Five Question Friday 6.10.11

LOVE THOSE MAVS!

Anyone else loving this series? I know everyone in Dallas is loving this. And, I'm pretty sure everyone outside of Miami is also loving this. It is so easy to hate the Heat. Because, WOW, what arrogance!

Now on to the real reason of this post.

1. How close to your childhood dreams is your life now?

Hmmm...in my childhood dreams, I was married to a Canadian hockey player. Today, I'm married to a hispanic man who is an auditor. Doesn't sound too exciting, does it? Let me tell ya, it far exceeds my dreams. Michael is simply amazing. I love staying at home and we have the two sweetest girls who(m?) I love so much. Don't want to brag, but I've got it good.

2. What is one must have item for the summer?

Remember how I'm practical? My answer for this is air conditioning. Seriously. These summer days would be unbearable with out the a/c. I also like our little kid pool and sno-cones.

3. Do you have your kids stay up on school stuff during summer vacation? (Or, if you don't have kiddos, did your parents make you keep up on school stuff during summer?)

I didn't have work during the summer. I would probably let the kids slide on the school stuff until the last week of summer vacation. When did schools start assigning work during the summer? What if you move during the summer break? Do you have to go digging around, trying to figure out your assignment? Ridiculous.

4. Do you can or freeze fresh produce?

Fresh produce? It gets eaten.

5. Do you get ready for the day first thing in the morning?

I definitely sleep until the kids wake up and then I wait for Julia to take her morning nap to get ready. So, I get ready at 9:00 each morning.

Five Question Friday 6.3.2011

1. If you had to choose, how would you prefer to choose to spend money...on landscaping or a pool?

I would LOVE to have some professional landscapers come in and beautify my yard! I would love a pool too, but not with kids around. So, yeah, landscaping. We spend enough moolah on tree-trimming, brush-whacking, and grass-cutting.

2. Death penalty, yay or nay?

I've always struggled with this. I know that there is pure evil in this world and it's hard not to want that person eradicated. But, as a Christian, I just don't know if it's our place to take someone's life. In the Old Testament, the punishment for a life is life. What about in the New Testament? I don't know. I would want someone to have every opportunity to claim Jesus as their Savior. Jesus died even for the evilest of persons. Have you ever watched the Changling with Angelina Jolie in it? I thought I was getting a Halloween movie, but it soooo wasn't. It was based on a true story and I couldn't watch parts of it at all. A man was put to death in the movie as a result of his actions. I, as a regular person, didn't like seeing him killed, though it was very deserved. BUT, if I had been a mom to one of his victims, I would want him dead. It's such a hard question for me!

3. What's the worst thing your kid has gotten into when you turned your back/blogged/showered/blinked?

The only thing that pops into my mind is when Audrey took my foundation and smeared some on my cabinets. No biggie. I fear the smearing of diaper cream all over the body. Apparently, that's pretty common and super tough to clean up!

4. How often do you REALLY go to the dentist?

We missed our appointment in December because of Michael's crazy schedule. We have an appointment later this month that's already been pushed back. We were supposed to go on Wednesday, but Michael had training at work. When we don't go when we're supposed to, it costs us dearly in dental work. I miss the days when my mom, a former hygienist, would clean my teeth, like, every two weeks!

5. What is your favorite animal (doesn't have to be a pet-type animal)?

I love small to medium sized dogs. I love to play and cuddle with them. Big dogs are impressive, but they're not as cuddly and they are sometimes scary. We will probably never own a dog because of Audrey's allergies.

5 Question Friday

Boy, I haven't been in the mood to blog AT ALL! Forcing myself to do this so that maybe next week it'll be easier to jump back in.

***Prayer request update***

Mark's surgery went very well. They were able to get all of the tumor and placed a wafer (Is that correct? That's the word in my head but it looks so wrong!) in his brain to disperse chemo to hopefully get any cancer cells left behind. He has done very well after surgery. They are awaiting the pathology results and know that the prognosis will most likely be very bad. Keep praying! ***Just saw that he's going home today! They also got the prognosis. Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage 4.

Now onto 5 Question Friday. Happy Mothers Day to all you moms out there! It's been a hard mom week for me, so I can honestly say it is the hardest job out there! More kudos to you if you do the mom thing alone!

1. Have you ever had roommates?

Oh yes! In fact, I sometimes feel like my only readers are my former roomies! I love them! I've had 6 roomies. Lori, Shannon, Mere, Crystal, Sarah, and Kami. I lived with Lori for four years and I think we might still jump at an opportunity to live in a duplex together if it presented itself! I live a few blocks away from Sarah but don't see her nearly as often as I'd like. These girls have lived all over Texas, except Crystal. She resides in Oregon and that makes me sad. :( Oh the stories these girls could tell!

