WW: Read to Succeed {Linky}

My son Mica was in a reading group at school. They all read Golden Sower Books. They had a match where they competed with other schools. The match consisted of a lot of questions on their books. Their group went on to the next round. They started out with 40 groups, and ended up being 1 of the 15 groups left.

Last week week they had their next round. They went through 3 rounds of questions. It was then that another group won. Mica was bummed. I was proud of them for working so hard, plus Mica was the team captain, so he had to know all the titles and author's names.

One of the Dad's in their group brought them matching nerd glasses to wear. Ha!

Nerd under a fisheye lens:

The team:

The nerd team under a fisheye lens:

This is all the smarty pants that got to the last round - Mica's way in the back/center:

Have you ever competed with anything before?

Preauricular Sinus

It seems like once a week I discover something new about me. This week it's that a small hole above my right ear is called Preauricular Sinus. I always knew it existed, but never knew the name.

According to this article I'm in the 1% of the population that has one. If I lived in Asia somewhere I'd be one of the 3 to 4% of the population to have it.

I've had it, since birth. I always thought I got it inside the womb. I had a skin tag on my leg. Inside my Mom I must have been positioned like a pretzel. I thought the skin from my ear grew on my leg instead. I had the skin tag removed when I was itty bitty.

Taking a photo of your own ear that has hair flopped over in that spot isn't easy. Ha! Do you see the hole?

It's right here:

When I was really young it bothered me at times. I felt like something got stuck in there. When I was babysitting age I'd tell little kids that my brain leaked out there - just to mess with them. 

As it turns out it's part of the sinuses. Who knew? I sure didn't! About 1% of the population has this little hole. It's usually above the right ear (It's above my right ear). It's not a big deal usually. Although some people have been known to get a cyst inside of it. Then it's kind of a big deal. It's probably a bad idea to put an earring in it - like I did when I was a kid. 

I contacted both the ENT and the dreamy Allergy Asthma doctors just to let them know I have it. I don't know if the ENT will close it up, while I'm in surgery for the deviated septum and polyps, or if he'll just leave it, since it doesn't seem to bother me. Regardless I felt like it should be something to add to my chart. 

Do you have any oddities like a birthmark, skin tags, or Preauricular Sinus like I do? 

Isaak has a birthmark right on his spine. It's always been something his doctor told us to watch. Basically a birthmark in that spot means that area is a little weaker than the rest of his spine. So far no changes have happened with it though.

Use Adjectives to Craft Season Shapes!

Do you have a craft lover like I do? Isaak simply loves crafts. The trouble is, is that many crafts are geared more towards girls. There needs to be more of a market towards boys when it comes to crafts.

Often times Isaak makes up his own craft projects. Recently he made a yoyo out of an empty ribbon spool. I didn't think it would work out very well, but he was excited to give it a try. That's not his first attempt at something that didn't quite work out. He made a paper kite once that he swore would take off.

I love his imagination, and heart all his paper projects.

I have a new craft idea to share that can be used for boys and girls.

Use Adjectives to Craft Season Shapes! 

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… If your child is interested in the four seasons, try this fun activity that mixes writing and art! Two of Isaak's favorite things!

Cut out and decorate shapes that represent each season, then use adjectives to describe them. This is best for second graders because they've learned about different seasons, have the beginning skills to write, and the motor skills to cut.

This craft is a fun way to practice writing paragraphs.

For decoration, you can hang all four seasons at once, or put one season up at a time.

What You Need:

• Pad of white paper
• Pen or pencil
• Different colors of construction or scrapbook paper to fit the different seasons (in this case they used yellow, brown, red and white)
• Safety Scissors
• Glue or Glue Sticks
• Markers or Sharpies
• Cotton balls (optional)
• A Hole punch
• Yarn or String

Directions:

Ask your child to describe the different characteristics of each season. What kind of changes would you notice in the weather?

Examples: Leaves falling off trees, pumpkins growing, flowers sprouting, grass turning green, snow and snowflakes coming down, and so on.

