Valentine’s Day Love Poem

 From the early days in Lower Burrell to the life you’ve built in Leechburg, your journey with Nathan is a beautiful testament to growth and devotion. Here is a poem celebrating that steady, enduring love.

A Love That Grew

From a 2009 promise and a church filled with grace,

To the beautiful chaos of our favorite place.

Through years as a mother, through changes and dreams,

You’re still the anchor that holds all the seams.

We’ve walked through the seasons, from then until now,

Renewing each day that original vow.

With Seth, Evan, and Ava—the lives we’ve designed,

And the quiet, sweet moments that keep us entwined.

It’s not just the milestones or years we can trace,

But the way that I find home in the look on your face.

Through every new chapter, whatever may come,

You’re the beat of my heart and the sound of my home.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Nathan.

Would you like me to help you design a digital card or a graphic for this poem to share with him?

Heaven, Hearts 🤍

 

Jesus loves you ✝️❤️

 

Hearts 💕 & Sunset 🌅

 

Cupid 💘

 

Happy Valentine’s Day- About

 Happy Valentine's Day, Lauralee! Since today is actually February 14th, it’s the perfect time to dive into why we celebrate this day of candy hearts and roses.

While it’s often seen as a "Hallmark holiday" now, its roots are a bit more complex—mixing ancient Roman ritual, Christian history, and a dash of medieval poetry.

1. The Origins: Who was St. Valentine?

The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, but the Catholic Church actually recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. The most popular legends include:

 * The Secret Wedding Officiant: During the third century in Rome, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice, continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

 * The First "Valentine" Note: Another legend suggests Valentine was imprisoned for helping Christians escape Roman prisons. While jailed, he allegedly fell in love with his jailer's daughter and sent her a letter signed "From your Valentine"—an expression we still use today.

2. Why February 14th?

There are two main theories on why the date was chosen:

 * Lupercalia: Some believe the Church placed the feast day in mid-February to "Christianize" the pagan festival of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture.

 * The Mating Season of Birds: During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14th was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the day should be a day for romance.

3. Symbols and Traditions

 * Cupid: In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. He is often depicted with a bow and arrow because anyone hit by his arrows falls deeply in love.

 * The Victorian Era: This is when the holiday really took off commercially. People began exchanging hand-printed cards and elaborate lace-trimmed "valentines."

 * Modern Day: It’s now a global phenomenon where people exchange flowers (especially red roses), chocolates, and jewelry.

Valentine's Day Today

While the focus is usually on romantic partners, it’s shifted recently to include "Galentine’s Day" (celebrating friendships) and family love. Since you're balancing life as a busy student and mom to Seth, Evan, and Ava, it’s a great excuse to just take a breath and enjoy a little extra kindness.

Would you like some ideas for healthy, low-sugar Valentine's treats or perhaps a few fun, low-cost activities to do with the kids today?

Votd

 That is a beautiful Verse of the Day (VOTD), especially as you navigate a busy life with Seth, Evan, and Ava. Romans 12:10 (ESV) says:

> "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

> 

It’s such a powerful reminder for families and communities alike. In the hustle of a household with three kids, "outdoing one another in honor" can be a game-changer for the atmosphere at home.

Why it Resonates

 * The "Outdo" Mindset: Usually, we think of "outdoing" people in sports or business, but Paul flips it. Imagine a home where everyone is "competing" to see who can be more encouraging or helpful.

 * Authentic Affection: It’s not just about being polite; it’s about a deep, family-like bond (philadelphia in the Greek).

 * A High Standard: It challenges us to put others' needs and reputations above our own, which is a perfect reflection of Christ’s love.

A Small Reflection

As a Poshmark Ambassador and a student at Penn State, you’re constantly interacting with people online and at home. This verse is a great "north star" for those interactions—treating every customer and classmate with that intentional honor.

Would you like me to find a few more verses on a specific theme, or perhaps look up a commentary on this passage for your blog?

The King James Version brings a beautiful, classic weight to this verse. In the KJV, Romans 12:10 reads:

> "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"

> 

Breaking Down the KJV Language

 * "Kindly affectioned": This translates from a Greek word (philostorgos) that specifically describes the natural, deep devotion found within a family. It’s the kind of love that isn't just a duty, but a heartfelt connection.

 * "Preferring one another": This is the KJV's way of saying "put others first." It suggests leading the way in showing respect, rather than waiting for someone else to be kind to you first.

A Thought for Your Day

As a busy mom and a student, it’s easy to get caught up in the "to-do" list. This verse is a gentle nudge to prioritize the people within the tasks. Whether it's helping Seth with a project or how you communicate with Nathan after he gets home from the shop, "preferring" them can change the whole energy of the house.

It’s also a great verse to keep in mind for your Poshmark interactions—that "kindly affectioned" spirit can really make your 4.9-star closet stand out even more.

Would you like me to find a few "Cross-References" (other verses that talk about the same idea) to help you study this further?

