Homemade Halloween Costumes

I decided that this year I would go back to my old ways and make the boys' Halloween costumes. It all began with a Pottery Barn Kids catalog and a $59 plus shipping kick in the pants.

Image from Pottery Barn Kids

There was no way I wanted to pay that much for a costume that might not even fit my 7 year old. So off to Joann's we went with pictures in hand and confidence that we could make L and N's costumes for way less than the PB Kids inspiration. We came home with less than $50 in materials for both boys' costumes! K jumped in to help with the designs, we had to make everything with only the pictures as guides.

So here is the big reveal...our very own SHARK!

His costume from the front.

Side View (I moved is dorsal fin after this picture, it was too low for him!)

Showing off the head his daddy made for him.

L's costume is getting some last minute touch ups...that kid is a detail freak (I mean that is a loving Mom way). So I'll get pictures up when he is done with his creation.

Working together to make the costumes was definitely a finer thing...saving a lot of money was just the bonus!

Head on over to Amy's for Finer Things Friday to see what good things are going on in everyone's lives.

Until next time,

Ghosts, Goblins, Bats, Oh My!

K, N, and I went out window shopping on Saturday and N spotted some Halloween shaped pasta. It wasn't too expensive so I decided to get a package. Then my mind went to work like it does when I get a little inspiration. A full fledged Halloween themed dinner was in the works.

Here's what we started with...

Add a little of Mom being silly and here's what you get on you plate...(red sauce was served too, but picky eater doesn't like it on his pasta)

I busted out a couple Halloween cookie cutters and a couple of cresent rolls cans we got on with a coupon deal at Costco. Wa la... ghost and pumpkin rolls to go with our Halloween pasta dinner! It was fun getting the boys into the meal by making the silly rolls.

It wasn't on my menu plan, but getting a chance to be silly with a meal works for me!

Join everyone over at We are THAT Family to see what works for them!

Until next time,

Menu Plan for the Week

We've been busy working this weekend, now the Halloween costumes are FINISHED! K and I had a lot of fun getting them together. My sewing machine was smokin'! I'll post about that later this week!

Here's what we have planned for our meals this week.

Breakfasts- oatmeal, cereal, french toast (freezer stash), pancakes (freezer stash), and Banana Nut Muffins (freezer stash), Strawberry Bread (freezer stash).

Lunches- ham sandwiches, PB & J sandwiches, apples, carrots with ranch, leftovers

Dinners-

Sunday-Chicken and Beef Kabobs, Peppers, Onions

Monday- Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Salad

Tuesday- Fried Chicken, Red Potatoes, Broccoli, Salad

Wednesday- Beef Stew, Rolls

Thursday- YOYO Night

Friday- Homemade Pizza Night

Saturday- Hamburgers, Fries, Salad, Candied Apples

Well that's it... If you need more menu ideas you should head on over to Laura's at Organizing Junkie.

Until next time,

Hospitality

We have had a wave of visitors over the past couple of weekends, which has been wonderful! I am so grateful that we are able to keep in touch with old friends and out of town family. I am even more grateful that we have a nice place for them to come over and hang out with a full pantry, so I can cook for these unexpected guests! I know we are blessed to have what we have, but sharing it is what really reminds me of how far we've come as a family.

I always wanted my home to look like a "Better Homes and Gardens" pictorial, but with 3 boys and a limited budget my ideals have had to change. My home now feels like a family and there are plenty of chairs to pull up in my beloved kitchen. It has become a gathering place and I am so much more happy with that than I would ever be with the picture perfect "Better Homes" model. We live here and it shows, although sometimes I wish it didn't show so much!

So if you're ever out my way drop me a line. You might see toys and Legos strewn about, but you will feel the warmth that has enveloped our family's home. Our house is a house of hospitality and that is worth more than all the Pottery Barn dreams in the world!

You should head on over to Laura's at Heavenly Homemakers to see what everyone else is grateful for on this Gratituesday!

Until next time,