Gender Parties/Update

Ok, so this time it really wasn't my fault I wasn't able to post before now.  Our computer got a virus and it was completely unusable.  It took two weeks to get it fixed!

People want to how we got the virus, which I think is funny because the answer is...Matt.  Anyone who knows him, knows that he has a passion for knowledge and he is very curious.  Anytime he doesn't know something...he has to Google it.  It truly bothers him until he finds the answer.  He even gets very eager and excited to share what he's learned, when other people don't know the same thing.  Sometime people take this as him being corrective, but he truly has the best of intentions and a passion for learning.  You gotta love him for that!  Anyway, because there is a new crazy fake anti-virus that can be caught through searching random things on Google...that's how we got it.  Our free anti-virus didn't catch it, but now we have the trusty Geek Squad package and a nice expensive anti-virus...so now we're up and running!  Ok, on with the story...

Baby Rice Gender Story:

Everyone always asks, what do/did you and Matt think you are having?  I truly wasn't sure, but Matt was completely convinced from the beginning we were having a GIRL!

Before we knew I was pregnant, I told Matt I thought I might be, but was starting to doubt it due to all of the tests that were negative.  He responded by walking up to me very confidently and telling me, "you're pregnant and your going to have a girl."  I was a bit weirded out because he was so confident and serious at the same time.  Then he told me why...

Matt and I order take-out Chinese food on occasion and we always read our fortune cookies.  On occasion, Matt will keep really good ones (for a while anyway...we don't have a random bag of fortunes sitting around).  Well, right as we found out we were moving to KS, we had Chinese food and Matt's fortune said, "sometimes traveling to a new place leads to great transformation."  We both thought it was really fitting, so he kept it in his wallet.  (I think it was one more way to encourage us we were doing the right thing by moving.)

A few weeks later, one day when Matt went to get something out of his wallet, his fortune fell out and landed face down showing him what it said on the back..."daughter."  Wouldn't you know he never looked at the back before that day...which also happened to be the day I told him I was worried about being pregnant!  Matt has joked that was God's way of talking to him about our baby.

The interesting part, months down the road I become very stressed and impatient waiting to find out the gender.  Then, about a week or two before our appointment we ordered take-out for the first time in our new town.  Here's what my fortune said, "instead of worrying and agonizing, move ahead constructively" and on the back..."daughter."  So needless to say, I was leaning towards a girl when I walked into my appointment that day.  You can say coincidence, but we think it's pretty neat!  Of course we put both fortunes in our pregnancy book.

Matt's fortune is on top.

Matt and I decided to go ahead and find out the gender of our baby at our appointment on Nov. 21st.  Most people usually wait to find out the gender until their gender reavealing party, but our families live in different states we were having two different parties.  Since there was no way to be surprised at both parties, we wanted to go ahead and find out early. 

The morning of the appointment, I drank orange juice, ate a big breakfast, and finished with hot chocolate.  I was hoping this would help the baby move around enough to find out the gender.  It took some work at the appointment, but our sonographer told us she is 90% sure it's a GIRL!  Due to the baby staying so low, she said she will confirm at our next appointment which is on Dec. 19th!  I'm very excited to see her again! 

this is a profile view of her face at 20 weeks

Matt and I wanted to wait to make the big announcement to everyone until we could tell our families in person, since we would see them for Thanksgiving at the end of the week.  For the parties, we decided we would use the cake idea to share the exciting news at the party, but instead of Matt and I cutting the cake we wanted to let our parents.  (For those unfamiliar with this idea, you order a cake and have the bakery make the inside icing, or actual cake, pink or blue.  Then when the cake is cut, everyone finds out if it's a boy or girl.)

The first party we had was with Matt's family in Charleston, SC on Thanksgiving Day.  They were all very excited and eager to find out the gender.  Here are some of the pictures from the event.

Publix (the local grocery store) made a very cute baby buggy cake for us!

Matt and I got pink and blue plates for everyone to make guesses about the gender.  Matt and I obviously already knew, but we couldn't both hold up girl plates.

Matt's family and their guesses. (9 boys and 6 girls)

Matt's parents finding out it's a girl!  Charles looks a little confused because he thought the actual cake was supposed to be pink or blue and it was chocolate...lol.

The family's reaction.  I love his younger cousin Haley's reaction...
she was pointing at her plate like haha, I'm right!

