MamaLovelock

Bringing the Laughter

2012-01-26T10:35:00.010-06:00

Life is hard. Some days crawling into bed and staying there is the easiest and safest thing to do. . . but we all know that really isn't an option. Well, it's not an option for those who want to thrive and live in abundant joy. I know I opened with a negative, but just give me a minute, we'll get to a happy place, I promise.

During the day various things can entertain me, make me smile or laugh, make me think and just generally pass the time. Not that I need to have time passed more quickly because time usually speeds past me lightening fast. See I live with three entertainers, four really, but Hubs is gone all day. He's the evening entertainment. ~Smile~ My kids have the uncanny ability to make me smile, laugh, cry, scream (not that I would ever. . . . . not even I can say that with a straight face), question my sanity, question the decision to stay home, laugh some more and cherish the small things in life. All in a day. Sometimes all within ten minutes. Just depends on the day. See my kids, like most kids, say and do the most hilarious things, most of the time.

For instance. . .

While grading Makiah's school work I absolutely cracked up at one answer she had written down. She is learning about George Washington and the question concerned what national holiday he instated in 1789. Her answer: a national day of fasting. FASTING!! The answer was thanksgiving. When I questioned her, she answered thanksgiving. So then I asked her why she would put fasting in her book. She said, "well he was a president and I would think that would be something he would do and think is important." Oh my daughter! See laughter and cherishing the fact that she knows fasting is important.

Randomly the other day Daniel, otherwise known as the child who never, ever leaves my side, abandoned his cars and trucks, climbed up beside me, threw his little arm around my neck and said, "Mama, I love you more than ice cream." Melted heart. Greatest part of this. . . he had not just gotten in trouble! ~Laughter~ He brought sunshine into a regular moment. Smiling, cherishing the fact that he still wants to hug me. One day when he is older and wants to run far from my hugs, I'll remember the day I was more important than ice cream (which is a pretty big deal to a three year old).

Sam is the clown. Sometimes he is the clown without trying. If he did attend public school I feel certain I would be called in for numerous parent teacher conference for a plethora of reasons. The boy is a 3.5 foot, 55 pound whirling dervish that can sit still for a video game for HOURS, but cannot sit still in church to save his life. Maybe if the platform team and Pastor dressed as Mario characters?? Oh never mind, back to the funny. Sam is just finishing up Kindergarten. Around the first of February he will officially be in first grade, except for Math, which he is almost done with first grade math. I gave him his newest Math PACE and I said, "I need you to do this page first, do not skip ahead." He looked at the page of addition problems, put his elbow on the desk, his head in his hand and dryly responded, "You have to be kidding me, more adding problems. Don't they know I know this already?" I had to stifle laughter. I said, "Sam, practicing it over and over will help you get faster and make sure you really, really know it.". He said, "Mom, I need to be challenged." Stifling no longer worked. I cracked up. I said, "well son, I'll see what I can do, but in the meantime, do this page for me. Okay." He sighed, but he said, "Okay mama, I'll do it, but they need to make harder problems. This is 3 year old math." Sam had me laughing, thinking of how I can challenge him a little more in math and cherishing the fact that he loves to do math. I also bowed my head and prayed he would continue to love math this much forever considering the math battles with Makiah I currently face. He is creative and funny and a builder extraordinaire. He usually builds things so fantastic he has to make up a name for it. Like the day he built a blogger schnogger out of blocks and gears.

I won't give any examples of crying, but just know that Mommy guilt and Mommy needs peace and quiet enter the picture at least daily. . . prompting tears and/or banishment to their rooms. A mommy can only take so much. I won't say that I am driven to tears daily, but banishment at least once per day is a given. ~Smile~

The dear Lord knew that life would be hard sometimes. And some days would be hide under the cover days. He knew that we would need Him to survive. He built into the model of the family, be fruitful and multiply, little ones who would love us more than ice cream, need us, make us smile, make us laugh and they would also drive us to our knees in prayer for everything from our sanity to their salvation and back again. I know that God is the center of my joy (people disappoint) but I know God uses my kiddos daily to teach me, love me, show me how grace really works and last but certainly not least, as instruments of joy. The Bible says that a joyful heart does good like a medicine but a crushed spirit drys up the bones (Proverbs 17:22 ESV). So when life is difficult we must make a decision. . . either find the cheerful things that surround us and soak them up (and of course prayer makes a heart cheerful too). . . or dry up under the covers. For me, I prefer the first option.

As for my kids bringing the funny. . .I can count on it like the sun rising and setting. . . .

The Lovelock kids~spreading joys and toys wherever they may go.

Popsicle break with Daddy this past summer!

A Post About Why

2012-01-24T12:40:00.003-06:00

It is a homeschooling post. . . so I posted it here. If you are a homeschooling family or if you are thinking it over, you might be interested in what one homeschooling mama has to say. Since that post is on the kinda serious side, the remainder of this post is all about the funny!

Otherwise, since today it's school talk here are a couple of videos that I must share. I must!

This is just hilarious! And it has truth too it too! If you know a homeschooler and you have asked these, please except these answers and never ask again! ~Laughter~

And if you have never heard this song written by Tim Hawkins about homeschooling families. . cracks me up every time!

I'll be back tomorrow with some Lovelock funnies. . . it's been awhile and I would hate for you all to think that my kids aren't funny anymore!

The Worst Four-Letter Word

2012-01-16T12:41:00.012-06:00

A co-worker of Hubs once told him that, "the worst four-letter word is fear." While I absolutely deplore cursing, I am convinced it damages my ears, I tend to agree on this. Fear is debilitating, it will prey on you until you are devoured and that's the kind of preying you don't need!

On Saturday, while at my local hardware store, you know the kind that does not require a golf cart to go through, I saw a wanted poster. Now let me just say, I like my little suburb of the highest crime rate city in America. But my little corner of the Midwest, for the most part is calm. It kind of feels like a real small town, not like it's surround by 1.3 million other people. So you can imagine I was a little surprised to see a wanted poster in my little hardware store, from my police department and especially for the crime listed. Now I realize that crime happens every day, all around me but I have been very blessed to have only been the receiptent of theft and no threat was made to any physical beings in my family. Oh! Back to the hardware store (even in blogs I tend to ramble ~snicker~), there hung a wanted posted for a man who raped and sodomized a lady just a mile from my home. I was more than just a little startled. I felt so saddened and a little sick to my stomach. One for this poor lady who has been tramatized, but also that there is a person loose in my community, so close to home that is capable of such violence. I left after making my big $0.32 purchase (just doing my part for the local businessman) and went about my errands. I had several stops to make, all of them in my town. As I approached the final stop and started walking in, it dawned on me that I had been looking over my shoulder, watching the people around me, checking in my van before getting in and other nervous actions from someone feeling pursued. And I was being pursued. . .by fear.

Just that quickly fear had crept in and had me suspecting every man that passed me that was wearing a black scully. And do you know how many men in this metropolis wear a black scully?? Apparently it's the only color they make! God chose that moment to teach me something. Again Living in fear is the same as living in prison. A self-made prison. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of things in this world that are scary. God knows that and He knew it when Paul penned this famous scripture to Timothy. . . .

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."~~2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

God knew, in His infinite wisdom that scary things would abound and He spoke to His people that they have been given power, love and self-control (a post for another day). The spirit of fear is not just a simple, I need a night light until I'm 7 situation. The spirit of fear controlling. It keeps you from going certain places, doing certain things, it drives people to run away, fear of forging new relationships because of pasts hurts, it convinces some people of a threat that to those of us not fighting that spirit find irrational but to them it's very real and terrifying, for some it means that they don't even leave their home. . .ever. Some will never walk in their calling because of paralyzing fear, just what the enemy wants. It is a prison, keeping you from living life in God's abundance.

Here I am, an Apostolic, Holy Ghost filled daughter of the King and I'm looking over my shoulder at the mere thought of a criminal. Really?? If I really allowed myself to worry about every criminal in Highest Crime Rate, USA, I would never leave my house. I can't live like that! And God didn't intend it for me or you. Frightening things will always be all around us here on this Earth and I know things will only get worse, but God is always here, He sees and knows. Ever watching and protecting. He never changes. I have lived in fear of various things for a long time and as I am realizing the freedom of living in total peace, I won't trade that because scary things live in my town, city or even my block. I am not saying that you should take foolish risks, abandoning all common sense, I mean God gave us common sense for a reason. Some situations you should know to avoid. Wisdom comes from God too, use it.

But. . . .

Don't let fear bully you into a fear prison . .be a prisoner of Christ. . .sweet peace surrounds you there.

Handmade LOVE (THE Series #3)

2012-01-12T07:42:00.000-06:00

(Just a few crocheted items, please forgive the school work in the background)

I love creating things. A few people seem to like what I make and the ladies at church keep me busy with accessory orders. I have tons of ideas running through this head of mine and not nearly enough time to make them all!! But I decided that this year I would open an etsy shop.

Now, to have a shop you must have stock. And those precious church ladies keep buying up my stock before I can get them listed!! ~Laughter~ But I am working diligently to get some items listed. I told them Sunday that I would have to make things and NOT bring them to church so that I can get them on the site. I am very appreciative of my sisters though, make no mistake! So, impersonating a person that has an infinite amount of time, I have opened the etsy store, despite it's lack of stock at the moment.

I made a commitment to the Lord that I would pray over every item as I am making it, that the receiver would be blessed and live in the shadow of the Almighty. I prayed and asked God to use me, in any way possible, including my etsy shop. It is my desire to share God this year, to share His faithfulness, His love, His salvation and His grace. If I can sell my handmade items and share God too, that's getting the cake and eating it. I believe God is already honoring my efforts to add to the family budget and share of His mercy.

My etsy shop is called Spindle & Linen, under SheWorkethWillingly. . . it's a Proverbs 31 thing, scriptures below.

(Note cards!)

Here are a few items that were either ordered or are for sale, just not listed yet. The pics aren't fabulous, but they work. I just wanted to share my love for handmade items and my passion to create.

(Giant black flower, jean rosettes and polk-a-dot fun)

Crochet headwraps and scarves for little girlies

Mickey Headwrap!!

Houndstooth rosette headband and broach with feathers (it's mine, but more can be made)

Special order white large flower with feathers!

The back of my head with red rose and black feathers! ~Smile~

So there you are! Fully updated about my handmade love! I love to crochet and I'm still learning to knit~hopefully by next fall the etsy shop will have crochet and knitted items. I will post a link to the etsy shop here when I have stock listed.

Here are the scriptures that I pulled from for my shop name and my purpose.

"She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."~~Proverbs 31:13

"She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle."~~Proverbs 31:19

"She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple."~~Proverbs 31:22

This is NOT a post about how all women should make things handmade or work with their hands~~it is simply how the Lord led me! Please take no offense!! ~Smile~

The Post About Finances (THE Series #2)

2012-01-11T08:31:00.003-06:00

I have pretty great expectations for 2012, as my previous posts have stated, but most of those expectations require action on the part of a human. . . . .mostly this human. ~smile~ Which means you could say that I have pretty high expectations of myself, for my part of the awesome that will be 2012!

Every year I sit down and say, "well woman, what will you do differently this year?" Yes, I ask myself this, hopefully, I'm pretty sure it's a silent question. But if I happen to talk to myself out loud, don't judge. Every year we commit to doing something different financially and this year is no different. Being a one income family, well, let's just say we won't be considered wealthy by the world's standard any time soon, we are always looking for a way to free up a spare dollar or two. Sometimes a spare penny! We strive to honor God in every way and finances are no different. So this year, being the family accountant (please, hold your laughter or at least snicker quietly), I sat down and said, "what is something else I can do to help this budget. . . . .legally?" My hubby works hard so that I can stay home and homeschool and generally attempt to raise our kids, so I do what I can like transcription here and there and selling my wares (this is another post all together) to assist in the accumulation of dollars. But, not unlike many others, we would like and need our dollars to go further. So, enough rambling, what are we doing. . .

We have committed to eating at home whenever possible, with an exception here and there.
We have committed to leaving our Keep the Change savings account alone, only dipping in when absolutely necessary. This year we would like to take an actual vacation. Novel idea huh? We thought so.
I have committed to buying our groceries at the healthiest and most cost effective store or market.
Buying as many items as possible with coupons and buying items on sale.
We have committed to thoughtful and intentional purchasing (is this a necessary purchase, etc).
And last but THE MOST IMPORTANT, committing our budget to God. This years financial motto is "Living well on a Godly budget".

We all know that all good things, including our paychecks, come from God. It's not enough to just give our ten percent and then go about our merry way. We need to commit all of our financial situations, good and scary, to Him. When I say we, I really just mean me, because Hubs faith is always mountainous. He is our Jehovah Jireh. So instead of just giving the tithe and offering, we are committing it all to Him. He knows better than I what we have need of and I like the peace of mind that comes with knowing He's got it all in control.

Expectation in a GREAT BIG GOD, requiring the action of LETTING GO INTO TOTAL FAITH from me and being a good steward of His blessings.

I typed this on Sunday evening. . . then I had a major testimony on Monday!!! God is so faithful!!!

Well, That's A Pain! (THE Series, #1)

2012-01-09T18:07:00.007-06:00

One major event that happened on 2011 was a diagnosis. Now I know you all are thinking, "I knew she was diagnosable, but not that kind of diagnosis. No, this diagnosis answered quite a few medical questions but also handed me a lifelong disease. I was diagnosised with Psoriatic Arthritis. What's that?? Let me tell you, condensed version. . . .

It is a cousin to Rheumotoid Arthritis, similar in its potential to be debilitating. It's painful and I have been put on limited physical activity (such as exercise). I take some pretty strong medications to try to enter remission and stop the progression of the disease. Some days the meds are worse than the disease, but for the most part it's all good. In March we'll see if these meds are working if not, injectables will be started. And no, I don't have psoriasis, just the arthritis. . .go figure.

While its rather painful some days and frustrating, I refuse to stop and allow the disease to control my life. I follow orders (mostly), take the medication and I'm not doing structured exercising but I'm not driving myself through Target (not that that is bad if you need it, but I'm not there. . .yet) either. I refuse to be a victim of a disease, I will go down swinging!

But, this post is not about what happened, entirely. . .its about this year. This is a post about what steps I'm taking this year to reclaim my health. BIG faith in Jehovah Rapha (God the healer of all your diseases) combined with a trust that if He chooses not to heal me, I know He will give me the strength to persevere. Either way He is for me!

But I'm doing my part for my health, here is just a few positive changes I'm making:

Moving to a 95% plant based diet. Yes, that is basically vegetarian. I'm not committing to never having another turkey burger or some yummy curry chicken, but it will be few and far between.
I have committed to this year FINALLY smashing my addiction to Dr. Pepper. Every year I have given up soda and sometimes for months and months, but somehow I always go back. It is bad for me, there is no good thing that comes from soda, so it's time to go our separate ways for good.
Be a good patient and follow doctors orders while trusting in the Great Physician.
There are more, but I'm trying not to be to listy.

I am believing for great health this year! Believing for healing or remission, a lifting on the ban of structured physical activity and to end this year in better health than I am today. God is able, my faith is great and I am committed to doing my part.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.~~Psalm 103:1-5

"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."~~Isaiah 53:4-5

"And he cried to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there he tested them, saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your healer.”~~Exodus 15:25-26 (There is so much good stuff in these two scriptures, I could do 5 posts on them, but another time. Just know these scriptures in Exodus are POWERFUL)

I have faith in Jehovah Rapha first. . . the doctors are just here to see the miracle.

A Testimony, A Testimony!!

2012-01-09T12:13:00.003-06:00

God is amazingly faithful! God is my Jehavoh-Jirah!! I am abundantly blessed!

My children and I witnessed first hand a miracle this morning. This story is humbling and faith building all in one. I went to Whole Foods to buy our meat for the next few weeks. I grabbed up what we needed and proceeded to checkout. The total stopped at $178 and I cringed a little inside but I wasn't going to change my mind about what I was purchasing. I swiped my card and the lady said, "ma'am I'm sorry but your card isn't working." My heart started pounding and I would have loved to just melt into the floor. I was baffled. I knew there was money in there. So I asked her to suspend my transaction while I called the number. My card was not going to work in that moment. I was confused and mortified and a little stressed because we needed groceries. I pulled the manager (who had bagged my groceries) over where I was off to the side and told her that my card was not working and I was sorry but there was just no way for me to pay and that after I figured everything out I would be back. Again, melting at that point would have been preferred! The young mother behind me in the line had just put her last bag in her cart. She stepped over and said, "I don't mean to interrupt, but I feel like I should pay for your groceries." I was dumbstruck. I attempted to stutter out I can't ask for that but before I could she responded with, "you didn't ask and it's what I want to do". Before I even knew what happened, I was being handed a receipt, being hugged by a stranger and walking out with $178 blessing.

~~PRAISE BREAK~~

I cried the whole way home, thanking God for His provision. I told the Lord over a week ago that I am giving all of our financial situations to Him, fully and left it there. And today God showed me He does hear me, He knows where I am and He knows full well my needs.

If you have doubts that God provides. If you think God doesn't care, isn't listening or doesn't know your needs. . . you are thinking wrong. Let my miracle testify to you of God's unfailing faithfulness!!!

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their bread."~~Psalm 37:25

"He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever."~~Psalm 111:5

"Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!"~~Luke 12:24

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."~~Phillipians 4:19

I know I said a series was coming, but I just had to tell of God's blessings! Tomorrow is the first installment of the series of new year, new me.

A Series Coming to Browsers Everywhere. . . Soon

2012-01-07T21:04:00.006-06:00

That's right, this mama is working on a series. Actually to be truthful, a couple of series of posts that I hope will entertain and challenge and generally update you all.

The first series will be a series of posts related to the new year with all of its new year plans and agendas in making this a SPECTACULAR year. In years past, I have done a giant post outlining all these goals and plans and ides. To much info and lists and not enough meat. I don't want my posts to just be sterile and impersonal and to be really transparent, over the last couple of years my posts have been spotty and sterile. Not really letting myself be me. As a matter of fact, you really don't know me because I don't share to much from my heart. So this year is different, because I'm different. No giant post that is a sterile list of goals. No this year, posts about desires and goals and expectations from the heart of who I am. I promise I won't cross any lines (I have pretty strict boundaries) and I will obviously will share the funniest parts of my life which are named Makiah, Sam and Daniel and you will glimpse into my heart and into my life and home. This year we will laugh, explore God's Word, pray for sanity, cry, pray and everything in between on this blog.

Another series of posts will be about the Proverbs woman. Please don't stop reading, don't throw anything and no need to adjust your glasses. Yes, I said the proverbs woman. She's not so scary and I have been doing a study on that passage that I want to share with you all. Hopefully we all come out better and to so intimidated in the end. And if I am the only one intimidated by her, please don't say otherwise because I like to think I'm not alone in loathing this seemingly beautiful, talented, smart, savvy, superwoman that holds me to a crazy high standard. . . . .sorry. I got distracted. I'm not intimidated anymore, but you now see what I mean. I pray at the end we all see ourselves as proverbs women, with our own talents, abilities, family dynamics, love and homemaking obstacle courses our individual lives afford us.

February, since the beginning of this blog, has been about heart month. And this year will be no different but yet it will be. . . . .and that's all I will say right now.

Well, so much for a shortish post! Ha! Anyway, stay tuned, Mamalovelock is a blogger again. A blogger that's got boogers on her shirt sleeve (and no they aren't mine), dinner prep on her jean skirt (yes, I wiped my hands on my skirt, no judging) and her sterile gloves have been thrown away. The good, the bad and the snotty is coming your way.

Disclaimer--I have typed this post on my iPad and sometimes it doesn't like for me to go back up in the post and make corrections. Yes I am blaming the iPad for mistakes left uncorrected. I'll proof again tomorrow from the desktop. :)

The End is Near

2011-12-30T09:18:00.002-06:00

Of the year that is. I can't believe another is ending. It's been an interesting year, that's for sure. I said that this year would be epic. . . .and it was, just not in the way I was expecting. But it's okay because that means 2012 gets to be magnificent, mind blowing even. It's called expectancy. I am expecting great, marvelous, awe-inspiring things and I am refusing to accept anything less.

I am very excited about 2012. But I'll blog about 2012 later.

2011 was frought with highs and lows that I don't even know if I could adequately put into words. When I think of this year in review I am amazed by God's grace, mercy and faithfulness. Despite the lows and within the highs God's fingerprints are all over 2011. Here are just a few highlights:

March-miscarriage of Lovelock baby #5
April-my baby turned 3
May-my sweet girl turned 10 (she is a whole post alone)
May-my husband was blessed with a wonderful new job
May-God started dealing with me on deep heart level that would take me to the wilderness and teach me about me and re-teach me about Him
June-the first man to join our church plant received the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus name!
July-his fiancé started coming to Bible study and received the Holy Ghost on the patio of St. Louis Bread Co. And then we baptized her
September-I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. I finally had a reason for extreme pain and I started treatment. No exercise at all. I'm still praying for remission. But God is teaching me to count it all joy.
October-God brought me to new place in Him and showed me what I needed to do about certain areas of my life (this is just more of the same journey started in May). And restored my joy, the joy I hadn't even really realized I had lost.
November-I picked up my crochet hooks again and I rediscovered my creativity and love for crochet projects.
December-brought a flurry of activities, church functions and Christmas travel. I made a decision to open an Etsy shop, I have spent a lot of time reviewing this year, making new commitments for next year and making life changing decisions.

It's been quite a year. I left out a lot of details that are just to personal to share or would just be overload, but God took me into the wilderness and I'm journeying to a place of complete sufficiency in Him. I'm still learning, growing and walking in this wilderness. But that's okay, I'm learning to like it out here, in this place where I can hear God so clearly.

