You asked....I answered...

Every now and then, I like to get people on my facebook page to ask me questions, and then I answer them in a blog post. This is my easy way to get around the whole I have no idea what to write about tonight problem that happens every now and then....

Tonight's questions...

MissAmber asked: well i am a step mom and have been wit my husband for 3 yrs we jus had a baby what are some good bonding things to do as family

Family things - there are so many things that I can come up with here, but not knowing the ages of the stepchildren might make it harder. So I'm just going to toss out ideas.

I'm always on a tight budget, so I like to do things on the cheap. We try to get a zoo membership each year so that we can drop everything and go there at a moment's notice. (We haven't done it lately though.) We pack lunches and go and spend the day. We also go to parks and playgrounds, or to the library, or even just make a really super simple meal (sandwiches and chips, anyone?) and eat outside at the picnic table. Remember, you don't have to spend lots of money to bond - the key is to spend time together as a family.

Another thing to remember is that all kids need one-on-one time too. Make it a point to spend time with each of the kids doing something that he/she enjoys, even if it's just for a few minutes.

Kerry asked: What's the craziest thing you've heard one of your kids say?

That one's easy, babe. It would have to be any one of the kids asking "When are you and [The Dude] going to get married?"

They're insane, I tell you. Totally insane. I don't know where they come up with these crazy ideas - but I make sure to put them in their place whenever they ask.

I mean seriously, a zombie t-shirt with the tutu? I love you and all, but....I have to draw the line somewhere.

(Remember, I love you!)


Robin asked: Do you ever do ANYTHING that is JUST for you? Not the house, not the kids, not the Dude??? You work too hard, Mom.

Well.....I was thinking about this earlier this evening as I was sewing together a charity quilt, and I don't get a lot of time to myself yet, so there isn't much that I do just for me. Although my blog and my facebook page are my outlets at this point, because even the crafty stuff that I do is usually to sell in order to get money to support the kids and the house - but I enjoy doing the crafty stuff.

However, when the littlest munchkin starts going to school full-time and I have 7 1/2 hours to myself every day....I might start enjoying myself a bit more!

Amanda asked: My fiancé and I are getting married on the 22nd. He does everything around the house and loves my boys unconditionally. Can you suggest something nice I can do for him? He's a gamer nerd and never thinks of himself. What have you done for the Dude?

First of all, congratulations! I wish you nothing but the best! Sounds like you got a good guy there, and we all know that those are hard to find. As for something nice to do for him - I don't know much about the gamer stuff, but I would definitely suggest that you go and visit my good friend over at Life on Pause - he is the guru of all things game-related and he can definitely give you some ideas!

As for what I have done for The Dude - I love to cook, so making a meal for him is always a treat for both of us (especially since he helps to do the dishes). Or it'll just be the little things - grabbing something to drink and stopping by his house or his work to give it to him, sending him cute silly notes online, leaving him notes on his van. It's just goofy little stuff, but it makes him smile (I think - either that, or he thinks that I'm totally weird).

Juliet asked: Mum of 6 here, just wondering if u do get any spare time with nobody home and nothng 2do, do u sleep? Lol i know i do!

Six kids? Wow! You beat me by one!

As of right now, I get about 3 hours to myself each day while my youngest is in kindergarten. However, 3 hours just isn't enough to really do much of anything. I'm always afraid to take a nap because I'm worried that I won't wake up in time to pick him up, and I don't want to be THAT MOM who forgets to pick her kid up from school (no, I only forget to take them TO school). Instead, I usually go walking/jogging, or I come home and clean or play around online. However, once he starts school full-time (In 29 days. Yes, I'm counting.) I may start scheduling naps for myself!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
So there you have it - answers to tonight's questions. Don't forget, you can always ask me anything. Leave it in a comment here, post it on my facebook wall, email it to me, whatever. It's fun, and it gives me ideas when I can't think of anything to write about!