How Something Special Can Lead to Disaster Quickly

At the boy's school people from Village Inn came to visit his classroom. They handed out coupons for pie, and meals in Mica's classroom. I decided that we'd go out to eat on St. Patrick's Day because they were having special activities that night. 

We sat down. I told Mica, "Why don't you go ahead and look at the adult menu, and I'll use the free kid's meal coupon for Isaak." Mica said, "Mom...really!!! Those are my coupons!!! Not Isaak's." I said, "Honey I know, but we'll still get a free meal either way. This way you can get more to eat. The kid meals don't seem to fill you up like they used to." He said, "Mom Isaak's not using my coupon!" It was hard getting into this 4th grade mind that a coupon will be used, and it didn't matter who used it because I was paying for it all anyhow. Mica said, "Fine...Whatever." I said, "If you don't loose the attitude we'll just leave right now. It's your choice."

Mica didn't want to be there because it was a kid night. He thinks he's past being a kid. Ha! Even my college students are kids to me. 

A lady came over to give the boys St. Paddy merch. Mica said as soon as he entered the door, "I don't want that stuff!" But he took everything she gave him, and wore it. 

Surfing the adult menu Mica spotted a $10 California Burger. I said, "Nope! How about the Classic All American Burger for $7? You won't be able to eat a $10 burger." Mica said, "Yes I will. I can eat anything." I reminded him about his behavior. He went for the $7 burger, and couldn't finish everything on his plate. 

Isaak was begging for the Funny Face Pancakes, so that's what he got. It didn't come with a special drink. I said, "You can have water this time." He was pouting. Mica teased Isaak for getting a 2 year old meal. I said, "Hey when I make faces on your pancakes at home I do it to mine to. I'm not 2 years old." Mica said, "That's because you want to be a kid." I said, "There's nothing wrong with eating something fun Mica." 

Isaak cheered up when he got a balloon. I was so glad because I didn't need more drama. 

Mica said, "Hey that character was at our school." I said, "Really? Maybe you guys can stand with him for a picture. Mica was hesitant. He didn't want to be a part of all that kid stuff. Isaak loved the walking character, but accidentally let go of his balloon, which he just didn't know what to do about that.

The whole meal Mica looked around for the walking bear. 

I said, "I wonder why they don't have face painting? It says right here they were going to. They must not of been able to get someone in to do it." So...Isaak was grumpy again. He wanted his face painted. Mica rolled his eyes because face painting is for babies apparently. I said, "Mica clowns have face paint on a lot. They are mostly adults. Isaak it's ok they don't have face painting we have to go home to shower anyhow." 

Mica said, "Hey what about my pie coupon?" I said, "We can only use 1 coupon, and you didn't finish your meal. I'm not getting you dessert." He was annoyed with me. 

In the car I reminded the boys that going out to eat is a treat, and that some kids go hungry. 

I get their frustrations. Mica's torn between being a little kid and a big kid. He just doesn't get money, and coupons. Isaak's all about being a little kid. He wants everything that is offered to him. 

I think we're all feeling a little off with Travis being in Nebraska City. We're used to him being around. He'll be away from Wed. through Sun. for 4 weeks working on an Artist Residency. 

CubeCraft 12 x 27ml Acrylic Paint Set {Review}

Acrylics are my favorite paint medium. I like to mix things with them, and with other paint mediums I find what you can mix with them to be limited.

I got an Acrylic Paint Set from CubeCraft to review. 

I really like the variety of colors! 
These colors are featured in order starting with white and going counter clockwise.

• Chinese White
• Primary Lemon Yellow
• Yellow Ochre 
• Burnt Sienna
• Burnt Umber
• Ivory Black
• Cobalt Violet
• Cobalt Blue 
• Cerulean Blue
• English Light Green
• Alizarin Crimson 
• Primary Red Cadmium

The paint is ASTM D-4236 certified, which means it's independently certified as non-toxic, and safe for use and it is odorless. This would be a great set for kids, or people that suffer from allergies or asthma.

It doesn't say, but the paints seem student grade. They are not heavy bodied acrylics. I like this type of paint to make washes, and to mix in with my other mediums. You can see how easily the paint squirts out.

They are pretty big tubes of paint. They are 27ml, with is more than most tubes.

