Here are two of my all time favorite video clips. I still laugh every time I watch them. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Word(less) Wednesday
Why in the world do I spend money on toys? Could someone please tell me?
Save yourselves the cost of expensive Christmas gifts this year and just buy your kids a box of Spongebob dixie cups, some plastic grocery bags, and a large supply of toilet paper.
That'll keep 'em busy.
Save yourselves the cost of expensive Christmas gifts this year and just buy your kids a box of Spongebob dixie cups, some plastic grocery bags, and a large supply of toilet paper.
That'll keep 'em busy.
Happy Word(less) Wednesday. Click here for more participants.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Air ducts a flat iron and scandal
I don't know why I am about to tell you this story. It's embarrassing to me, but I can now look back at it and laugh. When it happened there was no laughing going on. Bear with me, there are a lot of details. So let's dive right in, shall we?
When we moved into our new house here in Ohio I wanted to get the carpets and air ducts cleaned right away. The previous owners had 2 if not more cats and at least 2 dogs. Carson and I have cat allergies and they were put to the test while we suffered for the first few weeks of living in the house.
I received a coupon packet in the mail and included was a deal for air duct cleaning. Being that I had no clue what reputable companies were in the area and not having any word of mouth suggestions, I figured that a company that offers a coupon should be reliable. Yeah.
Let's move on.
I called and scheduled the appointment.
I have had our air ducts cleaned at our previous house so I knew what to expect or at least I thought I knew. I figured a large truck showing the companies logo would pull into the driveway with a clean cut uniform wearing employee(s). They would unroll their huge industrial sized vacuum tubes attached to the truck, hook up to the furnace and vents, turn on the switch and major balloon type structures would protrude out of the back of the truck while it sucked out every ounce of dirt, hair, food, particles and lost toys that made their way into the vent system.
At least that has been my experience.
Oh boy - did I have it wrong.
On the day of the appointment a beat up white, rusty hatch back car pulls up and two young "boys" dressed in plain white t-shirts and khaki shorts along with a load of tattoos walk up to the front door and ring the bell. I thought they were here to sell me something, but then they announce they are here to clean my air ducts.
Uh, okay. Not quite the look I was expecting, but a small voice told me not to judge a book by it's cover and it kind of sounded like my mom. But my gut was telling me otherwise.
I let them in and my dog wouldn't stop sniffing them, which luckily they were very friendly and the one guy loved dogs so he kept playing with her. They also talked about their kids and showed me pictures. Not the most professional display, but I didn't mind that much.
I am not exactly sure what or how they attempted to suck out the crap that was sitting in my air ducts especially with the equipment they brought. It included a large shop vac (I kid you not), some type of compressed air pump, which they let Carson and Luke take turns playing with. Strange. But I got some cute pictures of the boys "working." And they also used "sanitizer" which came in a pump similar to the weed killer I have in the garage.
To me, it was all a bit too unprofessional. My standards aren't that high, but this wasn't even coming close to what it should have been. After 40 minutes of them going in and out of every single room in my house, doing whatever it was that they were doing, they brought the bill to me and I pulled out my coupon which was $74 for all the vents.
I had them do a few extra things, like clean the furnace, cold air returns, and main lines. They threw in the sanitizer (a $150 value) for free (my ass!) I am almost embarrassed to say how much I paid. It was no $74. Try adding a zero to the end of that and then we're a lot closer to the real amount. Just imagine my head as a sucker, like in the old cartoons. I had been HAD.
I let it set in for a few hours. The shock was overwhelming and I contemplated how was I going to tell my husband how much I paid without divorce papers being filed? In the meantime I went upstairs to straighten my hair and get ready to go out and run some errands. Except, my flat iron was not sitting on the counter next to the sink where it usually was. I looked in the drawers, but came up with nothing. I asked the boys if they had seen it or had been playing with it, but they insisted they had no clue what I was talking about. This flat iron is one of the nicer ones that the professionals use. So you know it comes with a high price tag.
Here goes my gut reaction again. My mind starting going and I instantly thought that maybe the cleaning boys took it. It sounds stupid for a guy to take a woman's flat iron, but hey, there's a quick $100 you could make. This idea was not sitting well with me.
I put on my detective hat and and started doing some research. Of course I did not have the coupon and I didn't know the name of the company. The receipt they left me only said a generic name of which I couldn't find doing an online search. And the phone # on the receipt just rang with no answer. I left a message for the distributor of the coupon pack hoping they could help, but with no such luck. I called a neighbor and explained the situation hoping she had kept the coupon, but she had thrown them away. Although, she did offer a good suggestion, to call the police department and see what they recommend I do next.
I tried calling the company's number again and got in touch with the "owner". I told her the situation with the missing flat iron and explained that I didn't want to make false accusations, but was hoping they could shed any light on if they had seen it lying around. She was pretty defensive right away, but said she would get in touch with the guys and call me back later in the day.
In the meantime, I contacted the Better Business Bureau to see if they had any negative reports against them, which they had not. The representative took my information. I also called the police department to see what advice they could give me. They said I could either come into the station to fill out a police report or they could come to the house. I accepted neither, since I wasn't completely sure they were the culprits or not. I also contacted my credit card company to see if my card had been charged yet in which it was pending and also meant I wasn't able to stop it. They did say I could dispute the charge once it posted. That wasn't helping me at the moment.
