes ma'am! every year. With white socks if need be. Will I do this for our children? Probably not. I'm not all in to dressing up for Easter. Nor is it really fitting into our budget. It's just not something I really care about. And there you have it. If you wanna join in, hop on over to Mama M.'s blog by clicking her lovely 5QF button I posted above. You can paste your link over there!

5 Question Friday v. 12

It's Friday!

And I am sooo ready for a weekend where the hubs will be able to spend time and help me with our cutie patootie. She's been a force to reckon with this week. And I'm not enjoying transitioning to all solid foods.

She's in love with putting both hands on her tray so she can swipe them back and forth to push her food on the floor. Anyone else no a good way to solve that problem? Cuz to me, it's just gonna take time and Jesus teaching me another lesson in patience.

Seems that lesson is ever finding new ways to pop up in my life.

Seriously.

Plus, all that on top of her cutting teeth. I'm pretty sure she's almost done cutting one, getting ready to cut two more and has a fourth s-l-o-o-o-o-o-w-l-y working it's way down.

Four teeth.

At least that means teething will be over sooner. Right?

So, because my brain is about as fried as an over hard egg, I'm gonna use five question friday to help stimulate it and share a bit o' myself with you.

I am not joining in on the vlog fun because well, I was doing well to get almost all of the apartment cleaned this morning. Which in turn means that I have neglected myself. Yikes! Not putting that gorgeousness up for viewing. So on to the questions: 1. Flu mist? Flu shot? Or take your chances?
Ok. So here is my scoop on it. The flu shot, if you're not high risk, really is bartering with a virus. You won't catch the disease from the vaccine, you could catch it from the mist (mist is live), and you might not get it at all even if you don't do either. With that being said, I do not get it myself and I don't force my hubs to get it. BUT, I do think if you are high risk (I don't remember all the diseases that complicate influenza but I do include pregnant women in this group), elderly, or a young child then I do think it's good to get it. That is because high risk and elderly patients run the risk of having complications outside the actual virus that have a potential of becoming life threatening. And young children, I'm gonna go with age 5 and under here, generally spread the disease. And if the young child is an infant, they also can be high risk as their little bodies don't always handle a disease like that very well. That's my scoop. That's how we do it in this house. So this past year, only the bambino was given the full two rounds needed for a child to be inoculated.
2. Do your kids have iPads? What are some good educational apps? Price?
No. My child does not and our family won't be getting one anytime soon as we are on an extremely meager budget.
3. What are your favorite boy/girl baby names?
I'm actually not going to answer this one. We like to keep them to ourselves until we know gender. And if we should decide on a surprise for if and when the next baby comes, well then that just means everyone will wait to find out until the little bundle graces this world with his or her presence.
4. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, which apple do you choose to eat? (red/green, gala, red delicious, etc.)
We eat whatever is the cheapest at the time. My favorite is probably the Jazz Apple because of their sweetness and crispy texture. I'm actually 100% sure I've never had a "bad" Jazz. Think I'm crazy? Well, texture matters to me so when I bite into a sandy apple, it goes straight to my hubby who doesn't care enough that he won't eat it. Anyone with me on sandy? Know what I'm talking about?
5. What is your favorite place to escape to for peace and quiet, to think? Why?
I have a few. Because I love to be alone. And alone in my thoughts? Well, that's even better! I would probably do it a lot if I had the ability to escape often. I actually love to find a quiet corner of a Starbucks or cozy coffee shop and isolate myself with my computer and books. Just enough natural light through the windows so you can see but dark enough that it makes you feel like you're by yourself. I love a more dark tone set in a room. Not pitch black and eerie. But comfortable with just enough to see what you're doing in your small space. Anyway, a coffee shop isn't usually the first place I go because I'm one of those must-buy-something-if-you're-gonna-stay kind of people and well, we just don't have money to splurge on that kind of nicety. If it's a really nice day outside, I love to find a quiet park with a good tree to sit under. Lay out a blanket. And enter whatever dream world I've brought with me to escape into.  Because usually escaping for peace and quiet involves some form of reading for me. Sometimes deep, like The Reason for God by Timothy Keller, and sometimes light and completely fictional, like anything by Karen Kingsbury. (Oh gosh! I just saw she's got a new book coming out when I went to find that link. Hold me back! I don't have funds to spend on new books! HA!) And even at times, it means wasting away while I stare at my computer screen surfing the net or reading a good blog.
I dream of the day that my hubs can take the kids and I will have a nice, cozy corner of my room, or even better a back porch, to curl up on some comfy piece of furniture, like an oversized recliner or a swing if it's a porch, and escape in that way. I won't even have to leave home. Because honestly, I am a home body and as such love to make my home feel so inviting that I hardly ever want to leave. Well, there you have it. A little bit of me exposed by questions asked. Even if you've already got a great post, it's always fun to link up with others for #5QF (yes, that's the hashtag on twitter :]) to see what they have to say! Happy Friday, everyone!

