Ty Nye The Science Guy

A few weeks back while watching Max and Ruby, Ruby and her friend built a volcano for a scout project. Well, Tyler and I decided you neither had to be a cartoon bunny or a scout to create one of our own at home. The project started last night, continued with painting this morning, and this afternoon we made it erupt! The project was very fun, and while the actual eruption was not as dramatic as I had envisioned- it is a project I would absolutely recommend to anyone with kids over the age of 3.

Tyler and I first taped down a empty plastic bottle to a cardboard box. We then mixed 6 cups of flour, 2 cups of salt, and 4 Tbsp. of cooking oil to make play dough.

We then molded the play dough around the bottle in the shape of a volcano. We did let it dry overnight, but found it was still moist in the morning but still paintable.

After mixing paint to create just the right grey (or silver as Tyler says), we painted- added lava and rocks collected at the playground the night before.

The eruption!!!! Add 4 Tbsp. of water, 1/4 cup vinegar, orange food coloring, a few drops of detergent into the bottle. Put 1 Tbsp. of baking soda into a small square of tissue and drop it in. YOUR OWN EXPLODING VOLCANO!!!!

Almost 12 Weeks!

So I will be officially 12 weeks on Monday, but I wanted to at least post a picture to show that I am starting to pooch out. I posted every week with Carson- so let me just set the record straight...I will not be posting that many pregnancy pictures of myself this time around. Look for one every other month. I almost did not post this one, but did want there to be some documentation of the pregnancy. I am still wearing my regular clothes, but foresee maternity wear in my near future. It is funny, with your first- you want to wear maternity as soon as the test shows positive. By the third, you want to stay in your own clothes as long as humanly possible because you know just how long you will be in them once you transition. I am feeling good- sickness has almost but all gone away. Still queasy some of the day at times, but just mainly tired. I have my first appointment with a specialist next week that will monitor this pregnancy closely to make we can look at ways to prevent preterm labor. I should also find out what I am having in about a month (the ultrasounds with the specialist are so much more detailed!). Hope all of my pregnant friends out there are doing well too!

Out Foxed

Please forgive my lapse in blogging- it has been a hectic month, and I have been sleeping a lot. Hopefully, this awesome nature vs. nature story will get me back into good graces with my readers. This morning, at 4:42 am to be exact- Tommy and I are awoken by this horrific noise outside our window. Try to picture the noise of a natural birth at a fevered pitch combined with a really loud asthma attack.

Tommy peaked out the window of the living room (not wanting to jump outside to investigate with a noise like that penetrating through the walls) and yelled at me to look outside. A fox. A HUGE fox the size of a German Shepard was stalking our cat. When Tommy got to the window he said it was within 5 feet of Morris and the noise was actually Morris trying to scare it away. The cat would have been a goner for sure if it wasn't for Tommy's heroic peaking our the door window and scaring it off.

Here is the funny part, the part where 4:42 am thinking kicks in. Tommy came back to bed and was recounting how big the fox was and how close it was to attacking the cat. He then said that that fox must have been really determined, because even as he was walking away from the door- he noticed it was just on the wood line of the yard waiting. I said, "Did you let Morris in?" Tommy was like, "No. I'm too tired." So I get up and let the poor cat in- it is visibly shaken and relieved to be on the other side of the door. It looks up pitifully and jumps in the chair- does not even groom itself and curls into a ball and goes to sleep.

It is a little ironic to think that the cat was saved and then could have been eaten only 10 minutes later due to groggy thinking. Now see- doesn't this post make everything right in the world?

Welcome Spring!

Imitation Is Not Always The Best Form Of Flattery.

Tyler just went to Tommy while I was in the office and said, "Hey- help me get this on- I want to show you and momma something...". Next thing I see is Tyler rounding the corner with one of my bras on-and not one of my more fashionable ones either. "Look Mama! I am wearing your breasts!!!". You cannot imagine the peels of laughter echoing from Tommy down the hall. Thanks guys.

Is This Enough of A Sign?

Where A Kid Can Be A Kid...

Tyler has been watching commercials advertising a good time at ChuckECheese for weeks now and just pleading to go. Since today was cold and rainy and I was feeling extra brave- we decided to go and invite his cousins and G-Ma to join us. Three adults and four kids. It was a wild time. We took a bottle of hand sanitizer the size of Carson and wiped and prayed the entire time we were there. The kids had about the best time ever and everyone left exhausted. Mission accomplished.

Carson's First Birthday Party!

My family got together this weekend to celebrate Carson turning one with a little ice cream cake, presents, and good company. The older kids played outside in incredible weather and sprayed each other with silly string. It was a great day and Carson will love looking back at the pictures one day.

G-Ma made Carson his first quilt. I am sure we will spend many nights reciting the Mother Goose rhymes.

The cookies and cream ice cream cake! The kids loved eating the ice cream cones off the top.

Carson needed little guidance on how to eat his piece of cake.

The crew that was able to make the party!

Happy Birthday Carson!!!!!

My baby is one today! Carson now has 7 teeth and is working on cutting number 8. He stands on his own and cruises on anything that will stay still long enough for him to catch. He is into everything! If we turn our heads for one second he is gone- and usually into something he saw Tyler into. Carson is about the sweetest boy in the world and still loves to snuggle and suck his thumb while being held. His favorite part of the day is taking a bath with Tyler and getting to play in the water. When he hears the water running- he comes charging down the hall with arms up for you to take off his clothes. Carson is obsessed with vacuums and studying the cat and will throw an absolute fit if you are eating something and do not offer him a bite. Carson is the most observant, sweetest and funniest little boy and this year has been so easy and fun it has flown by!!! We love you Carson- Happy One Year!!!!!