2. How many names do you/your children have? (i.e. Prince Charming William Phillip Arthur Louis John Jacob Jingleheimer-Schmidt)

Each one of us have three names. I'm the odd one as I go by my middle name. If we have another child and it's a boy, he could receive four names if my husband has his way.

3. Did you watch the Royal Wedding?

I got out my archaic VCR and somehow got it to work with our new tv and recorded it. I thought it was nice and I'm glad I saw it for historical reasons. I don't envy Kate at all. She does have it great in many ways, but it is not a life I want. I'm living that life!

4. What is the messiest room in your house?

Depends. It's wherever my focus is not. Currently, it my bedroom. I did attack parts of it today, I just kept having to take care of two little girls. Saw this on facebook yesterday: "A perfectly kept house is evidence of a life misspent." Everyone say, "Amen."

5. What is your ideal mothers day?

Honestly, a day of relaxation, chocolate, and quiet. But I'll spend it with family, noise, busyness, and maybe a little chocolate. It'll still be good!

5 Question Friday 4.22.11

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!

ENJOY EASTER!

She wasn't happy with her sister when I snapped this shot, but she loved her Easter egg hair!

1. What is your favorite Easter tradition?

Since entering into my husband's family, cascarones are my favorite tradition. Cascarones are colorful eggs filled with confetti. You smash the eggs over people's heads. LOADS of fun! And talking about traditions, do you know that I have never dyed eggs before? I don't know if the yolk is still inside, if they are hard-boiled or soft, and I have no idea how to actually dye them. You can pick up your jaw off the floor now.

2. Are you a "shower" or a "long, hot bath" kind of person?

As a mom, I'm a shower as quickly as you can girl. I hate it. I love showering for a long time under very hot water. I know, I know...horrible for your skin, but oh, it feels so good! When I was in my first year of teaching (and single with no family), there was nothing better than soaking in a good bubble bath, with candles burning, and great music playing. Unfortunately, the bathtub I have now isn't really good for all of that because of it's size and other factors.

3. Can you parallel park and if so when is the last time you did it?

You know, I was never taught how to do this in Driver's Ed. I can do it if I need to, but it takes me awhile and it's not the best. I avoid it as much as possible. I have no idea when I parallel parked last.

4. What is your favorite Easter candy?

I really like Hershey's chocolate filled eggs. I like peeps and Cadbury eggs too. I'm trying to behave this year. TRYING to be healthy. I've been able to work out this week for the first time in a LONG time and it feels great!

5. Easter: do you go all out with the Easter Bunny or focus on the religious part of the holiday?

It's mainly religious to me. The Easter Bunny is fun and it's great as my kids don't understand the religious aspect yet. I don't get pictures with the Easter Bunny because older girl would go crazy from fear. So, yeah, Jesus is enough for me.

Five Question Friday - 4.8.11

1. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I wish I could decide if I'm an introvert or an extrovert. I was so very shy growing up. I was not shy at all while in college. In the almost TEN years since college, I've gone back and forth from being timid and shy to being a leader and outgoing. I like myself a little bit more as an outgoing person, but I think I'm shy by nature. Is anyone else like this or is it just me?

2. Write about a time when you got lost.

How about when I lost my husband in church last week? I missed just about the entire service looking for him. He was in Audrey's classroom, it turns out. Hmmm, me being lost... That doesn't happen often with technology. I did get lost on the way to my friend, Shannon's, wedding reception. That was horrible. I arrived sooo late.

I missed the bridesmaids being introduced. Sorry Shannon! At least I was on time for the wedding. She was such a gorgeous bride!

3. Camping or 5 star hotel?

It's been such a long time since I've gone camping. I think I'll opt for the 5 star hotel now that I'm a bit older. I'd rather have a comfy bed than a sleeping bag. I'm all about sleep these days. BTW, I just downloaded an app called Sleep Cycle and I love it! It wakes you up when you are in a light sleep instead of a deep sleep that alarm clocks seem to hit. It also tracks your sleep cycles that night. I wish I could have seen the ridiculous amounts of non-sleep I was getting back in February.

4. Have you donated blood?

I sure have tried! Every single time I've gone to give blood, I've either been on my period, was going to be involved in a physical activity later that day (intramurals), on medication, or might be pregnant. I've tried many times but they have always turned me away. I've got A- blood. I don't know if negative blood is in greater need or if that detail even matters. I feel an extra responsibility to give since I believe negative blood is more rare than positive. Do y'all now if they even care about the postive/negative aspect of blood? It doesn't bother me one bit when they take the vials and vials of blood when you're pregnant, so I really want to give.

