Masquerade Daddy Daughter Harvest Ball

Masquerade Daddy Daughter Harvest Ball

Last year I helped accomplish a magical Daddy Daughter Date. It was a formal dinner, which we all dressed up in our Sunday best. I loved wearing my jeweled black dress and green mask! Each girl made a mask during Activity Days week prior to the evening. They also helped us make invitations, name cards, and napkin rings. Our goal was for it to sparkle that night by using lots of glitter, white lights, shimmery ribbons, and gems! We decorated the place in restaurant style each girl got their own table with their Father. We had servers (Young Women and Men from our ward) take their orders and serve them their food. We had a photographer take photos at a backdrop and provided some fun props. We asked a couple Young Women and Young men who were on the Ballroom team perform a couple routines for some entertainment. We then did three rotations of activities such as writing a letter to our missionaries, minute to win it games, and learn a waltz from the ballroom dancers. At the end, we did a group waltz dance all together. It was a fun night, which I hope the girls will never forget! 
The Invitations
We used 12X12 glitter scrapbook papers and embellished the invite with feathers, gems, ribbons, and black mask dye cuts (from silhouette machine). 

Close Up on the Invites
Credits: The Frames and graphics are from The Graphic's Fairy, the dancing couple from here and black paper is by Zoe Pearn and grey paper is by Shabby Princess. I used the following fonts: Francine Hmk, Old English Text MT, and Bergamot Ornaments.

The Table Setting
We cut some burlap fabric in squares, made name cards, napkin rings, masks (template here), menu, pumpkin party favor (filled with candy), spray painted pine cones, black lacy paper over glass container for tea light, and candelabras (silhouette machine which we spray painted them).

Another Table Setting

The Menu
We asked six Young Women and Men in our ward to be servers. They were dressed in black and white. Credits: Graphics and frames are from The Graphics Fairy, papers are by Zoe Pearn and I used Imperator, Goudy Old Style, Bergamot Ornaments, Old English Text MT, and Francine Hmk for the fonts.

The Place Mat (Activities to do while eating) 
Credits: I found misc games from doing a Google search Tick Tac Toe, Pumpkin Maze, and Dot Game. I typed out some ice breakers questions for them to talk about during dinner. The silhouette dance couple is from here. The oval frames and silhouette of girl are by Allison Kimbell Designs. The other Graphics are by The Graphic's Fairy. I got the silhouette dancing couple from here and the man silhouette here.

Photo Booth and Props
We used white lights over a white curtain and layered it with gold and cream material, bought a few pumpkins (put gold and cream ribbons on the stem) and balloons. I found the Photo Booth Props templates from here -----> Keepsakes Photo Props 

Banners and Pumpkins
As you can see we went with the color theme of black, orange, purple, gold, cream, and silver. When I planted my garden last year, I made sure we did pumpkins! I painted the pumpkins black, purple, white, etc. I used some glitter, ribbons, and masks to embellish them.  I was happy to decorate my front door with the colorful pumpkins after the event! I used gold and silver spray paint to make the pine cones (great for Christmas decorations, ha). As for the banner, I used the Goose Bumps kit from Shabby Princess, orange paper and alphas was from Zoe Pearn's Something Wicked Kit, and then I tied colorful ribbons on the banner.

More Pumpkins

Entertainment and Games 
We divided the guests into three groups and did three rotations. I made a map to show them where to go. We did Minute to Win it games, Learn a Waltz, and Missionary Letters to our current missionaries serving from our ward. Credits: Papers are by Zoe Pearn and Shabby Princess, graphics and frames are by The Graphics Fairy, compass is by Kate Hatfield from The Lily Pad, and the waltz dance couple silhouette is from here.

The Overview of Lights, Table, Chair Setting, and Disco Ball 
What a wonderful privilege to be apart of this magical night! I have the best church calling ever! 

Free Family Fall Fun

As a family, we strive to savor each season by doing fun activities together.

First, we went on a small family hike near Grovecreek trail.

Next, we played at Hee Haw Farms!   The girls absolutely loved the slides while little brother enjoyed playing in the corn pit.  We all enjoyed the hayride and petting the barnyard animals!

