The Days I Miss My Saxophone

Years ago, back when poofs were cool, telephones were connected to the wall and the internet didn't exist (in my world anyway), I played a saxophone.  It feels like a century ago, but since I'm only 34 it isn't possible it was that long ago.


My dad played the sax and so in my fifth grader brain that made perfect since that I would too and I absolutely loved playing.  I was in the band for several years, but I never played at church.  I only played by note and I was afraid to take to the platform and hope for my ears to pick up the correct notes.  I loved the sound of the saxophone and I still love to hear good sax music.


Sometimes, it doesn't happen often, I miss playing my sax.  Some days I regret putting my sax away and not ever pulling it out again.  I can't even remember why I put it away.  Honestly, I don't remember.  I knew I had no desire to play in the marching band (the practices interfered with church activities) but there was jazz band I could have played in, but when I hit high school I stopped playing. I regret it.  I regret not being courageous enough to play at church and pray my ears could hear the key. I regret not playing with the jazz band for the one and only year I went to public high school.  And before you ask, yes I graduated, from a christian school.  I regret walking away from all the musical knowledge I had learned and practiced so hard to learn.


Today is one of those days.  One of those days that I miss playing and creating music.


I have always secretly wanted to and still want to play a soprano sax.  The most beautiful tones come from a soprano sax and I want to play.  So maybe one day I will.  Maybe one day I will open up that case, buy a new reed {hahahaha, if you play you will know why} and revive my blowing skills.  Maybe one day I will buy a soprano and learn to play.


Just maybe. . . .sometime before I loose all my teeth.

Sum Sum Summertime!!

It's hot here!  I know summer isn't officially for another month, but the weather did not get the notice.  I am not a fan of summer.  I mean, don't get me wrong I love not having to wear a coat, I love my short sleeved shirts and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my flip flops, BUT I do not like hot weather at all.  Okay, I'm done complaining.  This post is not about hot temps and flip flops it's about summer fun!!!

This year I decided to sit my kids down and make a summer fun to do list.  Now, I feel this is dangerous activity and for the most part I was not proved wrong.  Some of Sam's suggestions had me cringing in fear and others would require an astronaut to be involved.  Like I said, asking them is dangerous and hysterical all at once.  It's dangerous because my kids seem to believe that if we think it up it's a done deal, it's going to happen.  I am not ever, ever, ever bungee jumping.  Not going to happen, but Sam thought that would be a good summer thing to do.  Oh!  Did I mention he thought we should bungee jump from the top of the arch?  I give him an A for effort and imagination, but it's still a NO.  So I took their suggestions and complied them into a fascinating list for your reading pleasure.  I know you are grateful for this, I just know it.  For an added bonus I put which kid thought up what.  I'm helpful like that.  ~Smile~

• Bungee jump from the top of the Arch~~Sam
• Pick all the flowers from downtown and pass them out to sad people~~Sam
• Go to the zoo three days a week~~Daniel
• Go to the place where you get to build things (Science Center) three days a week~~Daniel
• Fly a kite in Forest Park~~Makiah (A reasonable one, I have hope!!)
• Go to Grandpa's house in the woods for a month~~Sam
• Go fishing from that bridge we go over to go to Grandpa's house in the woods (that would be highway 64 crossing the Mississippi)~~Daniel 
• Go to the bookstore for story time and tea~~Daniel  (apparently he thinks tea for me comes with the story, can't imagine why he thinks this?!?!?)
• Go to Grants Farm~~Makiah
• Build a wagon~~Sam  (Hubs and Sam will do this, but Mom is not a builder, Bob is, Mom is not)
• Visit a farm~Sam
• Ride in the back of a police car~~Sam (which we will if we pick all the flowers from downtown and pass them out to sad people)
• Go to that garden (Botanical Garden) again and look for turtles~~Daniel
• Read books outside~~Makiah
• Go on a picnic every week~~Makiah
• Go on a boat in wavy water~~Sam  (this one took me awhile to figure out but through many questions I determined that he meant white water rafting!!)
• Plant corn, watch it grow, pick the corn and eat it~~Daniel (at least he knows the process)
• Do lots of crafts and projects~~Makiah
• Take a closer look at the planets, like from a space ship~~Sam
• Visit Bob and Larry~~Daniel (he isn't sure where they live but he wants to visit them)
• Go shark fishing~~You can guess right????  Sam 

They would have kept going, but I put a stop to it after shark fishing!  While doing all of these would have made for an exciting summer I just don't think we can pull all of these off!  I was cracking up!  My kids are so funny and smart and inventive and Sam obviously believes we can do anything!  So I think I'll have to trim up this list and come up with some more reasonable and yet still fun things to do this summer.  

And yes we will go to Grandpa and Grandma's house in the woods, but they will be relieved that we won't stay for a month.

Almost April??

So much for my goal to blog almost daily! Ha! I can't believe it's almost April and its been too long since I blogged!

February blew right past me with no posts whatsoever! We were sick most of February, we passed it round and round. Any posts coming forth in February would have been germ covered and you wouldn't have wanted to read any!