While I can't say it was a bad year I can say that closing the chapter that is 2011 is good thing. I'm ready for the next chapter. The next chapter of my personal walk with God, my family and great things in store for The Movment. I'm ready for the highs and the inevitable lows of 2012 because I know God does all things well and no matter the situation, He has it well in hand.

Just What I Needed. . . Truly

2011-12-15T08:39:00.002-06:00

That's right I have finally joined the online craze of pinterest. Like I needed another reason to spend time online. But I have to say that I have found no less than thirty things that I would like to do RIGHT NOW! It's inspiring! (I am doing my best to justify all the time time spent pinning).

With all that creativity floating around my own creativity is prompted to do some new things! But with that having been said I have also found some helpful home managing tips and tricks. (Again, justification, right??)

I am trying to figure something out for my dad for Christmas. I am hoping pinterest can help with that. He is so difficult to come up with something to do for a gift. He doesn't need anything and I don't want to just buy cologne or a gift card, so anyone who might have a suggestion feel free to comment and share!

I asked for fun and unique kitchen gadgets for Christmas. Yes, you read that line correctly. This year I have re-claimed my cooking mojo and I LOVE kitchen gadgets. I also purchased myself something last week for Christmas~a new purse. It was so cute and on clearance (I paid $2), I could NOT pass it up. I love deals like that!!

My kids are getting instruments for Christmas. We can start the prayer chain for my sanity now Bad thing is this, I can't complain because it was my idea. Yes, that temporary insanity that I was experiencing that day will have lasting effects on my nerves and ears. Makiah is getting a guitar and both boys are getting bongo drums. Say it with me, two sets of bongo drums. Again, all my suggestions. I am praying now that those ideas won't come back to cause my psychological downfall. These are not toys, these are the real deal, so I am hoping that real learning will be happening and not just testing to see how long it will take before Mom completely breaks down. With all my fear of bleeding ears and sanity lost, I am still standing behind my decision. Ask me In February if I still think it was a good idea.

Well, I have rambled on long enough. As random as this post is, it should be titled "Random Ramblings to Early Not to be Random."

Happy Thursday!

It's the Christmas Season. . . . .

2011-12-12T11:02:00.002-06:00

and I can't believe it's been so long since I posted!!! Time is flying past me and I am holding on for dear life!

A quick update:

Fall is over, pumpkins put away and snowmen litter my dining room, living room and kitchen. Thanksgiving was wonderful! My parents came here, I cooked the meal and we just relaxed, played games and had fun. We went on a very quick trip to see friends in Indiana and now we are working on finishing up school work for our Christmas break!!

My fingers are flying, I have many crochet orders to get finished up for Christmas, not to mention the gifts I need to finish. I am loving it though!! I feel my creative juices flowing again, which also helps me to post here! I will post pics here when everything gets done (and given away, I would hate for the receivers to see before Christmas)!

This year has been one of great changes for me in lots of ways, some good, some not so good. There will be more about this in a later post, but from all this life-changiness has come an in depth study of Proverbs 31. Yes, I know, for most women its "the dreaded" chapter of Proverbs. God has been giving me some wonderful insight into this passage as well as working on my heart. I will be sharing some on here too.

I have so much to write about, talk about, praise God for and pray about and I have missed blogging and reading blogs, but I have been dedicating myself to time management. I am ready to add all things bloggy back onto my plate without too much of the plate getting taken up.

Now, back to teaching, I am pretty sure they are running amuck. . . I can blog when they sleep! ~Laughter~

Booting Summer Out the Door

2011-09-01T11:32:00.003-05:00

I am so glad today is September 1st! I can bring out all my fall decorations without feeling like I wasn't giving summer a fair chance at all. I am done with summer, bring on FALL!!!

There are so many great things I love about Fall, so today I give you my top 10 Things I Love About Fall List:

10. Going to the zoo and staying all day because you aren't dying of heat exhaustion

9. Crunchy Leaves

8. Seeing all the colors change

7. Playing in the leaves with the kids

6. Doing art projects with leaves, pumpkins and acorns

5. All things pumpkin and fall decor

4. Picking apples at the orchard and then baking apple crisps with the kids

3. Soups, stews and honeycrisp apples!!

2. Visiting the pumpkin patch (probably more than once)

1. Cooler weather and my most favorite holiday THANKSGIVING!!!

Yes, I know I shouldn't love the cooler weather over, well, everything else but I do!! I love the mornings when it's a little brisk. I can sit on the porch with a cup of hot tea or take a walk. I love the way fall smells too. No need to tell me I'm strange, I already know it. There is just something about fall that is just plain wonderful!

I am already gathering all my soup recipes and finding new ones. I am already thinking of all the great projects the kids can do for school projects centered around fall and Thanksgiving. I am pulling out the pumpkins and other fall decor this weekend. I will also be putting together a new fall wreath (my finally just gave up and died after last year).

What do you love about fall? What are your favorite things to do in the fall?

Now, if it wasn't 102 degrees today . . . . . . come on weather, cooperate!!

School is in Session. . . .Almost

2011-08-25T15:47:00.003-05:00

That's right, we here at the Lovelocks have not yet begun school. Because we do a year around program we finished summer session at the end of July, that means we don't resume until the end of August. So, in an effort to answer several questions from various people and to stop neglecting Principle Things Academy's blog, I post over there today.

Homeschooling 101, as taught by this mama.

As for Mamalovelock, well, I'm getting ready for an influx of school books and prepping schedules for three kiddos doing three very different areas of learning. I am pulling together crafts, supplies, creating attendance sheets, writing letters to local school boards informing them of our homeschool and deep cleaning so that I feel ahead of the curve ball.

Now I am pretty sure that Daniel is attempting to pour his own glass of milk, so on that note this post is coming to a close. ~Smile~

Tap, Tap, Clack, Clack, DING!

2011-08-17T13:35:00.003-05:00

I think I mighta mentioned this somewhere on here last year that I am starting my own business. Yes, as if I don't have enough to do in one day, I also want to type my fingers silly! Clickety Clack Transcription is my small home business, that still needs more clients, but we are getting there! One thing I did today to hopefully, garner more clients is to register with Thumbtack.

So, bloggity friends, if you know of anyone in need of a transcriber, send them my way please!!

Thanks!!

Excellent and Expeditious Transcription at affordable rates!

Potty Training 2.0, Installment 3

2011-08-14T18:10:00.004-05:00

Oh boy!! Shoulda never wrote that we were doing well with the pottying!! LOL On the very day that I wrote the potty training post (see below) this is what happened:

Daniel is in his underwear for about 45 minutes and has peeped in the potty twice. Thinking that we were doing well, I sat down at the computer to type a blog post, the one (below) about Daniel and the potty. While I was typing that very post he was busy, pooping in his underwear. He didn't tell me, I just happen to smell it. I took him into the bathroom to clean him and his Thomas underwear up. I had him standing near the tub (which just happened to be such a wonderful idea, who knew??) I pulled down his pants and he steps down too soon and directly into the poopy underwear. Seriously?? I lifted his foot to get the underwear off and he stepped down on the rug. I lifted him up and over the side of the tub to wash off his feet and his foot dragged all the way over and down the tub. Really?? He was dancing around in the empty tub while I quickly cleaned up the floor and threw the rug down the laundry shoot, which made wonderful little poopy foot prints all in the tub! I turned on the water, cleaned the tub (with bath soap, but hang on), cleaned his feet, legs and well, ALL of him. Took him out, put on clean underwear and sent him out. Then I brought out the heavy duty cleaner and cleaned the tub and shower.

Promptly 10 minutes later I went to get him to take him potty (I had just finished the bathroom mop job), we get into the bathroom and he peed in the floor, on his legs and on me. So he got cleaned again, I had wiped the floor, and changed my clothes. He peed in the next two pair of underwear and got cleaned up so much he was almost shiny.

Oh, and I put him in a pull up for the rest of the day.

Potty Training 2.0 (The Upgrade), Installment 2

2011-08-05T13:52:00.000-05:00

I know, it's been a LONG while since blogging about Daniel and potty training. Maybe that's because I don't feel like we have really been potty training. Not consistently, that is. No excuses, we were just struggling with it.

So, we have rejoined the full time potty training masses. He is doing really well. We can go most days, in underwear with no (or few) accidents. He absolutely loves wearing underwear instead of pull-ups or a diaper.

First thing in the morning, our conversation goes one of two ways. . .

Mama: "Good morning baby, how are you this morning?"

Daniel: "Hi Mama, I good. I thirsty."

Mama: "Okay, first we need to put on underwear, pee-pee in the potty and then we will get breakfast."

Daniel: "Yip. I peep in the potty like I big boy. Let's go."

~~or~~

Mama: "Good morning baby, how are you this morning?"

Daniel: "Hi Mama, I good. I thirsty."

Mama: "Okay, first we need to put on underwear, pee-pee in the potty and then we will get breakfast."

Daniel: "I don't wanna wear underwear or peep in the potty. I da baby, not a big boy. I peep in pull-ups."

Mama: "Nope, you are a big boy and you need to wear big boy underwear and peep in the potty. Let's go get 'em on."

Once the underwear are on, either forced or chosen, then we are good. Most of the time. Depending on how good the day went, we will then battle over putting on a night-night pull-up on because "he is a big boy, not a baby who wears diapers". It's hard to be three years old and consistent with where you stand being the baby or being big.

Sometimes getting him to the potty is easy and he is excited and other times I have make him go because he doesn't want to stop playing to go potty. Again, that consistency things comes up.

While this may not be the most exciting potty training story, I'm sure they will come. Don't they always when potty training?

Now to get up the courage to go on outings with underwear on instead of pull-ups without crying?!?! Daniel probably needs a little courage too. ~Smile~

The Lack of Blogging

2011-08-04T13:53:00.003-05:00

This is kind of a piggy back post from yesterday. Kind of. You'll see, read on. ~Smile~

I had every reason under the sun for not blogging. Some of them were good but I had one excuse that was silly~~no blog fodder. While that is untrue, because my children daily give me blog fodder, it's more of a reflection of my own fears of you all being tired of reading about the Lovelock adventures. I felt like I could no longer capture in words something you all would want to read.

Silly, right? Not silly because, maybe you all are tired of reading about the crazy my household comes up with, but silly because it's my blog. I can blog about what is important to me. I can blog about all the silly, crazy, sad, happy, hair-pulling moments in my life and that's okay. Because it's my blog. I'm not getting paid to put out a certain post daily. It's also silly because no one ever made me feel like I was boring them. It was all in my own head. I had a talk with myself (yes, I do answer myself too) and I said to myself this, "Valerie, you are ridiculous. You are not blogging all the cute, funny, crazy, zany moment's because you think someone is bored and is expecting something else. Now you have accomplished no one reading it but it's because you aren't blogging. Get blogging woman, now!" (yes, I yell at myself too)

See for a long time I viewed my blog as a family history book. I wrote because I wanted too, not because someone made me. I blogged because my kids are hilarious and hair-pulling at times. I l blogged because I had things to share and say. I guess I forgot all that. All those moments I don't want to miss, I also want to remember. And the way my rememberer is working, I'll never remember all the funny stuff they say and do. My blog is my way to walk back down memory lane and laugh or cry.

No longer is it, I blogged because or I used to blog. I'm a blogger. I blog about my life with all it's moments, sad ones, happy ones, crazy ones, zany ones, helpful ones. My moments.

Let me just say, that I want you all to read and comment. This is not a dismissal, just a better explanation for my lack of blogging. Smooches, bloggity buds and thanks for putting up with me.

It's the Little Things

2011-08-03T08:35:00.004-05:00

This post is a food for thought kind of post. Here we go. . .

A couple of weeks ago (yes, that's how long I have been simmering on this post) I had the pleasure of getting a mani/pedi. I finally used a gift card I got for my birthday and I relaxed and enjoyed the moment. When I got there, it was very slow, only two other women having pedi's too. I sat back, looked at a magazine and enjoyed the quiet. While I was sitting there the place began to fill up and before I knew it almost all the chairs were full.

In the mix of ladies coming in, there was a mother daughter combo. You could tell they were both anticipating their pedi's. ~Bear with me, I am going somewhere with this~ She [Mom] came in all excited and in her hand was her phone. Not shocking, I carry my phone in hand as well. She told the lady in a very excited voice, "today is her [the daughter] 12th birthday, we are here for birthday pedi's." They got settled in, mother beside me and daughter on the other side of mother. ~Pardon me, but I must set the scene~ I closed my eyes and thought to myself to just enjoy the last remaining time I have in this chair. I heard the daughter quietly chatting and the mother's "uh huh, mmmm, yes" responses. At first I didn't think too much about it, I was focused on my feet and how marvelous they felt. A few minutes went by and I heard the daughter saying, "Mom, mom, oh mom" but no response. I opened my eyes and what do you think I saw?? Mom, sitting in the chair, texting. She had not yet put down her phone. Her daughter couldn't even get her attention. Immediately I thought to myself, "wow, you can't stop texting long enough to enjoy your time with your daughter and have conversation with her on her birthday?"

It got me thinking about how many moments in life we miss because we are texting, facebooking or tweeting. A friend of mine told me she wasn't a fan of smart phones because people facebook about what they are doing with their family instead of just being with their family (because you know you can't get on fb and just post, you will read through some statuses of your friends). That comment she made came flying into my memory as I observed this mother/daughter combo.

I left the salon with really happy feet and hands, but I was thinking about what I may have missed because I thought I was too busy with my ______________ (fill in the blank). How many little things did I miss, little moments in time that I will never get back because I was too wrapped up in what I thought was important. I think sometimes we, I know this is true for me, get so busy with stuff that we forget to be present, really present, everyday. The greatest happiness I will have will probably not be a really cool status update of one of my friends (though I enjoy a good status update as much as the next person, it isn't a source of great joy, laughter yes, great and lasting joy, no). The greatest joy (besides God, that should go without saying, but I'm saying it anyway) I have is to really live in the present, taking in all the crazy, funny, sad, thought provoking, challenging, happy, surprising, gentle, loving, caring moments in life. It's what makes up life, you can't throw out the bad without throwing out it all. Really taking it all in, relishing the moments I'm given. Kissing boo-boo's, giving and getting AWESOME hugs from my little ones, passing out time in the naughty spot as needed, teaching Bible stories, staying up with a sick child just to make them comfy, answering 70 billion questions per day on every topic imaginable until I think my brain might explode, talking about boys being cute (oh Lord, Heaven help us now she is only 10), doing home spa treatments with a giggly 10 year old, hearing Sam tell of his inventions and Daniel talk about his friends Bob and Larry and Makiah discuss every Hello Kitty item available in the world for purchase, even potty training and all the good, bad and crazy moments that are too come. Every moment counts. I don't want to look back and say, "man I missed that time in my life because I was too busy reading on facebook and twitter what everyone else was doing in their life".

I want to look back and say, "I took in all the moments I could contain." I really lived present. Present every day, every moment. See, it's those little things that slip through and we miss. It's the little things.

~~DISCLAIMER~~This is not a slam against facebook, twitter or any other social networking site. I still facebook and tweet. I am not saying you should never ever facebook or tweet about your life and family because I do, but I also don't want to be so busy telling of all this cool family time or date night time that I miss the time. That is all. :)~~~~~

In Hidding

2011-07-18T09:26:00.006-05:00

I've been in hiding.

You know how sometimes we must travel into the deep cave of ourselves and and do some, or in my case, much self evaluating~~that is me, currently.

In the last year I have been a terribly inconsistent blogger and even worse at reading all of your lovely blogs. I am aware of this problem and I am going to fix it, because I miss you all!!

When I emerge from this cave of self evaluation, I will emerge a better wife, a better mom, a better Christian and even a better blogger and bloggity friend too.

Please don't give up on Mamalovelock. I will return. Soon.

Breathing Fresh Air

2011-05-18T15:27:00.003-05:00

The last two days have been splendidly beautiful outside. So today I have my front door open and my kids have spent most of this day outside. It is a win-win situation people; they LOVE it outside and it is quiet inside. What more could this mama ask for?!?!? Makiah did all of her school work lying on a blanket outside in the sun. I love homeschooling.

Sam officially started Kindergarten last week. Yes, we are doing school year round so I figured why not. If I am going to homeschool one child, why not do two?? The trip to crazy is already paid for, I might as well ride first class. (I truly love, love, love homeschooling, but there are days that I think I am crazy for getting in this, just to explain) Let me explain my location called crazy. See every morning, VERY. SINGLE. MORNING. first thing, Sam asks me "what are we doing tomorrow mama"? Not today, but tomorrow. I am there still figuring out today and he wants an itinerary for tomorrow???? So my standard answer has become, "we are going to crazy (sometimes it is ville, state or town or just plain crazy)". I have said this so much in fact that now he asks this, "what are we doing tomorrow mama, still going to crazy"? ~~Laugh out Loud~~ "Yes son, still going to crazy". (By-the-way, I totally feel Brain during this dialogue and now understand his frustration with Pinky. If you have never watched Pinky and the Brain, I have now confused you). This answer, however, appeases him and I get to move on with figuring out the current day. He loves to do school work and he is plowing through Math at breakneck speed. He told me that this math was too simple and he needs harder math not this, as Sam puts it, "preschool math I already know". I agree with him. He already knows how to add and subtract simple numbers up to ten. At this rate that rocket ship he has been saying he will build should be done by Christmas. Course I'll just be happy if he is reading by Christmas.

Sam just came in and asked for a drink. I gave him one and he proceeded to tell me he needed that because he is "sweating like a pig in a waffle iron".

Thank you son, you should have that girlfriend you keep talking about any day now with lovely conversation pieces like that.

Well, you have now peeked into my day. I am feeling my bloggy groove returning. Watch out people, I have typing skills and I am not afraid to post! (Finally, right? I know!)

By-the-way, I know that I overused parentheses in this post, but that's just how I roll. ~~Smile~~

The Battle for Marriages--A Book Review

2011-05-06T11:15:00.005-05:00

I love a good read. It can be nonfiction, fiction, self-help,
spiritual guidance, how-to's or even cook books. As long as it is a
good read, I'm happy. If a book does not capture my attention within
the first three chapters, it gets thrown out. Several months ago I
reviewed a book by John and Stasi Eldredge called Love and War. Great
read! I loved it. So when the opportunity arose for me to review the
Love and War Devotional for Couples I was thrilled.

Marriage is hard. It's wonderful, but hard. Wonderfully hard sums it
up well. Love and War Devotional for Couples is a great little book.
It's packed with solid advice, scriptures to back it up and prayers to
get you started. It is an eight week devotional and the devotions are
not extremely long which makes it easy to squeeze in a few minutes in
the morning or at night to strengthen or begin repairing your
marriage. Even the busiest couples have a few minutes to spare for the
betterment of their marriage. And those who don't think they have the
time need this book more than they realize. It doesn't matter if you
have been married for five months, five years or fifty-five years,
this book is for couples. Not couples in trouble but every couple.
If you are married, you will benefit from spending eight weeks working
through this devotional.

Here is what the authors are asking of the readers:

"We invite you to walk alongside us for eight weeks--five days a
week--and dive deeper into the realities of your marriage. We'll focus
on. . .the heart of God, the heart that He placed in you and the heart
He has placed in your spouse." ~~John and Stasi Eldredge

Here are four of the weekly topics, just to get you interested:
Remembering What We Wanted, The Journey, Companionship, The Little
Foxes and four more which you'll just have to check out for yourself.
I highly recommend this book!

Go here to get more and place an order!!

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing.

Roller Coaster

2011-02-25T11:29:00.002-06:00

I do have good reasons for not blogging in the last two weeks. Let me explain.

On February 5th, I got some rather shocking news. I found out that I was expecting again. After about 24 hours of not knowing how to feel, excitement took over and I quickly got used to the idea.

On February 8th the doctor confirmed and I was truly excited. Hubs was still a little in shock. Deer in headlights, best way to describe him. ~Smile~

A week later (Valentine's Day) I had more blood work done to make sure that the numbers were going up correctly. They were not.

After a week of riding an emotional roller coaster, not knowing what was going to happen and being on bed rest the doctor got the results of the last blood draw on Monday.

Miscarried. Another little Lovelock was not to be. Its been an emotional two weeks.

God is faithful. God has given me peace in the midst of my sadness.

Normal blog fodder continues to accumulate and I will be back, I just need a few more days.

Crocheting, Knitting and Sewing, OH MY!

2011-02-09T08:50:00.004-06:00

I love to crochet. I love to sit down, turn on some jazz music, a podcast or dramatic theatre and listen while I create fun yarny stuff. I love to give it away. I finally sat down last week and made a scarf, for me. I have made probably 50 scarves in the last 3 years and I have given every single one away, which I love and was glad to do, but I decided that I needed one. I would never make it if I had to sell them to survive because I don't have as much fun crocheting for money, it's my hobby, and I love to bless others with it. I recently went shopping on the Lion Brand Yarn (my fav!!) website and got some new ideas and yarn and I also bought a specific yarn and knitting needles because I am finally going to get lessons from a fabulous knitter!! My Pastor's wife is amazing with the knitting needles and since teaching myself didn't go so well, she is going to teach me. I can't wait! My excitement overflows!! I have found no less than 50 things I want to knit and I have a sincere desire to make my own socks. I know I just confirmed your suspicions that I am a little off, but what can I say?!? I am who I am. But knitting my own socks in all the wild and loud colors I love just sounds divine! Not to mention if knitting is as relaxing as crocheting is for me then I should be one chilled out lady, which I need.

Sewing. I haven't been using my sewing machine as much lately because of all the crocheting and I do still have a family to take care of, but I have some new flannel for flannel wipes and a couple of projects for Makiah. I have tons of projects in mind, but I still need to get my skills back in shape, like I said before its been awhile since I have used a machine. The wipes are giving me the opportunity to practice my seams and lines and make all the wipes I need for cleaning and such around here. Hopefully soon I'll get brave and make Makiah a skirt and then we'll go from there! Gotta keep it simple until I get fully back into the swing of sewing.