Lawson (Matt's younger cousin in the front) was hoping for a boy, but he was a great sport!

The second party was with my family in Clayton, NC the weekend after Thanksgiving, and we used the same cake idea to the reveal the gender.  Since we had been talking about the gender with Matt's family, it was really hard not slipping up and telling my family too soon. 

Matt & I with the cake!

Lowe's Foods (the local grocery) made this cake and it was sooooo good!!

My family and their guesses....7 boys and 5 girls.

My parent's reaction!  They both thought boy...hehe!

The inside of the cake...it's a girl!

We had so much fun getting to celebrate with our families and share the news in person!  The only thing, everyone wanted (and still wants) to know the name, but we weren't ready.  We shared that our boy name was going to be Pearson Asher Rice.  Pearson after my maiden name Pearce, and Asher after Matt's father's middle name (and long running family traditional middle name on the Rice side).  If our next baby is a boy, I'm sure we'll use this name for him.

At this point, we've only shared initials for our possible girl name, which are PJR.  I'm about 95% sure on her name, but I'm not sure about Matt.  I know he really likes the name, but he's worried about committing.  I'm hoping to get him pinned down within the next week!


Belly Update:

Here are a few pictures of my growing belly, since my last post at 19.5 weeks (just before finding out the gender).

the weekend after Thanksgiving-20.5 weeks

Dec. 10th-22.5 weeks

Toby and I in front of our Christmas tree....22.5 weeks.

Our little girl's first toy...purchased by Matt on his work trip...love it!! 
Thank you baby for being so involved and supportive!!  I love you!

Don't Forget Toby:

Toby has recovered from his surgery and is doing great.  The hair on his leg is growing back normal and he's finally allowed to start running around and playing.

It was sad not being able to have him with us at Thanksgiving, since we had to kennel him to fly home.  Here is a picture of how sleepy he was when we picked him up from the kennel.  

He was too tired to play, and he didn't care that Matt stacked his toys on top of him.

It's going to be even harder to leave him at Christmas.  Every year we help him open his presents on Christmas and we won't get to do that this year.  Here is a family picture of all of us in front of the tree.

I love his expression....can I please get down now?

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!

What is Baby Rice...Boy or Girl?

This morning was so much fun!  Matt and I had our third ultrasound and we were able to find out the gender of our sweet baby!  The sonographer is 90% sure on the gender, but will double check at my appointment in December. 

Unfortunately....I can't make the big announcement yet as we'll be sharing the news in person with our families for Thanksgiving.  So, I will blog after Thanksgiving with the big news.

The good news, all is going well with the baby.  Also, I can't get enough of hearing Baby Shrimp's heartbeat and looking at that plump little tummy.

To have a little fun, I thought I'd take a pole to see what everyone thinks we're having.  So, do you think we're having a Prince or Princess?

Let us know by leaving a comment...

Baby Rice...aka...Shrimp

I had every intention of writing our pregnancy story a few weeks ago; however, I was delayed with our trip to Vegas, trying to find a job, Toby getting hurt and having surgery...and just plan ol' procrastination. Haha!

So here goes...

When we got married, we decided we wanted to accomplish a few things before bringing a little one into our lives.  These are a few things we felt were right for us, and would help our story transition a bit more smoothly. 

1. We wanted to establish a christian marriage and foundation we believe is critical to the success of family...as well as just to enjoy being young and married.
2. We wanted to travel.
3. We wanted to prepare our finances. 
4. We wanted to wait since we felt we were too young/not ready.  We felt four years would be about right.

Well...it seems that our plans also worked within God's (this time).

1. We feel we have been able to establish a christian marriage and stable foundation for our little family (although we know this is a long term process).  We did so with a lot of work on our parts, but also with the love and support of family, mentors, and small group (bible study group).  
2. We've lived in and traveled to many places.  Our top most enjoyable places we traveled to out of the country: St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Lucia, Barcelona, Venice, Rome, and Florence.
3. We've worked hard to live well within our means and maintain a budget (although we're far from perfect).  Last year, we took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University.  We're not completely debt free as we're still working on Matt's student loans, but we're working hard to accomplish the goal.  Plus, we were able to squirrel away some money for a little one! 
4. On Oct. 27th we celebrated our 4th anniversary and we both turned 28 within the last few months.  I have to say, we both feel more mature/prepared to bring a little one into our lives, but we also have to keep reminding ourselves we're no longer 24...haha!

