Syn's Life

Weather and Asthma

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:05:00 +0000

I am sitting at my laptop with my nebulizer, inhaling albuterol so I can breathe, while I type. I'm so weird!

I think it's the weather causing my lung problems right now - going from cold to warm, snow to 60 degrees. These last six weeks have been difficult for breathing problems.

Can't wait for spring!!

Do You Fake It With Your Significant Other?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:01:00 +0000

I am just getting around to reading the November issue of Redbook (I've been busy). On page 25, it says that 71% of wives have faked it with their husbands. That is shocking to me. My first thought is "why?" I don't understand the reason behind faking orgasm with a person you are supposed to be honest to and close with. Maybe I am just spoiled from a guy who doesn't finish until after I do.

Momma Time

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:28:00 +0000

Does anybody have one of those mini portables, small netbook laptops? I was looking at them for my teenager (I just ended up giving her my old computer instead for now). She just turned 15 and having a computer for homework is much more convenient than her encroaching on my own space. Momma needs her own space!

Speaking of own space...it's time to send the two youngest to bed. Momma needs her quiet time too! I don't feel guilty about that either.

Stepfamily for the Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:25:00 +0000

This stepfamily stuff is for the birds. If you think it will get easier when they're older - nope. Harder.

At least when they're younger, they have an excuse for bad behavior (their other parent, lol). As adult stepchildren - not so much. It's all on them.

Get a pool?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:08:00 +0000

My kids want a pool and with tax filing coming up soon, this would be the time to get one if we are going to get one. I was looking at a pentair pool but I just don't know. I've never owned a pool before. How much work are they (keeping in mind that we have several Maple trees in our backyard)?

Pool or vacation? A pool all summer long or a trip to the mountains for a week? Decisions, decisions...

Who took their Christmas tree down already?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:06:00 +0000

We took our Christmas tree down. Honestly, I am ready for it to come down the day after Christmas but the kids wanted it left up longer. I think most people wait until after New Year's but not me, not this year. I want room in my living room to celebrate New Year's - dancing, playing Wii with the kids, etc. It's packed up awaiting next year. Yes!

Going Camping

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:03:00 +0000

Who camps? Can a 40-year-old woman who has never camped, who is afraid of spiders, who gets itchy when gnats are around, put on a deuter backpack and go camping? Silly me actually brought the idea up with my husband a few weeks ago. No power? No problem - don't need a curling iron or hair spray. I do need an actual toilet though.

It's something we are going to try in the spring - right when spiders are waking up. Oh joy. Sometimes I need to learn to keep my mouth shut.

Burn the Ex's Papers?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:13:00 +0000

We have about 1-1/2 years left until my husband's legal relationship with his ex ends and boy are we ready! There will be a party and a bonfire (to burn all those years of documents/contact). I've thought about using document imaging software to save important papers, and we may still do that, but for most of it - huge bonfire in the backyard. HUGE!!!

Hopefully, she'll be able to see the flames in her state! Bring on July, 2013.

Great Gift Ideas for Women's Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Lauren Klein Jewelry has some awesome promotions going on right now for the holidays on women's jewelry. There are SO many ways to save some money while buying some great jewelry for people on your Christmas list (or for yourself). I really like this bracelet below (I'm always drawn to black).

Fornash Milan Leather Chain Bracelet Bangle - $24.99

Here is how I can get it AND save some money!

Lauren Klein Jewelry is offering free ground shipping. 99% of my online Christmas shopping involves free ground shipping. It's a must with the amount of items I buy online. It's great that Lauren Klein is offering it on their great jewelry.
You can get 15% off your purchase if you post a picture of jewelry you have from LaurenKlein.com on their Facebook wall. Post the picture and they will email you the coupon code for 15% off. How easy is that?
If you "like" them on their Facebook, you can receive 15% off your entire order. This is a great and easy way to save money (plus, don't forget - FREE ground shipping too).
Another Facebook deal from Lauren Klein Jewelry ~ fans of their Facebook page will get a special code worth 20% off all of Lauren G. Adams' kids' jewelry.

So many different ways to save money!

Grace Mantra Gold Dipped Heart Necklace

Lauren Klein has been in the diamond business for a long time - over 55 years! They also offer Gift Consultants so if you're just not sure what to choose from, they can help.

Now, stop reading and go shop with Lauren Klein Jewelry.