Five Question Friday [v.11]

I'm beginning to wonder if my brain is really residing inside my head anymore. I surely don't feel like "myself", though I'm not even 100% sure of what that means. I guess I just don't feel like what I remember myself being pre-baby. I've changed, a lot if I recall my old self properly.

Anyway, all that to say, I liked the questions for Five Question Friday today, plus I needed a few prompts to get my juices flowing for a post. So, here you have it:

1. If you bake during the holidays, what is your favorite thing to make?

I have yet to bake during the holidays. Our budget is so tight right now that baking just doesn't figure into any holidays, yet, honestly. BUT if I did bake, I can't say what my favorite item to make would be, but I can tell you that there definitely would be some oatmeal date cookies amidst the many items. They are my fave one of the few holiday treats I just cannot get enough of. I also want to begin a tradition, once my Zoë is old enough, of making sugar cookies with my daughter and any possible subsequent children :)

2. Present giving: Gift bag vs wrapped box?

This one is up in the air for me. Sometimes I prefer wrapping in a bag over a box but it really just depends. I realized after I typed that response, it isn't true. Until I realized a bag would save me money, I went out hunting for a small box to wrap my nephews present in. 

Box hands down. More fun to open. More fun to wrap, in my opinion. Just more fun all the way around.

3. What do you keep your thermostat on during the winter/summer in your house?

Our thermostat stays somewhere around 78, no lower than 75 in the summer, and around 70 in the winter. Definitely doesn't go over 73. We do, of course, live in the deep south. And in Houston, I'm told the cool weather we've been having is a rarity. So not happy with that. *sigh*

4. When thinking of your "Christmas to-do list" what percentage "done" are you?

Considering my to do list is very small right now and finances help make it even smaller, I'm 98% done. 

5. Do you do the "Elf on a Shelf"? If so, is your Elf naughty and what shenanigans has he gotten into?

Zoë is too small for us to even discuess whether or not "Elf on a Shelf" will become part of our Christmas tradition. I have nothing against it. Just not sure if we will.

Five Question Friday

It's Friday. I'm tired. I need and want an easy post. Not sure I'm so in with the questions, but I figured this could be a fun post. So here is my answers to five question friday.

1) Where do you hide junk when people come over?

Honestly, I typically don't hide it. Either it stays pretty messy or I actually clean. I'm not an inbetweener because I can't stand decluttering a closet or wherever else I might find to stash clutter.

2) Do political ads help you decide who you are going to vote for?

Nope. I hate political ads. I'm not a big fan of politics to begin with.

3) What's your favorite holiday party to host?
Never hosted one. If I do one day, and I'm thinking I will, then I would guess some sort of Christmas gathering. Espeically if it's a white elephant party. SO FUN!

4) You go to an island with your husband and can only take one personal item. What is it?

Does the island have supplies already there? Cuz if so, that could totally make it an easy shot at what I'd take...actually, no it wouldn't. Well...ummm...maybe baby shampoo & body wash (you know, the all in one). Then it works for hair and keeps the body clean. And maybe when I get desperate I'll clean my mouth with it too?
I'm not a big fan of only one personal item...

5) If you found out your spouse was a Dexter style serial killer (only kills people to save others) would you rat?
Gah, I'm conflicted. I would hate that he was a serial killer but I wouldn't want to rat on him. I'd have to be in the situation to know what I'd do. I'm gonna say, though, that my high justice would win out and I'd rat him. I'd talk with him first. And then maybe I'd be dead before I had a chance. HA!

