All the randomness you can handle

I have issues with words that end in "le". I always want to switch it to "el". Such as handle (handel), candle, (candel), sandle, (sandel), vandal - just kidding on that last one.

I can never spell the word “definitely” right on the first try. I always spell it “d-e-f-i-n-a-t-e-l-y”. It never fails, thank goodness for spellcheck!

I am a failure at getting up early and staying awake. Taylor has to leave the house every morning at 6:40 am to get on the bus. I have set my alarm to 6 am, but always turn it off. I end up waking up at 6:30 and send him out the door with a hug and kiss, but then I return to bed and don't get up for another 2 hours.

I have had the urge to go shopping a lot lately. I don’t care where (give me Goodwill or the mall), but I just find pleasure in looking at things, and even more when I buy them. But sometimes, if I’ve spent more than usual, I get home and have buyers’ remorse. And it doesn't help that we are in the market for a new table and chair set, living room set, and bedroom set. But that's a whole other post.

I did order a sweet new pair of running shoes. I hope to get them in the next few days. I need to break them in before I run a 5 mile race on Sept. 6^th. My husband will be running the same race with me and I am hoping to kick his butt, but don’t tell him that, even though he reads my blog and all. A little friendly competition is always good. Bring it baby!

I love the sound of a clock ticking when the house is quiet. But it shouldn’t be this quiet right now. Crap – I better go check on the boys.

Oh – they’re fine. They’re playing in the garage since it’s raining out. Those two sure have become good play buddies since we've moved. Sure, they have their moments, but it's so wonderful to see them having a good time together and giggling. It makes my heart happy.

Both Taylor and Carson started school this week and it is going really good. Every morning Carson gets up and takes a bath on his own. He says he has to be clean for school. Works for me, but we'll see how long it lasts. Luke starts a 2 day a week preschool program next week. We're trying to get him excited, but he seems a bit hesitant. Even my hubby is starting school in a few weeks. He is going for his MBA which is awesome. As for me, I will be the supporter and homework checker. I am content with that.

Tonight is going to be a fun one for Taylor and Jason. They have front row tickets to the final pre-season Browns vs Bears football game here in Cleveland. And they are on the Bears goal line - I am a bit jealous. I asked Taylor who he'll be cheering for and he said he is going to wear both his Browns and Bears jerseys and switch with each team that's in the lead. Such a true fan. It will be televised and I believe it starts at 7:30 (eastern time).

This past weekend we traveled back to our hometown and enjoyed some family time and a date night. I had my first Chipotle Mexican Grill experience and can easily say I am hooked. I had no idea how delicious and filling a fresh burrito could be. Then we saw Jim Gaffigan perform. Our seats were great (4th row) and we enjoyed the show. I think the best part of that day was running into Beth and Brian and being able to visit with them. Oh, how I miss that girl!

And on the way home we stopped (one too many times - again another post) at a rest stop and I saw the strangest thing in the front seat of a car next to us. Now tell me that isn't weird. Freaky, eh?

Protecting my lawn ornaments

I had an interesting conversation with a 5 year old neighbor boy today. He came over to play with Carson and while we were outside the boy asked what this particular statue was.



















"It's a gargoyle lawn ornament." I told him.

"Wow - Who told you that?" The boy asked.

"Well, I suppose the person who gave this to me did. It's supposed to watch over the garden and scare bad people and things away." I responded.

And the boy replies, "Well, if it tried to scare me I'd kick it in the balls! And that would hurt!"

And to that comment I had no response but to turn around and get Carson before he saw me cracking up.

Wordless Wednesday - door graffiti

If you're going to to do graffiti, at least don't sign your name to it!

And if you look closely underneath he even wrote the word "No."

At least it was only done in pencil.

For more Wordless Wednesday participants, click here.

The Exam

It seems to be official. It looks like I may be an actual resident of Ohio now. I have been diligently transferring car titles, plates, registration, registering to vote, and just this past week I ran out of checks and when I opened the next box it contained ones with our new Ohio address.

The last thing on my to-do list was to apply for an Ohio license. I didn't realize how much work it entailed. They make all out of state applicants take a written exam.

As in a test.

