Gruffalo Mask

This year for Halloween, my child HAD to pick something super unique and super expensive.  He chose The Gruffalo.  About 2 years ago, his daddy had let him get the movie at the store.  He got very into it and let it go every bit as quickly.  THEN.  But within the last month, his love for The Gruffalo came back.  He has a Halloween drum recital and chose "The Snake" from the movie as his song.  So of course, his costume needs to reflect it.  I searched for costumes on Amazon.  $85.  And that's not happening with a one-income family.  So, I got on Pinterest and found an inspiration.  Except, The Gruffalo from the book doesn't have hair.

This was my inspiration for my Gruffalo mask. 

And THIS is mine =) I'm a proud mama.  And my child absolutely loves it.  

My Materials List::

4 pieces of Dark Brown felt (incase i totally wrecked it)

1 piece of orange felt

1 piece of white felt

1 piece of green felt

Brown sturdy thread

Double-sided tape

Ribbon

Velcro

And a flimsy cardboard box (I used one from a box of granola bars)

I traced everything out on the felt before I did any cutting. 

For his ears & tusks, I cut the pattern and stuffed them with a piece of the cardboard before sewing.  They are very sturdy.  All pieces were sewn on.  Then for his jaw area to be sturdy, I stuffed them with cardboard as well and sewed along the jaw area.  NOT across his face though.  That is where the double-sided tape came in.  I also used a piece of cardboard on his forehead.  I used double-sided tape and felt so it wouldn't irritate my child all night.  

I poked holes and ran my ribbon through them.  Then, the velcro was sewn into place.  

And then, you have a Gruffalo ;)

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Update

So this would be my reason for being a tad bit behind on my posting lately.  We go our school year underway.  My sweet Kade is now a Kindergartner.  Kyleigh SHOULD be in K2 because of a late birthday.  However, having had her at the table with us since our last school year, I've decided she's ready for K3.  

We've also started our second season of soccer for the year.  His team is awesome and my child actually cares to pay attention this year.  Instead of tackling his best friend and kicking dirt. 

My baby girl started a new adventure with cheer & tumble.  She absolutely loves her teacher & her new friends.  And of course, what two year old doesn't want to be told to do flips??

Sorry I got a bit slack.  My posting will pick up from here on out ;)

Manic Monday

Before I gave birth to Kyleigh, I heard from every Girl Mommy how much "easier" girls were than boys.  Today is a day I certainly beg to differ.  Last night I got choppy "nap sleep" as usual.  As soon as Kyleigh's feet hit the floor this morning she's been on a war path.

Stealing Kade's crayons as he did his school lesson. (This mama doesn't break for summer.)

Pulling Kade's hair as he was doing his school lesson.

Refusing to put her clothes until we were literally walking out the door today.

Also refusing to put her shoes on the right foot.

Needing certain cups and plates.

Not wanting her hair pulled up because it gives her a headache.

Not wanting to play outside because apparently the 90 degree weather outside today is hotter than the 100 degree days we had a few weeks ago.  Note that on those days, I had to drag her inside.

Telling her brother she doesn't love him & he isn't her best friend anymore.

I'd blame it on the "terrible twos" but I know that three wasn't any better with Kade.  And I will give her credit, potty training was a BREEZE with her!  However, I am expecting my first gray hair any day now.

What A Difference A Year Makes...Part One

June 2013

July 2014

June 2013

July 2014

June 2013

 July 2014

June 2013

July 2014

June 2013

 July 2014

 July 2014

July 2014

Sell This House

I made up my mind last week that the entire week ahead will be spent readying our house to sell.  The kids aren't sharing a room as nicely as I wish they would.  Kade needs his own space for his massive Godzilla collection.  Kyleigh needs her own room for her kitchen & doll house.  SO many toys are in their playroom at my parents simply because their current room is too small.  I cut grass today and I saw LOTS to do to fix up the outside of the house.  Things that won't cost a dime to do.  

Cutting up a fallen tree and hauling off.

Raking up leaves & briars from said tree and hauling off.

Weedeating.

Bleaching the back porch & prepping it to stain.

These few things will make a massive difference.  And hopefully attract potential buyers.  I'll keep you updated.  Please just keep me in your prayers that we can sell this house!!

Update

So....it's been just a little while since my last entry.  We've managed to get settled back into our home since the last time I posted.  

Kade was discharged from OT May 29th.  A happy & bittersweet day for all involved.  His Occupational Therapist was a TRUE Saint.  Seriously, the most generous woman I've been privileged to meet in my life.  I've had several doctors & nurses breeze through my children's life.  I can tell the truly, genuine ones from the ones who solely do their job for the money.  Miss Cathy is anything but.  She has called to check on my child when he was sick.  She has attentively listened to anything he's had to say and let him lead therapy many times.  There were many tears shed during the day he graduated from everybody.  Luckily, I've managed to make a friend for life.  She helped my child overcome his issues with textures of foods after having his horrible, obstructive tonsils removed.  I will forever owe her for all she has done for him.  

I managed to completely potty train Kyleigh in one weekend.  She decided she wanted to poop on my parents' sidewalk one day so I ran with it.  We made the switch to ALL panties and BOOM, she loved it.  Life has been MUCH easier not having to have pull-ups and diapers in my bags.  

We signed up for our Homeschool Association & Accountability groups.  I waited patiently to hear back and worried for a while they may have too many applications for us to be accepted.  Long story short, Kade and his best friend were both accepted.  **Happy Dance** Field Trips will not be painfully awkward because we already have friends in our group!!  I finally settled on my choices for curriculum as far as Math & Science goes.  I managed to score a brand new Math textbook & manipulatives packet on Amazon for a whopping $25.  Happy mama over here.  I've also got our supplemental workbooks & his Science notebooking journal in as well.  Working on finding more deals to save us a ton.  Using them for two children makes it even sweeter.

My sweet Kade celebrated his 5th birthday June 17th.  I will be writing up his baby story as I find the time.  Kyleigh is in the terrible, horrific & difficult twos stage right now.  Therefore, my posts will be random.  Bear with me. 

Kyleigh started ballet.  I signed her up for a Mom & Tot dance class with my best friend and her little girl.  Kyleigh loves dance & loves taking it with her best friend as well.  Win for everyone involved.  I get quality time with my best friend & our daughters in one swoop.  I'm hoping Kyleigh will hopefully gain more confidence and grow a love for dance that will stick with her!

We added a new family member last week.  A 13 week old kitten that I actually fed with a syringe for a while.  His name is Godzilla (Kade is currently obsessed with EVERYTHING Godzilla.  He loves the movies, even the ones that are in Japanese with English subtitles.  

And we've also ALL been hit by a horrific stomach bug.  Different symptoms for the adults, but MUCH suffering and weakness for the littles.  Kade seriously didn't run around for 36 hours.  NOT typical Kade.  Luckily, we are all free of it now.  Hopefully I'll manage to post more frequently from here on out.

Thanks for reading!!