I have so many projects floating around in my head that I want to do!! Now if I could just find the time!!!

Heart Tip~~One of the funniest questions I think doctors ask is, "Do you have any stress in your life?" I so desparately want to turn around and ask if they do, but I don't. Usually. Anyway, stress is a huge contributor to a lot of health issues including heart disease and unfortunately we don't always deal with our stress properly or at all. We all need to find ways to de-stress. If its exercise or crocheting or scrapebooking or reading or playing a board game with your kids, whatever helps you de-stress after a long day, do it. Keeping stress bottled up isn't helping anyone or anything and it's silently hurting your body. Give your heart a break and let it go, everyday.

Have a healthy Wednesday!!

Four Drafts, No Posts

2011-02-07T08:50:00.003-06:00

That's right, four days in a row I started new blog posts and four days in a row I didn't quite get done.

It's been a little bit of a crazy weekend and I'm kind of still trying to sort through all the crazy that happened. Nothing bad, just, well, crazy. When I have it all worked through in my head, I'll blog about it.

As for this Monday morning I am off and running. Laundry, school, dishes, referee and it's just now 9 a.m. My to do list this week is quite extensive, including but not limited to finishing those four drafts!

I have decided to start spring cleaning by faith that spring will come early and get some things cleaned out around here. We have too many toys, clothes and general stuff and it's time for it to hit the road! So I'm not just cleaning, I'm getting rid of all this unwanted stuff that I have to keep cleaning up. ~Smile~

Well, unfortunately this is all I have for you in the way of a post this morning. I must get busy on my to do list and get my workout in for the day.

Heart Tip~~This is an obvious one, but the one most overlooked. Exercise. Even this people need to get their exercise in. Exercise is not just about losing weight or staying thin, it's about giving your heart a workout, making it stronger, as well as your joints, bones, lungs and muscles. Exercise completes a healthy lifestyle. So I challenge you to get in 40 minutes of cardio at least three times per week. Get movin' and stay healthy! Love your heart, treat it right.

Stir and Crazy, Yes We Are!

2011-02-02T09:45:00.003-06:00

Well we here in the midwest welcomed February by having a blizzard. I am intensifying my prayers for an early spring. I have had enough snow to last me two years. Two years!! Needless to say the kids and I are going a little mad. We were stuck in the house ALL LAST WEEK with the plague and we got well just to be stuck again. Just call us stir crazy. As soon as we can safely go out we will, I don't care if it's just to the grocery store!

Anyhoo, onto less depressing topics. Kinda. It is February, so you all know what that means?? It's Heart Health Awareness Month! New stats for this year say that 41 million women have heart disease and that more women will die from it than men. Its the leading cause of death in women in USA, not cancer. See what I mean about it only being kinda less depressing. There is good news in this post, promise!! The good news here is that we can reverse these numbers. We can stop the death toll from going up so rapidly. We can get healthy, eat healthy and take care of us. That's right I said us! While I'm all for being a giving person, there are things I have to do for me because it makes me a better wife, mom, pastor's wife, saint, daughter~~fill in the blank with whatever you want. Doing for me makes me better for them.

So this month I am challenging all 10 of you to do things just a little healthier. I am still going to post my heart health tips but this month I am also going to commit to losing 10 pounds during heart health month (this should not be hard considering I am already losing weight)! I challenge us all to make healthier choices, cook healthier options, exercise and if you need to shed some unwanted pounds do that too. If you are going to commit to doing something healthier this February, blog about and let me know!! Maybe I will even get technical enough to get a linky going. Who knows??

Heart Tip: So most of the country is still in a deep freeze and I know my favorite hot drink in the winter is tea. Conveniently my favorite cold drink in the summer is iced tea. Green tea is an amazing little drink. It can be served cold or hot and tastes great either way. It is packed with powerful antioxidants that lower cholesterol and possibly lower blood pressure. It is a heart healthy drink that tastes great!! Organic green tea is good for you. It warms you up in the deep cold and is a refreshing drink if you are lucky enough to be in warm weather now. If you enjoy a nice cuppa joe for the caffeine, a better more healthy source of caffeine is green tea! My favorite is pomegranate green tea!! Give your heart a boost and have some green tea!!

Friday is Wear Red for Women day!! I hope that I actually get to go out of the house on Friday and if I do, I'll be in red!! I will also do what I have never done on this blog, I will post a picture of me, in red. Throw on a red t-shirt or sweater (again whatever your temps may be) and Go Red!!

The Potty Chronicles, Daniel Edition No. 1

2011-01-31T12:14:00.005-06:00

Yes, it's THAT again. Baby boy child is on the cusp of potty training, technically one foot has stepped in. Full force potty training will begin in a couple of weeks. We are just getting out feet wet, so to speak. I feel very hopeful about this round! I think he will potty train pretty easily (that doesn't mean easy it just means easier than older brother Sam) and without too many melt downs. Hopefully Daniel won't meltdown either. ~Smile~

So the other day I decide to buy Daniel some pull-ups and just how he would do. Up to this point in his life going to the potty hasn't really been on his mind. He would sit down for 1.3 seconds and then announce that he was done even though there was nothing in the potty. But I wasn't stressing about it, trying to hold off a little longer before I step into a nervous breakdown on purpose. Makiah and Sam are both taking a personal interest in this as well. I mean I don't understand why potty training is so fun but Makiah is all about helping Daniel. Does it make me a bad mom if I let her? I don't think so, but if you disagree feel free to not tell me. Ignorance is bliss. ~Wink~

So the other day I hear Makiah in the bathroom with Daniel, pull-ups just purchased and mother hen, uh older sister Makiah was taking a firm hand. She is telling him in a very grown up way to tell her when he needs to go potty or when he feels that funny feeling. Daniel says, "okay Bakiah". Then she tells him that he can tell Mama too. Well thank you Makiah for keeping me in the loop. At this point I am cracking up. I was just outside the bathroom in the office listening. So far everyday for the last three days he has went pee pee in the potty at least once. Sometimes more. He thinks he is very big with his "pool ups" (that would be how he pronounces it) and really likes going to sit on the potty every 10 minutes. Next week we will go invest in cloth training pants and some Mickey Mouse and Elmo underwear, those were his special request underwear. Sam is also actively participating in this process because every time he goes to the bathroom he drags Daniel along. This is typically how it he says it, "come on Daniel, its time to go to the bathroom and I don't won't to hear any arguments" (as he is pulling him by the arm or hand). Ha ha ha, Sam has heard that phrase a time or two thousand in his little lifetime!!! So now that I have many or mini helpers in the potty training process, I do believe it may not cause the death of me. Hopefully.

Aren't you glad that I'm blogging again?? I know you all would not want to miss this!

It's Been Awhile

2011-01-27T11:02:00.003-06:00

I could come on here and list a whole bunch of reasons why I haven't blogged, but the main reason is I just haven't. I was feeling like my blog was very robotic, I can't explain it. But in the last week or so I have really been missing bloggin' and reading blogs too!! So here I am, going to make a go of blogging more regular like and hopefully my bloggy friends haven't given up on me!

So a lot has been going on since I had a real post up here. Christmas was grand! We had a lovely time with family, having a country Christmas. New Year's was good with the exception that I stayed home from Watch Night Service with a sick 2 year old. I sat some really lofty goals for this year (but don't I every year) but I didn't blog about it. I am sure I'll blog about them as I'm doing them.

The last week I have been on a sick couch with the flu. The real swab-your-nose-confirmed-knock-me-off-my-feet flu. I will never ever again casually throw around the word flu. Today is the first day I have sat at the computer for more than 30 minutes and the first time my head hasn't felt like it was falling off. I'm not dramatic. Seriously. All three kids have had it too, which truly makes for fun times. Oh the tears and fit pitching and whining~~it was worse than the actual illness. Fortunately the kids didn't get it as severely as me (thank ya Jesus) and we are all recovering.

I am sick of snow. I mean really really sick of snow! We have had more than enough snow to last us a few years and I'm ready for spring. You know, 65 degrees, pretty yellow flowers and the kids playing outside spring. I know it's only the end of January but a mama can day dream can't she!??!?

I have been making big health changes around here. I know I have blogged about weight loss in the past which is why I haven't really said a lot on here lately. I ended 2010 weighing 20 pounds less than when I started the year. Not what I wanted to lose, but at least it was a loss and not a gain. I've kicked off this year with new health concerns and medications and a serious determination to fulfill my health goals, THIS YEAR. I am making progress and I hope to put up some before and better pictures (I can't do before and after because it will be awhile before there is an after picture. Better yes, but after will be a while) during heart month!! You all know how serious I am about Heath Month, but this year I am living it and posting about it. You see knowledge is good, but its better when you listen to your own advice. Year after year I have tried to lose weight. This year I have adopted a new motto from a movie character from a movie I've never watched. "Do or do not. . . there is no try."~~Yoda Yes, I just quoted Yoda from Star Wars. I read it somewhere and it just seemed perfect. There is no try this year, just do. So as heart disease is at the forefront of my mind I am hoping that February will be a month of making changes for all of us. Heart month is quickly approaching, check back I have plans!!

Well, I think for today you are adequately brought up to speed. I mean there is more, there is always more, but tomorrow is another day.

Stay tuned, for I am back to regularly broadcasting. Have a happy Thursday!

Do You LOVE Christmas?

2010-12-07T17:27:00.005-06:00

I love Christmas. I have very fond memories of traditions as a child and now building new traditions with my family is the best part of the season. So when picking out a new title to review for Waterbrook Multnomah I was thrilled to see a book about Christmas, and it wasn't just a Christmas story. I couldn't wait for it to arrive so that I could jump right in! So here is my review. . .

Everything Christmas, written by David Bordon and Tom Winters, is a wonderful book. Its full of wonderful practical things like step by step instructions on making big, fluffy bows, delicious recipes that will defiantly be crowd pleasers and gift ideas. But it also has stories, carols and poems. It even has Christmas trivia and humor. It is organized by the days of Advent, so there is a reading for each day starting with December 1 and going through December 24. It is a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate the reason for the season. I really enjoyed reading about other cultures Christmas menu's and their traditions!! I read the whole book through so that I could write this review, but there are parts that I plan on reading out loud to my kiddos during our Christmas celebrations! We will also try out some of the yummy sounding recipes. This book is delightfully packed full of information and fun for, well like it's name, everything Christmas.

If you LOVE Christmas, if you enjoy the past traditions or making new traditions, this book is a must have!

Check it out here.

This book was provided for review by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing.

Sunday Funnies~~The Magical Creme in the Middle

2010-11-14T06:30:00.002-06:00

Its been a LONG time since I had Sunday funny post and I felt it was high time I did! ~Smile~

See I am one of those crazy Apostolics that believes that scripture in Proverbs that says: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 And I think its completely appropriate to laugh at a lot. At the right times of course, but a lot. Sunday should be a day of worship, refueling, blessing others, preaching and . . . laughter. I mean if you can't laugh on Sunday something is wrong. Again, at the right time of course.

So for today I have you an Anita Renfroe video. She makes me giggle. Actually she makes me laugh out loud. So enjoy! And smile a lot today, the Lord is so good and we are so blessed!

Samuel, Sam, Sam Sam, Sam-e-pants or Samurai

2010-11-12T09:02:00.007-06:00

Just a few of the names that float around this house for Sam.

Five years ago today I was so nauseated (early in the day I just thought it was the stomach flu) and then about 2 or 3 that afternoon I started having very, very mild contractions. Realization kicked in, past the nausea and vomiting and I realized I was in labor. My husband got home from work about 7:30 and I called the doctor and told him my contractions were 10 minutes apart and asked if I should come in or wait until they were closer. I was easily talking through them and I mean they were 10 minutes apart. Fortunately the doc said to go ahead and come in (being the third baby things could change quickly). I went in, walking under my own power. I was laughing and talking like nothing was going on. I think the nurse thought it was going to be a false alarm, she didn't think I could seriously be in labor. To everyone's surprise I was 6 cm dilated!!! I was thrilled and the nurses and doc were shocked!! The real pain for me didn't kick in until about 10 pm and he was born, screaming his head off, at 11:45. Fifteen minutes before his due date.

That was the readers digest version of a birth story. Your welcome.

Sam is a total source of entertainment and joy. He is also a source of frustration (at times) and I think he is the source of the only gray hair I have in the front of my head. I love him and I wouldn't trade him for anything in this world!

Here's a few Sam highlights:

Bathroom Hi-jinks!!

A Budding Artist, He Is!!

Finally!! (A tale of hope when it comes to potty training)

Girls have Cooties

Time with Mom

Cooking Guru???

These are just a SAMPLING of the wonderment that Sam has brought into our lives. Yes, he has given me many wild stories to be used for blog-fodder (he's helpful like that) and I love him tremendously. There are plenty more where these came from. Just click on the Sam label and you'll find stories of seat belts and sword the spirit adventures.

Samuel is a boy of MANY facial expressions!!

A Hair-raising Sunday

2010-11-08T08:43:00.006-06:00

This is a story of Sunday morning Lovelock hurry scurry. Just a little look into the Lovelock crazy.

I start out early. I always think I'm doing good on time (I later find out, I'm not) and then after I've been leisurely wandering around the hurry scurry begins. Yesterday was no exception. I thought (famous last thoughts) that I had the boys clothes all picked out and ready to go. I thought Makiah's clothes would be a cinch and I knew what I wanted to wear.

Well, I didn't take into account that even though I knew what I wanted to wear I wasn't exactly sure of it's exact location. I mean, I have spent hours getting fall/winter clothes out of storage for the kids, getting everything washed and ready to go. Me, my clothes, not so much. So even though I knew exactly what I wanted, I wasn't sure of where it was. Makiah has a severe skirt shortage (get sewing woman! just a little encouragement to me) so yesterday was one of those days wear we have plenty-o sweaters and shirts but the only skirts to be had were jean skirts. ~Don't ask me what this girl did with her skirts because they weren't hanging up, they aren't in the laundry and they weren't in her dresser. Humpf and Sigh~ So I finally got all the pieces of my outfit located, got the boys dressed, got Makiah's hair fixed and looked at the time. Doing good, minutes to spare I thought to myself and then I remembered~~MY HAIR IS HANGING DOWN MY BACK, IT'S NOT DONE, JUST STARTED!!! I had taken my hair out of the towel and put in the mousse (very curly hair) and I was waiting for it to get dry a little and fluffy (it's long and curly but thin) so I had started the hair but wasn't done. So I went from hurry scurry to crazy mama trying to get everything done mode. As I started working on my hair and picked up the freeze spray, yes, freeze. Empty! Oh no! I grabbed the travel size purple bottle of hair spray and got three sprays out of it. I knew what I wanted to do with my hair and I was silently praying my hair would cooperate and that I would have enough hair spray to hold it all together.

I did and it did. Best hair I've had in weeks. ~Prayer answered, Thank ya Lord for the small miracles in life~ I mean I loved it so much that I wish I had pictures of it. I love it when my hair cooperates with me. I will probably never get it to do that again, isn't that they way it usually goes??

Conclusion to this story: I obviously get better hair when I fix it in crazy mode than when I have lots of extra time to over think it.

Oh! And, we all got out the door fully clothed, hairs all combed and we all had on matching shoes. The day started out well.

Sew Thrilled!!

2010-10-30T05:58:00.005-05:00

My parents visited a couple of days ago and they brought with them a wonderful gift!!

On the top of my wish list has been a sewing machine and a couple of months ago my mom mentioned out of the blue (I hadn't told her I wanted one, yet) that they planned on getting me a sewing machine for Christmas. Oh the joy that filled my little heart!! I immediately started planning all the wonderful things I would make once I gave myself a refresher course in sewing. About a week ago mom told me that they were having hard time finding a quality machine in a decent price range. I had been looking and thinking the EXACT same thing. So she informed me that she would be giving me her machine. I was shocked! Her machine is older but a VERY high quality machine. I asked her why and her response was hilarious, "because I don't use it. I like to think I will, but I don't. And I know you will." So Thursday my house get an addition, a sewing machine, cabinet and ALL of her sewing supplies.

My dad carries everything in and I got to laughing. I had forgotten about her sewing boxes. Once I saw them, recollection hit me, but I hadn't thought about those boxes in years! Well I got to laughing because they are 70's olive green plastic. There are two of them, a deep one rectangle one and a more flat rectangle just for thread. Now my wonderful mom had warned me that she had not gone through the cabinets drawers or the sewing boxes in years. That's right, years. So I started going through the three drawers and the two olive green boxes. We uncovered the treasures of Jo-Ann Fabrics, circa 1970's and 1980's. We laughed and laughed. Patches, decals, ric rac in various colors and widths, enough zippers to make a shirt out of zippers, buttons, thread (still in the plastic wrap complete with price tags), needles, needles and more needles. Four, count again, four seam rippers, three pairs of scissors, three tape measures, two pairs of pinking shears, four sewing gauges, two hem gauges, a never-been-cut-out Noah's Ark pocket pillow with animals set and various other sewing goodies. We cracked up! There were also some family treasures in there of my beloved Nanny's. Her last pair of scissors was in there as well as a little bowl with a lid that she had put a dozen bobbins with thread in. Thank you Nanny, I'll not need threaded bobbins for three months.

I have been reacquainting myself with using a sewing machine and I'm getting there! I found some flannel that I had packed away and you should have seen me last night when I realized I can finally make my own flannel wipes!! I made four last night in various sizes and shapes. I figured what better way to get back in the sewing groove by making wipes that no one will see but for cleaning. I can work on keeping everything straight and get some wipes.

Well, I have been up since 4 a.m. I have done and folded one load of laundry, two more are washing and drying, made and a few eaten caramel rolls (Linton's breakfast) and now written a blog post and its only 6:22 a.m. Pretty productive for a non-morning person.

I think I now deserve a nap. ~Smile~

By-the-way, I will be posting pictures of the funniest items from the treasures listed above, but I have to save some things for another post. Have a happy Saturday!!

Oh Blog, How I Have Neglected Thee

2010-10-23T10:11:00.003-05:00

Contrary to my current bloggy neglect, I do miss blogging. I do apologize for my long absence in the bloggy world. So on this Saturday morning I will attempt to get my bloggy groove back.

I feel like time is speeding past me in and I'm losing not minutes but days! Does anyone else feel this? I mean, what has happened to October?!?! I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that its almost November! Christmas is right around the corner and I am doing a repeat of last year and having a handmade Christmas (for the most part). So this means I need to get my self in gear and get these projects finished (started in some cases).

Makiah and Sam are doing great in school. Sam is doing so well that we may go ahead and start him in Kindergarten in January. I am still watching and trying to decide what to do. The Pre-K books do not challenge him, but I also don't want to overwhelm him. He will be five in a couple of weeks (mind blowing can you hear the explosion) and he amazes me with what he knows!! Makiah has decided that Math is NOT fun and she would rather do science and social studies. She did such a great job over the summer reading. She read 60 chapter books and I think she has finally decided that she does like reading! Daniel is doing well. He is like a completely different child from this time last year! You would never know that he ever needed any therapies at all. He talks a mile a minute and its clear as a bell! He jumps, runs, rolls, hits his brother~~he is normal. I thank God daily for his healing!!

How am I you ask? Well, thanks for asking. I am doing alright. I have found myself just slightly overwhelmed at times, but I am getting reigned in. I am sure that every mother in the whole world feels overwhelmed at times so I'm in good company. If you have ever read The Cat in the Hat, the page where the Cat is balancing on a ball holding ten things in one hand and ten on the other and his umbrella on his nose??? That is a perfect depiction of how I've felt the last three months. Good thing is, I'm still standing on that ball. ~~Smile~~

I have plenty more to say, but I think I'll draft some more posts now in case that ball I'm on gets wobbly. ~~Smile~~

Its Important. Personal, but Important.

2010-10-01T13:38:00.004-05:00

I feel very personally connected to Breast Cancer Awareness. While I haven't been directly effected by the cancer, but I know several women who have been. So why the blog colors and a post about Army of Women? I think just being a woman makes me care about a subject that is changing lives daily and taking the lives of so many others. So I am taking a moment in blog history to promote the Army of Women.

Every new technology, medical procedure or cure has come through research. Breast cancer is no different. Here's what the Army of Women has to say about research:

"How can we cure something if we don’t know what we’re curing? Plain and simple, the Army of Women hopes to STOP CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS. By enlisting ONE MILLION WOMEN to participate in breast cancer research, we will be able to finally take the research out of the lab and look at real women. This will enable us to finally find the CAUSES of breast cancer and ultimately figure out how to prevent it all together. BILLIONS of dollars have been spent on breast cancer research to date, but we still don’t know what CAUSES it. While many advances in treatment have been made, our goal is to eradicate it once and for all, by preventing it in the first place. We discovered that cervical cancer was caused by a virus, the HUMAN papillomavirus. The way we discovered the cause of cervical cancer was by studying WOMEN. With a lot less money, and in a lot less time, we now have a cure because we now know WHAT to cure. We need to follow the same path and move breast cancer beyond a cure."

Are you willing to join and support a cause that directly or indirectly affects us all?? So you get a few more emails a month? I don't promote too many causes, but this is one cause that we can't afford to ignore. Its free, it costs nothing for you to join and all ethnicities and ages are neeeded. You may never participate in a study (even one that doesn't include drugs of any kind) but all of us have time to fill out a questionnaire.

Tweet about it and use the hashtag WritePink. Facebook about it. Invite your friends. Its simple. It's important.

Watch this to learn more about it.

Yes I realize I just totally blogged and didn't mention my long absence at all. I am trying to get my blogging mojo back. Thanks for still reading when I post. *Muah* to all my bloggity friends.

Our First Week is Completed

2010-08-27T15:38:00.002-05:00

We have successfully completed our first week of school!! YAY!! I blogged about it here.