Hand your child the pad of paper and a pen and have her write down 10 adjectives to describe each season. You could make this a 10 day project. Focus on one season per day. You could even provide a snack for each day to go with each season: Spring - Mango Orange Smoothie, Summer - a S'more, Fall - Pumpkin Pie, Winter - Snowman Sugar Cookies just to give you some examples.

If you follow along with the example shown above: Begin with the piece of red construction paper. Use a pencil to lightly trace a flower shape onto the paper; the shape should be large enough for your child to write a paragraph on one side. Use the yellow paper to cut out a sun shape for Summer, the brown paper to cut out a leaf shape for Fall, and the white paper to cut out a snowman for Winter.

Cut the shapes out of the paper.

On each shape, decorate one side with the markers.

On the other side, invite your child to describe the season in a short paragraph using the adjectives she brainstormed earlier. Encourage her to mention what the season looks like, what it feels like, what she does in those months, what she likes and dislikes about each season, and to add in any of the holidays in the seasons.

Punch a hole in the top of each season shape.

Tie a piece of yarn or string through each hole, and then hang them around the house for the whole family to enjoy!

What Do You Get Out of This Activity:

• It's a great activity for both boys and girls
• You're building memories with your child, or grandchild
• They are practicing what they've learned in school
• They are using their fine motor and writing skills
• It's a fun decoration to hang in the house

What's your favorite season? Mine is summer. I love the heat - most of the time. My birthday is the first day of summer, so it's my season of joy. I also enjoy that so many fruits and veggies are in the stores during the summer.

Disclaimer: I was asked to write this post from education.com. They supplied the activity. I was not paid to write this post.

Random Tid Bits

1. Travis talked to a co-worker that has a son the same age as Mica. His son is mowing their lawn. We have some problems though: Our yard is huge for being in the city, and it's really hilly. He's in training right now. Mica's a smart kid, but he lacks in the work your ass off department. 





2. Last week I took the boys to Mica's soccer practice. There was a tree that Isaak just had to climb. I really don't mind him climbing a tree at a park. He was trying to go up higher and higher. I'm like, "Nope! I don't need another hospital fee." I handed him his book, and he read up in the nook where he was at for 15 minutes.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Mica woke up with a horsey voice yesterday. I said, "Mica I think you have allergy issues going on." Mica said, "Maybe my voice is getting ready to change." Isaak said, "I sure hope so! I find your voice to be really annoying!" I said, "I highly doubt your voice is changing. That happens around ages 13, 14, or 15."


4. I have a student that's flunking my class. He just turned in an F piece for a major project. I just don't understand why one would spend so much to go to a school, and half ass it so to speak.


5. I had to stay at work until 9 last night. I know I'm going to be sleepy today. Of course this is a day where I teach. It's been raining for about 3 days now. That doesn't liven the day.

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. 

Easter Tips

I know Easter is in the past now, but I got behind in blogging.

Advice to Newbie Parents:

1. Don't go overboard with Easter. Then your kids expect that the Easter Bunny goes overboard.
   
   There was a year I went overboard because I won a lot of things. Now my kids expect it. Quite frankly I'm ready for Isaak to not believe in the Easter Bunny. Then I can sit the boys down, and explain that they won't get the same amount of things every year.
   
   Mica doesn't believe, but he was busy picking out Lego sets he wanted. I said, "Ummm no Mica! You get what you get, and you don't throw a fit!"
   
   Instead of expensive Star Wars Lego sets they got these 3 in 1 build sets that makes a robot, robot dog, and a robot bird. They were in my price range. I thought they were cool because they there's three building options, and they have areas that light up!
   
   
   
   
   
2. Be prepared to ad lib.
   
   If you're caught in the Easter Bunny act like I was when Mica was about 4, or 5 I had to think fast. He got up well past his bedtime to go to the bathroom. I got up, ran to the door, and shut the glass door, leaving the wood door open. Then I said with enthusiasm, "Mica did you just see the Easter Bunny? The Easter Bunny dropped what he was doing, and hopped out the door because you were up!" Mica 1/2 awake woke up really quickly saying, "No I didn't see him!" He thought it was hilarious that he almost caught the Easter Bunny. It was so close that there were 1/2 bags of candy, and plastic eggs all over the kitchen. When he stopped believing in Santa, he still believed in the Easter Bunny because, well he caught him in the act. ;)
   
   We do a Scavenger Hunt every year.
   
