Just One More Chapter

When I saw the t-shirt that said, "just one more chapter" I knew I had to get it for Mica. He's a bookworm for sure!

He's rereading 3 books for Read to Succeed at school. His team members will also read 3 books each. Together they will go later this month to answer questions about what they've read. They already won the first match! Go team go!

At home Mica's into reading about ghosts, aliens, and space ships right now. 

What are your favorite topics to read about? 

Random Tid Bits

1. I went to the store with Isaak. As we were leaving I said, "Hummm I wonder where we parked? I think it was over that way." Isaak said, "All we have to do is look for a blue car with bird poop on it." I had to chuckle. It's so true! Parking under the neighbor's tree in the driveway makes my car covered in bird poop much of the time. Boo! 





2. At the same store we went to Isaak was begging me for Peeps. I've never bought Peeps. I know they are one of those things that you either love them, or hate them. Readers do you love Peeps, or hate them? Isaak apparently loves them. I don't love, or hate them. I'm kind of a middle man with Peeps. I did tell Isaak that they are fun to put in the microwave, to watch them grow. Isaak was all excited. I told him that I wouldn't get them, then turned around without him and got them. He can't have jelly beans because of his spacer retainer, so Peeps it is. Hopefully their stickiness won't be a no no. Ekkk...I didn't think about that until now.


3. We have a student that doesn't shower, brush his teeth, and wears the same clothes over and over again. After listening to his roommates complain, and now I can smell him I turned him in to the Education Director to talk to. I should mention that his grades are suffering, he sleeps in class, and his attendance is poor. Go to find out he's addicted to playing games. I've never met someone with that bad of an addiction before. 


4. Well I have 2 classes pretty much ready for the fall. I've been plowing through, since I don't know what will happen with my surgery. 


5. Boss man had the same surgery I'm about to have. When I told him I'd be out for two weeks his mouth just about dropped. He said, "I was only out a day or 2." Then a student that had it done said he was out for a month. Boss man must of been so stoned on pain meds that he doesn't remember how long he was out. He needs to break down, and understand that my problems are worse than his were. Each doctor keeps telling me that I'm a special case. 

How Did the World Begin?

The other day we were talking about how the world began during breakfast. 

For some reason this is our big talking time. I'm usually the one that says, "Come on...just eat.", or "Hurry up...stop talking." Travis is like, "Why are you trying to hurry us up?" I'm like, "Because I have to go to work!" He's like, "That has nothing to do with us." I'm like, "Ya it does. When you guys talk about all kinds of stuff it makes me move slower. Usually I try and take care of dishes before I go. I can't if you're still eating." He's like, "Take care of you." Sigh! The dishes sit on the counter waiting for me when I get home from work.

Things will have to change for Mr. Mica. He has to get up earlier to take the bus for middle school next year. I already yell out, "Mica your bus is here!" when I hear it going by our house.

Our conversation the other day:

Mica, "I think maybe our skin changes color when we move to different places." Travis, "It wouldn't happen that fast, if that happens." Me, "I think what he means to say is, "Skin color changes over time. If I moved to Africa my skin wouldn't change color. It may for my great, great, great grandchildren." Travis, "That's an interesting thought." Me, "I don't think it works that way, but I agree that it's an interesting thought."

Me, "Some of us have wisdom teeth. Some of us don't. Did we need them at one point in time because we used to be more hunters and gatherers than we are now?" Travis, "We're still hunters and gatherers." Me, "I suppose so, but not as much as we were. I'm sure back in the day they needed those teeth to eat raw meat. Possibly our skin adapts to areas where there's more sun too. But that doesn't explain our features."

Isaak, "What do you mean features?" Me, "We all have characteristics that make up who we are. In general people from different areas tend to have certain features that make up who they are. Those differences are what is so interesting. It's not like all from one area look alike. Sometimes you can sort of tell where someone may possibly be from, from their long legs, flat wide nose, and so on. Those are characteristics."

Me, "If there is such a thing as creationism Adam and Eve were caucasians according to all the stories I've heard. Wouldn't God have to put other nationalities on the Earth to have them?" Travis, "I think a lot of incest would have happened." Mica, "What's incest?" Travis, "Where brothers and sisters have sex. How else would more people populate our planet?" Mica, "True, but gross."

Me, "I don't think Adam and Eve could be white if no other nationalities existed. If I mix up paint it's easier to go from dark to light, but nearly impossible to go from light to dark. That is if they were the only ones that started our population." Mica, "I can see what you mean."

This is why breakfast takes so long in our house.

How do you think the world began? Do you think one day we won't be able to tell where someone came from at all? Like in this article.

WW: Sports {Linky}

Isaak has been in basketball this whole year, and loves it! He usually takes the ball down the court.

Mica asked to play two sports: Soccer at the Y and Volleyball at school. He's never asked to play a ball sport. He was in t-ball when he was in preschool, and martial arts when he was in Kindergarten to about the beginning of 4th grade. Kind of late in the game, since he's in 5th grade. We're willing to let him try the sports.