Another 5QF

Holy Hallelujah! It's Friday, you guys! And tomorrow my sweet hubby took off of work so he could spend it with me for my birthday :) So excited considering we rarely get a "normal" Saturday. I guess that's one of the reasons I'm so pumped about today being Friday. Normally, it means nothing for me. But today, IT DOES! hehehehe I'm like a giddy...yeah I have no idea. I'm just giddy!

Anyway, my mind is bouncing off every wall, so I'm gonna participate in the lovely 5 question Friday with Mama M. Feel free to click the button and join in yourself :)

1) How long did it take for you to find your wedding dress? (Wedding dress pics anyone?) I happened to be one of those who decided to "just go look" with my mom and found the one the first time. We went a month after I got engaged. Be ready for several pics :) (with commentary of course!)

Dress # 1 Front

Dress #1 Back

LOVED the beautiful simplicity of this dress. I absolutely loved the beading. But...this just wasn't the one. Pretty but not for me :)

Dress #2 Side view (we didn't take one of the front, but I think you can get the idea form this)

Dress #2 Back

So my mom made me try this one on. I know people LOVE the mermaid fit. But I can't stand it on me. I can't walk. And I'm not a huge fan of curves being accentuated in that way on myself. We both agreed this DEFINITELY WAS NOT THE ONE!

Dress #3 Front

Dress #3 Back

Dress #3 Back closeup

So I loved the detail on this dress. I actually liked that it tied in the back. I loved how "flowy" it was. However, a different dress won out.

Dress #4 Front

Dress #4 Back

So this was originally what I thought I would get. At least, it was what I liked in the magazine. Tried it on. Thought I looked like I was kind of wearing pjs. No offense to anyone who wore this. That's just how I felt.

Dress #5 Front

Dress #5 Back

Ummm...yeah. Not for me.

Dress #6 Front

Dress #6 Back

It really seemed like some elegant pjs to me.

TADA!!!

This dress = SO ME! Even my mom thought so, but refused to tell me until I made my decision. We left, I slept on it, went back to try it on, and knew I was right. It. was. perfect! Here, I'll throw in some alteration fitting pics too :)

So simply elegant. Love the way the fabric is pulled. The neck line. The low back. Ahhh...MY DRESS!

The back. Loved how it has the piece of fabric down the middle.

The back all bustled up :) I thought it was so pretty!

This is how I had my hair done for the wedding. Wanted to see what it would be like with my dress and give my stylist some practice so it would be perfect for bridal portraits :)

Oh how I love my shoes :) Yes, I did wear these on my wedding day! Most comfortable shoes :)
2) Somone in your vicinity releases a NASTY smelling fart. Do you say anything or blow it off? Ok well, that depends. If it's someone I don't know - I generally don't say anything or whisper it to someone if I'm with someone (i.e. at Walmart). If it's in my home or with my family, heck yes I'm gonna say something!
3) What is the scariest thing that happened to you or scared you recently? Golly...I startle easily, but I can't really think of anything that scared me. I can think of the scariest thing that has happened to me in the last ten years: My sophomore year of college I was out with my roommates. We were driving home on the interstate when a car started tailing me. I am NO FAN of tailing and can get kind of mean when people do (aka I frequently break check them). Well, I was able to move into the right lane, so I signal and do so. However, the crazy person slows down and gets behind me. Then he starts flashing his lights at me. So I speed up. So does he. He starts honking his horn at me. Continues to flash his lights at me. Tails me. Even after multiple break checks. I can't get rid of this guy.
Ends up he follows me 13 miles down the interstate. Since I lived in a small, college town I figured he exited because he, too, went to my school. I drive the way I normally would but this dude just wouldn't leave me alone.
We called some friends, who were in a car a bit behind us, to tell them what had been going on. They advised we head to our normal destination, but if the car followed us to not park.
We do so and the guy wouldn't leave us alone. When we set in stone that this guy had been following us for at least a good 15 miles, we called the campus cops. They advised we drive to their station, hoping the guy would follow us. However, he was a bit too smart, figured we would at least be passing the station, and bailed. We didn't get a license plate so we couldn't file a complaint. 
Needless to say, I am a very paranoid driver when it comes to cars going the same way I do and seemingly doing what I do. Never been followed again, but I just can't forget that.
4) Favorite brand and flavor of ice cream. Blue Bell Moolenium Crunch. Hands down.
5) Are you able to sleep well in hotels? Hmm...I think so. It honestly depends on the bed and the pillow :) If the bed isn't stiff as a board but not that soft and the pillow isn't too hard or too large, then yes. (Man, that makes me sound really picky about sleeping quarters.)
There you have it folks. Ended up being a much longer post than I expected. Happy weekend to you all! The next time I post I will have grown one year older :)

