Saturday, March 1, 2014

My Mixer is Back

A week and a half ago my stand mixer made a loud noise, and then stopped working. Daddy's like, "I can take it apart, and see if we can replace a gear, or something?" It was that, or not have a mixer, or spend an arm and a leg on a new one.

So he took it apart:


I said a few times, "Are you sure you can get that thing back together?"

He said, "Of course! I used to take apart old copy machines that my Dad would bring home."

The $12 part was order from KitchenAid's site. Just so you know shipping isn't cheap. It was $12 shipping cost for a gear that was stripped. Again it was that, or not having a machine at all, or paying $300 for a new one. To be honest I was surprised they had extra parts on their site to order at all.

It only took half a week to get the gear.

Daddy put it together today.

Bam it works!

He kept saying, "Why are you so surprised I got it working again?" I think I'm surprised because I know I wouldn't be able to take that apart, and put it together again. He said, "It was a piece of cake."

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday is all about me discovering something that is different to post. I don't want to post things that you and I have more than likely heard before. I want to find something different. It could be from another country, someone singing from the streets of NY, and more.

I ran across something unusual that someone had posted on Facebook. It's a lady named Miche Braden singing Guns N' Roses Sweet Child O' Mine in a jazzy way. I do have to say that I love older jazz. Some of the modern stuff sounds like fancy elevator music to me.

Miche Braden doesn't have a fancy elevator sound to it.

Miche is a singer, songwriter, arranger, actor, and entertainer extraordinaire. She's been described as a "Diva Out of Bounds."

Sweet Child O' Mine


Story of My Life



The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith - The Devil's Music. This is from a musical.



Check out Miche Braden's:

Website
Facebook

Friday, February 28, 2014

Isaak's Conferences

We had Isaak's conferences last night. Isaak's doing good as well. He's ready to start first grade. Of course he has to wait until the fall.

I loved how Isaak's teacher had things prepared for us to look at. Report cards were sent earlier, but she had a sheet for what he's doing well in, and what he needs to work on. She said that most of the kids need to work on the things that are listed in that category. That's ok, we still like to help him at home with those things.

One biggy thing to work on is listening for all the instructions. Many in the class listen to the first half, and then have trouble listening to the rest to get full understanding. You know with word problems they have to listen to the whole thing!

Isaak reads at a second grade reading level, but isn't a confident reader just yet. He says he can't read things when he can. Does that even make sense? It's funny because Mica was like that to only with coloring and cutting. He didn't want to do them until he mastered the skills better.

I'm super excited for their classroom: There was an unused space that his teacher is turning into a reading nook. I told her about ideas I've seen on Pinterest for that.

A crib mattress and a tent.

Source
Daddy was like, when are we leaving? I was kind of chatty with his teacher. She seems so nice!

Here's a project that the Kindergartener's did. I'm not sure if it's Isaak's Cat in the Hat, or not. She has them put their names on the back. She said she's tried having them put their names on the front, but then they pick off their googly eyes off their own. Problem solved.


Random Tid Bits

  1. I always wanted to have a girl. That doesn't mean I don't love my boys. I played dolls and Barbies growing up. For some reason I just thought for sure I'd have a girl to pass them down to. Our girl's name would have been Savannah Claire. When I had my first ultrasound I was surprised when she told me I was pregnant with a boy (Mica). My second pregnancy was so different from the first; I was surprised to find out I was pregnant with yet another boy (Isaak). I grew up with all sisters. Having a lot of boys in the family was certainly different.

  2. Skinny jeans look silly on our boys. Mica has a long torso, when he wears skinny jeans they just put emphasis on his skinny chicken legs. 

  3. I was at a friend's house. I told Isaak to come over to me. Then proceeded to help him with his sleep in his eyes. I've always called them, "Sleepy Seeds". It's what my Mom always referred to them as. My friend said, "That's a funny name for them. I've never heard them called that before." I thought, "Sleepy Seeds" were as common as saying, "Belly Button". 

  4. Do you call them, "Sleepy Seeds"? Or am I the only one?

  5. Do you shop during off seasons? I try and buy winter coats for the boys now. They are 70% or 80% off! I bought $140 worth of clothing a few weeks ago. I saved more than I bought. That may sound like  a lot to spend, but here's what I got: A pair of pants for me, 2 pairs of pants for Mica to wear next year/the year after, a nice jacket for Mica to wear now/Isaak to wear next year, a winter coat that came with a hat for Mica to wear now/Isaak to wear next year, a shirt for Isaak and 2 shirts for Mica.

