Planet of the Apels

Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

2013-05-24T11:46:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was so busy I didn't even post everything we did.

Mica had a Jiu-Jitsu Tournament. It was just for fun. No board breaking events. This was their first event held in Omaha for kids.

Jujitsu is a mix between Judo and wrestling. They do a lot of ground fighting.

I notice that they test very different from Karate. My oldest nephew is in that. In Jiu-Jitsu they get stripes on their belt before they test for a yellow belt. Sensei said it took him 25 years to get his black belt. My nephew is in middle school and has his black belt already. Everyone in Mica's class hasn't even moved up to a yellow belt at all. We get a few yellow belt kids coming in from the other Y to help out every so often.

I was worried because Daddy took the boys swimming the night before. I was out to celebrate Mother's Day with my own Mom and sisters. I came home thinking that the boys would be in bed. NOPE! The house was empty. They didn't get to bed until 9-9:30. That's late for the Apel boys.

Can you tell he was tired?

He was signed up for a few events, but had to wait and wait for his event to come up. It took too long. The whole tournament was supposed to last from 9-12, but ended up lasting until 2! Mica was hungry and tired of sitting around. It was their first time for the event. They couldn't exactly call off things that people were signed up and paid for.

Finally he was up:

He won his first match.

Then the next event came along and Mica wasn't on the list. He was written in with one of the kids that had been in for twice as long as Mica. He was beat right away. Grandpa said it's good to sometimes be stuck with people harder than you, because you learn. No one else got stuck with anyone harder than them. Mica took it well. Daddy on the other hand was a little upset for Mica. *He didn't tell him this.

In between all this Isaak drove me nuts. Remember it lasted way longer than it was supposed to. Isaak was wound up. Him and I finally left to go prepare food wise for our Mustashe Bash, and to eat lunch.

Mica got a medal because everyone in this generation does. I don't say that to be mean. It's just true.

Later on this week at practice Daddy had a talk with one of the other Dads. We've questioned weather Mica should keep doing Jiu-Jitsu, or not. Sometimes he's really serious about it, sometimes not as much. He enjoys it. I like the philosophy of any martial art. The boys seem more serious about swimming though.

Mica doesn't seem to have that fight anger instinct like other kids have. When he's pinned, he doesn't try and get out of it. He just assumes they won. Isaak seems more like the kid you don't want to mess with in our family. The other Dad agreed about his son. Then Sensei stepped in and said, "I've been doing this for a lot of years. It seems like it just clicks with kids after awhile."

That's understandable. With Mica drawing, writing, and cutting didn't click right away. Then when he got it he was just as good as the other kids, if not better than many.

I think as long as he's enjoying it, we'll keep him in it.

We're thinking of starting Isaak up in the fall. We want him to mature a little before he starts. He's capable, but might just want to fight everyone on the planet.

Space Warriors Blu-ray Combo Pack Giveaway!

2013-05-24T10:08:00.002-05:00

Watch Space Warriors on the Hallmark Channel

When: May 31

At: 8/7 Central

For your chance to win a trip for the whole family to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Space Camp! Keep an eye out for the secret keyword for a chance to go on location where Space Warriors was filmed and trained like a real astronaut.

About Space Warriors:

Six highly skilled teenagers are handpicked to be part of a summer space camp competition at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. As the competition heats up, the kids have no idea that their ultimate challenge will be to solve a life or death crisis aboard the International Space Station as the world anxiously watches.

Starring: Thomas Horn, Danny Glover, Josh Lucas, Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino and Booboo Stewart.

Space Warriors is the second film in the Walden Family Theater original lineup featuring great family entertainment, airing Friday nights exclusively on Hallmark Channel. Walden Family Theater is creating films for the whole family to enjoy together, so make sure to mark your calendars and gather around the TV to watch all the great upcoming films.

Past Films Include: The Chronicles of Narnia series, Holes, Nim's Island, Charlotte's Web and Return to Nim's Island.

Official Space Warriors Website: spacewarriorsmovie.com
Official Space Warriors Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=NutxR0D4FxY

It's Giveaway Time!

One of you, my readers can win a blu-ray combo pack of Space Warriors (includes blu-ray, DVD and VUDU digital copy - This is a Walmart exclusive).

US only. Giveaway ends June 6, 13. No P.O. Boxes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I did receive a free product to help with this giveaway.

I Was Elise All Day Today

2013-05-23T17:01:00.002-05:00

My boss paid for me to go to a Facebook convention today. At first when he asked me I was thinking, but didn't say, I don't really need a convention for that. I wasn't thinking I knew it all; I just thought that if he really wanted me to know more, I could do tutorials online.

