My Name Is Laura...

Since I have certain someones always trying to tell others about me, I thought they should get it right. I have done one of these before, but figured I would go into more detail.

My name is Laura.

 I was born Feb 8^th at 11:57pm.

 I have lived in too many places to name, but all in Michigan.

I am a Christian. But what does that mean to me? I love God. I think Jesus was the son of God. I think the Bible is the interpretation of the spoken word of God and I believe that there are many books that aren’t in the Bible that there should be. I love going to Church, but don’t get there as much as I would like. I don’t necessarily like the people who go to church, however, because mostly they are hypocritical. I feel that God is everywhere, not just in big buildings and who takes the most offerings. It’s better to find God in the little places, like when your kids are screaming and there’s laundry piling up…you hear his voice calming you . I believe that as a Christian it is my duty to NOT judge others. I don’t care what the color of your skin is, who you love or what your occupation is. I do care if you harm others and feel it should be dealt with swiftly, but not with taking a life.

I am a stay at home mom. When I married my wonderful husband we made the pact that I would stay home and raise our kids. This isn't however a knock to those who can’t stay home! We have made big sacrifices so I can stay home. In my humble opinion, it’s far too easy to hand your kids over to someone else to be raised. I love staying home with my kids. I admit I get cabin fever and ache for some adult interaction, but I wouldn't trade this time for the world.

On that note. I home school  I feel that school (public and/or private) has lost it’s touch. They are too interested in teaching our children to test and not to live in the real world. I feel that bullying, drugs, sex, and being skinny are what is taught on the front lines  Again, not knocking those who have their kids in school, it’s just not for us. I won’t judge you for your decisions if you do the same, ok? Although the pressure is immense to have your kids education in your hands, the reward is unbelievable! I am giving my kids a solid foundation of love, faith and respect and hope that when the time comes to enter the world on their own, their foundation is strong enough to withstand the pressures of “real life”

 I don’t clean as often as I should, laundry doesn't always get done, the floors need mopping and I get disorganized as quickly as I organize everything.

I spend way too much time watching tv or on the computer (case in point) and am trying to limit myself and my kiddos, which as been going surprisingly well.

I try to parent peacefully. I am not as good at it as I would like to be. I get upset, frustrated and mad when I know I shouldn't. I try, and that’s all I can do.

Contrary to popular belief I don't limit my husband. We are a team and we make decisions together. There are only 3 things I told my husband from the beginning and they stand true today. 1. Don't do drugs 2. Don't cheat 3. Don't cover up 1 or 2   

I don’t drink or do drugs. Here’s one that gets people. I have never done any kind of drugs. I used to drink. I made a very bad decision early on to get drunk and almost lost my life. I continued to have a beer here and there over the next several years.  One day I sat, prayed and talked to my husband about it. What are the benefits of drinking? I don’t see any. Not a single one. I don’t like the way people act when drinking, so I’m sure people feel the same way about me. It’s not funny. We made the decision that night to never drink again.

I am not social. I am uncomfortable around people. I hate talking on the phone with a passion (there are only a select few that this doesn't pertain to) I don’t know why, and honestly, I find it annoying. I have a circle of people I am around and with them, I am fine, just don’t put me with a whole bunch of people! Because of that, I make sure that my kids know how to speak to adults, to peers and hopefully do it respectfully.

I have panic attacks. I have battled anxiety since I was a teenager. It comes at the most inopportune time! (ok, really there’s never a good time but you know what I am saying!) It is frightening, with no rhyme or reason. I have learned to calm myself and most of the time I can suppress them.

I have 3 kids, which most of you know. And no, we are not done. We have stated from the beginning that we want 4 kids. Children are a blessing! My husband jokes that he wants 10 kids (sometimes, not so sure he’s joking though!). I just know that at this time, we aren't done. No I am not saying I am going to have another baby right now, but sometime (maybe years in the future) I want another as long as God wills it.

My weight seems to be a hot topic of discussion, so let’s nip that in the bum. Yes I am overweight… but over who’s weight? I am not as skinny as I once was. I am not entirely happy with myself at this weight but I love myself, which has taken a long time to say. I am trying to be healthy, NOT trying to be skinny. I will not lose weight to fit someone else’s mold. My husband loves me, my kids love me and that’s all I need.

I try not to lie. I hate lying. If you don’t lie then you don’t have to remember the lie. The truth is so much easier. I find myself sometimes (hey I’m human!) telling a lie and then I feel horrible. Honestly, I feel horrible. I want others to tell me the truth, so I try my hardest to do the same.

So this is me. I am Laura. I make mistakes, I ask for forgiveness, I ask for second chances, I do loud really well, I need more grace and patience. If you have any questions: just ask. All I ask of you is if you feel the need to talk about me, get it right.