Since I had not shopped around initially, I decided to call another local air duct company to get their advice. We talked in depth for quite awhile about the services they provide, what I should have received, and the price I should have paid, oh say half of what I dished out already. After getting off the phone I felt like I had been taken advantage of. Completely! I was mad so I called the company back to complain and request a refund.
And do you know what that lady told me after going back and forth with each other? She said I had buyers remorse and I should have done my shopping around before I allowed their company to clean my air ducts.
Oh no she di'n't!
Oh yes she did!
The nerve of her to tell me that I had buyers remorse. By this point I was fuming, steam coming out of my ears and all. Not a pretty sight. I hung up the phone and went upstairs to clean (it's what I do when I get mad) and calm down.
As I am picking up items from the bedroom floor, I glance down and see a cord sticking out from under my bookcase. The thoughts that ran through my head in that split second were crazy. In a way I wanted it to be my flat iron so I wouldn't have to go into any more debt having to buy another one. But on the other hand, I was hoping it was not the flat iron so I could prove that those corrupt people stole it from me.
I bent over, reached under and pulled out - my flat iron. I started bawling. I felt like such a loser. Here I have accused these people (in my head) and convinced myself they were no good, tattoo, punk, guys out to ransack my house and leave my air ducts dirty. I was a bit humbled.
I was taught a good lesson that day - not to jump to conclusions. At this point I knew what I had to do. I reluctantly called theevil lady back, told her what I found, and apologized profusely for contemplating that one of the guys would have taken it. At this point I couldn't hold back the tears. I wasn't looking for a pity party, just for her to accept my apology, which she did with hostility in her voice, but that was sufficient enough for me.
I can only imagine the stories they tell about me now. I just hope they're laughing about it too.
When we moved into our new house here in Ohio I wanted to get the carpets and air ducts cleaned right away. The previous owners had 2 if not more cats and at least 2 dogs. Carson and I have cat allergies and they were put to the test while we suffered for the first few weeks of living in the house.
I received a coupon packet in the mail and included was a deal for air duct cleaning. Being that I had no clue what reputable companies were in the area and not having any word of mouth suggestions, I figured that a company that offers a coupon should be reliable. Yeah.
Let's move on.
I called and scheduled the appointment.
I have had our air ducts cleaned at our previous house so I knew what to expect or at least I thought I knew. I figured a large truck showing the companies logo would pull into the driveway with a clean cut uniform wearing employee(s). They would unroll their huge industrial sized vacuum tubes attached to the truck, hook up to the furnace and vents, turn on the switch and major balloon type structures would protrude out of the back of the truck while it sucked out every ounce of dirt, hair, food, particles and lost toys that made their way into the vent system.
At least that has been my experience.
Oh boy - did I have it wrong.
On the day of the appointment a beat up white, rusty hatch back car pulls up and two young "boys" dressed in plain white t-shirts and khaki shorts along with a load of tattoos walk up to the front door and ring the bell. I thought they were here to sell me something, but then they announce they are here to clean my air ducts.
Uh, okay. Not quite the look I was expecting, but a small voice told me not to judge a book by it's cover and it kind of sounded like my mom. But my gut was telling me otherwise.
I let them in and my dog wouldn't stop sniffing them, which luckily they were very friendly and the one guy loved dogs so he kept playing with her. They also talked about their kids and showed me pictures. Not the most professional display, but I didn't mind that much.
I am not exactly sure what or how they attempted to suck out the crap that was sitting in my air ducts especially with the equipment they brought. It included a large shop vac (I kid you not), some type of compressed air pump, which they let Carson and Luke take turns playing with. Strange. But I got some cute pictures of the boys "working." And they also used "sanitizer" which came in a pump similar to the weed killer I have in the garage.
To me, it was all a bit too unprofessional. My standards aren't that high, but this wasn't even coming close to what it should have been. After 40 minutes of them going in and out of every single room in my house, doing whatever it was that they were doing, they brought the bill to me and I pulled out my coupon which was $74 for all the vents.
I had them do a few extra things, like clean the furnace, cold air returns, and main lines. They threw in the sanitizer (a $150 value) for free (my ass!) I am almost embarrassed to say how much I paid. It was no $74. Try adding a zero to the end of that and then we're a lot closer to the real amount. Just imagine my head as a sucker, like in the old cartoons. I had been HAD.
I let it set in for a few hours. The shock was overwhelming and I contemplated how was I going to tell my husband how much I paid without divorce papers being filed? In the meantime I went upstairs to straighten my hair and get ready to go out and run some errands. Except, my flat iron was not sitting on the counter next to the sink where it usually was. I looked in the drawers, but came up with nothing. I asked the boys if they had seen it or had been playing with it, but they insisted they had no clue what I was talking about. This flat iron is one of the nicer ones that the professionals use. So you know it comes with a high price tag.
Here goes my gut reaction again. My mind starting going and I instantly thought that maybe the cleaning boys took it. It sounds stupid for a guy to take a woman's flat iron, but hey, there's a quick $100 you could make. This idea was not sitting well with me.
I put on my detective hat and and started doing some research. Of course I did not have the coupon and I didn't know the name of the company. The receipt they left me only said a generic name of which I couldn't find doing an online search. And the phone # on the receipt just rang with no answer. I left a message for the distributor of the coupon pack hoping they could help, but with no such luck. I called a neighbor and explained the situation hoping she had kept the coupon, but she had thrown them away. Although, she did offer a good suggestion, to call the police department and see what they recommend I do next.
