Lauralee’s Blog

  Oooof 😅 — that can be a record-scratch parenting moment. If you want a quick gut check: a lot of Afroman’s music is written for adults , with themes and language most parents aren’t thrilled about kids repeating at the dinner table. You don’t have to deep‑dive the lyrics to know it’s not exactly “family friendly.” Here are a few ways parents tend to handle it, depending on your vibe and your kids’ ages: If you’re thinking “nope, not in my house” It’s totally reasonable to say something like: “Some music is made for grown-ups. This artist falls in that category.” You can redirect without shaming: suggest a different artist switch to clean playlists set a rule about headphones vs speakers If your kids are teens and you want to use it as a convo You might ask: “What do you like about it?” “Do you notice how artists use shock value or humor?” This keeps it about media literacy , not just rule‑enforcing. If faith is part of how you parent (which I know it is for you ❤️) You can fram...

 That is a great feeling. There’s something uniquely satisfying about seeing a space go from cluttered to clear—it’s like a physical weight being lifted off your mind, too. Which area did you tackle? Sometimes just getting one specific spot, like the kitchen counter or a bookshelf, straightened up makes the whole room feel different. Still gotta do the kitchen. But cleaned up mostly ish in the bedroom. And living room. Progress is progress, even with the "mostly ish" qualifier! Getting the bedroom and living room under control is a huge win because those are usually the main spots for actually relaxing once the work is done. The kitchen is always the "final boss" of cleaning, isn't it? It’s the one room that never seems to stay clean for more than five minutes. Are you planning on diving into the kitchen next, or are you calling it a win for the day and enjoying the clear space you've already made?

 Certainly! These three parables are some of the most famous teachings from Jesus' final days in Jerusalem. They all share a common theme: being prepared for the return of the King and being faithful with what you've been given. In the King James Version, you can find these in Matthew chapters 21 and 25. 1. The Parable of the Ten Virgins The Story: Ten virgins took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise and took extra oil for their lamps; five were foolish and took no extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed and finally arrived at midnight, the foolish ones had run out of oil. While they were away trying to buy more, the bridegroom came, and the door to the marriage feast was shut.  * The Lesson: It is a call to spiritual readiness. You don’t know the hour when Christ will return, so you must always be prepared and "watch" (Matthew 25:13). 2. The Parable of the Talents The Story: A man traveling into a far country called his servants and deliver...

 In the Christian tradition, Holy Tuesday (also known as Fig Tuesday) is the third day of Holy Week, the final week of Lent leading up to Easter. It commemorates several specific events and parables from the final days of Jesus' life in Jerusalem. Here are the key themes and events associated with this day: Biblical Significance According to the Gospels, several major interactions occurred on this day:  * The Withered Fig Tree: Following the cursing of the fig tree on Holy Monday, the disciples see the tree completely withered on Tuesday morning. This is often interpreted as a lesson on the power of faith and prayer.  * The Temple Debates: Jesus spent much of the day in the Temple in Jerusalem, where religious leaders challenged his authority with difficult questions, such as whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar.  * The Olivet Discourse: On the way back to Bethany, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives and spoke to his disciples about the "End Times," the destruct...

 

It’s called the Flehmen response , and while it looks like they’ve just witnessed something truly shocking, they are actually "tasting" the air! Cats (and many other animals like horses and goats) have a specialized sensory organ called the vomeronasal organ , or Jacobson's organ , located in the roof of their mouth. When they leave their mouth agape like that, they are actually pulling air across those sensory cells to analyze pheromones or strong scents more deeply than they can with a regular sniff. It’s essentially a high-tech chemical analysis. Usually, they do it when they encounter:  * Pheromones from other cats .  * Strong, unfamiliar smells (like a new pair of shoes or a piece of luggage).  * Intense aromas like certain cleaning products or even some foods. Next time you see Dusty doing it, just know he’s not judging you—he’s just gathering data! Would you like to know more about why cats have such a high-powered sense of smell compared to ours?  

 In the Christian tradition, Holy Monday (also known as Fig Monday) marks the second day of Holy Week. The biblical accounts focus on Jesus returning to Jerusalem from Bethany, where he had stayed after his triumphal entry. The primary events recorded in the Gospels (specifically Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19) include two significant actions: 1. The Cursing of the Fig Tree On the way into the city, Jesus became hungry and approached a fig tree. Although it was covered in leaves, it bore no fruit.  * The Act: Jesus cursed the tree, saying, "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever."  * The Significance: In the KJV and other translations, this is often interpreted as a symbolic judgment on spiritual fruitlessness—having the appearance of life (leaves) but lacking the substance (fruit). 2. The Cleansing of the Temple Upon entering Jerusalem, Jesus went into the Temple and found it filled with people buying and selling animals for sacrifice and exchanging foreign cu...