5QF

I'm all in for an easy post. Teething has labeled my week rough. Plus, I think the little miss is having some tummy issues. She doesn't like when anything messes with her bowels and makes sure her voice is heard on the matter. I can't blamer her though. Her momma is the same way :)

Anyway, I love five question friday with Mama M. And true story: I forgot to link last weeks post. That link is about all you will get to it :) That is what happens when your life is more about raising a 4 month old than anything else.

Now on to this weeks questions:

1. What is the funniest thing you saw on Facebook/Twitter this week?
You know...I have no idea. I could tell you Honest Toddler had some really funny tweets, but I don't really remember which ones I was holding my side laughing at. Nor do I feel like scrolling through them. I don't remember seeing anything on Facebook.
2. What is your favorite Olympica event?
Summer: Gymnastics. I was a gymnast for a while.
Winter: Freestyle Snowboarding/Skiing
3. Do your kids do chores around the house? If so, what are they and how old are the children? Do they get paid?
We aren't anywhere near to crossing that bridge yet. The baby can't even crawl. I will say I do plan on implementing chores.
I had to growing up. I don't really remember how old we were when my mom started, but we helped with vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, setting the kitchen for dinner, and cleaning the kitchen after. Yes, we were paid for some of our chores. We also were responsible for making sure our rooms were clean, beds made, etc.
4. If you get bad service/food do you complain or keep quiet?
I complain to my husband, who takes it on himself to tell the manager. Not that I really mind. He has a very polite, tactful way of doing so. And as he has managed a Wing Stop restaurant for several years, he feels it helpful when people give constructive criticism. I let him. I, however, do not. (long answer to a simple question, no?)
5. If you could pick ONE frivolous item for you home, what would it be? (massive room sized closet? swimming pool? greenhouse? etc)
Umm...well I currently dream of just having 2 rooms. That way my daughter can eventually be moved to her own room. SO...one very, nice sized master bedroom with a wonderful bathroom attached and a seperate room and bathroom, though not necessarily attached, for the little pea please!

5 Question Friday

Man, oh man, does the sky sound like it's about to fall out. And my husband, who is driving home from work, say it looks it too. I'm ok with that. I'm all holed up in my own little part of the world finally listening to silence for what feels like the first time today. Well, silence from within these four walls.

Teething is not for the weak or faint of heart. Neither is deciphering baby's cries, for that matter.

Words! Just use words, little Zoë!

*sigh*

I wish, but I digress.

On to five question friday :)



[1] What do you call them: flip flops, sandals, thongs, or slippers?HA! Really? Here is exactly what went through my head when I read this:
First off, they are flip flops. You know, those oh so comfy shoes that are great for the beach, lake, canoeing, or just an easy slip-on during the summer.
Sandals are an open-toed shoe that may or may not be slip on but they generally don't have that plastic piece between your toes like flip flops. Unless, they are cool like chacos :)
Thongs - ummm skimpy underwear with...yeah never mind ;)
Slippers are shoes you wear once up in the morning or before bed.
[2] Are you a "my kids can do no wrong" kind of mom or a "Johnny punched you? Well, what did you do to him first?!" kind of mom?Well, I'm taking a gander at this one considering my only child is only 4 months old, BUT I would have to say the latter. Here is why: I have cared for kids a lot in my teens and early twenties. And I mean a lot. I babysat regularly for two to three different families, I worked at a daycare two different summers, and then you could sprinkle that with the ad lib jobs I was given. I have had my rounds with caring for all ages.
When I was dealing with "Bobby did this" situations, I typically tried to work with both parties to get them to admit to what each did wrong.
[3] Would you confront a good friend who looked/looks down at your husband/significant other?Oooi. Tough question. I would like to say yes, but I am not one for confrontation. I do know if i felt it important enough for me to stand up for him, I would. So I guess it depends on what about him they are looking down at him for.
[4] Biggest pet peeve?So I had to ask my hubby on this one. I have a ton of pet peeves. Seriously. 
However, my biggest is definitely when people are fake. I typically can see straight through a facade and let me tell you my nerves get all worked up. I generally don't just blurt it out to the person *thank God* but I will come home and rant about it to the hubs. Sorry bud!
[5] What's my favorite take out meal?Geez. I think this one really depends on my mood. I even asked my hubby and his response: "Well, you don't really have one...You do have a favorite pizza."
And yes, that is very true. My favorite pizza: pineapple and canadian bacon. Ham will work if they don't have canadian bacon, but the first is MUCH better.
Fried food: Cane's! Oh I love me some good ol' Cane's and a slice of their texas toast.
Healthier food: Jason's Deli Nutty Mixed-Up Salad
Gosh this is making me hungry. I digress.
Happy Friday, everyone! Here's to a wonderful weekend and hoping my little one takes her naps despite the teething process!