So that brings us to the actually baby story...I figure the easiest way to do this is with a timeline.

• July: 
• I suspected I was pregnant at the end of July, but I took three tests that came back negative.  After the third test, and much disappointment, I decided to call my doctor and they told me to try again a week later. 
• A week later, we were in Clayton for a going away get together with friends.  Before the get together, I woke up very early to take another test.  I told Matt since we had been disappointed before with the negative results, I would check the results myself (thinking it wouldn't be as big of a let down if it's negative again).  Much to my surprise...it was positive!!  My mouth literally feel open before I started smiling really big.  (However, then I felt guilty about Matt not being there to see the results.)
• I decided to tell Matt, who was still snuggled in bed asleep the news (but with a twist...I wanted him to be able to see the results himself).  I went in and sat down on the bed and told him sadly...no, still not positive.  He was so sweet and comforting and offered his arm out to hold me.  I held out the test to him and said, "see."  He was confused as to why I wanted him to look at the test because of course I had just peed on it....but he took it, lol.  He still had sleepy eyes and wasn't processing a lot at the time since it was so early, so he held the test and looked at it for a while.  Then, all of a sudden he popped his eyes wide open and looked up at me...then back at the test...then back at me and said...REALLY?!  It was too cute to see his genuine excitement.
• We decided it was important to keep it a secret, until we felt our baby was big enough for the big news.

the morning we found out...5 wks

• August:
• The first few weeks of August I was exhausted, having morning sickness, and very sensitive to smells.  We also decided we wanted to give our baby a nickname until we knew the gender, just so we didn't have to call it, it.  We went through various options but then settled on Shrimp. 
• Mid-August I went to stay with my family to visit for a week before our final move.  Unfortunately, I was really sick the entire time and I spent most of the week in bed or on the couch...I'm sure I was great company.
• We didn't plan on telling anyone until after our first OB appointment, but if I didn't go ahead and tell my family while I was home I wouldn't get to tell them in person.  So, Matt and I came up with a plan.
• My immediate family has a strong bond and we're all about each other...'The Pearces'.  It's hard to explain, but if you've spent time around us you would understand that last part.  When we were younger there was the 4 of us (Mom, Dad, Melissa and me).  When they found out my younger sister was on the way we of course became the 5.  We've had a way of tying in the number which represents each of us into various things within our family in meaningful ways.  Then, when Matt and I got married, my Dad made the announcement at our rehearsal dinner we're now 6, as a way of telling Matt he was one of us...and Matt knew exactly what it meant.  Even my family's boat is named Toe Dirt 6...for each of us (Toe Dirt is a whole other story, ha). 

my parent's boat

• We wanted to make the announcement to our families with an ultrasound picture, but that wasn't an option for my family.  So, we decided what better way to announce to the family there would be 7 of us than to show them a picture of the boat, but with the name changed to Toe Dirt 7!  I gave each of them a picture frame to open at the same time, and we must have done a good job with the photo shop, because they didn't notice the 7 for a little while.  Haley was the first one to notice the 7, and then the rest of the family caught on pretty quickly.  (Matt wasn't able to be there due to working in KS, so I had him secretly on speaker phone so he could share in the excitement.)  They were really happy for us.




This is the picture we gave my family.


