Happy 14th Birthday Mica!

Mica turns 14 today! 

Sadly our Honda Civic turns 14 too. :(

Next year Mica will be starting high school, and probably learning how to drive. Hold out Honda Civic!

What a great year! Mica does well in school, and won a ton of awards. He's growing up. Mica's growing a mustache. I'd love to introduce him to a razor, but no one else in our house agrees. Ha!

Favorites: 

Hobby: Reading

Mica's a bookworm. If I let him he'd stay in his room reading most of the time.

Club at School: Quiz Bowl

Quiz Bowl is the one thing he gets really excited about!

Subject: Astronomy

Food: Arby's

Really he'll eat most anything. Watch out for the snacks, he'll eat the whole box before anyone else gets a chance to eat them. Hello growth spurts! He's taller than I am, and almost taller than Travis!

Color: Blue

Movie: Avengers Endgame

Thank goodness for his Aunt Angela. She takes him to superhero movies. Travis and I could really care less about them.

Show: Flash

We spent some time watching Stranger Things Season 2, The Man in the High Castle Season 4, and Curb Your Enthusiasm (all the seasons).

Camps and Leadership: 

Banister Leadership Academy

Healthcare Academy

Volunteer at Milton Abraham Branch Library

Hummel Day Camp

Awards:

Geography Bee Contestant

Astronomy Academic Excellence

Social Studies Academic Excellence

Student Council

Quiz Bowl

Language Art Academic Excellence

Student of the Week

Outstanding Achievement in Music

Renaissance Gold

Perfect Attendance

3rd Place in Think Tank

New: 

He gets to do the morning announcements this year. He's super excited to join the News Crew. 

Dislikes: 

Insects, especially butterflies

Bananas

Eggs

Sports

Tasks, although he's getting so much better with helping. Only when I ask though.

Happy Birthday my Leo! 

Random Tid Bits

1. We've had a ton of zucchini growing in our garden.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. I don't feel like PMS makes me bitchy, but it sure does give me anxiety. If I have several big things to do I just innerly freak out. I feel my face getting red and hot, and my heart pumps really fast.
   
   Boss man wanted me call, and set up Adobe Creative Cloud for the teachers. I had never done this before. He had very specific things he wanted. I couldn't get everything he wanted, but it was a heck of a lot cheaper than last year, and got it approved.
   
   The next day he wanted me to back peddle to get things even cheaper. 


3. Some advice is worth taking. My parents have given me a lot of good advice in the past.
   
   Good Advice:
   
   1. Choose your battles.
   
   2. Kids make their own schedules based on what's going on in their life.
   
   Lately they've been off on their game.
   
   Bad Advice:
   
   1. You might want to talk to Isaak and tell him not to cry. He might get made fun of in school. - He hasn't had issues with crying in school. I didn't say it, but think it's great that he can cry in front of us. Just because he's a boy I don't want him to think he should keep his emotions in. I have to say that Mica was pretty unbearable at Isaak's age. He was pretty much a jerk. Now Isaak's at that magical puberty stage. He shows his emotions differently - with crying, and wanting to sleep. I don't know that he's worse, or better than Mica. Just different.
   
   2. You should probably read up on Asthma and Allergies. Start taking other things to help them besides medicine. - I didn't say too much, but in the past I tried a lot of natural things. By not taking meds I got a nose so full of polyps that the doctor had to cut out. Some of my nasal receptors went with that surgery. No thanks I'll stick to my meds. I do drink turmeric and ginger a lot + do the neti pot regularly. Those count as natural remedies. I think my doctors would agree that they want me breathing, so taking my daily inhaler when I need it is important.


4. Mica and Isaak have started fighting over really silly things. That's when I know it's time to go back to school. I let them both pick out snacks at the store. Isaak picked out Bunny Graham's.
   
   
   
   
   
   Travis got a call from Mica that he was all pissed because Isaak wouldn't let him eat the snack he picked out. In Isaak's defense, Mica would eat the whole box if he's able to. When I talked to them at lunch I said, "Maybe you shouldn't get a a morning snack. You don't have one at school."
   
   The next day we discussed their ridiculous spat. Travis found the whole thing comical because this is a snack I used to buy them when Isaak was in preschool. We decided we'd pour how much they get into bowls. Problem solved. I really wish they'd solve their own problems though.
   
   I explained that this kind of fighting is normal, for siblings. Travis never fought a whole lot with his sister growing up. His sister was inside a lot, when he was outside most of the time.
   
