Random Tid Bits

1. I've had this friend, since high school. He's such a character. We're not as close as we used to be. We're still friends on facebook.
   
   When I was in college I went to a snake convention with him. What an odd thing to go to. People were getting drunk, and taking passionately about snakes.
   
   He has for his job on facebook Life Coach of the Damned.
   
   He makes comments about being a Scientologist on Taco Bell's facebook page. It's like therapy to him to have people react to what he writes. Because it's a public group, here is the messaging back and forth from Andrew (my friend) and this lady bent out of shape about his comments.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   He tells everyone to post about Scientology on Taco Bell's facebook page if you're feeling down and out. Oh my!

   
   
2. Summer school started for one of my coworkers. Let's just say that it started with a whole bunch of attitude. My coworker was so annoyed, but later said, "She's going through a lot of stuff right now." I never buy that business.
   
   My younger sister had a baby when I was college aged. I didn't know until 2 months before she delivered. The baby was born, and died in the same weekend. That never gave me an excuse to go back to school to treat people like crap.
   
   One of my best students has cancer, her brother died last year of suicide. Guess what? She's super nice.
   
   
3. Isaak has a Babysitting Clinic at the library today. They grow up too fast.
   
   
4. Isaak kept calling his "Notifications" on his phone "Nodifications".
   
   
5. Travis gets annoyed that Mica's phone is called "Queen Latifah". He called it that when he was big into Queen the band. I sent him a meme of her that said, "I'm the real Queen!"
   
   Travis also gets annoyed that Mica has nicknamed everyone in his phone. I'm "Momma Mia", Travis is, "Dadda Dia", my Mom is "Female G" G standing for Grandma, my sister Terra is "Auntie Olle", and my sister Angie is "Auntie Fresh".

Random Tid Bits

1. Now I really don't know what we should do. If you kept up with last week's Random Tid Bits - Isaak got into the crappiest of Omaha Public Schools - middle schools that's on the news for fights and problem kids.
   
   Travis took him on a tour to their art magnet middle school called Beveridge, which is totally Isaak. They have art, music, strings, theater, learn Adobe programs, 3D printing, and do things like learn how to weld. They want him. We won't be able to get the transfer papers until April 15. They winked at Travis that they'll more than likely have room. The high school that connects up with that middle school isn't very feasible because it's so far away.
   
   Then a few days ago we got a letter saying he got into District 66, which is a different school district all together. That school was just redone. It would be another year of elementary; their middle school is 7th and 8th grades. If he goes there, he'll be able to go to middle and high school with his cousin Elijah.
   
   The District 66 schools only has one middle and one high school, which I love. The district we live in - Omaha Public Schools has way too many choices, and bad apples! BUT Beveridge is so Isaak. That paperwork for for both schools overlap. When we've signed up for one, the other has yet to come out. I never thought middle schools would be this stressful! Where I went had only 1 choice. 


2. I happened upon this website. Touchy feely...ya think? 








3. I just finished up making another batch of what I call "Citrus Sugar". I just wash up a citrus fruit peeling after we have eaten it, rip it in pieces, and dry it out. I keep stirring it, and rotating it, so it doesn't mold. Sometimes I bake it to dry it out more. Then I grind it up with a coffee grinder. I add sugar to the mix. It tastes great in baked goods. We have less white sugar intake. 





4. I saw on the news that Nebraska and Iowa have record high tree pollen. Possibly all the rain we had triggered that. I'm not really sure. I've sure had itchy eyes. Are there people complaining about allergies where you live?


5. We need to have Isaak call people more. He's incredibly awkward when he has to call a friend. I think that's the good thing about me having a house phone when I was growing up. It was second nature to answer the phone. 

AncordWorks Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Review

An AncordWorks Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker is a great Father’s Day gift idea, or even a gift for a tween or teen that’s super into music. I know Mica loves his speaker! 

Where to Get it:

Get it on Amazon Prime https://www.amazon.com/AncordWorks-Waterproof-Bluetooth-Resistance-Portable/dp/B07CH9FRYS rel="nofollow" for $25.99

Color:

It only comes in orange. I like orange, but it would be nice if it did come in a handful of colors for people to choose from.

