A Gadget Review

I really don’t consider myself a “gadget” person.  But after holidays I started to notice a lot of eReaders and I was wondering what was all the hoopla about eReaders.  I love to read, ask my husband, I can read through a stack of books like it was the Sunday paper.  One of the things I love about reading is holding the book itself, and turning the pages in anticipation of what will happen next.  Then I started looking around the house and realized with the stack of books I have piling up...”that’s going to be a heavy load to carry on the airplane!”  And so I figured what would it hurt to check into these eReaders.

So I jumped on the internet and started to look up the various eReaders that were out there and tried to figure out what was so “cool” about them.  In the process, I found out that my sister received a Pandigital eReader and she said it was pretty good, she was able to download books from Barnes & Noble (B & N), and since it had WiFi she was able get online to check her email and Facebook.  Sounds easy enough...but I couldn’t find it anywhere to check it out hands on.  

Then I stumbled on Amazon’s Kindle and B & N Nook and Nook Color and they all seemed pretty much the same to me so I did what any other person would do and I turned to my Facebook friends!  At first, it was a lot of back and forth Nook - Kindle Nook - Kindle.  But then a friend said that she liked her Nook because she was able to download books for her kids and they had the option to have the book read to them or they can read it themselves.  Hmmm...that sounds interesting especially since I think my daughter has inherited my love for books and before we left for San Antonio she was really getting into audio “read with me” books.  As much as I love reading to my kids, sometimes it nice to allow them to be able to “read” to themselves.  Not all of the kids books are “Read to Me” books but you can find a nice selection of them.

Finally I went out to the stores and started checking them out.  I liked the fact that the Nook Color was well, in color, duh.  I also like the fact that it was lightweight (perfect for traveling) and with the WiFi I, too can access the internet to check my email, Facebook.  It also came preloaded with Pandora (similar to a XM radio for the internet) along with Suduko, Chess, and crossword puzzles.  There was even a place for a USB to hook up to my computer to download any books that I might choose to purchase from other sites other than B & N and I can download photos.  With the Kindle, I was really turned off when the one I looked at was slightly bigger and the keyboard seemed small too if you wanted to do any typing and I didn’t see anything about audio book reading.

If you haven’t figured out by now I went with the B & N Nook Color.  I absolutely love it!!  I’ve had it about a month now and I’m still finding out some of the cool things it can do, such as sorting my books in my library by creating different shelves.  I can also lend & borrow books from friends on B & N, I can also borrow books from local libraries that offer eBooks.  Another thing I found out was that if you go to B & N with your Nook you can read a book for free (on your Nook of course) for an hour a day.  An automatic timer will turn on and shut off once the hour is up and then offer you the option to purchase the book.  I love how I can download samples of books with not obligations to buy especially since I’m not always so sure I will want to continue to read the story.  Nothing like getting stuck with a stack of books that you couldn’t get into the storyline.  What truly sold it to me was the fact that I can download the “Read to Me” books for my kids.  As much as I love to read to them, it’s been nice to take it with me to doctors appointments and click on a book and have them sitting around the tablet (like story hour or circle time) while they are listening and looking at the pictures.  

The ONLY thing I do not like about it is how B & N has set up their eBook purchase system.  You MUST have a credit card/debit card on file even if all you do is use their eBook gift cards in order to download any books.  I really don’t like having to do that.  I would enjoy it so much more if it were like iTunes and the iTunes gift card.  Once the the balance is too low you have to go out an buy another one or wait until someone gives you one...it forces you to budget yourself.  But with B & N if you have a eBook gift card on file then they will bill the gift card first and if your balance is too low then they will automatically withdraw the remainder from your credit card on file.  Seems simple, and easy to avoid getting stuck waiting until you get another gift card, right?  BUT when you check the balance of your gift card you have to make sure that you still have the card and pin number from the card otherwise there is no way to know how much you have left...AND the balance is NOT updated immediately.  I found that out the hard way.  I knew I was getting close to my balance on my gift card when I purchased a book and was looking to buy another one so I checked my balance on the gift card  (thankfully I kept my card normally once I load a card I toss it) and thought “Hey I can still get another book!” Wrong! The next day while checking my bank I saw a B & N charge.  “Dammit!” I know, “what’s the big deal?”  Well, I just find it somewhat of an inconvenience because I did the right thing and checked the cards balance before purchasing another book.  And I don’t understand why I HAVE to keep a credit card on file?  