Fijit Price Gouging

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:10:00 +0000

My 6yo wants a Fijit for Christmas. The stores are either sold out or price gouging. I didn't think the silly little things were worth the $39 the stores were charging - I'm certainly not going to pay $80 or $90 for one!

How's your Xmas shopping going?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:17:00 +0000

I'm almost done Christmas shopping for my kids and it's only the first week of December.

Just thought I'd brag a bit:)

How do they do it all?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:16:00 +0000

My house is a mess!!

With four kids in the house, cleaning is a never ending battle. The house can be sparkling clean but 30 minutes after the kids get home from school, it looks like a tornado went through here.

My fault I'm sure. I think I've been letting them get away with too much lately. They had regular chores until school started and now that we are running like chickens with our heads cut off to different extra-curricular activities, band concerts, sports practices everyday, etc., and giving them enough time to complete homework (homework always first), it's bedtime by the time we're done. When there is a free minute or two, I'm too tired to even think about nagging the kids.

I don't know how to fit it all in right now. I don't know how some people do it all - super clean house, meals on the table like clockwork, carpool here and there, remember this, remember that. Perhaps they have a durham house cleaning service. I just have me.

One undomesticated mommy + four kids + their busy schedules = one tired momma!

This schedule will go until mid-February...and the kids are already asking to take dance classes after sports are over. All four of them. I am beginning to think this hectic schedule will end when my six year old graduates high school?

Personalized Baby Gifts for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:41:00 +0000

There are only 38 shopping days remaining until Christmas. Have you bought the new baby in the family his or her first doll or stuffed bear for their first Christmas? These are great keepsakes sold by Baby Stuff Gifts for only $15. They both measure 10" high, are machine washable (great for getting that spit-up off!) and baby safe.

I also like the diaper covers. They come personalized, of course, and have many designs to choose from - heart, cherry, daisy, ladybug, bunny, butterfly, baby carriage, pink bow, and even a patriotic design for baby's bottom.

Then there are personalized wall tiles for the nursery walls and plates (dishwasher and food safe) for when they start solids. Personally, I think the plates are so cute, I would display them!

To make shopping for personalized baby gifts even better, Baby Stuff Gifts will give you a 10% off coupon code on your entire order if you "like" their Facebook page. I am all about a great deal being a coupon fiend myself. So, go check out their Facebook page and "like" it and then head over to the Baby Stuff Gifts online store and shop all these sweet, personalized gifts that make you (ok, make me) all soft and mushy feeling over babies.

I just love babies. Love them. I'm still waiting for that urge to go away to stop wanting to have more of them. My husband bought me a puppy thinking that would take care of the urge - silly boy. I am going to go shop at Baby Stuff Gifts for the new babies in the family and think about sweet little baby hands, soft skin and the good baby smells.

Apple Pie Spread for Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Four more school days until Thanksgiving break. Is it weird of me that I actually LIKE my four kids home from school, partly because I don't have to turn on that annoying alarm clock!?!?

Anyways, this recipe came into my in box yesterday and it looked really good (and very easy - easy enough for me to do!) so I thought I'd share -

Apple Pie Spread

Otterbox Defender for iPhone 4S

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:06:00 +0000

I am patiently awaiting FedEx to come to my door today with my iPhone 4S and online shopping for an Otterbox Defender case for it (because I know it will get dropped - - several times). The Defender cases work so well. My case for my iPhone 3 is yellow and black and has protected it from so many falls (with no damage done!). I think I'm going for blue this next time!

Costume Express Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:32:00 +0000

Halloween is over but the need for costumes isn't - Santa costumes, Grinch costumes, and cute little baby Christmas costumes like the one above. I should buy my husband the Grinch costume!

If you need a Santa costume for a party, or for Christmas Eve to visit the family, you can get costume express coupons here and then go shopping! Save some money and get what you need.

I am all about the coupons. I won't buy a lot of things now without a costume - online or in the store. Costumes are no exception. If I can get a deal, I'm taking it!

Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:22:00 +0000

I have had 75,000 visitors to this blog! That's pretty cool. My stepfamily blog does even better - double the visitors. I think people in blended families are looking for validation and support and it is nice to have somebody in the same situation as you are to feel like you're not alone in the massive struggles with stepchildren or an ex. Oh the struggles with exes...ugh!