One Sunday afternoon we went for a drive up Alpine Loop, had a picnic, and enjoyed seeing the beautiful colorful leaves.

Lastly, for Halloween 2014, little sis was a Spanish dancer, little brother was Cookie Monster, big sis was "A" from Pretty Little Liars, John was El Macho from Despicable Me II and I was a cowgirl.

My three little Monsters

On October 30, 2013, we made some spooky food since John had to work and big sis had a party on Halloween.  Big sister was in charge of dinner. She made mummy hot dogs, ghost bananas, orange slices, veggies, and ranch dip.  For dessert, we bought a pumpkin and cheese cake roll and made witch hats out of cookies, kisses, and clear frosting from a tube. During that same evening, John made a killer spicy hot chili for his work contest! In fact, he won first place in the chili contest and received $50 dollars for his prize, woohoo! As for our Halloween costumes, John and I were super Dad and Mom, big sister was the famous classy Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast and Tiffany's, little sis was cute bat, and little brother was an awesome skeleton.  We either bought things from the Dollar Store or thrift stores. Some things were hand me downs from a friend. The kids and I went trick or treating at my husband's work instead of walking around the neighborhoods.  They got plenty of candy from John's work and corn dogs from Sonic! Little sister, little brother, and I watched some Halloween movies after trick or treating!  What fun Halloween memories we made this year!

John and I basically wore clothes from our closets expect for my blue tutu was homemade.  For our accessories, we used things around the house such as belts, diapers, pacifiers, receiving blankets (capes), and made a holster out of foam for the bottles (just stapled it together) !  We bought the bottles, glasses, and foam paper from the dollar store. We got the super hero printables from Super Dad and Super Mom and paste them on the foam material.

The pretty Audrey Hepburn costume included the following: an elegant black dress with fake diamonds, black heels, and gloves were from a thrift shop.  She borrowed the earrings, and necklaces from me. Her hair and make were done by her friend.

As for the bat girl costume, it was all homemade by my friend who no longer needed it. It included the following  bat wings, ears (hat), and eye mask. Her black nails, hair, and make up was done by me. She wore a black shirt, sweats, witch headband from a thrift store, and carried a bouncy bat decoration toy.

Lastly, little brother wore a skeleton outfit for his first Halloween costume, which was given to us by a friend. We bought a black winter hat and sock shoes from Old Navy.    

Boo'tiful and Spooky Layouts

You're Boo-tiful, 2004

Credits: The template is by Christy Vanderwall. The alpha, papers, elements are by Shabby Miss Jenn. The paper over lay, felt pumpkin and owl are by Gina Cabrera. The candy corn is by Jacque Larsen. As for the flowers, they are by Dani Mogstad. I used the following fonts: love ya like a sister and Kristen ITC.

Spooky Halloween, 2008

 Credits: The template is by Ashley Kennedy. I used the "Scared Silly" Kit by Dani Mogstad and Jacque Larsen. The spooky alpha is by Dani Mogstad. The m&m's are by Gunhild Storeide I used jokerman for my font.

October 2012 Fun Fall Memories

1.  During conference weekend (October 5-7, 2012), we went up to Layton to stay with our nephew and niece.  We went on a lovely hike up Fernwood Trail Head near their home to see the brilliant fall leaves. 

2.  On Tuesday October 16, 2012, the girls went to the ward neighbourhood carnival hosted by the young men and young women at the church.  My husband was in charge of a bean bag toss game while my oldest daughter did some other fun games for the children.  My youngest daughter enjoyed face painting, prizes, treats, and got to take home a small pumpkin.

3. As a weekend family outing, we went to check out the new Scheels in Sandy, Utah on October 27, 2012. The girls enjoyed trying fudge, riding the Ferris Wheel, and looking at the fish.  Afterwards we ate at Astro Burger for dinner. 

5.  On October 30, 2012, Little sister and I went to Hee Haw Farms with the Nelson family while John and big sis went to scouts and young women activity. Big sis rode on a pony, pet the farm animals, went down the slides, rode a swing, and went on a Hay Ride.  We had a lot of fun despite the stinky farm animal smells!

6.  On Halloween little sister dressed up as a cheer leader while big sis was a pediatrician.

 Happy Halloween!

