Random Tid Bits

Every once in awhile I have a crazy student story. This week I had multiple things that were crazy that happened in one day. I'm going to tell you about the one that topped the list.

Me: "Students please go to ticketprinting.com to get specs for printing your theatrical ticket. You'll have to figure stuff like this out on your own when you're on the job, so you might as well start now." (these are 3rd year students.)

Student: "It says on their example to put a title/event name here. What do they mean by 'event'?"

Me: "An event would be like the Home Show at The Century Link Center, or Monster Jam at the Mid America Center. It includes different things, that's why it's an event. A theatrical play or musical would have a title. Such as The Sound of Music, or Grease."

Student: "I'm sorry could you tell me like I'm not smart at all."

Me: I was thinking I just did. I tried again showing him pictures from my computer of different events. Finally I ended with, "Just type in your play's name there."

He walked away. I don't know if he got what an event is, or not. What is this guy going to do when he's out of school - go up to his employer and say, "What do you mean by we're having an event? I don't know what an event is." Face Palm!

When we were playing Monopoly Isaak landed on a Community Chess. He inherited $100. He said, "What's inherited mean?" 

Keep in mind Isaak's 7, the man boy mentioned in number 1 is in his early 20s. I said, "You get it from a family member or friend that died." He said, "Like if Mica dies then." Ok then.

We met up with our KC friends at a gallery this weekend. Then we went out to dinner. This friend we haven't seen for over 10 years. She's gotten a divorce. Then she was with a girl partner. When she messaged us she mentioned that Jerry or Jerri would be with her. We didn't know what to expect - guy or girl. Should we prepare our children, or not? We said a little something as if it was no big deal. It was a guy.

We ended up staying out with them until 10. Isaak gets hyper when he's tired. Jerry was helping him make paper air planes. The restaurant was completely empty on that side - except for us, it was taking the wait staff FOREVER to do things, so I was ok with him being crazy this time. The photo showed his crazy state well. Sorry for the bad lighting.

My Father-in-law had a bunch of his ear removed (cancer). 

My Mother-in-law texted Travis about it. It must be a lot because the doctor asked him if he want skin grafting done. He declined. They stay in the middle of no where, so they don't care too much about what people think of them. Travis texted his Mom back and said, "Mike Tyson could have done it cheaper!" We were cracking up! His Mom said they were joking about it to.

Mica pulled out a tooth this week and said, "Baby delivered." 

The Tooth Fairy was late. When she he finally got to our house, she had a folded up dollar. He has another loose tooth. My sister can hardly believe it. Her son is 10 and his baby teeth have been gone for awhile now. My nephew cut teeth earlier than Mica, so there's that.

What to Do on Snow Days

I took Tuesday off of work. I woke up to a white out, pink lightening, thunder, and high winds. The power kept flickering on and off. It was on just long enough to make breakfast. It went out for good around 8:30. Then it came back on in time to make lunch.

The boys kept going around turning lights on, and wondered each time why they wouldn't come on. I think we told them, "The power is off!" 10 times or more.

All morning we worked on getting the boy's Valentines together: 1 Mad Lib Valentine, 1 Mad Lib sheet, 1 heart candy, and a pencil. I'm so glad we did it with them. They really didn't know what they were doing. The Mad Lib sheets weren't easy to rip out of the pad like I was thinking they would be. Adult supervision was a good thing.

We helped them decorate their Valentine boxes as well. I've never put too much effort into Valentine boxes. For Halloween they can wear a costume two or three times, but for Valentines day it's just a 1 time thing. Mica made his box look like a typewriter, and Isaak just wrapped his in pink paper (his choice) and put hearts all over it.

Travis insisted on shoveling the driveway, but asked if the boys could shovel the walk. Isaak was so excited. He put on 3 hats, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of pants, 1 sweatshirt, snow pants, a coat, and a scarf. Was it all necessary? Heck no, but it's what he wanted to do.

Isaak lasted 10 minutes. I don't know how much he really did. My guess is, not a lot. He said, "My hats kept falling off!" Mica took over.

It started to get really cold in our house around 11 AM.

Thankfully around lunch time everything came back on. 