Other Colors I'd Like to See This Come In:

Blue, Red, Army Green, and Black. What color would you like to see it come in?

Waterproof:

All the buttons are coated in a hard rubber. They have a picture where it's being splashed in a puddle of water. I wouldn't dip it in a pool, but you can have it in the bathroom, while you're taking a shower, on the side of the pool where drops of water are being splashed up on it, and outside under a covered patio.

I just think the speaker its self will last longer if it's not being submerged in water.

Bluetooth:

It is bluetooth. It took Mica 2 minutes to figure it out. His phone synced up to it fast! It does come with cords if you have an older device.

I typically get speakers to hold on to for future presents. Kids that are Mica and Isaak's ages have smart phones, and get into music, or Mine Craft videos. Getting them a speaker to pair up with their phone is a great gift.

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. I only agree to review things my family, or readers will like, or use. All opinions are my own.

Save on Items at #Groupon #ad

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

When I first got my phone I had a screen protector on it. It started peeling up on the sides, and the screen protector broke. It apparently was not a very good screen protector. Travis said, "I don't know why you have that thing on there. It's harder to click on anything." I took it off, and didn't replace it. Guess what happened...

Can't quite see it...

The screen broke right in my pocket. That's right I didn't even drop it. Now it stays on my cart that I use through work, or in my purse.

I should have checked out Groupon Goods. They have a ton of stuff on clearance. One of the things they have is a Otterbox Case for $9.99. That's marked down from $59.99!!!

I love the fact that with Groupon you don't have to pay a monthly fee to use them. I was paying a monthly fee in case I dropped my phone. They were going to charge me more to fix my screen than it would be if I took it to other places. Needless to say I don't like monthly fees. Groupon is my best bud! 

Categories for Groupon's Goods:

• For the home
• Jewelry and Watches
• Women's Fashion
• Health and Beauty
• Electronics
• Baby, Kids and Toys
• Sports and Outdoors
• Men's Fashion
• Entertainment
• Auto and Home Improvement
• Grocery, Household and Pets
• Collectibles

There's a lot in each category! What category do you think you'd want to check out?

Check out Groupon on facebook and twitter.

Ultra Slim Iphone 6 PLUS (5.5 Inch) Clear Case Review

I'm still new in the SMART phone world. 

My husband got a new phone at the same time I got a phone. 

The iPhone 6 Plus is a little bigger than the iPhone 6. I got the Ultra Slim Iphone 6 PLUS (5.5 Inch) Clear Case to review.

What I like about this case is that it's see through, so you can see the color of your original phone. It's also a slim case, you can fit it in your pocket easily, without worrying about it breaking.

This case helps protect your iPhone 6 PLUS from scratches, dirt's and bumps without blocking beautiful design.
 

You can choose to customize iPhone 6 PLUS case with photos, stickers, and more on back. I can see my husband opting to put a band sticker on the back of his.
 

It has easy, snap on/off installation, Convenient cutouts provide full access to all features and ports without removing the case.

Fits your iPhone 6 PLUS perfectly.
 

Cost: $17.99 and on sale for $8.99!

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.

 

Pink Iphone-5/6 Light Up Charging Cable Luminescent Review

One thing that's important to me is to have accessibility to charge my phone when I need it charged. I don't want to have to carry my charger at home when I go to work, so I love that I got a Pink Iphone-5/6 Light Up Charging Cable Luminescent to review! Now I can leave the charging cable in my purse, or computer bag. It can come to work with me.

Light Up Charging Cable Luminescent Visible LED Current Flow Smart Lightning to USB Cable 3.28ft (1M) can be used with: 

• iPhone 6/6 Plus
• iPhone 5/5s/5c
• iPad with Retina display
• iPad mini, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini 3
• iPad Air and iPad Air 2
• iPod nano 7th Generation
• iPod touch 5th Generation

It's made by MobileEsprit.com

The cord is Pink measuring 3.28 Feet Long. It's used to charge your Apple devices up with your computer, or wall USB connector.