Anyway I learned a lot, so it was worth it. If anyone wants me to post demos online let me know. I now have to teach what I learned to fellow staff members and students. I won't do much to my page until I put everything I've learned into a PowerPoint and then can move along. Then I'll learn hands on what I was told and wrote down.

The lady that held the seminar was super nice, but a fast talker. She knew everyone's names like a snap of a finger. BUT she called me Alissa, "Elise" all day long. I corrected her twice, and gave up after that.

Two generations above me got my name wrong all the time. I was Melissa, Aleesa, Alicia and even an Allison. Since I've aged, Alissa became a lot more popular. I think it started with Alyssa Milano, which is pronounced the same way as my name. More people say my name right.

My last name was just as bad! It was Spiehs, pronounced Speeces. Those Germans. LOL Apel is better. It's pronounced Ape-pull. I tell our kids that they have ape in them. I sometimes get Apple, Apell, or Apeel.

Such is life. I've learned to deal with my name being said the wrong way. I correct people the first few times. Then I drop it. Especially if I know I'll never see them again. I just thought it was funny that a lady so good with names, could butcher mine. I don't much blame people. I do have hard names.

Does your name get said wrong a lot?

WW: Faces {Linky}

2013-05-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

I'm probably flooding everyone with photos this week. I couldn't help it. A lot happened this last weekend.

Preschool Graduation

I have no clue what this face was about, but it cracked me up big time. I don't know if he just didn't want to graduate, thought the hat was silly, thought it was strange to stand in front of a bunch of strangers, or a combination of all the above. I was hardly able to take the photos I was laughing so hard!

We had Isaak and Cousin Evan's Moustache Bash this weekend.

Aunt Terra {my sister} made the cupcakes and I made the toppers.

I'm pretty sure my stache was on upside down. No one told me, oh well.

Daddy's stache is real. He hasn't shaved it off yet. Mica kept saying, "That's so over rated!" Whatever that meant.

Brothers - it took me 5 shots to get this 1 shot. Mica's stache is upside down to.

Mica danced the goofiest dance when anyone got a card with music.

Isaak on his birthday. He's wearing his new Kuncklehead coveralls. He was probably thinking, "Don't take my picture! I want to play with my new toys!"

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Broken

2013-05-21T10:04:00.003-05:00

The latest tornado attack makes my heart melt. I just feel for everyone involved. This morning I saw this picture:

A blogger friend of mine said these things reminded her of Cinderella when she was a child. Cinderella is all broken; along with many people's lives! :(

Here in Omaha we have a double murder investigation going on. Two people were killed in their home recently. In 2008 someone went into a house and killed a little boy and a housekeeper. The connection between the cases is that both the gentleman killed recently and the Dad of the 2008 case worked together. They have a homicide police unit on the cases. It was in separate parts of town. I've had the 2008 case on my mind since 2008. I just could never get the little boy's face out of my mind.

I still think about the Batman shooting, the Sandy Hook shooting, and the Boston bombs. It's just tucked away in my brain and images come up often.

In 2007 we had a local mass shooting that happen here in a local mall at Von Maur. One gun man killed 8, wounded 2 and killed himself. I was pregnant with Isaak then. My hormones went nuts. I cried for two straight days.

I don't even let my kids watch the news, or any evening TV. It's all too much, or inappropriate for children. I'm not all about hiding things from my kids. I just feel like if we as adults can't understand what crap is going on in the world, how in the heck can we expect kids to get it?

Another minor thing broken - my car. This morning I went to back out of my driveway, I looked, but the truck I hit must of been in my blind spot. BAM!

It's oh so minor compared to the rest of the stuff happening in the world. The trunk is scraped, the side panel is popped and the light is broken. No one was hurt. I still feel like a criminal.

Last Word Game Review

2013-05-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful chance to win and review a board game called Last Word by Buffalo Games. I won the game off the site New Age Mama.

We really do love board games. Mica and Isaak are starting to be able to play a few games. It can still be challenging with a 5 year old and 7 year old. Often times we play games when they are asleep. This game is for ages 14 and up. We tend to simplify instructions when they play, let them roll the dice, flip cards over for us or control the buzzer.

Daddy and I loved playing. There are two stacks of cards. One is a subject and the other is a random letter. *Shown in the photos below. You have to think about subjects that start with the letter picked.

Examples:

All About Parades: Acrobats, Animals, and Art were words we shouted out.
Round Things: Daddy mistakenly shouted out Circle, I shouted out Sphere and Segway wheels.

We had a lot of fun. It was a good break during a long day.