We played games the rest of the day. Monopoly isn't my favorite game. It takes so long to play. Everyone else likes it. I happened to win. Isaak wasn't happy about that. I ended up owning most of the green and blue sections. :)

I played Rummikub with Isaak, and helped him to win. That's one of my favorite games! I also love Scrabble, but I'm horrible at it. What board games do you like?

BTW we didn't even end up getting that much snow. A lot of hype for not much snow. Two hours away they got pounded though. 

With the ice, snow, white out, thunder, lightening, and wind the boys ended up getting 2 days off of school. I really felt like the 2nd day was a waist, but it is what it is. 

What do you like to do on snow days? Remember we didn't have any power. Movies were pretty much out. 

USDA Certified Organic Moringa Leaf Powder Review

We have a smoothie almost every day. It's may way of getting more fruits and veggies into our boys. I just don't think they get a lot with their school lunches. Schools consider a potato a veggie when dietitians consider them a starch.

I'm happy to review USDA Certified Organic Moringa Leaf Powder. I have been adding it into our smoothies this week.

Yesterday I tried adding it into a Mango Peach Smoothie. It was good.

Today I tried adding Moringa Leaf Powder to a Chocolate Mint Smoothie

You can't taste all the green. You taste the chocolate and the mint! It's really refreshing! I think it tastes like chocolate mint ice cream. It doesn't have all the bad things in it.

Bennifits of Moringa Leaf Powder?

• It contains 4x more iron than spinach
• It contains 3x more potassium than bananas
• It contains 7x more Vitamin C than oranges
• It contains 2x more protein than yogurt
• It contains 4x more calcium than milk
• It contains 25x Vitamin A than carrots

In fact, it’s packed with over 90 essential ingredients including 20+ types of amino acids, 40+ antioxidants, 35+ anti-inflammatory compounds, key vitamins, minerals, protein, Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils and phytonutrients and even protein.

Moringa Leaf Powder is truly a superfood. I still use some of the things that it contains more of in my smoothies more for bulk than anything. You just need a little bit of Moringa Leaf Powder in whatever you have it in.

Add Moringa to your morning shake or smoothie. Or, sprinkle it on your soup or salad for a nutrient and color boost. It’s also great brewed as a tea, which can be enjoyed with the leaves in the cup, or filtered through a paper coffee filter.

It's USDA-certified, organic, and gluten free.

I know I'll use this daily. A little goes a long way!

For a 1 pound bag the cost is $29.99 $18.95.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in exchange for a review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Storm Kayla

Tonight we'll find out if Omaha is going to be hit hard with snow. I guess this storm is called Kayla. I knew they named hurricanes, but I never knew they named snow storms. I guess they do now.

Source

So far I don't feel too much panic. Except for the fact that I already got the call that the boy's school is off. My sister said her boy's school was called off to. We don't even have a flake in the air yet... It's better to be safe than sorry. Busses can't drive in the stuff, and kids shouldn't be waiting for the bus in extreme weather. 

Besides the storm the big talk is that Jim Canton is here in Omaha. He's the weather man on The Weather Channel. I admit I had to look up who he is. If he's here it must be big. 

I did get all my errands ran over the weekend. We have all the necessities. I forgot a few things, so I ran out during my lunch break today to get more. 

Isaak was super excited that I got new shovels. Now that Mica is a better help in the shoveling department we needed another adult shovel. I got a shovel just for Isaak to. He was giddy jumping all excited like when he picked it out.

My husband's work told him that they may not have work. He works at a dental lab. Dentist offices , patients, and delivery drivers cancel. A snow day may happen for him. If not, it's ok that he brings the kids to work at times like this. I have a few busy baskets for the boys. Mainly putting together their Valentines (one MadLib card, one MadLib, one pencil, and one heart chocolate). They have their Valentine boxes to decorate as well. Then they'll have their Kindles, DS, flashcards, and munchies. 

I'm supposed to teach Tuesday and Wednesday. Regardless staff is to report. Fun times! Not! It is what it is. If it's really bad I'll just take a vacation day. 

Are you supposed to get snow where you are at?

If I don't blog for awhile it's because we've lost power. It's supposed to be really windy. 

