I should have read the sign

I went to the gym the other night and decided since hubby was out of town I would spend some extra time there and get in some upper body strength training and run on the indoor track before my step class.  

The boys (actually Taylor in particular) wasn't thrilled about the extra 45 minutes we'd be there, but he would have to survive and deal with it.  

I am your typical group exercise addict and don't usually venture out to the machines unless I have some extra time on my hands.  The gym I go to has a huge assortment of machines and equipment.  Some of which I was familiar with and others not so much.  But really how hard could it be?  There were signs posted on each piece of equipment with a picture of what you should be doing.  And I've got some experience, so I thought.   

I sat down at this one machine that works your back and abs.  It resembled the one in this picture.  At my old gym we had a similar one where you sat with the bar across your chest and crunched down.  Apparently, this was not the same machine.  How do I know that?  Because when I sat down and tried to push the bar down it wasn't moving.  I adjusted the weight stack and tried again.  Nothing.  So, I decided to look at the picture and wouldn't you know, I was sitting the wrong way.  The bar was supposed to be behind my back (not chest) and I was supposed to be pushing back against it not forward.  No wonder it felt strange.  I was embarrassed because this particular machine sits about 10 feet away from the personal training desk where 6 trainers were standing around.  I am sure they noticed my lack of equipment knowledge not to mention my unique way to use the workout machines.  

I think I'll retreat back to what I know.  There aren't many ways to mishandle a step.

From glue to paper cuts

Every year when I do my Christmas cards I tell myself that next year I am buying one of those self wetting envelope sealers instead of licking all 847 envelopes and risking paper cuts on my tongue.  

I mean come one, there are self-sticking stamps and self-sticking envelopes, why are Christmas card envelopes excluded from the self-sticking world?

If you're going to make me lick my envelopes at least make them taste like something other than glue.  I need some satisfaction from the calories I'm getting on each envelope I lick.  

It's seems unconventional, but did you know there are 3 - 5 calories when you lick an envelope?

I think there's a conspiracy going on.

It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where George's fiance licked the cheap wedding invitation envelopes and died from the toxic glue.

Yuck!    

It seemed like a good idea at the time

The Christmas cards have all been sent.  They should be rolling into mailboxes right around now.  And I am a bit apprehensive.

Remember this post?

Well, I had a few commenters say that it should be my card this year.  And I thought, yeah that would be comical - it represents the true battle it can be to get my kids to cooperate, plus it shows that I'm not perfect nor is our family.  (Not that I'm out to prove anything.)  

But, it's a glimpse of reality and I know it will make a few people laugh.  But I also know it will make a few people shake their heads and question my sanity.  "If you know me, you'll get it" is what I told my husband as he stood looking at me and shaking his head.  I could tell he was dissin my choice of greeting card.  

And that made me feel embarrassed and regretful.  Embarrassed because I didn't ask for his opinion before I went ahead and placed the order, and regretful because, did I really want this card to portray us, especially during the holiday season?  

So, you want to know how I remedied the situation?  

I ordered another set of cards, this time using a picture of the boys where they actually seem like they are happy to be together.  

Luckily, I had not sealed the envelopes and I was able to put both cards in together.  So, it's a double Christmas card from Lynette3boys and family this year.  Yee-haw!

Here are the actual cards:

The wording says, "May love, peace and joy fill your home.  Cheers! Love, The (Lynette3boys) Family"

You have to admit, the irony of it is really funny. 

And here is the more traditional card.  Please excuse Luke in his pajamas and the lack of clothing coordination.  We didn't get all dressed up for this photo shoot.  Maybe that's why they're smiling!

The wording says, "May peace and love unite us all. Love, Taylor, Carson and Luke The (Lynette3boys) Boys"

Obviously I left out our last name for security purposes, it's not really Lynette3boys.  Duh! 

So, what do you think?  

  

Check those receipts!

How many of you actually pay attention to the prices that are being scanned when you are at the check out of a store?  

Honestly, I am usually preoccupied with little fingers and hands that want to try and open the candy that they purposely place at little kids levels.  Therefore, I am not able to pay attention to the price that comes up on the register most of the time.  But usually when I get home, I scan over my receipt to verify everything looks good.  