So what else is going on you ask? This week, it's been focusing on getting school off to a good start. But that's not to say that we don't have a LOT of other stuff going on. We are really busy with the church plant and good things are happening there! I am also doing a little bit of rearranging how I take care of the house (for another post). I am still trying to get my home business off the ground and get all the laundry done. So to say that I really have anything to blog about over here today, would be both true and untrue. I have plenty to say, I'm just not able to sit down long enough to get it out in an intelligible format. Although I do have a kidism, courtesy of Makiah.

Monday we went out to eat to celebrate a great first day of school. We went to a local BBQ favorite and Makiah wanted applesauce for a side. Here's how the conversation went:

Me: "Makiah, you haven't finished your applesauce. You normally eat it all up first, what's wrong?"

Makiah: (wrinkles nose) "Mom, it tastes funny. Its, like, got lumps in it."

Me: "Yes, it is similar to homemade applesauce. It just has larger pieces of apple in it. That's all"

Makiah: "Well, I've decided I like the made by someone else applesauce better."

I cracked up. Crazy kid!

Happy Friday everyone! I hope your weekend is fabulous and filled with made by someone else applesauce!

Beginnings

2010-08-23T17:27:00.003-05:00

I love new beginnings. Its new, fresh and fun. We started a new school year today and I am so excited. I have a fourth grader and a pre-k kiddo and of course a wild 2 year old! I have lots of fabulous things planned and I'm very excited. The kids are too.

I actually blogged over here today. Poor little neglected blog. Come on over and visit, comments welcome!

The Day I Left My Heart at Children's Hospital (repost)

2010-08-22T18:38:00.003-05:00

I originally posted this last year, same day. Not much has changed in my feelings. I will post again tomorrow. Blessings!!

I had his back pack of toys. I had his clothes and shoes. I had his beloved afaghan and monkey. I was leaving. Leaving the hospital for the first time in three weeks. Hubs and I were leaving together, but I was without my baby. My heart was still on the seventh floor. I was empty. I was broken. Hubs and I walked down that long bridge way to the car. Tears streaming down our faces. No one knew why, no one cared. I didn't really expect them too. (Looking back on that, I am glad no one stopped us, because I probably would have ran back upstairs)

So many times I have relived his last five days. In the first three months I relived those last five days almost everyday. Countless times in the first year, I hashed over those days and all the emotion they contained. I remember the waiting and watching for something to change. I still feel that pain of when the doctor called time of death. He could have stabbed me right then and it would not have hurt worse. My beloved Nathaniel was gone.

Seven years have passed. I can breathe again. For the first few months, grief would steal my breathe, like bricks sitting on my chest. I don't cry everyday anymore. I can smile when I look at a picture of him and remember the funny things he did and said. I used to tell people that I reserved the right to break down at any time without warning. I still reserve that right, I just don't use it as often. I still question my self. "Did I do everything right? Did I do something wrong? Somehow I must have caused this." Mommy guilt covers a lot of things, even death. Deep down I know, I know there is nothing I could have done. Still sometimes I catch myself wondering, "what if".

On his birthday every year I am sad because he isn't here to celebrate and watch grow up and all the things we didn't get to see him do and be. It's a hard day. The anniversary of his death is harder, because I relive his death. Maybe I am the only grieving parent that does this, but somehow I don't think I am. I can't explain why, I just do. I think part of me doesn't want to forget. Grief sometimes can't explain itself, I've learned to stop trying.

I am blessed. Life went on. Part of me didn't expect it too, but it did. It was impossible, on my own. I am not strong. I am weak and broken, but God isn't. God has brought me through the fog of grief. He carried me when I didn't even want to be carried. He soothed me, comforted me, surrounded me with the BEST family and church family anyone could ask for, put a Pastor in my life I could lean on, and lean on him I did, we did. Do I still grieve? Yes, I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face in abundance. But I don't grieve everyday. The tears are a release, a cleansing. I weep, and I mean weep, in May and August. But I remember, with joy, every single day.

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.~~Isaiah 61:3

I am splashing around in the oil of joy and I wear my brightly colored garment of praise everyday!! Because God appointed them unto me! My heart still aches and it will always have a little ache but, the oil of joy soothes it.

Nathaniel Phillip Lovelock
May 11, 2000-August 22, 2003

Vacation??

2010-08-10T13:58:00.004-05:00

I only have one child in my care. First time in nearly 5 years!

Makiah and Sam are sending the week with my mom and dad. They are being spoiled. They are eating fruit snacks for breakfast. Grandparents, need I say more?

Anyway, that just leaves Daniel and I to hang out in the day time while Hubs is at work. My house is so quiet!! There is not yelling, no fighting, no arguing, its awesome but I miss them!!

I also thought that I would get a lot done while they were away (like throwing away more stuff they think they can't live without that they will never know I threw out), but alas, I am now Daniel's sole source of entertainment. I've been getting a lot of cuddle time, but not a lot done. So far.

Here are some pictures of what Makiah and Sam did on Monday!

They went to Holiday World and had a BLAST!

Daniel and I have been watching "Beggie" Tales (Veggie Tales), Sid the Science Kid and Barney on Netflix, eating grapes and yogurt and using "wipekins" (that would Daniel putting together, wipes and napkins) to wipe our faces. We've also played pirates and zoo animals, built a block fort and I entertained him with Penelope Parrot (so I could really practice my voice). So its shaping up to be quite a week!

LOVE Them!

2010-07-27T11:04:00.003-05:00

They are full of life and keep me running.
They argue, fight and squabble. Daily.
They giggle and read stories together. Also daily.
They say the FUNNIEST things.

Speaking of funny things said, Makiah accidentally kicked Sam the other day and busted his lip. He bled for a few minutes and he cried. When it had quite bleeding (and he had quit pulling on it) he came into the kitchen and said, "well, I guess I can't use these lips for kissin' anymore"! I nearly died laughing!!!

And then I thought (and asked), "hey, just who are you kissin'?" His response, "well, you mama". I love that boy.

Well we were out looking for church buildings yesterday evening we decided to drive through and then get out and walk in Forest Park. We happened to be near the Worlds Fair Pavilion.

I thought I'd catch this moment. No squabbling. Love.

Yes, I Remembered I Have a Blog

2010-07-23T14:26:00.002-05:00

Things are just busy, busy right now and they show no signs of slowing up, but I miss blogging and so therefore, I have added blogging back to the to do list!!

Settling in update: I think we are getting there. I mean we are comfortable. The toys are out and in use, but there are still some trouble areas that I am still trying to get organized. The office is one of them!! I have some serious work to do in there. I need the office to be functional for school use, Hubs studying, church use (until we have our own building) and for my new home business use!!

Yes you heard me correctly, I have started a home business!! That home business also has a blog. I'm crazy, I know it and there is nothing I can do about it! ~~Smile~~ Check out my home business here. I'm excited!!

Church update: We are busy getting out there meeting people, looking for buildings and doing Bible studies!! We are very excited about how things are going and our official launch service is in one month! The church website will be done soon, I'll put it up here when its done!!

Kids update: They are crazy and funny and cute as ever! I'll have a Lovelock kid adventure for you very soon! Its not like they don't give me enough blog fodder!!

I still love all my fellow bloggers and blogs and miss commenting and reading consistently! I am sorry and I'll do better at that. I hope you all are having a fabulous summer.

All I Have Today is a List, I Apologize Now

2010-06-25T13:05:00.003-05:00

To say I'm busy is an understatement and I really miss blogging everyday. I will get back to that, eventually.

Today though, I leave you with a bulleted list of randomness. I know you're excited.

Boys like to burp. A lot. It drives me crazy. (More on this later)
Makiah is getting bossier everyday. Her brothers do not appreciate this.
I, on the other hand, am getting very close to God because I am constantly praying for sanity.
I am STILL unpacking boxes! Where is all this stuff coming from?!?!
We are in the process of building the church's website and blog. Yes, another blog.
Weight loss is a tiresome and arduous process! My ankle and knee have decided to revolt.
I am reminded again of why I love the fall. Its TOO hot!

Well, I think I've rambled and randomed on long enough. I hope you all are having a fabulous Friday.

Lovely. . .Memories

2010-06-10T20:21:00.004-05:00

I have tiger lilies!! I absolutely love lilies and one of my favs is tiger lilies.

My grandmother had tons of them around her yard and I used to tell her that one day I would have tiger lilies. When I ventured out on my back porch the other day (I hadn't been out there in about five days), imagine my joy when all along the back fence was tiger lilies!! I was so thrilled I immediately went out and cut a few for my table.

Amazing how fresh cut flowers, from my own yard, can make even a dining room with one side still lined in boxes look so fresh and sunny.

Our house is definitely starting to feel and look like home. It is important to me that my house be home. A place of peace and comfort, a retreat.

A retreat with a dining room color scheme of orange and green. Sometimes, I even surprise myself.

Got School on My Mind

2010-06-09T08:09:00.000-05:00

No, not homeschooling (although we are in our summer session). School for me. More college.

I love to learn. I love to research for papers and find out all I can. Pastor B has commented several times in the past that I missed my calling and should be a detective. I love the medical field and I miss it, but nursing is just not the route I feel is best for me. The hours (because I would want to work in the hospital ICU) is really not conducive to being a Pastor's wife. So what do I want to be when I grow up?

Well over the last several months I have been thinking, evaluating and trying to decide what area of healthcare would suit me best. I have decided on Nutritionist with psycho-therapy involvement. Specifically, I want to work with women in the areas of fertility (including PCOS and insulin resistance), pregnancy and heart health. (In the mean time, I will most likely be obtaining my Doula certification) This is going to take years to finish, I know that, I am okay with that. But starting the process is on my mind. As I journey toward my various degrees needed, I'll finish my own journey to health and wellness as well.

I am excited for all the good things in our future, some immediate, some afar off. Time to dust off my research skills.

It's Official Now!

2010-06-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

Its not the change of address papers, a new drivers license or even a welcome dessert from a neighbor that makes residency real. . . its a new library card. ~~Smile~~

Library cards for this family is a priority. We love the library. Summer reading programs, story time and kids area play places, we need to have library cards. Though in St. Louis you must have a piece of mail with your new address on it to get a card. Finally, mail came yesterday (one for Hubs and one for me) to enable us to get cards. Hubs got five documentaries (the limit), I think he was having documentary withdraw.

The kids got books and we signed everyone up for the summer reading program. Makiah found a chapter book that she really likes and is plowing through it! We also got some kids movies, like Word Girl and Word World. And for one member in our family this was their first library card! Samuel got his first library card yesterday and I cannot tell you how excited he was!!

I see a lot of reading in the days ahead.

Settling into Life

2010-06-04T11:17:00.002-05:00

Moving shakes things up. It changes routines, makes you use paper bowls for nearly two weeks because you still can't find the bowls and challenges a family to find a new normal. Well, it does for us anyway.

You know when you move the house is different. Faucets and plumbing have their quirks. The kitchen is different and no one but you (the one who put it all up) know where things are. Even though I completely loathe the actual act of moving and packing, I truly enjoy unpacking. Its a chance to rearrange and put things up differently. Its like a fresh start. I'm nesting. I'm building my home and I love it. Most of the time. (I just wish I could find those crazy bowls!)

There are fewer and fewer boxes everyday and my desire to organize is in full swing. Slowly but surely we are settling into our new house (new to us), with its quirks and sounds and floor plan. The kids have adjusted very well. Daniel has slept in his bed from day one, no tears at all. YAY! That was unexpected but wonderful! Sam is rockin' the potty thing and we don't have accidents anymore (about time right??) and Makiah loves having her own room. There are no children sleeping the same room as Hubs and I! Daniel's crib was in there, but now he and Sam have their own room. No children in our room at all. First time in 10 years a child hasn't had a bed in our room or a place in our bed.

We are settling. Settling into new routines. Settling into a new neighborhood. Settling into everyday life. But with all the new things that lie ahead (starting a Home Missions church), life will be anything but mundane or normal.

I'M BAAAAAAAACCCCKKK!!

2010-05-27T16:11:00.003-05:00

YAY!! WE ARE MOVED!!

Now the real work begins. Besides the unpacking, we have a church to get up and running! Very exciting times around here.

I have been a busy bee getting things organized, put away, decorated. I have high priorities people. I mean our clothes are still in various boxes, suitcases and such, but my living room and dining room are getting decorated. I'll send out pictures of the finished product. You all know what boxed walls look like!

The kids are adjusting well. Sam has had a little trouble understanding why special people do not live close anymore, but he doesn't cry about it. He just asks A LOT of questions. I mean really, now that I type that, its really not that different than usual. ~~Smile~~

My very good friend, more like a sister, is coming to visit this weekend. She can't live without us. ~Wink~ And I am looking forward to hanging out with her and entertaining in my new abode!

Well, I know that was not very newsy, but that's all I have today. Back to my boxes!!

I Know This Is Going to Shock You

2010-04-22T12:58:00.003-05:00

I am going to have to take a bloggity break. Shocking, right? Since I have just been so consistent you are probably wondering why I would need to break.

I am just swamped with stuff to get done and I want to blog but I just don't have enough time in the day! So I am officially taking a break until after the move, so one month.

I will be back and back with all sorts of fun and crazy Lovelock stuff!! So please still be my readers, m kay???

On a happy side note~~We found a house to rent!! I'll put the whole story up here once we get moved but it was a total God thing!!

Food, Food, Food

2010-04-06T13:45:00.002-05:00

I watched Food, Inc. last night. OH. MY. GOODNESS.

Stunning. Who knew all that? Not me. I am not an animal rights activist (I believe God created some animals to eat), but the pictures of those poor cows made me so sad. Chickens and hogs too. The things that we humans have done to make more money is terrible and we are paying for it with our health. I feel so bad for the farmers who are basically forced to do things the way a certain company wants instead of farming the food they want to sell to us. If you haven't watched it, you should.

Now onto the Lovelocks. I told everyone at the beginning of the year that I was going to focus on three main things this year: faith, family and frugality. Having healthy food was one of those goals. Everyone knows that for the most part organic and frugal do not belong in the same sentence but we are trying to buy more organic food because of all the garbage that is put in our mainstream food. Today was grocery day and I spent the same amount that I normally spend and yet I bought not one processed food and all organic meat. {I actually hit a sale and got some grass fed beef steaks for $2.39 each, oh yeah baby!!} I was pretty happy with my acquisitions and my receipt. Not everything was organic, but none of it was that junk we usually buy. I started making my own mac 'n cheese awhile back and instead of fruit snacks my kids are eating California cuties. My kids absolutely love cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and even brussel sprouts, so we will eat those and leave those mashed potatoes for special occasions. I also stepped out big time and did not buy ANY cereal. This is huge for us because my kids love cereal. They eat it every morning. So instead of giving them the choice of cereal or eggs there are two new choices: organic eggs or organic waffles with fruit. We are going to do this for awhile and see how it goes. The more I read about high fructose corn syrup the more I don't want my kids eating it. I am also praying that this new diet (way of eating) will help Sam's eczema get better.

As for everything else in my life, its CRAZY! We are going to St. Louis every other weekend. We are still trying to secure housing (we might have to not be so picky, he he) and then there is the packing. So we are busy, but not too busy to get out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather. I am loving the sunshine for sure.

I hope you all have a bright, bright sun shiny day!!

Apparently I Don't Have Enough To Do or Potty Training 2.0 (The Upgrade)

2010-03-29T10:25:00.005-05:00

As I've overstated in my previous posts, I. AM. CRAZY. BUSY., but apparently not busy enough. I decided over the weekend that I wanted to start potty training Daniel. Obviously a serious case of crazy has overtaken me. But I had my reasons, which, because this is my blog, I will now share.

In the last month or so, Daniel asks me several times a day (especially when Sam goes to the potty) if he can go too. Then last week Daniel started informing me not that he is poopy, but that "I pooping". That's right. In the act. So I remembered back to when Sam started saying those things he was almost 2. And I waited to potty train because we were moving. And then I waited more because the so called "experts" said he wasn't ready. The conclusion to that story is that he stills wears a pull-up at night and we just got potty trained and he is 4! I missed my window of opportunity. I feel like if I would have capitalized on his willingness to go potty and understanding way back when, we would not have had the long arduous potty training adventure that we indured. I am hoping to avoid that same difficult road with Daniel. Learn from experience right? I'm trying, anything for an easier experience for all of us.

I realize we are traveling a lot. I realize that in a mere 7 weeks we move and that most "experts" wouldn't suggest trying this now. Who are these "experts" anyway? Do they even have children? Have they ever really potty trained a real, live wild child? I might as well let him sit on that new cute potty if he wants right. I mean so what if he doesn't go in it. So what if it's just another thing to move around the bathroom/living room/office (he likes to sit on it ALL THE TIME, in the buff). But, just what if all this exposure {pun completely intended} just helps the journey go a little faster in a couple of months when I do get totally serious about potty training??!? This is potty training 2.0, the upgrade to the previous version I just survived (barely).

It's worth it. Besides, he wants to sit on it all the time. I always know where he is and he is leaving my dishwasher alone.

Someone Threw Time Into Overdrive

2010-03-25T10:30:00.003-05:00

I had no idea it had been this long since I had blogged!! I hope I still have a couple of readers out there. Because I am so, so, so busy today I am going to leave you with a list. Then tomorrow more of a real post. Really.

1. We went to St. Louis four weekends in a row and I can officially say that I am sick of the road!!! I am ready to just be there already. We are still looking for a house to rent, pray saints pray. We move in just 8 very short weeks!!!!

2. Makiah and Hubs had a GREAT time in Boston visiting with family. They had a safe and fun trip, what more could I ask for?!?

3. The plague that has been hanging around for 6 weeks, I think, maybe is thinking about leaving. I am having a hard time shaking the cough and the ear trouble. I am starting to just get used to it. That's what it has come too.

4. I made a decision last week that was really hard for me to decide. Due to the fact that we are moving in May and things are already getting crazy, I decided that we wouldn't walk or run in the heart walk this year. It's just too much to try to fit it all in. I will sponsor someone that is walking and I will definitely be there next year.

5. I am still going to run in a 5K, it will just be a different one. Probably the Komen Race. I am still wanting to run, but due to illness I have had to put off the C25K. It is still my goal, but the C25K can wait till I get moved. Maybe by then I'll be over this cough.

6. We have set our official move date. . . . {drum roll please} MAY 22!!! YAY!! (The heart walk is the Saturday before, see why I'm not participating)

So now that I bullet-pointed my way current, I have to go pack. Be back tomorrow with a fun post with pics!!

In a Whirlwind of Clothes

2010-03-05T15:41:00.003-06:00

March is starting out busy! We are packing suitcases again this weekend because my Hubs and sweet girl are heading to Boston (WAAAAH!!) to visit with his family. The boys and I will take a few days in St. Louis (going over there anyway to take Hubs and Kiah to the airport) to look around for possible living locations as well as church locations. I will visit with friends and relax a little as well. The boys and I will come home and then back to STL next Friday for Gateway's Live recording and to pick up Hubs and Kiah returning home. Whew!

So as you can imagine packing for 5 people going two separate directions for two different periods of time is CRA-ZEE! I have to keep checking that I am putting the right stuff in the right suitcases. While Hubs and Kiah are gone I will continue the great giveaway (if it ain't bolted down, it's outta here) and I'll get to spend a lot of time just playing with the boys. NO SCHOOL FOR A WEEK!! YAY!! YAY!! YAY!! I think I am as excited about that as Makiah is!

I must get back to the suitcases now. Sam just came in and told me he has been helping with the suitcases. I need to find out how Sam "helped", Hubs would not look good in my clothes. ~Smile~

90 Days

2010-03-01T10:05:00.002-06:00

In a short 90 days we are moving. Moving back to St. Louis. Reality is hitting me square in my face right now.

I am totally excited about moving. I can't wait to get over there and get settled. Its the actual moving part that is just a little daunting! Only 90 days. Wow! When we started this journey, it was seven months. Seven months until we moving day. Now we are down to just a few months and I am thinking of all the stuff I need to get done here and there. Moving across town and across states are two very different things!!

We spent the weekend in St. Louis looking at houses and potential buildings for our church to be planted. We drove all over St. Louis and my love and burden for that city was felt afresh. For the last several months we have felt the burden for St. Louis return to our hearts (hence the moving back) but the weekend it was so strong and the desire to get there quickly was in the forefront of our minds.

My faith was bolstered this weekend and I know and have known that God is guiding our steps and will keep us all the way!! If you are given to prayer a prayer for the Lovelocks is always appreciated. Housing, Hubs a job and a smooth transition are the top three requests!!

Now enough blogging and more working. That to do list is as long as my leg!

One Strike, Three Spares and Countless Gutter Balls

2010-02-23T09:40:00.009-06:00

I know there is no way you could tell from the title, but I took the kids bowling. Actually it was my friend A's idea. Hubs was working, so it was my friend, her brother and his wife, their son and his girlfriend and me and my motley crew. We all got set up and I realize, due to the crying in the background, that Daniel really doesn't have anything to do. He can't carry the balls, he can't run down the alley's and so began the evening with wailing. UGH!! Finally my friends brother remembers a soccer ball in their car and brings it in. He calms the yelling and we start our games. The people who might actually play for real, using a real alley have their own lane. My friend A and I are on the bumper lane (and without that bumper lane I would probably have scored a 24 instead of the whoppin' 99 I did score) with the kiddos. Somehow even with the bumpers I still got some zero's. Sam and Makiah were so excited I thought their heads were going to explode. Sam actually got a strike and Makiah got three spares!

Daniel and the soccer ball. I don't think I was ever so grateful to see a soccer ball in my life.

