Jesus Christ Superstar

When the boys were sick we watched most all of Orphan Black. The boys loved it! There were a few scenes we had to fast forward, but for the most part it was ok for them to watch.

If you've never seen it, Tatiana Maslany acts out 9 different main rolls. She does such a fantastic job! All her characters are so different. The show is written well! I like that they sum it up. So many shows now a days don't end because they get taken off air before they do.

Tatiana Maslany is in the play Jesus Christ Superstar. The boys thought it was crazy I knew the song.

Guess who got Jesus Christ Superstar to watch on a movie night from the library? Yours truly! We'll see if the boys will give it a chance.

Do you like musicals? What's your favorite?

WW: Plastic Bags {Linky}

It takes 500 years for a plastic bag to decompose.

This person was covered with plastic bags that just one person used throughout one year. Eye opening, yet sad.

Here in Omaha, Nebraska this is a hot topic. The mayor wants to ban plastic bags. So many people don't get why the ban is needed. If only they did their research. Do you have a ban on plastic bags where you live?

@usfg @labeldaddy #ad

There are 2 times in the year a Mom could use labels: 

1. Back to School 
2. Camp Season

I signed the boys up for some camps, so we'll need some labels for their water bottles and bags. I don't care so much about their clothes. I send them to camp with clothing I don't really care about.

Save 25% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are great for adults too! -- Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 25% on any label order from Label Daddy - this is the best discount available anywhere. Click here labeldaddy.com/usfamily The discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Disclaimer: This is an ad for Label Daddy. I will get a package for posting this, and have a follow up review post. Label Daddy did not influence me on what to write.

Happy Earth Day

Yesterday Earth Day was celebrated around here more than today. We had a big Earth Day event at Elmwood Park here in Omaha. 

Lil' Green could wiggle his ears, and made his nose go in and out.

I have to admit that I wasn't exactly excited to go at first. I knew Travis would be busy the whole time. It was grey and cold outside. It ended up being fun after all.

Travis has been helping out with a nonprofit organization called Omaha Permaculture. In connection to Omaha Permaculture he started and did a demo of a stone carving.

We helped him set up. I broke his table in the process. The bar just snapped. I took that as a clue to go elsewhere. 

Let's Climb a Tree!

Isaak couldn't wait to climb a tree. Travis promised that he'd be able to climb one. 

Isaak was so excited. He usually hides his smiles lately. Right before climbing the tree he was all smiles. I wish I could have gotten passed the caution tape to capture the boys more.

Isaak was up first. He was told to make a knot about every 4 feet.

After that moment it was hard to get photos of Isaak. He went up pretty fast! The way the lighting was I could only capture a dark Isaak up in the trees.

I know he was hanging literally by a branch, but this photo looked like he was getting killed. It wasn't so bad when I brightened it up a bit.

Isaak went right on up to the top.

Mica on the other hand went up 3/4 of the way. He kept perching in a spot, and wouldn't move. Much of while he was climbing Isaak and I went back to be with Travis. We could still see Mica from where we were.

At the end of their tree climbing adventure the boys got a free t-shirt.

Loot

Then we went to go visit a lot of booths. We got a ton of "loot". Isaak in particular was super excited about it! He also got a butterfly milk weed plant, a bean seed necklace, and a frisbee.

I liked the 2 back bags. They are insulated.

It's funny to me that I got more pictures on Earth Day, than I did on Easter this year. Easter and Christmas are hard because we always celebrate when it's dark outside.

Did you do anything for Earth Day?

Random Tid Bits

1. So I never got sick, but the rest of my family did. Therefore I've been tired. I did lots of laundry! Mica wakes up asking, "What?" a lot because he can't hear that great. He's fine all day, and back to hurting in the evening. He's about 1/2 way through his antibiotics. I'm so ready for him to feel better! We've had a lot of TV nights.


2. Speaking of TV... Do you get into Roseanne? Travis has never really liked the show. I watched it all the time as a kid. My only wish is that it would be an hour long instead of a half an hour. I guess I'm spoiled with all my hour shows these days.
   