If you don't like pink they have many other colors to choose from. Being the only girl in my family, I'm leaning towards pink these days.

Compact Lightning Connector head works with nearly all cases.

100% Compatible with ios 8. We had no problems using our cord. The phone did make a beep beep sound when it was plugged in. I'll have to silence the phone, so it won't do that. I got no warning messages. It just charged it.

It's inexpensive to buy. The cost is only $7.99. With as many things that it works on, I think it's worth the $7.99.

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.

IPhone 6 4.7 Sport Armband Review

I just got my first SMART phone. It will take some adjusting. So far things are going well except for 2 things: 

1. I didn't realize the phone was encased in plastic when I had my first conversation. I had trouble hearing. In my defense my Dad talks to me all the time on speaker phone from a distance. I wasn't feeling very smart using my smart phone though.

2. I'm having a very hard time setting up an Instagram account. My email is already in their system, so it won't let me enter it. When I go to change my password (I've tried everything) it says I'm not in their system. We got my husband set up with Instagram. Just not me.

I got the IPhone 6 4.7 Sport Armband to review. We love it! It's perfect for runs, walks, hiking, and more!

About the iPhone 6 Sports Armband

If you've ever been out running and tried to listen to music or send a quick text while taking a breather you know its almost impossible to use your phone without covering it with sweat or worse dropping it along the way! Many work out clothes I have, have no pockets, so it's nearly impossible to carry a phone when exercising. Now with this armband I can safely interact with my touch screen and listen to your favorite tunes.

Compatibility and Use

Use your armband with the iPhone 6 4.7 inch phone. You can wear it over your biceps or on your forearm. The night reflector provides additional visibility in the dark. This armband is also great for high intensity workouts.

Precision and Protection

The touchscreen is fully accessible through the plastic cover. I have to be honest. I thought at first this would be a problem, but it's not. The armband pouch and cover keeps your iPhone safe from impact and moisture while working out.

Size

It's really lightweight and fits arm sizes from approx. 9 to 15 inches. It is recommend that you use this armband without a case. That could be a problem. I plan on getting sturdy cases for our phones. I'm not sure how easy, or hard it will be to take them in and out of their cases.

Material and Care

Made of nylon, velcro and neoprene materials. Armband can be safely hand washed and air dried after use. It is NOT recommend machine washing your armband as this could cause damage.

Value:

Why pay more? This armband is a super deal at an extremely low price. It also makes a great gift idea! It's $19.95, but on sale for $7.99!

What kind of phone do you have?

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.

Mica Was the King of Play Dates This Last Weekend

We wanted Mica to play with someone, while Isaak was hanging out with Aunt Angela.
Somehow, someway communication isn't always on board. Daddy sets the playdates up most of the time because he picks the boys up from school. Some of Mica's friend's parents are from Africa. There's a language barrier to get through as well.

One kid Mica has been raving about. Mica's wanted him to come over for awhile now. We'll call him Boy A. The trouble is, is his mom's phone broke. We can leave messages, but she can't get them.

We have to work on phone etiquette with Mica!

Mica's Phone Message to Boy A:

"I've been waiting a long time for you to come over. Are you coming over? Oh and this is Mica."

He decided to try another friend. We'll called him Boy B. It to was awkward, but not as awkward because I told him exactly what to say. Boy B's Mother was impressed that I make Mica use the phone. She has older kids, and says now a days they only know how to text, not talk. Boy B couldn't play on Saturday, but he could play on Sunday.

Boy A's whole family came over and wanted to take Mica to the library to read books, and play on their computers. Later they came and played at our house for awhile. It was great; I just wasn't expecting it. I was kind of glad Boy B didn't commit to that day!

Sunday came and Mica called Boy B again. His mom said the day before that they could play at Boy B's Grandma's house. She lives right behind us. Boy B has come over to our house a few times.

Mica's Phone Message to Boy B:

"Hi this is Mica. I really want to go to your Grandma's house instead of my house. When will this occur?" 

Daddy and I looked at each other and both said, "Occur?" and started laughing.

Mica went over there around 1, and played for a few hours. 

He got home and had a soda in his hand.