 

 

 In the Christian tradition, today is known as Holy Monday (or Fig Monday). While it doesn't always get as much "fame" as Palm Sunday or Good Friday, it marks several significant events in the final week of Jesus' life. According to the Gospels, two primary things usually happen on this day:  * The Cursing of the Fig Tree: On the way back to Jerusalem from Bethany, Jesus finds a fig tree that has leaves but no fruit. He curses it as a symbol of spiritual fruitlessness.  * The Cleansing of the Temple: This is the day Jesus enters the Temple in Jerusalem and drives out the money changers and those selling animals, famously declaring, "My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves." Daily Scripture (KJV) If you’d like to read the accounts for today, you can find them in these passages:  * Matthew 21:12–22  * Mark 11:12–19

 my husband is now in the living room building a lego F1 racecar for our son.

  Right now I’m wearing firming lotion , hot cream , a belly band , and a belt. My kids are watching Amazing Digital Circus . I’m on my laptop pretending this is all very normal. If anyone needs me, I’ll be over here marinating in self‑care while clowns yell existential dialogue in the background. Some moms light candles and meditate . I am currently coated in firming lotion and hot cream, wrapped in a belly band and belt like a human science experiment, typing on my laptop while my kids watch Amazing Digital Circus at full volume. This is where wellness meets chaos. This is balance. This is motherhood. My Current Situation: Firming lotion ✅ Hot cream ✅ Belly band ✅ Belt ✅ Laptop open ✅ Kids watching Amazing Digital Circus ✅ Understanding what’s happening on the TV ❌ Self‑care looks different in this season. Sometimes it smells minty, involves compression garments, and happens during a digital clown circus.

 

Ava's tiny cat drawing. He's "sleepy"   

 Built today.

  Sure 💛 Here’s a clear, basic explanation that fits well with Palm Sunday: What does “Hosanna” mean? Hosanna is a word that comes from Hebrew (הוֹשִׁיעָה נָּא, hoshi‘a na ). At its root, it means: “Save now” or “Please save.” How the meaning developed Originally , “Hosanna” was a cry for help — a prayer asking God for rescue or deliverance. Over time, especially by the time of Jesus, it also became a shout of praise and hope , recognizing God as the One who saves. So by the New Testament period, Hosanna carried both meanings at once : 🕊️ A plea : “God, save us!” 🎉 A proclamation : “God is our Savior!” Why it’s important on Palm Sunday When the crowd shouted “Hosanna” as Jesus entered Jerusalem: They were welcoming Him as the promised King They were asking for salvation They were declaring trust and hope that God was at work That’s why the cry feels so powerful — it blends dependence, faith, and worship into a single word. A simple way to summarize Hosanna = “Save us, Lor...

 

 

 

 

 

  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  

 

 Packages 📦 I sold on poshmark 👍🏻 

 “But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.3.3.KJV

 

  That’s a really good question to ask now , while you have time to think clearly. A storm safety kit (sometimes called an emergency or tornado kit) is meant to help you and your family get through several hours to a few days if power is out or you need to shelter in place. Below is a clear, practical checklist , based on Ready.gov, FEMA, and the National Weather Service recommendations, with a few local‑storm specifics mixed in. You don’t need to get everything at once—many items are probably already in your home. [ready.gov] , [weather.gov] ✅ Storm Safety Kit Essentials (Start Here) 💧 Water 1 gallon per person, per day (drinking + sanitation) Aim for at least 3 days [ready.gov] 🥫 Food 3+ days of non‑perishable food Canned meals, soup, tuna Granola/protein bars Peanut butter, crackers Manual can opener [ready.gov] 🔦 Power & Communication Flashlight (one per person if possible) Extra batteries Battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio NOAA Weather Radio (very helpful during...

 I took a few selfies today. I wanted to capture my earrings. I was wearing two different ones. One hoop and one stud. Fashion statement lol. 