About Last Word:

This party game has sold over 1,000,000 copies
For ages 14 and up
Each round, blurt out answers while racing a timer and the other players
For example, Subject: “Animals”, Letter: “B”. Players yell out… Beaver! Bat! Bison! Bird! The player with the Last Word before the timer sounds advances toward Finish. Beware – the timer is cleverly programmed to go off at random intervals
Include: Game Boards, 230 Subject and 56 Letter cards, 8 Pawns, an Electronic Random Timer (two AAA batteries not included) and Rules

Check out more of Buffalo Games on their site.
Like Buffalo Games on Facebook.
View their online catalog here.
Connect with them on Twitter.
Connect on YouTube.

Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. I did receive a free product to help with this review.

Naughty, Naughty

2013-05-20T11:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to my cousin's house for their one year old's birthday party. I have a very small family in comparison to other families, so we get together for all the main holidays. This was the first birthday party I was invited to. It was nice to see their newish house.

My kids had a great morning. It was Isaak's birthday, so he was high on presents. The boys went to bed rather late 9:30 the night before. Usually they go to sleep by 8. Knowing my kids, Mica gets an attitude when he's tired, and Isaak get extremely whiny when he is tired. It's not a fun combination.

For some reason as soon as we got to my cousin's house I was faced with attitude by Mica. He wanted to build with their kid's Legos. I was ok with that. I wasn't ok with the fact that he wanted to fly his creations from room to room! I also didn't want him playing with the Legos on the floor. There were a few one year old's and one 2 year old walking around. I could just see them picking up a Lego tire and choking on it.

They decided to go outside to play. I was watching them from the window.

One thing about Isaak, which I'm worried about with him starting school is that when he's messed with he does not take it! It's when the older boys are around I see him act feisty the most. I don't even know if I blame him; after seeing how they treat him. :( BUT he plays wonderful with his cousin Elijah, who is the same age as him, and no threat. I saw from the window Isaak's arm raising up like he was ready for battle. Luckily there was no kid in front of him! I ran down to just talk with him. I said, "Isaak just remember to not play rough."

Isaak climbed up into the playhouse. Another kid was being rough. Isaak said, "My Mom said to not play rough. We need to play nice." The other kid said, "She's not my Mom, so I don't need to listen to her." I think my mouth dropped, and I had to pick it up off the ground. I said, "We all need to play nice!"

Isaak went down the slide and up the ladder. There was his 8 year old cousin banging on his hands as he tried to climb up. He was trying to knock Isaak off. I freely snapped at him. He knows better! Isaak's gotten picked on by him for awhile. This is a big reason why Isaak plays so rough back. Then I said, "Come on boys we are going."

I turned my head and there were a group of kids climbing the fence to go to their backyard neighbor's house. It's great that, that is ok with them. But it's not for my kids. We drill in their heads that fences are not for climbing.

Into the house we went.

Mica wanted to play with more Legos; I wanted to leave ASAP. It's not that I didn't like their party, didn't like the people there, I did. I was just annoyed with all the kid's behavior; even my own kids. It was just one of those days!

Off we went.

Mica yelled, "Mom unlock the car door! I can't get in!" As soon as I got in the car we had a talk.

Isaak lost it because he was so tired! One simple thing set him off.

I was so happy to get home; declared quiet time. Usually when it's quiet time Mica reads and Isaak falls asleep. Isaak fell asleep with his door wide open for 2 and 1/2 hours.

Both boys were excellent for dinner! It was like they were new kids. Sleep is my kid's best medicine.

Do you discipline kids that are not your own?

Happy Birthday Isaak!

2013-05-19T10:42:00.000-05:00

Dear Isaak,

You turned 5 today! I'd say I can't hardly believe it, but at the same time I can. Time as I know it slips by faster and faster every year. It seems to move even faster with the second kid, which is you.

You wanted muffins for breakfast. I made June Berry Muffins. I made sure we used your 5 year old candle this morning. You had your first friend birthday party this year; I got the 5 year old candle out and could not find a lighter or matches anywhere. We had you pretend to blow the candle out on that day. This morning we found a lighter, and you blew your candle out.

You woke up this morning and said, "Is it my REAL birthday yet?" For 2 months you've been telling people that you are going to be 5 soon. Then you expected all your friends and family to come on over. We had your friend party last weekend and your family birthday party last evening.

It's been so hard to tell people what to get you! You don't seem to play with toys a lot. Instead you create stuff with what other people would consider junk. Your latest creation is a "Hiya Catcher". It's an empty toilet paper roll with tape that comes out of it. You swing it around, kick like people in Karate do and say, "Hiya". It's a "Hiya Catcher" all right. Super silly, yet ultra creative.

You did get some wonderful gifts this year. There's too many to list. I'll show you a few of your gifts:

Dragon wings, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle weapons and Knucklehead Coveralls

I told Mica that you were getting My Little Ponies, and Strawberry Shortcake Dolls. He stopped asking me what was in your packages. He said this morning, "Isaak I hate to say it, but you are not going to like what's in your packages." As much as I loved Strawberry Shortcake Dolls and My Little Ponies, you did not get those things. Mica didn't know what to think.

