Good, Clean Fun!

I've been seeing this cool experiment with Ivory bar soap all over the interwebs, so I decided we should give it a try.  All you need is a bar of Ivory brand soap and your microwave.  

My handsome assistant unwrapped said bar of soap, and gave it a good sniff, just for kicks.

The we popped it into the microwave for 90 seconds (I opened the door when I heard it "pop"...figured that was long enough, although I've read it wont hurt anything if it goes for longer)

Before...

After...about 6 times it's original size! 

We transported the plate to the sink, and I let the kids have at it.  The texture was really wierd-- foamy, and flaky.  Then, we experimented adding water and mixing it with shredded toilet paper, which made it a little more pliable.

I wont lie, the microwave did smell a little bit like Ivory for the next day or two...but that was probably a welcome change from the mix of buttery popcorn and bacon that it probably was before!

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...it's SUPER ELI!!

 It all started when I mended two of Norah's night gowns.  Both were in sorry shape...to the point that I had to add a new, chiffon, ruffled trim to hide the dilapidated hem of one, and about a dozen ribbon flowers, to hide where I patched holes  in the other.  (Have I mentioned how much she loves her blue  nightgown?)

At any rate, when they were done, she was prancing around the house, showing them off, when Eli came skulking by, bemoaning, "Mommy, you never sew things for me like you do for Norah."  Which, technically isn't true (I have made him neck ties, matchbox car roll ups, personalized pillowcases, and the like...but I will be the first to admit that the Norah to Eli sewing ratio is completely unbalanced)

So, when his meager request was a "super hero cape", I couldn't wait to make it happen.  We went to JoAnn's, the next day (see how spontaneous being a part-time parent of one has made me?) and Eli selected his "super colors" and I bought the materials needed.  (I was a little nervous when his first choice for the cape was "booger green", but thankfully, he decided on blue, with green accents, after a little deliberation)

A few hours later, we had lift-off...well, almost.  He patiently waited (ok, maybe not so patiently) while I sewed up his cape.  When he finally slipped it on, he dashed around the living room, with an expectant grin on his face, which almost immediately melted into sheer disappointment.  "Daddy!  What's wrong?  It's not flying.  I wanted to fly in the sky like a bird."  To which Jason replied, "Well, your cape flies behind you if you run really fast,and it'll feel like you're flying...give it a try."  So, he did, and he was pretty much a blue, blurred streak for the next 20 minutes, as he did laps around the kitchen/living room, while I fixed dinner.  I should probably also note that Norah is VERY jealous of his newly acquired favorite accessory...but seeing as how she has at least 6 princess costumes in her closet, I think I'm just gonna let her stay that way for a little while.  Sometimes, it's nice for the younger brother to have the upper hand at something, at least for a little while!