Answer Me This (Link-ups are awesome!)

And what do you do when you feel you can't possibly put all the thoughts in your head about life, love, children, changes, and chaos into words? You do Link-ups!!! I can't thank these bloggers enough for giving me something else to think about during this crazy time of big decisions that await this family in Middle America. 

1. What's for dinner? Chicken, chips, salad (potato and macaroni), and yummy Arizona Ice Tea to drink. It's so much better when I don't cook (Thank you, Mothers Day) :D

2. What's the last thing you borrowed from someone? I borrowed my sister's car when Agnes and I spent a week down in Dallas, Texas. I'd never driven a hybrid before and that was quite an awesome experience!

3. What is your favorite prayer? My favorite prayer is the Hail Holy Queen prayer. It's such a beautiful prayer to conclude the Rosary.

4. What is the oldest thing in your house? Off the top of my head I would say some of the glassware we have is from the 1930's... I think. Paul was able to keep it after his great grandmother past away several years ago. 

5. What's the best concert you ever attended? Okay, you're going to think I'm weird, sheltered, insane, whatever... but I've never been to a concert (unless you count high school choir or jazz band concerts and I would have to go with the choir concerts being the best). It's true :( I'm weird.

6. Do you have a nickname? In high school, I was called, "Mares" and in college everyone knew me as, "MG"... so very very different, but now I'm just plain old Mary.

Finish This (My First Week)

I've participated in other Link-Ups but this one is new to me so I am all for a little change-up in this blog. It needs a little something something anyways.

I feel an adrenaline rush when... When I'm being productive with my day (like cleaning, getting things done around the house, or just getting stuff done that I didn't want to do in the first place).

I feel energized when... I get a good night's sleep... and then a nap :) Okay, I'll be honest. There never really is a time when I feel energized now. I need to get myself working out more because that's probably when I feel the most energized (which makes complete and total sense, no wonder I feel healthier when I work out... I am!).

I feel small when... I see on facebook and other social media sites that people have social lives and are going out and doing "single and in your 20's" things and I'm all like, "I'm a mom (and wife :D)... and I do mom things like laundry and clean spit up off of my shirts." It's not all the time; most of the time I look at my newsfeed and thank the Lord I get to stay home and have a make believe picnic with my beautiful little girl... but I do have my moments :P

I feel big when... I wear heels... which is never, so I'm just guessing that's how I would feel.

I feel stupid when...  Every word on my Mac's Word of the Day is new to me. Sorry, I did not know what percutaneous meant until today and I will probably forget the moment I post this.

I feel smart when... I can successfully and diplomatically express my opinion. Arguing is not my strong suit so when I can get my point across in a way that I feel is tactful and also right on, I feel smart.

Easter Time!

“And he departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here.” -- St. Augustine

Hallelujah! He is Risen!! 

And He is here with us everywhere, every day. 

(With her Uncle and Godfather Dominic)

This past weekend was one I will remember for a long time. Everything just seemed to be perfect, the weather included. Paul, Agnes, and I left Friday morning to visit Paul's family for Easter. It was a wonderful few days of being outside in the sun and enjoying each other's company as we prepared our hearts and minds for Him to rise again. 

The Family

I never really had my phone or other electronics (besides my camera) with me and I can't tell you enough how liberated and fresh I felt those few days of being "unplugged." And now  I know I can survive without looking up the weather right when I get up in the morning, or checking my email, or facebook, or linkedin, or... you get the picture. So I will unplug more often and feel awesome about it :D

(Playing piano with Uncle Domi)

Easter was absolutely lovely. Agnes went on a good number of walks with different family members and got some rosy cheeks from the nice, warm sun. She loved to swing on the swings at the park and at Grandma and Pop's (what we call Grandpa) house. She even took an afternoon nap on the swing in their backyard. 

(With her Auntie Maria)

We went to two parks in Saint Louis. At one of them, there is an indoor Carousel that Agnes rode for the first time. She loved it! 

The Easter Bunny came with baskets full of sweet treats (bubbles and a book for Agnes). We skyped with her Great Grandma and Great Grandpa (from both sides of Paul's family) and they were able to see how big she's gotten from 
the last time they saw her (which was Christmas).  

After a big dinner and yummy treats, we said goodbye to the family and drove back home where Agnes slept the entire time. She had a busy trip! 

And what a beautiful and Happy Easter it was!

Cute and Clingy

Just what I like in an 11 month old :D I love how this little girl's personality is coming out each day. This past week has brought us a new routine. After our afternoon nap (and when I say "our", I mean "her"), Agnes has insisted on having me hold her up until dinner is cooked and ready to be served.

This has brought on some challenges when preparing our evening meals, but nothing we can't handle.

Switching Agnes' position now allows me to cook and keep her with me until she is ready to go play by herself while mommy gets her food ready.

I will miss these days, though. It amazes me how much she's grown and how she continues to light up my life.

Family Time

The weather is getting warmer and we are excited to spend more family time outside! This past Sunday, Paul, Agnes, and I went to the park. We walked around, threw the football, and snacked (Paul and I threw the football while Agnes sat on a blanket and had a snack). It was great to enjoy the outdoors and now I'm looking forward to Agnes being able to run and kick or throw the ball around. What I'm most excited for is summer and baby girl hopefully loving going to the pool!