For The Luv Of Boys: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Zoo Fun with Monkey Man

This week we took a little trip I've been wanting to take forever! To the Houston Zoo! I love going to the zoo, seeing the animals, teaching my boys about them. But since we moved here, we hadn't been to the local zoo. I think I might have been more excited than Monkey Man!

The day was gorgeous for it - overcast, not too hot, not too windy. Just nice! The really great thing about that is it means the animals come out and are more active. Here are a few highlights for Monkey Man, one of his playgroup friends, and I!

Crawling through a tunnel inside an aquarium

Checkin out some birds as tall as they are

Fascinated by the meerkats

Mr Regal himself - right before he got frisky with his little woman

Loved this carousel

One of us together

The ADORABLE baby elephants!!! I could have watched these two play for hours. So cute!

Does this chimp remind you of anyone?

Yep, I thought so, too!

Monday, March 28, 2011

The Chief's Big Day

Some of you may know that my oldest son, The Chief stutters. It started when he was around 3 years old, which can be totally normal! I tried to get help back then, but was told that he would probably outgrow it by age 5.

By 6 years old, The Chief was stuttering so badly that he would not start conversations with friends. He wouldn't order his own food when we went out to eat. He wouldn't answer questions in class. It absolutely breaks my heart to see my kids struggle with things like this. I think one reason this issue bothers me so bad is that I was painfully shy growing up and I feel like because I never spoke up and talked to peers, I missed out on a lot of fun! And a HUGE problem is that The Chief has been bullied in the past. When he was in kindergarten he was being picked on and beat up on the bus coming home from school - by a 4th grader! He didn't tell me anything until one day when it just got really bad - the kid actually bit him, breaking the skin, on his arm and punched him repeatedly. He said it started when the older boys made fun of the way he spoke.

In first grade, someone finally listened to me and we got him into speech therapy - both privately and through the school system. We saw an amazing difference in a very short time. Within a month, he was so confident. While in the mall food court, he walked up and ordered his own food - beaming the whole time. I couldn't hold back my tears.

When we moved, I knew that he could go backwards a bit. I wasn't prepared for how badly he'd slip though. What's funny about The Chief's stuttering is he speaks completely fluently when he's nervous, angry or excited. It's when he's calm and comfortable that he stutters. There are times at home that he can't even get a sentence out - and he'll give up and say, "never mind." UGH It kills me!

About a month ago, his new school speech pathologist called me at home. She said that there was a school musical about bugs coming up, and she'd like for Caleb to try out for a speaking part. He'd never even brought home the form for me to sign! I agreed, that even just trying out could help boost his confidence. She explained to him that if he got too nervous, he wouldn't HAVE to do it, but that we'd really like him to try. She explained that many many kids were trying out, so he probably wouldn't actually get a part, but it would still be good for him. A week passed and I got a letter in his folder. The Chief got TWO speaking parts! All the parts are small, he's only got 8 lines total, but he got the part!!! I'm so proud. I can't even describe to you the joy this brings my heart. My little guy is working hard to move past a major struggle and overcome his fears.

Now, comes my part. I have to make him a costume - which is due this Friday! He's decided on being an ant. Wish me luck. And you better believe I'll be the most proud mama in the place!

If you have a loved one who has fluency issues, and want more information, here is a good place to start: The Stuttering Foundation

T-Shirt Printing Review!

There have been a few times in the past when I wanted custom t-shirts made. I have settled for just looking up a local company in the phonebook and got pretty bad results. Designs that crack, peel, or fade quickly when washed and dried, or colors that just don't look the way I wanted. So for the most part, I've been scared to find a company to work with to make custom shirts. Until now.

I was recently given the chance to work with T-Shirt Printing to review one of their shirts. This is a company that specializes in custom screen printed t-shirts. They have many garment colors and really high quality screen printing.

I received a gray shirt with the above monkey design on it. The shirt is 100% cotton, very soft and washed and dried well. The screen printed monkey design also faired great in the drier - that's not always the case with other shirts I've had in the past. T-Shirt Printing has a GREAT product!