I hate tests. They make my anxiety level rise, so needless to say, I have been putting it off. I had been reading the manual on and off for the past 3 weeks, so I got a little studying under my belt. The only place that had a testing site was a half hour away. So me and the boys made a day of it. But first I had to get this test out of the way. I should have thought about the fact that the boys hadn't eaten yet and they would have to sit quietly while I plugged away at the exam. Not an easy task for 3 boys who have ants in their pants and like to make fart noises when it's supposed to be quiet. Embarrassing? Yes. I did take them to lunch afterwards and we made it to 2 animal shelters to visit the doggies.

But, back to the test. It had a total of 40 questions and in order to pass you could not miss more than 11. The test was done on a touch screen computer and it would tell you after each question you answered whether or not it was correct before the next question was presented. Each time I would answer one wrong, I would jump a bit in my seat and a swear word would slip out under my breath. I felt the pressure rise. Apparently, I didn't study well enough because I ended up missing 7. But, I did pass (at 70%) and I am now the owner of an Ohio drivers license with a very blurry picture on it.

Hey, I even told the truth about my height and weight. That should have earned me some bonus points!

Reality check please

It’s just been one of those days. You know, the one’s where you sit and think of where you’d rather be. These moments tend to get me emotional. And tonight was no exception.

The kids were running me ragged throughout the day, I woke up with a headache, and started my period. What a way to start the day.

Tonight I came outside to watch the boys play and drown my sorrows with a bottle glass of wine. I was sitting there feeling sorry for myself when the tears started to flow. And wouldn’t you know it, Luke starts to scream and cry. I look over and he’s holding up his foot (in which he’s not wearing any shoes or socks). I instantly knew what had happened.

About 5 minutes earlier, I let the dog out to do her deed. Normally I take her on a walk every night where she relieves herself, thus leaving our yard nice and poop-free. Well, tonight Jason had a business dinner and I wasn’t about to take 3 kids (who have been driving me batty) with me around the block, so I let her use our yard to crap in.

Do you see where this is going yet?

Sure freakin’ enough – Luke stepped right smack dab in her one and only fresh pile of poop. Of our whole half acre of yard, Sasha poops in a 3 x 3 in. square section and ironically Luke ends up stepping in that same exact location. What are the chances? Well, that turned my tears into hysterical laughter while Luke continued his sobbing.

What a reality check. I might feel sad and alone at times, but at least I didn’t step in a pile of hot poop!

Well, excuse me.

Taylor and Carson came outside with new white socks on and no shoes. I yell at them and ask why they are wearing brand new white socks outside. Carson looks at me like I'm an idiot (I get this look all the time) and says, "No Mom. They're not White Sox, they are Chicago Bears socks."

My bad.

What do I need? Let's find out.

This looked like a lot of fun so I thought I'd play along. I first saw this on Teresa's blog Living the Army Wife Life. If you would like to play along just Google your first name and add the word 'needs' to see what it comes up with.

Lynette needs:
1) new glasses (yep - that's in the process of being taken care of.)

2) help with pit (as in bull, as in the dog breed. And yes, true, I need help to stop me from wanting to adopt one- they are so cute!)

3) to put him in a nursing home (who the heck are we talking about here?)

4) pure oxygen (some days that feels so true.)

5) to get a grip on her vanity (Really? Naw!)

6) pampering (y'all read my mind!)

7) to drive now (sweet home Indiana - here I come!)

8) a lobotomy (a bit extreme if you ask me.)

9) more balls (last time I checked I was a girl, now if we're talking about toys - I'm up to my ears in balls. That sounded really bad, didn't it?)

10) to look on the bright side (I like this one - good one to end on!)

The last days of summer

Yes, the last week of summer break is here. I am looking forward to getting the boys (and I suppose myself) back on a schedule. I have enjoyed the sleeping in, but I haven't enjoyed the boys at each others throats. They need school. They need it now. Mom needs her sanity back.

Since these are the last few days of "freedom" as Taylor would call it, I have decided to make the best of them. First we packed up our lunch and had a picnic next to the lake and then we made our way down to the beach front. (You'll have to excuse the quality as this was taken with my camera phone.)























