Snow in the Heartland

Many people were wearing shorts on Saturday. It was a beautiful day! I wish we could have spent the whole day outside. Instead Mica had Quiz Bowl, Isaak had a basketball game, and I had a lunch date with my mom and sisters. It was all good things; just not outside. 

Isaak happened upon a caterpillar. The myth is...if the caterpillar has more black than brown we're supposed to have a long winter, if the caterpillar has more brown than black we're supposed to have a short winter.

This one had more brown than black, which would make it seem as thought our winter will be short. That's certainly not what The Farmer's Almanac states. I pass it all off as just fun stories. The weather is going to do what the weather is going to do. As much as I'd love to believe the Groundhog doesn't see his shadow, and the caterpillar has more brown than black...I don't put too much stalk into that. 

What about you? Do you believe old predictions? I suppose there's some truth to old medicines/practices. 

Two days after I saw this caterpillar it snowed. I'm thinking The Farmer's Almanac will be right on this upcoming winter. 

At least a heart traveled along with me all the way to work. 

Nebraska Map Pendant Necklace

I was born in Nebraska, raised in Nebraska, and have been raising my children in Nebraska.

I certainly love many things about this state: 

• The fact that you can drive through it and see for miles
• That it's smack dab in the middle of America
• That many farmers live here
• That we have the best zoo in the world right here
• We have good schools overall
• There's a lot of events for families

When I saw this Nebraska Map Pendant Necklace: 

http://www.amazon.com/Graceful-Nebraska-Pendant-Necklace-Stainless/dp/B06XPSPBHR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&keywords=map+pendant+necklace,+rose+gold+pendant+necklace

I asked to review it. 

Closer-Up:

Metal:

• I got silver 
• It comes in a gold color 
• It comes in rose gold as well

I thought about getting Rose Gold because it's different. I mostly wear silver, so I went with that.

It is more affordable than gold or platinum. You can enjoy the fact that the price of has always been a fraction of the price of other Metal.

Pros:

• It comes in different classy colors.
• They have Nebraska, but they have other states too.
• The stamped heart is cute.
• The chain is pretty easy to clasp.
• It's not too big, or too little.
• It's inexpensive: $14.95 to be exact. They do have free shipping, but it's not a Prime product.
• It's unique to where you live.
• A great gift to anniversaries, graduations, birthdays, or just as a surprise to remind that special someone how much you care.
• Can be worn for any occasion really.

Minuses:

• It took awhile to ship! I ordered it on March 29, and just got it. I kept having to ask to extend the review.
• It said in the description that the chain is long, but it's not. 
• If you do have allergies to metals this may be one to watch for. Although it sits on my shirt, so I don't think it is a concern at all to anyone with metal allergies.
• It's hard to put on the right way. I kept putting it on backwards. It doesn't help that phones flip selfie images. 
• Shouldn't be worn in the sun for long periods of time. 
• Every time after wearing, use tissue, cotton surface or a cosmetic brush to wipe the jewelry gently, it can help to remove moisture and dirt.
• Scratches easily.

I certainly have more positives than minuses. There are some things that could change. Otherwise I love it!

What state would you pick out?


Disclaimer: I received this Nebraska Map Pendent Necklace to assist with this review. I wrote this post, and was not influenced at all with an opinion. I only review things that I find interesting, or that would benefit my readers or family. 

Dad

I got a text from my Mom telling me that my Dad was in the hospital. He was dizzy, faint feeling, and his heart was racing.

My Dad has already had 2 heart ablation surgeries. The last time they said that he wouldn't have another surgery.

Atrial fibrillation is fairly common. It usually can be controlled with meds. My Dad's heart would start beating super fast at times, and hospitals could not control it for a few days.

This time he was only in the hospital overnight. We're thinking the cold triggered it.

When I woke up the next morning there was an article about a funeral home by my parent's house that has been there for as long as I can remember that was on fire. That whole main street was shut down. I texted my mom about it, so she'd know to go around the area.

Lunch time happened. I still didn't hear from my Mom about my Dad. I texted her, "How's Dad?" She said, "Still in the hospital. One Cardiologist is out of town, and the other one is visiting a small town." 30 minutes later she texted, "Dad's going home."

I said, "WTH! Did they do anything for him?"

My Mom is in grey and I'm in green...

I guess my Dad is on meds once again.

