Another link-up – This time with Catholic All Year! Check other blogger’s answer here.
1. What time do you prefer to go to Mass?
We prefer to go to Mass at 9:30 AM or 5 PM. We generally sit in the cry room because Madeline (almost 14 months!) is hard to contain and keep quiet. We would prefer to sit in the sanctuary, but we are not sure how to do that while respect the sanctity of the Mass and the other parishioners.
A side note: The one positive about the cry room is that it allows us to be very close to the altar and to talk with Madeline about what is going on during Mass. We are participating in our parish’s early childhood faith learning program. A new topic is highlighted each week, e.g. Baptism, service, Mary, and so on. Additionally, they often have a miniature Mass kit that the children can play with and learn about. It has everything – chalice, paten, crucifix, ciborium, incense boar, candle snuffer, bells, and so on. I am not sure what Madeleine can understand, but it has been good to introduce her to everything and to point out the items during the Mass.
2. Would you rather be too hot or too cold?
I think that I would rather be too cold. It is much easier, at least to me, to warm up rather than cool down. Plus, my preferred attire would be a sweater, skinny jeans and boots. That being said…after this winter I would not mind being too hot for a few days.
3. How many brothers and/or sisters do you have?
I have one sister, Carolyn, who is three years younger and one brother, Jamal, who is 13 years younger than me. Justin has a sister, Lauren, who is 13 years younger than he is. His sister Christie, who past away just over a year ago, was about four years younger than him.

Carolyn, Jamal, me and my mom, Cathy.

Christie, Justin & Lauren
4. If you were faced with a boggart, what would it turn into?
While I had an idea of what a boggart was, I actually had to check out the description on the Harry Potter Wiki to confirm. The description of the boggart sitting in the darkness just waiting to take the shape of what I fear most….yuck! I would have to say that my greatest fear is that something terrible might happen to Madeline, specifically something that would cause her to suffer and/or die (e.g. cancer) She has had a few health scares, that turned out to be absolutely nothing, but during the time waiting for the test results I was extremely anxious. I get a little sick to my stomach and light-headed just thinking about it now.
The sad truth is that I know many people, including Justin’s family, that have had to deal with this very situation. A full discussion on this topic is probably best saved for another time and place, but I want to mention that have been humbled by the courage, grace and strength at which those around me have faced the struggle of watching a loved one suffer with a serious or terminal illness.
5. Barbie: thumbs up or thumbs down?
I think that I would have to say thumbs down. I played with Barbies and loved my Barbie Dream House, but I just can’t see buying them for Madeline or any other children that we have. I would much rather purchase American Girl Dolls or baby dolls. I don’t necessary think that my idea of physical beauty was shaped by Barbie, but I also think that the more positive influences girls and women have the better.
Now a nice doll house, on the other hand, might get a thumbs up from me.

6. If someone asked you to give them a random piece of advice, what would you say?
Buy a nice mattress! It is worth it. Justin and I saved up and punched a really nice mattress. I have to tell you that I really could not believe that we spent to much on the mattress, but now I cannot imagine sleeping on anything else. It has made a significant difference in my quality of sleep, and therefore my quality of life. When you divide up the cost over the 20 years that the mattress has a warranty for it is actually quite reasonable per year, week and night 🙂

Not me…but you get the idea 🙂
Check other Answer Me This answers here.