Color Mixologist

So I'm still rummaging up activities to do with "the boys", and for Mackenzie when she comes in April for three weeks.... YIKES!!!! I bought this kit at Funfinity. It has different experiments for mixing colors and making colored crystals. When I opened it last night it looked like so much fun I wanted to transpose myself to Jana's kitchen right on the spot. All I'm missing is the black capes with the different colored stars and moons on them and saying Master Color Mixologist.

After we mess around with the colors there are a few art projects we can do. Using the eyedropper (this step is very important if you're going to be official about it) you put large drops of color (I think I'll add a little dry tempura paint color to the liquid colors) on white paper. Blow the color drops with a straw to make pictures. Then add a little dishsoap (1 Tbsp.) to the paint and pour it in a shallow bowl or plate and blow bubbles up with your straw. Place a piece of white paper over the bubbles to let them pop on the paper and make your design. Mmmm.... I think all these colors are washable, Marshall. However, I think grandparents don't worry about those things anymore. We just breeze in and out and spread a little magic.... then poof we're gone.

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes

Erica made the cutest little cheesecakes for a family dinner today. If you haven't eaten anything Erica cooks you are missing out on a great pleasure in life. She is just amazing the things she makes.... the softest dinner rolls that literally melt in your mouth.... orange rolls.... she knows how to do almost everything.... she is a real Rennaisance Woman of the New Age.... she cooks, quilts, makes the cutest cards, is almost all the way through school for a teaching degree, recieving a scholarship so she will run on the schools track team.... she is fit from working out everyday.... she remembers where everybody puts everything which is great when she lives with everybody who can't remember where they put things.... whew.... I could just keep on going.... she is so amazing.

So..... this will be one of the projects to do with Canyon. (and of course cute little Auggie) I'm sure he will join in the mixing.....

Ingredients:
1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg

Topping:
1 can pie filling cherries

Directions:
In a bowl, combine crumbs and butter. Press gently into the bottom of 12 paper-lined muffin cups. In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, vanilla, lemon juice, sugar and egg.... beat until smooth. Spoon into crusts - pressing in gently. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes until set. Cool completely. Spoon cherries on top. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Erica also made some with 1/2 of an oreo cookie as the crust (put in frosting side up) and them she crushed the rest of the cookie and sprinkled it on the cream cheese mixture before she cooked it. (She is also so inventive and creative) Yeah, Erica!!!!!

The Grand Finale - Crystal Garden

I'm giving this an A for a fun project to do. Click on the picture to see how awesome they look up close.... they blossomed even more over night without anything else being added.

Day Three - Crystal Garden

I added the concoction to the crystals this morning and they are getting richer in color, growing thicker and taller, and starting to creep up the sides of the pie tin. When I do this again I'm going to eleminate the step for day 2 and just add the concoction each day. All I need now is some water and a snorkel and we could explore our own coral reef....

Day Two - Crystal Garden

I was so excited when I ran out into the kitchen this morning to see if the crystals were growing and found that they were. I added the 2 more Tablespoons of salt.... to be continued....

Day One - Crystal Garden

I have been racking my brain for new projects for Canyon and I to do on our visit the end of March. I ran across this concoction for a crystal garden. I thought I would test it out before I tell him we're going to do this really cool thing.

On Day One: Over pieces of charcoal pour 2 Tablespoons each of bluing (I found it at Smith's in the laundry area.... it is used in the rinse cycle to make clothes brighter), non iodized salt, water, and ammonia. Add drops of food coloring.

On Day Two: Add 2 more Tablespoons salt

On Day Three: Add 2 Tablespoons each of bluing, salt, water, and ammonia. Avoid pouring on crystal growth. Repeat Day 3 as needed to keep crystals growing.

Anybody who has any ideas for more science experiments or crafts to do feel free to tell me about them. I know there are some amazing mom, dad's and grandparents out there with some great ideas.....

OK, I've been a little distracted...

Or better yet a little obsessed... once I get interested in something I no longer know or care if the sky is falling..... if anyone is hungry or feeling neglected..... (truth they are probably relieved that I am occupied....) until I finally wear out of it or Annie and Ken totally rebel against eating anymore tomato soup and cheese sandwiches.... so I have come up for air, however my interest isn't waning...

I have made 5 bug quilts (check out the frogs and ladybugs escaping from their jars), 2 for "the boys" and 3 for Kathy's newly acquired grandkids..... I made 3 levi crazy quilts from David's levi's for Kyle, Diane and David's girlfriend..... I hand embroidered the feather stitch with #5 pearl cotton on the seams. It was a soothing kind of thing to do and hopefully a comforting something to keep David close by as he continues to be missed. Then Kim got me going on a pattern called Burgoyne Surrounded (with over 6,000 pieces in it) and I made two of them for Ryan and Alissa for their wedding next month. I'll post a picture of the entire quilts once I have given them away. And I've started a third one.... the smallest of the squares are 1/2" finished. I think I'm going to enter it in a few shows this year just for fun. I also made Kenzie a cute crayon bag and an Asian wall hanging for the house. And there you have it.... and that's all there is folks....