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APRIL 2025
PRANK SCHOOL IS IN SESSION MY KIDS’ HILARIOUS APPROACH TO APRIL FOOLS’ DAY
April Fools’ Day is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you, usually in the form of toothpaste-filled Oreos or plastic wrap over the toilet seat. And if you have kids, well, prepare yourself. In my house, April Fools’ Day isn’t just a one-day event; it’s a year-round training camp known to my kids as “Prank School.” Now, I don’t know exactly when or how it started, but my son, Finn, has taken it upon himself to train his younger sister, Harlow, in the fine art of pranking. And let me tell you, the results are equally hilarious and catastrophic. Their pranks are never subtle. There’s no gentle trickery here — just full-blown chaos. Once, they tried to prank me by stealing a watermelon. Yes, you read that right. They distracted me (or attempted to), with Finn wildly dancing around the kitchen while Harlow took off with the watermelon. Where did they take it? To their bathroom. Why? Because, apparently, nothing says “comedic genius” like filling the bathtub with water and watching a watermelon float. I found it hilarious.
Their reaction was absolute joy. They called me upstairs, barely able to breathe from laughing so hard, pointing at their grand creation like they had just discovered fire. “Look, Dad! It’s our pet watermelon!” I wish I could say that was their most elaborate prank, but Prank School has a tight curriculum. More often than not, their antics involve an enormous mess that, of course, I’m stuck cleaning up. It’s usually about 90% destruction and 10% comedic brilliance, but when I take a step back, I realize something important: These are the moments that make life beautiful. Kids have the incredible ability to remind us to stop taking life so seriously. As adults, we’re often stuck in the cycle of work, stress, responsibilities, and a never-ending to-do list. But kids will steal a watermelon just to see it float. They don’t worry about deadlines, bills, or the practicality of their actions. They just find joy in the craziness of life. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the frustration of yet another kitchen disaster or a mysteriously overflowing bathtub, these are the stories I know I’ll be telling for years. When I’m exhausted, stressed, or in full-on tired dad mode, it’s easy to groan at Prank School’s latest lesson plan. But when I take a step back, I see my two kids laughing, scheming, and creating memories together. To me, that’s what makes it all worth it. That’s why I feel April Fools’ Day goes beyond pranks. It’s about lightening up and embracing joy, laughter, and silliness — things kids do better than anyone. So, whether you find yourself the target of a prank this April Fools’ Day or just get to witness some childhood
mischief in action, take a deep breath and laugh along with it. Because one day, the mess will be gone — but the memories will stay.
–Case Barnett
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Locked In and Laser-Focused Box Away the Bad Habits With the Mindsight Lock Box
What if you could lock your worst habits away in a box? The Mindsight Lock Box is your new productivity security system, allowing you to hide your biggest distractions and cravings out of sight. The simple device is the perfect place to stow your smartphone when it’s time to catch some z’s or to trap your credit cards until payday. Whether you are trying to tackle time management or improve your mindfulness, this device is like a secret vault for the habits and triggers holding you back. Are you ready to unlock a new state of mind and improve your well-being?
unattractive, difficult, and unsatisfying. The lock box helps you develop greater self-control and establish new patterns. The human mind has to refocus every time you switch from one activity to the next, so a timed box like this one can eliminate distractions and give you more clarity to work in time blocks. A Productivity Plan To maximize Mindsight’s lockbox, you need to set clear goals and create a schedule. Identify your most important tasks, goals, and projects and break them into small, actionable steps. Once you know what you want to accomplish, create time blocks for it. Start by setting your lockbox for a 30-minute or hour interval and placing your phone or
Lock It Up, Level Up The lock box is all about transforming habits, including reducing screen time on phones and other devices,
improving money management, reducing cravings, and allowing you to be more present in your life and relationships. You just choose the gadget, snack, credit card, vape, or video game that breaks your focus, put it inside the box, and lock it for a set duration.
other distractions inside. Use this time to focus solely on the task at hand to see your productivity improve. It’s
normal to feel discomfort or fear of missing out when you can’t access your phone, so remind yourself you can scroll again as soon as the timer runs out.
Laws of Behavior Change Mindsight’s device seamlessly aligns with
author James Clear’s four laws of behavior change: To break a bad habit, you must make it invisible,
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING "Case Barnett Law represented me on a lawsuit for wrongful death, medical malpractice, and elder abuse.