I tried calling the company's number again and got in touch with the "owner". I told her the situation with the missing flat iron and explained that I didn't want to make false accusations, but was hoping they could shed any light on if they had seen it lying around. She was pretty defensive right away, but said she would get in touch with the guys and call me back later in the day.
In the meantime, I contacted the Better Business Bureau to see if they had any negative reports against them, which they had not. The representative took my information. I also called the police department to see what advice they could give me. They said I could either come into the station to fill out a police report or they could come to the house. I accepted neither, since I wasn't completely sure they were the culprits or not. I also contacted my credit card company to see if my card had been charged yet in which it was pending and also meant I wasn't able to stop it. They did say I could dispute the charge once it posted. That wasn't helping me at the moment.
Since I had not shopped around initially, I decided to call another local air duct company to get their advice. We talked in depth for quite awhile about the services they provide, what I should have received, and the price I should have paid, oh say half of what I dished out already. After getting off the phone I felt like I had been taken advantage of. Completely! I was mad so I called the company back to complain and request a refund.
And do you know what that lady told me after going back and forth with each other? She said I had buyers remorse and I should have done my shopping around before I allowed their company to clean my air ducts.
Oh no she di'n't!
Oh yes she did!
The nerve of her to tell me that I had buyers remorse. By this point I was fuming, steam coming out of my ears and all. Not a pretty sight. I hung up the phone and went upstairs to clean (it's what I do when I get mad) and calm down.
As I am picking up items from the bedroom floor, I glance down and see a cord sticking out from under my bookcase. The thoughts that ran through my head in that split second were crazy. In a way I wanted it to be my flat iron so I wouldn't have to go into any more debt having to buy another one. But on the other hand, I was hoping it was not the flat iron so I could prove that those corrupt people stole it from me.
I bent over, reached under and pulled out - my flat iron. I started bawling. I felt like such a loser. Here I have accused these people (in my head) and convinced myself they were no good, tattoo, punk, guys out to ransack my house and leave my air ducts dirty. I was a bit humbled.
I was taught a good lesson that day - not to jump to conclusions. At this point I knew what I had to do. I reluctantly called the
I can only imagine the stories they tell about me now. I just hope they're laughing about it too.
Friday, October 24, 2008
3 Days!
Crap!
There are only 3 days until hubby and I leave for our vacation. How in the world did it sneak up on me so fast? I've spent the last few days preparing, packing, pulling my hair out.
It's always been in the back of my mind and my gentle reminder on the sidebar has helped as well, but time is going a bit too fast. I hope it can slow down next week so we can enjoy the escape we need so very much.
While we're gone the boys get to have their grandparents stay with them for a week. Excitement doesn't even come close to describe how crazy the boys are in anticipation. It should be a fun (and hopefully not too stressful) week for all.
We are going on a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise making stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Belize City. I am looking forward to spending one on one time with hubby, fine dining, dressing up, laying around soaking up some sun, shopping and catching up on sleep. The last time we went away together was when Carson (boy #2) was 9 months old. So we're due for a get away - alone!
Don't worry, while I'm gone I will still have posts that I have waiting to go. No guest bloggers or anything like that (cause I'm not that cool.) But it will be like I never left. Lucky you!
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and you'll get the full report when I get back.
Miss me, would ya?
There are only 3 days until hubby and I leave for our vacation. How in the world did it sneak up on me so fast? I've spent the last few days preparing, packing, pulling my hair out.
It's always been in the back of my mind and my gentle reminder on the sidebar has helped as well, but time is going a bit too fast. I hope it can slow down next week so we can enjoy the escape we need so very much.
While we're gone the boys get to have their grandparents stay with them for a week. Excitement doesn't even come close to describe how crazy the boys are in anticipation. It should be a fun (and hopefully not too stressful) week for all.
We are going on a 5 night Western Caribbean cruise making stops in Key West, Cozumel, and Belize City. I am looking forward to spending one on one time with hubby, fine dining, dressing up, laying around soaking up some sun, shopping and catching up on sleep. The last time we went away together was when Carson (boy #2) was 9 months old. So we're due for a get away - alone!
Don't worry, while I'm gone I will still have posts that I have waiting to go. No guest bloggers or anything like that (cause I'm not that cool.) But it will be like I never left. Lucky you!
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and you'll get the full report when I get back.
Miss me, would ya?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Out of their mouths
Here is the 12th installment of my boys and the things they say. If you missed previous versions and would like to get caught up, click the "kid sayings" link at the end of this post. You'll get your money's worth, oh wait, I don't get paid for this stuff. Maybe I should.
____________________________________________
I overheard Carson talking to Luke and he was attempting to refer to our home state of Indiana, but he couldn't get the word right. He came up to me and asked what the name of the place was that we used to live so I told him Indiana. He goes back to Luke and asks, "Hey, Luke. Do you want to go back to visit Indian-ana?"
____________________________________________
While waiting in the drive through line at Wendy's I asked the boys what they wanted to drink. Then Luke proceeds to ask me if I was going to get a coffee or a beer.
____________________________________________
Luke and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood and he pointed to a lawn sign for the upcoming presidential election and asked in an excited voice, "Are they having a garage sale?"