He said, "Mom they gave me a Pepsi. I didn't realize it had caffeine in it; until I read the back of the can. I'm going to go dump it out. It really made me feel full." 

We don't drink soda regularly. They do. Not a big deal. Mica felt it was a big deal. To him it was like they were drugging him.

The next morning Mica told me that he told Boy B that his Grandma's house was boring. I didn't say too much that second. Sometimes I need a few minutes to process what to do, or say with my kids. 

At breakfast I said, 

"Mica do you remember that Little House on the Prairie where Nellie told Laura her house was boring? It made Laura feel so bad. He shook his head yes. I want you to go to school and give Boy B an apology. 

Tell him, 'Boy B I'm sorry for telling you that your Grandma's house was boring. I really wanted to play with you. It wasn't right for me to say that about your Grandma's house. I'm just thankful that you had me over.'"

I made Mica practice like I was Boy B. That to was just about as awkward as his phone messages. He practiced a few times. Daddy said he'd stand there and observe the apology before school to make sure it happened. 

For the record

It isn't just Mica that is awkward with the phone. Boy B did call while we were gone, and his message wasn't understandable at all. As for the rudeness factor, well we've heard that to. When Mica's had friends over they've asked us why we don't have candy and cookies around our house? Our food is boring.

Truth, Lies and Laughs

I took the day off today. Daddy had to go set up for an art exhibit.

Truth

Isaak's a grouch when he wakes up from his nap. Any time he has a break down it's right after nap time. Isaak and I walked Mica up to school. Towards the end of the day I bundled Isaak up like a brown bear. We were off to go pick up Mica. We were two houses down and he started crying because Daddy drives to pick up Mica, Mommy didn't drive. I walked. He cried and I'm sure the whole neighborhood heard him. The only way I could get the punk to stop crying was by telling him, "Listen when we get up to the school do you want everyone staring at us? They are going to stare at us if you are screaming like that." Then I tried to divert his attention to something else. I told him, "I don't know my ABC's can you help me?" I said them in all kind of mixed up orders and he was laughing at me. I was able to divert my stubborn child. 

Lies

Tonight Daddy sat down after his road trip, and a used Kleenex was in his spot. Daddy said, "Who's is this?" It wasn't Mica's, it wasn't mine and I pretty much knew it was Isaak's. He claimed it wasn't his either. He flat out said, "It's not mine." Daddy said, "Isaak have you blown your nose anytime today?" Isaak said, "I blew my noses lots of times today." Yep Isaak much have more than one nose. ;) He went through the same questioning with the rest of us and Mica and I were like, "Nope." Daddy said, "You know what? I'm just going to throw this thing away. Try and not leave Kleenexes laying around." Isaak said giggling, "It's mine." It was as if he was playing us. Totally something I would have done. I don't know if it's lying or just being silly. He came clean right away afterward. He was giddy giggling about it.

Laughs

The phone rang. We've gotten so many political calls. Everyone hears me bit** about the calls. Mica said, "I'll get it." Now usually he's really good on the phone. Tonight he answered it and said, "Hello". It was some kind of recording, so he hung up right away. He said, "I'm not going to talk to someone that won't tell me their name. I hate that." I just had a good laugh over that one.

A Baby Messing With a Telemarketer

Last week Grandma Spiehs called and said, "Alissa I have an emergency! Emerson isn't doing well." He's doing slightly better now. Still, he hit a major rough patch! All surgeries are out right now.

While she was trying to talk to me Isaak was in the background having a temper tantrum! He was crying and yelling, "I want to talk on the phone!" Only over and over again! I was doing my best to stay calm. I wanted to cry and scream too! Isaak doesn't understand what an emergency is!

When Isaak was two...

he decided that he wanted to talk on the phone. Only this time it wasn't an emergency! Some telemarketer called. I was talking to them. Then after Isaak begged, I gave in. The phone was handed over to Isaak. He said, "Hi! I Isaak Jaxon Apel! No I not my Mommy! I Isaak Jaxon Apel!" His voice kept getting more and more persistent. I was laughing so hard!

I just saw this video that reminded me of Isaak and the telemarketer. Only this child is younger then he was.