At all times, Case and his staff were professional, responsive, and most of all — compassionate. "Case explained the process to me every step of the way. He gave me advice but respected and valued my opinion. He was kind and sympathetic. I'm grateful to Case Barnett Law for their excellent legal representation during a very difficult time. "If you are looking for a lawyer who will fight for you and the right outcome, Case is the one." –Sara W.
This publication is intended to educate the general public about personal injury and elder abuse. It is not intended to be legal advice. Every case is different.
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KETO LEMON GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN Inspired by DietDoctor.com
Ingredients
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and if you need a wake-up call about just how dangerous it is to take your eyes off the road, even just for a second, think about the following facts. Did you know that at just 55 mph, a car travels approximately the length of a football field in five seconds — the time it takes to glance at a text message. Now, think about how many times you’ve looked down to check a notification, switch a song, or even glance at your GPS. That’s all it takes for a split-second mistake to turn into a life-altering accident. How to Break the Habit of Distracted Driving We get it — our phones are practically an extension of ourselves. But behind the wheel, they need to take a back seat (literally). Here are four ways to stay focused and avoid the urge to check your phone. • Use the ‘do not disturb while driving’ feature. Today, most smartphones offer a setting that automatically sends a text message reply when you’re driving. Something as simple as “I’m driving right now, I’ll get back to you soon!” can stop friends and family from expecting an immediate response. • Put your phone in the glove box. When it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind. If you physically remove your phone from reach before you start driving, you won’t be tempted to sneak a quick glance. • Designate a co-pilot. If you’re traveling with someone, let them handle the texts, music, and GPS. No one will judge you for asking for help when it comes to safety. • Plan before you drive. Set your GPS, choose your playlist, and send any last-minute texts before putting the car in drive. That way, there’s no need to reach for your phone at all. No text, notification, or song change is worth risking your life or someone else’s. Distracted driving can have devastating consequences in a matter of seconds. So, next time you’re behind the wheel, make the smart choice: Put the phone down and focus on the road. The Dangers of Distracted Driving A Text Can Wait — Your Life Can’t
• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tbsp heavy cream • 1 lemon, zest and juice • 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
LAUGH LAWS
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 Prank School’s Important Lesson
Page 2 Seal the Deal on Self-Control
What Our Clients Are Saying
Page 3 A Quick Glance at Your Phone Can Change Everything
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Page 4 Planting Memories and Trees This Arbor Day
Leaf a Legacy and Plant a Tree! CREATE LASTING FAMILY MEMORIES THIS ARBOR DAY
Arbor Day, celebrated this year on April 25, is a chance to dig deep and nurture the environment while creating lasting memories with your kids. Rooted in the love of trees, Arbor Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your little ones the importance of caring for our planet while having fun outside. With wildfires destroying millions of acres of trees annually, the need for replanting has never been greater. Planting a tree is a hands-on way to make a difference; kids love getting their hands dirty. Plus, it’s more than just a lesson in environmental stewardship — it’s an activity that promotes exercise, teamwork, and pride in watching something grow. Start the adventure. Choose the perfect tree and location. Let your children take the lead in selecting a spot with the right amount of sunlight and plenty of room for growth. Once you’ve gathered your tools — a spade, mulch, soil,
water bucket, and, of course, your tree — the real fun begins.
After planting, the work doesn’t stop! Teach your children how to water the tree properly — soaking the root ball without overwatering. Build a mulch ring together and explain its purpose in keeping the roots cool and moist. Then, it’s time to watch it grow! Chart the journey ahead. Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term adventure. Encourage your kids to measure the tree’s growth, sketch its leaves, and write about its progress in a journal. Snap photos together to document its transformation, and talk about trees' vital role in providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for all of us. This Arbor Day, take a moment to plant more than a tree — plant a memory. Working together as a family teaches lessons in responsibility, environmental care, and the joy of nurturing life. Plus, the smiles and laughter along the way? Those are the real treasures.
Together, dig a hole just the right size for the root ball. While the adults may handle the more technical steps, like trimming roots that twist or grow in circles, kids can pitch in by scooping dirt and getting up close to nature. As you settle the tree into its new home, explain how the roots will anchor it and how its leaves will turn sunlight into energy.
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