Here’s another thing that I found to be odd about the B & N set up, you cannot reload your eBook gift cards.  If I have to keep the dang thing in order to check the balance then why can’t I just keep it and keep reloading it?  It would make Greener sense don’t you think?  And that would solve the whole keeping a credit card on file.  (Just saying)

Also, if you receive a plain ole B & N  gift card those can ONLY be used in-store or online.  However, if you receive an eGift card you can use it for in-store, online or eBook purchases. Or you can just get an eBook gift card which is for eBooks only.  Another thing I found out that if you are a B & N member ($25 annual fee to save 20-30% of your purchases) it does NOT apply to eBooks for their Nooks but I hear they are working on changing that.  

WOW I’m starting to sound like I work for B & N. I truly do love my Nook Color and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an eReader, I just don’t like how they are handling their gift card/purchase system.  However, I’m sure I’ll change my tune about having to keep a credit card on file when I’m overseas, but hey I’m a mom of three and I like to budget myself!!

Skydive San Marcos

The greatest experience of a lifetime!! Danny and I went tandem skydiving this past Monday.  I was waiting for the DVD and pictures before I blogged about it.  OH. MY. GOSH!!!  If you ever thought about going skydiving, even for a millisecond, I say GO OUT and DO IT!! It is the most exhilarating thing to do...

After signing a 4 page waiver, "In case you are injured or die, you cannot sue.  In case you are injured or die your family cannot sue, etc. etc. etc.."  Initial here. Sign there. Gladly.  Once the PA called our names we met our instructors in a separate room where we dressed into our jumpsuits, were harnessed in, and were given brief instructions as to how to exit the plane.  Crouch down at the door, Ready, Set, Arch (Arch your back, and try to kick the instructor in the rear...belly to the earth) Lean back and enjoy the ride!

Once we loaded up on the plane, taking off to our exit height of 10,000 ft.  Danny, who is afraid of heights was sitting right next to the door, I'm still amazed that he didn't puke on the ride.  Ha Ha!  As we climbed and my instructor finally strapped me to him (Um...yeah kind of important when I'm not wearing a parachute but he his)  I realized that I was shivering, I'm not sure if I was shivering from nerves or because it was freezing cold...I'll just say it was because I was cold.  I wasn't nervous at all! This is on my Bucket List.  A once in a lifetime opportunity!  Then the cargo door opens and...well here's a video clip of me jumping...ENJOY!!  NOTE: I had a hard time uploading the video and recently discovered that there is no sound...I'm hoping to figure it out sometime this decade.  Sorry folks. 

Here are some Facebook Photos of the jump!

FAQ

What was I thinking? It's something I've always wanted to try.

Would I do it again? Hell Yeah!!

How was it? It was the ride of a lifetime, 45 sec free fall and then soaring in the sky just watching the world and taking it all in.  It really makes you feel...ALIVE!

How was the landing? It was smooth, soft landing...especially since the ground was muddy from the 2 days worth of rain we had a few days before.

Were you nervous? No, I was pretty calm actually.  I think it was because I was preparing myself for the worse, but I knew I was in good hands, these guys jump anywhere from 3-20 jumps a day.  I think everything was so surreal, almost as if I couldn't believe that this dream was coming true.

What's next? Accelerated Free Fall (jumping out on my own) is now in bold type on my Bucket List, next to Bungee Jumping and Zip-Lining...guess we'll have to wait and see where the wind take me!

Happy New Year!

Okay, so I haven't had a chance to post anything new since the day before Christmas...but we've been extremely busy...

On Christmas Day after breakfast and the kids opened up all of their gifts, just to let them know that there are less fortunate people in the world we drove to downtown San Antonio to the Salvation Army which was actually a homeless shelter to donate some items like, blankets, cans of soup, toilet paper, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes.  As we walked in, each of us carrying a bag of supplies, we asked the kids to take a good look around.  They noticed that there were various people trying to get settled in for lunch, as we talked briefly with the director, a little boy around the same age as Michael wanted to play with him and his Toy Story toy.  It really pulled at my heart.  We wanted the kids to understand that there are kids their age who might not be as fortunate as they have been especially after "Santa" has been so good to them.  And after seeing that little boy I think the message really hit home for them.  I hope that we will continue to remember what we saw that day and find ways to give back no matter how small the gesture.

We celebrated the New Year at my Aunt and Uncle's house, popping off some fireworks, later to find out that it was illegal in the city limits (Whoops!!) But thankfully we didn't get caught because we actually set off all of our fireworks before the local police came into the neighborhood to pass out warnings and tickets to residence setting off fireworks...Whew! We dodge a bullet there...that would not have been a great way to start off the New Year.