  You’re not imagining it — there is a tornado watch that includes areas very close to you in Western Pennsylvania today (Thursday, March 26, 2026). Here’s what that means and what you should do right now. ✅ What’s going on right now A tornado watch has been issued for Western Pennsylvania , including counties near Allegheny and Westmoreland, which are close to Leechburg. This watch is associated with strong to severe thunderstorms expected this evening , bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, frequent lightning , and a low but non‑zero tornado risk . [wtae.com] The National Weather Service issued the watch because conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop , not because one has been spotted. [weather.gov] 🌪️ Tornado Watch vs Warning (important) Tornado Watch ✅ Conditions could produce a tornado. This is a “be ready” situation. Tornado Warning 🚨 A tornado is detected or imminent . This is a “take shelter now” situation. Right now, it’s a WATCH , not a warning. 🏠 W...

can you write me a blog post about: so i was looking at these bug photos and they creeped me out so much. then I thought: ok, this is God's creation. And I felt a little better looking at the terrifying bug photo.    Absolutely—here’s a gentle, reflective blog-style post that fits what you described and the tone you often write in: Terrifying, Yet Created So I was scrolling through these close‑up photos of bugs today. You know the kind—the ones that feel too close. The ones where every hair, every segmented leg, every dark little eye is suddenly in high definition. I felt my stomach turn. They weren’t just bugs anymore; they were intense. Alien. Almost horrifying. I caught myself wanting to scroll away as fast as possible. But then a thought interrupted my discomfort: This is God’s creation. And weirdly… that helped. It didn’t suddenly make the bug cute. I wasn’t instantly calm or fascinated or eager to study insect anatomy. The photo was still unsettling. Still intimidating....

sorry for the disgusting bug photo... but this creepy crawlie came flying at me and scared me/ startled me for sure! Ugh. I was so scared I couldn't even take pictures. These things are soo icky.  

 https://www.bible.com/verse-of-the-day?day=85

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” ‭‭John‬ ‭7‬:‭38‬ ‭KJV‬‬ https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.7.38.KJV What does this mean?  In the context of the Gospel of John, this verse is a profound promise regarding the internal transformation that occurs through faith. To understand its meaning, it is helpful to look at the historical setting, the metaphor of "living water," and the immediate explanation provided in the following verse. 1. The Setting: The Feast of Tabernacles Jesus spoke these words on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). During this festival, a priest would carry water from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple and pour it out as a libation, symbolizing the water God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness and the hope for future messianic blessings. Against this backdrop, Jesus stood up and offered a different kind of water—one that was not merely ceremonial but spiritual and eternal. ...

  Okay — staying practical, non‑therapy, non‑dramatic 👍 And thanks for putting real numbers on the table. That helps. I’ll break this into clear, concrete points . Where you are vs. where you want to be (numbers only) Current weight: ~250 lbs Goal weight: ~140 lbs Total difference: ~110 lbs That is a large but absolutely achievable change — over time . Not fast, not linear, not all from one tool. This is not a “just try harder” situation. At this range, environment + baseline movement matter more than gym workouts. About the medications What you described is also very common: Tried meds Some GI side effects Didn’t feel like they were “working” A few practical truths: Most weight‑loss meds are adjuncts , not drivers Side effects often limit dose or consistency If baseline movement is low, meds feel underwhelming Many people stop/restart or switch types with a doctor So: nothing weird or unusual there. (And good that this was with a doctor , not random internet stuff.) The singl...

  What you’re saying here is actually very perceptive , and it’s not an attack on your partner or yourself. It’s an observation about how context shapes behavior . Let me reflect it back so you can hear how reasonable it sounds: “When I’m with this person, I notice I’m more dependent, which seems to trickle into passivity—less movement, less exercise, more inertia. When I imagine being on my own, I think I’d naturally have to do more for myself, and that baseline effort might actually be healthier for me.” That’s not a moral judgment. That’s systems thinking . This isn’t about motivation — it’s about structure People often think exercise and activity are about willpower . But for many adults, especially thoughtful, inward people, activity is shaped more by: daily structure necessity expectations embedded in the environment When those are externalized (someone else drives, decides, initiates, provides), the body adapts by conserving energy . That’s not laziness. It’s efficiency. So ...

  Thank you for trusting me with that memory. What you’re describing is very real , and it’s more meaningful than people usually acknowledge. I want to sit with this with you for a moment, not rush to explain it away. That sudden urge to cry before birth is incredibly common Many people experience a wave of grief, fear, vulnerability, or overwhelm right at the threshold of giving birth , often even when the pregnancy is wanted and loved . What makes it powerful is that it comes before anything “bad” happens. It’s not panic. It’s not weakness. It’s something deeper. What that moment often represents Right before birth, your body and nervous system know something your mind hasn’t fully articulated yet: 🟠 “Everything is about to change.” 🟠 “I’m crossing a line I can’t come back from.” 🟠 “I’m about to lose the version of myself I know.” 🟠 “I don’t know who I’ll be on the other side of this.” That urge to cry is often grief and awe happening at the same time . Grief for: The body y...

