Mo Fun Projects

We are a family that loves Mo Willems!  My son, M, was introduced to Pigeon, Gerald, Piggie, & oh so many mo(re) fabulous characters when he started school.  Thanks to the fabulous teacher, Mrs. R., we have fallen in love with the humor that Mr. Willems brings.  If you have never read one of these fantastic stories, give them a try.  Our absolute favorite is a Piggie & Elephant story called, "We Are In A Book!"  Be warned though.   Once you go Mo, you never go back.

With all this love for storybook characters, you might not be surprised that we've done a number of crafts in honor of them.  My friends have insisted that I share some of these fun projects.  Many Mo fun projects will be making their debut below.  *Some Mo Willems themed projects not pictures have already been showcased on my blog.


Mr. Willems, 
If you happen upon our little bit of this, little bit of that, family based blog, please know that we greatly admire you.  Your books are absolutely the best and we share them with everyone we know.  Okay.  We may not exactly share our books with everyone, but we do tell them about your amazing stories and buy them for some other special kiddos in our lives.  You've inspired these projects with your fun cast of characters and I'm certain you'll continue to do so.  We thank you for the humor, entertainment, and making reading a little mo' fun!  Keep writing & illustrating... we'll keep reading & loving every second!
You Fans,
CMOM Productions (just another cast of characters)




A Classroom Mascot...

This fun Pigeon mascot was hand drawn.  Here he is playing "Pigeon Lips" for Valentine's Day.  Key ingredients... poster board, scrapbook paper, glue, & a large laminating machine.  If you aren't into hand drawing, you could always use a projector to help create Sir Pigeon.

Mascot Accessories...

No mascot is complete without accessories.  Let's face it.  This Pigeon has to show his attitude and what better way to do so than with extra style.  All items were laminated.  *Not pictured:  1 speech bubble, perfect for bus driving requests.  While not all of the props are completed, it's a start.  When I finish the rest (I do have a list), I promise to do another post to showcase them.  

Pirate Pigeon (March is Reading Month theme: Pirates)...  
The palm tree & beach sand were made by an amazing friend & fellow parent volunteer and myself.  Three cheers for Miss J!  The pirate pigeon artwork is amazing!  Bravo kids!

 

Irish Pigeon (St. Patty's Day)...  

April Showers Pigeon (check out the boots)...  

 

May Flowers Pigeon...  

Back to Back Bus (one side school bus, one side "the bus")...  

Per my request, this one was created by my fabulous husband, C!

 

Desk Name Tags...
Mo' favorite characters, including the man himself, plus a speech bubble, some scrapbook paper, adhesive, & a laminating machine.  Write names on with a sharpie and cover with contact paper to stick them to the desks.  At the end of the year remove the sharpie with rubbing alcohol (I learned this trick from M's teacher).

Pigeon Treasure Keeper...
Using my previously seen hand carved Pigeon stamp, recycled containers, white contact paper, sharpies, these treasure keepers were fun little gifts for M's classmates.

Wooden Pigeon Pegs (hand painted)...
Wooden doll pegs, paint, brushes, modge podge to seal it, and patience.

Cat the Cat Clock...
A book with ruined pages inside (picked up at a book sale) was perfect for this project!  We grabbed a clock kit at our local Hobby Lobby, added a little spray paint, used a drill, and here you have it.  We found this book clock idea online.  C & M completed the project.

Pigeon Pencil Block...
Wood block, drill, scrapbook paper, modge podge, stamp, & sharpies.  By far our biggest efforts of team work as a family.  My older brother cut the 4x4, husband drilled the holes, boys picked the paper, & I put it together. 

Hand Carved Stamps...

This is one of my favorite creations ever made.  It was a personalized gift for an amazing teacher & friend.  Made with stamp rubber (found at Hobby Lobby), carving tools, and stamping cling foam, these stamps can be used with clear blocks (Stampin' Up size C = perfect).  The set is stored in a stamp case made by Stampin' Up.  The word bubble can be used for Pigeon, Gerald, & Piggie.  I wonder what they'll say... 

Pigeon (Hand) Prints...

This project was spotted online with stars for "Don't Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late."  We kept it simply the pigeon for our class project.  Paint, construction paper, scissors, glue, & a wobbly eye.  Mrs. R, Miss J, & I had fun seeing all the pigeons take shape.

Well, there you have it...  
CMOM Production's current gallery of Mo Willems inspired projects!  

Stay tuned for future projects.

Currently Enjoying Life

Currently enjoying life.  

Not perfection.  

Life.  

The ups.  

The downs.  

The monotony.  

The unexpected.

Being on top of it all.

Running behind.

Smiles.

Tears.

Feeling blessed.

Grateful.

Living.

He Drew Me Closer

Life is ever changing.  We learn, grow, and move forward.  Our path isn't always what we imagine it to be.  At times we stumble or lose sight of what is important.  It happens.  That's when we pick up the pieces, find our way back, and push on in the right direction.

I'm often one to put on a brave face and convince myself that I am unaffected by whatever circumstance falls upon me.  At times it's true, yet not always.  For a few months I found myself feeling very down.  I was unable to shake the sad and negative that had crept up and piled on.  When I hit a point where I could release some of it I felt better, but it wasn't completely gone.

