DIY Halloween Ping Pong Toss

I don't get to Target very often these days.  I used to live two minutes from one, and went all of the time.  Now it's about thirty minutes away, and I don't get there half as often as I'd like.  I guess on the bright side, I do save a lot of money by having a bit of distance between the two of us.

I was at Target a few weeks ago, however, and ran across a cute ping pong toss game.  I love old, classic carnival games at Halloween time for some reason.  It was $10, which isn't terrible, but the containers the ping pong balls were to be tossed into were just about the exact size of an oatmeal container.  I save oatmeal containers, and had a bunch at home, so I decided to make my own game.

SUPPLIES

 *oatmeal containers (small and/or large- I used some of both)

*scrapbook paper

*adhesive

*point labels (I designed mine in PicMonkey)

*ping pong balls

*embellishments (optional)

HOW TO

*Cut scrapbook paper to fit oatmeal containers.  My scrapbook paper didn't quite wrap around the entire container, so I had to add an extra piece at the back.  You could use wrapping paper or fabric and you wouldn't run into that problem.

*Adhere paper to container.

*Adhere point labels to containers, or just write the point values on.
*Add any other embellishments to the container.  I added a bit or ribbon to the top of mine.

*Decorate ping pong balls with Halloween stickers (if you'd like).

My boys just like to throw the balls into the containers, so the puffy stickers were fine.  If you're going to bounce the balls, you'll need flatter stickers, or just don't use stickers on the ping pong balls at all.

Now you're ready for some ping pong toss fun.  I had everything I needed for this project.  I did have to pay 40 cents to have my point labels printed, but that sure beats $10!

Happy Halloween!  I wish you all a very fun and spooky day.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

P.S.  I only put five labels on a page when I designed my point labels , and for the game, six or more labels are best.  I wasn't going to share my labels for that reason, but I guess you could print out two copies and have 10 point labels in all.  Click here if you'd like them.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

Halloween Pudding Cups

I  have many Gooseberry Patch cookbooks.  Two of them are for cooking with kids.  One of the books, Kids in the Kitchen, has the dirt and worm cup recipe.  I'm sure you've heard of the recipe before, and chances are you've probably made it.

Well, here's a Halloween version that I served at my boys' birthday party this year.  No worms this time, just pudding, "dirt", a few Halloween sprinkles, and a cute Halloween topper.  The black Oreos are perfect for Halloween.  You could layer the pudding and Oreos if you'd like, but I just sprinkle them on top.  I added some Halloween sprinkles for a bit more color on top, and my topper is just a sticker attached to a black straw that I cut down.

I love this recipe because it's delicious (think chocolate mousse with a hint of Oreo) such a crowd-pleaser, it's simple as can be, and it's so inexpensive.  You just need three ingredients (well, four counting the milk), and all of them are around $1.

Click to Print

Because the crushed Oreos go a long way, I just buy the Oreos in a cup.  You know the ones you can get at the check out stand for $1?  I crush the entire cup, and that's enough to top off the pudding.  If you're going to layer, you will probably need more.

It's fun to serve this dessert in individual cups.  I got this Libbey Just Dessert Tasting Set for my birthday.  I hadn't used it yet, and was excited to have an excuse to do so.  Yes, I used it at a party for my three boys all under the age of 10, and I'm  happy to report that every glass survived.  I got this set to use, and pretty much every time I have a reason to use something like this kids are involved, so I might as well get used to it.  The kids actually really LOVED the small size of the glasses.  They were kind of the talk of the party.

Source

This dessert is perfect for any occasion, but if you're in need of a quick dessert for your Halloween party tomorrow, this is perfect!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

Jack-O-Lantern Chalkboard Printable

Being gone the week before Halloween has really thrown me this year.  I'm excited for Halloween, but I have to say I'm getting a big anxious to move on to some Thanksgiving things.  I do have one more Halloween printable for you today, however.  

Click to Print

I love simple images, and I love chalkboard backgrounds.  They're both perfect for Halloween, I think.  I also love a simple color scheme, and I really like how white looks on chalkboard.  
I know this might be a bit late for this year, but go ahead and save it for next year, or print it out and use it for decor if you're having a big Halloween bash this year.  Me, I'm a bit unorganized for Halloween this year (totally out of character for me), so I'll be saving this one for next year.  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

I'm Back

I think I'm having a harder time being back from our Disneyland trip than my boys.  They LOVED every minute of it, but today they were back in school with their friends, and they finally got to play withaa few birthday toys that got left behind on our trip.

