Mad Scientist

This baking soda & vinegar idea is always going around Pinterest.  I'm feeling awful with a cold today and needed to occupy Robbie, so I decided to give it a try.  It turned out pretty well, he declared it was "cool, but kinda stinky" and asked if there was a way to make a big explosion.  Note to self: buy diet coke and mentos for next chemical reaction lesson.  By the way, if you are following this blog, you should come over to my new blog:  www.makinglunchspecial.blogspot.com and check it out!

A Picturey Post

So I haven't blogged since Christmas.  School and Life have been very busy and there hasn't been a lot of time for extras like blogging.  Sam is still very busy finishing his police field training and I am still teaching away trying to educate the masses in the wonder of mathematics.

In January, we took Robbie out bowling for the first time.  He had so much fun!  Sam and I bowled pretty good games thanks to the bumpers being up.  The saddest part for Robbie was his disappointment that he had to give his "new shoes" back. Poor kiddo.

We took another trip to the Children's museum recently.  I love how the museum changes its exhibits and yet still keeps the good old faithfuls that Robbie loves.  Barbie is gone, but Legos are here.

 Love those dinos!

 Digging in DOW Scienceworks never gets old!

Easter Sunday Sam's schedule got changed and he had to go into work, so Robbie and I were off to church on our own.  It is very difficult to get him to sit still to get a good picture, but I did my best.

 After his nap on Easter, Robbie said he wanted to "Play Pirates."  We created a pirate ship out of our loveseat and a few kitchen chairs and put some "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" on the TV.  I drug a few costume things out of our collection and drew on some piratey whiskers.  A wrapping paper tube telescope completed the outfit.

 Be careful!  He will lure you in with his irresistible cuteness.

ARRRRRR!  Ahoy Mateys!

So maybe some more things to come.  Only 36 school days left until summer break!  Until then, goodnight!

I spy with my little eyes

I wanted Robbie to be able to give a gift to all his little buddies at daycare, but didn't really want to spend a lot of money.  When I saw the idea for making your own 'I Spy' bottles on the Meet the Dubiens blog, I decided to try this out.  I'm so pleased with the results.  My bottles don't look nearly as professional as hers, but I don't think Robbie's toddler friends will care.  

Step 1:  Collect stuff

Fortunately for me, my mother is a collector and was able to send me lots of little goodies to use.  Make sure your stuff will actually fit through the top of the container you are going to fill.

Step 2:  Fill bottle

I used an empty Fiji water bottle because it was a nice size and shape.  I looked all over for containers that would work.  Voss water bottles would have been great, but difficult to locate in my area.  I filled with the items above, miscellaneous "sprinkles" of sequins and confetti, and dry rice.  Be sure to leave room at the top to allow for shaking.

Step 3: Seal and Finish
We super-glued the cap of the bottle.  For added security I wrapped some electrical tape around the cap as well.  I'm less concerned with Robbie's friends ingesting the bottle contents and more concerned about them spilling the contents... 'cause y'know little kids WILL FIND A WAY to make a huge mess given the opportunity.  I took a picture of the contents of each bottle and then laminated the picture and a message together.  This was tied to each bottle.

This craft was super easy to do.  Now that I've made a few, I will be on the lookout for interesting little items for bottles and also for other containers that might work.  Merry Christmas!