We did this:

Daniel did a lot of this:

And then after one game, that's right, only one game we were wore out. Between one of the adults keeping Daniel from rolling his ball down the alley and actually bowling (which did I mention I hadn't been bowling since middle school) we were ready to eat. And so Mexican is the only obvious choice to eat after bowling.

We went and ate our weight in tortilla chips and white cheese (or ketchup if you are my kids) and drank sweet tea (all of which are not on my diet plan) and did a lot of laughing.

All in all it was a fabulously fun night out. Only thing missing was Hubs. Next time he can go and Daniel gets to stay with Grams. ~Smile~

**Because mama forgot her real camera, these pictures are courtesy of my iPhone, which for a phone aren't bad pics.

Don't Call Her That

2010-02-17T11:23:00.006-06:00

The other day I asked Makiah to pick up something and she jumped up and saluted me saying "Yes, ma'am". No we don't require saluting in our home. Don't ask me why she did that I have no idea.

Sam heard her say this and he became quit defensive. He rather loudly told Makiah, "Don't you call her that Kiah, she's no MAN, she's a girl". I laughed out loud and explained that she called me "ma'am", not MAN and that ma'am is what you say to women out of respect. I think he finally believed me, but it took some convincing. Kids are hilarious.

The iPod touch is a big deal around this house. There is only one. Its former owner was Hubs, but when Hubs and I got iPhones a couple of weeks ago, he passed the precious iPod touch to Makiah. Well, Sam wants to play the games on it too. So we force her into occasionally sharing with him. Well the other day Makiah was playing and I hear my sweet baby boy say:

"Gimme dat iPod", "I wanna pay games too on dat iPod, gimme". Daniel was demanding the iPod. I laughed because he knew what it was and what you could do with, but I was also slightly disturbed. Would you be disturbed that your 22 month old knows about an iPod touch?

As for me, I am still sick and so therefore could not start my C25K today. Hmpf! I really wanted to start today, but the pleurisy and bronchitis are still hanging out with me. Maybe Wednesday? I did do some Yoga on the Wii this morning. I am so tired of not exercising, but I also enjoy breathing, so I took it easy.

Heart Tip of the Day: Put the salt shaker down and step away. We all know that taking in too much salt isn't good for us, but who knew that decreasing our intake by such a small amount would be so beneficial. Here is a quote from an article in the New York Times, "If everyone consumed half a teaspoon less salt per day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths, according to the study which was conducted by scientists at the University of California San Francisco, Stanford University Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center." Staggering numbers!! If you want to read the whole article, which is interesting, click here. When you are cooking at home use a variety of other spices and herbs in your food. It is tastier and healthier than using all that salt.

Get Up Offa That Thang

2010-02-17T06:40:00.003-06:00

I am not a runner. I can honestly say that I am not sure that I was ever a runner. I mean I made do in P.E. but it wasn't something I enjoyed. Volleyball and tennis, yes. Running, no. I have been known to say such things as, "why run when you can walk" or "the only reason to run is if someone is chasing me". Yeah, you could definitely say that running isn't my thing. But in the last few weeks I have decided that I want to run. Maybe it's temporary insanity, probably is, and maybe it will last, no one knows, but for now I have decided to run. Maybe I should say that I want to run. Yes, that's better. It's more of a desire or goal right now than an actual thing I do.

Some of you or maybe all of you have probably heard of the Couch to 5K program. It's a training program for beginners {you could definitely call me a beginner} put out by Cool Running. Have you ever heard of a running festival? I hadn't. For some reason putting running and festival together as an event just seems, well not very festivalish in my opinion. Festivals usually involve bad for you but it tastes good food, jugglers and other such frivolity. It's amazing the things you learn reading a running website. Anyway, I am looking for some crazy, uh, I mean, brave people to join me in this endeavor. You all know that misery loves company. I'm just kidding. Lets just say that I am challenging others around me to get fit and be more active. It's a nine week program and you can print it off from the link above. Once a week I'll post about how I'm coping, hum I mean doing. I would love for some of my bloggity friends to join with me in getting off that couch and get moving. If any of you are interested I will add a Mr. Linky to my update posts and we will all groan, I meant, blog together.

My goal is of course to run a 5K and for me that 5K is in May, on the 15th. It's the annual Start! Heart Walk. It will be a momentous occasion. I will be celebrating my own healthy journey success, honoring my son by doing something for awareness and getting his mama healthy and raising funds for research and education. So for those of you who read this blog and will be participating in the Heart Walk with me, I suggest you get you running shoes out too. ~Smile~

In three short months, I will lace up my tennis shoes and run. {Insert Rocky Theme Song here}

I actually wrote this post two weeks ago, just been tweaking it. Hubs and I got new iPhones last week and guess what app I found. That's right a C25K app that actually talks you through each workout. YAY!! No stopwatches needed or running while trying to look at my watch (that would not be good). I've got my armband, I'm ready to go.

Well That Was a Wake Up Call

2010-02-16T05:56:00.000-06:00

My racing heart woke me up. I laid very still for a few minutes and felt my heart rate return to normal. I couldn't get a deep breathe so I sat up on the side of the bed. Heart racing again. I walked to the living room and planted myself in the recliner feeling exhausted, out of breath and a heart beat well over 1oo bpm (beats per minute). This little scene unfolded last Wednesday night. All day Thursday I just felt blah. I couldn't say I was sick, I just felt off. I was having a hard time getting a deep breath. I couldn't walk from one room to another without getting short of breath. Exercising was out of the question. Bending over picking up toys made me completely light headed. I felt like I was carrying around weights and I was so tired. I did a lot of sitting. My symptoms continued. Friday was the same, Saturday too. I noticed Saturday night that my wedding ring was no longer swinging around on my finger. I could hardly get if off. Sausages I had for fingers people. My left arm and my neck was hurting. By late Saturday night and Sunday morning I was totally scared. I really thought that I was experiencing a heart episode of some sort. Congestive heart failure was on the top of my list.

Sunday morning I got ready for church. It took me forever. I had to keep stopping and sitting down. I could barely get my hair fixed because I couldn't hold my arms up for very long. I decided that after church I would take myself to the urgent care clinic. After much deliberation we decided my mom would take me (didn't want the kids exposed to the germy waiting room). Diagnosis: Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Sinuitis and Double Ear Infection. I was relieved that I wasn't dying (even though I felt like it) and decided DEFINITELY that dying from heart issues is not how I want to go. Seriously, as if I needed a wake call. I got one anyway. Waking up with a racing heart and not being able to breathe is scary. What if the next time I don't wake up or it doesn't return to normal? Not questions I fancy asking myself or even thinking about.

Then in my inbox Monday morning I got a little email from Webmd. Yes, now my fears are justified, but somehow I am not comforted by that. I believe one of the greatest weapons or tools we have in our healthcare is knowledge. I google health issues way too much, but hey, I know my stuff. I know, without doubt, that knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes saves lives. Its proven. So I thought I would do you all a favor and share part of this article with you all.

Twelve Possible Heart Symptoms to NEVER Ignore:
1. Anxiety-a sense of impending doom
2. Chest discomfort
3. Cough
4. Dizziness
5. Fatigue-especially among women
6. Nausea or lack of appetite
7. Pain in other parts of the body-pain begins in the chest and spreads to the shoulders, arms, elbows, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. But sometimes there is no chest pain -- just pain in these other body areas. The pain might come and go.
8. Rapid or irregular pulse
9. Shortness of breath
10. Sweating
11. Swelling
12. Weakness

Now do you see why I was more that a little concerned that I was having a heart issue. I was having 8 of those symptoms. If it had been heart related, I probably wouldn't be sitting here typing this post today. I waited too long. I shouldn't have. I won't again.

Please go and read the entire article. It's not long but it's worth the read to you or your sister or your parents or your spouse. Its true that people who are overweight are at a greater risk for heart attack, but thin and seemingly healthy people have also fallen victim to heart attack and/or heart disease. Know the symptoms and never take them lightly.

Sweet Little Cora

2010-02-15T12:15:00.005-06:00

I am honored to be have Kristine as my guest blogger today. I met this mama on twitter, in the midst of her tragedy. I was drawn to her because we share a story and because of her desire to help other families never experience a similar tragedy. Kristine has inspired myself and countless others to speak up (more) about Congenital Heart Defects (Disease) and spread awareness. Even though our stories aren't the same and we have never met, we share a loss. Meet Cora and her amazing mama.

I don’t want congenital heart disease awareness week to end. Cora’s Story.

The official Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week ended yesterday. But, for me, every week is congenital heart disease awareness week.

My daughter Cora died of an undiagnosed and as of right now, unspecified, CHD at five days old.

Every day is Cora’s Day.

I work for her constantly.

Every week is a time to spread awareness.

Every month, I want to tell as many people as possible.

I didn’t know about congenital heart disease until after Cora was already dead. Since, I learned it’s the most common birth affect. Kills the most babies. Kills more babies than all forms of childhood cancer combined. So, I keep working for Cora and for all the little ones who lost their fight with congenital heart disease.

Cora and I hope to educate all mothers and fathers so less of these little one’s lose their fight. Valerie here at MamaLovelock has been working so hard for much longer than us to spread CHD awareness. We’re new to this battle, but lucky to have connected to so many mothers and fathers just as passionate as we are.

My biggest hope is one day there won’t be a need for a CHD Awareness week. But, for now the need is great.

No cure for congenital heart diseases currently exists. All that can be done are fixes to help as much as possible.

As Cora’s Story proves, not all congenital heart diseases are detected until it’s too late. More research is needed to find a way to pick up most, or all of these defects. Awareness helps fund research by gathering public support.

Until a sure fire test or screening method comes into place, arm new moms and dads should read the warning signs that their baby might be one of the one in 100 with a CHD and ask for a pulse oximetry test to pick up serious defects at between 24 to 48 hours. And, above all else, spend time reading about these heartbreaking conditions.

Kristine Brite McCormick writes about Cora (almost) daily on her blog, http://www.corasstory.org. If not on her blog, she can be found on Twitter, @kristinebrite or Cora’s Facebook Fan page telling Cora’s Story. Follow Kristine for more information about congenital heart disease or to learn more about the acts of compassion and kindness Cora has inspired.

{Today's post is in pink, for Cora}

Bit O Sweetness

2010-02-11T19:53:00.002-06:00

Innocent you think?

Oh no! He is a wrecking ball on feet!!
This cute face is hiding the mess he made behind him.
But he is SO cute!

You're wondering where my posts are that I have been working on? Still unfinished. Yes, today I am leaving you with lil sweetie and nothing more. I'll try harder tomorrow. Really.

Heart Tip of the Day: Whittling away your middle!! Measure your waist, if it's bigger around than 35 inches for women and 40 for men, then you are at an increased risk for heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Time to get serious about making a dent in that extra flab--get active and get rid of simple sugars and white floured foods. These are the foods that like to cling to your middle. Even reducing those foods is better than nothing. Being more active seems to be a running theme in the prevention of heart disease. You can be thin and be unhealthy. Everyone should be active, eating whole grains and limiting simple sugars and white floured food. We in the Lovelock house are doing our best to limit these things (especially the mama), it's hard, but it can be done. By no means have we accomplished it yet.

The Great Battle

2010-02-10T09:49:00.004-06:00

I love my husband and I love being married. But for those who don't know marriage is hard. It takes work to make a marriage work. That puppy love feeling when you are first dating/engaged/married, doesn't keep you for very long and then you have to find what is that real and that even-thought-I-am-mad-at-you-right-now-and-don't-agree-with-you-right-now love needs to, has to kick in. Marriage has ups and downs, turns and curves just like that big scary (to me anyway) roller coaster. We've laughed, cried, yelled and sat in silence. We are constantly learning how to make our marriage work. It's a process. We change, grow and our marriage has to too, that's why this is a process. I called it the great battle, because we are battling to keep our marriage alive, fresh, happy and loving. Every married couple I know should read this book. Every engaged person I know should read this book. Every person who wants to be married should read this book.

I absolutely loved this book!! The Eldredge's are so real, open and transparent. They use their marriage as example to the rest of us. I love to read books that make us think and challenge us to be better people. The authors did that for me in this book. They candidly discuss challenges their marriage faced and how they overcame those challenges. In a day and time when marriages are ending in droves, knowing how to fight for your marriage is important. It's a book that reveals and encourages. It reveals what you're doing wrong and encourages you that just because this, this and this are wrong doesn't mean you have to call the nearest divorce lawyer. Here is what the publisher has to say:

What the Eldredge bestsellers Wild at Heart did for men, and Captivating did for women, LOVE & WAR will do for married couples everywhere. John and Stasi Eldredge have contributed the quintessential works on Christian spirituality through the experience of men and the experience of women and now they turn their focus to the incredible dynamic between those two forces.

With refreshing openness that will grab readers from the first page, the Eldredges candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the challenges they faced. Each talks independently to the reader about what they’ve learned, giving their guidance personal immediacy and a balance between the male and female perspectives that has been absent from all previous books on this topic. They begin LOVE & WAR with an obvious but necessary acknowledgement: Marriage is fabulously hard. They advise that the sooner we get the shame and confusion off our backs, the sooner we'll find our way through.

LOVE & WAR shows couples how to fight for their love and happiness, calling men and women to step into the great adventure God has waiting for them together.

Let's face it, none of us have our marriages completely perfect. Mostly due to the fact that marriages are made up of people, imperfect people. So anyone or any book that can give us hints and helps along this marriage journey can only benefit us.

To purchase this book and other great books visit WaterBrook Multnomah.

This book was provided to me by WaterBrook Multnomah for review.

Heart Tip of the Day: Drink Green Tea. "This potent beverage contains several powerful antioxidants that reduce cholesterol and may even lower blood pressure. To make a day's supply, bring 20 ounces of water to a boil, drop in three decaffeinated green tea bags, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags, and refrigerate the tea. When cool, pour the tea into a container, add ice if you like, and sip throughout the day."~~Info used from Prevention.

Randomness, It Becomes Me

2010-02-09T09:16:00.007-06:00

Snowed in. Again.

Well, it's not really that bad outside (its bad enough), but I won't be leaving this house today. Mostly because today is the day Hubs is gone for. EVER. He left early this morning for work and then at one this afternoon he goes to class and he is there for nine hours straight. I would feel sorry for him, but I am here everyday, all day with three kiddos. He will survive the nine hours of class. We could switch, I could go to class and he could stay home. ~Smile~ I get the feeling from him that he would prefer to go to class.

I packed four boxes yesterday. I packed. I am so sick of packing and unpacking. I told Hubs the other night that after all the moving we have done in the last two years he better like where we are moving in St. Louis, because I don't want to even consider moving for at least three years. On the upside, every time we move I get rid of more stuff. Eventually there will be nothing left but our clothes and shoes and even they are getting sparse. ~Smile~

We are going to save most of our tax refund and when we move we are buying new living room furniture. I am so excited! We have been blessed and up until now we have never bought new living room furniture. So I am having fun window shopping in my pj's looking at all the options. I have quite the living room laid out in my head! Now hopefully our tax refund will match up with my desires! ~Smile~

I have four started posts that I am working on editing and finishing and now I just need to decide when they should go up. I obviously have a lot to say, I just don't know when. Makes perfect sense.

Unfortunately my cleaning is about as random as this post. I start in one place, go put something away and start cleaning there and then get sidetracked putting something else away and so nothing is getting done. Off to focus my attentions on the kids bathroom. I'm afraid of what might be growing in there. From there I don't know where this day will take me.

Heart Tip of the Day: Stay hydrated. It is so important that we keep ourselves hydrated. The recommended amount we need everyday is 64 ounces of water. Staying hydrated keeps our electrolytes in balance, in effect keeping the electricity, that keeps our hearts pumping, charging effectively. Dehydration causes muscle cramps and can cause a heart attack if severe enough. This is especially important if you are very physically active (work or exercise) and if it is extremely hot outside. Fluid of any kind can keep you hydrated, but water is calorie free and is really good for your metabolism.

"Chicken and Mac-e Cheese"

2010-02-08T09:30:00.007-06:00

I am not sure of what to write today, so you all are getting a post off the cuff. This is it, as it rolls out of my brain.

This week is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. Statistics say that 81 babies everyday in the United States are born with CHD. Some parents, like my Hubs and I, know in advance at least some of the problems before the baby is born and other parents are not as fortunate and are completely caught off guard. CHD, if undiagnosed can cause heart failure suddenly and is one of the leading causes in juvenile sporting event deaths. My precious Nathaniel is a CHD statistic. He is the reason I walk in the Heart Walk. He is the reason I spend all of February focusing on heart month. He is the reason I take candy up to the nurses on the heart floor at Children's Hospital once a year. This year I made broaches for myself, my mom and a twitter friend. I am also making pins for the people that will be walking with me in the heart walk. Awareness of CHD WILL save lives.

I guess, because I have been doing a lot of talking about Nathaniel in the last few days my emotions are just a little exposed, more so than usual. Yesterday in church they sang a beautiful song. I love the song, but it was one of the songs they sang at Nathaniel's funeral. I bawled and bawled. It took me straight back to his funeral, it was as if I was there, all over again. Don't get me wrong I have relived his death and funeral many times, but last night as I sat there listening and crying I did what I normally do~I recall the last thing he ever said to me. Remembering, hearing his little voice in my head always brought me comfort. His voice is fading. It's getting harder to remember what he sounded like. It was hard for me to recall last night, it took longer to remember (which probably accounted for a lot of those tears). I don't like that. I don't want to forget what he sounded like. In the first few weeks after his death I would wake up startled because I thought I heard him calling for me and now I am having a hard time remembering his voice. Last night was the first time in awhile I tried to recall his voice and it upset me when I had a hard time remembering.

So when I went to bed last night I prayed. I prayed for peace. I was really struggling. I told God that I didn't want to forget. I went to sleep and I dreamed of Nathaniel. Sweet happy dreams. I could hear him singing, playing, laughing and saying mama. I needed that.

I miss my baby boy. I will always miss him. I will have a few days now and again where my grief is raw and real. But the days that I think of him and smile now far outnumber painful days. Though grief is real and hard and overwhelming at times, eventually it gets better and you find yourself surviving, just surviving, your loss. Then over time you realize that you aren't just surviving, you are thriving despite the loss and moving forward.

Today's heart tip is simply to hug someone, an extra long I am so glad you are in my life and what would I do without you, hug. Its amazing what a hug will do for you and the one you are hugging.

*Chicken and Mac-e cheese was the last thing Nathaniel ever said to me, besides calling for mama.

I'm Seeing RED

2010-02-05T09:54:00.003-06:00

Today is National Wear Red Day to support the Go RED for women program. I made broaches for my mom and I this year, red and silver with a heart on them. Every year hundreds of thousands of women die due to heart disease and 90 percent of those deaths were preventable. Scary! I don't want to be a statistic, that's why I am losing weight and making healthier choices. Thirty minutes a day of activity (a walk, dancing with your kids, etc) will improve your heart health. Not smoking and limiting fried foods will also reduce your risk factors.

A couple of months ago I got a recipe from a great blog, Owlhaven. I love, love, love her blog. She has no idea how much I admire her and envy her kitchen. But anyway, she posted a recipe called Thai Beef Chard Wraps. It sounded good and so I tried it out on my family. Course, I changed it up a bit, but the basics were from her. So I gave the link to the original recipe above and below is my own version of it. It is so easy and so YUMMY! It is also very very healthy.

Thai Turkey Wraps

1 lb. of ground turkey breast
1/4 c. of soy sauce
1.5 c of shredded carrots
Olive oil (just enough to keep the turkey from sticking)
Onion flakes (my kids won't eat it if they can see the onion)
Pepper to taste
Crushed red pepper to taste
1 clove of garlic
1 head of red romaine lettuce

Heat oil, onion and garlic in skillet. Add and brown the turkey. Once the turkey is cooked through remove it from the skillet (leave as much of the juice in there as possible). If you don't have a lot of juices then I usually add a little more olive oil and then throw those carrots in. You won't need to cook them for long, you want them to stay a little crunchy. After you get the carrots to your desired cookedness then add the turkey back in. Then add your soy sauce and get everything tumbled together.

I use red romaine instead of chard but really you can use whatever lettuce wrappings you like. I was off the whole head of lettuce and pull all leaves off. I pat them dry and we're ready to wrap.

My kids like this because they get to wrap up their food and they eat so much lettuce, it's shocking really. Usually there is just enough left me the next day for lunch. If I am in a hurry and don't want to wrap them up, I tear up the remaining lettuce leaves, warm up the turkey mix and have a warm "salad" and eat it with a fork.

My version is a little different than Owlhaven's but both are good. I have used different veggies too. The first time I put carrots, cauliflower and red bell pepper in it. That was good too. Be creative and pack those veggies in. My kids love it!

The recipe as it is above the whole pan is only 615 calories, 5 fat grams, 21 carbs, 5 grams of fiber and 116 grams of protein!!! Fabulously good and healthy. The more veggies the higher the fiber without adding tons of calories.

We have enough to deal with everyday with laundry, cleaning, child rearing and blogging to have to worry about heart health or remember to take a hand full of pills. Making some simple changes everyday can add years to your life.

Heart Tip of the Day: Eat chocolate! I love this one, its my favorite heart healthy tip! Dark chocolate has heart healthy "stuff" (I know I am so technical and you are so impressed) and has shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Milk chocolate doesn't have the same effect, so look for the 60-70% dark chocolate. Satisfy that sweet tooth and don't feel guilty! Remember the old saying "everything in moderation"~~that holds true to this. Over eating anything isn't good for you, so keep that in mind~~even with our beloved chocolate.

When the Bathroom Door is Locked

2010-02-02T14:20:00.004-06:00

Nothing good can be happening when your four year old is locked in the bathroom and all he was supposed to be doing was washing his hands.