I'm pretty hesitant to show 1/2 done work, but I've been working on a painting. I'm trying out something new. I put different kinds of salt down on a layer of Elmer's glue. Painted with washes on top, and now I'm sewing in the lines. I still have a lot to do, but here's a start after using some of these paints:

As you can see I have to sew the vertical lines into the igloo. I didn't even show all of it. The igloo is sitting on polar icecaps that are melting. I have yet to decide if I want to include a polar bear in the background, on top of the igloo, or trying to swim amongst the melted water. Decisions! How would you finish it up?

The white in the painting is the glue and salt. The rest is paint.

The cost of the acrylic set:

$26.95 and it's on sale for $16.95. You can get the set on Amazon. It comes with 12 tubes of colored paint, and 1 small pallet. 

Disclaimer: I received this paint set at a discount for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.

Random Tid Bits

1. I bought raw Hazelnuts at Trader Joes this week. They are not something I've ever gotten. The boys had them collected on their plates, and were naming them all.
   
   Mica, "This one is John, this one is Paul, this one is Ringo, and this one is George. Mom which Beatle do you think will die next?"
   
   I said, "Mica I have no idea."
   
   He said, "Well I'm going to eat John and George because they are already dead. Now I just have to figure out which one will die next?"
   
   Ya kind of creepy! I said, "Finish your breakfast!"
   
   Isaak said, "You know what I don't really want to eat any of the Beatles because I don't like these nuts."
   
   I most certainly have creative, yet very strange kids!


2. I wrote this post last week, but forgot to publish it. 


3. Isaak made this disturbing drawing a month ago. I have no idea what it means. I do know that he's ok.
   
   
   


4. Travis and I went to see The Revenant. It was a great movie!


5. My boss's wife - also my co-worker - her Dad passed away. Any ideas on something to get her that isn't flowers, or food?

Common Sense Media at Do Space Discusses Cyberbullying

I'm super excited about our new technological library in Omaha called Do Space!

My class is touring there next week to check out all they have to offer.

This Saturday Keegan Korf will be presenting on behalf of Common Sense Media at Do Space. 

The Topic:

Parenting in the Digital Age Series

• This week's topic is Cyberbulling

• Next Saturday's topic will be Screentime

Description:

In partnership with Omaha Public School' "Common Sense Media" program, Do Space will host four facilitated discussions about the challenges of parenting in a technology-rich world and strategies for addressing those challenges. 

Keegan Korf, Omaha Public Schools Regional Manager for Common Sense Media, will lead a discussion about cyberbullying:

• What it look like

• Why it happens

• What kids and parents can do to prevent cyberbullying

You're Invited:

Parents are invited to bring their school-age children for a concurrent session for kids using Omaha Public Schools' "Digital Passport" games to teach digital safety and citizenship. 

• Dates: Saturday, March 19, 2016 and Saturday March 26, 2016

• Time: 1-2:30 PM

• Location: Do Space in Omaha, Nebraska, Meeting Room 2 

Cost:

Free - Please register here.

I'm super excited for this. My boys got Kindles for Christmas. Let's just say that Mica thinks he can play on it whenever he wants. He actually gets angry when I tell him, "Not tonight." 

Disclaimer: I'm posting this on my behalf. I received nothing for this post.

Vote For Emerson to Win a Special Needs Bike!

My nephew Emerson needs your votes! I didn't think you could vote more than once, but you can. You just have to clear your cookies off your computer first, or if you are using Chrome you can click in the upper right were there are 3 bars, and vote daily. 

Here's Emerson on his special needs bike at therapy:

Click on the picture to go to the voting page.

He concentrates so hard to pedal those wheels! He's come a long way since birth! Winning a bike can help him continue therapy when he's at home. There are times when my sister just can't get him to therapy (like if Emerson is sick, or it's flu season). She just doesn't want to chance him getting a cold that could turn into pneumonia. 

There is a bunch of donation options before the vote button. I'm not telling you not to donate, but you don't have to donate to vote. 

Every kid deserves a bike. Emerson really could use one. - Thank you!

ParentSavvy Super Hero Exhibit at the Omaha Children's Museum

About a month ago Mica and Isaak were in a commercial for ParentSavvy to showcase the Super Hero Exhibit at the Omaha Children's Museum.

The boys had a lot of fun. I do have to say that Mica looked gigantic on their zip line. That boy is sure tall!

We waited on the sidelines, while the boys played.

Are you ready to see the commercial? The boys are in the background, and there's a good shot of them in the obstacle course. I think it's Isaak that says, "Yay" as he goes down their slide. They show his shoes with lime green laces. 

Have you ever been in a commercial? 

