{Q&A}

Thanks again to all of my "lurkers" out there who came out to say hi the other day - 20 comments! I know that is nothing to some bloggers, but super exciting for me.

It was really fun to hear how people found This Girl's Life and why they are faithful followers.. I am humbled that anyone would find inspiration, motivation, or a lift for their spirits from reading about my life. I wish I could dedicate more of my blog to my crafty ventures - that is how it all started - but there will be plenty of time for that when the boys get a bit older. For now, you'll just have to put up with about 90% toddler, 10% crafty. :)

Anyway, on to your questions!

keepingawake asked: Do you find much time to scrapbook these days?

The short answer - no. LOL :) But it is partly a decision I've made. The last time I scrapbooked was months ago! I took a day off of work, packed up all my supplies, and went over to my mother-in-law's house for uninterrupted hours of scrapping. It was pretty much like heaven. Lately when I've had free time, I've chosen to work on Etsy projects or other things around the house. We will be hosting Christmas this year (yay!) so I want to get a lot of decorating stuff done before then. Hopefully once the holidays are over I can get back to it. I'm sooooo behind with pictures it is really overwhelming!

The Barron's, Rachel and Tamara - asked if we are planning on having anymore children.

The short answer again - no. :) Right now, especially with the hubs not working so he can stay home with the boys, there is no way we could afford another child. But aside from that practical reason, taking care of the boys has been the biggest challenge of our lives. Not to say it wasn't worth it and we don't love having them (the age they are at now is sooo much fun), but adding another baby to the mix right now would probably put us into shock. We just couldn't handle it. I can't say never, but it wouldn't be for at least 3 or 4 years. And with my luck I would end up with twins again. Double shock.

Sarah asked: What is my favorite part of Thanksgiving?

I love the coziness of Thanksgiving. The feeling of family and taking time out to really stop and think about all of the things to be thankful for in our lives. Becoming a mom has intensified that feeling 200% for me. It has shown me just how important family is, and I am blessed with a wonderfully supportive family. And if I can add a 2nd favorite, the food! 1. Stuffing! 2. broccoli and cheese casserole! 3. pumpkin and pecan pie!

h.Lo asked I'm wondering if you have continued doing/finished the 30 day Shred.

Well, when I started I was so gung ho about it and only missed a few days the first few weeks, but I think to date I've completed 22 days of the Shred, and the last time I did it was months ago. I definitely saw results, and I'm currently 5 or 6 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. I've really fallen off the exercise wagon lately - I'll blame that partly on the boys horrendous sleeping habits as of late and the fact that I usually did my work out after they go to bed. I did get on the treadmill yesterday though, and that really boosted my mood. It certainly is a great workout for quick results!

Rachel asked two questions...

What type of work do you do?

I work in external relations for a seminary - advertising, fundraising, marketing, event planning. It is a fun job with a good mix of work!

How do you find time to "do it all"? I know you write sometimes that it's hard, but any tips?

I think things definitely look different from the outside looking in, as I almost always feel like I'm not getting the things done that I need to. It is a battle that I fight on a daily basis. The only time I usually have these days to work on personal projects is after the boys are in bed, which is usually 9 pm, or when they are napping on the weekends which is a good 2 or so hours in the afternoon. Yesterday, for example, I did a mile on the treadmill and cleaned/organized a bunch of stuff in our rec room during their nap. I work on my Etsy stuff after they go to bed at night. Now that they are getting older I can work on some projects while they are up, like hanging pictures (too noisy while they are sleeping). It is a real balancing act that I'm constantly trying to improve. Maybe I'll get there once they are 15 and don't want me around anymore. ;)

Angela asked: What is your favorite book?

Well, the only books I've read in the past year or so have been made of cardboard and have more pictures than words. :) So from that selection, my choice would probably have to be a birthday book by Dr. Seuss that the boys got for their 1st birthday. It is way too long for them to sit through yet, but it has the best rhymes, great imagery and a really wonderful message.

rachelshingleton asked what kind of camera are you using these days?

Our camera leaves a lot to be desired - it is a Kodak Z650 that we bought several years ago. I do my best with editing, but it doesn't take the best photos. I would love to be able to buy a DSLR one of these days...

DianeTaylor asked describe what your perfect day would be.

Oh, there are so many things that I would want to pack into one day! Hmmm...

Sleep in until 9:00, take a leisurely shower and get ready. Go to Starbucks for a latte and some sort of carb-filled treat. Wander around Hobby Lobby for an hour or so and buy some new craft supplies. Go home and play with the boys for a bit until their nap. Get takeout from our favorite sandwich shop for lunch and do some scrapbooking or knitting while the boys sleep. Once the boys get up we would take them to the park to play for awhile, then send them off to a sitter while we go to dinner and a movie. Do some more crafting after the boys go to bed and watch DVR'd episodes of Seinfeld or That 70's Show.

Ahhh what a wonderful day that would be! :)

Thanks for all of the great questions, and to any of you who actually read all of this!