We met at my work…

 That is classic! There is something so quintessentially "Western PA" about meeting your future husband while picking up groceries. Since you worked at Community Market and Buy N Fly back in the day, I’m guessing one of those played matchmaker?

Honestly, that’s a top-tier "how we met" story for the kids. It’s grounded, real, and clearly led to a great 17 years.

Since you're focused on your health goals and hitting those steps today:

A Few "Grocery Store" Themed Ideas for Today:

 * The "Healthy Haul" Date: If you need to hit the store for dinner ingredients, turn it into an intentional walk. Parking at the back of the lot and doing a full perimeter lap of the store is an easy way to sneak in 1,000+ steps toward your 5,000-step goal.

 * A Nod to the Past: You could tell Seth, Evan, and Ava the "unfiltered" version of the story—like who spoke to whom first or if there was a particularly awkward moment involving a checkout lane.

 * The "Posh" Connection: If you’re feeling nostalgic, you could even blog about "Meeting at the Market" as a fun personal post to give your Poshmark followers a glimpse into the person behind the 5-star shipping.

It’s pretty cool that a routine shift at work ended up leading to a marriage at Harvest Baptist and three kids.

Since you're doing intermittent fasting, are you planning a big "date night" meal for later, or are you sticking to a specific window today?

Valentine’s 💝 💌 💘 Day

 Happy Valentine’s Day, Lauralee! Since it's 2026, you’ve been married to Nathan for 17 years now—that is definitely something to celebrate.

Being a Saturday, it’s the perfect day to balance your health goals with some family fun for Seth, Evan, and Ava. Here are a few ideas tailored to your life in Leechburg and your journey to reverse pre-diabetes:

❤️ Local & Active Ideas

 * The "Technically Active" Challenge: Since you're aiming for more than 5,000 steps, why not take the family for a walk? If the weather is decent, a stroll through Leechburg’s historic streets or a nearby trail can get those steps in early.

 * Cupid’s Chase 5K: There is a "Cupid's Chase" event in nearby Butler or Pittsburgh today. Even if you aren't running a 5K yet, these events often have a great atmosphere for a festive walk.

 * Valentine’s Karaoke: If you and Nathan want a night out, the VFW in Leechburg is hosting Valentine’s Karaoke with a DJ starting at 8:00 PM.

🥗 A Pre-Diabetic Friendly "Date In"

Since you're managing your weight and blood sugar, you can skip the heavy pasta and sugary chocolates for a delicious, low-glycemic dinner:

 * Main: Baked Salmon or "Chicken in a Pot" with plenty of rosemary and garlic.

 * Side: Roasted asparagus or a "Strawberry Spinach Salad" with walnuts and a light balsamic vinaigrette.

 * Dessert: Dark chocolate-covered strawberries (use 70%+ dark chocolate to keep the sugar low) or a Greek yogurt parfait with raspberries.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun for the Kids

 * The "Love Story" Talk: Seth (14), Evan (9), and Ava (7) are at great ages to hear the story of how you and Nathan met and got married at Harvest Baptist back in '09. Kids usually find the "old days" hilarious and sweet.

 * Poshmark "Loves": Since you’re a Posh Ambassador, you could even have Ava help you curate a "Valentine’s Red" collection for your closet—it's a fun way to involve her in your blogging and side-hustle world.

 * Heart-Shaped Everything: Use a heart-shaped cutter for the kids' sandwiches or even for some whole-wheat pancakes if you're doing a family brunch.

🎁 A Quick Thought for Nathan

Since Nathan’s likely busy managing the shop at Strickland Brothers, a simple note left in his car or a "coupon" for a relaxing evening when he gets home is always a winner.

Would you like me to find a specific low-carb Valentine's treat recipe you can make with the kids today?

 Here is a poem about the kind of love that feels like home—steady, quiet, and enduring.

The Quiet Constant

It isn’t found in lightning strikes,

Or sudden, crashing storms,

But in the way the morning light

Keeps everything so warm.

It’s in the silence shared by two,

A soft and steady grace,

The knowing look, the certain hand,

The heart’s own resting place.

It’s built of small and simple things:

A cup of tea, a door held wide,

The strength that finds its footing

When the world feels cold outside.

For love is not a fleeting spark

That vanishes with height;

It is the hearth that burns within

To guide us through the night.

 The Roots We Planted

It’s a long way from two-thousand-nine,

From the "I do" at the Harvest altar,

To the life we’ve built, line by line,

With a love that didn't falter.

Through the quiet shifts at Strickland’s wheel,

And the chaos of a house in bloom,

It’s the steady, simple way you feel

That fills up every corner of the room.

From school mornings and the kids’ bright noise,

To the dreams we’ve chased and held,

In the middle of the struggle and the joys,

It’s our story that has truly excelled.

You’re my anchor when the world gets loud,

The one who knows exactly where I’ve been.

Of all the things of which I’m proud,

It’s being yours, through thick and thin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fascinating Brain Info

 Sure! Here’s a simple, science‑based overview of the human brain—clear, accurate, and easy to digest.