Saturday was a long, long day. Sam was really on a roll of seeing how many things he could do that he is not supposed to do. Most of them were the little things, but after awhile, all those little things make for one big mountain of "I TOLD YOU TO STOP THAT SON" and lots of naughty spot time. Needless to say by dinner time my patience was gone and my nerves were frayed. All of my sanity clung to the one nerve that was holding on with gritted teeth.

I was getting plates of food ready and I gave Makiah and Sam very clear and simple instructions: "Go wash your hands, with soap, dry them and come to the table and sit down." Makiah did that, no problem at all. About two minutes went by and I realized that only one darling child was in her seat. I came down the hall to check on Sam and I hear the sink running. The bathroom door is shut. Not good. I reach for the door knob and it's locked. {That last nerve is about to give up} I tell him, a little louder than I needed to probably, to "OPEN THIS DOOR NOW". He does and just as he opens the door the sink begins spilling over the counter and onto the floor. I dash in and turn it off. About an inch and a half of water is headed for the hallway carpet. My last nerve then let go, realizing all was lost in sanity for that day. I sent Sam across the hall to his room and I threw towels on the floor to stop the flood. I felt it best not to say any thing to Sam at that particular moment, just to sit in his room. Wisdom, people, it was wisdom. Once all the water was soaked up, I then went and spoke with Sam. We had a long talk about why we first, do not lock the bathroom door~~EVER, second, why it is no good to run so long that the water over the sink and third, why we need to go eat all of our dinner or he would be going to bed right then. He said sorry, I said I love you and all was well. After that he even ate all his dinner. {I think he knew that it would not be a good time to say you don't like dinner}

Oh and remember the mural Sam drew on the wall when we first moved in here, well Daniel calls it by name. Yes, apparently to Daniel it resembles Bob the Tomato and so every time Daniel walks down the hall, he says "hi Bob".

Heart Tip for the Day

Fiber--you aren't eating enough. I can safely say that unless you are eating Fiber One products or adding a supplement to your diet. Most of us don't come even close to getting all the fiber we need. The powers that decide how much of what we should have, states that we need 35 grams of fiber a day. Soluble fiber is found in oats, rice, bran, dried beans and apples, it's also found in broccoli--which is good to help prevent colon cancer. Fiber helps lower cholesterol, which boosts heart health. I have tried the Fiber One products and I actually, must to my surprise, liked them! The yogurt is good and the Strawberry Almond Oat Bars are really good. Have some fiber today, you just never know how it might be helping you.

Heart Health Awareness Month

2010-02-01T14:34:00.000-06:00

As you know, if you read here often, I kind of feel passionately about heart health. I am a budding advocate spreading the word about congenital heart disease, raising awareness to expecting parents and supporting those parents who are surviving it. I want my parents to live a long, healthy life and I want my children to grow up physically active and heart healthy. And last, but not least I want to live a long, long time. Again, I am still in the process of losing weight and becoming the healthy person I desire to be. Many of the current cases of heart disease were and are preventable. If it can be prevented then I want to prevent it. Don't you?

Are you heart health aware? Do you know your numbers? Do you even know what numbers I'm talking about? No, I am not talking about your phone number. I'm talking the numbers that can have disastrous effects if they are not the right numbers. Cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, weight and BMI. Are you at risk for a heart attack or stroke? Do you think you're healthy or do you know you are?? This month all over the country there will be activities, drives, clinics and talks about your heart and its health. It's the engine that keeps our bodies going, it's important that we take care of it.

So this month will be a mixed bag here on Mamalovelock. I will have a couple of guest bloggers, a challenge, a book review, tips and of course, family adventures. This blog would not be complete with out the typical adventures of the Lovelock kids.

February 5th~~Go Red Day!! Wear red and support the cause for educating women in heart heath!

February 7-14th~~Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week (more about this later)

Also during the month many retailers help out the American Heart Association by asking patrons to add a dollar to their bill. I encourage everyone to do that at least once. It's only a dollar and it goes to research. I can't help but think that it was someone's dollar(s) that helped get the information and technology to the talented doctors that helped Nathaniel live as long as he did and as well as he did.

The tips I am posting is things I have learned over the years. If it isn't mine then I will credit where it came from.

Brrrrr. . . I'm Cold!!

2010-01-31T10:18:00.003-06:00

But not too cold to go shoe shopping with my mom in a minute. That's right, I'm braving the negative wind chill temp, the seven inches of snow and I am going shoe shopping. We didn't have Sunday School this morning due to the weather and neither did my mom. No sense in sitting around, got things to do!! We do have church this afternoon and I'm happy about that, I hate it when we miss a service, I just feel incomplete.

I hope all my bloggity friends have a warm and blessed Sunday. I have been singing this song for two weeks! I hope you enjoy it too!!

Heart Month is Coming!!!

2010-01-29T12:27:00.003-06:00

I am really excited about the things going on in my life right now. Faith riding (much like wave riding in my mind), losing weight and getting healthy, cleaning out my house and packing to move (AGAIN!) and getting organized in general! Things around here are getting in tip top shape and I'm lovin' it! Don't get me wrong we still have the normal kid adventures and laundry, it just never ends, and all the other stuff too. But things around here are all coming together so well and for this I am thankful.

Anyway, on to the point of this post: Heart month is right around the corner. February is the chosen month, chosen by whomever decides those things, for raising awareness and funds for the American Heart Association for Heart Disease and Stroke education, research, prevention and cure. If you have been reading my blog for at least a year you know that last year I did a focus blurb everyday, or close to it, about heart disease and healthy things for heart and body. {If you go to the bottom of the page under my labels and click on the heart label, you will see those posts.} I plan on doing that again this year, but I also hope to have a couple of guest bloggers, a book review, a challenge and some other really cool stuff!! I am very excited about it!! I am also really enjoying the exclamation point today!! I've changed my bloggity theme a couple days early and I am already working on the first couple of posts.

February 5th is Go Red Day. Grab your favorite red shirt or buy a new one and support Go Red!! February 7-14th is Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. I'll tell you all more about this in the coming days.

Bloggity hugs to all my bloggity pals. Have a happy Friday!!

Remodeling From the Inside Out

2010-01-27T10:51:00.005-06:00

Amazing things have already begun. 2010~~we've stepped off into faith and the journey will take us up hills, across rivers, over bridges and right over mountains, all while knowing that God is leading us, carrying us and protecting us. Part of the process is internal, personal, life changing.

Remodel: –verb (used with object), -eled, -el⋅ing or (especially British) -elled, -el⋅ling.

1.	to model again.

2.	to reconstruct; make over.

That would be me, I'm undergoing a make over. You know occasionally you have to look in the mirror and say, "you need a change woman", "you need to do ______", you should really ______". Most of the time when we think of a make over, we think hair, shoes, clothes (which I won't turn down shoes and clothes if you're offering). But I'm talking about a make over that starts within. An update, so to speak. The Bible says in Luke 12:48 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. The last few days this has been me, looking in the mirror. Though it's not always easy, its ALWAYS necessary. Its how we grow, realizing the areas we lack in and making changes. This scripture as been a constant thought here the last few days. I have been given so much and am about to be given more, I need to change some things and give more of myself.

One of my priorities this year is more Bible. That was not an incomplete sentence. That's what I am making a priority, putting more Bible in our day, starting with me. Back in the day, a senior in high school I was, I read the Bible through in a year. It was awesome! I have for several years wanted to repeat that goal. This is my year! I went out and bought a One Year Bible (no more charts and check marks) and I am loving it!! I actually bought the Chronological Bible and I am enjoying it so much. It is what it's called, chronological. Nothing like reading the book of Job in the middle of Genesis, when it actually happened. I use my other Bibles for study, but my time with daily reading is just to feed my spirit, its watering my orchard you could say.

Another way we are adding more Bible into our day is having Bible time, three times a day. I know you are thinking, WHAT?! It has been great. We have morning devotions (which aren't new). We have a short, like 10 minutes or less devotion and then we each pray, Mama, Makiah and Sam. And daddy too, if he's here, most of the time he has already left for the day. Then around lunch time we either listen to the Bible on CD or work on our memory passage. Then in the evening when we are winding down we read a story before bed, but we also read a few scriptures together and of course night night prayers. I want to teach my children that God~prayer and Bible reading should be a part of their day no matter how busy we are. If I teach them young then they won't have to learn this concept when they are older. We teach by example. If I read my Bible despite the many things I have to do, they will know that Bible reading is a priority.

Makiah has been asking and asking for the Word of Promise Next Generation Audio Bible for about three months. We bought it for her about two weeks ago. I gave it to her and the reaction I got was amazing. I actually think she was more excited about the audio Bible than her DS she got for Christmas. I was thrilled about that! I want her to have a heart for God and His word. I don't want her to ever lose that. Yesterday in devotion we were talking about all the things we should and shouldn't do (rules of the house basically) and she said, "whew, sometimes it's hard to always do the right thing, but I know God will give me the strength to do it." My heart soared and instantly I prayed, never let her forget that.

See my remodel won't just affect me, my whole family, my friends and those I'm trying to reach out too, will get the benefits too.

This is the One with the BIG News

2010-01-22T16:25:00.001-06:00

By the time you are reading this, I will already be in St. Louis. Whatayaknow, I can write posts in advance. It has been so long since I actually finished on in advance, I almost forgot how!?!

My family and I are in St. Louis this weekend. Three lovely days, with lovely people, making plans. Are you ready for my big news that I have been keeping to myself for nearly four months?!?!

In May, the Lovelocks are moving back to St. Louis. {This is good news, but not the news that's BIG}

We are not moving back because of the lovely people that we already know over there. Oh, no, it's for a much bigger reason. A much more daunting and yet exciting reason.

God has yet again laid St. Louis on Hubs and my heart. We feel a deep pressing burden for St. Louis and we know it's time. Time to step into that next role.

We are going back to St. Louis to start a Home Missions church in the inner city. Selah. {Selah: to pause and ponder}

This is huge, scary, exciting and well, thrilling. When we first made the decision, I will admit that my knees were knocking!! There are many reasons for my nervousness, but mostly it was just carnal fear. Fear of the unknown, fear for jobs and housing and money, fear of failure. But over the last several months God has proven to us, well really me Hubs didn't need proof, that we are in the midst of a miracle.

As I stated here, this is my year of faith, the year of miracles. We have already seen God's hand at work, clearing the way before us. So this weekend we will be in meetings, casting our vision, sharing our burden, make lists of the "stuff" we need for a church (like a building, LOL) and all the while we are sure of God's plan.

I have learned, multiple times, that God's plan is higher than mine, His thoughts and intentions higher than mine and if I just follow along and do as I am led, then everything is fine. We never expected to live in St. Louis again. A painful but true thought. We actually assumed our next move would be closer to Hubs family in Bean Town, but there we are again, with God's plans being higher than mine.

Don't be surprised if I testify of God's goodness along the way. I want Him to get all the glory. If you are a person of prayer, I am asking that you would say a prayer for us.

Now, enough typing for tomorrow~~I HAVE TO PACK!

God Continues to Blow My Mind

2010-01-21T12:45:00.007-06:00

God is amazing! I know that I have only shared bits and pieces of Daniel's story on here, but in the last 5 months God has worked some amazing things in my baby's life.

Daniel has been getting physical therapy for 16 months now. Occupational therapy for one year and speech therapy for 5 months. He had several delays that were very concerning. It's a long story that I won't write all out today because its very long and I want to type a detailed account, so everyone sees the miracles along the way.

But today, I want to share the miracle that happened on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Daniel had missed speech therapy for three weeks due to the illnesses that kept plaguing our home. When she arrived he was happy to see her. This was a little surprising because he hadn't seen her and I figured he wouldn't want to play with her. Everyone sat down and I just kept praying that he would talk for her. He talks all the time, but sometimes for other people he doesn't know well or see frequently he clams up. He'll sign but not speak. I just kept silently praying. Well she brought a new toy that he had never seen before and he just talked and talked and repeated big words. Showed off his sentence speaking skills, his singing skills and played and laughed and interacted the whole time. My heart was bursting! She looked up at me and said, "he doesn't need me". YES!! That's what this mama wanted to hear!!!! As they were playing she was evaluating him. Here's the run down, I'm laying it out slow so that the miracle is obvious (not that I think you won't get it, but it's so much better with details):

~~August 2009: Speech evaluation shows language delays only. Cognitively he was fine. He signed four words and had no real (spoken frequently and you know what they are) words. Speech therapy to begin immediately.
~~January 2010: Speech evaluation shows not only is he age appropriate, in some things he tested at a three year old level. A vocabulary of over 100 words, speaking in full sentences. Discharged from speech therapy.

Speech therapist was good, but I think he missed more than he saw her because of illness. He went from nothing to being ahead in five short months. Now you can call it luck or give all the credit to speech therapist but as for me and our family we are GIVING ALL THE GLORY TO GOD. This is just one more miracle that is contained in the BIG miracle he gave us through Daniel.

Daniel not only does all those verbal things I mentioned, but he also counts to ten, by himself. I am not hallucinating. All I have to do is say one and he takes off! He also hums the tune to the ABC song. He sings O, How I Love Jesus, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Old MacDonald.

This is not luck, dear friends. Daniel has had heavenly intervention!

Cheesy boy!! Another blurry pic! I am not happy with this camera, at least the subject is cute!

On the Cusp of Sharing

2010-01-19T16:44:00.003-06:00

There is BIG news that I have been keeping for about four months now. No, I'm not pregnant. That's what a LOT of people love to think of first. In just a few short days I'll be able to completely fill in all my bloggity friends, but I'll have to keep you in suspense a couple days longer. Just know that this is HUGE.

As for the rest of this post, a list, that's what I have today friends~a list:

1. I have lost 13 pounds since January 1st. Ecstatic!

2. Daniel was discharged from a second therapy (Speech) today. Two done, one to go. The boy speaks in full sentences now, he does not need speech therapy. God is so good!!

3. I am still cleaning out toys, closets and stuff! Ugh! I want to get it done, but sickness, school and playing Wii seem to get in the way. Don't judge, 'kay?

4. In my Haiti post last week I told you about A and R, well R landed in Florida yesterday and is traveling to his new home in the Midwest to part of a beautiful family stateside!! I fully believe God is working on taking care of the littlest victims of the Haiti earthquake.

5. My laundry is piled high again. I want to know who is using all these clothes??!??

6. God is so good to me and I can't wait to share all the mini miracles that are happening to us!!

Well, this concludes my terrific Tuesday post. I hope you all are having a blessed day!

Every Woman Should Read This Book

2010-01-15T10:56:00.000-06:00

What a great read!! I am lovin' this book!!

The Male Factor, The Unwritten Rules, Misperceptions and Secret Beliefs of Men in the Workplace, by Shaunti Feldhahn is a great read for every woman. For the women that work in a company with a male majority, you need to read this book! Ms. Feldhahn uses ground-breaking research to reveal men as they have never been before. Here is what the publisher has to say about the book:

Many talented women today risk undermining their careers without realizing it, simply because they don’t understand how they are perceived by their male colleagues and customers.
In The Male Factor, best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn reveals the inner reality behind men’s views — the unspoken expectations that no man would dare to publicly acknowledge, and no woman would learn from an HR department. These revelations include:

• Men’s unwritten ‘rules’ of the workplace
• How men perceive workplace emotion
• What common situations with female colleagues most frustrate men-- and why
• Why revealing clothing can sabotage a woman’s effectiveness
• Why some men think flextime is fine, but equal compensation for it is not

The Male Factor equips women with the information they need to make informed decisions and compete on a level playing field.

I wish I had had this book 10 years ago, it truly reveals what men are thinking, how the react and the reasons behind it. This book would have helped me greatly over the years and the knowledge that I have taken from it will definitely prove worthwhile. The following are a couple of quotes from the book:

"Because men can't think as clearly when they are experiencing strong emotion, they assume women can't either."

"Understanding this inner uncertainty unlocks many frustrating dynamics, such as the double standard that men are assertive while strong women are difficult."

Personally, I think every woman should read this book, not just those in business. Nothing wrong with learning more about how your husband, brother, boss or any other male in your life thinks, reacts and feels.

For this book and a lot of other great reads check out Random House.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

I Can't Imagine

2010-01-14T17:29:00.006-06:00

Haiti. I could probably stop right there and you would know exactly what I am talking about.

Even though I have wonderful internet access and I am online frequently throughout the day, I tend to stay away from the news. That's right, I went all day yesterday not even realizing that Haiti had even had an earthquake. I kept seeing tweets about praying for Haiti and tragedy, but I didn't realize. I just didn't realize. I finally surfed over to a news outlet and was horrified by what I saw. Destruction, death, tears and sad, scared little faces.

It was at that moment that I remembered Daniel's physical therapist and her family. She is the sweetest person and her and her husband have had paperwork going for two year, TWO YEARS to bring home a sweet little Haitian boy. The Haitian government is still holding his birth certificate or something and R is still there. My heart squeezed and I prayed that R was safe. This morning I called A (the therapist) and she told me that none of the children in his building were hurt, but their orphanage sustained substantial damage. It isn't safe for them to go in, so the children and their caretakers are sleeping outside, in a neighboring courtyard. A told me that they have food, but their biggest concern is access to clean water. A's husband is traveling there next week to check on R, spend time with him and help out with repairs. Even within the tragedy that R and the others are sleeping outside, there is much to rejoice for~~they were not harmed! The Lord was watching over them. The buildings on both sides caved in and fell to the ground, but the orphanage, though damaged, remained standing.

All day today I have thought about those mothers who are helpless to help tonight. I have felt helpless before, but never on such a great magnitude. Mothers who are trying to keep their little ones safe, clean and fed. My heart hurts for them. My heart hurts for A and her husband, a child they love is sleeping outside tonight and doesn't have clean water, and there is nothing they can do.

I can't imagine my babies not having a nice comfy bed to sleep in, with plenty of blankets. I can't imagine not having such a simple thing (here in USA anyway) as clean water to drink and bathe in. I can't imagine waiting on a UN Peacekeeper to drop off food so my babies can eat. These are supposed to be things everyone should have. I can't imagine not knowing if my loved ones are safe because we can't reach each other. As I type my kiddos are splashing around in the bath tub, laughing and playing. I am crying. Crying for those mama's who are helpless tonight. Crying for those parents who lost babies. Crying for those who don't know if their loved ones are okay.

There are several websites where you can donate money to help the people of Haiti, here are a couple that are reputable:

Red Cross

Compassion

Tonight, as I tuck my babies in bed, I'll probably hug them a little longer, we will pray for those children, mama's and papa's that need help tonight. See, disaster can strike at anytime, to anyone. Tuesday it was Haiti, 2005 it was New Orleans, tomorrow it could be the the heart of the United States. What would you want if it was you? I know that I would want people to care and pray. I can do both of those things. What can you do?

An Exciting New Review!!

2010-01-08T14:08:00.004-06:00

Want to lose weight? Have you been trying to off and on, unsuccessfully? I had the opportunity to review a book about such a topic. As you all know, I have been on a weight loss journey and because last year wasn't as successful as I had hoped it would be, I jumped at the chance to read this book.

In The One Day Way, by Chantel Hobbs, she talks of her own journey through weight loss and combines her story with the practical advice to those of us still striving for health and fitness. The concept is simple really, taking things one day at a time. Celebrating the "bite size" victories as they come and forgetting those past failures that hold us back. She brings the power of positive thinking and faith in the weight loss arena. Most of us tend to let our past slip-ups dictate our current journey. Mrs. Hobbs takes you through how to measure success, laying a new foundation, building a new you, and the road to completion. All the way from changing your thinking, to your food choices and even has exercises to help you along the way. Another aspect of this book that I thoroughly enjoy is the personal stories of other people who have used The One Day Way and had great success! How inspiring is it to see others making a life change? Here are just a few quotes from the book to wet your appetite, so to speak. ~Smile~

"Progress is not made in huge steps. It is achieved in bite-size successes." pg. 7

"When you define success at the achievement of long-range goals, you're bound to feel like a failure sooner or later." pg. 35

"The One-Day Way focuses your efforts and your celebrations on one day: today." pg. 36

Anyone on a diet needs to read this book!

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah. To purchase this or other great reads, check out WaterBrook Multnomah.

YUM, YUM, First Recipe of the New Year!!

2010-01-06T13:17:00.005-06:00

I have been on a serious hunt to find this family some new, healthy, satisfying recipes! I have actually come up with several, probaby enough to have two new meals a week!! I made one of those new recipes last night and it was YUM-O! I got the recipe off of Spark Recipes, there are TONS of recipes over there and they all have the nutritional info with them, which is the main reason I love the site so much. I am not usually a big sausage eater, I mean if I'm going to have pork it's going to be bacon, but this sounded so good!! Here goes:

Easy Sausage Veggie Balls

Ingredients:

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2) Spray nonstick cooking oil on a cookie sheet

3) Slice tomatoes in half and squeeze juices out over the sink before dicing them. This will prevent meatballs from being too watery

4) Mix all ingredients together (with hands) and roll into 6 balls

5) Place balls on cookie sheet and bake in oven for about 25-30 minutes.

Number of Servings: 6

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user BLUESUNSHINEFL. (me giving credit where credit is due)

Number of Servings: 6

Now, I had to cook mine a little longer, but that could just be my obsessive desire to make sure all our meat is thoroughly cooked through. I'm funny like that. I ate them alone, but you could have a side of your choice. I also forgot tomatoes, so no tomatoes in there for us, but I did quick steam some shredded cabbage (about a half cup) and threw it in there.

Because of one sick kid, one picky kid and one kid that couldn't wait until dinner to eat (he ate a Graduate meal and went to bed early), I am the only one that ate them. Hubs worked until 10 last night so he just had a snack when he got home. I thought up something delicious for lunch today with one leftover ball (there are two more in the fridge). I took it out, smashed it up and heated it up. I sliced an apple. I took two slices and sliced them very thin. I pulled out a whole wheat tortilla, layered on the thin apples slices and the smashed up, warm sausage ball and rolled it up. DELISH!! One the side I ate the rest of the apple. So good and so healthy. Two meals from one recipe, I like that.