   I think it's interesting.... I'm friends with a lot of different types of people (conservatives, liberals, and those in between). Many liberals are banning the show because of the fact that Roseanne is a Trump supporter. Last I checked both parties kind of sucked at election time. I voted for the girl just because I didn't picture her tweeting us into a world war. That's not to say she didn't have her problems. Part of the good thing about the US is that we are free to vote for who we'd like to vote for. Roseanne has Sarah Gilbert as a big part of the show. She's a known lesbian, free thinker.
   
   I think it's good that it gets into issues that so many people are facing today like: Boys that like to wear dresses, separated families, adult kids and grandkids that live with their parents, and more. We should discuss this stuff. What are your thoughts? 





3. The weather is so crazy lately. I keep reminding myself that fall was summer for the most part. Spring in Nebraska is like winter. We've had rain and snow. Parts of Nebraska (not here) was closed down because of the snow. 









4. We found out my nephew Emerson that has Trisomy 18 has back fractures. He can't talk, so we don't know how long he's had them. :( If they give him injections to possibly help his back, that puts him at higher risk of getting seizures. He was having so many problems with seizures before. Kids with Trisomy 18 tend to have lower bone density. Well his seizure med lowered his bone density more. It's just such a rocky ride for him. He's such a trooper!


5. We'll be out all Thursday night. I'm writing this Thursday day. Isaak has an Art and Music Festival at school. I joked that possibly his art teacher would only get up 1/2 the student's projects, since he's not so good with names. At conference time we went to talk to him to see what Isaak could do to raise his grade from a B to an A in art. He didn't remember who Isaak even was, or why he had the grade he did. I only wanted to talk to him because it bothered Isaak because Isaak loves art. 

What's random in your world?

Mama's #jewelry for #mothersday

Moms work hard 365 days out of the year, so why give them another predictable gift this Mother's Day? 

With the exquisite collection of mothers rings from Mama's Jewelry, you're bound to make this the most unforgettable Mother's Day yet! Each time she looks down at her ring, puts on her earrings or is asked about her necklace, she'll remember just how much she's loved.

I've never expected anything for Mother's Day. I usually just go out with my boys for breakfast. We often watch a movie - my choice. I really don't NEED anything. Having a ring with my kid's stones in it would be nice. Travis is capable of making one, BUT he's busy with gardening and making art.

Birth Stones:

• My birth stone is Alexandrite, which is oh so expensive. Somehow the pearl has been June's alternative stone.

• Isaak's is emerald

• Travis and Mica's is peridot 

What is your birthstone? 

Do you like white gold, or yellow gold more? I like white gold better overall, but wear both. It just depends on my mood, and what I'm wearing.

Mama's Jewelry: Who We Are 

Mama's Jewelry has been designing rings and pendants for moms for 30 years, and we have no intention of slowing down! Our company is committed to creating exceptional mothers pendants, rings and earrings at affordable prices.

A key benefit to shopping with us is our fast turnaround times. As soon as we receive your order, our CAD technicians and certified jewelers get to work designing and building your custom item. All of our processes follow strict quality control measures. Everything that comes from us has our seal of approval. If we wouldn't give it to our loved ones, we won't send it to you!

Most orders for mothers rings and pendants are able to be sent out within 3 to 5 days, reaching you about a week later. If you're shopping at the last minute, Mama's Jewelry will take care of you and ensure that you get a custom made item that looks like it took months to make! For More Information Visit: https://mamasjewelry.com/

Save:

Mother's Day Special Offer - Save $10 Off already low prices. (minimum purchase $59) @MamasJewelry has been designing rings for moms for 30 years committed to creating exceptional mothers pendants, rings and earrings at affordable prices. Visit: https://mamasjewelry.com/

Disclaimer: I will get a Mother's Day ring to write a follow up post. This company did not influence me on what to write.