  I’m really glad you named this, because this part is often harder than the exercises themselves — and it deserves care, not fixing. What you’re feeling isn’t just about muscles. It’s about identity, expectations, grief, and self‑judgment all colliding at once. Let’s talk about that gently. What “feeling weak” actually hits When you realize: You can’t do a sit‑up A bridge feels overwhelming Your body won’t respond the way you expect It can quietly trigger thoughts like: “What happened to me?” “I used to be stronger than this.” “I waited too long.” “I should be able to do this.” “My body failed me.” Those thoughts hurt — and they’re very common in postpartum bodies, even years later. An important reframe (this matters) Weakness does not mean neglect. Weakness does not mean laziness. Weakness does not mean damage beyond repair. What you’re experiencing is closer to disconnection than weakness . Your body: Learned to adapt during pregnancy Learned compensations to get through life...

  That makes complete sense — and I’m really glad you said it instead of pushing through it. A bridge feeling “really hard” is actually a very clear, useful signal , not a problem. Let me normalize this first, then give you exactly what to do instead. First: this is normal for your situation For someone who: Is many years postpartum Can’t do a sit‑up Has a hanging belly / deep core weakness ➡️ Bridges are often too advanced at first , even though they look simple. A proper bridge requires: Deep core engagement Pelvic stability Glute activation Coordination between breath + movement If any one of those is weak (very common), your body says “nope, this is hard.” That’s not failure — it’s information. Important reassurance If bridges feel hard, that means you are at the correct starting level , not behind. Many women skip this feedback and force harder exercises — which is how pain, bulging, or back issues happen. You listened. That’s good. What to do instead (bridge regressions) Yo...

  I’m really glad you said that out loud — and I want to say this clearly and kindly: Not being able to do a single sit‑up is not a failure. It is actually very common after pregnancy — even years later — and it tells us something useful, not something bad. Why this is normal (especially postpartum) After pregnancy, many women: Lose coordination between the brain and the deep core Have weakened transverse abdominis (the support muscle) May still have some degree of muscle separation Learned compensations over years without realizing it A sit‑up requires: Strong deep core Strong hip flexors Stable pelvis No abdominal pressure leakage If the deep core isn’t firing properly, the body simply won’t let you up — and that’s protective , not lazy. So your body isn’t “weak.” It’s being cautious . Very important reassurance You do NOT need to be able to do sit‑ups to: Recover your core Reduce a hanging belly Get stronger Improve how your stomach looks and feels Many pelvic floor physical...

  🕒 8–10 minute routine Diaphragmatic breathing – 5 slow breaths Pelvic tilts – 10–15 reps Supine marches – 8–12 total Bridge – 10 reps Standing core engagement – 10 holds (5–10 seconds) ✅ A couple of important cues (these matter more than reps) Move slowly Exhale on effort Stop if your belly bulges or domes Think “gentle wrapping inward,” not squeezing If you want, next we can: Pair this with your walking pad (how to engage your core while walking) Decide when/if crunches could ever come back Modify any exercise that doesn’t feel right for you You’re doing the right thing by wanting visuals first — that’s how most people really learn. 💛

  I hear you — and I want to respond honestly, respectfully, and without sugar‑coating , because your instinct makes sense … but part of it will likely work against the result you want . Let’s break this down gently. 🚶‍♀️ Walking for an hour a day → ✅ GOOD IDEA Walking is one of the best things you can do for: Fat metabolism Hormonal balance Stress reduction (huge for belly fat) Whole‑body circulation Consistency (which matters more than intensity) 👉 A walking pad for up to an hour a day is absolutely fine if : Your posture is upright (not slouched) Your core is gently engaged (not relaxed and hanging) You’re not forcing yourself every single day out of guilt Even 30–45 minutes done well is powerful. ✅ Walking = supportive , not harmful. 🔥 Crunches → ⚠️ THIS is where I want to slow you down This is the important part. For women with a hanging belly after pregnancy — especially many years later — crunches often do NOT flatten the stomach. They frequently: Push the abdominal con...

  That’s a really good question—and I’m glad you asked it now, because having a realistic timeline protects you from discouragement and from programs that promise what the body simply can’t do. Here’s the honest, compassionate answer for someone ~8 years postpartum , assuming consistent, gentle core rehab (not extreme workouts). The short answer You can expect noticeable improvement, but it will be gradual. Most women see: Early internal changes in weeks Visible shape changes in months Max improvement around 12–18 months Not because the body is slow—but because you’re retraining muscles and connective tissue that adapted over years. A realistic timeline (what most women experience) 🗓️ 0–4 weeks: Internal changes first What you’ll notice Better awareness of your core Abdominals feel more “connected” Less heaviness or pulling in the lower belly Improved posture and back comfort What you probably won’t see yet Major visual change ✅ This phase is about neuromuscular reconnection ...