   I remember having battles with my sisters over the dumbest stuff. One time I tied my younger sister into her room. She wasn't tied, but her bedroom door was tied to the bathroom and my parent's bedroom door. She could not get out. I was way to old to do that. My friend got sent home. What's a silly thing you did when you were a kid?


5. The boy's back to school night it the same night, in two different parts of town. I knew this could happen. Mica's starts at 3:30, Isaak's starts at 5:30, so we figured we'd go to Mica's first. Then we got a letter saying they'd prefer younger kids to go earlier at Mica's school. They get what they get. Isaak's starts August 13, and Mica starts August 14. They have the younger middle schoolers go first to get used to the building. When do kids start where you live?

Epic Lemonade Stand

We had a ton of strawberries. I didn't think they'd do well with all the rain we go. They did. Now the plants are looking fried from the sun.

We told the boys they could have a Lemonade Stand.

One Friday night Travis is like, "Let's have that Lemonade Stand tomorrow." 

I said, "Let's have that Lemonade Stand on Sunday. I think there's some preparing that needs to be done. 

We had to buy paper glasses, foam board for signs, and an extra cooler. Mica thought it would be great for me to make cookies to give people more buying options. I made Chocolate Chip Cherry Chip Cookies without nuts.

Travis and Isaak made the signs! They did a great job!

Isaak did the letters on his, but Travis helped him blow those letters up.

The only sucky thing about the signs: They did them with highlighter, and they faded with the sun.

Caterpillar

While we were waiting for customers, we found this big hungry caterpillar in the grass. It was as wide as a Garter Snake!

Hawt

It was a super hawt day. About 100 degrees, but we had a tent and lots of water to keep us cool. 

Funds

I was happy that some of my friends from facebook stopped by. Social media can be good! Each boy made $30! Some people just liked that the kids were out there trying to sell something. They gave us extra $$$. Others liked that it was for a good cause. Mica's trying to raise funds to go to Chicago with his Social Studies/Quiz Bowl teacher and a group from school next year. Money comes out of our checking account monthly, but he doesn't need to know that.

Left Overs

We didn't have a whole lot of left over lemonade left. Our neighbor came over, and handed us a $10 bill. I gave them a pitcher of lemonade.

Travis did have frozen strawberries in a cooler to make more Strawberry Lemonade. He forgot about them until the next day. We had no choice, but to can a bunch of Strawberry Jam.

Did you ever have a Lemonade Stand when you were growing up?

WW: Duluth South Breakwater Outer Light {Linky}

This post is very much out of order, from everything else I posted. The first light house we saw on our trip to Minneapolis was at Duluth South Breakwater Outer Light. The light house was built to help guide ships into the canal from Lake Superior.

Why was this post out of order from the others?

I took photos with my phone and my camera throughout our trip. The night before this particular day I had my camera battery charging. Mica came up, unplugged it, to charge his Kindle without telling me. We went out and about. I saw great photo ops. I got out my camera, and there was no battery in it. I did happen to see a black box in my purse before we went out, thinking Travis popped my battery charger in my purse. It was my business card box. 

If you want to see rage from this Momma, that was the time I was the most pissed off. I was worried my camera battery was gone for good. I had no idea where it was. Did it fall onto the floor at our last camp site, is it in a bag somewhere? A rechargeable battery isn't easy to find just anywhere. 

I snapped a few photos with my phone, that I wasn't all that happy with. Isaak had his break down because he found a butterfly that he couldn't take home. We left to walk along the Duluth main strip for shopping. Along the strip there was major construction going on. I know it has to be done, but it didn't help our already sour moods. We had detours everywhere we walked, it was loud, and we needed a break from walking. Not our best day.

I know many people say that iphones can produce wonderful shots. Many times they do. 

If you are trying to shoot with some distance behind you, or darker lighting a real camera does way better than an iphone! Hands down!

Foam always makes me thing of Root Beer Floats.

The first light house I ever saw was captured with an iphone. 

I didn't even get too close to this light house. My phone was running low on battery. Usually I'm more of a...let's see how close we can get to that kind of a person.

Isaak thought we were at the beach. He's never been to a beach. Seeing the waves, and pebbles that was close to sand was closest to the beach he's been. Mica kept saying, "Isaak this isn't a beach!"

Good News!