Check Out My New #Anklet #Bracelet

I'm super excited to share with you my new anklet or bracelet sold by SISOFTLY: https://www.amazon.com/SISOFTLY-Elephant-Adjustable-Bracelet-multicolor/dp/B07BPLRT6B/ref=sr_1_191?ie=UTF8&qid=1522457789&sr=8-191&keywords=elephant+bracelet

Colors:

• I got turquoise to review $10.99
• They have red $10.99
• They have white with lots of other colors $9.99

I really liked any of the colors. I wear a lot of red, but decided that turquoise is a little different. I have a few shirts it will go with, so I went with it. I'm happy with the result.

Adjustable:

There are 3 beans to clasp it. I kind of wish there were a few more. I clasped it all the way for a bracelet and on the loosest one to wear it as an anklet.

I have a medium sized wrist, and skinny ankles. I felt like it was a bit loose on my wrist, and a just right on my ankle. I wondered, what if someone has thick ankles unlike mine? Then this may not fit them.

Beads

I love the elephants. There is also gold hearts. 

The beads do jingle when I walk. It's kind of neat sounding, but it could be annoying to others. People certainly know I'm coming down the hallway.

The beads are lightweight, which is great. I didn't want a heavy thing on my wrist or ankle. 

Overall I like the fashion of this! I think I'll wear it as an anklet more than a bracelet. I just hate typing with bracelets on.

Disclaimer: I got this product for a discount to help with this review. The company in no way told me what to write. I only review things that I find benefit myself, my family, or that my readers will find interesting.

WW: Living in a Box {Linky}

Sickies

On the 5th Isaak got sick with something. I didn't know what he was sick with. I just knew that he was feverish in the evening, had body aches, was snotty, lacked on energy, and wasn't very hungry.

It was hard because Isaak acted well in the morning and during the day. When night rolled around he was sick. I didn't think he had Influenza. We've had that before, and it kept us on the couch for days. 

My parents got it to. So it was something we picked up during our family Easter get together. 

Then Mica got it on the 7th. He didn't seem to act as bad as Isaak. 

Then Travis got it on the 8th or 9th. He hid himself in our room for one morning. Said he was dying. He emerged from our room that afternoon saying he felt a touch better. He had it the least.

How did I ever slip by without getting this?

The boys have managed to still have a snotty nose, and cough. They seemed to be getting better. Up until this last Thursday. They were both on the couches when I got home from work. Thankfully they didn't have school on Friday. Both were back to having fevers. 

At the end of the day on Friday Mica swore his eardrum popped. Why do things happen right at the end of the day on a Friday? 

I looked up a recipe for earaches. 3-5 drops of garlic oil in each ear with a cotton ball to keep it in. Do both ears because ear infections travel from one ear to the next. Don't put drops in the ear if their ear drums have popped. If their ear drums have popped they'll actually have no ear pain for awhile. 

You can buy garlic oil at a lot of places. Of course the grocery store I went to didn't have it. I made it.

Garlic Oil:

• 6 cloves of Garlic
• 1 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Cook on medium low heat until bubble form around the garlic. Let sit for 45 minutes before using it.

Ear Infection

I didn't know if going to the doctor was the answer, but I called on Saturday morning when Mica woke up crying because his ears hurt so bad. I thought it was just from the viral infection. The doctor wanted to see Mica. They only wanted to see Isaak if his ears started hurting. Thankfully they are open Saturday morning. 

The doctor described Mica's symptoms to a T. All the boys had Influenza B. They got a milder version of it because we all got the flu shot. 

She said that often times when older kids get an ear infection it's a bacterial one. Garlic Oil drops help with viral ear infections. Bacterial ear infections are too far back in the ear for the drops to even hit. It looks like we'll be using the garlic oil for other edible things. 

Antibiotics were called in.

I went to pick up the antibiotics. They weren't there. I found out they were called into our old pharmacy. It's probably not the doctor's fault. She said it, but both pharmacies start with W, and my mind was on Mica. 

