Happy Easter!!!

I hope everyone that celebrates Easter has fun!

A few nights ago we dyed Easter eggs. It was our first time doing this at home.

Isaak was impatient, and only stuck his eyes in the dye for the matter of seconds. Mica kept mixing all the colors together, and wanting the color I was using. No we didn't end up with perfection.

Despite the craziness, the boys had a whole lot of fun. That's what was ideal anyhow. 

Isaak was so excited to dye Easter eggs!

 Mica was in a silly mood. Note the silly face he's making. What a goof!

Both boys were fascinated about the dye pills fizzing in the vinegar.

The end result. Isaak wanted his to stay out on display. I said, "Nope they have to go in the refrigerator. We'll eat them later." His eyes swelled up with tears. He said, "But I want to keep them forever." Poor little guy!

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday is all about me discovering something that is different. 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 wondered if there was anything out there preformed by robots? Today in the music industry virtually anything is possible. If their is anything out there preformed by robots how interesting could it possibly be?

The answer: Very! I thought I wouldn't be able to find anything that is by a robot that would please my ears. Most people would think of robots being repetitive and mechanical by nature. Not all of the

The robots in the video below are called Z-Machines. The music artist that helped these robots out calls himself "Squarepusher".  His real name is Tom Jenkinson. His goal was to take electronic music to a whole new level. He wanted to only show robots in a video, and see if the music still moved human people. I think he managed to push the envelope. His first huge hit in the electronic music industry was Feed Me Weird Things in 1995. Since that time he's been breaking ground with everything he puts out. He tries to mix jazz with robots. It's really interesting.

The robots themselves were developed at the University of Tokyo by CGI artist Yoichiro Kawaguchi, robotics engineer Naofumi Yonetsuka, and media artist Kenjiro Matsuo. The guitarist, Mach, plays two guitars with the aid of 78 fingers and 12 picks. Cosmos triggers notes on his keyboard with lasers and drummer Ashura uses his six arms to wield 21 drumsticks.

Source

Z-Machines

In this next video Squarepusher is working with an actual drummer who calls himself Aphex Twin.

Check out Squarepusher's website.
Read more about how the Z-Machines were created here.

Envirosax Review

I just love having reusable sacks for shopping. Sometimes when I shop I've seen people ask the cashier to please put one item in each plastic bag. It seriously drives me batty watching them waist bags like that. It costs money to make plastic bags, and more money to recycle them.

I just won a Envirosax Rosa Bag from their Facebook page: Conserving Now.

The bag rolls up, so it's great for space! I could fit it in my purse.

 What's so great about this bag anyway?

• I love using Envirosax Rosa Bag because I know I can use over and over again. It's much better to use than the plastic bags, which often times get thrown out.
• It's water resistant. You can take it to the beach, or to the swimming pool with no worries about it getting wet.
• If you do want to get rid of it, which I don't know why anyone would, it's 100% recyclable. 
• It's fully washable, and won't fade in the process.
• It's so easy to carry in your handbag because it can be folded up.
• It's tested for safety and strength.
• It's both light weight and strong. It holds up to 44 pounds! 
• It comes in a selection of patterns and colors. I love the patter I got!
• They are not that expensive. The bag I got is on a close out sale, so it's $6.99!

Here's a close up of the pattern that is on my bag:

Many more patterns and colors are available on their site.

The boys and I went shopping to get stuff to dye Easter eggs. That's what we are doing tonight. Isaak is so excited. The bag held everything we got. Actually there was room in the bag for more.

We got 2 dozen white eggs, a dozen of brown eggs, and Easter egg dye.

I'm always trying to get my boys to carry groceries, and they seemed to like this bag.

I like that the handle is a little thicker to stay on their itty bitty shoulders. The bag looks big on them, but it's so light weight. I assure you they did not have problems holding it.

Isaak sporting the Envirosax Rosa Bag. He liked to wear it on the opposite shoulder.

Mica sporting the Envirosax Rosa Bag.

Check out Conserving Now's:

• Website
• Facebook page
• Twitter page

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 won a product from Conserving Now to help with the review.

Random Tid Bits

This week the random tid bits are going to just be funny things my boys have said lately. If you are friends with me on facebook you may have heard some of these before. A few are new though.

1. Isaak is addicted to wearing only his red button top and pants pjs. He has a whole drawer full of other options, but only wants to wear those. He knows once he's too big for them Mica has a pair that he can wear. He's happy about that.
   