Monthly Pepper Box

One thing is for certain, Travis and I love pepper, and spicy foods. The boys? Not so much. Their loss. :) 

You may remember before Christmas I had a post up for Monthly Pepper Box. My cravings are finally satisfied. My first shipment was sent in the mail.

Your best friend in the pursuit of all things hot sauce, Monthly Pepper Box is like having a miniature hot sauce festival delivered to your door every month. Each month discover savory gems of artisan hot sauces for only $22.

The first month came in a box with 3 sauces. 

The designs on the bottles are fun! The packaging is great to!

Caribbean Hot Sauce (Baron's International Kitchen)

A tropical sensation. Goes great with beef, chicken, pork, burgers, BBQ and seafood or mix with mayonnaise, mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Crimson Hot Sauce (Bravado Spice Co.)

A bold blend of re jalapeno and arbol chilis. From tacos to noodles, this is a new standard. Goes great with wings, tacos, pizza, fried chicken and more.

Hermey's Revenge (Tom's Roid Ripping)

This sauce is a blend of fruits and aromatics. It's great on holiday cream cheese and crackers, or on your morning biscuits.

I like Monthly Pepper Box's website. It's easy to use.

We used the Caribbean Hot Sauce first. It did not disappoint.

Travis made a breakfast sandwich. It had egg, bacon, and hot sauce. We had steamed greens, almonds, a smoothie, and a black coffee on the side.

Every box, you'll get 3 bottles of succulent heat ranging from a "Low Burn" to "Call the Fire Department" from hot sauce companies you've never heard of. 

If you join before the 15th of the month your first box will be shipped out on the 15 of that month. If you joint after the 15th your box will go out the following month on the 15th. 

A 3 month package | 9 artisan sauces | $23 a month
A 6 month package | 18 artisan sauces | $22 a month
A 12 month package | 36 artisan sauces | $21 a month

I got the 3 month. I honestly can say that I'm impressed with the first shipment. I don't know that I'd order this on a consistent basis. We love sauces, but they aren't something we go through a ton. 

Do you like monthly box gifts?


Monthly Pepper Box 10% off Gift Membership or Ongoing Subscription signup 

Use code: 10HOLIDAY http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.phpregionid=75&bid=12279&dealid=2123 .@usfg

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free in exchange for a review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

WaxonWare Non-Stick Granite/Ceramic Coated Fry Pan Review

One thing that happens at our house is that we go through nonstick pans. We cook most every meal in our house. Usually we make more food than what we're going to eat, so that we have left overs for the next day. Naturally pans get used a lot. I'm happy to share a new pan we have called WaxonWare Non-Stick Granite/Ceramic Coated Fry Pan.

This pan is a little different than most pans:

• You have to coat it with oil before its first use. Easy enough. 


• It contains the latest and safest in granite/ceramic coating technology made of natural earthly stone minerals. Meaning that there's no harmful chemicals you'll be taking in when eating your food.


• WaxonWare uses quality pressed aluminum 3003 alloy used for professional grade frying pans. It's designed with a modern look.


• It has a top grade electromagnetic induction bottom. It's unlike anything I've seen. The oil pools off to the sides, instead of the middle. You know how pans warp over time. This one might, but it's ok because the center of the pan is higher. The heat moves around the pan more than other pans. It withstands up to 500F oven temperature, and can be used on the stove.


• It has a heat resistant silicone handle. I have to be honest - the handle is my least favorite part of this pan. The hole isn't big enough to hang on our hooks above our stove. The handle is heat safe, but doesn't feel as high quality as the pan. 


• The pan has a 3 year limited warranty. 


• It is dishwasher safe. Although I find with any of my pans that I like to hand wash them. They just last longer. This pan does say that the non-stick will last longer if it's hand washed. 

• It comes with a pan protector, so it doesn't get scratched in the cupboard.

The packaging was great! It had it's protector on it when it was delivered. Plus lots of bubble wrap to protect it.

Travis tried out our new pan by making Beef Bourguignon. I've never heard of the recipe before. It's good!

Beef Bouguignon

Here are some of the steps: Oil the pan!

Cooking the floured beef:

Pouring in the brandy:

Cooking the bacon:

Cooking the vegetables:

We served ours with French bread. 