____________________________________________
Completely random and out of the blue Carson asks me, "Mom, do ants poop?"
____________________________________________
Luke's word for marbles is "Narbles"
Luke's word for Subway is "Suv-way"
And that's all I've got for now. But knowing my kids, they are full of fun questions and comments. Have no fear. They'll be back. muwhahaha.
____________________________________________
I overheard Carson talking to Luke and he was attempting to refer to our home state of Indiana, but he couldn't get the word right. He came up to me and asked what the name of the place was that we used to live so I told him Indiana. He goes back to Luke and asks, "Hey, Luke. Do you want to go back to visit Indian-ana?"
____________________________________________
While waiting in the drive through line at Wendy's I asked the boys what they wanted to drink. Then Luke proceeds to ask me if I was going to get a coffee or a beer.
____________________________________________
Luke and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood and he pointed to a lawn sign for the upcoming presidential election and asked in an excited voice, "Are they having a garage sale?"
____________________________________________
Completely random and out of the blue Carson asks me, "Mom, do ants poop?"
____________________________________________
Luke's word for marbles is "Narbles"
Luke's word for Subway is "Suv-way"
And that's all I've got for now. But knowing my kids, they are full of fun questions and comments. Have no fear. They'll be back. muwhahaha.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wordless Wednesday - Random Shots
Here are some random pictures for your viewing enjoyment. These are my attempts at photography (of which I know nothing about, but thought they turned out cool.)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I've got sunshine
On a (partly) cloudy (cold and windy) day.
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May.
Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl - talking 'bout Folding Laundry girl, as in Beth.
Today I have had a smile on my face, a spring in my step, and an attitude of happiness.
Beth and her wonderful family stopped by for a visit on their way back home to Indiana. It's amazing what joy a friend can bring you, especially one you haven't seen in awhile. Although their visit was short, it still meant so much to me.
I didn't tell my boys they were coming, but I did tell them they had a surprise to look forward to. The suspense was killing them. And when the doorbell rang this morning and I announced that the surprise was here, the look on their faces was priceless. I think they were in pure shock. They stood there and stared with huge grins on their faces. I wish I could have captured that moment on tape, but it will always be in my heart.
The kids went right to playing and we ended up losing track of time. It was already ten after twelve and Carson's bus had gone by without him getting on it. Oops!
To spend time with one of my true friends was exactly what I needed. It has brightened my day. So I challenge each of you today to reach out and give a friend a call or send them a note or an email to tell them you're thinking about them. You'll never know how much that can make their day and put a smile on their face.
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May.
Well, I guess you'll say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl - talking 'bout Folding Laundry girl, as in Beth.
Today I have had a smile on my face, a spring in my step, and an attitude of happiness.
Beth and her wonderful family stopped by for a visit on their way back home to Indiana. It's amazing what joy a friend can bring you, especially one you haven't seen in awhile. Although their visit was short, it still meant so much to me.
I didn't tell my boys they were coming, but I did tell them they had a surprise to look forward to. The suspense was killing them. And when the doorbell rang this morning and I announced that the surprise was here, the look on their faces was priceless. I think they were in pure shock. They stood there and stared with huge grins on their faces. I wish I could have captured that moment on tape, but it will always be in my heart.
The kids went right to playing and we ended up losing track of time. It was already ten after twelve and Carson's bus had gone by without him getting on it. Oops!
To spend time with one of my true friends was exactly what I needed. It has brightened my day. So I challenge each of you today to reach out and give a friend a call or send them a note or an email to tell them you're thinking about them. You'll never know how much that can make their day and put a smile on their face.
I lied.
You know how in my last post I said I wasn't getting any more political? Well, check the title to this post. Yep, looks like politics are rubbing off on me. The lying and all.
My F.I.L. forwarded me a picture that I couldn't resist posting. Someone's got a great knack at photoshop. Thanks Hawkeye!
And while we're on the topic of confessions, I have another one to make.
I'm not really going to get a tattoo. I don't have any to boast of and will most likely never have one. If I ever did one, it would have to be meaningful - the initials of my boys - TLC. But as far as a design goes, that is where I get hung up.
So, in the meantime I put my nose piercing back in. (Go ahead, reread that last sentence.)
Yes I did. I felt naked without it. It was after a few glasses of wine, 24 hours after I had taken it out, that I wanted to attempt to see if the piercing had closed up. Sure enough, I was able to get it back in, a little more forcibly than I would have liked, but that's what the wine is for. Numb the pain baby. I think the one day reprieve did wonders for the healing process, so now I know what to do when it flares up. I should be able to get it back in under the influence of wine of course. Who knew?
My F.I.L. forwarded me a picture that I couldn't resist posting. Someone's got a great knack at photoshop. Thanks Hawkeye!
And while we're on the topic of confessions, I have another one to make.
I'm not really going to get a tattoo. I don't have any to boast of and will most likely never have one. If I ever did one, it would have to be meaningful - the initials of my boys - TLC. But as far as a design goes, that is where I get hung up.
So, in the meantime I put my nose piercing back in. (Go ahead, reread that last sentence.)
Yes I did. I felt naked without it. It was after a few glasses of wine, 24 hours after I had taken it out, that I wanted to attempt to see if the piercing had closed up. Sure enough, I was able to get it back in, a little more forcibly than I would have liked, but that's what the wine is for. Numb the pain baby. I think the one day reprieve did wonders for the healing process, so now I know what to do when it flares up. I should be able to get it back in under the influence of wine of course. Who knew?