  6. I like Mr. Rodger type sweaters on boys. I just think they are the cutest ever. 
Mica when he was in Kindergarten. I can't get Isaak to wear this sweater as much. :(

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Mica's Big Night

We had conferences for Mica last night.

We just set the boys up with the portable DVD player, while we go to conferences. I remember conferences being a big deal when I was a kid because we had a babysitter.

This is how it went:

Mica's teacher: "You guys have such a great boy! You should just be so proud. Thank you for working with him. I enjoy him so much."

Me: "Thank you"

*I was thinking, Is that it?!

I talked to her about him slowing down to do things. He tends to race through stuff at home. It wasn't a concern of hers. I also talked to her about the fact that Mica's super literal. He wanted to make real rocket shoes instead of color them. He wants me to go all out for birthday parties because he knows I can do *anything on the computer. She thinks any little kid is like that. Possibly so.

I asked her if she was worried about Mica getting bored in school? She said that thought has crossed her mind, but if he'd not saying that he's bored, then he's fine.

I asked if he gets along with the other kids? She said, "Yes Mica's very liked here."

When I was in school I got special help for being S L O W. My mom cried because I struggled so much. I had to stay inside for recess to get extra help. They thought about holding me back. They did hold Daddy back. I think we got lucky with our kids! Isaak seems to be doing well, but he's still a little young to tell. We have Isaak's conferences tonight.

After conferences...

We rushed home, and ate. Then Mica had testing for ju jitsu. He tested for his last yellow stripe. One more testing, and he gets his yellow belt. Again in ju jitsu there's a lot of testing before you get your next belt. I'll show more pictures for my next WW.


Mica had to do his rolls again, he did his strikes, he got out of wrist holds, he showed how to fall properly, and he showed how to get out of someone holding a knife at you. He was also asked a few questions about why they do certain things.

This is the defense for the knife attack:

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

MATCHaccino Green Tea Latte Mix Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I simply love MATCHAccino Green Tea Latte Mix by Red Leaf Tea. It's $13.99 for the bigger bag.

It's super easy to make:



It seriously only takes minutes to make. Everyone in our house has had a small glass of it, and we've all loved it! I even shared some with a lady at work. She too can't get enough of this drink.


Isaak approved!


You can have it in a smoothie, or warmed up. You just have to be careful not to burn it. To drink it warm I just heat a little almond milk in the microwave, mix a scoop of it the MATCHaccino Green Tea powder, stir well, then add more milk, and continue to heat up slowly.

Why Drink Matcha?

It's one of the healthiest and tastiest teas out there. What I like is it's so versatile in what you can put it in. It's full of antioxidants, full of fiber, and helps fight off cancer. It also assists people in fighting off weight, and is a blood detoxification. It's an energy booster. Sometimes I need boosting. 

100% Natural
Only 58 Calories
0g Fat
Food Coloring
Artificial Sweetners
Preservatives
MSG/Chemical Additives


Check Red Leaf Tea on Twitter and Facebook.        
 

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Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. I did get products to help with the review. 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

WW: Crazy Clothes for School {Linky}

Last week the boys had a Dr. Seuss day at school. They didn't have to dress up like a character in one of his books. They were supposed to dress silly.

We had no problem dressing them silly like. In fact we messed with their hair to. I didn't ask them to pose funny like. They did that on their own.








If you have a moment please enter Organicasaurus snack Giveaway and GungHo Natural Energy Boost Giveaway.
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Who You Gonna Call?

Last night I was sitting on the couch. Both boys had just laid down to go to sleep. I said to Daddy, "Did you hear about that guy from Ghostbusters passing away?" Daddy said, "Which one? There are tons of people in Ghostbusters." I said, "I know what he looks like, but I forget his name. Hold on..."

Mica piped up and said loud, "I hope it wasn't Harold Ramis!"

I said, "That is his name Mica. How did you know his name?"

Mica said, "Mom I know a lot about our DVDs. I've read all the covers. Harold Ramis was one of my favorites."

Mr. Smarty Pants is going to be a movie buff.

Source - Bill Murrary, Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd in Ghostbusters
Then this morning Mica said to Isaak, "Did you know that Harold Ramis died yesterday Isaak?"

Isaak said, "Who's that?"