You are going to go into Kindergarten next school year. You are ready. You've been practicing your writing skills; by writing me notes often. You write and then underline everything you write. Your preschool teachers were stressing that you learn to write on lined paper. Who needs lined paper, when you can make your own lines?

You cousin Elijah is your best friend. You'll miss him at school next year.

You are a giver. You like seeing other people happy over your own happiness. If anyone messes with you, they will be sorry. You are feisty! I refer to you as being spicy and sweet.

In some ways I'm sad seeing you grow up. In other ways I'm excited to see you learn new things.

Happy Birthday my youngest son.

I love you Zeek!

Mommy

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

2013-05-18T09:13:00.000-05:00

I started doing what I call Sing, Sing a Song Saturday. I'm going to post one song on Saturdays that the boys or I like.

The song may be part of a movie, a kid's video or just a song we like. I'll try and include why we like it and/or the history of the song/singer.

This week I'm covering a group named Radical Face. They have another group called Electric President that has a slightly different style. Ben Cooper is the common links between the bands. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida; not too far from where I went to grad school in Savannah, Georgia. The name Radical Face was chosen after seeing it on a flyer. Later he found out the flyer was for Radical Face-Lift. He took the word "Lift" off and had the band name.

The first song is about two brothers. One always cleans up and covers up for the other one. The video was made for just under $50.

Always Gold

Welcome Home

Then this song was created by their other band called Electric President. Why do people have two bands or artist names? Because they have different styles. This song was made to help raise money for the 2011 earthquakes in Japan.

The City and the Machines

Check out the Radical Face Store.
Follow Radical Face on Facebook.
Follow Radical Face on Twitter.
Follow Electric President on Facebook.

Preschool Graduation 2

2013-05-17T16:02:00.000-05:00

If you missed Isaak's first preschool graduation, you can read about it here. He had two because he went to two preschools. The best picture I'm saving for my next WW. You'll need to come back to see that one.

When we got to the church Isaak said, "Why are we here?" I told him that we were there for his graduation.

He wasn't too happy about it. I'm not sure if he was sad he wasn't going to see his teachers any more, upset that he wouldn't go to school with his cousin Elijah any longer, or confused because we were at a different church than his preschool is held at {they have sister churches}.

It lasted most of the evening. There are multiple preschools put into one ceremony. I think Isaak was happy once he knew he didn't have to stand in front of a crowd.

Preschool Graduation One

2013-05-16T15:49:00.001-05:00

Since Isaak's in two preschools, we have had to go to double the field trips. Today we have 2 graduations. Luckily not at the same time! One was this morning. The other one is this evening.

I'm glad he went to two preschools for the fact that they were both so different.

One focused on:

Academics
Was small, so they got worked with more and developed friendships
Structure
Really into their programs, we're talking costumes and graduation robes

The other focused on:

Having fun with playing
Exercise
They were larger, so it's more grade school sized, but Isaak didn't form close friendships
Has relaxed events

I think Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa are ready for all the field trips to be done. Daddy and I are glad that all the paperwork is going to lessen. Isaak just loves to keep everything.

Here's how Isaak's graduation went for the less formal preschool.

Isaak trying to hide his face from me taking a picture.

They all got to throw water balloons against the outside wall. Isaak's popped midair twice.

Here Isaak is trying out the hula hoop.

Here Isaak is with his teachers.

Tonight we'll have the hats and gowns; yep the whole 9 yards.

If you'd like to throw out your comments about what you think of preschool graduations I'd love to hear it!

I'm not really a fan. Sure they look cute in their hats and robes, but I think it's overboard. Graduation is supposed to be a time in which you've worked hard to get to that level. An end of the year party is just fine in my book. I don't side with elementary graduations, or middle school graduations either. To me it should be reserved for high school, college, masters and doctorate degrees.

I side with the preschool I attended earlier today on this matter. The one I'm about to attend I'm thinking is going to take ALL EVENING LONG. The kids will get restless. Sure They will look cute.

Just something to think about, not all the kids graduate. Some go two years, Mica went three years. The ones that don't graduate, don't get why they don't get to wear a hat and robe. They are 3, 4 and 5. It's not fair in their minds. They don't want to be left out. In my mind I think: What happened to cookies and drinks as a special treat for leaving preschool? Why do we make such a big deal of things now a days?

A Little Too Close

2013-05-15T15:47:00.000-05:00

Daddy thought it was funny to take pictures of all of us super close. Mica was cracking up over every shot. Really the most funny one taken is Daddy's own picture.

Daddy

Mommy AKA Me

Mica

Isaak

WW: A Box Apartment {Linky}

2013-05-14T15:02:00.000-05:00

I made it clear that I wanted a big box construction for Isaak's first friend party. Kids love boxes! At Mica's first friend party Daddy made a Box Rocket.

