Lori Tovar
Age: 34
Location: Emporia
Occupation: Homemaker and very part-time dental assistant
Family members: Husband, Sam, 37; Hannah, 9; Mya, 7; Lucas, 5
The last time my children made me laugh: My kids make me laugh a lot. My son is especially funny, and the silly things he says (mostly about bodily noises) make him laugh which makes me laugh.
I carve out time for myself by: Now that all my kids are in school, I have more time for myself. I meet friends for coffee or lunch sometimes or just sit and read a book.
The television mom I’m most like: I would like to say that I am like June Cleaver, but really I am domestically challenged. I guess I am more like Lucy Ricardo — always getting into goofy situations.
The hardest thing about being a mom: I have been surprised to find that being a mom is really hard. My kids test my patience every day.
The most fun thing about being a mom: Despite all the challenges, there are so many things I enjoy about my children. I love watching my kids grow into little people and learn how to navigate through life. I also enjoy cuddling and laughing with them.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my child: I’m not much of an outdoorsy person, but one of the things my kids and I like to do is go to the zoo. We love to watch the animals and the funny things they do. Or just watch in amazement how beautiful the animals are.
The most important life lesson I want my child to learn: First and foremost, I want my children to have a passionate love for Jesus Christ and live their lives to please Him. I also hope they will be compassionate and caring for all people regardless of race, social status or any number of differences they may have.
The thing about my younger self that I’d like to reclaim: Like just about every other woman, I would like to have my younger body back. You know, the body that didn’t sag and bulge and I didn’t even have to do any work to keep it that way.
The way I encourage green habits in my kids: We recycle newspaper, magazines, plastic, tin cans and aluminum cans. I also encourage them to turn off the lights and electronics when they are not using them.
I get my kids to eat their fruits and vegetables by: My kids are actually good fruit and veggie eaters. They have to at least take one bite of any new food and usually, they end up wanting more. They also have fruit as their “healthy snack” before bed.
My no-fail stress reliever: A Sonic Dr. Pepper. There is nothing like it.
I realized I turned into my mother when: I found myself taking a nap any chance I could.
The future parenting moment I fear the most: The teen years. There are so many things about this time of life that scare me.
If I could throw a temper tantrum it would be because: The housework is never done and it never stays done.
The one thing as a kid I promised I’d never do as a parent: I promised I would never say “Because I said, that’s why” to my kids. Sometimes I just have to say it because that really is the only reason they need to know.
The best thing money can’t buy is: Laughter.
My favorite fall family activity is: We enjoy going to Emporia High School football games.