   Isaak: "These pjs don't fit me Mom!" Me: "Yes they do. Just put them on, and go to bed!" Isaak: "I can't get my head through the hole. They don't fit me Mom!" Me: "Isaak you are trying to stick your head through an arm hole. Of course your head doesn't fit." Isaak: "Stop laughing at me Mom!"


2. Mica: "Mom I want to watch that backwards video on YouTube." Me: "Oh the Coldplay song?" Mica: "Ya that one. All you have to do is type in, 'backwards' on YouTube and it will come up." Me: "I don't think so Mica. There are a lot of videos that would come up for, 'backwards'."


3. Mica just loves kicking all his covers to the bottom of his bed. Me being the Mom in the house hates it. I know I need to pick my battles, but come on does he have to do that every night? I had him help me wash his bedding, then help me make his bed.
   
   It was time to put on the comforter and I said, "Just make sure the tag is on the bottom of the bed." He said, "I know! One time I had the tag on the top, and that was disturbing!" He sure has a way with describing things. 


4. This isn't something any kid said that was funny, it was more about what Mica did. We were at Bed Bath and Beyond. We just walked in the door, and Mica was slow moving. I looked back, and there he was dancing for their camera. He does this often. He lifted up his shirt and was belly dancing, or something. I didn't know weather to scold him, laugh, or take a picture. I scolded him, and then took a photo. This is the aftermath of him being a silly kid. Part of me did think it was funny. What would you do?





5. Isaak got done with a bath. He was drying off and yelled out, "Mom if I died right now, they would have to dry me off at the cemetery before they put me in the ground. Wouldn't that be funny?" I said, "More like disturbing." Isaak said, "What's disturbing mean?" I said, "Just dry yourself off, Isaak."

2 Strokes Forward, 1 Stroke Back

If you've been reading this blog for awhile now, you may know that my boys swim at the Y. We've had ups and downs with swimming lessons in regards to Isaak. Mica's a little older, so he does a non competitive swim team, where they focus on personal speed and stroke skill.

It took me many lessons to convince the head lady that Isaak swims better than where they had him placed. Because of his age, she wouldn't let him move him up. He would have to be in the same lesson for 10, or more times. I thought he'd get bored.

I'm all about challenging my kids if they are doing well. I don't want to push them too much, and have them over whelmed. 

The head lady decided to give the ok for Isaak to move up. The trouble was, is that they moved WAY up, and those kids were doing things that he never learned. He was with 10 year olds, and Isaak's only 5. The next time they bumped him two notches down with kids that are about 7 and 8, and he was still slow, but comfortable. He was challenged, learning, and getting better.

His coach talked with me and said, "Isaak really could move up a notch. He's got the techniques down. His only problem is speed. You see Isaak likes the water so much that he wants to stay in it. He doesn't want to go fast because he knows he'll have to get out of the water." 

We bumped Isaak up. I was excited because finally Mica and Isaak were swimming at the same time.

He got in that new swimming group. Most kids in that group are age 9 and 10 again. Here's little Isaak, age 5. His little body gets how to swim, but he can't keep up with the older kids. He was beat at the end of his lesson. There was a big difference from his last lesson to the this one.

I asked Isaak, "Honey which lesson would you like to be in?" I named the coaches to assist in his decision making. I then said, "I want you to feel comfortable with where you are at."

He wanted to go back down a notch with the 7 and 8 year olds. He started last night, and his confidence seemed great! He's been on such a roller coaster ride with swimming lessons.

His coach said, "So I have you again Isaak." 

I said, "Ya speed wise he can't keep up with the group above this one." 

His coach said, "I know you don't want to leave the water Isaak. That's good I guess. Sometimes we have to move things along." 

I said, "Do you realize that Isaak's only 5? He'll be 6 soon. I just think his little body isn't ready to go fast." 

His coach said, "I didn't know he was that young! He's not even supposed to be in this class until he's 6. Oh well. Isaak does fine with it." 

He thought Isaak was 7. 

I said, "Well that's the size of clothes he fits in, but he's only going to be 6 on May 19th." 

He said, "Oh ok."

My biggest thing with sports of any kind is that I want my kids to feel happy, and comfortable about doing them. Sure I want the coaches to push them when needed. I don't want them to get discouraged though. They may start hating what they first loved.

A & R Salvage

Daddy needed to get some small granite pieces. They are for bases, for some sculptures he's been working on. In the past he's gone to places where they make grave stones, and counter tops to get scraps. It's never cheap though. 