What I didn't realize is how hard big boxes are to get now a days. For a week Daddy and I called Nebraska Furniture Mart AKA the biggest furniture store in town. The guy in charge of the boxes wouldn't answer, or call back. It's odd to me that one guy is in charge of boxes! They shred them right away everywhere.

Finally I asked Target. The lady at the counter said, "Just call at 6 AM and tell them to save one for you." I did. They saved more then one. My boss gave me another. We were set!

Daddy made a box apartment for Isaak's birthday party. It was a huge hit at the party. On Mothers Day I had to have all 3 of us get in it.

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Happy Mother's Day Today and Every Day!

2013-05-12T23:23:00.000-05:00

Isaak must have had a long day at his birthday party. He was grouchy this morning. Mica showered me with an art piece he made and a poem. Isaak cried because he had nothing to give me. I reminded him that he gave me a lot two days ago. He insisted on giving my gifts right away; after he made them. I told him that he is all I need. He cried all the more.

I asked the boys to go get ready to go out to breakfast. I won a GC to I Hop from A Nut in a Nutshell. Isaak said, "Mom I don't want to go out to eat! I want you to make breakfast. I thought Mothers Day was all about you doing what I ask for you to do." Like I said he was grumpy.

Mica came out looking like this:

Fancy pinned striped hat, plaid shirt, too short of a tie for my long torso boy, gym shorts and socks with sandals.

I always think of Mica as a good dresser. That's probably because I get their clothes out the night; to help with our busy morning.

Mica changed. Isaak finally got ready, so we were off to I Hop.

We've been to I Hop before and it was just ok. This time we had a waitress that was in training. That could have been bad. NOPE she was great! She had that new employee, I want to do my best glow! Get this...Isaak ordered an omelet. He's never had one. He gobbled it up, plus had some of my food!

The best part of my day though was in the evening. I said, "Mica why don't you go to bed early. Don't go to sleep; just read for awhile." Mica said, "You are the BEST Mom ever!" He loves to read.

Isaak's First Friend Birthday Party

2013-05-12T22:52:00.003-05:00

Isaak had his first friend birthday party this last Saturday. There were 5 boys and 2 girls all together. Two parents stayed. One acted like he was going to, but didn't.

I had games planned, but I read on the internet that between the ages of 5-7 they just want to play. I decided to play it by ear. The games I thought about were easy, common and I had the stuff. Like drop the clothes pin in a jar, walk across the room with a spoon and a bean to see who drops it first.

No games were played. They played, played and played some more.

I was huge about getting a big box construction built for his party. Daddy made a rocket out of boxes for Mica's first party, and it was such a hit! It was hard getting them, but we did. Daddy made a box apartment for Isaak's party. It to was a hit!

Daddy making the box apartment. Isaak and Cousin Elijah in the box apartment.

Mica was a downer that day. He was sad because all the kids have birthdays before him. He went to a birthday party for his cousin Evan, while Isaak's was going on. I kept trying to tell him that his birthday is first, not last. He didn't buy into that. Three people in our family have had birthdays in the last few months. Mica's birthday is when school starts.

I was so glad that Mica went away for Evan's party. It's not that I don't like my son, it's just that he's into wanting a lot of attention. Plus he wasn't too great about helping with the prep work before Isaak's party. I couldn't really blame him. But I was upset that he kept saying his room was clean, but it wasn't.

Mica had fun at Evan's party. He only knew Evan, so I was worried about that. Evan had people donate canned goods instead of bring presents. One of the kids said, "I'm hungry! When are we going to eat all the canned goods we brought?" LOL

Back to Isaak's party. I didn't take a lot of pictures due to parents not wanting their kids pictures splashed on the internet. Plus I was busy!

Here's what they did:

They played in the box apartment a lot.
They played outside a lot. It was a nice day!
Isaak had to have a piñata, so we did have that.
We had brownies and ice cream. Isaak's not big into liking cake right now.
I printed off free coloring sheets with the kid's names on them at Frecklebox.
We opened presents.

Here's one photo I got:

We attempted to spin the boys and have them bat at the piñata, but it wouldn't break. They beat the thing silly on the ground.

I did have giveaway bags. I never know if I should do this. I think in my mind, Here's a present for the present you gave me. I entertained you for a few hours. Then I have to write you a thank you note for your gift. Even though I gave you a thank you bag. That's all so odd for me. It is what it is.

I found the cutest things though. Each were $1. Wooly Willy was at Michaels Craft Store and the Greenhouses were in Target's cheep section. Then the kids got a handful of piñata candy:

Mica got home and wanted to claim ownership of Isaak's presents. Usually I don't let that happen, but Isaak wanted him to play with him. It worked out.

