DIY FELT STORIES

Arwen loves the story Brown bear, brown bear by Eric Carle. I food some digging and found  some resources online. It just happened to be on a site I use a lot. http://www.dltk-kids.com/
I choose to make a felt board play.
Super easy. I printed the pictures and covered both sides with contact paper. Then I put strips of sandpaper on the back so that it would stick. She loves it.  We also made our own book, which she colored.

DIY Felt Board

Some time ago, I got into felt activities with the kids.  I wanted to make a felt board because they are so expensive. 
Normally you would want to use something stronger, but there was a great deal at the craft store, so I bought thick foam board.  I used spray adhesive and covered the board with felt. Then  I reinforced it on the back side with duct tape. It works great for us. Easy and cheap!

DIY hair and scalp treatment.

So I'm poor. I can't afford treatments or dermatologists etc.  I decided to try a DIY treatment for dry, flaky scalp and hair. I used a squirt bottle and filled it with
1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 cup of milk
and 2 tsp honey
It was messy and sticky. BUT...this stuff rocks. There was a considerable difference in the scalp and flakes add well as pretty, glossy hair.
Leave on an hour our so.
Just shampoo and condition and you're good to go.

Just when you think things are working....

I made Arwen a special ticket to earn for going down the stairs by herself that she can earn each day. She was excited about it.
Of course all my hopes were dashed ....the tantrum again...being to be carried
The teacher saved me and my back by taking over.  Bless these ladies.

A nervous breakdown.............loading............

I think I might be on the verge of a nervous breakdown.  Arwen was fine all morning until AGAIN it was time to go down the stairs at preschool.  This morning was the worst one yet.  She refused to go PERIOD.  She threw her self down on the floor at the top of the stairs, screaming, crying, and shouting NO! NO! NO!
She is very afraid of these stairs and typically goes very slow. The other day her teacher (whom is wonderful)m was going down with the group, holding Arwen's hand...and was going a little too fast for Arwen.....I think she may have fell.  But I know the panic started there.
Anyway...she was crying ...I was holding her 30-40 lb brother in one arm....trying to coax her to get up.
Holding him alone causes me back pain.......bending over causes me severe back pain....I had to pick her up with the other arm....and carry them both down three  flights of stairs. OUCH.
At the bottom, she was fine.  We get to the breakfast table and she starts to space out....she won't sit.  Her teacher helps her find a seat.  I walk away she tears up begging for a kiss.  I forgot to kiss.  I ran back (stupid of me) to kiss her.  That escalated the crying.  I rushed out...shaking and cried the entire walk home.

These tantrums because of fears have become a daily thing. I try, and try to help her...to ease her into the world gently.  I AM A FAILURE.
I am a failure because I have always done EVERYTHING for my children and never allowed them to do things for themselves.  I hope I can step back....and let them become the people they are supposed to be.

I do this in everything....when I managed the store ...I took all the work on myself.  And I am doing it again at home.
It's breaking me.......the thing I love most....being a mommy......is breaking me.
I feel like giving up....but I never will.

The biggest issue I have is .
1 .The back pain is making it impossible to do even the simplest thing as change a diaper.
2 .I wear my heart on my sleeve and take everything personal.
Yes, I exercise alot......but I do not know how to shake all this stress and pain.
I could easily become an alcoholic or drug addict........but I choose not to.
I want to be the best for them......not cringe every time someone jumps on me or wants to horse play.

How do I help her conquer all these fears?

Homework

Today Arwen's homework is learning about textures.  I have no time to prepare so I think we will do a Journey/Scavenger hunt around the house to locate and examine various textures.  I really need to start planning ahead for these activities and visit the library.  We could have so much fun adding activities like this to our daily routine!

Another Reuse

When Arwen needs an incentive to go potty, I give her a treat.  Currently she gets a chocolate.  Hershey's kiss, rolo miniature, or reese's miniature.
My newest reuse is to save the foil wrappers for our daily project.  They make great shiny scales for a rainbow fish!