Frugaltivity of this meal:
$2.25 Sausage
$2.00 Ricotta cheese (didn't use the whole container)~~$.150
$1.00 Frozen Spinach (didn't use whole bag)~~$0.40
I had all the spices already and cabbage left from another meal.
Total: $4.15 approximately $0.70 per serving YAY!!!

And yes, frugaltivity is my own word. Thank you. No applause necessary.

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 145.1

Total Fat: 8.5 g
Cholesterol: 44.5 mg
Sodium: 80.3 mg
Total Carbs: 5.6 g
Dietary Fiber: 1.0 g
Protein: 4.7 g

Toss, Toss, Keep

2010-01-05T22:55:00.005-06:00

I've hit spring cleaning two months early. He he he Because I have mentioned before that I feel like I am domestically challenged I figure if I clean out a bunch of stuff then there is less stuff to clean up, wash, fold or put away so, I am mid-winter cleaning.

I am cleaning out closets and toys and I have more donations than I am keeping. YAY!! I am doing some serious weeding on our toy collection. I am too sentimental about toys and I always think, "oh they might play with that" or "ahhh, but that was. . . " and so every time I weed out, I always leave back more than I should. Not this week. Reality is, they aren't going to play with them. Period. End of discussion. Toys, clothes, old puzzles, games and books~~nothing is safe!

I'm cleaning out my clothes too. Another area in which I am overly sentimental. "Oh but if I lose 15 pounds that would be really cute" or "I just can't throw that out", come on woman, let it go!!! This is what I told myself, if I throw everything that I can't wear or won't wear E.V.E.R. again then I get to buy new stuff. ~~Smile~~See I haven't really blogged about it, but I am still endeavoring to drop a significant amount of weight and so therefore I will need new clothes. The light bulb finally came on; I don't want to lose weight and wear old clothes. When I lose weight I want new clothes. {Can I get an AMEN} I have actually added to the budget a very small Valerie-just-lost-all-this-weight-NOW-SHOP category. Hubs is in total agreement, actually it was his idea from a long time ago.

I am also weeding out our kitchen "stuff". For some reason we have a LOT of kitchen random thingys that never actually gets used, so it's going out the door too. Space in the kitchen is an issue, I DON"T HAVE ENOUGH, so if its not being used or I don't even know what its used for, it has to go. Like the coffee pot that I am not sure even works and is sitting in the bottom of the pantry collecting dust because we don't drink coffee. And other random items that just seem to be hanging around. Oh and the storage area on our patio is getting a good cleaning out and re-organizing as soon I am done with the stuff inside. Like I said before, nothing is safe.

Makiah is sick, again. Strep throat, pray saints, pray that NO ONE ELSE gets it. {I am serious about the praying, I may even call a fast} The whole house smells like disinfectant wipes and bleach, but I left no door knob uncleaned. I thought about wiping her down with one, but then decided against it.

Other than a major clean out, school resuming, trying to advance to the next level in Mario Bros Wii and Makiah being sick, it's been a pretty calm start to the New Year. How about you?

Faith, Family and Frugality

2010-01-02T11:56:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year!! May it be blessed and joyful!!

The other day I had a big, long post up about my thoughts on the new year. I came back a day later and took it down. It wasn't a bad post, I just didn't think it made sense to anyone outside of my brain, which is everyone. So in the interest of keeping the two readers I have and not appearing to be a babbling, sleep deprived mama, this is my new New Year post.

Every year we sit down and create new ways to frustrate ourselves (resolutions) and feel guilty (failing at those resolutions) and so this year I am not setting resolutions. I am however setting some goals, which we all should do, we should all be working toward something. I have thought of a great way to sum up exactly what I want in the year 2010~~Healthy in Every Way. Most of the time we use the term healthy when speaking of our physical beings or our mental status. I am speaking in terms of faith, family, frugality. First I sat down and decided what the definition of healthy is. I went to dictionary.com and this is what they had to say: prosperous or sound, vigor or vitality. So then I went from there and came up with how to accomplish this for each section.

Healthy Faith: Maintaining our relationship with God should be our first priority. I want to be an ever growing Christian. Infusing faith and the knowledge of who God is into our children and others, is our most important job. Being home with the kiddos and homeschooling, I have the opportunity to teach and use Godly principles all through the day. This year I want to do better at that. More devotions and Bible memory games. Those are the tools I have for teaching them the Word of God, which I want buried deeper in their hearts than math or science. I also want to live my life the way Christ would want me to live. I am His daughter, I represent Him. I want to make HIM proud. This year for me personally, I want to be an orchard of spiritual fruit that others can come and partake of. I want to produce patience (Lord know He has to help me with this one), longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, love, peace, temperance, goodness and faith. Galations 5:22-23 The Bible says in Matthew chapter 7 that you are known by your fruit, either corrupt or good. I don't want to be "known", but I do want to show others Christ through the way I live and not just the words I say.

Healthy Family: Of course there are the most obvious answers are cooking healthy meals (don't get me wrong we do, but we could eat at home more often) and doing more physical activities together. But then there is spending more time together~playing games, reading books and just generally being together. Teaching manners as part of our curriculum in school. These are just some examples.

Healthy Finances: I think most people I know could stand to have healthier finances. Who wouldn't like to put more in savings this year? I am changing our budget around and we will be spending less, saving more (we are planning a BIG vacation for the fall of 2010) and getting some things paid off. I have become the coupon cutting queen and I love a good deal. No reason to pay full price when I can save a few cents here and there. God is my provider and I have never gone without, but God also asked us to be good stewards of what we have been given. So tightening the budget, making cuts here and there, isn't hard, when you know all you have comes from Him in the first place.

As for me personally I have lots of things I want to change, be better at or make thinner (a hem, cough, cough) this year. This is going to be a big year, in a lot of ways. I was writing in my journal the other night and at the bottom of the page there is a scripture. This one jumped up and hit me in the head. Yes, it was that profound to me. "Commit whatever you do to the Lord and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 NIV I also like the way the GWT (God's Word Translation) put it, "Entrust your efforts to the Lord and your plans will succeed." How powerful is that promise?!?! So many things we try to do on our own and we fail. I do this often. Not anymore, everything I do I am committing to God. Whatever plans we are making, we are committing to God and He will establish the way.

There are many things I want to change, make better or get thinner this year! This is the year of change. This is the year of FAITH and of MIRACLES.

Christmas Recovery

2009-12-27T10:24:00.004-06:00

Isn't funny how after Christmas you need a vacation to recover from all the opening of gifts, cooking, traveling, singing and other Christmas shenanigans?? I still feel like I need a nap!

We had a fabulous Christmas!! Not only did we get great gifts but we just had a really good time laughing and playing games and enjoying each others company. We had Christmas with all our presents at my parents house Christmas Eve. It was an opening frenzy! Makiah did get her requested pink DS and Sam a Leapster. They got other stuff too, but I won't bore you with all those details. I got a new broach and an old broach. I was ecstatic to get one of my Nanny's broaches. It is beautiful~I will treasure it. I got some clothes and other stuff too. Hubs got a Wok, he was very happy. He also got clothes and such.

Christmas day we relaxed at home and then in the evening we headed out to the country to our friends house to have Christmas with her and her family. We ate good food and had more presents. She got my the 70th Anniversary edition of Gone With the Wind!! So happy about that, Hubs isn't but I am. He thinks its a stupid movie. What does he know about classic dramatic films?? He got the Smurfs and a documentary for Christmas. Leave the choosing of classic films to me! ~Smile~

So like I said the Lovelocks had a very merry Christmas but with all the fun and eating I think the best part about for me was remembering why we do all this. I got a fresh view of Christmas this year. I have always known why we celebrate Christmas, but this year I just feel like I revived that which I think I had taken for granted. Jesus Christ was born to die. Lived to teach. Came to save that which is lost. I hope during that you all had a chance to reflect on the "reason for the season" and the hope which that small babe brought to us all.

I am so grateful for the best gift ever~~Jesus Christ, my Saviour.

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T08:30:00.003-06:00

I want to wish all of you a very blessed, joy-filled and safe Christmas!!

Love this!!

I'll be back next week with pics, funnies and of course, plans for the New Year!!!

Tis the Season

2009-12-18T10:37:00.004-06:00

Deck the halls with tissues and Benedryl, Fa la la la la, la la la la

Tis the season for snot and coughing, Fa la la la la, la la la la

Ok, I'm done singing now.

UGH! All three kids just had a full round of anitbiotics two weeks ago and Daniel has mass amounts of green snot again, Makiah has a runny nose and Sam too. No fevers thankfully. I am beginning to think this is just going to be how it is until spring (then the allergies begin). At least they are still strong enough to argue, it would be tragic if they could just get along for five minutes. They are very excited about Christmas. Makiah informs me everyday how many days are left until the BIG day.

Tonight I am heading out on the town with my hubby, alone. I know, you just gasped didn't you? So did I! Really, we haven't been out alone in almost two years. So this is a big deal. We are going to a Christmas banquet, so when I say alone, I mean sans kids. But I'll take it people, I'll take it.

I am still up to my eyeballs with presents to make. I did catch a break when we decided not to go to St. Louis until January, meaning two peoples gifts can wait until after Christmas to make. {Love you Fi and Jon} I will get everything done, I will, I will, I will. {That's my pep talk for today} I have also been working on a new project, which I will unveil in the next couple of weeks, that I am REALLY excited about!

Now if that wasn't enough holiday randomness here are a couple of pictures from Sunday night's Christmas Concert. Makiah was unfortunately located behind a large silver bow and so from where I am you can't really see her.

Well, that's all I have for today. The kids are too quiet, so I need to see why that is and then off to finish up another present.

Have a Holly Jolly Friday!

Like Photographing Wild Animals

2009-12-17T09:01:00.009-06:00

Sunday night at our church was the annual Christmas Concert, which was lovely. They had the platform decorated beautifully and all the singers did excellent. I decided sunday morning that one area of the platform would make a great place for a three kidlet picture. I was right, because that night several people were taking pictures there. I waited for a chance to go up there and I got them all up there and sitting on the bench and they looked so cute. Then the picture taking began and I promise you it was hysterical! They wiggled and moved and turned around and wondered off. After five shots I finally gave up. I looked at the pictures, a little sad that they didn't turn out better and then after looking at them and laughing at their adorable expressions, I decided that they were GREAT! I love them so much! I will take them to a studio and get their pictures taken, but I love these pictures. Love them so much that I put them in my Christmas cards and ordered an 8 x 10 of one of them! You be the judge.

Take One

Take Two

Third Try! Sam was telling me "cheese"! This is my fav and the one that is currently hanging as an 8 x 10 on my wall!

Take Four, still tickling each other!

Sam had wondered over and was looking at another tree, so I grabbed a shot of Daniel and Makiah and called it a day! I just realized how badly Daniel needs another hair cut!

I also haven't totally figured out this new camera (as you can see by the blurriness) so apparently I need a course on using the Nikon Coolpix Camera correctly. I got the pics loaded into iPhoto and Hubs asks, "did you flip up the flash?" Dumb look crosses face, "No, I forgot about having to flip it up and where were you when I needed you to ask me that?" Needless to say, I need a tutorial and a memory, to remember that flash!

It was a fun photo shoot, but hopefully the next one will be a little more calm and where they may actually ALL look at the camera at the SAME time.

A mother can dream people, dream.

Practical in Every Way

2009-12-11T09:51:00.007-06:00

Today is another book review day!!! Two great books filled with useful information! How great is that?

More Than a Match-The Five Keys to Compatibility for Life, by Michael and Amy Smalley is a fabulous book. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Using their extensive years of counseling experience and of course their own marriage lessons, the Smalley's outline the skills you need to create lasting love. Secrets include loving well, dealing with conflict, recovering when you hurt one another and even developing a healthy sex life. Like I said, I really enjoyed the book. The Smalley's used their own personal experiences, they were transparent, in an effort to really help those who are going to read this book. It isn't just filled with psychological terms and hypotheticals, this is real people that went through real things. Its got funny and serious wound up together. I think it would good for those who are seriously dating someone they think is "the one", definitely good for those couples who are engaged and even those who are already married. I mean face it, we all have things we can work on, right?? At the end of every chapter there is a discussion page to get couples talking if they need help getting the talk started. If you know someone engaged, this would be a great gift for them.

The Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group has rolled out a new series called 99 Ways (times 6) to Thrive. I had the pleasure of getting to review, 99 Ways to Stretch Your Home Budget. Awesome! I know! Who doesn't need to stretch their budget?? I know the Lovelocks do, so it was a wonderful little book with 99 tips on stretching our money. This book was written by Cheri Gillard, a nurse and mother to quadruplets. Ms. Gillard laid out tips that are totally doable, from food-eating in and out, all the way to healthcare and hospital stays! It's practical ideas that families can use to save money around the house. If you are looking for ways to trim your budget without having to fore go buying toilet paper, this is the book for you . Here's what the publisher has to say about the series, "Written for families and individuals who are hoping to not only survive but thrive, during tough times. These value-packed, applicable resources offer relevant and reliable insights to endure the current economic downturn, and are sure to appeal to families in all stages of life."

For these two books, the rest of the 99 Ways Series and more great books, check out Random House.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

Kindness=Peace

2009-12-09T11:24:00.005-06:00

We start our day with a daily devotion. We haven't been really consistent with this until lately and I have to say that it does make our day go better. Taking the time to have a devotion, say a little prayer and sing a couple of songs is so worth it.

Today our devotion was on being kind. We used this scripture, Ephesians 4:32~And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. I want my kids to be kind children. See, to everyone else they are always good. But at home, to each other, not so much. I am told this is normal sibling behavior, but being an only child I don't get the reasons for sibling issues. I know that squabbles will happen, but I want them to understand being kind to one another and why we are kind to everyone. Paul, here in Ephesians, gave a great scripture for us all, but for kids it sums it all up in one verse. Be kind, be gentle (tenderhearted) and forgive. So for today and maybe everyday to come, we have instituted the kindness chart. It's easy to catch kids doing something wrong, but how many times do we catch them doing something good. We often hear it or see it, but do we acknowledge the good as much as we point out the bad. I believe in pointing out their wrongdoings, I think it's beneficial for them to know when it's wrong; but on the flip side of that shouldn't they also know when they are doing something good and right~~YES! So, for every act of kindness that mommy sees today, they get a smiley face, hence the chart. At the end of the day they will get a kindness award to hang on cork board. I am cooking up a plan as we speak for how I am going to incorporate this into our everyday life. I don't want them to think that if they are good then they get a present. I'm not buying presents for kindness. I am however going to acknowledge their kindness and give credit where credit is due. I am amazed at how differently our day has gone. There has not been one fight or yelling match between Makiah and Sam today. I am not naive enough to believe that they will never fight again but I am hopeful in having more peaceful days ahead.

After our little devotion I began thinking about my own kindness. Am I as kind as I should be? Do my kids see kindness in me? What example am I living? Kindness isn't just something you pull out for the public, but it should be present in our homes. Mommies lose their patience too, except when we lose our patience we make excuses for it. Our excuses are probably justified, but kindness in the end should come through. I want my kids to know kindness because they see it in me. I want my kids to know forgiveness because they see it in me. I want my kids to know tenderheartedness and gentleness because they see it in me. So just like I am on a journey to being thankful all the time, I am also striving to be kind, even when I am wore out and Sam is asking for the 80th time if he can have fruit snacks for dinner or Daniel has decided to take everything out of the trash can, again.

Kindness and gentleness are fruits of the spirit and I want to have a luscious crop for my children, my Hubs and others to pick from.

And the Winner Is. . . .

2009-12-08T11:58:00.001-06:00

Random Generator chose number 8, which is Amy B. I hope you enjoy the book and I wish you a very merry and blessed Christmas!

Thank you all for playing along!

It has been a nutty day around the Lovelock household~~more so than usual. So I am not even going to try and write a coherent post for today.

Okay, ready for a nap. Back tomorrow bloggity friends!

Monday Madness

2009-12-07T11:03:00.004-06:00

So it's Monday and my to do list is longer than my arm, but I am cheerily crossing things off said list. That's right, I said cheerily. I am cheery for many reasons, but the main one, is because the joy of the Lord is my strength and cheeriness is a choice and I choose cheery. Okay, that's enough of the word cheery for now. We woke up to a little bit of snow this morning and even though I normally loathe snow, it was so pretty this morning.

What is on this to do list? I am so glad you asked. Besides the long list of Christmas gifts I'm making (which is growing daily I might add), it is menu planning day, laundry (of course that's on my daily list), going through more toys to see what can be donated to a good cause, a good kitchen scrubbing, meeting with a young couple to offer encouragement and our sage advice (help us all!) and then more Christmas gift making. I also have to get my Christmas cards done that I need to mail this week!!

So that means no more blogging for now, I must go finish that scarf that I am giving away in about three hours. Fortunately it's almost done!! I hope your Monday is a cheery one!

Mama's Holiday Wish List Meme

2009-12-04T21:33:00.006-06:00

Okay, so TodaysMama is giving away a hefty sleighful of gifts that, well, I would love to win. To enter you participate in the meme, which is a pretty great meme I think. I had fun filling this one out and I haven't done a meme in a long time. Enjoy!!

1. What 5 items are on your holiday wish list this year? Gone with the Wind, the 70th Anniversary Edition. That was the only thing I specifically asked for, I left options open; purse, shoes, books, etc. I really didn't make a list this year. I also asked for a Brita Water pitcher which definitely shows I need help in gift list making. Ha!

2. What is your favorite handmade gift you have received? My all time favorite hand made gifts are my afghans and quilts made by various women in my family. I love and treasure each one. And of course I love anything my kids make, but because it usually has grape jelly on it somewhere, it can't last forever.

3. What handmade gift have you always wanted to tackle? I have always wanted to make an afghan for my mom. She has made so many for me and the kids that I wanted her to have that I made. I crochet and I do a fine job, but I get bored if the project doesn't get done fast enough. I guess I'll shoot for next year and that way I can take breaks doing it!

4. What was the best Christmas gift you received as a child? One year my Nanny had the idea to make a little doll of each granddaughter. The doll had our hair color (yarn) and she made the doll and it's clothes (I've told you all the lady was talented). She even wrote a little book about each of us and attached it to the doll. She wrote in there a little story and what she loved about us. It truly was the best gift she gave me as a child. And I still have it, I will give it to my daughter one day.

5. What items are on your kid’s wish list this year? Nintendo DS, Leapster 2, a game for each. They are also getting a couple of little things and thats it. Keeping it simple, or trying to anyway.

6. What is your favorite holiday food? Dressing! I love dressing. I would rather have that than anything else. I think dressing might even trump my beloved chocolate.

7. What will you be hand-crafting for the holidays? We are making most of our gifts this year for our friends and family. Scarves, hats, dish rags and dish clothes, special picture frames for the grandparents, broaches, painting, even decorating our own Christmas bags. I am also making a few preemie hats for the NICU at the local hospital. My hands and right arm already hurt from all the crocheting!

8. What is your favorite holiday movie? I think A Charlie Brown Christmas is my favorite. Not really a movie though is it. Okay, I guess I'll go with It's a Wonderful Life.

9. Favorite holiday song? The Christmas Song and Joy to the Word

10. Favorite holiday pastime? Being with family. Just being. I love the spending time, the laughing and the eating. Reading about the birth of Jesus and just being. I love it!

More Books!!

2009-12-04T08:25:00.007-06:00

As I said yesterday we love books around here. Mama gets as excited as the kiddies when a new book is sitting in my hands and a cuppa tea is right beside me. I am happy to tell you all about this one.

Treasured, by Leigh McLeroy was a true treasure to read. I enjoyed it cover to cover and even re-read a couple of the chapters. I dearly love books that make me think about my relationship with God and this one does just that. I love that the author opens herself up and shares many personal stories that coincide with what scriptures she is using in each chapter. Her concept was one that I have never seen before and I love it's originality.

The publisher had this to say about the book:

In Treasured, Leigh McLeroy considers tangible reminders of God’s active presence and guides readers in discovering evidence in their own lives of his attentive love. Drawn from the pages of Scripture, the author considers twelve such treasures and personalizes their meaning for readers, such as a green olive branch that offers proof of God’s “new every morning” mercy and a scarlet cord that demonstrates his willingness to adopt “strays” of every sort.Weaving these treasures together with scenes from her personal history, Leigh McLeroy invites readers to discover God’s heart for them and embrace their unique role in his redemptive story. Treasured offers readers a guided experience of God’s love and character and invites them to consider their own treasures that point to their part in God’s ongoing story.

Perfect to read as a devotional or even to use in a women's group for a devotion.

Another very special book that I got to review was, God Gave Us Love by Lisa T. Bergren. This book was just delightful. Let me give you the publishers summary and then I'll tell you more about what happened during our story time.

In God Gave Us Love, Little Cub and Grampa Bear’s fishing adventure is interrupted by mischievous otters, and the young polar bear begins to ask questions like why must we love others . . . even the seemingly unlovable? Why is it easier to love those we like? Where does love come from? And why does God love her so much? Grampa Bear patiently addresses each one of Little Cub’s curiosities by explaining the different kinds of love we can share: the love between friends, the love between families, the love between moms and dads, and the love for God. He also assured Little Cub that because of the love God has given her through his Son, there’s nothing she can do to make God love her any more or any less. Through Grampa Bear’s encouraging Little Cub to love others with a “God-sized love,” children will be inspired to love others and to be patient, gentle and kind, so that in every way, they too can demonstrate God’s love.

After reading God Gave Us Love, my kiddos asked a lot of questions about love and who we should love and why. It led into a perfect little devotion for loving our siblings. This book is one our shelf and I am sure that it is one that we will read time and time again. And because I have artists in the family and the fact I am not one so I appreciate great artwork, these books are beautifully illustrated. Kudos to the illustrator for so wonderfully capturing this story and making a family of polar bears come to life for us.

