Every so often I like to capture some of the questions I frequently get asked into one post as sort of a reintroduction to who I am in this little space. Here’s what most afternoons look like in the Elliott homestead – little miss strapped in the solly staring at the lights or fan while mommy & daddy do work around the house or in the kitchen 🙂  I asked for questions the other week on the blog & via social media and a few of you asked these questions below or have asked in the past so I went with 20 of them. Here we go!
How do you juggle blogging, your full time job, and family time?
This is a fantastic question! Coffee! ALL the coffee, all the time. But seriously…Here is a glimpse into my schedule: I drop little miss off at daycare then head to work M-F. On occasion, I blog on my lunch break, but usually I’ll do this during nap time on the weekend while the husband naps or takes the dog for a long walk. (Since it’s blazing hot Emma and I don’t usually join these afternoon walks! But watch out fall & cooler weather!) I’ll also use voice control to save any post ideas  on my phone when I think of something so it’s all already typed out for me & I can just edit. Saturdays & Sundays are reserved for family time completely unless I have a deadline that is a must meet. During the week, I focus on answering emails and social media when time allows. Instagram is a huge focus as it’s short snippets of our life so I spend most of the time there.
What do you drink?
My drink of choice is a Carmel Macchiato (hot or iced & upsidedown depending on the weather & where I’m headed) or of course come fall a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Starbucks is my jam. Aside from that, I drink lots and lots of water, especially at work. I try to drink a glass of water for every “other” drink I have as well. Occasionally I will have a Diet Dr Pepper on the weekends.
What’s your degree in?
My undergrad was in Psychology & my master’s was in Applied Behavior Analysis with a focus in Developmental Disabilities.
Why did you choose your professional field?
As believers, we are called to serve others, the marginalized and unrepresented, and this has long been a passion of mine. I used to think that while I had a deep desire to serve others in mission, something was “wrong” with me that I didn’t feel a calling to overseas mission work full time. In undergrad, ABA was a course I took and the Lord brought an academic passion to meet a spiritual hunger and this presented as a unique mission field both to the individuals we serve and the families and staff who provide them care.
What is your favorite scripture?
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Do you have any advice on having Jesus time as new, busy and tired mom?
Find the time to fit it in! My devotion and prayer life looks much different now that Emma is here. During night & morning feedings when she ate more often when I was home I would use that time in prayer or read a devotion on my phone. Also, the drive to work has been a great time to be in prayer or listen to an old sermon I’ve yet to hear. When she was still coming to the worship service with us, I would often have to leave when she started cooing more (her pterodactyl noises are quite loud!), so I used to walk around our prayer labyrinth with her in the solly and that’s a time I have cherished. With school resuming, Sunday School is back on and a place where we can discuss with others our age and be in community. Also, I can resume focus on the weekly sermons with her being able to go to the church daycare.
How do you best prepare for mornings with work and getting a baby ready?
Goodness this is a task! Well, on an ideal morning, I wake up between 4:45 & 5 after the husband has left for work, do my workout while Emma sleeps, then shower & get fully ready minus my outfit – I lay out my clothes for the day & change right before we leave (learned this the hard way with spit up & having to change!). Though let’s be honest some days it’s up by 6-6:15  and no workout if it’s been a long week. If she hasn’t woken up already, I’ll wake her at 6:30 to feed her and get her changed and ready to go. Then I’ll change and we’ll head out by 7:15. To make our mornings efficient, I make sure all of Emma’s bottles are ready (if possible) and bags are packed for school the night before. I also make sure I set out my lunch stuff or put everything in one place in the fridge if I haven’t already brought it for the week. (I swear on Mondays I have 47 bags.) This helps me not forget anything in the morning!
Where is your favorite place to shop?
I have a few: Loft & GAP are the top but I also love Banana Republic & J Crew for staples.
What is your favorite food?
Chips & queso. And basically all kinds of sausage.
Where all have you traveled?
A good many places across the states from coast to coast, but the majority of fun travel has been outside the US. I’ve been to Canada, Mexico, Sweden, England, Spain, Bolivia, Honduras, Jamaica, Russia, Latvia, and Panama. See all the stories on my travel page!
Where were you born?
Texas! Until very recently Texas was the longest I had lived in any one state and has always felt like home to me despite moving away at age 9. Now Alabama certainly feels home as I’ve been here since college, but I certainly claim my Texan roots.
Favorite Movie?
That’s a hard one. I could (and do) rewatch all the Harry Potter movies all the time. A good chick flick never disappoints. And I also really enjoy the Avenger movies & the Batman movies (with Christian Bale).
Summer or winter?
Fall! Football, leaves, and pumpkin everything. Summer in Alabama is blazing and winter we don’t really get any snow, so neither of those.
Favorite TV show?
I am currently obsessed with Grey’s Anatomy (thanks maternity leave) and The Big Bang Theory. We’ve also just gotten into Modern Family and it’s hilarious. I still love The Office (older ones) and Arrested Development too along with Friends.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, one older brother. And two sisters in law.
What are your most used baby products?
We use our Aiden + Anais burp clothes and bibs like crazy! For our other favorites, check out this post.
What is your favorite sport?
To watch, football. College football, SEC to be exact, if we’re getting specific. War Eagle! Check out this year’s schedule freebie if you haven’t already. I’m not entirely into the NFL as a whole, but we do love the Panthers! To play, soccer still has my heart.
Shoes or handbags?
Shoes. I love to accessorize with fun shoes (especially ballet flats) and will usually pick a staple versatile purse for daily use. Though I do tend to have a bag for everything (everything needs it’s own space!) for my daily purse I stick to one for a while. I have a small crossbody that I love for events and a clutch for weddings, but otherwise right now I’m loving my Long Champ bag my husband got me for my birthday last year. Check out what’s inside my bag daily here.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. It’s something to do with fall that just makes me love this holiday even more.
Favorite smells?
Coffee. Vanilla candles. Freshly mowed grass. And new books.
Hw would you respond to these questions? Share below!