I'm All In for an Easy Post

I'm all in for an easy post. Not because my precious baby is raising hell around here. We've actually been doing quite well despite her love of boycotting naps. I'm just exhausted, have a lot of hard family stuff on my mind, and have been quite mindless these past couple of days (and I hate to admit I'm loving it...I guess my mind needed a reprieve all it's own).

So here is to a fun, easy post :) Feel free to join in. You can click the button to take you to the link.

1. What do you keep a stockpile of?Hmmm...this really isn't a question I can answer as we are limited on space. I guess the closest we get to stockpiling right now: diapers. I always make sure to have plenty of extra on hand. Such is my life right now :)
2. If Ben & Jerry asked you to invent an ice cream, what would it be?Oh geez...and I thought this was going to be an easy post. I could sit and think about this F-O-R-E-V-E-R!.........ummmmm......well definitely a vanilla base. I love me some plain vanilla.Then maybe some carmel, with fudge and maybe some chocolate mousse. With some pecans. And some toffee. Oh and rasberries. Yeah. Delectable! In my opinion :)
3. How do you blow off steam?Gah, answering this makes me sad. Because I really can't do it right now. Seeing as gas still costs over $3 a gallon (and yes I'm aware that is cheap compared to some places but it's still ridiculous). But my favorite, back when gas was a buck twenty max, was to just drive. No where in particular. Just go. And preferably on a road with faster speeds :)Now...I'm not 100% sure because I'm not a runner. Cleaning doesn't help me. And I don't have access to a punching bag. A punching bag would be my other option if I had it.OH!It came to me - baking. I love baking. Sometimes cooking works well too but many times I'll rummage up whatever I can find to bake something yummy.
4. What would you do if you had an hour to yourself anywhere within a ten mile radius of your home...no kids, no hubby, just you?Well - I paruse Target. Or I find a silent corner in a coffee shop and read or fiddle around on my computer. And if I can have the house to myself, veg out in front of the T.V. 
5. When you were 16, what was your curfew in the summertime?Midnight. I loved this too because my parents were flexible: if my friends and I were going to watch a movie late or something of the sort, as long as I called and asked, generally my parents would allow me to stay out later. However, that didn't happen that frequently and they left room for saying no. And I couldn't be any later than midnight if no changes were made to my plans.

Five Question Friday

I'm waiting on my Nap Evader to go to sleep. Listening to her talk fuss. So I will take some time to do a quick post. And maybe come back later for another post. Maybe...

On to linking up :) Just click the button below and it will take you to the site.