It was so rich in flavor. I've never had anything like it. It does take a long time to make, but it's well worth it. Make it on a weekend, or snow day. 

The pan goes right into get rinsed after use. It really cooked this dish well! 

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 am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. I received this pan 1/2 price to assist with this review. I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review.

Out of the Box Saturday

This post 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. I'll cover something sing | songy one week, and artsy | fartsy the next.

I ran into a really cool video! The artist is someone I've never heard of. His name is Medi. He is a French singer, songwriter, guitar player, and drummer. He basically does it all when it comes to music. He is a true talent in today’s industry.

Source

Some people know of him as being the drummer for Charlie Winston’s band, but he's now making a name for himself as a solo artist across the world. Born and raised in France, Medi spent some time in London where he learned to speak English remarkably well.

I love the typography that pops up in the video below.

Medi / How would you do it from FMK7 on Vimeo.

He can sing live as well!

Check out Medi's website.

Like Medi's facebook page.

Follow Medi's twitter page.

Random Tid Bits

1. Tomorrow a friend that we haven't seen for at least 11 years is coming into town. We made plans, but we forgot about Isaak's basket ball practice. Do you ever double book yourself? That's my downfall. I tend to be horrible with what's going on. Dates and time are not my thing. If I had a kid in sports all the time I'd be a horrible mom. I told Travis and Mica to hang out with our friend, and Isaak and I can meet up with them for dinner.


2. We're supposedly supposed to get hammered with snow next week - midweek. I have students asking me if they are going to call school off. I have no idea. The weather man doesn't even know for sure if we'll get a little, or a lot of snow. Colleges hardly cancel anyhow. I gave them the school's phone number, and told them it will be put on there as a message regardless.


3. I have a student from Russia. She's older than most of my students. She's a super great student, but she's never touched computers. It didn't help that she fell, dropped her laptop the 2nd week of having it, and cracked her screen. I told her that she needs to slow down. I watched it happen. I wanted to catch her laptop! Week 3 she had car issues. I hope things start to click for her.
4. We went to see Iron Giant last weekend on the big screen. Film Streams in Omaha brings old movies back, and artsy movies to the screen as well.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   My husband bought me a shirt for Christmas, the shirt was out of stock, so they let him choose any shirt. He chose an Iron Giant sweater. I had never even watched the movie in its entirety. I've still worn the sweater a few times. When it was time for us to go to the movie he stole my Iron Giant sweater. 


5. On Monday I went to be a juror for the Nebraska Art Scholastic awards.
   
   When I went in there and I saw who else was on the panel I cringed. One of the other jurors was a guy that picked Travis' sculpture up from the top, it slammed into the ground and it broke. His sculpture is very high end. Travis asked him to pay for the materials, but not the piece. He never did pay for anything. He was a complete ass about the whole situation. He acted like he didn't know me that day when I we were there to vote. I've been to the gallery where his work is, and have seen him a lot. I just do not have a good vibe about that artist. Apparently a lot of other people do not like him either. Travis has talked to other artists about the situation he had with him.
   
   We had to vote pieces in or out, go through another round where we tallied up a rubric, and lastly figured out our highest points to pick which ones would get a gold award. The punk of an artist argued to get pieces in that the two other (me included) voted out. I could see some of his points, so I let it go through. Later he wanted it to go up to a silver, and finally gold. I stood my ground saying, "Come on we voted this out to begin with. It does not magically get a gold. I see your points in them being painterly, but they don't have backgrounds, and they are muddy in spots. Nope! They don't get golds!" I finally got my way.
   
   I did like the other juror. She's my co-worker. My boss paid us to go. I liked the lady that ran it to. It was a fun experience, so not all negative came out of the experience. 

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?

WW: Basketball Novice {Linky}

Isaak just started playing basketball at the Y. He couldn't understand why he just couldn't go into playing full fledged basketball. I'm a firm believer that you need to know the basics before jumping in to do anything - like dribbling with his head up. He only wants to use his right hand to dribble. All these things he needs to work on are normal. Practice makes perfect. He's having fun with it.

Don't take a picture Mom!

Hustle!

He did make some baskets.

Head up son!

I've never been a sports person, but if I had to choose one to play it would be soccer. What about you?