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Bubbling Wizards’ Brew: A Family Science Experiment (Video)

2 July 2008 – 10:40 pm

Just after dinner tonight, the family decided to do an experiment from the Big Book of Science Things to Make and Do. It’s the third experiment we did from the book, and I decided to take out my camera phone (a Nokia E65) to record the activity.

It’s a simple science experiment with just the following materials needed:

  • Empty jar
  • Tray
  • vinegar
  • food dye
  • washing up liquid
  • bicarb soda

There’s also an option to add glitter in the mix, if you want to make it look more magical. We didn’t have any, so we skipped that.

Anyway, you can watch the (grainy) video to see the step-by-step of the experiment. The video has text annotations, but you must visit the YouTube page and view the video there to see them.

And yes, it’s a fun little activity that’s easy to do. My four-your-old boy definitely love doing these experiments. And, they encourage him to enjoy learning and science.

Hmmm… I wonder what’s the next thing we’ll do?

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Videos | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

9 Things I Wish to Share This Weekend (+ a Poll)

5 April 2008 – 10:57 pm

Day 91 - Project 365 - 31st Mar 08: Inspiration Board (Quarter 1)1. Thank you all for your comments, prayers and kind words of encouragement. I have yet to respond to your comments individually in the last couple of posts, but will definitely get to them in the next few days. Again, thanks! You are just such wonderful people. Your feedback always makes my day!

2. To those who want to know about my nephew and didn’t catch my Tweet… He has completed brain surgery yesterday. And, my brother said he’s doing well. There’s still biopsy, MRI scans, observations, etc to go through. But, so far, so good. We’re hoping that all will continue to go well from hereon. Thanks again for all your well wishes.

3. I’m doing much better, health-wise. Still recovering and there are still some aches and pains. But, at least I’m more mobile and able to do stuff again. Definitely feeling better.

4. I’m turning a year older tomorrow. And, I confess: I’m feeling icky about it. Meh. It’s not really “the getting older” part that gets me down. It’s a whole heap of stuff that stems from not-so-happy birthday memories, I think. And, I do tell myself that I should just be older and wiser to put those things behind me. Besides, no matter how bad some of my birthdays were, I should just be happy that I’m Alive. That I’m here… able to celebrate Life with people I love - and those who love me. After all, in the big scheme of things, I really have nothing to complain about. I am so, so blessed. Spoiled, even. Yet, still. Maybe from now on, I’ll take it as my special annual challenge to create The Best Birthday Ever. To squash all past birthday disasters. Either that - or start ignoring my birthday altogether. Heh. ;-)

5. Writing of my birthday, one reason I shared No. 4 is actually to thank everyone who already sent in their greetings, virtual gifts and hugs. Really appreciate you taking the time to do so!

6. Daylight Savings Time ends here in Australia tonight. It means, we get an “extra hour” as our clocks move backwards.

7. Ah, and No. 6 means I’m celebrating a 25-hour birthday for the first time. Haha.

8. Like most times when I spend any length of time away from the computer, I am way behind on responding to emails. If you sent anything in the last few days that need my attention/response urgently, please feel free to re-send and mark them urgent. I’ll do my best to get back to you soon. My Inbox is in such a mess that I’d hire an “email cleaner” if I could! Anyway, thanks so much for your patience.

9. Although I missed my daily blogging goal here, I am still doing my best to keep up with my 365 photo challenges. And, right now, I’m on Day 96 (I think). So, I’m almost at my 100 Day milestone. If you have any suggestions/ideas for that day, I’d love to hear about them. Doing these 365s keep getting tougher for me. In fact, I’ve been soooo tempted just to give up. But, right now, I’m hoping to still make it to 100 at least.

10. Writing of birthdays and such. I’m just curious to know…

Do you buy yourself birthday gifts?
View Results

Hope you all have a great weekend!

By Shai Coggins | Posted in General Mish Mash | Also tagged , , , , , | Comments (26)

5 Things I’ve Learned About Being a 2nd-Time Mum in the Last Year

30 March 2008 – 10:30 pm

In One Year...

Indeed, it has been a year since I welcomed a new addition to my li’l family. And now, look at how she has grown!

As you can probably imagine, it has been quite a year for me - and the rest of the family. Juggling being a parent to two kids, full time work, running a household, side projects… Yep. Never a dull moment.