Monday, October 20, 2008
As political as you will see this blog get.
I couldn't resist - I like to infuse humor in every aspect of life.
Cat championship include Obama, McCain - the cats
NEW YORK (AP) — Barack Obama and John McCain will attend a New York cat show this weekend — Obama the Bombay cat and McCain the American Shorthair, that is.
The two felines are vying for the title of "Purr-fect President" at the Cat Fanciers' Association-IAMS 2008 championship that opens Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
More than 40 breeds are represented among the several hundred competing animals. The top title goes for "Best in Show."
In addition, hundreds of other kittens and cats will be available for adoption.
This year's show also features a rescued New Jersey shelter cat and member of the Iams Trained Cats that perform Olympic-style tricks.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hide and Seek
"They've found me. I don't know how, but they've found me. Run for it Marty!"
Do you know what movie that is from? It's my all time favorite.
Back to the Future!
This phrase has been running through my head and it's so pertinent, except that I'm not referring to the Libyans. It's my boys - they've found my stash.
And before you all go freaking out - my stash is chocolate, nothing illegal here.
Around this house chocolate does not last but a few days. The kids are like vultures when I occasionally buy it - they can smell it through the grocery bag. So, unless I hide it, there is no chance I will get the daily dose I need. And yes, it's a necessity.
I have found that when I get a craving for something sweet I can either devour a huge piece of cheesecake, a half dozen cookies, a king size candy bar, or I can sneak off to my stash and indulge in a wonderful piece of Dove dark chocolate. That will satisfy my craving and saves me tons of empty calories.
This was working all fine and dandy until Carson got a little too sneaky and discovered my awesome hiding spot. The nerve of him!
I may have to try Here's the Diehl's suggestion and hide them in the freezer. Any other suggestions? This girl needs her chocolate for her sanity and well-being!
In the meantime, I think I will turn on my favorite movie and sit down with a bowl of M&M's. Oh wait - Carson found those too.
Do you know what movie that is from? It's my all time favorite.
Back to the Future!
This phrase has been running through my head and it's so pertinent, except that I'm not referring to the Libyans. It's my boys - they've found my stash.
And before you all go freaking out - my stash is chocolate, nothing illegal here.
Around this house chocolate does not last but a few days. The kids are like vultures when I occasionally buy it - they can smell it through the grocery bag. So, unless I hide it, there is no chance I will get the daily dose I need. And yes, it's a necessity.
I have found that when I get a craving for something sweet I can either devour a huge piece of cheesecake, a half dozen cookies, a king size candy bar, or I can sneak off to my stash and indulge in a wonderful piece of Dove dark chocolate. That will satisfy my craving and saves me tons of empty calories.
This was working all fine and dandy until Carson got a little too sneaky and discovered my awesome hiding spot. The nerve of him!
I may have to try Here's the Diehl's suggestion and hide them in the freezer. Any other suggestions? This girl needs her chocolate for her sanity and well-being!
In the meantime, I think I will turn on my favorite movie and sit down with a bowl of M&M's. Oh wait - Carson found those too.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
All good things must come to an end
But I don't want them to! (as she throws a temper tantrum)
I have been struggling for the last six months with this issue. Originally it was an exciting adventure, one that I don't regret at all. But it has had too many set backs, so today was the final day. I've made my final decision - I think.
It had to go.
I will miss it very much and I feel like I have lost part of my style, my personality. But in exchange I have rid myself of endless irritation, redness, and bumps.
No regrets, but today is a sad day for me.
I think I know what will make me feel better.
A tattoo.
I have been struggling for the last six months with this issue. Originally it was an exciting adventure, one that I don't regret at all. But it has had too many set backs, so today was the final day. I've made my final decision - I think.
It had to go.
I will miss it very much and I feel like I have lost part of my style, my personality. But in exchange I have rid myself of endless irritation, redness, and bumps.
No regrets, but today is a sad day for me.
I think I know what will make me feel better.
A tattoo.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A little help here please.
Here is a sad look at my Famous Footwear card that I have destroyed. I was attempting to unlock our basement storage room door, which the boys locked without knowing it. Or so they say. Uh-huh, likely story.
I need your help. How in the world do you pick a lock with a credit card? All I've been able to do is lose my chance at saving any money at the shoe store. (Don't worry, I'll be requesting a replacement card.)
Of course, I don't have the key, nor have we ever had the key to this door. And it's not the kind you can just stick the end of a paper clip in. It's an actual lock that requires a key or someone with a background in breaking and entering. Either of which I do not possess.
Any suggestions out there? And I would prefer to keep the door in one piece, thank you. Although, the frustration I'm feeling could build up to one massive kick to the door which would solve this one problem, but create a few more that I don't need.
There's no panic - no one is actually in there. I was just hoping to take this opportunity while the older boys are at school and the younger one is napping to clean out some toys and games we don't need.
Thanks y'all!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Play time
My mom sent this comic to me and it seems fitting. I think I'll take the advice. Thanks mom! Love you!
Today I want to focus more attention to my boys and less to the house. Play time is the name of the game today. Care to join in?