• Our first OB appointment and ultrasound was on August 22nd.  During the ultrasound we got to see our baby's tiny heartbeat, but it was too early to hear it.  We also found out I wasn't as far along as we originally thought.  I was about 6.5 weeks that day.  We were extremely happy to see our tiny Shrimp. 
• In addition, unfortunately our doctor told us I miscarried a twin.  On the ultrasound, there was a second gestational sac, but it was empty.  (Twins run in both of our families.)  Although we were disappointed, Matt and I didn't focus much at the appointment on the loss of the twin, as we were elated to know we had a healthy baby on the way.  (I think our doctor was also great in helping us focus on the positive.)  Later that day we talked and prayed for the loss of our baby and decided to name him Byron.  I felt it was really important to name our baby (even though we obviously don't know the gender), because of the book I just finished reading "Heaven is for Real" by Todd Burpo.  The book shares a true story about a boy that goes to Heaven and meets his sister, who he didn't know about that had been lost to miscarriage, but didn't have a name because she was never named by her parents.  It gives me a piece of mind, knowing God has a plan for everyone and that Byron is there with him.
• That weekend, Matt's family came to Charleston to visit before our final flight to KS.  We wanted to share the news with his immediate family, and now we had an ultrasound picture to share!  We set up a time with just his mom, dad, sister, Jessica, and brother-in-law, Justin, to go to lunch.  While waiting for our lunch to be served, we told his family we got them a little something while in KS on our home finding trip.  So, we gave his mom and dad a gift bag and one to Jessica and Justin.  We told Jessica and Justin to open their first gift, which we got them a small shot glass from KS to throw them off with thinking they really had gifts from KS.  Next, Matt told his parents to open their bag, but that they needed to open it together.  So, Brenda and Charles pulled out their gift and unwrapped the tissue and then...confusion, haha.  Brenda was looking at the ultrasound picture upside down (and couldn't read the frame that said Grandchildren are a Blessing) and Charles was trying to figure out what it had to do with KS...haha!  However, they both caught on pretty quickly and Brenda started crying while Charles kept saying, no way!  Due to the way we were sitting, Justin and Jessica couldn't tell what they got and didn't understand what was going on.  Before we could tell them to open their second gift, Justin quickly reached in the bag and pulled out their picture.  They were all very excited for us, but we swore them to secrecy.  It was a great experience!

first ultrasound picture at 6.5 weeks-this is what Matt's family saw

• September:
• I went to my first OB appointment at my new doctor's office in KS.  Things are quite different here, but it went well.  They had a hard time finding the heartbeat, so they did an ultrasound.  It was great seeing how big Shrimp had gotten.  Matt was also in awe watching the baby move as he didn't realize Shrimp could already move that much. 
• We also have confusion about how far along I really am due to this ultrasound.  The sonographer told me based on my measurements I was 13 weeks...however, our doctor decided to keep me on track with my original ultrasound, meaning I was 11 weeks at the time.  So, I don't know if my due date is March 28th or April 10...I will find out more later.

our second ultrasound (between 11-13 weeks)

• We also decided it was time to share the exciting news with everyone!
• Also, to track my tummy growth we decided to start taking pictures of me wearing the same thing to make it easier to see my changes.



around 13.5 weeks

• October:
• At this month's appointment we got to hear Shrimp's heartbeat for the first time.  That was incredible!  Here are a few pictures of my growth in October.

around 17.5 weeks

for Halloween I was a peanut M&M...18.5 weeks

• November:
• On the 21st we will find out Shrimp's gender...as well as hopefully some more insight on my due date!  We can't wait! Also, we have a few top baby names on the list for each gender...although we haven't shared them.  Hehe, aren't surprises fun!! :)
• We just booked a trip home for Thanksgiving (previously unplanned)!  We're so excited because this means we'll get to share the gender with our families in person at two gender revealing parties!

19.5 weeks

Sorry I turned this into a short novel, but most people haven't been able to hear our full journey up to this point.  We'd like to ask each of you to continue to pray for us and our sweet baby Shrimp.  We greatly appreciate all of your love and support.

Don't Forget Toby:

Toby has had a hard month in October.  He was boarded during our trip to Vegas and got hurt.  We don't know how he was hurt, but he had three puncture wounds to his back right ankle and wouldn't walk on his leg.  He ended up having to have surgery at Kansas State University Vet School (they were great) to repair a torn tendon that makes his toes curl.  Thankfully he is doing much better, but he's on limit restrictions until the beginning of December.  He will get his stitches taken out next week.  Here are a few pictures of his injury and soft cast afterwards.



two of the puncture wounds on the inside of his right hind leg




the third puncture on the back of the leg...you can also see the knot just below the wound which is the torn tendon




Toby quickly learned how to walk on three legs...




Toby post-surgery.  You can see his shaved leg and purple K-State wrap.




His poor "peg"leg went nicely with his pirate costume for Halloween. 

Again, thankfully Toby is much better and he is walking on his leg.  Thank you to everyone who has kept him in their prayers.

Hello from KS!

Wow, I can't believe it's been two months since I posted...I have one word to explain it all..."hectic!"

So, you may want to know what have we been up to...hopefully this will shed some light:

• At the beginning of August, Matt and I got together with all of our friends in NC for a wonderful lunch to see everyone one more time before moving.  It was great to see everyone...but it was so hard saying bye. (That morning was also the day Matt and I found out I am pregnant...but we kept it a big secret!  It was just too early to share.)

the morning we found out!