The boys got a thank you card, and another trip back to the Omaha Children's Museum.

AdoramaPix

I'm a big fan of photography. AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. 

Their contemporary metal prints capture memories in rich color and vibrant detail. Because your images are infused right into the metal, and not painted on the surface, their metal prints are extremely durable. Not only will your metal image be water and weather proof, but scratch resistant as well. You can even clean it with glass cleaner.

Your memories deserve to live in true, archival luxury with AdoramaPix metal prints.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE: 

http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/ 

My readers get to save! 25% off Hexagon #Metal Prints! 

Use promo code: 

PXHEXMTL25 Expires 06/ 15 /2016

Disclaimer: I will received product mentioned for free in exchange for an honest review. There will be a follow up post once I receive the product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Nest Protein Bites

I made these easy No Bake - Nest Protein Bites. 

You just combine all the ingredients, minus the Dove Dark Chocolate Eggs in a mixing bowl.

I use a cookie scoop to scoop them out to be the same uniform size and shape. If my hands, or the scoop gets sticky I just drizzle water on them.

Add a Dove Dark Chocolate Egg to each one.

They will store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Around our house they never last that long though.

They are super good for breakfast, or snacks. This is the first time I've made them, but they are great for around spring and Easter.

No Bake Nest Protein Bites

WW: Dressing Up {Linky}

Every once in awhile one of my boys will come out of their rooms looking ridiculous and fun. I don't even know what to call what Isaak is dressed up as. Possibly a Nerdy Dapper Fat Man on a Safari.

I have a favor to those that comment: My nephew Emerson has Trisomy 18 - a chromosome disorder. My sister is trying to win a special needs bike for him. 

Please go HERE to vote. 

You'll see a lot of donation stuff. You don't have to donate to vote. You don't have to sign up for anything to vote either. You can only vote once. If you vote leave in your comment here - VOTE, and I'll comment on your blog twice. Thank you!

 

Handmade Freshwater Pearl Choker 'Cinnamon Glow'

I love chocker style necklaces. The Handmade Freshwater Pearl Choker 'Cinnamon Glow' is my newest. 

I love how it's neutral enough to go with different colored shirts. So far I've worn it with a gold laced shirt, and a red-violet shirt that has gold flecks on it. 

Product Description:

NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, works together with talented artisan designers around the world to produce stunning, keepsake treasures. I've loved everything I've ever gotten from there. I have a drum from Africa. One of our friends came over that's from Africa - right away she noticed our drum. I have many of their jewelry pieces, a shirt, and a buddha sculpture.

NOVICA is all about spreading global happiness.

About Handmade Freshwater Pearl Choker 'Cinnamon Glow': 

The artist Anusara explores the mystique of cinnamon brown in a stunning handcrafted necklace. Knotting beads and pearls on gossamer strands of silk, she reveals her originality and talent.

The chocker isn't heavy, nor does it feel cheap.

• Fastener: A stainless steel clasp, which is adjustable for different lengths
• Measurements: Maximum Length: 17.25" L x 0.6" W Minimum Length: 15.25" L x 0.6" W 
• Cost: $69.95, but on sale for $41.99

About the Artist: 

Her name is Anusara Konkam. She was born to a small but very warm family consisting of her father, mother, and her older brother. She loves art and nature and considers herself a 'natural' woman. She likes to create embroidered works and grow flowers at home. When she was a child, she wove jasmine garlands to sell in the morning market, making them in her free time after school. She chose the most beautiful blooming jasmine blossoms. But first she had to finish my homework and reading before she was allowed to weave jasmine garlands. These garlands didn't bring a high price at the market, but her work helped my family to save money to support my studies. She participates at every local festival in our town. Sometimes she's a Thai dancer, leading the parade to the temple. Sometimes she competes as a noppra-mad girl. Once she almost won first place, but that was only in a village contest. This is her personal challenge, and it is great fun and a good experience for her. She likes to study and play northern style music and perform northern style dance (the sword dance, spear dance, and so forth), and she plays the sa bud chai drum. This drum is played before a soldier goes to war, and again upon his return.

Like all of NOVICA's products this to came with a little book and keepsake bag. It's the perfect gift!

I found the choker easy to clasp. I like that it's adjustable. It's really well made. I prefer chokers because they don't hang down, and swing into things. 

What do you like to wear, or see the most on others: Earrings, necklaces, chokers, bracelets, or something else? 

Discaimer: I received this statue at a discount for the purpose of this review. The opinions are 100% mine.