My First time Piping & Flooding!

As if Gingerbread is not hard enough on it's own, I decided that I should also try piping and flooding with Royal Icing. I am either a natural or I got very lucky. According to the many blogs I have read on the topic, consistency is key. Patting myself on the back. They look a tad funky, but tasted yummo! For instructions on Flood Icing, check out The Sweet Adventures of Sugar Belle here: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2011/07/outlining-and-filling-cookies-with-royal-icing/

Bryte as Peter Pan

Before he wanted to be Stitch...it was Pan. It was Peter Pan for months. But right before I start planning the costume, he changes his mind to Stitch. Stitch was going to be tricky, although I loved the idea. "Are you sure you don't want to be Peter Pan?". "no. Stitch". Okay, but we had already taken these excellent photos so I was thankful that he was able to play out both characters. We borrowed costumes from a dear friend of mine and met our friend Michelle with her daughter Ella for a quick imaginative session. Bryton dressed as Pan and Ella as Tink. I photoshopped Ella into the jar. The idea is that Peter is angry at Tink for shooting down the "Wendy Bird" and she is in the jar for being naughty. It just so happens Bryton gave me a very real tantrum just as I was photographing him. LOL. He thought I was quite ridiculous for asking him to imagine Ella in the jar. It turned out great and the kids had a great time.

If you have a moment hop over to Michelle's blog "Ella Fights Back". Prayers are always needed that the Nueroblastoma continues to shrink or not harm Ella during her development. Michelle has also created "The Ella Reese Foundation" to help other families that are also dealing with the devastating news of finding out that their child has been diagnosed. Donations can be given through the website.

Autism Speaks Walk 2013

This post is making it up a little late. There has been a lot going on in the past few months. But I just wanted to take a moment to thank our friends and family that have been supportive over the last few years. There is much for us to be thankful for right now and we will continue to count our blessings. This was a very "special" day for US. Thank you Team Bryte Future and those that donated to our team!

Bryte as Stitch

If there is one character that my son loves it is Stitch. Which could not make me happier because Lilo & Stitch happens to be my favorite animated movie of all time. Lilo is so much like myself at that age. She is full of fire and sass. Lilo is a fighter and I love her. Bryton requested two days before Halloween that I go as Lilo. Only I had already spent money on a Merlotte's Tee shirt, apron and other Sookie attire. I am not sure how easily I could pass for a dark haired and tan Hawaiian girl anyhow. Call it laziness but I like to stick with hoodies. Bryton seems okay with them and it takes a few steps out of the sewing process. Now that I am working while Bryte is in school, continuing with Photography and keeping up with ABA therapy sessions, there does not seem to be as much time for the crafting that I love. But I am trying to bring my crafty back ;o)

Bryte's Halloween Costume this Year: Carl from "Up!"

Bryte loves this movie. He loves balloons! I thought it was a great fit and very easy. The four pronged cane was the hardest part. But I took a trip to Home Depot and picked up some PVC piping and fittings. Spray paint. Liquid Nails. Then borrowed some Tennis balls from our friend Wil. Thanks again Wil! I thought it was a lot of fun to see him dressed up and playing with his cane. He knew just how to use it and hummed the theme song as he walked along. My sweet boy.

Meditation Jar For Kids

This was one I came across on Pinterest that caught my attention right away. From the searches I have done, it seems that there are many ways of making one of these jars and this is how I decided to do it. I liked the concept of giving something to Bryton to focus on during time outs or times when he was caught in a loop of some sort of thinking. I like to think of it as his thoughts being like tornadic and swirling glitter. I will be explaining to him that as he focuses on the glitter his thoughts will calm and settle just like the glitter does. As of now, I am just introducing the concept to him. Little by little he will understand better what it is for. Right now he just thinks that it is pretty. Let me know what you do as a sensory tool. Obviously, taking an energetic child outside to burn energy is ONE option but that is not always the solution. Do you use a stimulus brush? Do you use counting? Deep breathing? Keep the ideas coming and keep me informed on how your own Stimulus jars work out. I'll do the same. What you'll need: Ball Jar with a sealed lid. Glitter Glitter Glue Water That's it. Easy as can be. I chose Glitter in blues and purples. But do what you want! Just remember the multi colored glitters will be hard to see. It will just look like a glittery mess. I used Glow in the dark finish by Martha Stewart on my first attempt. Don't do this... Unless you want to be unable to see the Glitter. However, if you want a Glow in the Dark jar; this is the way to go! I had to scratch my first batch after that. Use Glitter Glue. Not Glitter Paint. The paint will cloud the water and you will not be able to see the Glitter. It also creates a thick foam on top that collects glitter. A total Waste! You can use Oil. You can use Water. Just don't use both. I went with Water because I wanted an easy clean up in case of a disaster! I could give you exact measurements here; but it really depends on your glitter. I can tell you that the light weight glitters will float to the top and collect there so use them sparingly. My last tip is that you should make sure that your ball jar top SEALS or use another one. Reason being is simple. Shake it and see;o) The glitter glue may clump up on the bottom of the jar. But over time, the water WILL delude the glue and the glitter consistency will become thicker with much shaking. Okay, so there you have it. Easy peasy. Bryton LOVES his.

Yarn Wrap Monogram Wreath

This one was a little more of a pain than I thought it would be but so worth it! I only had to use two small spools of yarn for $1.99 a piece. Instead of making felt flowers, I opted instead to purchase premade ones. It really took the headache out of it for me. White is kind of a brave choice for a door wreath so I have a feeling that I will end up moving it inside. Things to know before starting this project: Wrapping yarn sounds easy...until you end up with giants knots of yarn. It becomes hard to avoid. But if you clip smallers strands to wrap then it will make things easier on yourself. The mess is really hidden on the back of the wreath where the knots are tied. Over all, a very cute and attractive project that took up only a few hours in the evening while relaxing on the couch with the hubs. Please forgive the play doe on the table. In this house we do fun. Not perfect;o)