I called tonight to see how he's doing. I said, "Dad I think the cold might be triggering it! You should not be out there scooping snow! There are businesses that do that you know." He said, "I don't want them to use some kind of blade on my driveway. It's horrible on driveways!" I said, "Well we live too far to trot over to scoop for you. Plus you live on a steep hill. Businesses have the equipment to get the job done. Yes they have a blade, but what are your other options? One day you're just going to pass out, out there and die. If you don't want a blade to mess up your driveway move somewhere warm like Florida." He said, "You're trying to get rid of me." I said, "No I'll follow you." He said, "I don't want to live in Florida." I said, "Ok anywhere warm."

I texted one of my sisters about this. Here's what she said (I'm blue, she's grey)...

Of course early next week we're supposed to get slammed with snow. 

Do you have any stubborn people in your family?

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.

Do you ever listen to songs that bring tears to your eyes? This cover of Stairway to Heaven by Heart did just that. Only not just to me, it brought tears to Robert Plant to!

Source

I know Heart is anything, but new. They did take a long break, and came back. Let me tell you, while some people loose the capacity to sing, they still have it!

Ann never took any formal music lessons as a child (she later learned to play several instruments), Nancy took up guitar and flute. After both sisters spent some time at college, they decided to try their hand as professional musicians, and while Nancy began performing as a folksinger, Ann joined the all-male vocal group Heart.

Baby Wild Sea Otters

Check out their website.
Like them on Facebook.
Follow them on Twitter.
Subscribe to them on YouTube.

Random Tid Bits

1. When I was in college I had figure drawing for 4 hours one year. I had a figure drawing class where we drew nudes, and had an anatomy class when we again drew nudes. At one point in my college life I drew a pregnant lady, which was super cool - except for the fact that she couldn't hold poses very long. Seeing that baby move was really sweet.
   
   At the school I work at we don't have live models. It's more of a techy school. Graphic designers and fine artists tend to have a line drawn between them somehow. The line is getting thinner, but it's still there. I'm still friends with people that draw nudes. My husband liked a nude drawing on FB, and one of our common friends defriended him. Whatever.
   
   To me nude drawings/sculptures are not sexual. Just like a photo of a woman breastfeeding isn't sexual. Are Alyssa Milano's breastfeeding selfies more offensive than Kim Kardashian's big backside?  Alyssa Milano got slammed for her selfies, and Kim Kardashian's selfies were shared all over the net.
   
   Someone my husband and I went to school with was on a show called Work of Art: The Next Great Artist. It was on Brovo I believe. She was the runner up - came in 2nd place I think. I never watched the show to the end. I know she wasn't far behind.
   
   Peregrine Honig (the girl we went to school with) recently had a 3D print done of her nude. Hey she's a pretty girl, why not? Anyhow...she posted it. Of course social media flipped out, and took her page down.
   
   What's an artist to do? Peregrine contacted Huffington Post, and now her work is more out there than before. It's one of those I laugh in the face of social media kind of moments. Did it surprise me that social media banned her image? Hell no. But...I had to chuckle because she won.
   
   For years artists looked at nudes to draw. It was the best way to learn how to draw. I'm sure the Statue of David wasn't banned in it's day. If I took my kids to an art museum I wouldn't hide their eyes from anything. They know what art is. They know that it's not ok for people to take nude shots of kids, or touch them. There's a line there to. A thick bold line. I actually reported a video that had nude kids in it. What are your thoughts on this? What is art? What's not art?
   
   I'm just putting this up here because it's soooo interesting!
   
   
   
   


2. I have 1 student that thinks her art rocks. It's C level. It's hard when people think they are better than what they really are. If you compare art pieces, you can see a difference between an A and a C. Her work isn't A level for sure. I show the students what I want, and what I don't want to see before we even begin an assignment. I also top that off with a handout. Then I critique in the middle of an assignment.  There should be no guessing as to what I want, and what I don't want to see.


3. One of my students stopping showing up to class right after Halloween. The school has tried calling him. He's done this before. I wish he'd just drop if it's not what he wants to do.


4. My Dad AKA Grandpa saw yet another doctor about his heart. He's had problems with it for years. He had a heart ablation | cauterized years ago. His heart started acting all funky again. He will probably need surgery once again for them to do an ablation in a different spot. My Dad hates pill, so there you go. 


5. We got word at the boy's last dental appointment that Isaak will need to get some teeth taken out to make room for adult teeth. He may need permanent teeth taken out to. Dad is not happy about this. He works at a dental lab. He knows the importance of all those teeth. We'll see what happens.
   
