This fun weekly link up is hosted by Penny of The Real Housewife Of Caroline Country and Amber from Bold Fab Mom. Bloggers pair up, swap 10 questions, answer them on their blogs, and link up their posts with Penny and Amber. Fun, right? And a great way to get to know another blogger.
I’m pairing up with my Disney World partner-in-crime, Laura. You can check out her answers to my questions, too!
1. Why did you start blogging?
Back when Essie was a baby, my husband suggested I start a blog to promote my then-jewelry business. I thought that the jewelry company would frown upon that, but I did think it would be fun to write about my life and the kids (including baby Essie).
2. Did you always plan on having four children? Do you ever wish you had more? What advice would you give to Moms questioning having more than one or two kids?
I grew up with three brothers, so once I actually decided I did want to be a mom, I thought that four was perfect. There are times when I see pictures of babies (or hold one) and get that twinge in my uterus, but we’re done.
For moms wanting more than one or two, I say Great! Siblings are awesome. Just make sure you can get a car that’s big enough, and don’t forget to find some way to make sure the big kids feel special and loved when the baby comes home.
3. If you weren’t staying at home being a Super-Mom, what would be your dream job?
Ha! I’m so not a Super Mom. But, I would love to be a party planner or maybe a gluten-free restuarant owner.
4. What is/are your ultimate running goal(s)?
Hmmm. My ultimate goals….I’m not sure. I’ve run two half marathons and have no desire to run a full marathon. You know what would be awesome, though? Someday getting those lean runner’s legs. HA.
5. How did you and Tyson meet?
We met online! Dating site. We dated for a couple of months before getting married. Romantic, huh?
6. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Oh gosh.I don’t think I could move, at least not while my kids are young. We live really close to my parents, and I’m not sure I’d get along very well without them. But someday…maybe on the California coast, where the whether is mild and you can hang out at the beach?
7. What part of your day is usually the hardest? What part of your day is usually the easiest/most rewarding?
Late afternoon is the hardest. That’s when my energy plummets but I have so much to do (help with homework, make supper, referee fights between siblings). The most rewarding might be when I put the kids to bed, and whether or not I’ve been grumpy, or they’ve misbehaved, they always want a hug before they settle in bed. The easiest is probably after I’ve dropped the big three off at school, and it’s just Ervin and I for a couple of hours.
8. What is your favourite drink at Starbucks?
I usually get a skinny peppermint mocha or vanilla latte. I love the gingerbread lattes, too. And some days, whether I get a “skinny” drink or not, I need some whipped cream on top.
9. What book is on your nightstand/in your Kindle right now?
I have many…I’ve got The Good Mother Myth and Tell The Wolves I’m Home on my nightstand. Gone Girl and The Book Thief are on my kindle (along with several cookbooks).
10. What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that my kids have manners (most of the time) and that we can all go eat at a restaurant and instead of getting dirty looks, they get compliments. I’m proud of how far I’ve come as a runner. I’ll never be fast, or run a marathon, but I’ve made a lot of progress in the last two years.
Hey, after you check out Laura’s answers, head over to I’m Dancing In The Rain, where I’m talking about politics and social media (and my hatred of the combination).
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I am always in awe of how you juggle four kids, running, blogging, just all of it.
Yay for playing #AskAwayFriday, so fun!
Thanks, Alison! I don't juggle it all that well, but I guess I get stuff done once in a while.
I so enjoyed reading this, being a runner (now) and Starbucks fan!
Thank you, Carolyn! I do think we have a lot in common and would have a lot to talk about if we ever met in person.
I've only seen this here and at Alison's place and I love it – sometimes you learn so much more when specific questions are asked, you know? And I'm very impressed you have polite kids who can sit in a restaurant without getting dirty looks – you are a supermom
Oh thank you, Katie. That's not to say we;ve never gotten dirty looks, but my kids are pretty good at turning on the charm. In fact, last time we went out, Erv had the waitress AND a lady at the next booth convinced to take him home.
If you ever want to swap for one of these, I'd love to swap questions with you!
Oh my goodness the afternoon. Most afternoon's I cannot wait until it is over and we can go upstairs for bedtime, which is time that I love. I'm so proud of all you have accomplished in running!
Thank you, Brittany! Bedtime is seriously what I wait for some days. It can't come soon enough.
Whipped cream? Me too. I'm usually keep the whip off, but with the new Caramel Flan latte (complete with caramel flavoured whipped cream on top) I'd rather just have a cup full of whip, please.
And you are a Super-Mom. Super-Moms aren't perfect Moms, but they are awesome moms.
Thanks, Laura.
That latte sounds divine, but I'm having enough trouble with the dietbet as it is. 
I am in awe of people who have more than two kids! Not sure how you do it!
Loved your interview and getting to know you a wee bit better.
Thank you, Brandy!
I know that time of the morning when I drop off the oldest and it is just my youngest and I. At little quiet time together and maybe a cup of coffee – it is nice.
Loved reading this, Greta!
ALWAYS a cup of coffee (or two).
Loved the questions and answers – this is always a fun way to get to know a person a little better. I've never had any of the latte's you mentioned – better get on that and try some, the vanilla latte sounds good to me!
And yay, for being able to take the kids to restaurants – we are usually pretty lucky too!
Oh, they are so good, Susi! Kids that are good at restaurants make all the difference, don't they?
I think tough afternoons are universal. I work and the time between picking the boys up from daycare and dinner time is the most painful part of the day.
I think so, too….they don't call it the "witching hour" for nothing!
Yes to tough afternoons.
And those are awesome things to be proud of.
Thanks, Robin.
There should be a universal wine-time every afternoon or something.
Great questions and answers! There is really nothing better than hugs and kisses and snuggle time with the lil ones. I couldn't agree more about being proud of having well behaved children…when we attend church, I am amazed at how well my children behave and how much others do not. Wonderful to meet you! Have a great week!
Love learning more about you in this way!
(And hee! Yes, even skinny drinks deserve whipped cream!)
I love that you get whipped cream on your skinny drinks. I love that you gave me this habit.