1) Did you do anything special for your kids on the last day of school? Or did your parents do anything special for you?
Well, seeing as my only child is a few days shy of 13 weeks, I'll go with the latter question. My parents would always take us out (us being all four kids) to eat and then take time to tell each one of us how they were proud of us. At least that's what I remember. I'm not sure I will celebrate the end of the school year that way, simply because I'm not, but I definitely want to do something along the lines of commemorating the year and making each kid feel special.
2) What's your favorite summer tradition with your children?
Umm...don't have one yet. So honestly not sure. On a small scale I definitely think an icee or snow cone might just be part of the deal :D
3) What was your favorite thing to do during the summer as a kid?
Hmmm...
Still thinking...
Geez I guess I'm honestly not too sure. I was a book worm (still am honestly) as a kid so my favorite activities didn't ever require a certain season to come along. But now as I think a bit more on it, I probably enjoyed going to the lake with some of our friends. Tubing. Learning to water ski. Attempting and sucking at kneeboarding. Yeah. That was a great summer activity!
4) How old were you when you were married? Were you a Bridezilla?
24. And I have to agree with Mama M - definitely a perfect age to get married.
As to the second question, I don't think I was a bridezilla. I knew what I wanted my wedding to be like and made sure to make specific requests so that it was how I would like it to be but pretty sure bridezilla never entered the picture.
5) What is your favorite girl name? (I'm needing suggestions)
Well I can start off with I love my daughter's name: Zoë. I also like the name Ariadne and Adelaide and Lyla. Just to name a few...

Five Question Friday

1. Are you a napper?

Funny thing: I used to be. I would even nap in my car, if it wasn't blistering outside, during lunch. And if it was and I was desperate, I would even nap in one of the exam rooms at work. Gross but I try not to think about it.

Anyway, I digress on that. Now I find it hard to nap. New baby...well she's 10+ weeks now. For whatever reason, even if I have nothing to do I can't even find a way to make what everyone tells you - "nap when she naps" - work. Bummer because I sure could use them!

2. What was your favorite subject in school? Most hated?

Favorite - anything science on the anatomy/biology related scale. And even Chemistry wasn't so bad.

Most hated - intro philosophy in college but probably more because of the prof than the actual subject. I don't think I really took many classes I abhored. I enjoy learning. What can I say?

3. Did you have the something old, new, borrowed and blue at your wedding? What were they?

Yes.

Old: my maternal grandomother's wedding set. She passed when I was a wee baby and my mom had them fixed up for me in place of getting a high school ring. One of my favorite gifts to this day :)

New: my shoes. And they were AWESOME!! I would show you but I don't have a photo I can post from my wedding that will give proper credit to my great photographer and I can't find a picture of them online :( But let me paint a picture for you: they were chuck's with the Robert Indiana LOVE design over the ENTIRE shoe in red and the background was blue. Yes. I wore chuck's at my wedding! :D

Borrowed: My mom's pearl bracelet :)

Blue: Though it wasn't completely blue - the garter was Captain America themed and had a blue ribbon through the center with a Captain America Shield pin. My nerd/geek hubby LOVED it (I'll go ahead and pat myself on the back for that one :))

4. What one thing are you determined to do this summer?

Find ways to enjoy the outdoors with my Zo Zo even though I'm sure it will be sweltering. We will probably be seeking the shade of many a tree but she's happy outdoors so I have to find a way without burning my fair-skinned child!

5. Ice cream or Popsicles?

Geez...even my husband saw this one and wondered how I was going to answer. I love them both so much. I guess I'll choose Popsicles this time since summer is quickly approaching... oh wait! Summer came at the end of April in this wretched state that only knows 2 forms of summer: sweltering and enjoyable with "make sure you have an other layer to put on at night". 

Quick Update & 5QF

So here is to an easy post. I don't want to spend a ton of time telling about what's going on now...I just don't :) I'd rather cherish it in my mind.

SO...

I do have to say my little sweet pea is growing too fast. Ben came and pulled me out of the bedroom this morning saying, "Mom, you might wanna come see this."

I asked, "What? She rolled over?"

No. She didn't roll over. She had used her very strong, long legs to almost push herself off her play gym. Tummy time turned into working to scoot herself forward. This cannot be happening. Seriously?! I know we're still a ways away from true scooting to get where she wants but...SERIOUSLY?! Ugh...they grow so fast!

What does melt my momma heart is we are full blown smiling :) A lot! And I have had her smile back at me several times. Dad has even been the receiver of it. Precious! Haven't captured it with a phone camera or real camera yet, though I've tried. But soon. Oh very soon I hope.

Anyway...