   Here I thought Mica would need all the dental work. Mica was born with a cyst under his tongue. One side of his tongue didn't develop all the way. His tongue is still funky, but it's nothing to worry about. When he was 2 months we had to get an MRI of his face, and brain. We had to know if there was any other cysts on him. We paid $6 for the MRI images. I just had to have them. I'm odd like that.
   
   
   Proof that Mica had teeth hiding when he was 2 months old. I find them freaky, yet fascinating.

Black History Month or Valentines Day?

Mica said to me this morning: Mom I'm going to decorate my Valentines box with pretty much all black hearts. It's black history month. Did you know that?

I said: You do realize the box is for Valentines Day? 

Mica said: Ya but black history is all month. Valentines Day is just one day.

Yesterday I Was Proud

I took a 1/2 hour lunch, so I could leave early to go pick up Mica at Jump Rope for the Heart. He was so excited to do this.

I have to say that I was leery. I was worried because at the Y he couldn't jump rope. He started crying because he was tired and frustrated. Mica doesn't cry often at all!

Mica decided he wanted to participate because there was going to be a big party in the gym with music and snacks! They rope the little tikes in. Advertising is key!

I went to pick him up not knowing if he'd be in tears or all smiles?!

This is what I saw: 

He had a determined look! His teacher was clapping for him! She said, "All Mica will do is jump backwards, but he's jumping!" His hair was so sweaty! I'm so glad Daddy gave him a summer hair cut the night before! He jumped for the full hour! No he wasn't graceful, he missed like 1/2 the jumps, but he figured it out. His teacher handed him a snack of apples. 

Mica picked out a prize and got a pick gulf set and an adult t-shirt. I put on the form that he wears a small child's t-shirt. Everyone ended up getting a prize. It wasn't as organized as the form stated. Mica wore the HUGE t-shirt to bed for a pj shirt. He was really happy to be wearing it. The pink gulf kit is going in storage. It will be next years White Elephant gift for my work. 

Jump roping isn't all Mica learned how to do yesterday! Mica can offically snap! He came in my room showing me his trick. Isaak was bummed he couldn't figure it out. I told Isaak, "In due time son. You'll learn that sooner then later."

Grandpa Wanted Pie

Grandpa Spiehs (my dad) had his Atrial Fibrillation/Pulmonary Vein Ablation Procedure on the 21st. He did really well. I got a call from Aunt Terra (my sister) saying, "When you come up bring Dad some pie. He wants pie. The doctor put him on a low fat diet, but he wants pie. Mom said it was ok to give him some." So I went and picked up 1/2 a pie. They sold 1/2 a pie. Grandpa always watches what he eats. He's like the BEST eater ever. The guy has salad for breakfast. He's skinny as a rail to. Pie it was.

I walked into his hospital room and said, "Man you look white!" I was only kidding. The guy is always white.

Then we talked for awhile. It was nice having uninterrupted conversation. Mica and Isaak are not the best to have around if you are wanting to have a deep conversation with someone. Trust me, we've had talks about not interrupting.

Today Isaak and I visited Grandpa and Grandma Spiehs again. Only this time it was at home. I wasn't going to visit because Grandma said Grandpa barely slept in the hospital. When I brought up coming they wanted me to come. So we did.

Waiting...

So today I'm waiting! The boy's cousin/my nephew Emerson is having jaw surgery today. It makes me shiver to think about the pain.

Before I forget to mention, I read a wonderful article written by a mom that has a baby with Trisomy 18.  Many people do not know what it is, so I'm just spreading the word. It's what little Emerson has. Rick Santorum's daughter Isabella has Trisomy 18 as well.

I stole this photo from my sister! Yep Emerson got his first tooth last week!

Emerson's jaw surgery makes me sad, anxious, worried, yet happy that it will help him. I'm all mixed up emotionally.

I felt mental pain when it came to my cousin Megan getting bone cut our of her skull because she needed more of a soft spot for her head to grow (she's now in high school doing just fine), my Mom getting her ankle fused because she had Post Polio problems (she isn't fine, but is better off with the surgery), my Aunt Becky, Uncle George, Father-in-law getting total knee replacements (they seem to be doing ok now). Every family has their things, and I'm no exception!

I know I'll be feeling the anxiety when my Dad gets Atrial Fibrillation Ablation surgery on his heart later this month!

Let's just say there is a lot going on and I don't like it.

I keep trying to think about the fact that Emerson wouldn't be getting this surgery if the doctor's didn't think this is the best thing for him. They are hoping in time with this surgery little Emerson will be able to breathe better, choke less, swallow and possibly eat. All those this are good! His lower jaw is just too small to do all those things effectively.