New Year's Day we celebrated Keanu's 1st Birthday.  He is the son of my 1st cousin Bryan and his beautiful wife Jenny.  I was fortunate enough to take pictures for them that day helping capture the memory.  It was extremely nice to see so many of my relatives and to see my kids finally meet some of their many, many cousins.  Makayla was extremely excited because for once she wasn't the only girl to be running around.  I can't imagine what she must think about always having to play with boys and then suddenly have a ton of girls to play with.  In some strange way it puts a smile on my face because I'm just so happy that all of my kids have the next few months to get to know some of their cousins.  As Army children it's a rare thing to be able to spend time with family longer than a family vacation.

School started here on January 3rd and we all rolled out of bed bright and early, lunches made, backpacks packed with school supplies and armed with registration forms ready for Joseph and Makayla to start their first day of school in their new school...only be to sent home after turning in their registration forms.  The secretary needed a day to assign them to a classroom, completely understandable considering we just showed up without warning.  However, the following day they were able to start school, no problem and after the first day they both came home saying that they LOVED their new school.

Joseph celebrated his 7th birthday by having a classroom party, Danny and I brought cupcakes and juice to the school for JoJo to share with his new friends.  His teacher seems stern but friendly (if that makes any sense...)  After school we took JoJo to Toys-R-Us to pick out toys for himself using a gift card from his Grandma and Grandpa B.  He was very selective, walking up and down each aisle trying to decide what is the best way he can stretch his "money" and still get what he likes.  Smart kid.  He decided to pick up a police car/patty wagon play set, a matchbox tank set and the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

After our trip to the toy store we went out for a family dinner at Olive Garden, where Mikey decided to throw up in the front entrance (YUM!)  Poor kid, he seemed like he was trying to fight off a cold the weekend before and I guess he lost the battle that night.  OH!! I almost forgot to mention that JoJo had his eyes checked for the first time since he was a baby.  He mentioned some time ago when we were in El Paso that he was having a hard time reading the words on the dry erase board but we couldn't find a place that would check his eyes being that he was only 6 years old at the time...long story short, he needs glasses for reading.  He seems pretty excited at the idea.

Yup!  Mikey was sick for sure!  We ended up taking him to the doctor to find out that the had a slight ear infection and was suffering from some crackling/weezing in his lungs and was prescribed an inhaler...if you haven't had the pleasure of giving a toddler medication via an inhaler...let me just tell you it has been a nightmare!  Mikey for his 32 lbs self is a pretty strong kid and he's a scrapper too! So, it takes two of us to even attempt to give him his inhaler; one to hold him down and the other to hopefully hold the inhaler long enough for him to breathe in the medicine.  Believe me when I say NOT FUN!

Whew!  I think I'm finally catching y'all up with what's been going on with us...

Finally, this past Friday, JoJo and Makayla were being released early from school and in their school when it's early release day, the entire school has a picnic during lunch and they invite the parents to join them.  Danny and I decided that we would go, and bring them McD's as a special treat for them.  I went to JoJo's class and sat in the tiny chair with his table mates.  It was great to interact with Joseph and his new friends.  But some of his classmates were a bit jealous saying that it wasn't fair that "He got a cheeseburger AND a chocolate shake!!"  Ummm...sorry, I'll have to think of something else for the next time.  Danny and Mikey joined Makayla in her class where they got to watch a movie while they ate lunch.  Both JoJo and Makayla both seem to be adjusting well to their new surroundings and I'm so thankful for that because it was one of my biggest worries that they would have a hard time adjusting to new teachers, new rules and new friends.

I really need to make sure that I don't take this long to update the blog again because trying to remember everything we've done for the last few weeks has been pretty tough.  Maybe Danny and I shouldn't have been playing so many rounds of SPEED with my cousins, April and Calunie!  Ha Ha!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far!  'Til next time...Take care!

Lights, Tradition and Holiday Cheer

This evening we decided to pile up in the minivan, and drive around a few neighborhoods to check out all of the Holiday decorations.  We came to this house The Jones Family with an amazing light show.  They even had a radio station that you could tune into to watch the lights dance to the music.  The kids were in awe.  We were in awe.  The amount of time and effort that it must have taken this family to put up and coordinate the lights was extremely impressive.  

It was nice to experience this as a family.  It's those little traditions that makes the holidays special.  I posted a mini clip taken from my phone but I hope that you take the time out to visit their website just click on the link posted.  

What are some of your holiday traditions? Baking cookies? Driving around looking at the lights? Comment and let me know.  Hope you're having a great holiday!

It's A Wrap!

We finally finished up all of the Christmas shopping.  Danny and I both realized how much we not only hate wrapping presents but we are both terrible wrappers.  Good thing the kids don't really care about the wrapping job.  Ha Ha!