We went back to our cabin that evening, and my charger with my battery still in it was in a bag that was sitting near the bed in both cabins we stayed at. Thank Gawd! I went on the rest of the trip with a working camera and phone.

Have you ever had a break down moment when you were on a trip? We have, but usually it's because family members are hungry.

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own. 

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own. 

Random Tid Bits

1. Is it just me, or do you find vans/trucks creepy that have no back windows? I just think about the show Dexter. I picture things like dead bodies, drugs, kidnappings, and/or sex slaves being hidden away from everyone in there.
   
   
   
   
   Never happy cargo thoughts. They probably have drugs people actually need medically, medical equipment, computers, tools, and other things that.


2. Mica texted all annoyed because he had more to do on his list than Isaak did. He thought he should have a break. I kept texting him meme/gifs back. I'm his only Mother, so I don't have anyone to compete with to be his favorite Mother.


You Got This GIF from Shinegifs GIFs



3. Isaak gets braces on very soon! August 5th to be exact. He's not too excited about it, but he doesn't have enough room in his mouth for all his adult teeth. Does he really want to have teeth growing out of his top gums in the where his mouth starts to turn forever?
   
   Mica has some crowding in his bottom teeth, but it's not enough to warrant braces. It would cosmetic only.
   
   Did you have any mouth appliances? I had a retainer and braces.


4. I positioned the students with their friends. It's not really a seating chart, just putting them with who they hang out with. Two came in because they saw we had things ready to go. They changed where they sitting. Never mind the girl's feelings who thinks she is their friend. Now there's no space for her in that same area.
   


5. One of my Aunt's was telling Isaak, Mica and the rest of the kids their age that my Grandpa, which is their Great Grandpa is a superhero. Isaak's had his Great Grandparent's pictures in this frame, for awhile now. He got the photos when we went to go through my Grandpa's things before he moved to an assisted living home. My Grandma has been dead since Isaak was 4, so 7 years ago she passed away. Grandpa is 93.
   
   
   

Ultra Man Care - Premium Prostate Supplement Review

I've actually reviewed Ultra Man Care - Premium Prostate Supplement before, and thought this was a different brand. Nope! It's the same brand made by Zen Naturally. That's not a negative thing. It's worked well. I really think with pills it's hard to tell if they make a difference, if you haven't been on them for awhile.

About:

1. Increase Urine Flow - Saw Palmetto enhanced complex blend comes with both powders and extracts, vitamins & minerals to provide maximum benefits.

My husband has talked to the doctor about this. It's very common for urine flow to not be as steady for men as they get older.

2. It Helps Men to Get More Sleep and Stop Waking Up Every Night - Minimizes or Stops those frustrating nightly bathroom trips that wake you up.

My husband doesn't really have a problem getting up. If anyone, it's me and Isaak that get up. I drink a ton throughout the day. I'm supposed to because people with allergies and asthma need to. I wake up a lot to go to the bathroom. Isaak's just not as good of a sleeper, since last school year.

3. Spend Time Doing What You Love - Enjoy time with family and friends or doing activities that you love. Outdoors here you come! Movies no problem. Don’t miss the conversation over dinner or drinks because you need to find a bathroom all the time.

Again no problems needing to go all the time.

4. Perfect Gift for the Man in Your Life - There is no better gift in life than your health. Help him stay as healthy as possible. Safely Support Prostate Health with our 30 herb Premium Blend Prostate Supplements for men!

I don't think Travis agrees. When he saw that I had another bottle...He's like, "Really!?" But I do care about him.

5. Healthier Hair - An extract of saw palmetto may block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is the molecule responsible for hair loss and also is involved in the enlargement of the prostate.

Travis' hair seems fine. He was blessed with no one in his family loosing it very young. Knock on wood!

Where to Get it:

You can get it on Amazon for $15.99 $15.19: https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Man-Care-Supplement-Urination/dp/B07JJRB9VW/ref=sr_1_71?keywords=prostate+supplements+for+men

Packaging:

The bottle came protected. It had a sealed plastic wrap that went over the cap. There was a foam cover on the inside. It was in a bubble wrap envelope.

On Amazon it does show a box. I do think that should come off the Amazon picture. Both times I've gotten this there was no box. I'm glad because I don't feel like there needs to be one.

There does seem to be ample room in the container for more pills, or they could package it in a smaller container.

The pills are standard sized, and easy to take.

Do you take any pills regularly? 

Disclaimer: I got this product for free or a discounted price in order to help with this review. All opinions are my own. 