With my Dad, well his Atrial Fibrillation Ablation will help him to not take meds with nasty side effects! Hopefully it will help him to have less acid reflex problems and it will work, unlike the meds do now! Having a fibrillation problem in the heart is pretty normal. My Dad has suffered with it for years and it just seems to to of gotten worse.

So if I had a wine glass, cheers to healing, strength and future happiness! (Up goes my glass of water and drink).

I guess little Emerson smiled a lot yesterday for the nurses. Maybe I should be smiling to. :)

Instead of flowers and/or balloon I got him a little lamb that plays soothing sounds.

Image found here. Except I got Emerson's at Whole Foods for half the price: $14.99.

I Love This With My Whole Heart!

This story is from a few nights ago.

Daddy said something like, "I love this with my whole heart!" I'm not even sure what it was that he was referring to. I think it was in regard to his healthier Alfredo sauce he made.

Mica said after dinner, "Mommy you should tell Daddy not to talk about love and hearts until next month." I had no clue what he was talking about at first. Then he said, "Well Daddy said 'I love this with my whole heart.' That is supposed to be said in February. That's the month of Valentines day."

I said, "Mica I can see what you are saying, but you can say the word 'love' and 'heart' any time of the year." He kind of looked at me funny; it was probably the same look I gave him when he first started talking to me.

I wonder why Mica hasn't told Isaak to stop singing Christmas songs? I hear Jingle Bells and Up on the Housetop many times throughout the day. :)

Curious Cats

The Inside Scoop:

Isaak's been taking a bite out of a fruit, veggie or nut and says, "What's inside this Mommy?!" If he's eating a snap pea, I tell him, "Peas." He then says, "No Mommy, that's the outside, what's in the inside?" I repeat my answer. Isaak gets annoyed with me.

   
Such a Good Vibration:

Mica keeps putting his hand on his throat and says, "Ba...." At first I was like, "Cut out the sound effects Mica!" Then I asked him, "What were you doing?" He said, "Mommy my throat feels funny when I make that sound." I don't know if he learned this in school or by himself.

Heart Beat:

Isaak and I were on a walk last week. He stopped me and says, "Mommy feel my heart!" I think he just realized that his heart really beats.

Kindergarten Love

You may want to read this post first before reading this.

Mica's still in love with a girl in kindergarten. The same girl since school has started. We've tried playing this down. I told him that he couldn't date girls until he is 16 years old. I followed up with saying, "If you are lucky, maybe we'll let you date when you are 15 year old."

Well Kammy's been out of school a little while. She got hurt from falling off a bunk bed. Mica wanted to cut her out a paper heart to give to her at school. I kind of put this heart cutting off on purpose. Then Mica did this heart cutting while at school. Mica handed the heart to his teacher to give to Kammy. His teacher said, "Is this a get well heart?" Mica said, "No it's a love heart."

Not Mica's heart. Source found here.

Then he was upset because this boy at school said, "Whoever touches Kammy first, gets to marry her." He ran over and touched her before Mica could. Kammy must be liked by more then one boy. Mica said, "I really wanted to touch her arm because I want to marry her." I told Mica, "Honey Kammy probably doesn't like anyone touching her arm. She probably won't marry either one of you. You should just talk with her and be a good friend. Remember you can't date anyone until you are 16 years old. That's a long time from now!" He's like, "Ok Mommy, but I still like her."

Uggg!!! He's way too young for this!

The Heart

My Grandpa, the kid's Great Grandpa Kent is having heart surgery tomorrow. He wanted to wait to have surgery until after my cousin's wedding.

Before the wedding cousin Emerson had his first visit with a cardiologist.

A lot of babies that have Trisomy 18 have a hole in their heart. Emerson's heart was totally fine. He does have 2 vessels (superior vena cavas) leading back to the heart instead of 1. They made it sound as if that wasn't a big deal. Some people that have no chromosomal problems could have 2. They are going to talk to the cardiologist again. Aunt Terra (Emerson's Mommy, my sister) is a nurse, so she has lists of questions to ask the doctor written down. Emerson has rolled over a few times and bats at his toys. He still has to wear baby gloves because he has pulled his feeding tube out a few times. I love seeing him play like this though! If only he didn't have breathing issues! If you want to see an impacting video about Trisomy 18, you can watch it here.

I'd love data artists to connect with Emerson! I make my students watch video's on this channel of YouTube. Create or Else has great artistic flicks that are inspiring! You can see what I'm talking about here: