Answer Me This: Rough Weeks

With a deadline behind us and a 24-hour programming work party before us, rough weeks have been had and there's still a little roughness to come. Amazingly, even though the hours have been long and exhausting, I can definitely say that His Grace has brought me through the craze fairly unharmed. Tired? Yes. Exhausted, physically and somewhat mentally? Yes. Sore from all the baby carrying and putting the both boys, two and under down for naps and bedtime? Yes. Desperately seeking a way to carve out just 30 measly minutes of uninterrupted time so I can sip warm coffee, or blog, or, or, or...? Yes.

Thankfully, I think I have that smidge of time I've been seeking! (So, I'm technically blogging away during a miracle. An actual miracle. This is my golden unicorn, folks. Time. Quiet time. To sit, think, reflect, and share. Welcome to my unicorn!)

So, for today, I will be doing another round of Answer Me This with Kendra at Catholic All Year. She is on a European trip with her beautiful family (Kendra, I'm pretty sure Scott Hahn is on a similar trip. If you don't follow him on Facebook, you should check it out! You were both posting photos of Lourdes at the same time!). How amazing is that? Europe with your family!?! Maybe one day we'll be able to do something similar. It would be a dream come true!

1. What's the scariest thing that's ever been in your yard?
What about in your home? We lived in an apartment prior to buying our new home and had an absolutely awful experience with bees! And a wasp. These were two separate experiences but I'm terrified of both. 

The bee situation was all kinds of AWFUL! There were bees coming from somewhere in the wall in our master bedroom. The same room where the baby boy would typically sleep. And us, of course. They came out during the day and completely randomly. And, while I know bees are kind of a big deal right now and we should take care of them etc etc etc But you can bet I was knocking them dead as soon as I could. Is that awful? Honestly, I have only a tiny bit of remorse. Bees do not belong in doors. Ever. And, these were. Somehow. 

Strangely, we never discovered the source and after a couple dozen random bee sightings, they were no more. If there was a hive in the wall somewhere, I hope the apartment figures it out. We had a number of people come out to check things out, but nothing was ever done. I'm just glad we came out of unharmed. 

The black wasp incident was something from my nightmares. Somehow this little beast made its way inside. I say beast because it was so terrible. It charged! and Charged! And Charged at me! or the dog! Or anything that moved. And, as many times I tried to kill it after being charged, it would. not. die! It was quick and clever and would hide out after a charge only to go at us again. 

I made my husband come home from work because I was on the brink of a major panicky breakdown. So, my knight did what all knights do. He came home and rescued us by slaying the beast. 

I don't do things that buzz. They freak me out. 

2. Beards. Thumbs up or thumbs down?

THUMBS UP! I love my husband with a beard, scruff, or shadow. I love it so much he has rarely had a day or time since we married that he has had a clean shave. Mind you, I love his clean shaven face as well, but his face unshaven is what sexy is made of.

Thank you love for always appeasing me in this department. Muah!


3. If stuff breaks, can you fix it?
Hm. I'd like to think I could figure it out. Or at least google it and let google do the figuring while I do the do-ing. But, I really haven't been faced with much to fix. Having lived in an apartment for most my adult life, I've never really needed to.

Only time will tell with this question, now that we are in our home.


4. What was your first car?
My first car was a 1980 MGB. It was my parent's wedding gift to..each other? I think. Either way it was what they got on their wedding day and saved it. 1980 was the last year these fun little cars were made and I always loved it growing up! The picture below is something I found online. Ours was a chocolate brown until I started driving it. My dad painted it a nice blue. 

(Source)

I was determined to learn to drive stick, which I did, just so I could drive it once I was of age. I loved driving that little car even though the AC didn't really work and it would sometimes die on me. I have the most fond memories of that car and I am forever grateful to my parents for sharing with me such a neat vehicle that carries so many memories for them. My parents still take the MG out for cruises on nice evenings. Cute, aren't they? Love y'all!


5. How often do you eat out?
We try to keep eating out to once a week, but lately, with the late hours and crazy, it's been more than either of us care for (2-3X/week). Oye!

We're all feeling a bit sluggish for it too! And, the toddlers have turned into walking french fries. 

6. Why is your hair like that?

I'm currently growing it out again. Normally, I love having my hair long. But, after having babies, those pesky post-partum hormones that cause shedding till I feel I may go bald are just not fun. So, post-babies the new thing is to cut the length for an uber short and easy do and donate it to Locks of Love.

I've never dyed my hair ever. And, never intend to do so, no matter how much my best friend thinks I should (Sorry, Laura!). The upkeep is way more than I would care for, and the expense is just something I could never justify. Anyways, I'm a food-person, so I'd rather go out and have as many margaritas than spend it on hair product.