As I began to read an inspirational fiction book, there were points that hit close to home.  I opened my heart a little more and pondered the lessons I could learn from this story.  When I finished it, an ebook that I had gotten during a Nook Free Friday was the next one that popped up.  I was feeling a little under the weather and thought it was a good time to start reading it.  The overview for "When You Can't Find God:  How to Ignite the Power of His Presence" by Linda Evans Shepherd says "You can find hope and peace--no matter what."  This book has pointed me back in the right direction.

Life is not perfect, nor will it ever be, but God is in control.  The circumstances (good and bad) shape us.  My recent struggles and sadness brought me to a place where I reached out to God, yet He was already there, and He drew me closer.

Philippians 4:13   I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

One of my absolute favorite songs...

   Mercy Said No by Greg Long

Affect Someone

Do you ever have moments when you feel as though you just can't win?  You're defeated at every turn and just want to fast forward to bed time.  Then out of nowhere, someone says or does the most priceless thing that makes you smile.  That person, having no idea how much their actions or words mean, can change your entire day.  They may not erase all of the negatives, but instead remind you that it's often not all that important.

I have amazing friends from various states in this country.  We don't get the opportunity to talk on a regular basis and I'm lucky to see some them every few years.  Yet when we do have a conversation or get to visit, we pick up as though we saw each other yesterday.  I have a handful of fantastic local friends that make me laugh and smile whenever I see them too.  To have these people in my life means I'm blessed with truly incredible friendships.

A number of these special people have brightened my day without even knowing that I needed it.  With an email, a letter, a photo, a quick phone call, a post on Facebook, or just stopping in to say hi.  It brings tears to my eyes thinking of moments when I have needed a reminder that I am loved and cared about and my friends were there.  Without having any idea of what happened in my day or what was happening in my life at that time, they gave me a little pick me up.

It's moments like these that help me remember there are much bigger things in life than my bad day.  God is in control and He has blessed me with beautiful relationships and friendships!

Maybe you will be the person who turns someone's day around.  Remember how easily you can affect your friends, co-workers, family, or even a complete stranger.  Kindness matters.

Sticking With Cupid

Once upon a time....  That's how fairytales begin right?  How often do we want to know the rest of the story when it ends with true love's kiss and happily ever after?  Do you ever picture characters lives beyond a book?  I know I do.

Today I'm sharing and my old blog post, Romantic Notions, with the story of how I met my husband.  I'm linking up with Diane Estrella's How Cupid Shot Me blog hop, so pop on over and check out all of the real life love stories.

Beyond our story of how it all began, I have a secret to share.  Cupid doesn't leave.  I fall in love with my husband all over again daily.  While love, relationships, & marriage are not easy, we don't let the struggles keep us from what's important.  We love each other.

When I'm having a rough day, C often finds a way to make me smile and laugh.  He's surprised me with a thoughtful gift when I least expect it.  When I say gift, I don't mean expensive jewelry or roses.  If you ask my husband, he'll tell you that's not what I would want anyway.  To give an example of what I mean, it could be as simple as a special sandwich I've been craving, a crafty item I've been searching for, a soundtrack on my list, or a hard to find jacket that I've desired for a long time.  It's never about money or materialism, but about the thought and time he took for me.  It's the little things, such as a much needed reminder note, daily lunch time conversation, or just sitting near each other while we read, work on projects, or relax.  He let's me vent, encourages me, laughs with me, stands beside me, and holds me up when I need it most.  There are very few people in this world that I feel I can count on and he knows he's #1 on my list.  He let's me be who I am.  I adore him for being a wonderful father and husband.

On the flip side, I do my best to put thought & heart into our relationship too.  Thoughtful gifts are my speciality, but it's more than that.  A day doesn't go by without the words "I love you" and a kiss.  C knows how much he means to me and often hears my words of appreciation.  My husband is my best friend.

Not a day goes by when I don't realize how lucky we are... and fall in love all over again.

What's your story and how do you keep the pages turning?

Life's a happy song when there's someone by your side to sing along...

<3  March 23, 2012 makes 15 years since we met online and 13 years of marriage.  <3

Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?  

CMOM Productions: Tshirt Pillow

 CMOM Productions:  T-Shirt Pillow

My youngest son's love of The Beatles has already been documented.  While searching for that elusive kid sized tshirt, I came upon some great clearance shirts at Target (previously in the music section).  The only problem was that the t's were only in adult sizes.  I snagged the only men's medium left and knew I'd find something to do with it.

As you can clearly see by the photo, I turned the men's shirt into a pillow case!  It was a simple straight stitch sewing project.


Simple How To:
Turn your t-shirt inside out.

Pin under the band/collar of the shirt opening and continue along in a straight line to mark where you need to stitch.

Close off the arms of the t-shirt by pinning in a straight line up to the point of your previous pins.  You should be able to continue your pins to the seams of the shirt (less sewing).

Straight stitch where you have pinned your shirt.

Measure the bottom of your shirt, double the number and add approximately 1 inch.  Cut a strip of fabric that length.  *The width of this fabric depends on your pillow size and preference.

Roll the edges of your fabric for a clean edge and then stitch it.

Stitch the ends of the fabric together.

Pin the fabric to the bottom of your shirt (remember you want a clean edge on the design side of your t-shirt pillowcase).

Stitch it the pieces together.  Trim any hanging threads & be sure to remove all pins.

*Options:  Add ribbon or rick-rack.

Turn your new pillowcase right side out and place your pillow inside.

My son loves the he can lay down and look at his Beatles design!  If you prefer your design to face a different way, cut it, turn the piece, and add more fabric around the design.

Perfect for a Hard Day's Night!