calm down bottle

As many of my friends know, my oldest son has been having a lot of anger outbursts lately. I was literally at my wits end and then I remembered something I had pinned on Pinterest. The calm down jar. The idea is pretty simple - Shake bottle to release frustration and then sit and watch the glitter fall to the bottom. Once the glitter is settled, continue playing. So it's technically a time out, but he will never know.*

Things you will need:

a clear bottle (I used a generic tall water bottle I found at WalMart)

glitter glue

ultra fine glitter in same color as glue

clear tacky glue

water

baby oil

large bowl

funnel

1. Start by removing the label.

2. Pour a small amount of baby oil on the sticky part where the label came off. A small amount goes a long way.

3. Wash excess oil off of bottle.

4. Fill bottle 3/4 full of water and then dump water into the bowl.

5. Heat water in microwave until VERY hot. This helps the glue break up in the water, rather than remain a glob.

6. Pour the glitter glue and ultra fine glitter into the water.

7. Whisk until all globs are gone.

8. Using the funnel, pour mixture into bottle.

9. Add tacky glue and extra water a little at a time until you achieve the amount wanted to settle. This part takes some time since you will be shaking, waiting and timing.

10. During the next meltdown, have your kiddo shake and watch. 

*Also works on adults. It was very calming to watch the glitter fall.

original post here: My Crazy Blessed Life

last week update

It's been just over a week since I last posted. There is good reason! My in-laws were in town and we were busy all week with a secret project. Unfortunately for all of you, I can not even give a slight clue as to what it is. The recipient is 7,500ish miles away and will not be home to see it for a bit longer. I am so happy with the outcome of the project. What makes it truly special is how many people actually put some sort of effort into it. Both family and friends, a select few, had a hand in the planning and creating of it. So much love and time went into the project. I am so anxious to see how the recipient reacts to it!

superbowl XLVII

Not even going to lie, I had to look up the roman numerals. It's game day! Yesterday Susie and Bill got in to town and Conner was SO surprised. We went out to eat dinner at Applebee's and just had a very relaxed night. This morning my in-laws also stopped by. They got into town yesterday, as well. Since it's game day, I wanted to make some food related items. 

We've got football and helmet shaped brownies. Football pizza. Your standard cheese and meat tray. Fruit and vegetable tray. Cheese ball and chrackers. Susie found these awesome football paper plates and San Fran napkins last night at Wal*Mart. I guess I'm cheering on the 49ers by default today. 

Now just waiting for the game this evening. I know, I got way to big of a head start on the food. I never cook real food on game day. Snacks all the way!