They don't only work on t-shirts. T-Shirt Printing will also put your logo or design on hoodies, sweatshirts, caps, workwear and kids shirts! I really love that they will do your custom design for any occasion and you know it will come out perfect and will last you a long time.

I highly recommend T-Shirt Printing for all your custom screen printing jobs!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Baby Bond Product Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

April Fool's Day Fun!

April Fool's Day is one of those fun little days were we get to be silly and have fun! I don't really like to do mean pranks, but I do like to fool people.

Probably my best prank was pulled on my husband's old coworkers. I was always sending good food to work with my hubby - breakfast burritos, sweet breads, and all kinds of really yummy homemade cookies. I'm not the world's greatest cook by any means, but I make some great cookies! Well, one April Fool's Day it hit me - I could change up a tried and true recipe and pull a prank. I made snickerdoodles. Only, instead of sugar, I used ALL salt. And instead of cinnamon on top, I sprinkled chili pepper. I brought the plate of cookies to my husband with a stern warning for him to not try them at all, but sit back and watch. Oh, to be a fly on the wall. He said everyone was in a meeting together and was so excited to see fresh baked cookies. One after another they took a big bite, chewed, looked confused and spit it out. lol The downside, they never trusted my baking again!

In the spirit of fun, not mean April Fool's Day festivities, here are some of my favorite ideas I've run across lately. I'll be sure to post and let you guys know when I try some out!

This is Fakin' and Eggs that I found on Family Fun.

This mashed potato sundae is from Martha Stewart

And how stinking cute is this Mock TV Dinner from Delectable Edibles?!?!

What fun things do you have planned?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Domino Sports Necklace - Tutorial

As I've mentioned recently, it's baseball season. We are in full swing now, which means The Chief and Con-Man usually have two games each, every single week. I LOVE this! I'm definitely a sports mom. Not one of the crazy ones that's way too tough on her kids, or expects them to go pro. I just love watching them play - whether it's baseball, basketball, football - whatever. If they are having fun, I'm having fun watching in the stands. I clap and cheer more loudly than I probably should, but I'm just such a proud mama!

Being a sports mom, I absolutely dress the part. If I can get a team shirt, I wear it. If not, I've still got to show my support somehow! So that's why I decided to make myself a cute Domino Sports Necklace with my boys' names on it!

*Note - this necklace is for one of our team moms - I would NOT put my kiddo's name out there for potential crazies to see.*

Here is the easy as pie tutorial. If you make one, I'd LOVE to see it!

Domino Sports Necklace

What you'll need:

Domino

Chain necklace

Bead (big enough for chain to go through)

Mod Podge & brush

Sealant

E-6000 or other strong glue

Emery board

Scrapbook paper

Directions:

1 Print child's name on scrapbook paper

2 Trace around domino & cut out

3 Apply Mod Podge to domino with brush

4 Smooth paper onto domino

5 Use emery board to sand off any edges hanging over sides

6 Seal with spray sealant (OUTSIDE) and allow to dry

7 Apply extra layer of Mod Podge - I seal 1st because I use an inkjet printer and sometimes the ink will run if I apply the Mod Podge directly over the paper

8 Seal again, allow to dry

9 Apply bead on side of domino using E-6000. Follow package directions to get the strongest bond. Allow to dry.

10 Thread the chain through the bead and show your sports mama pride!

The great thing about this necklace is it's so versatile! Since I have two boys playing, I put one name on each side and simply flip the necklace around depending on who's playing! I'm also making some domino necklaces with pretty, girly paper and rhinestones!

These are SUPER affordable. I had the glue, Mod Podge and sealant here, so total I spent less than $2 on each necklace!!! I think they'd be fun to make with the girls during a craft night.

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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Sorry for being soooo lazy!

Boy do I feel guilty! I cannot believe I've been neglecting my blogs and my readers so badly lately! I'm sorry, and I promise to do better starting.....now!