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend spending time with the ones you love.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
My imperfection
I am sure, actually I know there are people out there that think I am overly organized or a perfectionist. I do try and make an attempt, but living in a house full of boys leads me to settle for a different form of perfection.
Don’t get me wrong, if it was just myself and hubby the house would be on a whole other level. But how boring would that be? I love having the boys even if they are completely messy and somewhat irresponsible when it comes to picking up after their own selves.
I read a post the other day that really summed it up well, much better than I ever could. So, I thought it would be humiliating fun to call myself out on things in my life and house that are far from perfection. You can now see the true Lynette lifestyle that I am okay with. I just keep reminding myself someday it will change, but for now it is what it is.
· All of the Play dough in our house is a nice shade of poop-brown if it’s not already dried up and crusty. You can even find some dried into the carpet from a month ago. I haven’t gotten around to scraping it out.
· A lot, if not most of the markers are also dried up from failure to recap them, which I refuse to do any longer. If the kids want to use markers they need to learn to recap them when they’re finished. This should not be my job, right?
· I hate dusting, it is one of my least favorite chores, and therefore I only dust when we are having company over.
· DVD’s and video tapes: we have too many and most of the video boxes are torn or are missing along with the DVD sleeves. Most of the time they get left out until I feel the urge to reorganize them.
· My clean, folded laundry piles sit until the towers start to tumble. I have no problem doing 2 to 3 loads a day and folding them, but actually putting them away is where it gets neglected. If the boys want their clean clothes, they end up coming downstairs to the “master-laundry-closet.”
· You don’t want to know how long I let our showers/tubs go before I clean them. Don’t ask. But also, don’t worry if you come to visit and stay with us. They will be sparkling clean.
· There is smashed, ground-in cereal in my van that has been there for weeks. I let the dog in the van in hopes she would clean it up by eating them. Apparently, there were too many because after a few minutes of eating, she became uninterested. Guess I better get the shop vac out.
I think I've shared enough of my inadequacies for the day. Trust me, I could go on and on. See, I am normal just like the rest of you, right?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
Apparently, toilet paper has other uses according to Carson and Luke.
For more Wordless Wednesday participants, click here.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Grandma's games
A few posts back I wrote about fun games I remember playing as a kid. I was reading on a local message board about similar games and remembered two that I am very fond of playing, which my Grandma taught me.
It's been awhile since I have played these, but they are SO much fun and can be extremely entertaining. They are not only fun to play with your kids, but also with adults.
I am not sure these games really have a name, but here they are:
Mini Story
This game works best with three or more players.
You will need pieces of paper about the size of an index card and some pencils.
Each person writes the name of a person and it can be a character from TV or a real life person. Once you've written the name, fold the paper over to hide it and pass your paper to the left.
The next part you write an action or something that person did such as, "ate a bowl of ice cream." Fold it over and pass it again to your left.
The last part you write why they did the action such as, "because there was a thunderstorm."
It doesn't have to make any sense, and it's actually funnier when they are random.
Last, fold the paper once more and pass it to the left.
Then each player takes turns reading their mini story.
Funny Creatures
This game can have two to three players.
You will need paper and pencils.
Each players draws the head of your creature making it as silly or as normal as you want. Fold the paper leaving only the neck showing and pass it to the left.
Next, draw the torso of the creature including the arms, chest and waist. Fold and pass to the left.
Last, draw the bottom half of the creature including the legs and feet. Fold and pass left.
Then take turns revealing your funny creature to everyone.
It's been awhile since I have played these, but they are SO much fun and can be extremely entertaining. They are not only fun to play with your kids, but also with adults.
I am not sure these games really have a name, but here they are:
Mini Story
This game works best with three or more players.
You will need pieces of paper about the size of an index card and some pencils.
Each person writes the name of a person and it can be a character from TV or a real life person. Once you've written the name, fold the paper over to hide it and pass your paper to the left.
The next part you write an action or something that person did such as, "ate a bowl of ice cream." Fold it over and pass it again to your left.
The last part you write why they did the action such as, "because there was a thunderstorm."
It doesn't have to make any sense, and it's actually funnier when they are random.
Last, fold the paper once more and pass it to the left.
Then each player takes turns reading their mini story.
Funny Creatures
This game can have two to three players.
You will need paper and pencils.
Each players draws the head of your creature making it as silly or as normal as you want. Fold the paper leaving only the neck showing and pass it to the left.
Next, draw the torso of the creature including the arms, chest and waist. Fold and pass to the left.
Last, draw the bottom half of the creature including the legs and feet. Fold and pass left.
Then take turns revealing your funny creature to everyone.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Disturbing
To say the least.
This is ridiculous.
I could not believe what I was actually seeing at first.
Then when it sunk in, it was some of the funniest 'crap' I've seen in awhile.
I thank my oldest son Taylor for showing me this entertaining commercial.
And please, PLEASE, if you have a daughter, don't tell me you are seriously contemplating buying this for her for Christmas.
Seriously?!?!
You have GOT to be kidding me!
That is just wrong people.
Makes you wonder who creates this kind of stuff? I would have loved to be a part of the meeting where they pitched that idea.
This is ridiculous.
I could not believe what I was actually seeing at first.
Then when it sunk in, it was some of the funniest 'crap' I've seen in awhile.
I thank my oldest son Taylor for showing me this entertaining commercial.
And please, PLEASE, if you have a daughter, don't tell me you are seriously contemplating buying this for her for Christmas.