*Looked all of this up. My A- blood can only go to O- and A- blood types. And, if I read correctly, if you have a negative blood type, you are more likely to develop an auto-immune disease. So, negative blood type, I have you to thank!

5. Do you have a budget or do you 'fly by' most months?

We do have a budget. We've gone over this month for sure. We used to be really good at following it, but it takes some time - time that is very precious to us right now. I generally don't spend much money, so it's pretty easy to stay under budget. I do know that we have $130 left this month to eat out. Michael really likes eating out. He says that when he eats at home, he feels guilty for not having his laptop out and working. Isn't that sad? I can't wait for his work to slow down.

Five Question Friday - 3.18.11

I am soooooo tired! I don't see how my husband is functioning. He's gotten about 6 hours of sleep the past two nights and he was pretty low on fuel before then as well. It's just not right to go to bed at 11:30pm and set your alarm for 2:00am. He was out the door before 4:30am. I may not see him tonight and he'll work this weekend. Hey busy season - you have overstayed your welcome. Now scram!

1. Have you ever testified in court? For what?

Nope.

2. Do you still have your wedding dress?

Yes, I sure do. It's hanging in Audrey's closet. I'm sure that will need to change soon because she'll become a little girl who wants her closet space. Or, if we ever have another child, she'll be sharing that closet with Julia. So, where do you take a dress to be treated so it won't turn yellow? I'm not really trusting my dry cleaners at the moment.

3. Is there a special place you like to go when you're happy, sad, stressed, etc.?

I either want to be alone or in the arms of my husband when sad or stressed. Being a mom and being a wife of the hardest working man I know, I haven't had either in awhile.

4. If you have kids, do they sleep with you? If you don't have kids...will you let your kids sleep with you when/if you have them?

They don't sleep with me. I'd love it if Audrey would just lay down next to me in the mornings so that I could catch some extra z's, but I don't ever see that happening.

5. Do you watch late night TV?

We don't have cable and that has gotten us out of the habit of watching tv. If Michael and I do watch some tv at night, we will pull up something on Netflix. I guess it's not considered late night tv if it aired earlier and you're just watching it late at night, huh?

Five Question Friday - 3.11.11

1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is?

I know my true hair color and so do you! What you see is the real deal.

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants?

Mostly fly by the seat of our pants. We have weddings and a birthday trip planned, but that's about it.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook?

I don't like cooking, so I'll go with what Michael likes to eat the best. Chicken Marsala. I'm proud of it because I came up with it myself instead of following a recipe and he loves it.

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous?

No! I often say not to write a thank you note when I give the gift, but then I think that makes them want to write a note more. I almost always write one because I don't want to offend someone. I once read a post from a person that has gifted me before about how rude it is not to send a thank you note. I ALWAYS write her one! It is the polite thing to do since someone spent time, money, and energy on you, but I don't need a note.

So, friends, if I give you something, there is no need to write me!

5. How did you meet your best friend?

I met Lori because I was looking for a college roommate. My future sister-in-law's friend knew someone that needed a roomie as well. I called her, but she had found someone already. She gave me another friend's info. That friend was Lori. She's from Austin and I'm from Dallas. We met at an event in Abilene our senior year in high school. We weren't thrilled with what we saw, but figured it was better than pot luck. When we actually got to college, we clicked immediately. We roomed all 4 years and were basically inseparable. Same classes, double dates, everything. We live in different cities now, but hopefully we'll live close by one day!

I am quickly becoming good friends with Ruth. My husband was really good friends with her husband in college. They moved to our area and they have really been there for us. She is gorgeous on the outside but even prettier on the inside. True woman of God.

Five Question Friday - 3.4.11

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?

Nope. But I have forgotten someone else's kid at school! When I was in either junior high or high school, we often took my neighbor, Matt home. We went to a private school and weren't really near our homes at all. One day, my Dad picked me up. Not in a fancy car like all those rich kids were being picked up in, but in a big, yellow, Dallas County school bus. I was mortified. I ran in and probably told him to put the pedal to the medal, totally forgetting to pick up Matt. I wonder if Matt was grateful we forgot him?

2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)

Hmmm...I went on a double date with Dee Dee and Beau and my date was Brian. It was a club social thing. I have no idea what the social was, but we went to TGIFridays afterwards. Now, when it came to a date where I was the one actually asked out, you have to fast-foward to after high school graduation. A guy named Cade asked me out while I was at my summer job and he took me to lunch somewhere. My first dates vastly improved until I found the winner in my husband. He won the prize for best first date (Three Forks). He won all the prizes in fact. :)

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)

I asked Michael and he said bugs. That's not a silly fear! Hmmm...I don't know. I think all of my fears are legit.