At times I have been surprised by additional amounts that a clearance item has been discounted.  For instance I picked up a Star Wars action figure at our local Wal-Mart that was in the clearance aisle.  The sticker on it said $6.  Normally I would have put it back down, but Carson is a big Star Wars fan and I figured he would really like this Storm Trooper guy.  When I get to the register and they scan it the price was not $6, but in fact $1 as in ONE dollar.  Insane.  A few other clearance toys I found that day came out a few bucks cheaper too.  I felt great.  

Fast forward to today and I am not so happy, well, not initially.

I went to a club type warehouse store for the first time to try it out.  I was pleasantly surprised by the enormous selection of items they had to choose from.  This was like a Sam's Club and a Costco put together and then some.  The only way I was going to consider becoming a member was if they had Dunkin' Donuts coffee.  And wouldn't you know it, not only did they have my coffee, but they also offered it in decaf, not that I would ever buy decaf (what's the point of drinking coffee without caffeine?), but to see they had it as an option made me feel empowered.  (Little things make me happy people.)

I'm getting side-tracked here.  Back to my situation.

I was keeping my eyes open for a few Christmas grab bag gifts for our upcoming family gift exchange.  I came across a large selection of fragrances, as in cologne and perfume.  And when I say large, not only do I mean many to choose from, but these were the mac daddy, the super size of all fragrances.  Large people.  (3.4 oz to be exact.)  The sign was advertising them for $34.99.  What an incredible deal!  You can't even buy the 1.7 oz size for that price at a department store.  And let me add that these weren't your Old Spice, Stetson and Exclamation scents, we're talking brand name, ritzy stuff.  

  

I picked one up for a gift and as tempting as it was, I resisted buying one for myself.  But man, the deal!  Ugh.  

My cart was completely full at this time and I headed to the registers and started unloading.  Since I was the only one in line, the checker-outer person (sorry, not sure what the correct name for these people are) was scanning my items as I was placing them on the belt.  I wasn't paying attention to what she was doing. 

I get home and the next day I check my receipt before I file it away.  I scan the price side for anything that might stand out and wouldn't you know it, a huge price smacked me right in the face.  To the tune of $65.99.  Oh, no way.  This is not cool.  Maybe I was delirious when I was shopping.  I know I was hungry (hence the full cart of mostly food), but I know I read that sign correctly.  

At this point I call the store, explain the situation and wait while they check the display.  Apparently this perfume is so fancy that the lady didn't even know what I was saying.  She tried repeating the name but all she came up with was "Gold Tray Cabana".  Not even close.  Dolce & Gabbana.  I had to spell it for her. 

She came back to the phone and said that the sign must not have been changed, but that since it was listed at that price that they would have to honor it and give me the wrongly advertised price.  

Hallelujah! 

Now I better hurry back to see how many more I can get before they fix the sign!  Hehehe!!!       

The perfect man

My aunt sent this to me and I thought it was really cute.  

Want to see a picture of the perfect man?

Did you really think there was one? 

The bathtub toys

Here is what I found when cleaning up bathtub toys after Carson's bath.

Poor army man.  Who knew sharks were the enemy?

For more WW, click here.

My attempt at fashion

I'll admit that when it comes to fashion I don't consider myself to be a trendsetter.  When I shop I buy "safe" items.  What I mean is that I keep it simple and comfortable.  That's the way I like to live.  

 

On the other hand, I am all for trying out new looks, it's just that I just don't trust myself in the store.  My MIL has a great eye for fashion and I would have complete confidence with her picking out my wardrobe for the rest of my life if it came down to it.  She always seems to know what's in and cute.  And me, well, not so much.

For example, last year she gave me this adorable hat to wear during winter.  Now normally this is something I would have never picked out for myself to wear.  Initially I felt like it would make me feel silly.  But, I have seen other 'stars' pull off this look and it's cool.  But, could I pull it off with the same finesse as someone like Sarah Jessica Parker?  I have been told that I somewhat resemble her so I thought I could give it a shot.  

