Halloween costumes

I have been trying to get Ella to stay in the bed for the past hour. Some of it is probably my fault. I have been looking at Halloween costumes online. I try and make it a point to make the girls costumes. I want them to appreciate things that are homemade and try to be creative as well. Ella wants to be a mermaid ( I have tried to convince her to be a lady bug, cotton candy, a puppy, etc...). So I have been trying to get inspired and come up with some ideas. I will admit that the thought of ordering one online has entered my mind numerous times. She has poked her head out a couple of times and I would ask her opion on what she liked and didn't like. She is very good at it! I do have some ideas, but now I am feeling very overwhelmed, especially since I don't really have a clue when it comes to using my sewing machine. I am going out this week to get all the stuff I need. If I royally miss it up, my mom is coming to visit this weekend, so she can help.
Little Miss Olivia is going to be a monkey. She originally wanted to be a mermaid like her sister, but thank goodness she is only 2 and I could quickly talked her out of it. I always call her my little monkey, because of the way she clings to me. It reminds me of a way a real monkey clings to it's mother or trainer. Her costume will be relatively easy.
I really pray I don't go crazy this week trying to get it all done! I promise I will post some pictures as soon as I get going.