Also, my husband loves me and thinks I'm sexy and all that other good stuff, so me au-naturel is what he's going to continue getting!

Thanks for the fun, Kendra! Prayers for the rest of your family trip and travels!

Be a Mother to me now.

Happy Mother's Day, to all you mamas out there, both physical and spiritual! Pray that your day is filled with lots of love and joy!

Joining another round of Answer Me This! Enjoy!

1. What's for dinner?

Sushi! Hopefully. For Mother's Day it's my pick since I'm the mama in this household. My pick usually is a fun brunch place or sushi! Hoping it's sushi, today!

Since having the boys we don't get out to sushi as often as my tastebuds would like, so it seems we've started going on special occasions. Something I am happy about and will take! Special occasion sushi is way better than no sushi.

***
Ok, just got back from dinner and we did not end up at my new favorite sushi place. Instead we went to an incredibly yummy burger place. So glad my husband reminded me I've been wanting a burger! This place came recommended by friends and it definitely lived up to it's reputation. It's called Shady's and has a fun open/outside set up to it. I had a burger with grilled onion and jalepeno, swiss cheese and fries. All that goodness was topped off with a perfectly made margarita. Good times were had, friends! And, I'm thankful!


2. What's the last thing you borrowed from someone?
Hm. I have to think about this one.

Ah, yes! I recently borrowed a garlic mincer from a friend who came over for dinner. We were hosting them for a fun Saturday evening dinner and seeing how I only recently discovered the magic and glory of a mincer but have yet to buy my own, asked if she would bring hers over.

Speaking of which, I need to get it back to her!


3. What is your favorite prayer?

Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.

It's a simple prayer that I hold dear to my heart. Ever since becoming a mama I pray these words during the tough days and the good days. It's comforting to know that the Mother of Our Lord is praying for me. I know she brings me to her Son when I call on her. And, I know she knows what to say to Him better than I ever could in the mama prayer department. Especially when I'm having one of those challenging mama days.

The prayer is one that I know Blessed Mother Theresa would encourage those she spoke with to pray. I met with the Sisters of Charity while I was in DC and one of the cards that Sister Theresa gave me had these words printed on the back (Not Blessed Mother Teresa, but a Sister that knew her and worked with her for awhile in India before moving to DC.). Special and beautiful and all things lovely.


4. What is the oldest thing in your house?
Does the house itself count? It was built in 1967. And, I honestly don't think we own anything that was made or purchased prior to that. I do have a ring-holder that was my maternal-grandmother's but I'm not sure how old it is. I also have a tray that belonged to her.

So, the answer to this question lies somewhere a midst the three things I just mentioned. Unless I'm completely missing something that's really old, but either way it's not on my radar right now, so I'm sticking to somewhere in the three mentioned.


5. What's the best concert you ever attended?
I've never been one for concerts. I did go to a Lifehouse concert while in graduate school that was standing room only in a warehouse type venue. That was fun. Aside from that, I'm a huge fan of anything jazzy, comfy, and cozy. Take me to a Jazz bar or restaurant with some good jazzy classics and I am one happy woman.


6. Do you have a nickname?

Never been one to be called anything other than Amanda for the most part. I suppose some people call me Manda, but I don't think that counts. I'm definitely not a Mandy nor have I ever been.

When I was little my mom, dad, and brother would call me Nana. My brother had trouble saying my whole name and so Nana it was. They still call me that every once in awhile, but once he started saying my whole name, that's what it was - Amanda.