  

If you could have only been here to hear the comments from my boys, who, if I might add, should not be giving fashion advice to their mother unless it makes me want to hug them and not hurt them.

First, I come out to the kitchen and Luke is standing there staring at my head.  He started off sweet by saying, "Mom, I like your big hat."  But then he went on to say, "Is that a choo-choo one like Thomas?"  Now how could I get upset with a cute comment like that?  He thought I looked like a conductor.  Just call me Mrs. Topham Hat.

Then, I go out to the van where the rest of the boys are waiting for me.  Taylor just looks at me with a huge smile across his face trying so hard not to bust out laughing, but he couldn't resist.  He told me it looked "fluffy."

Carson just looked at me with an expression of who-are-you-and-what-did-you-do-with-my-real-mom look on his face?  Then he added, "Mom, you look like a zebra."  

I give up!  But I didn't give in.  "Deal with it," I told them.  "Today your mother is pulling off the  fluffy-zebra-choo-choo-hat fashion statement."

Then Jason came in the van, looked at me and said, "Nice hat."  

Smart man.

  

Bumper Stickers

I'm not a big fan of putting stickers on our vehicles unless it is something that is really important to me or really hilarious.  

The other day I saw this bumper sticker on a truck and it made me laugh.

"I love animals........They're delicious."  It was promoting a hunting group or something to that extent.  

Some other bumper stickers I have seen in the past that are worth mentioning are:

• 4 out of 3 people have trouble with fractions.
• I wonder how much deeper the ocean would be without sponges.
• If we are what we eat then I'm cheap, fast and easy.
• Driver carries no cash, he's married.
• Careful, I'm in foreclosure.
• The difference between Outlaws and In-laws? Outlaws are wanted.
• Common sense isn't common.
• Bad spellers untie.
• I may be slow, but I'm ahead of you.
• I asked my wife if old men wear boxers or briefs? She said Depends.
• My wife always gives me sound advice. 99% sound 1% advice.
• I have no idea where I'm going.

Do you have a bumper sticker on your vehicle?  Have you had one in the past?  Or tell me what some of your favorite all time bumper stickers are.

December = cookies

One of the things that come to mind in the month of December is cookies.  

Between the tree trimming, hanging of lights, and home decorating, Christmas cookies rank high for me in celebrating the season.  

I have always looked forward to cookie exchanges and receiving and exchanging cookies from neighbors and friends in the past.  

This year things are different.  I have no cookie exchanges lined up and we have new neighbors and friends that I don't think I would expect to bring me cookies nor would I expect them to accept mine. 

Therefore, instead of being all Scrooge-like, I wanted to share a great way to host a cookie exchange (even though I won't be actually doing this).  

Make a batch of your all time favorite Christmas cookie.  Depending on the number of people attending will determine how many you need to bake.  

Create decorative bags of 3 to 6 cookies for each person in attendance and include a bag to use as a taste tester.  

In or on the bag you should include the cookie's name and recipe.

Make sure your cookies are baked the same day or day before the party to ensure they are fresh.  And if you are the host provide appetizers and drinks or ask each person to bring one to share.  

Happy Holidays and enjoy those cookies!

I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T.

Luke, my 3 year old, is a technology junkie.  

Just the other day while I was folding laundry he came to the doorway and said, "Hey mom - look at me."  I turn around and find him doing a yoga pose.  I asked him what it was called that he was doing and he replied, "It's the Wii Fit stand."  

Uh-huh.

He spends a fair amount of time playing and successfully maneuvering his way around games on his Nintendo DS as well.  And he is very good at using the track pad on the laptop computer. Plus he can change channels and adjust the volume on the remote.  

I am sure a lot of this has to do with having 2 older brothers.  Or maybe he's just advanced.  

He did ride Carson's two wheel bike last month 100 yards by himself without training wheels.  Did I remind to you all that he's THREE?!  Scary indeed, yet was I impressed.  I didn't think he'd actually be able to do it, but thought why not give it a try.  Sure enough, he completely understood the balancing thing.  

Luke, please slow down a little buddy.  I am trying to not feel too old yet and you're the baby of the family.  Your independence floors me.  In a good way (usually).