Multifunctional Devices

If you watch Food Network, you are probably familiar with Alton Brown. Alton is a hilarious food scientist who tells you scientifically about the best methods of food preparation. One of his big hang-ups is not wanting any kitchen tools that only have one use. Well, I think Miriam has been taking lessons from him! Here are some of her inventive uses of items that perhaps you thought only had one function.

• Child Safety Scissors: First off, the only thing that is safe from them is small fingers and toes. Everything else is fair game. But normally you would consider them a good tool for cutting shapes from paper. Well, Miriam discovered that they are also good for cutting shapes out of the tablecloth. At least it was the $5 vinyl kind from Wal-Mart!
• Peanut Butter: One normally thinks of peanut butter as a food item consumed as a sandwich, on waffles or pancakes, or even as a dip for apples or bananas. Perhaps it also works as a way to remove gum from hair. Well, Miriam thought it would also work well as hand and foot lotion. With all the oil in it, I'm sure it would moisturize the skin nicely, but to remove everything else, a bath was necessary. Luckily, it washed off the chair fairly easily.
• Toothbrush and Liquid Hand Soap: The toothbrush's function is self-explanatory-- to brush your teeth. Liquid hand soap is useful for removing dirt and germs from your hands. Well, Miriam discovered that when you put the soap on the toothbrush like you would toothpaste and then scrub a dirty toy, the toy will come clean. However, the next time you brush your teeth, the experience is less than pleasant.
• Adjustable Waistband: Since my children are so skinny, I search the stores for the pants that are sold in slim sizes with the adjustable elastic waistband in them to make them fit. Just moments ago, Miriam came to me with the elastic waistband wrapped around her face, asking if she could use it as a belt. Hmm. Wasn't it already a belt, just on the inside??

As you can see, Miriam is a very inventive little girl. She can definitely think outside the box. I hope all the stress it causes me now will be worth it when she supports me in my old age with some invention she has come up with!