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

2013-05-11T04:56:00.000-05:00

Joss Stone has been big into music since she was young. She began a singing career at thirteen, securing a record deal at 15, and recording her star-making debut album, The Soul Sessions, which was released in 2003.

Joss has decided to revisit where it all began - with The Soul Sessions Volume 2 is a stunning exercise in vocal poise, passion and power. Things took off for Joss in an enormous way.

In the UK she had a top 10 single, “You Had Me”, which earned her 2 Brit Awards that same year. Her third album, 2007’s Introducing Joss Stone, was a more independent, which Joss further showcased her songwriting abilities, and revealed the singer had truly been loved by the American audience when it crashed into the US charts at No. 2, marking the biggest debut ever for a female British solo artist on the Billboard charts.

In her short young life and already long career, Joss has performed onstage with the likes of James Brown, Gladys Knight, Solomon Burke, Blondie, Smokey Robinson and Melissa Etheridge among many others. She’s contributed to albums by Jeff Beck and Ringo Starr, played the Super Bowl pre-game show, performed on the Grammy’s, and won a Grammy herself!

With that kind of background I'm surprised I haven't heard of her. Maybe you have!

Right to Be Wrong

Free Me

Go to Joss Stone's website.
Follow Joss Stone on Facebook.
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Follow Joss Stone on YouTube.

Have You Ever Worried About Your Kids Getting Abducted?

2013-05-10T17:00:00.000-05:00

I have. Especially with Mica. He used to run ahead a lot. He's not as bad anymore. It still can happen.

There's new way of designing things all the time. This is a bus stop where kids see something different from adults. Making it easier for a kid to know what to do in a situation of being abducted.

Check it out!

This is Water

2013-05-09T09:45:00.001-05:00

In the mad rush of today's world we often take things, and people for granted. I'm just as guilty as the next person.

No matter how high and mighty I'd love to appear, I'm not perfect. I'm far from it.

I step in line at a store, see that the cashier is taking what I feel as FOREVER, when really it's just longer than usual. I have no clue what they've been through that day, no clue what the person before me went through. They may have had a less quality of day than I have, or not. There's no way to know.

I think we (anyone out there including me) have to learn not to take things for granted. This video is a great explanation of all this. It's a wonderful speech that was given to a graduation class. The speech was so good that they turned it into a short film. When you watch it, the title of this post will make sense.

One of a Kind Shop - CafePress

2013-05-09T05:14:00.000-05:00

I love shops where you can make your own things! CafePress is that kind of shop. They have things that you can design on your own, as well as things that are already designed by them,

CafePress has a new partnership with Marvel. This is perfect for the newly released movie, Iron Man 3. My son are very into superheros. I swear they think they are one of them.

Iron Man 3 merchandise is so sweet! They have shirts for everyone, mouse pads, coffee mugs, iphone cases and more.

CafePress has so many cool shirts to look at, it's mind blowing. There are shirts for women, men kids, toddlers and babies.

Camping season is coming up. In parts of the US June may still be very cold. I was looking at CafePress sweatshirts.

I always have ideas for custom shirts. My ideas this time are to make Isaak a shirt that says, "High 5" and Mica a shirt that says, "Crazy 8". Soon they will be those ages! It's sweet to know that I can make custom shirts on CafePress. I mocked some up; as you can see they have a preview, which I find helpful! They have many fonts to choose from, you can add your own graphics and they have many color options.

Coffee mugs are certainly something that a lot of people get for fun. I'm actually giving two of my nephews each a coffee mug for Christmas (yes I plan this far ahead) that they can use for hot chocolate.

Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. I did receive a GC to help with this review.

WW: A Hug and Lashes {Linky}

2013-05-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

My Brother-in-law sent this photo over. They never care if I put photos of their kids up, so I will. ;) Here is my nephew Elijah hugging my son Isaak. They are the best of cousins. They call each other, "Best Friends". I know they will deeply miss each other when they go on to different kindergartens next year. :( For two years they've gone twice a week to the same preschool.

We won some Skinny Pop Popcorn from Life in the Lost World. When I say some, a whole case was sent to our house! Isaak shared some popcorn with his buddy Elijah.

We went out and about and saw this very random car. Here I was jealous of my son's lashes. ;) We all had a good laugh at the car with lashes. We agreed that the lashes would fit a Volkswagen Bug better. If you love them, you can buy car lashes here. Have you ever seen a car with lashes before?

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Thank you so much for linking up! Please enter my low entry giveaway: Best of Warner Bros 100 Film Mother's Day Giveaway - close to a $600 value!

Truth Be Told

2013-05-06T10:06:00.000-05:00

There are a ~~few~~ more than a few things I just do not get. I'm sure they are easier than my mind thinks they are.

