Heather, I am so glad that Sebastian enjoyed the box. I had fun putting it together with Rhiannon,even though she kept taking things out and saying Mine, Mine. I enjoyed doing this and so did the girls. We should do this again sometime. Stacie Here is what I found out about the soap flakes: Making Soap Flakes for Craft Recipes Crafts Tip From Stephanie Brown, Your Guide to Parenting: Babies & Toddlers. Have an Idea? Pitch a Story FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Many craft recipes call for Ivory Soap Flakes. Unfortunately, the company stopped making this product in 1993. Soap, in general, helps keep paint from staining hands, clothes and other surfaces and it also helps paint made with gritty, powdered tempera go on paper more smoothly. Those testing and developing the recipes found that flakes were preferable to liquid soap because it kept the paints from becoming too runny. In addition, some recipes need the "fluffy" consistency of the flakes versus powdered soaps like Dreft. You can make your own soap flakes by using any pure vegetable soap and grating it with a cheese grater. Ivory soap is about the cheapest pure soap, but you can experiment with different types to get different smells and even colors. Be careful if using soaps scented with extracts like peppermint with very young children, since it seems to make them just want to eat the paint. I find that laying the soap flat on its widest side and using the side of the grater with the long openings (2 inch slits) is more effective than using the sides with small holes. As far as the citric acid goes, I found mine at the pharmacy, I think even Walmart carries it.

Stacie, I haven't been on here in a while but I'm sorry to hear you're going through this stuff. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were my husband's sister - she just had her fourth child a year ago, had gall bladder surgery and is now going through an addiction battle as well. When I talked to her on the phone the other day, her speech was so slurred I could barely understand her. The difference is, you are seeking help - and for that I am so glad to hear. Part of SIL"s problem is she is married to a guy who is not very supportive and doesn't understand it at all, which doesn't help. I'm glad to see you have a good support system in place and things are coming together for you. You and your family are in my prayers!

Pauline, not yet but we are getting there. At the moment we have 51 signed up for this swap and I think that the most we have had has been 53 or 54. Today is the last day to sign up. Please make sure I have your full name, address and phone number. And if anyone has moved since the last time they participated, please make sure you send me your new address and phone number. Thanks Ann Updated list 1. Linda (Doucanoe) 2. Jessica 3. Cathy (Mustangs) 4. Janet (Granjan) 5. Nancy (Wizardnm) 6. Pauline 7. Susie 8. Marigene 9. Annie Diana Tracey Alison Brenda Dolores (Finally) Ellen Stacey (Sbrkhart) May (Lowspark) Pam (Dedtired) Bizzo Jane (Tobyt) Maggie Blueiris Stacy Diane Lars Janet (Chancesmom) Gina Teresa Linda (Lindainct) Michelle (Msafirstein Karen (Trixietx) David Terri Tikanas Maria (Mer4205) Katie Debbie (Debbie814) Karen (Riverrat) Arabella Susan (Susanin NC) Sunny Stacie (girlsingarden) Sol Jayne (Kent) Netla Sherry Sharon (Chase) Deb (Momto4kids) Scott Lori316 Ann

I'm so excited! I am enjoying the treasure hunt to find out more about my partner! This is going to be fun (and yes, challenging, because I am SO not a shopper!!)