We had the best time!  I loved Sea World, the beach was beautiful (and a bit chilly), but Disneyland/ California Adventure was by far my favorite!  It's honestly magical there.  I loved all the rides, the parades, and shows.  If you are planning a trip to Disneyland soon and haven't seen World of Color, it's a MUST SEE!  We got fast passes for it in the morning, and we still had to get in line early to get good "seats" (you stand for the entire show), but it was totally worth it.   They do it at night, and its full of water, lights, and Disney music and images.  Absolutely stunning!!

I was hoping to share more pictures on Facebook, but my phone and Facebook aren't getting along these days.  Hopefully I'll get it figured and and share more pictures on there.  If not, stay tuned here.  We have over a thousand pictures from our trip, and I'd love to share some here.  I just need to find the time.  

Hope you all had a wonderful week.  I'm glad to be back here.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Disneyland

With three birthdays in two days, and then Christmas two months later, we tend to accumulate a lot of toys this time of year.  I have nothing against toys (we have plenty to go around), but it gets to be a bit much at times.  So, this year we've decided to do a trip for our boys' birthdays.  We are headed to Disneyland tomorrow morning!  My husband and I have had this planned since the summer, but our boys just found out last night.  It was so exciting!

Source

So, I'm taking a break from blogging for the next week.  We'll be enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of Disneyland.  I think I might even be a bit more excited than my boys.  I've never been at Halloween time, so I'm extra excited!  I'll be posting some pictures on Facebook, so follow along if you'd like. I hope you all have a wonderful week, and I'll see you back here Monday, October 28. 

P.S.  We're driving (10 lovely hours).  Wish me luck!

Trick or Treat Printable @ 31 Days of Halloween

Well, here's my  Tuesday's printable on Friday for you this week.  Chelsea is hosting the 31 Days of Halloween, and I'm joining in on the fun today.

I keep thinking I'm tired or chalkboard, and then I use it to create a printable, and I realize (again) why I love it so much.   It's perfect for Halloween time!

Click here to see my post and download the trick or treat printable.

It seems like I just did this (oh wait, I did do it yesterday for my twins).  I have to give a very big Happy Birthday shout out to my now four-year-old.  This little (but getting bigger way to0 quickly) boy is my best buddy these days.  We spend a lot of time together, just the two of us.  I couldn't ask for a better shadow.  Yesterday he helped me get his brothers' motor scooters charged, back in the boxes, wrapped, and carried down two flights of stairs.  Then he helped bake their cakes, and put together goodie bags for their first grade class.  There's nothing he can't do, or won't try to do.  He is pure sunshine and a complete delight!  I love you so very, very much, Monkey!

BTW, this is bit random, but this song just popped into my head.  Have you ever heard Taylor Swift's "Never Grow Up"? I guess I get a bit sentimental this time of year.  I know my boys have to grow up, and I'm excited for the new adventures that lie ahead for them, but I sure do love them little!!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.

Halloween Books For Kids

   I have a huge children's book collection that came from five years of free book order points (as a teacher, you earn points for each dollar amount spent by parents).  I just counted my Halloween books, and the grand total was 60!  And there are many more titles I'd love to add to my collection.

It's hard to narrow 60 books down to 10, so I had my boys each choose their top three favorites.  They actually chose several of my favorites, but I did add a few of my own picks as well.  So, here are our top 10 favorite Halloween books (at least for this year) in no particular order.

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

Source

All of these books are available of Amazon.  You can also keep your eyes open for them in you child's book order, or check your local library.  

I apologize for not elaborating on each book, but I ran out of blogging time because I needed to spend some birthday planning time for these two amazing boys.

Seven (yikes, they're getting old!) years ago today they joined our family.  It was a day never I will never forget!  And actually, with them in our family there haven't been too many forgettable days since then.  
Happy birthday, boys!  Thank you for being such a tremendous source of joy and fulfillment.  Love you always!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you found a little something worth your time.

Linking up to these parties & Savvy Southern Style.