1. Twitter Parties- I get invited to them all the time. I look at them and think, What do I do? Many of them are RSVP, and to be honest I'll know I will forget. Then I have a hard time knowing what time they start. One that starts in the south is at what time here in Central Standard Time?

My brain has never been good with figuring that out! It took me forever to figure out how to read a clock with hands when I was a kid! In my mind we had digital clocks at home, at school teachers just told us where to go, why bother learning how to tell time on the hard clock? Don't worry, I did learn the hard clock after I failed the standardize test on telling time. When I took Spanish I was like, Forget it! when they tried to teach me time! When I was in college a teacher tried to meet with us in Military time. I'm like what the heck? I'm not in the military! I'm in art school! I missed one meeting because I showed up an hour late; thinking I was on time. I did not apologize. I simply asked her if she could kindly tell me the normal time? This teacher proceeded to try and teach me the military time. I stopped her and said, "I'm sorry, but I don't want to learn that. If I was in the military I would want to learn that. I'm not. So could you please just tell me a normal time to meet?" She laughed and gave me the next time in normal time.

I just don't even get what I'm supposed to do with Twitter Parties. I need one of those books, Twitter Parties For Dummies. In fact usually I have to look at other people's tweets to type up my own. That's how lame I really am. Hashtag WHAT? *This is not a bash on those that have Twitter parties or those that participate.

2. Many of the newly abbreviated words. I get LOL is laugh out loud. Most of the rest I have to look up. I don't text people. I still have an old school phone that cost like a penny when I went to the store. I have my phone for emergencies. I'm on Facebook that's about the only reason I know any abbreviated terms. Many I have to look up.

3. What is really organic and natural? I try and eat healthy, I really do. But it's really discouraging that organic doesn't always mean organic. Companies put these labels on things. Hidden in the ingredients is unhealthy things. What the heck? I just want to buy healthy things. I don't want to have some sort of special dictionary to look up these special ingredient terms that I don't know about. I have kids, I don't have time to stop and look things up. I know you're probably thinking there's an app for that. If I had an iPhone I'd get that. News flash for FDA and companies, just mean what you say. Then we're all good!

I was thinking that going to the Farmer's Market to buy stuff was good. It's good to support the local farmers, right? Then my Dad tells me, "Alissa you don't know if the farmer's veggies, fruit...are organic or not. They could have pesticides all over their food." He's right!

4. Packaging! Why do they need to put a few pills in a medium sized bottle? I'm thinking about the two pack of Zyrtec I just bought at Costco. I did what I probably shouldn't of done. I opened them both up and dumped them into one. Get this, I still had room to spare. Chips and crackers are packaged with a bunch of air in the bag. The only things that are full in their containers are juice, toilet paper, tissues, q-tips, tampons, veggies (like spinach leaves in their bin), fruit (like grapes in their bin) and that's all I can think of. I would pay just as much for a smaller container if I knew it was full.

Rant over.

Yesterday I Was Totally Off!

2013-05-06T09:02:00.002-05:00

I had some stomach issues yesterday. I have no clue where they came from: Something I ate, just a flu thing, or allergies. Allergies are horrible right now! Everyone is getting sick from the weather changing back and forth from hot to cold, and cold to hot. On Sunday morning I woke up at 3:30 AM and just could not go back to sleep. Then it was sharp stomach pains from that time on out. Just as quickly as the issues came, I woke up this morning and they were gone.

At least this happened on a day I didn't have to teach. BUT I didn't get a whole lot accomplished on Sunday. Usually on Saturday I run errands. Then on Sunday I work on cleaning. I did get the laundry and dishes done. It wasn't a total loss.

The boys were overall very good yesterday. They played together well and picked up.

This morning I dreamed that I was at an auction for old books. Each time my alarm went off, someone won something. Since my alarm was part of my dream, I woke up later than usual. Has your alarm ever been part of your dream?

Daddy usually helps me with breakfast. He said his throat hurt, so he took the backseat on that job. Mica offered to help with breakfast. This is a rarity.

Mica usually ~~whines~~ complains about wanting to eat breakfast, but doesn't want to help. I usually find myself saying, "Mica if you want breakfast so bad HELP out with it!" He usually replies back, "I don't want it THAT bad." Something was different this morning. He kept saying, "What can I do next Mom?" and "How can I help you now?" To be honest I got so caught up in the fact that I was running late, that I didn't remember if I thanked him, or not. ~~BAD Mom!~~ Busy, distracted Mom that I am, I left the house in a hurry.

I called him and told him how proud I am of him. Then I thanked him. I think he took in what I was saying. I could see the smile in his voice.

It's never too late to thank someone.

Citrusclear Review

2013-05-04T11:31:00.001-05:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to review two products by Citrusclear. They have a holistic approach using citrus ingredients.