Before this year, I thought I was already one busy woman. Who knew I could do so much more? Made me wonder if I’ve been such a slacker before I had all these things in my life. ;-)

Anyway, other than learning to do more with my time, I’ve picked up a few other lessons along the way since having my little girl…

1. My heart is capable of more love than I could ever imagine. I guess, kids have a way of doing that - in many unexpected ways. But, before having a child, I didn’t think I was capable of loving someone so much. So, when I found out that I was having a second one, I couldn’t fathom the idea of being able to love even more. How can I love two kids that way? I thought hearts have limits. Having my girl made me realise that hearts always have more room for love.

2. Two kids are definitely more than one. Obvious? Perhaps. But, the fact that both my husband and I find our hands full A LOT MORE made us realise that no matter how tiring it was to have one child, at least we can ‘tag team’ before. Now, with two kids clamoring for attention at the same time, there’s no such thing - since we both need to be on duty. And, without extra hands to help us… well, we just need to learn to do more. Unless one of the kids was occupied or asleep, that is. Both of them sleeping at the same time? That’s called rare bliss. ;-)

3. Having a daughter is wonderful. Of course, having a son is wonderful too. But yeah, the thought of having a girl really freaked me out before. There are so many reasons behind that thinking, so I won’t get in to them. But now, even though I still wonder what my relationship will be like with my girl as she grows up, I must say that I’m really enjoying our relationship NOW. Yes, I find that there are definitely differences in raising a boy and a girl. Not necessarily because I’m trying to raise them in a different way. It’s just the way they are. And yes, I’m loving that I can buy cute little shoes, clothes, clips, bags, and dolls now. For the girl, of course. Heh.

4. It’s not necessarily easier, just clearer. Everyone kept telling me before that the second time around is easier, yada yada yada. Never believed it, really. And, it’s true. Being a second time parent isn’t necessarily an easier situation. But, the good thing is that I don’t find myself panicking so much. I feel more confident in my decisions and choices.

5. Happiness comes in twos. While it may feel that it’s harder work having two kids, it also brings double the joy. It’s such a pleasure seeing my two kids grow up. My heart overflows when I witness how they interact with each other. The sound of two kids laughing… giggling… playing… It just makes my house feel absolutely like home.

So, here’s to wishing friends who’re expecting their second child all the best.

And yes, to my beautiful girl (even though you won’t be able to read this now, I just want to say…): You’ve changed my life in many many ways. Thank you for being in my life. And, I’m just so grateful that I am in yours. Happy birthday!

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Personal Stories | Also tagged , , , , | Comments (20)

Life’s Most Important Treasures

18 March 2008 – 11:00 pm

17th Mar 08 - SOMERTON SUNSET (Dad with Kids)

In spite of how busy, exhausting, trying, stressful, or challenging everyday life may be…

At the end of each day -

It’s always good to know what matters most.

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Personal Stories | Also tagged , , , | Comments (14)

Now Back in Action

9 April 2007 – 10:59 am

mum & bubWell, not quite full strength action yet - but yeah, ‘am back at home from the hospital now. With my baby girl Hali in tow. :-)

I’m still in “recovery mode”. It’ll probably take a while to get back to feeling 100%. But, I think I’m heading towards the right direction. And yeah, bub’s doing well too. She needs to gain a bit more weight and such, but we’ll get there…

But yeah, we’re happy and generally in good health. Thanks so much to all who sent in their well wishes. I really, really appreciate it all.

Being a second time mum takes a bit of getting used to. Things seem familiar and different at the same time. But, I’m enjoying it. And, loving (and freaking out at?!) the idea of having a daughter. Since I already have a son, I sort of have an idea about raising boys. But, a girl? It will certainly be interesting to learn what it’s going to be like. Now, I’ve got my very own pigeon pair. :-)

My Work SpaceAnyway, I know that most women need a few months off after giving birth. The thing about running your own business, though, is that there’s a bit more on the line. So yeah, even though it’s only been a little over a week since I got out of surgery, I’m slowly getting back to work. Not complaining, though. The great thing about working for a quasi-virtual company is that the work is generally flexible. Other than the fact that I’m missing out on another b5 team meeting in Toronto (agh - I will meet you guys soon), I’m at least able to continue doing work from where I am, without being restricted to a specific time schedule.

In any case, if I owe any emails or messages to anyone, please give me some time to get back to you. If you need a response urgently, feel free to re-send your email and mark it urgent.

Again, thanks.

By Shai Coggins | Posted in Personal Stories | Also tagged , , , | Comments (18)