Halloween is not usually a big “thing” in our house. It’s not that I oppose the festivities; in fact, I would love to throw a big bash one of these days. The fact that Halloween and trick-or-treating usually falls on a school night really throws my schedule out of whack (and you all know how I feel about schedules). I try to go with the flow . . . as best I can!

Before I describe the pictures, click on the button below that says “View All Images.”

Cute, eh? Yes, I made those costumes (minus the purple tutu from Mama’s Doodles - *LOVE* her!). Before you start leaving me comments about how wonderful the costumes are, even though, in reality, I knowthey are nothing spectacular, remember what I said above in that “Halloween is not usually a big ‘thing’ in our house.” I’ve got three kids and not a whole lotta time; therefore, costumes are not grandiose productions.

Hannah went as a Snow Fairy, and the handmade portion of her outfit constituted of a white tee embellished with jewels to resemble a snowflake (uh, yeah, a snowflake, I promise that’s what it is). Her skirt was nothing more than a bit of tulle and satin that I literally cut and sewed ~ no measuring involved. Had I taken the time to properly measure and cut the fabric, I wouldn’t have had to use clever photographic tricks to hide the imperfections. By the end of the evening, the outfit was dirty and snagged anyway. I knew it would be. It’s not in my oldest daughter’s personality to preserve the integrity of her clothes, so I tackled this project only half-heartedly (although with a heart full of love).

Jacob was a vampire. All he really wanted was the fake plastic teeth, so I knew I didn’t want to spend too long sewing a costume. I purchased a pair of black sweat pants and a long-sleeved shirt with bats on the front. His cape was nothing more than a black and red satin rectangle sewed together, a most awful sewing experience, I assure you, as the fabric slipped and slid everywhere. But the boy loved it, so all was well! Although makeup was purchased in order to paint his face a deathly shade of white, we had to abandon the idea as soon as he began itching his skin in a most furious way. Like I said, however, all he really wanted was the teeth.

Bridget was a witch, and again, her outfit consisted of nothing more than an apron made from various shades of tulle and a black pointy hat. Up until the very last moment, Bridget refused to wear any part of her costume opting, instead, for her birthday tutu from Mama’s Doodles. However, I pretended to have a broken heart and “cried,” an act which Bridget finds highly amusing. She then allowed me to tie the apron around her. And just to appease me, she voluntarily wore the hat the entire evening.

Trick-or-treating itself was an adventure. Not living in a neighborhood, we are forced to encroach upon the generosity of others. The university decided to get the fraternities and sororities involved in handing out the candy this year. Although it seemed like a great idea on the surface, the reality is that the houses are spread so far and wide that we did more walking than begging for candy. I’m not sure how many miles we logged, but we definitely got our exercise. Too bad my dinner consisted of a late-night cheese pizza and bag of M&M’s. I feel I have to say that the college kids were very nice and very generous to my brood. A mini-crisis was averted when the nice girls at one of the sorority houses allowed Jacob to use the bathroom. Thank goodness, because I had been scouting out a decent bush for him to use otherwise.

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I wish that more people had participated in my Craftacular Tuesday ~ Homemade Halloween Costumes event. Sigh. I’ll try not to take it personally  A woman named Sandyleft a comment on my original post letting me know she would be making a dress for her niece that Sharpey wore in High School Musical. *Incidentally, I now understand why that post received so many hits from Google for “Sharpey” related searches.* Click on Sandy’s site and scroll down. She made the dress and wig. She also made a black fleece “Elvis” hat for her nephew. *I’m assuming he’s Sandy’s nephew.* Just for participating, Sandy, feel free to head on over to my shop and choose one item for free.

I can’t close this post without mentioning my latest blog *crush.* Check out this Halloween costume. Her daughter is one of THE cutest little girls ever.  The photography and clothes are absolutely stunning!!

If that doesn’t make you weak in the knees, you’re just plain weird.