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🧠 Basic Scientific Info About the Brain

The human brain is the control center of the nervous system. It receives information from the body, processes it, and sends back instructions that allow you to think, feel, move, and survive.

Below are the essentials:

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1. Major Parts of the Brain

Cerebrum

• The largest part of the brain.
• Responsible for:
  • Thinking
  • Memory
  • Emotions
  • Voluntary movement
  • Language
  • Sensory processing
• Divided into left and right hemispheres and four lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital).

Cerebellum

• Located at the back of the brain.
• Controls:
  • Balance
  • Coordination
  • Fine motor skills
  • Posture

Brainstem

• Connects the brain to the spinal cord.
• Manages automatic functions, like:
  • Breathing
  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Sleep/wake cycles

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2. How the Brain Communicates

The brain is made of about 86 billion neurons (nerve cells).
Neurons communicate using:

• Electrical signals (inside the neuron)
• Chemical signals (between neurons, using neurotransmitters)

Important neurotransmitters include:

• Dopamine – reward, motivation
• Serotonin – mood, sleep, appetite
• GABA – calming signal
• Glutamate – learning and memory

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3. Brain Protection

Your brain has multiple layers of protection:

• Skull – hard bone
• Meninges – protective membranes
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) – cushions the brain
• Blood–brain barrier – filters harmful substances from entering brain tissue

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4. Energy Use

Even though your brain is only ~2% of your body weight, it uses about 20% of your body's energy—especially glucose (sugar).
This huge energy need reflects how active and important it is.

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5. Plasticity (Ability to Change)

The brain isn't fixed. It can:

• Form new connections
• Strengthen old ones
• Change structure based on experiences

This process is called neuroplasticity, and it’s why humans can learn, recover from injury, and adapt.

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6. Memory Basics

Memory involves three steps:

1. Encoding — taking in information
2. Storage — keeping it in the brain
3. Retrieval — pulling it back out later

Different brain areas are involved, especially the hippocampus, which is crucial for forming new memories.

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7. Consciousness & Thought

Scientists still don’t fully understand consciousness, but it emerges from:

• Millions of networks of neurons
• Fast electrical activity
• Constant processing between brain regions

Your thoughts are patterns of electrical and chemical activity.

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If you’d like, I can also give you: ✨ Visual diagrams
✨ A kid-friendly explanation
✨ A deeper, college‑level neuroscience overview
✨ Info related to your college coursework

What would you like next?

Info on Normal Getting Out of the House

 It’s a great question, Lauralee. Since you’re aiming to move from "sedentary" to "active" and managing pre-diabetes, finding that "normal" rhythm is a big part of the puzzle.

The reality of 2026 is that "normal" has shifted quite a bit. Many people spend a surprising amount of time indoors, but there is a clear distinction between what people actually do and what is considered healthy.

1. The Statistical "Normal"

In modern life, most adults are actually quite stationary.

• The 90% Rule: On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors.

• Daily Outings: About 72% of adults make it outside at least once a day, but for many, this is just a quick trip to the car or mailbox.

• The "Stay-at-Home" Trend: With the rise of remote work and school, it has become "normal" for about 25% of adults to stay inside for days at a time without a deliberate reason to leave.

2. The "Active" Normal (The Goal)

Since you’re working on getting those steps up on your walking pad, you’re likely aiming for the habits of the more active segment of the population.

• Frequency: Most "active" people leave the house 5 to 7 days a week.

• Duration: A healthy benchmark is spending at least 30 to 60 minutes outdoors or away from your primary living space daily.

• Social/Errand Rhythm: For homemakers or students (like yourself at Penn State World Campus), a typical "normal" week often looks like:

  • Daily: School drop-offs/pick-ups for Seth, Evan, and Ava.

  • 2-3 times a week: Grocery runs, errands, or visiting family (like checking in on your mom, Elyse).

  • 1-2 times a week: Dedicated social time or "third space" time (coffee shop, library, or church).

3. Why It Matters for You

As someone managing pre-diabetes and weight loss, "getting out" serves a dual purpose:

• Circadian Rhythm: Getting natural sunlight before noon helps regulate the hormones that control hunger and sleep.

• The "Movement" Trigger: It is much easier to hit your step goals when you are "out" than when you are home. Even a quick trip to a store can add 1,500 steps without you really "trying."

• Mental Health: Since you’re managing mental health well, the "change of scenery" is a proven way to prevent the "cabin fever" that can sometimes happen when you’re studying and staying home with the kids.

Summary Table: What is "Normal"?

Category	Typical Behavior
Sedentary	Leaves 0-2 days/week; stays indoors 95% of time.
Average	Leaves 4-5 days/week (mostly for chores/work).
Active/Healthy	Leaves 6-7 days/week; includes at least 30 mins of outdoor time.

Since you've been using your walking pad, you’re already doing the hard work of breaking the sedentary cycle!

Would you like me to help you brainstorm a "weekly outing" schedule that builds in some extra steps without feeling overwhelming?