My husband's ex-girlfriend is sending him bills for their adult stepchild's birth control! You would think after the first month or two of ignoring them, she'd stop. Apparently she hasn't taken the hint yet. Crazy!

Lingerie Business

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:19:00 +0000

I sometimes think about opening my own business. In college, I had to create a business plan on a business that would interest me. I chose a lingerie business to write a business plan about. I received an "A" on that business plan! Part of that may have been the male instructor but hey, an A is an A.

I couldn't take the risk now to open a business. Being married with kids, it's not just my risk anymore. If I did, I would probably have to look into business loans with bad credit because we barely hang on sometimes in this economy. Everybody is struggling so much! I sure hope things get better soon.

Accepted Youth Varsity Coaching Position...oh boy

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:20:00 +0000

Yesterday, I accepted a coaching position with one of my daughter's squads for next year's football season. I will be the Varsity Coach for the 5th and 6th grade girls youth cheerleading. I will get giggles, attitude, enthusiasm, hugs, no shows, difficult parents, fun, stress, my time sucked away, pride, fundraisers up the wazoo...and no pay. I am so in trouble.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Men (and Women)

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:55:00 +0000

For the outdoor type person, I have a great idea. I didn't know these even existed. I know about Carhartt jackets (who doesn't) and Carhartt bibs but did you know they also have carhartt sweatshirts? These are great ideas for men (and women too) who like to work outside in the cold, hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling! I would like one to wear to the stable. It's freezing in that barn!

Building Materials

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:56:00 +0000

What type of building is better for farm animals (horses mainly)? Our horses are stabled at a barn that is is cement (keeps it cooler in the summer which is nice), but I was wondering about wood or steel buildings as well. What's best for the horses? What is better cost-wise? What is easiest to maintain?

We have one year and seven months until my husband's child support is done. I have planning to do on FINALLY being able to get into a house that we can actually fit into in one year and seven months. Can't wait!!

Personalized Gifts for Moms Like Me

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:24:00 +0000

What's on your Christmas list for mom? I have no clue yet, myself. My husband told me this morning that a friend of his was buying his wife a $400 flat iron for Christmas because it has some animal print on it that matches her curling iron. *falls over* I could never spend that much money on something like that - I tend to like the personalized gifts for mom. I saw this beautiful Celtic Knot Family Birthstone Necklace online at Personal Creations that I would love. I am all about the Celtic knots and my four kids so it's one idea.

Healthy Berries

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:18:00 +0000

An important food of the diet I've been using to rid myself of the excess has been berries. I use strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries at meals and grab a handful as a snack in between meals. I think it is the best fruit I've tried that benefits my health and weight loss. Great antioxidants!

Now if I were to cover them in chocolate like at berries.com, it wouldn't help my weight loss too much (though moderation is key) but I sure would love it! I'd get a little sweet with my antioxidants! Being a chocoholic, that sounds good to me!

Over the Hill Yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:27:00 +0000

I had to stand like a dork for my driver's license renewal today. It's so awkward - standing there while everybody else watches. I had some guy watching me and then he says as they are getting ready to snap the picture, "Isn't it fun?" Sha! Not!

So I will be 40 by Sunday. Ack! There is one thing I won't need to worry about personally every again - baby announcements. Beyond 40, it's time to raise the kids we have and get old, not create new little ones. I'll be 40 - so yes, that's on the downside of sliding towards old. Weeeeeee, here I go!!

24 Days Until Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Syn) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:16:00 +0000

Halloween is this month! Yippee! From here until January, I just LOVE the holidays, however, I could do without the cold, snow and ice that comes along with them!

My kids have planned their costumes already (they've made lists). My teenager has already made plans with the new boyfriend to walk around with him on Halloween and I usually dress up as well. I get handed candy too because the adults think it's great that mom joins in. Hey, I'll do anything for chocolate!

The babies dressed up are especially fun to see. They're so cute! Makes me want to have another baby! Not really. I'm just writing that because I know it'll freak my sister out.

However, buying baby gifts is fun for me and I can do that for family and friends who have little ones, hold their babies, and then give them back when they cry. I especially like personalized baby gifts! Generic gifts - nah! Personalized gifts - well of course! If I buy now at Baby Stuff Gifts, I can get 10% off my order with code "October2011" during checkout! Yippee! You can too through October 9th - ends Sunday at Midnight!

Now to figure out what mom is going to dress up in for Halloween...time to go Internet window shopping!