Since I've never been a soccer mom, and Travis has never been a soccer dad we had no idea what to expect. We got him soccer shorts, then showed up, and all the boys had on basketball type shorts.

They both lost their games that week. Mica never did get to a practice due to rain and a communication mishap between the Y and the coach. Mica in particular was beat! He's a classic bookworm. 

I got him this outfit for Easter, so I gave it to him early. The shorts are a bit longer. Then I returned the $25 soccer shorts. 

We also wen to the boy's Leadership Camp, and played Dodgeball. It's pretty fun! We play parents against kids. There's only a handful of parents, but loads of kids! I always throw the ball too high, and someone catches it. I only got photos of Mica because Isaak was across the gym. 

Were you into sports? Are your kids, or grandkids into sports? 

Fossil On! Science Kit Giveaway

I was super excited to review and giveaway Fossil On! The Geology Game of Brains and Sheer Determination. It's a game with fossils, rocks and minerals. Your youth can explore the earth's wonderful treasures. 

Everything fits in it. I do have to say that It takes some moving around to get everything to fit just right to get it shut and locked. I'm not sure that kids will be able to do this on their own.

Gift-wrap is available, so this set would make a perfect gift!

What the Set Includes:

• A Fun Learning Game that's similar to BINGO
• A Fossil Collection That Includes: 15 specimens of mosasaur, shark, dinosaur, etc. identification guide
• 60+ Small Polished Rocks and Mineral Pieces
• Cards with Fun Facts on Fossils and Rocks
• A Hard Plastic Carry Case

Rock Collection:

Fossil Collection:

Cards:

The Game

The boys love games. The game reminded me of bingo.

There are 5 levels for up to 6 players. The game is educational. It's filled with science. It would be a great game for the classroom! It's meant for elementary ages, and beyond. You just match the fossil up with what it looks like on the sheet. Whoever has a line of fossils first wins the game.

This makes learning fun! It's an educational, science game kit offers STEM-based, hands-on learning while exploring Earth’s paleontology treasures.

If you don't care for games, it's just cool to look through the rocks and minerals.

Cost:

It's $29.95 on Prime. It's rated really high on Amazon.

Win It:

One of my readers is going to win Fossil On! The giveaway is open to residents of the US, 18+, and will run through 4/17/17. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to the email before a new winner is selected.

Open to the US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received Fossil On! 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. 

Random Tid Bits

1. Ever since I researched Cuckoo Clocks I keep seeing adds all over the online for me to buy one. Image is linked up if you are interested. 





2. I got this note to write both of my boys inspirational letters before their dreaded state testing. I am. I'm getting to it. I'm also going to write a few extra. That way if kid's parents dropped the ball they aren't sitting there without a letter. 


3. I'm trying to work ahead, but with this rain never ending my brain hurts. 


4. Mica was so excited to try out soccer. It's been going on for 2 weeks now. He hasn't even been able to go to a practice yet, due to rain and storms.

Another rainy day in Omaha. This is taken at a long stop light through my windshield.





5. I managed to squeeze 3 guest speakers and 2 tours. Yep the end of the year is coming up! 

Tri-Spinner Fidget Spinner Toy Review

I love creative toys. I have a box full of them. I just got another Tri-Spinner Fidget Spinner http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XJZDXDF to review. I think these things are so much fun, and relaxing.

It comes in a small box. It's so perfect for a gift. I plan on giving my boys Tri-Spinners for Easter. They'd work great for any holiday really. These fidget toys would even fit in a stocking at Christmas time.

Glows in the Dark:

This one is a light grey color. Guess what? It glows in the dark!

Here it is not glowing-

Here it is glowing-

Spin:

It spins for about 5 minutes if you give it a really good spin.

It's not meant to stare at. It's just meant to spin, and sometimes look at. It's for people that love to fidget. I know a few of my art students have them. They are great for anyone with: ADD, ADHD, and on the spectrum. My sons don't have any social issues. I do notice that they always have something in their hands though.

What I Love About This Toy:

• There isn't any noise 
• It takes up very little room
• It's glow in the dark
• It helps increase concentration 
• It's not expensive: $20.99, but on sale for $14.99 with Prime

If you have kids what kind of things do you give them for Easter? What kind of things did you get when you were younger? I got a basket with a spring outfit in it. 


I received the Tri-Spinner mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Elephant Ring Review

I got an Elephant Ring to go with my Elephant Necklace and Earrings.

It came with a little box, which makes it perfect for a present.

Material:

The ring is fairly thick. It has the surface width of 10 millimeters. I like it because people can see the elephant pattern.  It's 18-karat gold-plated. It has many elephants standing nose-to-tail that go around the entire ring.

I like that it can go with many different things. I can be worn to dress up, or down.

There are small rhinestones that fit into the bodies of the elephants. They are not flashy, just stylish.

I love the look of it. I have a very patterned tunic dress that I will wear this with. Again I like that it can be worn with just jeans and and t-shirt, or a dress. It's very versatile.