   Somehow a clue egg got missed this year. Travis looked at me like it was all my fault. He looked at me like, What are you going to do about it? I yelled out from a different room, "Did you guys see that!?" They were like, "What?" I said, "The Easter Bunny was outside pointing at our mailbox. Go check it out!" There was the next clue in the mailbox. Isaak was standing outside looking up and down the street for the Easter Bunny. Ha!


3. Put stuff in the eggs that is not candy!
   
   Little kids think that finding pennies are like finding gold, I've included small erasers and pencil erasers for school in plastic eggs, costume jewelry for girls, mesh fidget toys, fun pattern socks, small Lego people, Annie's Bunny Crackers - different flavors, fruit snacks (although they are sugary too), nuts, seeds and the list goes on... Then fill the rest up with candy. 


4. Have breakfast made ahead of time!
   
   Kids get you up super early because they are excited to find their loot. I'm tired from staying up to hide eggs. It helps to have something ready to go. It's the one time of year I make Coffee Cake, and some type of egg dish ahead of time. Then I can enjoy Easter morning without slaving away in the kitchen. Other ideas: A Slow Cooker Oatmeal Dish, Breakfast Cookies (these are our favorite), No Cook Protein Bites ( I have pinned board of them), and a Quiche (you could make it crustless if you're gluten free).


5. Don't keep things quiet!
   
   We've always kept things kind of loud when the kids sleep. I vacuumed when they were itty bitty, we watch TV, and Travis grinds metal down in the garage. With Easter it sucks trying to hide eggs if it's oh so quiet. If you're getting eggs ready to hide, do laundry at the same time. Then they can't hear anything, but the washer going. 


6. Make them think!

Like I said earlier we do a Scavenger Hunt. It's not a family tradition. I started it, and my sister liked the idea, so she followed. Ha! The Easter Bunny starts at the coffee table always. He has a clue egg, and others hidden around it. The clue egg may say something like, "8 eggs and the next clue egg are hidden where Mom puts her computer bag to go to work." That was the trunk of the car. Another was, "12 eggs and the next clue egg are hidden where dishes are kept." They looked in the dishwasher at first, then the cupboard where they are kept. The hiding spots are getting harder as they get older. If they are really young - don't hide them at all, and help them with the clues. I did, "Rub a dub dub. 10 eggs are hidden in the ______." Then I just set eggs in the tub area. 

Do you have any tips for the Easter Bunny?

Crushing

When I first went to the Allergy Asthma Clinic I wasn't sure what my doctor would be like.

Meet Doctor Ebrahim Shakir

Source

Travis and the boys went with to my first appointment. Travis laughed when Doctor Shakir stepped out of the room and I said, "He's cute!" 

We're just comfortable in our relationship to know that there are other good looking people out there.

Fast forward to last week...

Travis went to get his hair cut. He said, "Do you ever find certain people so good looking it's hard to talk to them?" 

I said, "Ya it's funny when that happens." 

He said, "There was this 20 something girl who cut my hair. She was hot. I felt so silly because she was 20 something. I had trouble getting my words out. It's not like I liked her. It's just that she was good looking." I giggled. Then he said, "I wanted to ask for an old school hair cut - rockabilly style." Apparently that's a thing."

Rockabilly Hair Style Example:

Source

He went on to say, "Instead of rockabilly coming out of my mouth I said, 'I'd like a redneck style haircut." 

OMG I was rolling on the floor laughing. I'm still laughing typing this. 

I asked, "What did she say?" He said, "She just smirked. I think she was trying not to laugh." 

I'm not sure he totally got the haircut he wanted. It sort of looked similar to the example above. It certainly looks more rockabilly, than it does redneck. More giggles!

I said, "Well don't be too embarrassed. You'll more than likely never see her again. I have to see my doctor whenever I go in. The last time he looked at my necklace and said, 'That's really cool!' I was just like, 'Thank you!'" Blush!