He thought about a Salvage Yard that isn't too far from our house. I know this sounds crazy, but I love looking through places like that. You never know what you are going to find. They always have tons of old doors, windows, and more.

This had a whole floor that was bathtubs, sinks and toilets. The boys thought it was the funniest thing ever! Mica said, "Isaak think, someone could just use that toilet in the middle of the room!" They both giggled. Isaak said, "Ya and we could take off all our clothes and take a bath right now." More laughter.

Never mind the fact that none of those bathroom things weren't actually there to use.

Daddy got his granite for a steal practically. He was a happy camper that day.

The boys loved running around the outside of the place.

Do you like vintage things, looking at antique shops, scrap yards and garage sales?

Best Friends

Mica has a friend that he hangs out with all the time. I happen to call two boys that are the best of friends, having a bromance. According to the friend's mom they both are very smart, and connect on a mental level. It's funny because I try not to bring the fact that Mica does well in school up to him often. I don't want it to go to his head. I struggled in school big time when I was his age. We let him know he's doing a good with his homework and with grades, but we don't want him thinking he's all that!

His friend's family came to our house to pick up Mica 3 or 4 months ago. They made a trip to the library to play learning games. Then all of them came to our house to play. I wasn't expecting them to be there. My house wasn't exactly in the best of shape for visitors.

About four weeks ago we asked if his friend could go bowling? They could, and they all showed up. I was sort of shocked that they all came. His mom offered to help pay. I paid for their lanes and she paid for their shoes. She was wanting to give me more money, but I said, "No it's my treat."

About two weeks ago they asked if our family could come over to their house for lunch? We came with a huge salad, and homemade dressing. They had the works of Ethiopian food. We sat around on the ground and ate, and ate. They gave us special coffee, and tea. Their cousin showed up for the "Special Event". We were the "Special Event". We ended up staying for 5 hours that day. When we left I felt like they didn't want us to go.

I'm getting the idea that they do things as a whole family all the time. It's the Mom, and three kids. The Dad works all the time. Their Grandma and Aunt live with them. They are a nice family. I'm just not used to doing things with a friend's whole family. I do have to say that I'd rather have Mica be friends with a family that cares about their children, than a family that's not there for them. That Mom is there for her kids!

Some times I want my kids to play with just their friend. In my head I'm thinking, "Go have fun and play!" They are only kids once. Soon enough they'll loose their creative play. I need a break from entertaining my own children. Go play, be kids.

I struggled with what to do next. They are a family that wants to get together. They respect us highly. It's not like they are rude. They are very nice. They have done things for us. This must be how they do things in Ethiopia (where they are from). I'm not sure how birthday parties will be. His whole family will show up. I don't know if that's bad, good, or if it's just different?

We invited their family to come to the Lowes Clinic with us this last weekend.  They were half an hour late, so we were all wondering if they were going to show up...thankfully they did. I thought the Lowes Clinic would be perfect to invite them to because it's free, and they have never been there.

I helped the sister in 1st grade with her project, Daddy helped the brother in 3rd grade, and Mica and their Mom helped Mica's friend that's in 2nd grade. Mica's friend said, "I have to say that I'm much more of a technology kid! I'm just not a builder type." We all laughed when his friend said that. It sounded funny coming from a 2nd grader. 

Mica was laughing at his best friend.

They liked the event so much, that they wanted me to sign them up for the next one. It seems as though we have Lowes Clinic partners now. 

Isaak was grumpy because his recycling truck lost a piece. Even though Mica's friend's sister found it, he wasn't out of his grump state. 

Here's what they made:

Source

WW: Art Show {Linky}

Mica and Isaak's art teacher had a group art show. Two of Daddy's old welding instructors were in the show as well. Then I saw an old coworker, so we chatted to.

The boys were so happy to see many of their teachers there. I think they saw 5 in total.

I wanted to get a picture of the boys with their art teacher, but she was so busy.

Here they are in front of a metal cow:

Roasted Cabbage

My mom gave me this recipe. She called it Cabbage Steak. I'm calling it more what it is, Roasted Cabbage. It's so flavorful!

If you aren't a cabbage fan, try it anyhow. It takes on a new flavor when it's cooked like this.

The edges are crispy, the center is juice, and everything tastes so flavorful!

The best thing is that you could mix the recipe up a bit. Add, asparagus, do a mix of cabbage, and so on.