Since it's spring I took some photos of the ring with our dwarf Magnolia.

The ring is so pretty! I'm hooked for sure!

Elephants are a Hindu symbol for wisdom. They also stand for longevity, happiness and good luck. With my surgery coming up, I should be wearing this all the time. LOL 

Cost and Sizes:

It's $13.99, which is such a great price! It's perfect for a gift. I don't like to spend a lot, but enjoy getting people a little something. 

It comes in sizes: 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

When I'm not wearing my ring(s) I often put it here, for peaceful keeping.

Where do you keep your rings when you're not wearing them?

I received the Elephant Ring mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Nose Job! Yikes!

I had my ENT appointment yesterday. The doctor was running behind, per usual. I'm not saying usual with this particular doctor. Just usual with doctors in general. I rushed over there, was nervous about finding it, then had to wait.

It wasn't really a great day for feeling good. It's been raining for 4 days straight. Mica said, "Mom I think you get headaches from the barometric pressure. I've often wondered that. Dang that kid is so smart at times. He's a classic book smart kid, but needs step by step instructions to make his bed.

I figure I should get some selfies before I get my nose job soon. I won't really fix my nose in any way other than to make it straight, and get those polyps out. I haven't noticed in awhile how messed up my deviated septum is because the other side was swollen with polyps. Now that the polyps have gone down my nose looks really off. Day with rain my eyes are horrible!

Off to the side of my face I have a chicken pox scar. Kids always ask what that is because no one really gets chicken pox anymore with the vaccine that's available.

Nurse's First Question:

"Have you had a CT scan lately?"

Me:

"No." The last one I had was 11 1/2 years ago when I was prego with Mica. He was breech, I was low on fluid, my birth canal was tilted funny, so they wanted to see if there was room to have him if they got him turned around. There was room, but they couldn't get him to turn. Never try to have a doctor turn a baby from the outside. Opt for the C-section. There's my advice for the day. It hurt worse than the epidural, or post C-section + it puts stress on the baby. What was I thinking?

Anyhow I didn't tell the nurse all of that. I'm pretty sure 11 1/2 years ago isn't a recent CT scan, nor does it have anything to do with my nose.

CT Scan: 

I was thinking, Oh God this is going to be a hassle + expensive. I'm sure that later part is still true. Hassle not so much. They had a scanner right there in the office.

See all the grey. There's suppose to be white spots in there. Yep polyps have taken over where I can't see them. :(

Check out my nose! It gets even more crooked inside!

Eye Sight Loss Scare:

All the grey by my eye is polyps. Yep if he digs in to get them out, and hits my eye I'll have seeing problems afterwards.

Meningitis Scare:

Do you see the thin line of white? That's bone. Below that is all polyps. If he hits that bone I could get Meningitis. He asked me if I knew what Meningitis is? Umm yep! Isaak had that at 2 months of age! I know how scary it can be. It can cause hearing loss, and brain damage. Not to mention high fevers, high white blood cell count, and pressure on the brain. Fun stuff! Not! Sometime ignorance is bliss.

Polyps central.

My messed up nose!

It has to be sawed, and put back together like a jigsaw puzzle.

I know they have to tell you everything. Travis wants to know everything. He wants to look it up, study it. He's already read all about Septoplasty - Deviated Septum Surgery. He's watched YouTube videos on it. Me on the other hand, I usually like to research the heck out of things. I'm not feeling it with this. It makes me more worried. I'm not saying I can't handle the information. Put it on the table. I'm not about to go look up what he's going to hack away. 

He'll do a CT Scan, while the surgery goes on. That way he can see what he's doing.

He wants my allergies to be up to par because I can't blow my nose for 3 weeks after having this done. I'll miss 2 weeks of work, but will not be recovered for months. Yay! Not!

I'm thinking mid to end of June. Then I won't miss class, I'll have recovery time, I can also be home with the kids and spring allergy season will be over. I'll have to talk to Dr. Shakir - my allergy asthma doctor. 

I was doing great with all this slammed down information. Then a muscle car almost hit me on the way home - all black with bright green wheels was driving pretty fast on the express way. 

Then I started crying after talking to my parents. I could barely get out what to say to my youngest sister mainly because I just talked to my concerned parents. I pulled it together when I talked to my older sister and aunt. They were more, "Oh Alissa you'll feel so much better after this surgery! They have to tell you everything." 

Not quite the nose job I want to have. I really don't even mind my nose. Sure it's crooked, but it's my nose. I've grown to love it through the years. If it's so crooked it's restricting me from breathing it needs to be fixed.

I'm pretty sure the boys are freaked out with all the talk of this stuff. Isaak is usually filled with empathy. He said, "Mom I wish I had a different Mom that didn't have allergies. Then maybe I wouldn't have them. I would have skin problems either." Thanks son. He is a bit right. Kids do say what's on their minds. It really didn't hurt my feelings per say. I agree with him. Allergies, asthma and all this nose stuff sucks!