• The next week, Matt and I traveled to Topeka to find our new home.  We ended up choosing a townhouse in the location we really wanted.  It has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and yes we have a full basement for all of your worst Wizard Of Oz nightmares. 

we live on the right

• After our home finding trip, I flew home to Charleston and Matt stayed to work in his new job for two weeks.  I had a rough flight home, since I already started getting morning sickness (translation=all day sickness).  That's also the longest Matt and I have been apart since we got married.  I had a very difficult time sleeping on my own!
• When I got back from KS, I worked my last week at MUSC.  I worked with approx. 20 women, and I truly miss them.  That week, they all treated me to lunch at California Dreaming and gave me two beautiful pictures.  One is of the beach and one is of the marsh by a local Charleston artist, Jim Booth.  In addition, I was given a collage of pictures of all the ladies in the office, and breakfast on my last day.  They were so sweet, and I was so sad to leave them.
• Also that week, my car decided it wasn't happy and quit running at a stop light on my way home.  The worst part, I had Toby in the back and it was terribly hot!!  He was such a trooper though, and thankfully I got it running again.  It was very inconvenient timing with Matt being gone and having to coordinate a ride to the garage.  Thankfully they got it fixed-thanks Walt for the recommendation!
• The second week, I went home to spend time with my family.  Unfortunately, I spent most of the week on the couch or in the bed resting.  My family took me out for my birthday, but I wasn't able to eat anything.  Thankfully, I did have some good days.  I got to help my sister set up her classroom for the new year, and celebrate my mom's 50th birthday with a riverboat cruise on the Henrietta around Wilmington.  (I also shared the exciting news with my family about the baby!  I will share more on this in my next blog.)

eating lunch on the Henrietta for my mom's 50th bday

• The following week, Matt and I both returned to Charleston.  That Monday, we had our first OB appointment and ultrasound to see our little one (who we call Shrimp).  It was so exciting to see our little Shrimp!

around 7 weeks (the baby is marked with the two "x's" from head to tail)

• The rest of the week, Matt wrapped up things with his old job and I sat (well laid) at home babysitting the movers while they packed the house and loaded our things on the truck.  I have never been so thankful not to have to pack our house!

our kitchen (and the rest of the house) was boxed to the ceiling

• That weekend, we stayed with Matt's Aunt and Uncle (and had no problems with the hurricane).  Matt's parents, sister, and brother-in-law came into town to see us before our final move.  This is when we told Matt's immediate family about the baby, but it was difficult keeping it from everyone else since I was so sick.  (Again, we felt it was still too early to share with everyone.)  It was hard saying bye to the family, especially to Papaw...I didn't expect alligator tears!
• Finally, on Sept. 1st we moved into our new home!  It's been a slow process getting everything settled, but we're getting there.  Matt had to do most of the work early on, but I've finally gotten my energy back and I've been able to help out.
• Other than settling the house, we've gone to a few festivals (Huff'n Puff Hot Air Balloon Festival, and Cider Days).  They were both a lot of fun.  We still haven't made any new friends, but we've started visiting churches.  Hopefully, we'll find a church soon and join a new small group.  We have truly missed our wonderful small group in Charleston, and know how important it is to get plugged in with a community.

Well, that pretty much wraps up August and September for us.  I'll be writing another blog (hopefully in the next week) on more details with the baby/pregnancy. 

Here are a few pictures taken on the road going from Topeka to Wamego (where Matt works)...the area is called the Flint Hills (these are not the best pics to give an accurate view, but they'll do).

Don't Forget Toby:


Toby has been busy as well...here is a picture of him watching the movers leave with all of our stuff on the truck.  I think he was a bit worried.  By the way, he did great on his flight out to KS for the final move.

We love and miss you all back in the Carolinas!

Welcome to Kansas

...but there's no place like home!

In case you haven't already heard...we're moving to Topeka, KS!  We're getting a lot of questions, so I thought I'd do a little Q&A for you.

Q: Why are you moving to Topeka, KS?

A: Matt received a promotion within Caterpillar.  He will be the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Professional at the Wamego, KS facility, which is part of the Work Tools Division (click the link to see what the facility makes).  He will also oversee, EHS at the Waco, TX and Jacksonville, FL facilities.  

Q: Why will you live in Topeka instead of Wamego, where Matt will work?

A: Wamego is a very small town with approximately 4,000 people.  Topeka is the next large city that will provide more opportunities (regarding shopping, entertainment, hospitals, location to Kansas City, and the airport, etc).  However, it will be a 45 minute commute for Matt to get to and from work.