Smoke, Fire, Rain, Snow

It's been crazy in Nebraska and Iowa. It's so dry that we've had fire warnings. I know a lot of people got snow this year, but we were not high among those that did. We got some, and when it did snow people complained about it. We did not get what we should have. Besides the fire warnings, I'm worried about the farms, and what they will have problems growing this year. *Warning if you thought prices were high in the stores now, they probably will go up.

There have been a few fires start by our home. A comic book shop that has been there for years burnt down a month ago. Then last week what used to be a pharmacy for years burnt down to the ground.

My husband woke up to lots of sirens. I slept like a baby. As you can see fire took over this building!

Source

Source

I'm glad the Y that we go to didn't get burnt down. It's right by this building.

On Saturday it was so nice. The boys wore shorts. We actually turned the air on in the car.

On Sunday it was rainy, dark and you could hear thunder rumbling all day. We started off with rain coats, and towards the end of the day we were back in our winter coats.

It snowed Sunday night. We woke up to an ice, snow mixture. At least it will melt off fast.

They said on the news that we had more moisture on Sunday then we had all of March and 12 day of April. It was certainly needed!

Here's what it looked like this morning:

I know others are expected to get snow. Are you supposed to get some this week?

Martial Arts for Kids Review + #Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
I got a chance to review something a little different. It was my first set of online classes. The classes are to learn martial arts. In particular Kung Fu. I'm familiar with Jiu-Jitsu, but I've never watched any other martial art. I think they are all interesting! I have a student that has taken classes for many of the different martial arts.

At first I was thinking, How can one learn a martial art from the internet? It can be done! They show you everything, and explain why and how you do it all.

The Classes Thought Me and Isaak a Lot!

I watched these classes along with Isaak. There are 14 lectures. That is 3 hours of content. What is great, is that you can go back, and watch things over and over again. I feel that I have to repeat things with yourself a lot to remember the content.

There is also an in depth handbook.

They've been teaching the self defense art of Shou' Shu' Kung Fu professionally since 1995 in the comfort of your own home.

14 Classes: 

1. Lecture 1: The Greeting Salute
2. Lecture 2: The Formal Salute
3. Lecture 3: Student Handbook
4. Lecture 4: Tying the Belt
5. Lecture 5: Hard Bow
6. Lecture 6: Square Horse
7. Lecture 7: Fighting Horse
8. Lecture 8: Locking Elbow (part 1)
9. Lecture 9: Locking Elbow (part 2))
10. Lecture 10: Locking Elbow (part 3)
11. Lecture 11: By the Numbers Facing Right
12. Lecture 12: By the Numbers Facing Left
13. Lecture 13: Fast on an Opponent Facing Right
14. Lecture 14: Fast on an Opponent Facing Left

The Goals of the Classes:

• Respect- I learned the protocols and meanings of these protocals. these are designed to teach respect for oneself and others.

• Discipline- The martial arts instruction is inspiring. Children as well as adults are inspired to work hard and will thereby naturally develop self discipline.

• Physical Fitness - Classes are energetic. Kids and adults will get lots of exercise.

• Coordination - Shou' Shu' develops coordination. Especially due to that large amount of cross lateral motions. Cross lateral motions have been shown to enhance learning. Especially helpful for kids and adults with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia or similar.

• Ant-Bullying - Kids will learn to understand how to prevent bullying as well as determining threat level and appropriate responses.

• Fun - classes your child and you will enjoy!

Requirements:

There aren't requirements for the classes, other than to watch them. 

• It certainly helps to have a uniform. They teach you how to tie your belt. It's important to be able to do this along with the instructor. 

• I also found it helpful to take notes. 

• A punching bag, or large pillow is helpful. A mat is also great to have!

• Target Audience: A beginner. That can be a child, or an adult. Anyone that is interested in learning. I thought it was a great bonding experience to watch with my child, and fun to do the things with them.

What is Shou' Shu? 

It means, "Fighting way of the beasts". It's an ancient form of Kung Fu. The motions are thought to be ways of fighting 7 different animals: Bear, Siberian Tiger, Mongoose, White Crane, Praying Mantis, Cobra, and the Imperial Dragon.
  
Want to Learn?

To learn more about this course, go here. Anyone that clicks on this link will be able to view the classes for 50% off.

It's Giveaway Time
  
This is open to US as well as Canada. It's for adults, and/or children.  You will get a code to use their online class. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.