Spooky Halloween Layouts

My Little Bewitching Princesses, 2005 

Credits: "Good Witch Garden" elements are by Natalie Braxton. Frames, ghost, safety pin words, papers, and staples are by Gina Cabrera. Pumpkin tag and bows are by Shabby Miss Jenn. Cauldron is by Shabby Princess. The witch hat, black spider web letters, and spider are by Dani Mogstad. Purple button and dot ribbon are by Stefanie Burt. The felt black and orange star is by Tabby Lewis. The fonts are: sabrina star and a charming font.  

What a Fright, 2007

Credits: The layout is by Ashley (hand cut template). I used the "Scared Silly" kit by Dani Mogstad and Jacaque Larson. I used grumble and font diner dot com sparkle for my fonts.

Hocus Pocus, 2009

Credits: I used "Happy Haunting" kit, the "hocus" alpha, and  black word strips are by Dani Mogstad.  The doodled colored string frame and felt flowers are by Natalie Braxton. The cauldron, flames, witch, cat, are by Kaye Winiecki from The Lily Pad.  I used love ya like a sister font and the "pocus" is an unknown font.

Costumes, Pumpkins, and Candy, Oh My,2011

Credits: The layout is by me.  I used "Goose Bumps" kit by Shabby Princess. The scarecrow, candy, wheat, pumpkins, hay, and black bird doodles are by Kate Hadfield from the Lily Pad. I used the following fonts: grumble and FO-Giggles.

Carving Pumpkins and Halloween Day

What a busy fun weekend.  My oldest daughter went to a Halloween party on Friday night and a birthday party on Saturday night. We bought seven pumpkins on sale a week ago (nine cents a pound) and decided to carve them this weekend.  Here are our spooky designs! We got a couple of our pumpkin stencils from some websites.

 

Daddy's Pumpkins

Jack Skeleton

Our Last Name

Mommy's Pumpkins

Owl

Cat

Big Sister's Pumpkins
Did Her Name

Little Sister's Pumpkins

Sissy's Own Design

Scared Ghost Pumpkin 

We roasted a batch of pumpkin seeds and I was surprised that my kids loved snacking on them.  We generally do not keep the seeds to roast them instead we throw the pumpkin guts and seeds away!  I am glad we cleaned them and baked them. Pumpkin seeds have been a very nice salty treat these last few days!
On Saturday night, my youngest daughter and I enjoyed watching Matilda and Hocus Pocus  while big sissy was at a birthday party.  We also enjoyed some yummy pumpkin and vanilla frozen yogurt from our nearby grocery store!

I hope you had a Happy Halloween!
My husband decided to to dress up this year.  He is so goofy!  He shaved half of his face, tucked in one side of his shirt while leaving the other side not tucked, tucked in his socks on one side, wore two different shoes (dress shoes and sneakers), and combed half his hair (left the other half messy).  He went to work looking that way!  He was very brave, lol!  I didn't bother dressing up!  I am lucky that I wore an orange jacket vest!

This year my oldest dressed up as a NERD.  We had some goofy black 3D glasses, she rolled up her jeans, wore a flannel shirt, cream colored suspenders,and black converse shoes.  During her Friday Halloween party, she was voted the weirdest costume!  

Little Sis wanted to be Red Ridding Hood.  I put her hair in cute pig tails tied with red ribbons. We bought her red cape from ebay, basket with apples from Winco, and wore a black t-shirt, white ruffled skirt, black leggings, and black Toms shoes. At her school Halloween costume parade today, I noticed she was the only Red Ridding Hood!  Yay!

  For dinner, I made a crock pot chili and bought some crazy bread sticks from Little Caesars.  The girls did a neighborhood costume parade, which had pop corn and apple cider.  We had perfect weather for trick or treating! For the first time, we didn't have to go trick or treating with our girls!  Both girls went with some friends this year! So I did some homework while John handed out some candy!

A Spooktacular Halloween Weekend!

October 29-30, 2010

We had a lot of fun activities planned for Halloween weekend. To our surprise on October 27, 2010, we got three inches of snow. Luckily, it melted by the end of the day! We crossed our fingers for better weather during the weekend but it didn't work out because it rained! We tried our best to not let the rain ruin our fun!