My older boys were out of town last week for Spring Break (went to visit family), and I was totally out of my routine and busy with the little guy. I'll try to get a cute little tutorial up tomorrow - you guys are going to love it. (I hope!)

Friday, March 11, 2011

Prayers and Support for Japan

Mornings in my house are always a hurried mess of running up and down stairs for school clothes, cereal flying across the table, and school papers being signed. For some reason today, I took time to turn on the television to catch the news for a few minutes. My whole morning stood still.

Breaking news.

Almost always scary words on tv. Earthquake in Japan, devastating tsunami followed.

The kids and I were glued. We watched the news clips over and over in shock. I told the boys that we needed the pray for these poor people and of course they agreed. My boys are young - 8, 6, and 3. They were filled with questions - why did this happen? Where will those people live? Did people die? Did moms and dads die? Kids? I hate that children often have to see these disasters and learn hard truths about life.

During these natural disasters, it always warms my heart to see how people come together to help strangers. People they've never met, and probably never will meet. I think it really shows you the general love we all have for other people. I want to show you just a couple of ways that you can help during this tremendous time of need. You can donate directly through the American Red Cross - they make it so simple to even designate where you want your money to go.

There are also some very generous shops on Etsy that have decided to donate a portion of their profits to help the many many victims. I have even added a special item to help in this effort.

Please help in whatever way you can, especially in prayer!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Blog Swap with Running with Glitter!

Alright guys - today we are doing things a little differently! I'm doing a blog swap with one of my favorite new blogs. You guys are going to love Kelly and all the cute things she does on her blog! After you see this cute tutorial, please head on over to Running with Glitter and show her some luv!

Thanks for having me on your great blog! You have such great ideas and are very inspiring.

I'm Kelly form over at Running With Glitter. I'm a mommy to two very busy and children and I'm always working on some sort of a project. My blog is a new blog and I have so many ideas I can't wait to share.

Today I'm going to share a little girly love. My daughter is 100% girl and hair pretties are mandatory in our home!

St. Patrick's Day Shrinky Dink Shamrock Korker Tutorial

Who would want to pinch my little cutie pie?! Well just in case... I thought I'd put together a super cute hair pretty for Aubrey Rose.

Making korkers and Shrinky dinks in the same project makes me smile. I'm a nerd, I know.. But hey, here is a little tutorial so you can be a nerd with me.

To make the korkers you need:

1/4 inch Dowel Rods. You can find these pre-cut in a package of 12 at Hobby Lobby

Wooden clothes pins.

3/8 inch Grosgrain Ribbon

Liquid Starch

Oven

Fire

Take your ribbon and pin it to the clothes pin to hold it in place.

Start Twisting making sure that your ribbon is not overlapping and you don't have any gaps. After you do it a few times you will be a pro and it will go super fast!

Secure your Ribbon at the end with the other clothes pin

So simple, right?! Bake at 200-275* for 20-30 minutes depending on how your oven runs.

Remove from oven. Spray lightly with starch and let cool.

Remove from dowel rod and see how cute these are!

Cut your ribbon in 3 inch strips. I used my paper cutter to measure and help hold them in place while I cut ribbon

Heat seal the ends of the ribbon by moving fire quickly over the ends. This will prevent fraying.

Take a thick piece of thread/yarn place under the center of your ribbons and gather all your pieces tightly together. This can be a bit tricky so again I used my paper cutter to help hold them in place.

Wrap the string tightly around your bow a few more times and tie a knot. There you have it.. A korker bow!

Now for the Shrinky Dink fun!

I found this great Shamrock clip art here.

http://www.leehansen.com/clipart/Holidays/StPatrick/pages/shamrock-orange-edge.htm

I loved the orange outline Because it gave me a line to cut on :)

Resize to 50% larger of your desired size. Print on InkJet Shrinky Dink paper. Cut out the clip art from your Shrinky Dink paper and follow the Shrinky Dink package instructions for baking and making your shamrock.

When the shamrock was shrunk I added a little bit of glitter. I love when I make something that can be glittered! {Though you can skip the glitter all together}