If you know me well, you know that St. Patrick's Day Science has always been one of my favorite things. When the boys were knee high to a grasshopper I would pull leprechaun tricks like making all the faucets poor out green water. But as they have gotten older I have really had to step up my game. That is why I was clicking my little green leprechaun heels when my buddy Susan invited Carter and I over for a St. Patrick's Day Science Play Date with Steve Spangler. What was fun is that Carter came and learned how those tricky Leprechauns work and may have some sneaky up his sleeve for Connor this year. But I am not telling. Steve shared all kinds of fun leprechaun tricks to bring science to life at home. And the good thing is that most of it can be done at home with simple materials OR if you're pressed for time you can buy a ready made kit-giving parents options! One of the things I never did with the kids was set up a Leprechaun trap. This would have been so much fun. Here is one great model that I saw at the Spangler workshop. The model on the table could easily be made from a grow light stand if you have one and a funnel. If you don't, this is an easy ...
SPML-Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening | Our Spina Bifida Experience
In October of last year Carter underwent a fairly new and controversial procedure in the spina bifida world, Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening (SPML). Much research is being done with this procedure as it relates to people with CP. But Carter has spina bifida. Could this procedure produce the amazing results the CP community is seeing? Although much was unknown, we (and our insurance) were willing to give this a try to help correct a knee contracture that was a direct result of his year of bed rest, wound flap surgery and failed tendon release. SPML is done to release the tightening or spasticity of a muscle. The best way I can describe it is to liken it to a meat tenderizer. Small incisions are made so the doctor can access the myofascial (the place where the muscle and tendon overlap). Once inside, hundreds of micro incisions are made in the myofascial, much the way you would tenderize a tough steak. In addition, Carter would have an alcohol nerve block done to help reduce the amount of constant knee pain he felt. As I said earlier, there is much success with this procedure in the CP community but very few people with spina bifida have tried it. After a lot of ...
Just Follow Your Heart
This seems to be a tough time for many in my life...17 and 18 year old's making what they feel is the most important decision in their lives- college, moms struggling to find their new place in the world, lots of people switching jobs and starting new adventures. Today I challenge you all that are in so much flux....just sit and be. Take yourself out for coffee and listen to what your heart has to say. You know what is right for you. All you have to do is follow your heart. That doesn't mean that your heart is always happy. That heaviness in it is a clue that you are not on the right path. Listen to the good as well as the bad. One thing is sure, you do have the answers in your heart. And while they may not be the answers your head wants to hear, if you don't honor your heart, you can never be happy! Happy Valentines Day Friends. Love yourselves the way I love you and all will be good. ...
Samsung Galaxy S4 VS LG G2 VS Droid Ultra. Who Wins?
When switching over from the world of Apple to the Android market you will be faced with dozens of choices. How does a confused shopper know which is the best model for them? They are all shiny and new and completely different from the trusty iPhone. Here is a secret: Android models really aren't that different from one another. At the core they are basically the same phone with tweaks that make one a better fit than the other for individuals. Over the last 6 months I have tested the following three Android phones as part of the #VZWBuzz program with Verizon Wireless: Samsung Galaxy S4, LG G2, and the Droid Ultra. While each phone has it's pro's and con's, read on to find out which one is currently in my purse and why. In the end, it is completely unscientific in finding the "best" Android. The 13 megapixel rear camera on the Galaxy S4 wins hands down for its ease of use for me. While all three of the cameras have similar shooting modes and software (the Droid camera is 10 megapixel), Samsung's layout worked best for my brain. I've come to learn that I can't live with any camera that doesn't have an action shot (burst, drama, etc...-called different things on different ...
Ain’t Nothing Funny About Losing Your Nuts-Except This Squirrel Joke
Sometimes you just have that one friend who finds a squirrel joke funny. I oddly have many. To them I give my 1 am ambien induced art creation. You know who you are. If you have no idea who this is for or why a squirrel joke may be funny, it's OK. Go ahead and pin and tweet it anyway using those buttons on the side. Your friends will thank you for it. Oh, and then follow me on Pinterest. If you are the type of person who pins pictures of a blind squirrel searching for his nuts, I totally want to be your friend. ...