We pretty much had the beach to ourselves which was nice, that way I could yell at my kids without the usual audience. I kid, I kid - there was minimal yelling. When the boys are at the beach they are transformed into happily contented children. I look at them and think, whose kids are these? They are playing together and not fighting (90% of the time). It is actually fun to watch. I forgot to bring the sand toys, but they were okay with that and ended up collecting sticks, rocks, feathers, and garbage. They were being very creative while playing with what they had found. I have noticed that the few beaches I have found around our area do not have much sand. That was a hard realization for me since I am used to The Dunes - there is no comparison.




















Today I was planning on taking the kids to a few parks in our town, but it doesn't look like the forecast is going to cooperate. Therefore, it looks like we're off to see a movie at the theater and maybe hit the mall for some shopping afterwards.

For the rest of the week I have a few ideas up my sleeve. Some of which include a visit to our county fair, a visit to an animal shelter, mini golf and driving range, roller skating, shopping for more furniture, and a trip back to our old hometown to see my favorite comedian, none other than Mr. Jim Gaffigan.

Getting used to the changes

Since moving to Ohio almost 2 months ago I have noticed things here that are different from Indiana. There are things that I have never heard of before such as a clambake, which I still really don't know what it is, but it sounds disgusting.

Also something new and a brilliant idea if you ask me is a drive through liquor store. No, I am serious. It is similar in style to a car wash, without any of the machinery, just whatever type of alcohol you want. You drive your car in one side, place your order, they put it in your car for you, and then you drive out - after paying of course.

Then there is the grocery store experience. One store in particular does not allow grocery carts to leave the store. I realized this as I was pushing the cart out of the store loaded with groceries. Oops, but no one stopped me. They have a separate parcel pick up area. When you're done shopping, you take the cart filled with your groceries to the drop off area where they give you a number to hang on your car window. Then you pull up in your car, hand them the number and they load your groceries for you - for no extra cost and they don't expect a tip.

It seems that this state is becoming a bit lazy or is the better word convenience? You be the judge.

While in a different grocery store, which had an amazing wine section, I was heading to the check out lanes and noticed a sign above which read, "No Candy Lane." At first I was confused what that could possibly mean and then it dawned on me that another brilliant idea was to help us parents out who are shopping with children. You can check out in this lane and not have to worry about your kids pestering you for a candy bar, etc. This store also had a daycare in the front, which I am not sure how it worked. Apparently, you can drop your kids off (for a nominal fee) while you grocery shop. I would SO pay for that service. I wonder if a mom is the owner of this particular chain of grocery store? Daycare service, no candy lane, enormous wine department. Yes, a mother has to be the brains behind this place.

We visited a local ice cream shop which has the best peanut butter cup sundaes. Holy cow! And look what they have hanging from the wall. Creepy - just a bit.














Another place we went to check out was a mini golf family fun park center. It was a bit outdated and I was confused and frightened by the mechanical old lady in a rocking chair who was missing a finger. She had the creepiest hollow looking eyes that would follow you when her head turned. It just wasn't right I tell you. I kept waiting for her to jump out at us or start talking like an evil witch.















We have some pretty decent shopping around here. Although there is no Menards. The closest one is over 100 miles away. Same with IKEA - that one is over 200 miles away. But I do have these two stores - and they happen to be neighbors which makes me very happy.















And speaking of, I need to get my butt out the door. Old Navy is having their summer clearance sale today. I'm off to find some bargains!

I like mine strong and sweet!

Did you think I was talking about my man? Well, that's partly true, but guess again.

I’m referring to drinks. And my latest drink of choice is none other than the McDonald’s $1 large sweet tea. It’s highly addictive, caffeinated, sweet and easy on the wallet. I was a bit shocked to find out it has 230 calories for the large 32 oz. Ouch! But, I have figured out how to make my own crack sweet tea at home by the gallon. Here’s how:

· 8 cups boiling water

· 8 regular size tea bags

· 1 ½ - 1 ¾ cups sugar

Boil the water and remove from heat. Steep the tea bags for 5 minutes. Add sugar and stir well. Transfer the tea & sugar concentrate to a gallon size pitcher and fill with cold water, stir to combine, refrigerate. Serve over a tall glass of ice.

Heavenly!