The girls got creative this year coming up with costume ideas. My oldest daughter decided it would be cool to be a klutz or accident victim, while little sister wanted to be a bootiful butterfly! The butterfly costume came from Robin (my awesome visiting teacher)who gave me some adorable hand me down homemade costumes last year! We had to borrow some things for the klutz costume such as the crutches, boot, and neck brace! I got some pretty pink/purple eye shadow and glitter face make up for the butterfly. I put her hair in pony tails and added yellow pipe cleaners as her antenna! As for klutz, I made a fake black eye with a black stick of make up. Added some purple color to the black eye to make it look more realistic. We stuck a couple of band-aids on her face too. We found her nightgown dress at Savers! The texture of the dress reminded us of a towel or soft robe! We even made a patient hospital wrist band!






My oldest daughter invited over two friends for a Halloween slumber party on Friday night. They played games such as hungry hippos, attack uno, the game of life, compatibility, and 20 random questions. While listening to The Phantom of The Opera soundtrack, we painted our nails with Halloween color nail polishes (black, blue, green, orange, and purple). We had pizza, soda, made fruit sushi, popcorn, and pudding cups! A total sugar rush! The girls were so silly and sleepless! They ended the night watching a movie. They had a couple options to watch Halloween movies such as Nightmare Before Christmas and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown but they thought  Elf was the best option, lol!

Our California sushi rolls! This is one trick that makes a tasty treat!



Fruit Sushi Recipe By Rachael Ray

3 Tablespoons of butter
1 package of marshmallows
6 cups of Rice Krispies
18 fruit roll-ups
Possible candy: licorice cut in half, Swedish fish, gummy worms, eye balls, etc.

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows. Stir the marshmallows until melted. Remove from heat and add cereal. Stir to coat cereal evenly in the melted marshmallows. Roll out the fruit roll-ups, place some candy on the roll-up, then add a few spoonfuls of the cereal mixture, and then press some more candy on top of cereal mixture. Wrap and roll the candy and fruit roll up so that the finished product resembles a sushi roll. Place a sharp knife in warm water. Cut the candy sushi with the warm knife and arrange pieces on a plate to serve.

My chocolate and vanilla pudding cups with Halloween sprinkles!



Around 1:30PM on Saturday we attended our ward party. It was supposed to be outdoors but due to the inclement weather they moved it indoors at the church. There were many activities for the kids, such as playing games, writing letters to the missionaries, making ghosts (with suckers), coloring, fishing for prizes, cookie walk, watching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and eating donuts from a string. We ate chili, corn bread, and cookies for dinner. I volunteered to bring some peanut butter candy corn Halloween cookies. The kids got to see the new Pleasant Grove fire truck. My oldest daughter won the funniest costume in her age group at the party. She got to pick out a large size candy (Skittles).



I was dressed up in Halloween colors black, green, and orange. I was told I looked like a I was ready to go deer hunting, lol!

My amazing Halloween cookies! You can find the recipe here: Candy Corn Kisses Autumn Cookies



My girls with a friend (dressed up as a doctor) standing near the ambulance outside the church!



John missed out on all the fun on Saturday due to having to work all day long. He did make it home in time to take the girls trick or treating! Mother Nature was not too happy at the time! The kids went trick or treating in down pouring rain. We had to put ponchos on them to keep them dry, which covered up most of their costumes. Rain on Halloween just ruined the fun of trick or treating! They didn't last more than three streets (we even drove the car). In the end, it was okay the less candy the better for their teeth and less temptation for me to eat it, lol! In addition, we took the girls to Orem to see family, dropped off some cookies and fruit sushi to Justin Silva, and went to Winco to pick out some bulk candy as our treat for not being able to trick or treat very long. We got less than a pound of each of the following:

1. Chocolate Body Parts- nose, toes, fingers, ears, and eye balls tiny sister's sweet treat.
2. Sour Strawberry Tape- big sister's sour treat.
3. Szechuan Mix- crackers, wasabi peas, nuts, etc John's salty treat.
4. Mount Hood Mix- toffee, chocolate, nuts, and yogurt- my sweet and salty treat.