The only other nickname that I would say stuck with one side of my family is Manny. I had an aunt that would babysit me often when younger and she would call me Manny. She still does to this day and so do some of my cousins and aunts on that side of my family. But, the nickname never escaped that side of my family.

~~~

That's all for Answer Me This with Kendra at Catholic All Year. Thanks for the fun content to blog about, Kendra! 

Also, tagging on What I Wore last Sunday. I got a picture but never got around to posting it. So, this will be me linking-up this week with what I wore last week for Mass. As well as a couple random photos of the boys at a park downtown. Random and fun times were had. 

Jewelry: James Avery

Cardi: Target

Dress: Online (can't remember the name)

Shoes: Nine West

All you amazing selfie takers for WIWS need to teach me your ways. I have no idea what I'm doing and would love some tips!!

Love him in this picture. Is it just me or is it so incredibly hard to get face forward pictures of toddlers??

Mr. Serious Linus on the Merry-Go-Round. He was a fan. But, I think he was more a fan of holding onto the ball he brought.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Going to leave you with a favorite quote from G.K. Chesterton on motherhood that the lovely Sarah also shared today.

How can it be a large career to tell other people's children about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe?

How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone, and narrow to be everything to someone? 

No. A woman's function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute. I will pity Mrs. Jones for the hugeness of her task; I will never pity her for its smallness.

-G.K.Chesterton

WIWS: Answers & Easter!

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen, Indeed!!!

Joining two link-ups today. One is new and the other I am trying to be better about consistently joining! The new link-up is Answer Me This over at Catholic All Year with Kendra. I've been wanting to join, so glad I'm here now! Also, will be linking up with What I Wore Sunday over at Fine Linen and Purple because I ended up wearing something other than the same dress I was considering making happen two Sundays in a row.

1. What did you and your family wear to Mass on Easter Sunday?
Here we are! This was the best out of many photos we took after Easter Mass. The wind wasn't friendly with my oldest's hair, but I love how we are all smiling!

 The boys were super cute this Easter! My mother-in-law did another great job of picking out their attire. She is so great about getting the boys some cute outfits and we love her for it!

 The hats were especially cute! We put them on for pictures and were surprised that they both took to them fairly well.

 Pictures with Bigfoot wouldn't be complete without sticks. Love these two together though.

Onto Fine Linen and Purple link-up goodness. Here I am - full length version!

I picked out a random outfit since my more Easter-ish dress was worn the week prior at Palm Sunday Mass. 

For some reason this photo keeps flipping. Oh well.

Skirt: Banana Republic Outlet (Probably a good 7 years ago. Thank goodness high-waisted things are somewhat in style because this skirt would not have worked around my mama mid-drift otherwise!)

Shirt: Victoria Secret Online (A good 4 years ago.)

Cardigan: (Victoria Secret Online (Also, a good 4 years ago. Seeing a trend here, ladies?)

Shoes: Forgot the brand, and they were purchased in sometime in '05.

Okay, back to the cuteness. The photo above is pretty much how Bigfoot feels after any family photo session that happens. Over. It. Although, he was fairly happy with sticks in hand.

 

Meanwhile, my little ham was eating it all up. He loved walking around with his little hat. Mind you, it came off a couple of times, only for him to start trying to put it back on himself. After a while, he just left it which made for some sweet photo moments.

2. Easter Bunny: thumbs up or thumbs down?
Don't have much of an opinion on the bunny but am a fan of the eggs as those make the most sense to me in celebration of the Risen Christ. I need to read up on my Easter bunny history to figure out what I think about the little hare but till then, I'm all about the eggs, confetti, decorating, and candy treats to serve as teaching tools and celebration for our Lord and His Gift to us.

3. Do you prefer to celebrate holidays at your own house or at someone else's house?
Prior to this Spring we were living in an apartment. As much as I love hosting, our little place would always get cramped real quick-like! Now that we're in our new home-sweet-home, and after having some family visit, I would love to host every and all holidays at our home. I know that won't happen only because I also think it's important for us to travel to the grandparents for holidays, especially so the kids can spend time with any great aunts, uncles, cousins that we don't get to see often as well as spend time in the homes their parents grew up in and were loved for a lifetime in. With all that said, I have a feeling my little homemaking heart is going to absolutely love having family over for holidays now that we are in this home.

4. What is your favorite kind of candy?
Candy in my mouth. Does that count? Any and all work for me. In terms of chocolate or sweet, I think it depends on my mood and what language my sweet tooth is talking.

5. Do you like video games?
My brother and I had a super nintendo growing up. I played a little but never really cared for it. I would rather be reading or spending time with my friends. My husband on the other hand could easily get whisked away in a game, and being the geeky-tech man that he is, is pretty good at them. And, him being the perfectionist he is, could easily want to play the game (each one with a perfect score) till the ultimate conquer. This is my husband and a quality I love about him when applied in other realms of our life, but not the video game one. Therefore, we currently don't have one, and we'll see what we decide once the boys get interested.

6. Do you speak another language?
I do. I'm fluent in American Sign Language. In fact, I went to graduate school at Gallaudet University which is an all-Deaf university in Washington, DC. I went there to get my Master's in Mental Health Counseling and had an absolutely amazing experience. My classes we're all taught in sign and I could not be more grateful for the education I received there. Upon graduation I worked in mental health as a therapist for a number of years for the Deaf community and went on to work as an ASL interpreter in my last few years leading up to motherhood.

I also speak Spanglish. I'm very fluent in my receptive ability, but spoken is a bit broken. My conjugations are lacking but I can manage pretty well. I do better when I'm speaking it on a daily basis as I did when I was working in the mental health field.

That was fun, Kendra! Thanks for the link-up and looking forward to joining again next week! And, head over FLAP for more fun and beautiful Easter outfits!

Also, stay tuned for birthday posts and some fun news this week!