To purchase these books and many more please visit Random House.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Christmas Book and a GIVEAWAY!!

2009-12-03T08:27:00.007-06:00

We love to read in the Lovelock house. It's one of our most favorite things to do. We read in the mornings, in the afternoon and before bed. Now that Makiah can read, she reads to her brothers (which I totally LOVE) and so suffice to say we have a LOT of books. Like we could have our own book store, a LOT of books. So when the opportunity came up for me to review books on my blog, I said, "yes, yes, pick me, pick me". This is my first review, so don't be to critical of my reviewing abilities.

We had the wonderful opportunity to read God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa T. Bergren. It was a delightful story. There is a family of polar bears and Little Cub asks if Santa invented Christmas. Mama bear then explains why we have Christmas and they take a little journey. The journey that they take bring Little Cub and the readers to the conclusion that Jesus is the best present you could ever get! My kids loved the book!! The illustrations are beautiful and you begin to really feel like you are there. My preschooler and third grader were both inthralled with the story. If you are looking for a new Christmas book to read this year, this is the one you want.

I would love to share the love and give you all chance to have this book in your very own collection!! That's right its a first Mamalovelock giveaway!! Leave a comment telling me what your favorite Christmas tradition is and I'll enter you to win. Earn extra entries by becoming a follower to the blog and tweeting the giveaway. Please leave a comment when you are a follower and for every tweet. The comments will close at 9 p.m. Monday, December 7. You'll get it just in time for Christmas! I am sorry but this giveaway is only open to US residents.

For this and more great books visit Random House.

**This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Some Days

2009-12-02T06:52:00.009-06:00

When I was a kid, I loved being at my Nanny's house. She was so special, I have raved about her on here before, but some days I think of her more than others. Some smell, or special recipe, or a crochet project will make me think of her. I have all the afghans she made for me and my family. I love using them. I know it's cliche and maybe even corny, but you know the old quote, "Made with love in every stitch", I believe that with her afghans. Anyhoo, I am getting off track. The other day she came to mind while I was doing dishes. Dishes, dishes, dishes, they are never ending in this house. I was loading the dishwasher for the second time that day and doing up the pots and pans. I have to admit, I was more than a little frustrated with all the dishes. I was tired and the last thing I wanted to do was more dishes. Then my mind rumbled back to that kitchen that always smelled good and I could hear her laughing. My Nanny didn't like dishes in the sink and so she did the dishes, all of them, by hand after every meal. No dishwasher for her, she was the dishwasher. She would sing while she did them or talk if people were in the room. Laughter just flowed out of her, even while doing the dishes. I am not sure that I have ever laughed while doing dishes, and I am just loading them in a machine. I thought about what made her so happy about dishes. Then I remembered this little plaque that hung in her kitchen and I actually found the poem floating around online. Here it is:

THANK GOD FOR DIRTY DISHES; THEY HAVE A TALE TO TELL.

WHILE OTHER FOLKS GO HUNGRY, WE’RE EATING PRETTY WELL.

WITH HOME, AND HEALTH, AND HAPPINESS,

WE SHOULDN’T WANT TO FUSS;

FOR BY THIS STACK OF EVIDENCE,

GOD’S VERY GOOD TO US.

Anonymous

This is why she was so happy. She knew that she had dishes because she had food. She didn't mind the dishes because she was thankful that she had food and dishes. My Nanny lived a life of thankfulness. She didn't view mundane chores as mundane. That was her work, her job and she was good at it. I believe she was good at it, because she loved it. I look back and I think of that huge old house and all the work it took to keep it up and all the dishes she did and all the beautiful things she made (sewing and crocheting). She had to have been Superwoman.

I am trying to get over my dislike of dishes, rather seeing them as reasons to be thankful. I am trying not to view the mundane chores, like laundry, as mundane. I am generally a thankful person. I mail thank you cards, express thanks in prayer, let people know how much I love and appreciate them, but there is more. I want to live a life of thankfulness; thankful for the laundry as much as I am thankful for the munchkins that got them dirty, thankful for the dishes, because I ate well, thankful for cleaning because I have a place to live in that needs cleaning.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 I know this scripture is not talking about my dirty dishes or the laundry which is also continuous, but in every circumstance, whatever it may be, of life. So for my own purposes, today it includes housework. ~Smile~

Some days, I am just trying.

*I actually started this post about a week ago. It's going to be part of a series I am doing to do next week.

Belated Birthday, With No Pictures!

2009-11-30T10:00:00.004-06:00

ARGH!!!!!!! ~~Banging head on desk~~

I sat down this morning to post pictures of Sam's birthday. I opened up iPhoto and the pics of his birthday are gone. Then I realized that the pictures I took of my grandpa with the kids are also missing. I am so angry. I watched them upload, I finished the import and now I go there and there they aren't.

Frustration. Total frustration.

Sam had a great birthday. My mom and dad took Sam and Makiah to play mini golf. They played two rounds and Sam actually got two holes in one! He was very excited about the golf and I think we could have just stopped there and he would have been content. We took him out to eat his favorite thing, Fazoli's. Yes, Fazoli's. He LOVES spaghetti and because he won't eat at my parents (he gets so excited that he won't eat) we took him there. Then onto Grams and Grampa's house for presents and cake.

He is a completely outfitted fireman now. Sam loves firemen, I think I have written about that before now, but he loves to play fireman and rescue people and spray water (pretend, of course). He even knows all the pieces to a fireman's uniform, including the breathing apparatice. So to ensure that he would stop using Makiah's pink princess bike helmet as a fireman hat, he got a complete fireman uniform with jacket, hat and axe. Grams found rain boots that actually look like fireman boots (they even say property of Fire Department with emblem on them) and he LOVES them. He wears them as many places as mom will let him! He also got several other things too from other people, like a firetruck, a Spiderman watch, the Gator Golf game~~I'd say he got quite enough.

He told me later that night that it was his best birthday ever! Mission accomplished. We were both happy.

A Handmade Christmas

2009-11-28T14:53:00.007-06:00

Crochet, knitting (if I get the hang of it fast enough), painting, flowers, candy and desserts (of course) more. It's going to be a handmade Christmas.

I have decided that I want to give the people near and dear to me things made from the heart. I have made my list and I am checking it twice of the items to make--I need to hurry!

I am making scarves, dishrags and dish clothes, broaches, scrubbies and lots of candy. Makiah will be painting a picture for her grandparents. We will be making some of our Christmas cards. I am only so crazy people. So far here is what I have to make:

Crochet:
3 scarves
2 Hat and Scarf combos
15 Scrubbies
6 Dishrags
4 Dish clothes

5 Broaches (a couple with jewels and a couple with flowers)
1 Flower Arrangement
3 Snowmen (made out of jars, trust me)
Candy. I am making candy until I will be sick of it. Win-win for all involved.

I absolutely love getting things that people made for me, with me in mind. I don't know why, but it just means more. Don't get me wrong, I love a great new pair of shoes or a new purse (Nine West is my favorite, but I'm not picky), but handmade gifts are kept longer, sometimes generations and they don't end up at the local thrift shop (usually). My kids are getting presents as usual, but we are giving to others things that no one else can give them, presents made by us.

I Am So Very Thankful

2009-11-26T07:42:00.004-06:00

I try to be thankful on other days too. But on this holiday, when my washing machine is silent and we are eating turkey till we can't breathe, my mind wonders to how blessed I truly am.

I am thankful that I know God and He knows me. And that I live in a country where I am free to worship Him and read my Bible.

I am thankful for my family. I have a wonderful Hubs. My kids bless me everyday with their cuddles and hugs and sweet kisses. I love to hear them laugh. I love my family and they love me. Even in hard times, sad time and times of bordering insanity~I wouldn't trade them for anything in this world!!!!

I am thankful to be alive and somewhat healthy. I can see, hear, talk, walk and play.

I am thankful for a place to live and plenty of food in my fridge. I am thankful for clean water and electricity.

I am thankful that the car accident my Hubs was in, didn't hurt him, at all. No pain, no injuries, nothing. I am so thankful for that.

I thankful for so many things, the list just keeps going. So to all of you bloggity friends, I only have this to say:

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
~~Anonymous~~

Oh! Did I mention I am thankful for the funny things that come our way in life. Laughter makes our heart happy and our face crinkle with smiles. If I am going to have wrinkles, I want them to be laugh lines! I hope you have a joyous Thanksgiving. One filled with reflection on blessings and one filled with laughter, lots and lots of laughter!

Kidisms~~LOL

2009-11-25T11:24:00.000-06:00

Sam told me the other day that he knew how to make coconut sour tomatoes with hot dogs and sweet tea. After telling Makiah what he was going to cook, he did explain that that was what he cooked in the bath tub. Sam isn't making dinner anytime soon.

The kids were watching Veggie Tales, the story of Dave and the Giant Pickle (David and Goliath the Philistine) when Makiah has a revelation come to her. She began to expound why the Philistines were called the Philistines. Its because when they get angry steam comes out of their ears, hence, Philisteams. I couldn't help but laugh out loud. It was so funny and cute. Oh and I think she may have her daddy's gift of expounding. Just sayin'. (If you know my Hubs you know why I say that).

We sing a song in church, the title escapes me right now, that every time we sing it now, I laugh. One day here around the house Makiah was singing this song, when she came to the last line. Now this is what the last line actually is: "And he'll take you through the fire again". Makiah was belting out this song, every line fine, and then she sang this, "And he'll take you to the farm again". I was listening from the other room, I just cracked up. I corrected her, but now every time we sing that song I laugh, I can't help it. I didn't tell her this, but I always think of the funny farm and how close I live to it.

Samuel loves to play the Wii and I mean he LOVES it. It has become a great bribery tool. Yes I said it and meant it. That's how I roll. Whatever brings sanity is my friend. Anywho, he wanted to play the other day and I told him he had to wait until school time was over. Patience is not a virtue my middle child currently possesses. He had asked me approximately eighty-four times in four minutes and so my patience was packing for a vacation away from the constant asking. He looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, "Please mama, just for a milet, only one milet". For those still confused milet is Sam-speak for minute. It was so cute that I smiled, kissed his forehead and said "no baby, no yet". I didn't cave, though tempted. Though I didn't cave, his cuteness saved him from a time out for driving mama to that funny farm mentioned above.

Daniel has become quite the talker over the last two months. He started speech therapy in August and now we are wondering if he still needs it. I have a Daniel update scheduled for later this week, but I just had to share this little story. His favorite word is no. Shocking, I know. He says it even when he means yes. But this morning he said it to me and meant it. I told him to go find Bob (not a strange man, the famous tomato) and he promptly said "no" and continued trying to unplug the computer cords. I said, "Daniel, don't say no to mama", in my listen-to-your-mama-son tone. He smiled his crinkly nose smile and said, "awww huggies". Little turkey. He tried to dull my senses with lovin' but this mama has been around the block a time or two. I carried him out of the office. . . while giving him huggies. I am only so strong people.

Okay, enough kidisms for one day. My kids may push me to the brink of my sanity, but they always reel me back in with their sweetness, huggies, smiles and giggles. I love them so much!

Just when I think. . .

2009-11-24T12:26:00.000-06:00

I have this blogging thing in control, I get caught up in the busyness of life and the blog gets no love.

I am working on blog posts to post this week, but this very meager offering is all I have for today.

MOM FAIL: I haven't even posted Sam's birthday pics yet. UGH!!

So be prepared for plenty-o-pics, a delicious recipe, Christmas in November and all kinds of good things.

Just not today. Like I said.

Now I am going to clean one room, so that the kids can mess it up later when I am cleaning another room. Thank you and have a good day.

Cloth Diaper Crisis of Red Proportions!!!

2009-11-11T09:46:00.003-06:00

That's right dear friends I am having a cloth diapering situation in the Lovelock home today.

So I am over here today trying to get some help so that I don't pull all my hair out. That would not be pretty. Trust me.

I do have this to say: THIS IS THE FIRST MORNING IN 9 DAYS THAT NO ONE HAS A FEVER!!!!! Can you tell that I am excited about that??? Maybe just maybe we are coming out of the fog of sickness that has been hovering for way too long? Is it too soon to hope? I hope not.

Anyway, come on over and help this mama out.

Why?? What?? I Don't Get It, At All

2009-11-09T11:26:00.004-06:00

~~~Warning: I am about to jump up on my soap box and vent.~~

The other day I went to the grocery store to get out of the house, uh I mean, to get tasty food for my family to eat. I was in the produce department when I first noticed this little family picking up some wonderfully delicious produce. I mean half the cart was full and we were only 30 feet inside the door. They had a very little baby, maybe 3 months old, and dad looked to be a healthy sort of fellow. He was wearing running shoes and actually had on a shirt showing that he had run in a race to a local charity. We shared a friendly hello as we were both looking at the organic spinach selection. Mom also looked to be a fit/healthy type person. Dad actually mentioned in our very short conversation that he was part-time trainer at a local gym. Most of their cart was full of healthy food, mostly organic. We talked of organic food and how we would like a bigger organic market here in our part of the state. We finished our conversation and went about through the store. You know how you go through the store and there is usually one or two people you keep up with, so to speak. I went through the store, basically but not intentionally, with this family.

We reached different check-out lines around the same time and realized in the parking lot that we were actually parked beside one another. As I finished putting my groceries in, I looked over to make sure I wasn't going to get hit and I saw it. I mean I saw IT. There was this health conscience family getting ready to pull out, dad was lighting up a cigarette. I was rather stunned for a moment. I just got in my van and glanced over again and mom waved goodbye, I did the same as I scanned the car for open windows--no open windows. A little baby was about to smoke her next cigarette (you know this wasn't the first time).

I am sorry, but this is just wrong. We all know that cigarettes are bad for in you in about fifty different ways, but it's your choice to smoke them. Your free will allows you to smoke and then suffer the consequences later. It's an entirely different matter if you are subjecting your babies to smoke along with you. Sucking in the poison that is not only health damaging, but addictive!! Your babies aren't making a choice, they just have to do it along with you. IT IS WRONG! I mean they bought organic food, pay for a gym membership, drink water and juice, don't eat red meat, but they choice to smoke?!!?!? They talked about making healthy choices for their baby~nothing that wasn't BPA free, cloth diapers (good choice by-the-way), breastfeeding and so on, but then you close the baby up in a car full of poisonous smoke!!?? Do they believe that all the other good, health conscience decisions they make will prevent the effects from smoking?? Are they in the group that don't believe about second-hand smoke being just as bad for you as lighting it up yourself?? Imagine being eighteen years old and having the lungs of someone who has smoked for eighteen years and you never smoked a single cigarette!! Choices we make don't just affect ourselves.

Whew! Now that I have jumped up on my soap box, opened a can of worms and vented. . . I can go clean my kitchen. Hopefully no one is offended by my words, but what good is a blog if you can't voice your opinion. ~~Smile~~

Sickies, Funnies and Victories--OH MY!!

2009-11-08T12:16:00.001-06:00

The illness that plagues us won't seem to go, it just lingers and lingers. Due to fevers, coughing and snottiness that can't be contained, I kept the kids home today. Public safety, I am all over it. Hopefully, Monday will bring broken fevers!

So for your Sunday viewing pleasure I leave with you a couple of excellent videos.

Have a blessed Sunday!!

I Finally Gave Up

2009-11-03T15:26:00.004-06:00

Daniel finally got his first hair cut! I did it actually about a month ago and boy did it ever need it.

I just loved his soft little curls and I didn't want him to lose that baby look. But when I had him in the tub and he looked like this, I knew it was time!! At least he still has soft curls, they just aren't so long!

Here is the finished product. . . .

I feel him getting older. Now I see it too.

With the Right Weapon I Am Dangerous, Pt. 2

2009-11-01T05:09:00.000-06:00

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.~~2 Corinthians 10:4

We are warriors, fighting a spiritual battle. While sometimes it is good and/or necessary to simply stand, other times we are fighting off the enemies attacks and playing offense. I, by no means, am down playing or saying its wrong or sinful to STAND. There have been many times in my life where all I could do was stand and let others fight for me. Its not wrong to stand, but there are times where we stand there so long that we look down and we up to our calves in mud because we haven't moved in so long. Don't get stuck. See the problem with being in STAND mode is we sometimes get comfortable there. Its easier to leave the heavy fighting for our fellow soldiers, but eventually we have to come out of STAND mode and join the battle again. Actually in this scripture (Ephesians 6:13), stand meant still keeping your armor on, still watching and praying and still battle ready. We often times interpret it to me that for right now I get to just take a break. Even when standing we should be fighting off the devil.

As spiritual warriors we fight battles that we can't see, therefore we must use the correct weapons to win these battles. Paul was letting the church in Corinth know that our weapons aren't made by man, but that our weapons are only mighty through God~removing any doubt that God did it. The Corinthians prided themselves on their knowledge and philosophies. The word strong hold means a fortified place, a place of security. When are fighting battles, oft times we are spiritually coming against strongholds. Depression, anxiety, alcoholism, drug addiction (or any addiction really) and many other things, can be a stronghold.

So what weapons do you use to fight battles and to tear down strongholds in our cities, our personal lives and the lives of those we love??

The Word~~enough said about that!!
Faith~~you can't pray something through without it!!

Prayer~~most battles are fought through our prayers. We plead the blood, binding and loosing, dispatching angels and praying the Word.

Praise~~nothing says "Satan shut up and get out of here", like praising God when the battle is hard, when it doesn't make sense. We are making a statement when we praise God through ALL things. Satan expects us to back into a corner and stop fighting, that makes his job (1 Peter 5:8) easier.

God gave us all an arsenal. What you do with your weapons is up to you. You can choose to sit the battle out and hope it passes soon or you can stand up and fight.

I've been in church my whole life. I know about spiritual warfare in and out. But for the last several months I've been under siege and a lot of the time it was all I could do to fend off the attack, let alone take new ground. I was fighting, fighting, fighting but not moving forward. I realized that I needed to increase me faith, that was step one and then I needed to pull my boots out of the mud and say "no more Satan, I'm taking new ground!" So my fight is now mobile.

My head is down, my shield in front, my sword is sharp. I am in battle stance and I am on the move.

~~I hope these posts can encourage someone. They were definitely not meant to make anyone feel bad.~~

Commercial Break~~~BREAKING NEWS

2009-10-31T11:31:00.005-05:00

I am interrupting my posts on spiritual warfare for a Lovelock update. Check back tomorrow for part 2 of "With the Right Weapons, I Am Dangerous".

I have big news, really big news. No, I am not pregnant for those who read this blog that would love for there to be another Lovelock. The big news is that Daniel is WALKING. And by walking I mean walking everywhere, getting into everything and pretty much keeping me on my toes. . . . and I couldn't be happier! He has made HUGE progress in all aspects of his development in the last two months, he is quickly becoming "age appropriate".

I am also thrilled and over the moon to report that the doctors have ruled out Fragile X, chromosome disorders, metabolic disorders and cerebral palsy. We did however see a neurosurgeon to rule out hydroencephalitis. She ruled that out and found something else. Benign Extra Axillary Fluid Collection of Infancy, I know right?!?!? That's a sentence by itself. Anyway, it's a big long title for something very simple that resolves itself on it's own!! How great is that?? I mean, I'd rather there be nothing, I'd rather it start with benign and resolve on it's own. It's extra fluid between the brain and skull that didn't absorb as fast as it should and usually completely absorbs by age two. It can however cause developmental delays (ding ding ding) and after therapy the kiddos catch up and have no lasting effects from it. YAY and HALLELUJAH and THANK YA JESUS and, well you see that I am grateful, thankful and thrilled!!! God is truly faithful and AWESOME! These are all testamonies to God's great and awesome healing power. I have no doubt that Daniel had major problems and we watched as God unfolded a miracle right before us. Now, as in he wasn't before, he is speeding through his therapy goals at break neck speed. Also, he has had no muscle tightness in his neck, shoulder or torso for close to a month! Another HUGE miracle.

Now I have to go because Daniel is throwing trash out of my kitchen trash can and I must stop now because I am over using the caps lock button!

Have a happy Saturday!!

With the Right Weapon I Am Dangerous, Part 1

2009-10-29T17:30:00.003-05:00

I am a child of God, a wife, a mother, a teacher, a laundry folder, a dishwasher, a house cleaner and I am also a warrior. I wear armor, I carry a BIG shield and I also wield a sword.

I think I made it pretty clear in yesterday's post that we are fighting a battle. Today I want to talk about weapons, well and tomorrow too. Yesterday I talked about the shield of faith and how it's not just protection, but can also put out some pretty hefty blows (let Satan get too close and I'll bonk him over the head with my faith). But in spiritual warfare we have the greatest, most precise weapon there is: the Word of God.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.~~Hebrews 4:12

When charging at your enemy you should be properly armed. You can't fight Satan, and win, without the Word of God. Spiritual warfare requires spiritual weapons. There is a reason for hiding the Word in your heart. First, of course, is so that you don't sin against God (Psalm 119:11), but also for the purposes of battle. Hiding the Word deep in your heart puts it in your hand at all times. When Satan comes against you, you have your weapons close~you don't have to run and find them.

The Word of God is strong and sure and never changes. It is also beautiful and comforting and full of promises. The Word of God has the power to take down enemies and lift up the discouraged. Wield your weapon carefully and with precision. So many times we forget that we have the weapons we need. We lose sight of the goal, we become discouraged and then we sit down and let the enemy run over us. Even in STAND mode, you don't let go of your sword. The enemy has no power where we don't let him have power. God is the only all powerful one. Don't give your enemy place. Hold firm to your faith and grab your sword and let your enemy know where you stand.

My head is down and I am poised for battle, I have my shield and I am wielding my sword.