Seriously?!?!
You have GOT to be kidding me!
That is just wrong people.
Makes you wonder who creates this kind of stuff? I would have loved to be a part of the meeting where they pitched that idea.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Maybe I shouldn't be driving
Do you ever have one of those moments when you realize what an idiot you are?
I just had one of those moments in the car.
I have this nifty G.P.S. device to guide me around town. It has been a life saver! Well today I was messing around with it while I was driving and found a screen that I had never seen before. It looked like my dashboard. It told me exactly what speed I was driving and everything. I noticed on one of the gauges it showed an E. I couldn't believe it knew that I was almost on empty and needed to refuel soon. Then I turned slightly right and the E turned into and SE. Could that mean it's now only "slightly empty?" At this point I was smacking myself in the head. Duh! It's a compass.
So I had a good laugh at my own expense.
This is not the first time I have read something incorrectly in my vehicle.
I remember it was the first winter we had the van and we had just gotten our first snowfall. The flakes were big and beautiful, but I was cold and needed to turn on the heat. I saw this button and thought since it had a snowflake on it that it should be pushed when it is snowing. Sounded practical enough. Five minutes later I couldn't figure out why I was even colder than before.
Here comes another smack to the head. Idiot! That was the button for the air conditioning. I kid you not.
Some days I scare myself.
I just had one of those moments in the car.
I have this nifty G.P.S. device to guide me around town. It has been a life saver! Well today I was messing around with it while I was driving and found a screen that I had never seen before. It looked like my dashboard. It told me exactly what speed I was driving and everything. I noticed on one of the gauges it showed an E. I couldn't believe it knew that I was almost on empty and needed to refuel soon. Then I turned slightly right and the E turned into and SE. Could that mean it's now only "slightly empty?" At this point I was smacking myself in the head. Duh! It's a compass.So I had a good laugh at my own expense.
This is not the first time I have read something incorrectly in my vehicle.
I remember it was the first winter we had the van and we had just gotten our first snowfall. The flakes were big and beautiful, but I was cold and needed to turn on the heat. I saw this button and thought since it had a snowflake on it that it should be pushed when it is snowing. Sounded practical enough. Five minutes later I couldn't figure out why I was even colder than before.Here comes another smack to the head. Idiot! That was the button for the air conditioning. I kid you not.
Some days I scare myself.
More of what my kids say that make me laugh, smile and turn red in embarrassment
Here is the latest installment of my boys and their craziness.
As we were eating a Dairy Queen cake which had chocolate sprinkles on it, Carson asks, "Doesn't this look like Taylor's pet's (dwarf hamsters) poop?"
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One of the boys favorite cereal is Kix, except they don't call it Kix, instead they call them Kick Balls.
___________________________________________________________
I was awakened by Carson tapping on my shoulder to tell me he pulled his tooth out. He said, "Now the tooth theory can come."
___________________________________________________________
Luke's word for dining table is "diming table."
Luke calls paper clips, "toe nail clips."
___________________________________________________________
Luke was flipping through the channels on the TV and he stopped at one of the home shopping channels. They were showing a piece of jewelry and I asked Luke if he thought it was pretty. He responded, "Yeah, I wanna get that for you."
___________________________________________________________
Carson was watching football when one of the players got injured and the coaches had to help him off the field. Carson asked, "Is that his parents?"
___________________________________________________________
Carson and I were working on his homework and I asked him what another word for door would be, trying to get him to say gate. Apparently he thought he was supposed to find a word that rhymed with door and his response was, "whore." (I about fell off my chair!) I just hope he doesn't use that one at school.
As we were eating a Dairy Queen cake which had chocolate sprinkles on it, Carson asks, "Doesn't this look like Taylor's pet's (dwarf hamsters) poop?"
___________________________________________________________
One of the boys favorite cereal is Kix, except they don't call it Kix, instead they call them Kick Balls.
___________________________________________________________
I was awakened by Carson tapping on my shoulder to tell me he pulled his tooth out. He said, "Now the tooth theory can come."
___________________________________________________________
Luke's word for dining table is "diming table."
Luke calls paper clips, "toe nail clips."
___________________________________________________________
Luke was flipping through the channels on the TV and he stopped at one of the home shopping channels. They were showing a piece of jewelry and I asked Luke if he thought it was pretty. He responded, "Yeah, I wanna get that for you."
___________________________________________________________
Carson was watching football when one of the players got injured and the coaches had to help him off the field. Carson asked, "Is that his parents?"
___________________________________________________________
Carson and I were working on his homework and I asked him what another word for door would be, trying to get him to say gate. Apparently he thought he was supposed to find a word that rhymed with door and his response was, "whore." (I about fell off my chair!) I just hope he doesn't use that one at school.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
A good night's sleep indeed
5 Minutes for Mom is having another great giveaway. This time it is for a children's bedroom set. The summer breeze set would be my choice. Below is my photo entry to the contest and a little background information.
This is the way Carson has been sleeping for a little over a year. He has had some major anxiety issues relating to night time sleeping and has found much comfort (and sleep) by us allowing him to sleep in our room. I had to draw the line and keep our bed off limits. Therefore, he has made his SpongeBob couch, Cars pillow, and Mickey Mouse blanket his "bed." I wanted him to be able to feel safe and that we did care about his fear. So this has been our sleeping arrangement. Yes, it's sad, but I knew it would be temporary.