Sitting in the Allergy Asthma Clinic waiting the 30 minutes after my 3 injections. This is the necklace I was referring too:

I went on to say, "He holds my hands, says he's going to take care of me, and that I'm a special patient. He wants medical student's to see my case to study me." Even though medical student seeing me would be creepy according to some people I just was like, "Bring them in. I have a ton of family members in the medical field. I understand they need to learn." Blush! I know he's only saying that I'm only a special case to him only because I have allergies, asthma, I'm allergic to Aspirin, I have a really bad deviated septum, and really bad polyps. But a girl can think she's special for other reasons. Ha! Only being silly. I love my husband.

Then I said, "When we're all done Doctor Shakir said, 'I have to rely on you to take your meds. You've done so well with them. I don't want you to get worse again. I want to get you better. Then with further aggressive treatment I'll do my best to get you off all this!'" I was thinking, I'll do whatever you want Doctor. Even if it costs me a fortune!

Then it was Travis' turn to laugh at me.  

I think this is one of those stories that's way more funny told in person. I told the ladies at work, and we were laughing so hard. 

Have you ever have a crush on someone whether it be a doctor, a teacher, an actor, or anyone else?

WW: Cheeseburger Piñata {Linky}

This is a cheese burger piñata from Easter time. My nephew Edison thought it would be fun to put it on his head, and walk around.

It Starts With the Letter I

Last week Travis went out of town for work. It was only for a few days, but I'm not used to him being gone. He's the one that takes the boys to school, and picks them up.

I had a big doctor's appointment last week, so there were a lot of things swimming in my head. Between last Thursday to now I have: My pre-op scheduled, my deviated septum and polyps surgery scheduled, my first allergy shots scheduled, my 2-3 day IV drip to control my allergy to aspirin scheduled, and I think I need to schedule my post surgery appointment with my ENT doctor to take splints out of my nose. I don't even remember if I scheduled that last one to be honest. Yikes! I had to renew my driver's license, so I did that. They said, "Your right eye is a little weak. They gave me my license anyhow. That was another thing I had to tell my team of doctors. They want me to get my eyes tested, but wait a few weeks until after surgery. My mind was on all the things I needed, and need to do.

My Mom texted me on Friday: When does Travis get back?

Me: Tonight sometime. When he gets here.

Mom: Where did he go?

Me: Somewhere that starts with an i. Indiana maybe? I don't know. Text him to ask.

Maybe Indiana was on my mind because one of my favorite bloggers is from there.

Mom: He said, "Peoria, Illinois."

Me: See I told you it started with an i. LOL

Then she was all concerned if I was feeling ok. I just had a lot to do, and think about. As long as Travis was ok, I didn't care where he was at. Before Friday I didn't even know if he flew, or drove there. He left from work with his bosses. For the record his boss drove them there.

He said it was like a ghost town. It was super pretty, but no one lives there.

One of his pictures from Peoria, Illinois:

SENQIAO Fidget Toy Review

I love all the fidget toys that are out. I think they are fun, and great for anyone that's creative!

SENQIAO Flippy Chain Fidget Toy is so fun! You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y41M7Y2. It comes in a pack of 2: Blue and Orange, or Yellow and Black. 

Stress Reducer:

This toy is a stress reducer. It helps with highly creative people. People that are creative in nature listen and concentrate more when they are actively doing something: Drawing, active, or fidgeting.

EDC Fidget Chain is also great for ADD, ADHD, and Anxiety.

This is a toy for both adults and children.

Colors:

Orange and Blue
Yellow and Black

I get into toys like this, and so do my kids!

It fits perfecting in my hand, and makes very little noise! The focus chain is smooth rolling & twisting. The flippy chain is portable, and can put it in your pocket and take it to wherever you want. I'd actually like it if the boys could leave their fidget toys here, for when they do their homework. They could be taken to school, the library, to church and more.

Cost:

$16.99 and on sale for $10.99. That's with Prime.

Do you have any fidget toys? I think my first fidget toy when I was little was Silly Putty. 

 Disclaimer: I received SENQIAO Fidget Toy for a discount 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.