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?

I hate confrontation. If you're friends with me on facebook, you saw that I just had to confront the dry cleaners about a mark they put on my comforter. They went back and forth on what it was and if it would come out. They never admitted that the spot come from them and they were placing the blame on me, and even my girls. I stood my ground and they removed the spot for free. I was nauseous the entire day after talking with them because I hate arguing with people like that.

5. Wood floors or carpet?

Michael put some wood floors in our house and we still have some carpet. I love just about everything about the wood floors. But my girls love going to someone's house that has fluffy carpet. They love how soft and cushiony it is. Since Audrey has so many allergies, I'm glad we got the wood floors because who knows what is in carpet after awhile. Audrey is also scared of the vacuum cleaner, so that another plus for the wood floors.

Have a great weekend!

Five Question Friday - 2.25.11

1. Can you drive a stick shift?

No, I can't, and I'm okay with that.

2. What are two foods you just can't eat?

Sushi and mushrooms - two foods that my husband likes. Okay, I'm lying a bit, he Loves (notice the capital L?) sushi. Bleh. Gag me. Have I ever tasted either? No way! But I know I wouldn't like it.

3. Do you buy Girl Scout Cookies? What is your favorite kind?

I wasn't going to this year. I am not happy with my tummy 10 months after baby and swimsuit season is drawing near. But alas, my husband was taken captive by a beautiful young lady at church and he bought them. At least I think he did, because I have no memory of it. He used my name and phone number. And that gets me to thinking that I boughtthem. His thin mints are still hanging around. My tagalongs are long-gone. We got the cookies Sunday. No willpower at all.

4. How do you pamper yourself?

I am not the pampering kind. Reading blogs is what I do to unwind. I feel like I am being pampered just getting my hair cut. Maybe that's why it's hard for me to go get it cut; I feel like I'm throwing money away. Funny how we push men to get their hair cut but then we just ignore our own head of long hair. Or is that just me?

5. What is your nickname and how did you get it?

Do I really want to share this? No, but I will.

No Nose. Because, well, isn't it obvious?

I got it in high school. Nice.

My husband's Valentine card said he loved my small nose. How sweet of him to tell me he loves what I'm insecure about.

I once had a guy cut my hair that literally had no nose. Not kidding. Made me appreciate my own nose, no matter how small it is.

Five Question Friday - 2.18.11

1. Have you worn the same outfit more than one day in a row?

Oh goodness, yes! There are some days that I don't get dressed until 5:00 (isn't that lovely?!) and then I go right back into my pj's soon after. Why waste that outfit and not wear it again the next day? Of course, with these girls around, it is sometimes hard to keep a shirt clean.

2. If you had to choose any LARGE city to live in, which would it be?

I suppose Dallas since I have lived in Dallas proper or just outside the city limits for the majority of my life. I like Dallas alright, but the snootiness is really getting to me. I may be a small-town girl at heart. My husband took me to where he grew up (right outside of Denver) in September and I fell in love. I probably couldn't handle the winters though. If I didn't have to worry about family and friends, I'd love to live in Vancouver. Again, I'd have to worry about the colder weather. Talk to me about this in August and I'm sure I would trade 100+ degree days for some snow!

3. Fly or drive with the kids on vacation?

My children have never flown before. I don't think Julia would give me any troubles, but I'm afraid Audrey would flip out. She has so many fears and I can see her screaming and then we would receive the wrath of all the passengers. If we had to fly, I would hope she would think it was fun. You just never know with her. We've driven before and it was fine, I guess. No one can stay completely sane on a long car trip.

4. What is your idea of "spring cleaning"?

I just want to maintain a state of clean. If I can't do that, how on earth would I do spring cleaning? Seriously. My house was clean yesterday until I picked Audrey up from school. By the time Michael came home, it was a complete disaster. Drives me nuts!

5. What is the best book you have ever read?

This is hard. I like books. I like reading books. I don't have the time for books. I don't see how you people with kids, a job, who watch all of these tv shows, and still are able to read a ton of books, do it! I don't have a job, my kids are fairly easy to care for, I don't watch tv, and I still have zero time for book reading. We're only reading parts of chapters in the Bible for my small group and I can barely get that done! Blogging is barely happening for me too. I could stop any day now because I it's hard to find the time to do it. But back to the question. I also have a horrible memory. The book that I enjoyed the most in my school days was Bridge to Terabithia. I also enjoyed CS Lewis' books in high school and college as well.

Happy Weekend to y'all!