Here is 5QF:

1. What advice would you give a couple getting married?Hmmm...well lets see, considering I've only been married a year and a half, I still feel extremely new to this. Technically, I think we are still considered newly weds (I think they say that about married couples until they're what...2 years married?...something like that). Even if that's not right, I still feel new at this and I have a 2 month old to reckon with that newness.
So...
Communication takes work. Lots of work. You will find what you say may not mean exactly what you wanted it to. Sometimes because your tone of voice and/or body language is off. Sometimes because your spouse doesn't communicate like you (there's a shocker!) so he/she didn't take it how you meant it. However, if you take time and put forth effort it is so unbelievably worth it to work hard at it. 
Ask questions to make sure you understood properly. WAIT to work out a fight if you need to take a breather so you don't say something you regret later. Don't assume he/she knows what you mean by a particular phrase. When they ask you what you want, tell them because more than likely they can't guess by clues you give them (maybe girls do this way more than guys, so I might be speaking to the female side of things, but I know my husband has done this a time or two).
WORK, WORK, WORK, WORK, and did I say WORK at it! 'Til death parts you it will take work. BUT - You will not regret it!
2. If you could tell your 16-year-old self ONE thing, what would it be?Well, considering I have always struggled with postitive self-image (both physical and thinking I was not worth anyone's time) and back then it manifested itself in hiding my true self, I would probably tell myself this:Be real. Hiding is hard work. It is not worth it. God designed you just as you are. He desires to know you. The real you. He wants you to share that with others, too. Don't worry about how other's will respond to that. Some will be drawn to it, others will not. But what truly matters is allowing God in, to build a relationship with Him that will pour over into other's lives. You are worth time because you have something to share with the world:Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB) "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
3. What do you do to keep yourself cool in the summer? (AC, windows, fans, swimming, etc.)I would have to say AC. Or if it provides enough shade and cool breeze, a tree in a park. I may get into a pool if one is handy (no membership to anywhere - though I'm not a big fan of public pools, don't know someone who has one) 
4. What did you (or your wife) crave most while pregnant?Considering I just finished that time in my life, and boy do I wish I could skip that entire experience if we have another child, this is an easy answer. Because I only had one craving: Avacados. I still love them. I could eat one, no three, a day and still possibly not tire of them. 
5. Who is your favorite TV mom? Why?Well, considering we actually don't have cable or even the basic channels (not able to get HD signal...believe me we've tried), I'm not up-to-date on who's out there right now. And honestly, before that I stuck to mostly Everybody Loves Raymond. Hilarious show. Not something to be modeled at all, but I think that's kind of the point. It rides on the stupid things no one should do when married, but not sure I could say Deborah is my favorite TV mom...so...can I cop out and say I don't have one? I guess I'm gonna have to.

Zoe's First Bath and 5QF

So yesterday just happened to possibly be a day sent straight from hell. My baby cried almost constantly from 10:30 am 'til about 5 pm. Inconsolably for the most part. Except for the rare instance she would quiet in my arms. And then just laid there. Not sleeping. Cuddling. It was sweet but tiresome. I literally ate lunch with her in my arms.

However (and slap me now for not taking pictures :/), what was sweet and somehow made the day worth it: she had her very first full bath and LOVED it! I mean sat there and enjoyed the entire time. No crying until we pulled her from the water. HA! I was a bit shocked as the day we had yesterday wasn't so grand but apparently bath time will be a pleasant experience in this household. I am elated considering we're going to use that to help her learn "going night night". Establishing routine. :)

Anywho, on to 5QF:

1. Would you prefer having people over for dinner or going to their house?Hmmmm...that's a hard one to answer. If my engine is full and I have it in my tank to give, I probably prefer having people over. I enjoy cooking and baking and having people over is always a good excuse to make some yummy treat :) I don't know if it's a gifting I have but I truly enjoy hosting and allowing people to enjoy themselves in my home.

2. Favorite Bible verse and why?I think we have another hard one here. This really changes a lot depending on what God is doing and using in my life at that time. Currently, He has put two scriptures on my heart which I am constantly reminded of and He is using to remind me He is in control and will see me through all the many emotions of being a new parent. So...instead of choosing one I'm going to cheat and put both :)

Matthew 6:34 "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This verse helps to calm my nerves as I live through all the questions I am faced with making decisions for Zoë. There are many times I sit and wonder what tomorrow will be like or if what I'm doing today will affect tomorrow in a positive or negative way when God will remind me I don't need to worry about that. He knows my needs - physically, mentally, emotionally - and will ensure I have exactly what I need for that moment when it occurs. THANK YOU GOD!