Citrusclear Tangerine Tingle

$16.99 marked down to $12.75

First off I want to say that I love their packaging! Being an artist, I sadly do judge a book by it's cover. This product holds true to its packaging.

This product can be used as a face wash or mask. It removes dead skin cells and stimulates the production of new skin cells. It has exfoliating ingredients, which eliminates dirt, oil and other impurities. Glycolic acid is one of the ingredients, which removes dead skin cells and keeps pores from clogging. Lemon oil improves and brightens one's complexion.

It makes me nervous to try out new face products. I'm allergic to some make-up, face cleaners and lotions. One time I tried a face mask and my face broke out like crazy. I had red blotches all over my skin. This product did not make my face break out at all. YAY! I really loved how it felt on my face! It tingled, and made my skin feel so fresh.

Here's the before I used it and during the use photos. I have to say that my husband had a good laugh. He's never seen me wear a mask before. Right now I don't have too many imperfections on my face. A month ago I had one boil after another right on my chin. It both hurt and stood out! YUCK! I have no make-up on in the photos, so no judging. ;) Really I hardly wear any make-up anyway. When I had boils I did though. The mask looks funny, but it feels so good! :)

Citrusclear Control Moisturizer Lemon Uplift

$16.99

The Control Moisturizer is perfect for those with skin imperfections. It is a moisturizer that avoids making your skin oily. Instead it keeps it moisturized after washing your face. This is so important to me because I hate walking around with a glossy forehead! The moisturizer contains ingredients, that also clears acne and prevent future breakouts. The natural acne fighting ingredients minimize pores and oil production. The lemon uplift scent will also perk your spirits into clear skin. The scent is not too strong.

This product did just what it said it would. My face didn't feel oily after using it. I've been having problems with breaking out. Being a teacher I break out during stress times; with midterms and finals. Writing tests, grading like mad and getting weak students to pass sometimes makes me stressed out. Sometimes I don't even know I'm stressed. I've also been getting one big, deep zit before my period. My skin is super fair and imperfections show up big time on me. I'm glad I have a product that helps with acne.

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Disclaimer: The opinions on the post are my personal take on the product. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. I am not compensated to provide my opinion except for receiving the products themselves to test out. I did receive a free product to help with this giveaway.

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

2013-05-04T07:20:00.000-05:00

I started doing what I call Sing, Sing a Song Saturday. I'm going to post one song on Saturdays that the boys or I like.

The song may be part of a movie, a kid's video or just a song we like. I'll try and include why we like it and/or the history of the song/singer.

The musician I'm going to talk about this week is Robert Tiso. Have you ever heard of him? I haven't.

The boys were making noise in the backseat when I was driving yesterday. I turned on the classical station to try and get them to be more subdue. It sort of worked.

Robert Tiso was born in London. He plays music on filled, part filled and empty glasses. He calls his music Cristallofonia. He doesn't write all his own music, but his process is so creative! Robert Tiso has played for many music and art festivals, theatre shows, schools, educational programmes, cultural events, museums, private parties, TV and radio broadcasts and several events related to glass and water, the fundamental elements of his music.

I knew I could make sounds on the top of glasses filled at different level, but I didn't know one could do anything like Robert Tiso!

Even though the boys were annoying me on our drive home, I learned about a new musician for the week.

Ave Maria

Glass harp-Toccata and fugue in D minor-Bach-BWV 565

Für Elise

Follow Robert Tiso on his website
Follow Robert Tiso on his YouTube Channel

The Things They Say

2013-05-02T23:42:00.000-05:00

For some reason this is floating around my Omaha friends on Facebook. It's creepy things kids have said. It must have been on the radio, or news.

My kids have said some creepy things. Mica used to stand over me saying nothing, just staring at me when he woke up before me. He wasn't saying anything, but it was pretty darn creepy!

This last weekend we went grocery store shopping. We passed through the meat section and Mica stopped in his tracks and said, "Mom is that a human body?" It was big hunk of meat.

I'm so not right and said, "Maybe." His eyes turned wide. Then I said, "No it's just a part of a cow."

We got up to the check out and the guy in front of us had tons of meat. He was either stocking up, or having a BBQ party. Mica got a little too close to the gentleman in question. I said, "Mica back up a little bit." Mica said, "Well I just want to know what kind of meat that is?" I said, "He thinks that is a human body!" Out loud. The man laughed and said, "If that was a human body, this place wouldn't be open."

Tonight in the car Isaak says out of the blue, "Mom I'm going to climb the house like Spider-Man. It's ok if I fall and die."

I'm like, "?????" Kind of crazy coming from a kid who doesn't like the idea of people passing away. Just an FYI we rarely talk about death and we don't watch the news until they are in bed.