Today, Joseph spent the morning shopping with his Opa.  From what I hear, he was a very thoughtful shopper by not only wanting to buy a gift for everyone in the family but he was a conscience shopper. (Everything he picked out was on sale).  His Opa was pretty impressed.

Makayla, spent her morning with Danny, doing some last minute shopping and she decided that she wanted to buy flowers for both Mommy and Oma but she also wanted to buy flowers for her Auntie Caroline, Calunie and April.  Later on in the day she said to me, "Mommy, I don't want any presents this year."  I asked her, "Oh really? Why not?"  Her reply was simply, "Because I have enough toys.  Santa should give them to kids who don't have any."

After dinner, the entire family sat down to create our 2nd Annual Gingerbread House.  Of course the kids couldn't wait to taste the frosting and all of the little candies that we used to make our windows, doors, walkways and Christmas lights on the house.  They even put a Christmas fish on the rooftop! Afterwards Makayla and Joseph were singing made up Christmas songs to which both of them started singing that "Christmas was not about presents but about giving"

As a parent, I always wonder if my children are getting the message about being thoughtful of others and how important it is to not only care about others but to take care of each other and today it seems as if the lessons are finally sinking in.  To me, it is the best gift to receive...to know that my guidance is putting my children on the right path.  And that is a gift that needs no wrapping!!

Total Mayhem...

The boxes and movers are have left.  We cleaned until our arms were sore.  We passed our house inspection.  We said our "See you later." to all of our friends.  We drove to San Antonio at day early and surprised Sasha's mom.  What a week!!

Cute story from Joseph's last day at school:

Joseph has been real sweet on a girl named Yarizeth.  They have been in class together since Pre-K.  Since she found out that he was moving away she brought a Christmas gift.  Inside was a bucket of plastic army men, some silly band bracelets, and a Christmas ornament with her photo inside, along with a note saying how much she was going to miss him and then she listed her address, email address, home phone number and her mom's cell number.  Later, we had Joseph drop off a gift for his sweetie at her house and when she called to thank him he turned beat red, ears and all.  Too Cute!!

Since we've arrived to San Antonio we unloaded the cars and managed to get all of the kids settled in and in the process attempted to complete our holiday shopping.  We've made countless trips to Wal-Mart.  It almost seems to be our daily ritual.  We did however manage to make time to watch the Lunar Eclipse.  Although it was foggy it was still a sight to see...especially in the wake of all of the mayhem that's been going on in our lives.

Here are a few photos from our week...ENJOY!!

Makayla and Joseph both were recognized as Terrific Kids.

Danny jumping for joy as he signed out from the BDE HQ.

Apfelkorn with friends at the German Club on Fort Bliss.

Lunar Eclipse as seen in  Cibolo, TX.

Weekend Warriors

Since Friday we have been so busy with fixing, cleaning and sorting things that are left in the house.  Even as we are posting this blog we are trying to figure out what to pack and what to send in the last shipment of household goods.  It can be so stressful trying to decide "will I need this in the next 6 months or can I do without it?" and then you ask yourself "if I can do without it, do I really need this at all?"  Try doing this with three kids who are bored at home and relishing in the fact that without a living room set they have so much more room for their crazy antics!  Sword fight anyone?

Last night was great, we had a few friends stop in to help us clean, no job was too small from washing windows to putting DVD's back into their cases.  A HUGE thank you was paid with pizza and beer! Ha Ha Ha!  Later on we hung out watching a movie and playing a few rounds of Guitar Hero. Ahem! Sasha still remains as the household champ.

Today, was a bit laid back.  We are all a little burned out from looking around in every nook and cranny.  There is still so much that needs to be done, various lists are being made as reminders of what's left to do

• Clean out the fridge
• Clean the bathrooms
• Wash the floors
• Load the car 
• Take out the trash
• Collect all the keys
• Remove all the nails from the walls
• Forward our mail

And the list can go on and on. It's always all the small stuff that gets us in the end. It seems like no matter how much we plan, how well we prepare and organize ourselves with a timeline all those small things just seems to pile themselves on.  

The upcoming week will be the kids last week in school here in El Paso and along with that comes the holiday classroom celebrations, the classroom gift exchange, homework, not to mention we will be doing all of this and dealing with the last round of movers. Soon we will be dealing with the early morning commute from on-post lodging taking the kids to the school and then back to the neighborhood, that should be interesting.  Whew...it's tiring just thinking about it.  But we are sure that as long as we remain calm it will all get done. One thing at a time...just one thing at a time.