I went to go get Mica - he wanted to stay in the car, had his cell phone, and the car was locked. He texted me, "Where are you?" Then Travis had a pissed off face texted to me when he found out I left Mica in the car. He babysits, walks to and from the bus stop, so I didn't think leaving him in the car was a big deal. I've never left Mica in the car before. Here he was infected with Influenza B, didn't feel well, so I left him. 

In he came to wait and wait some more for his antibiotics. 

By this time his pain med had worn off. His ears were noticeably red. I felt so bad for him!

It's been a weekend of laying around and watching the whole show American Gothic, and sleeping. We drank lots of fluids. I did lots of laundry. It rained and snowed. Certainly not the ideal weekend! I don't get the Mother of the Year award this weekend with leaving Mica in the car alone, and having the doctor call in Mica's antibiotics to the wrong pharmacy. Travis thinks when the directions say, "2 antibiotics daily" means to give them both all at once, so he doesn't get a Father of the Year award either.  

Use This Checklist If You’re Traveling With Kids

Photo credit/site https://pixabay.com/en/boy-child-kid-family-disgust-1528150/

Whether you are traveling across town or across the country, taking a child along can be a challenge. But, if you are prepared for whatever happens, you will handle the trip and the kid like a champ. We are going to give you a few tips on how to be ready for anything while traveling with your child.

Stay Calm and Be Honest 

Parents know that their little ones have the capacity to shoot into orbit in 5-seconds or less. This is why we strategically walk around the edge of the grocery store. It is our fear that usually begins the cycle of dread when we have to take a trip. But, if you remain calm, you have at least a 50/50 chance that he will too.

If you are taking the bus or the car to the city, stopping at the doctor so he can have an eye exam, followed by a visit to the pre-school for registration, tell him. You do not have to go into great detail, simply say, we have to get your eyes checked and then we will stop by the school.

It is all in the presentation. If you say, “We are taking the bus to the doctor to have your eyes examined and then we will stop by your school.” He has no reason to be afraid. But if you say, “I know you are going to be afraid, but it will not hurt a bit, and I promise as soon as it is over we will go for a Happy Meal. Then we have to stop by your new school, but I promise I am not going to leave you there today, so don’t be afraid.” Your child just heard “They are going to punch me in the eye and then mommy is going to make a stay at that school thing she keeps talking about. Begin melt down in 3, 2, 1...

Photo credit/site https://pixabay.com/en/plane-aircraft-klm-airshow-volkel-3300972/

Travel Smart 

Use one bag. Opt for a backpack or a diaper bag. Keep your arms free as much as possible.

Take a change of clothes (or two), baby wipes, all purpose cream (for rashes, bites, scrapes, and dry skin.)

Take snacks in ziplock bags, and take a large ziplock bag for wet clothes.

If your child has a favorite blanket or stuffed toy, take it with you.

Download kids shows, music, and games on your cell phone.

Appointments

• If you are going to a doctor, dentist, or school appointment, contact them beforehand. 

• Have them email you any forms that need to be filled out and send them in before you go, leaving a copy in your email folder. 

• Take pictures of your child's insurance cards, birth certificate, shot records, and anything else they need and send them in before you go. 

• Make your visit as uneventful and stress-free as possible. 

• You know your child. If your child gets fussy just before lunch or if he doesn’t get his afternoon nap, make the appointment for the morning hours. Do not try to do too much in one day. 

• If you have several things that need to be done on one day, consider spending the night at a hotel. But, with planning, you should not find yourself in that situation. 

Longer Trips - Going By Plane 

If you are taking your child on vacation, and you are traveling by plane, you must take more precautions.

• Let the airline know you are traveling with a child and be selective on your seating arrangements. 


• Take enough snacks and activities to keep them busy. 


• They will probably not like the sensation of ear popping. Take some gummy snacks to help them chew through the sensation. 


• If you can, arrange your flight during the time your child normally naps. 

Traveling with your child may seem challenging at first. But, you will soon get the hang of it. Just roll with it and enjoy the ride. It will all be a memory tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This is a guest post written by The Blog Frog. Please check out The Blog Frog.