Light Rail Transit

My boys have only been on a subway when we went to Chicago when they were 4 and almost 7, and this summer when we went to Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

We used to have to hold them back. They did understand that they couldn't be anywhere near the blue pad.

New All Over Again

When we went on the Light Rail Transit in Minneapolis and Saint Paul it was like it was new all over again to them.

They didn't try and out run the train. They were excited though. 

Isaak longed to stand. Most of the time Travis said, "Sit your butt down! People only stand if they have to!"

So he sat in the back, as far from us and he could get. 

Mica didn't care where he sat, as long as it was away from Isaak. 

If there were people that were a little mentally unstable we made them each sit with us. As my sister describes it: Mentally unstable people are very similar to stable people (whatever that is). They just say what they are thinking out loud. Stable people keep their thoughts mostly to themselves. 

Mica usually picks to sit next to Travis, and Isaak usually picks to sit next to me. 

Funny Story:

One day we had cheese burgers for breakfast. You kind of do what you have to when you're camping. Food won't keep forever. 

We were all sitting around the fire. Travis asks Mica, "Do you want bacon on your cheeseburger?" Mica said, "Yes please." He grabbed the bacon, and put it on top of his cheeseburger bun. Mica's totally an airhead, but super smart in school. We all looked at his cheeseburger with bacon balancing on his bun, and could not stop laughing. 

This is them laughing once again about the cheeseburger with balancing bacon.

Do you have a subway where you live? We don't have one in Omaha, Nebraska, or in Kansas City, Missouri. I miss being able to hop on them. When I lived in Atlanta, Georgia I only rode busses and Marta - their subway. 

WW: Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum @weismanart {Linky}

The last art museum we visited in Minnesota was Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum. It's part of the University of Minnesota.

Cost: 

Free!

Hours:

Monday Closed
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10-5
Wednesday 10-8
Saturday, Sunday 11-5

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

This piece was really pretty interesting. I just wish I could have captured it better. The glasses were mirrors. You could see yourself in them.

Nap Time

They had an installation of mats people could lay on. My boys totally took advantage of that. Travis in particular keeps vacations packed. Good because we see more. Not so good because we get to places before they even open up. Ha! This was the last museum, and they were museumed out.

I had to practically yank them off those mats. They also get assholeish to each other. They were kicking each other.

If Only Fishes Were Wishes

I took pictures of the fish mainly for my sister-in-law that loves to fish.

This one took up a whole room:

A wood frame with glass and paint.

Wood Pieces:

Blue Girl:

I was a little bummed because I know I took a photo of Isaak posing with this blue girl. Then I couldn't find it. Possibly I took too many photos, and deleted the wrong one. I was annoyed with myself. He was so odd about nudes. This one he embraced. I guess it looks a little like she's wearing clothes. Her boobs are there - in your face.

Chickens in Cages:

It's a little hard to see in the full piece, so I took shots of this one with the full piece, a closer up shot, and a really closer up shot.

Lost Them:

At this point I think I said, "Travis they are your sons right now. I'm done with them." They weren't bad, just annoying each other every minute. Fighting over who got which bench, who should have their head on which side, and so on. I can tell by the smile on Isaak's face that he was the punk that started it all.

Melvin Smith:

I took a lot of photos of Melvin Smith's work. I liked it to much. He makes buildings and houses, photographs them, and adds them to his collages.

Some of the buildings and houses:

Postcards:

They did have a whole room of old Disney and fairytale postcards. I took a few photos, but opted not to post them. They were each framed and under glass. I had to shoot them all at an angle to not get reflections or blinding light spots from the lights. Then I'd have to straighten them all out in Photoshop. I'm not a huge fan of Disney. I kind of think they run the world. They own ABC. They capitalize on everything they can by making sequels like crazy and real looking movies off of animated looking movies. Not to say I don't love some of their movies. I just have a love hate relationship with them. My sisters begged for me to go to Disney World, and I said, "Umm Nope!" I think I'd rather go camping.

Charging:

When we were done looking, we went to a room off to the side that was fairly empty to charge our phones and my camera battery. I seriously think there should be charging stations at museums and malls. Kind of like how there's a check in for coats, bags and umbrellas. It didn't dawn on me until this trip how great a battery station would be!

View:

While we waited there was a great view on the inside, and outside.

What was the last art museum that you visited? 

Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. I got no compensation, for writing this post. All opinions are my own.