Just recently, this past weekend we took the plunge and purchased a double bed for his room thinking we'd turn it into a dual functioning room as part guest room and part Carson's room for when he was ready to have his bed back. I bought some really soft fleece sheets, washed them, and made the bed. That night I asked Carson if he wanted to try sleeping in the new big guest bed not even thinking he would consider it. But guess what? He said he actually wanted to try it as long as Dad or I would lay with him the first night.
As much as I did not want this to become another bad habit, I agreed to lay with him. He got so cozy under the new sheets as did I. It took him no time to fall asleep and I was able to sneak out of the room. He only woke up once in the middle of the night and called out for me, not in a panic like in the past, but in a calm voice. I went in to check on him and he said he had to go potty, but was afraid because it was too dark. After he went potty he climbed right back into bed and I told him there were only a few hours left until it was time to wake up. That seemed to help ease his mind and he cuddled his stuffed dog and bear and fell back asleep as I walked out of the room.
The next night I was hoping it would go just as smooth. I put a night light in the hallway for his middle of the night potty run. We tucked him in and laid with him for a little while we talked. I could tell he was starting to drift off to sleep, so I kissed his cheek, told him I loved him and that I would come back in his room in the morning when it was time to get up. In a half asleep state, he turned and looked at me and asked if I would come in without Luke. Sure thing buddy.
And that was it. I walked out of the room. There was no screaming, no crying, no throwing of fits. It was peaceful and so very right. My boy is maturing and growing, and he sure is proving that to us.
This is the way Carson has been sleeping for a little over a year. He has had some major anxiety issues relating to night time sleeping and has found much comfort (and sleep) by us allowing him to sleep in our room. I had to draw the line and keep our bed off limits. Therefore, he has made his SpongeBob couch, Cars pillow, and Mickey Mouse blanket his "bed." I wanted him to be able to feel safe and that we did care about his fear. So this has been our sleeping arrangement. Yes, it's sad, but I knew it would be temporary.Just recently, this past weekend we took the plunge and purchased a double bed for his room thinking we'd turn it into a dual functioning room as part guest room and part Carson's room for when he was ready to have his bed back. I bought some really soft fleece sheets, washed them, and made the bed. That night I asked Carson if he wanted to try sleeping in the new big guest bed not even thinking he would consider it. But guess what? He said he actually wanted to try it as long as Dad or I would lay with him the first night.
As much as I did not want this to become another bad habit, I agreed to lay with him. He got so cozy under the new sheets as did I. It took him no time to fall asleep and I was able to sneak out of the room. He only woke up once in the middle of the night and called out for me, not in a panic like in the past, but in a calm voice. I went in to check on him and he said he had to go potty, but was afraid because it was too dark. After he went potty he climbed right back into bed and I told him there were only a few hours left until it was time to wake up. That seemed to help ease his mind and he cuddled his stuffed dog and bear and fell back asleep as I walked out of the room.
The next night I was hoping it would go just as smooth. I put a night light in the hallway for his middle of the night potty run. We tucked him in and laid with him for a little while we talked. I could tell he was starting to drift off to sleep, so I kissed his cheek, told him I loved him and that I would come back in his room in the morning when it was time to get up. In a half asleep state, he turned and looked at me and asked if I would come in without Luke. Sure thing buddy.
And that was it. I walked out of the room. There was no screaming, no crying, no throwing of fits. It was peaceful and so very right. My boy is maturing and growing, and he sure is proving that to us.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
I'll take it
I was going out to get the mail just now and two neighbor girls were across the street playing basketball. They yell out to me, "Hey Regan - want to play?"
I turn around thinking Regan is behind me, which she's not. I yell back, "I'm not Regan, I'm Taylor's mom." They apologize and say they are so sorry.
Don't be! That was the best compliment of the day - someone thinking I am a cute 6th grader.
I must be aging gracefully or I may need to re-evaluate my choice in clothing.
I turn around thinking Regan is behind me, which she's not. I yell back, "I'm not Regan, I'm Taylor's mom." They apologize and say they are so sorry.
Don't be! That was the best compliment of the day - someone thinking I am a cute 6th grader.
I must be aging gracefully or I may need to re-evaluate my choice in clothing.
Wordless Wednesday - Sort of
On a trip back home to Indiana we stopped to get a bite to eat and parked next to this sad dog. He intently watched for his owner to come back for a good 45 minutes and wasn't even distracted by me taking his picture or trying to talk to him. What a sweet and loyal dog.
For more Wordless Wednesday participants click here.
Realizations
· While folding laundry I realized that Luke and I wear the same size. Of course not in the literal sense.
· I had my first kiss in fifth grade and I realized that
· October is here and I just realized we are going on a cruise the end of this month which makes me realize I am not even close to being ready.
· I got an invitation to a jewelry party here in
· Our house is still on the market back in
· I took Carson and Luke to the dentist for a teeth cleaning and I realized that
· And I also just realized that Taylor (who is 11) has only lost one more tooth than
· I finally realized how nice it is to have our bedroom back to ourselves at night.
· I realized the song Realize by Colbie Caillat may be stuck in your head right about now.
· I realized that I have already typed the word realize 13 times. And it's starting to sound funny in my head.
· I just realized I am a dork and apparently I am bored.
Imagine that.
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