Ummm apparently I lied, because I just remembered a third verse, but I will only put two :) The third verse has seemed to be a constant in my life, but considering it is one most people are very familiar with (Jeremiah 29:11) and God is using the other two more right now, I will put those.

Psalm 62:8 (but you should read verses 6 & 7 too if you get a chance) "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." A few months ago God brought this verse to my attention through a mom in our church I really look up to. I was still struggling, though more in the excited phase, with God feeling Ben and I were ready to bring a child into this world AND my family had just begun a heart wrenching journey which was and is still filled with a lot of pain, sadness, anger...a wide conglomerate of emotions of which none were/are pleasant. Because of both situations, my faith was wavering wondering how could God allow the family situation and angry He was allowing me to soon be a parent. Though there are many scriptures that speak of God's goodness, unfailing love, and his steadfastness, this verse brought about the reminder of how even when what I would have planned or what I think I am incapable of or I am failed or hurt by someone here, God remains the same and I am able to trust in Him no matter what. He will uphold me and He will be there for me.

3. What was the first concert you ever attended, and the most recent one?
I think the first ever concert I went to was Avalon, a 90's Christian Pop? (I guess...the original band isn't even together any more) Band. Most recent would have to be an AWESOME performance by NeedtoBreathe with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers and some other guy I wasn't too impressed with (can you tell? I can't remember him). Unfortunately, that was back in 2010 :/

4. The year is 2025. What are you doing, and what have you done?
Oh wow! Can I NOT think about that? I'm tearing up as I'm typing this (I'm still hormonal from postpartal stuff). Zoë will be 13 and more than likely we'll have added to, and possibly have completed, our nest. We're hoping another 2 if not 3, but then again God knows that and obviously we will have what He wants us to :) (I'm hoping this lesson of God's timing on children is what happens always sticks with me). I would also hope to have a private piano studio.
Have done...ummm...well raised at least Zoë up to that phase in her life. Been married to my wonderful hubby for 15 years. Bought a house. Started a private piano studio. And yes, this is nonimportant, but would love to have seen Coldplay live in concert.

5. What's your favorite Easter treat?
This is kind of twofold for me. As far as candy, it's a toss up between a chocolate bunny - you know the hollow ones - and robin eggs. I know robin eggs are nothing more than whoppers but they're good! However, what I probably remember most and loved most about my easter baskets as a child was my mom always made sure to somehow keep them focused on the meaning of Easter - Christ's resurrection - and would put a book or cd, something that held symbolic meaning she could tie with Easter. That was probably my favorite easter treat. So a little open ended but it changed every year so... :)

Time is Crunching in and 5QF

OMG she's growing fast! And I now start the biweekly OB visits! Where did time go?! I thought I had 40 weeks? Oh wait! It's been 29!! That's about all my head is trying to wrap around right now. So here is a link from Mama M. for 5QF:

1. What's the oldest piece of clothing in your closet? ummm...I think it's a tank top? I honestly don't know....

2. How many random blog readers have you met? none. I'm sorta new at this whole blogging on a consistent basis and don't have much of a base :)

3. Do you let your kids stay up till midnight on New Years Eve? (Or, if you don't have kiddos yet, did you get to stay up until midnight as a child?) Well, interesting question as I'm expecting. Haven't thought of what we will do, nor have I discussed with my husband, once she's old enough to understand but I do remember staying up once I hit middle school age. Not really sure before that. If I did it must not have made a lasting impression on me. I'm not big into celebrating New Year's anyway so maybe that's why I don't remember.

4. What are the gas prices where you live? $3.13/gallon and climbing. I was apalled the other day when I watched them jump from $2.98 to $3.13. Then when my hubby told me why they were going up all I could think was "GREAT! We will be eating beans and rice EVERY day IF we can afford gas!!" HA!

5. What is one resolution that you know you should do but are too afraid to try? hmmm...I don't typically make resolutions so I'm truly not sure. I'm constantly looking to better myself but I've never done it in the "I resolve to..." or "This year I'm going to work on..."