Mica described him to Isaak. Then he proceeded to list off all the other actors names from the movie. He said them all right, but pronounced Sigourney Weaver's name funny. It's a difficult name to say.

What's your favorite movie that Harold Ramis played a part in making, or acting?

Mine isn't a common one. It's Stealing Home. It stared Jodie Foster, Mark Harmon and William McNamara (who I had a serious crush on).

Source - Harold Ramis and William McNamara in Stealing Home
 

Sweet potato waffles

I've been experimenting with other types of flour. I'm trying to be better with eating. Less gluten, less sugar, and less milk. Allergies and Asthma are excuse my language a bitch.

The problem is, is that Daddy doesn't like my experimentations. He'd rather me bake with all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and cane sugar. The boys on the other hand do not mind at all that I experiment. They love to devour pretty much anything. I've read that eliminating some things out of your diet helps with environmental allergies. That explains why I'm trying to eat less gluten, sugar, and milk. I'm not perfect, but I'm trying.

This weekend I made Sweet Potato Waffles.

I also made a cranapple drink in the NutriBullet. Daddy bitched complained about the seeds from the cranberries being in the drink. It was an apple + a handful of cranberries + water. No sugar was added. Sorry he teases me about my experimentations, and I tease him about his lack there of in trying them. It's a mutual teasing that we have going on back and forth.

Both boys asked for more waffle. Daddy didn't like them. I thought they were pretty good.

Sweet Potato Waffles:

Preheat your waffle iron. Peel, cook, and mash your sweet potato. Mix the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients in a different bowl, and combine. Whisk it all together. I spray my iron lightly with cooking spray, add in the mix, and poof there's the waffle when the light goes off.

Monday, February 24, 2014

I Don't Want to Hold Your Hand

This last weekend the boys were not getting along. Isaak pretty much begs for Mica's attention. Mica won't give him the time of day.

At home Isaak was trying to show Mica a Lego construction he built. After Isaak begged Mica a few times, Mica finally came in the room. He took one look at what Isaak was proud of and said, "That's not a big deal." and walked away. I call for Mica to come to me. Then I made him sit in time out, write an apology letter to Isaak, and he had to play with him. I know siblings fight, but this is a common happening.

Mica's lack there of, of caring, carries over to other things as well. He's popular in school, so he must care there. We've observed that he lets doors go instead of holding them open for people. I would blame it on age, but Mica's generally careless about others, and Isaak's the opposite. Isaak's too sensitive.

Isaak once made Mica a card, and then Isaak handed it to me saying, "Mica doesn't want this. Will you take this?"

I'd like for Mica to at least pretend to be thankful, and not hurtful. I know kids are honest. Instilling in him that you shouldn't be so honest that you hurt others is important to.

Isaak's not perfect all the time either. He likes to push people's buttons. He whines to try and get attention. Gee I wonder why he does that?

Isaak's been having nightmares where Mica can't see him, or hear him. Then he wakes up and sees lights, and hears odd noises. I feel bad for the little guy.

Later that day in the car the boys were fighting. When we got out, I made them hold hands. 


I'm seriously thinking of getting one of those big adult shirts for them to wear as one, and make them do chores together that way.

One good bonding thing that I've gotten Mica to do is read books to Isaak before bed time.

Our boys have similar interests, but such different personalities. Isaak's more me. Mica's more Daddy. They both have my warped sense of humor.

If you have kids, are they very different from one another, or very similar?

God's Eye and a Pom Pom

Isaak loves crafts, so Daddy had Isaak pick out his own yarn, and Popsicle sticks to make God's Eyes.

It was a lazy clothes kind of a day, so he's wearing a shirt, and pj bottoms.


Did you ever make God's Eyes when you were a kid?

I never understood why they were given that name. They don't look like eyes. I get the religious symbol of the cross though.


Here's Isaak's pom pom.


Isaak loved making them. Instead of having a few to give to people, he wants to tie them together, and pretend it's a cat's toy. We don't even have a cat.


Off and on all weekend I've pretended to be Isaak's cat. Meow...Meow...Bat...Bat

Disclaimer

The opinions on this blog are my personal take on products and topics relating to motherhood. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.

I am not compensated to provide opinions on a variety of topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. If I claim to show knowledge of certain topic or product I will only endorse products or services that I feel, based on my expertise, are worthy of such endorsement.

If you have any questions about this blog, or want to get in contact with me please email me at: anapeladay@gmail.com