March brought with it spring break vacationing in Indiana, for three of us and Boston for the other two. I took Makiah and Daniel to Indiana and Hubs took Sam to Boston. It was a lovely ten days of relaxing, chilling and taking a break. It. Was. DEE-VINE. Upon returning we have been trying to make ourselves stay home and do school when it's GORGEOUS outside and all of us would rather be at the park! I really didn't want to do school this summer, but it's so nice now and in June and July it will be too hot to move. . . . so do I play now and pay the schoolmarm later?? Since I'm the schoolmarm, I get to decide. We will work till we are done, but we won't pass up some opportunities for enjoying the weather (while it's still enjoyable).

We are however trying to get our big projects done for the academic day at church. Makiah has a space project, a sewing project, a social studies project and two book reports to do. Sam will be making a diorama of creation for his science project, since he officially started first grade in January.

What are you all filling your spring days up with? Are you ready for summer break or does that make you quake with fear? Are you cleaning out? (I am, but that's another post)

Now, I have lots to do this afternoon and Pinterest keeps getting in my way. ~Smile~

I leave you with this. . .

May your swim goggles never be foggy!

Bringing the Laughter

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 Series Coming to Browsers Everywhere. . . Soon

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 Lack of Blogging

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

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. :)~~~~~

Breathing Fresh Air

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~~

Four Drafts, No Posts

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.

It's Been Awhile

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!

A Hair-raising Sunday

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.

Oh Blog, How I Have Neglected Thee

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~~

Our First Week is Completed

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!

All I Have Today is a List, I Apologize Now

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.

Randomness, It Becomes Me

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.

Heart Month is Coming!!!

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!!

Just when I think. . .

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.

Not Forgotten

I have two blog posts I am working on. I have not forgotten the blogs.

I have been reading my bloggity friends blogs, I just haven't taken time to always comment. I have not forgotten to read blogs.

I will go back and comment, if I haven't yet. I have not forgotten to pass bloggity love.

I have one gillion things to do on Tuesday, when the world resumes operation. I have not forgotten, but only because I have a list.

Today is fun with a friend, cleaning out more stuff (by choice, I am actually excited about it) and then much needed time with the family (Hubs actually has a Saturday evening off). Tomorrow is church, love me some church. Monday is a BBQ with aunts, uncles and cousins--fun, fun, lots-o-fun. I have not forgotten to get my relaxin' on this weekend.

Have a FABULOUS weekend. My if be full of fun, friends, family and of course food. I have not forgotten to blog next week. ~~Smile~~

My Brain is Tired

And so because of tired brain, I only have one post in me today, I am over here talking about art time in homeschooling. Come on over and check it out.

Also, the cloth diaper laundry carnival is still up, just scroll down and see the previous post!

Smiles until tomorrow!

Alive and Well (Hopefully)

I am still here and still alive, being well. . . . well it seems to come and go. Currently all we are fighting is allergies. I can deal with those. Allergies don't land us in the hospital.

I have been super busy around here and just haven't made time to write a post. So here goes.

School is going okay, but it could be better. I take full responsibility on that matter. I just can't seem to get things balanced back out after the hospital stay nearly three weeks ago. I just feel like everything is running around me and I can't grab hold of it. I mean we are doing the required work, but if you know me, I have been doing other things with her outside of the curriculum. There has been no extra and I am frustrated by that. My days seem to be getting shorter. Makiah is doing really well with reading. Her progress astounds me. Her favorite thing to read. . . are you ready for this. . . her BIBLE. That's right. Her Bible, which is pink and purple. I came in from the kitchen the other day (the boys were taking a nap) and found Makiah laying on the floor, on her belly, with her Mix Stick in her ears, reading her Bible. I am thankful she reads and enjoys it, but I am really thankful that she loves to read the Bible. Despite the music, she recounted everything she had just read. My buttons were popping, I have to say.

Daniel is doing really well with physical therapy. He actually got behind the walking toy and walked it! YAY!! Mommy was so happy and proud of her boy. He is showing improvement in occupational therapy as well. Hopefully he will be up to his age level soon. He babbles and giggles all the time. He is also showing off his temper too. So in some areas he is right where he should be. Cognitively he is fine.

Sam is getting better with the potty. Again I take responsibility for this too. I slacked off a bit and so he did too. We aren't back at the beginning (no where near it actually) but I was hoping to being closer to the end by now. But at least I can say he does go to the potty and for the most part is accident free. YAY!!

The other night at bedtime, both Sam and Makiah say a prayer. It's not something they repeat of memorize, they say what they are thinking and sometimes Hubs or I help them out. On this particular night, Sam was still sick and he said this, "Thank you Jesus for my birthday, for firetrucks and firemans, and for my medicine." I had to laugh. Firemen, let this be known, Sam Lovelock is praying for you! Little man was so sick that he was actually thankful for his medicine. Didn't know whether to be happy or sad about that! The whole thing was funny though. Hubs thought so too.

Well, I could talk about The Great Slim Down of '09, cloth diapers and Hubs current Open Grill project, but I will probably need the blog fodder for another day. Yes, I am actually going to try and be back everyday.

I will post pics later this week too. Really.

Have a fabulous Thursday!!!