Q: When are you moving?

A: The official date is TBD; however, it will be the last week in August.

Q: How long will you live there?

A: Cat has asked Matt for a three year commitment.

Q:  Is Cat moving you?

A: Thankfully, yes! They will be taking care of all our moving needs.

Q: How long is the drive?

A: From Raleigh and Charleston, it's 19 hours (plus stops).  However, I hope we never have to make that drive.  (We will be flying for our final move.)

Q: Do you plan to work?
A: Yes, I am seeking a new job.  Although, I will miss my lovely ladies at MUSC!

Q: How do your families feel about the move?
A: Obviously, they are sad about us being so far from home.  However, they are all very supportive and excited about our new adventure!

Q: How do you and Matt feel about the move?
A: We are a bit stressed, anxious and excited all at the same time.  We have prayed a lot and we know this is God's blessing for us; although, we welcome your prayers for a smooth transition.  Also, I couldn't be more proud of Matt and all his hard work.


Well, those are all of the questions I can think of, but feel free to leave me a comment and I'll be happy to answer more.

Kansas State Flag...it's just not as pretty as SC's

Here are a few quick facts about Topeka:

• Topeka is the capital of Kansas
• Population: approx. 128,000
• Square Miles: 57 total city square miles (a little bigger than Cary, NC)
• Weather: they get 4 true seasons (yes, that means snow in the winter)
• Kansas City is about 1 hour east, and Wichita is about 2 hours south
• Landscape: much to everyone's surprise, KS is not completely flat.  We'll live in an area called the flint hills; which includes gently rolling, lush green hills with few trees.  It's actually quite beautiful and peaceful. 

•  It's the founding sight of Brown v. Board of Education

Don't Forget Toby:

When we move to Kansas, Toby will get another opportunity to fly.  (He did well when we moved down from IL.)  We are blessed that Toby is a great traveler!

Everyone seems to be interested in knowing how Toby feels about the move, so here's how the conversation went: 

Matt: What do you think about moving to Kansas?
Me: They have snow there, just like when we lived in Peoria, IL.
Toby: As long as Mommy and Daddy are going I'm ok with it, but I  really don't like wearing my booties.

*I have a feeling, he'll change his mind once he's in the snow again!

Here's a picture of him in his coat and booties when we lived in Peoria.

Nana's Famous Fudge

Everyone meet Nana (Rosella)!  She is Matt's grandmother (his dad's mom), and even though I'm not blood, she has always treated me as her own.  She is so sweet, loves everyone (and sports, especially Tennessee) and everyone loves her. 

Nana and Papaw (Matt's grandfather-Leon) live in Tennessee, and whenever Matt and his family would visit them over the holidays Nana always had a stash of homemade candy in the freezer.  She makes the best cakes, buckeyes (peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate), peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, and sooo much more.  Once Matt and I started dating, we would take trips up to see them and Nana and I would sit at the kitchen table talking while eating my favorite-buckeyes.

Over the past few years, Nana and Papaw have been able to take extended trips to Charleston...which is great because not only do we get to spend more time together, but she also brought along her candy making skills!

Now, I must say...I won't be revealing any famous recipes for you today.  For those of you who have never had Nana's candy, you don't realize what you're missing...but for those of you who have...you may be a little jealous about the following. ;)

This past weekend, Matt and I were able to spend time on Sunday afternoon with Matt's Aunt Brenda and Uncle Walt, and Nana and Papaw.  We had lunch on Daniel Island at Queen Anne's Revenge, and then went back to the house to hang out together.  As soon as we walked in, Nana tells us she's going to make some fudge and asked if Matt would like to help.  Matt's face lit up because he's always wanted to learn how to make her fudge (his favorite).  So, he finally got his chance!

Below you can see the pictures of Matt helping and taking very detailed notes.

 

I'm not sure if you know, but this is the proper way to open marshmallow puff!

Nana let us take this batch to our small group.

I can't wait to make our own! Thanks Nana...we love you!

Don't forget Toby:

Toby isn't allowed to have fudge, but he does like an occasional marshmallow treat...  

By the way, the marshmallow is on his head because he won't let you put anything on his nose.  So, we put it on his head and tell him to stay, then when we say OK, he flips it off and eats it.  He's such a good puppy! :)