Halloween Costumes 101

It being only two days before Halloween, and my need to go BACK to the make-shift "Spirit" Halloween store AGAIN (that only weeks ago was an abandoned Albertsons) and return my son's costume, I've had plenty of opportunity to see what is out there in the way of costumes this year. Especially the adult costumes that are plastered all of the walls of the place.

Who really wears this stuff? And more to the point...who FITS in it like the pictures on the packaging? And finally...these things cost a small fortune!

Case in point:

What the packaging sells...

What you're more likely to see...

And again...marketing promo image...

And, well....you know...

We've all seen someone wearing a costume they, well, shouldn't be wearing. Maybe I'm just too conservative (scared) to try something so daring. No, I don't have the body for it, but the vast number of women's costumes up at the costume store I went to are those of the sexy-type. Therefore: NOT MUCH CLOTH.

As we are in line to check out, Shelby says to me, "Momma...look at all the costumes they have for you!"

What were they? French Maid, Captain Booty Pirate (I kid you not), Head Nurse (with the halter top, of course), a Lipstick Referee (use your imagination here), and a plethora of kittens, witches, school girls and superheroes. ALL of which show your stomach and are tank tops at best.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying every costume has to cover your body from head-to-toe. But these were the ones they have posted larger than life along the walls of the place. THESE are the ones they are pushing. And I must say, those were the ones that were still on the shelf! I asked the guy, "Are you selling a lot of the sexy ones?" to which he replied laughingly, "Noooooo." Hmmmmmmm...maybe because it's in Allen. Maybe because too many of us wouldn't fit into them or look like the picture on the package. Who knows.

The best costumes I've seen are usually homemade and very unique. In college, some friends went as the Fruit of the Loom bunch. The girls who were the grapes had so many balloons around them and they all popped throughout the night. It was hilarious.

Years ago some friends husbands dressed as women and really played it up. Old-timey dresses, cigars, lipstick that was definitely not lined up with their lips. Memorable? Yes. Expensive? No.

But my favorite part about Halloween, without a doubt, is handing out the candy and seeing all the little cuties who are barely old enough to walk, more less even understand what Halloween is and wonder 'why in the world my parents are having me go to strangers doors and ask for candy?'. The look in their eyes is almost one of fear because you know every single person has said, "Oooooooh! Look at you! You are precious!" at every stop and for the life of them, they can't figure out why. They just know they're having a tough time walking, due to the costume, and are usually tired and bewildered. Nonetheless...I love it!

Most don't even say "Trick or treat" and the ones who do, don't say it correctly...making it even more adorable.

I remember dressing Ben and Shelby up when they were way too young to get what was going on. Ben's first costume was a big, furry bumble bee and the head part of it kept falling over his face. He went along with it though, being the agreeable kid he is.

So as Halloween approaches, I'm getting excited about seeing all the little trick-or-treaters and saying, "oooooooh!" and "you're so cute!" and thinking about when my little ones just went along for the walk through the neighborhood asking strangers for candy.

Good times.........

They All Go Pfffffflllllllllllttthhh!

I remember when my son was actually interested in what he was going to be for Halloween. Heck...I remember when he didn't even have a say in it at all and I picked out the costume and he gladly wore it and smiled for the pictures!

This year he initially told me he didn't want to trick-or-treat. He just wanted to jump out of the bushes and scare people. Hmmmmmmmmm...I get that coming from a 9 1/2 year old little man especially considering he's one of the only 9 1/2 olds I know who doesn't even like the candy. Then he got invited to a friend's birthday party which is ON Halloween. When I asked him what he wanted to dress up as, he replied, "I don't care." Really?

On it went for days. His Nana suggested a hobo and he was marginally okay with that. Then he said, "How about a gangster?"

Me: Ben...do you even know what a gangster is?

Ben: No.

Me: They kill people, basically.

Ben: Oh...then no. I don't want to be that.

After school today he announced he wants to be the grim reaper. Shelby asked what a grim reaper was and I told her that it's a fictional character who comes to get people when they die and then the fun began...

Belle: Nooooo. Jesus does that. He comes and gets you and takes you to Heaven.

Ben: Yes that's right. A grim reaper is just pretend. If you believe in Jesus you live forever anyway. And if you don't. Well....then you die forever.

Belle: Yep! If you don't believe then you're pfffffflllllllllllttthhhhhh!!!

Momma: Yep...pretty much.

Lovely...

Honestly Speaking

At the inspiration from another mom out there in the blogosphere, I'm to write about 10 honest things about me that aren't necessarily known to everyone. That's kind of hard since I'm a talker and don't hide a lot of things. I'm not real daring, so I don't have those kinds of secrets. I can definitely keep a secret, so my allegiance is intact there.

So I wonder....what might be something totally honest, yet not known about me?

Required some deep thought. Here's what I came up with.

1. I have always had a premonition I'll win the lottery. I have been very lucky in the past at winning random drawings, etc... . So why I don't just invest a dollar a week in the lottery is beyond me.


2. Over the past few years, my definition of 'friendship' has changed. I've generally gotten along better with men than women and we women wear each other out with drama, gossip and the need to fill quiet with excessive chatter (yes...I said it). Intentional or unintentional, all women possess this trait to some degree (yes...all of us). However, if you are my friend, you can count on loyalty from me. You may not know about it, and I can almost guaranty I won't discuss it (hence, the unnecessary drama and attempt to keep it at a minimum and possibly even spare your feelings) but I have my friends backs and expect nothing less from them. I've lost friends due to pettiness and frankly, I am better off. My chosens are still around, I love them and cherish them in my life and I make sure and let them know that.


3. I just recently realized a clarity in my life that was missing (and I didn't even know it...how in the world does that happen?) and it has totally enveloped me. And I like it. I'm positive, thankful and focused on the future.


4. Since I was Belle's age (6) I've been athletic. Years ago I started a workout class with one of my chosens and we rocked it. I've since fallen off the work-out wagon and am starting to feel the desire inside again to sweat. No telling how my clarity will peak when I do!


5. I no longer 'just' pray. I get on my knees, have a conversation and give it all I've got. In return, He gives it back. Thankfully.


6. If I ever had the chance to chase a tornado, I'd take it. Same thing if I ever had a chance to swim with Shamu...totally in! It's somewhat of a goal (swimming with Shamu). They are just such majestic creatures and I know I'll cry like a baby when I finally get the chance to swim with one (note the positive outlook that it WILL happen?!).


7. I've learned to be more vulnerable and lean on people I trust. I have always tried to be there for my loved ones, but haven't always made it easy for them to be there for me. I'm learning (and trying) to be better at this.


8. I have dreams I can fly. Not in a plane. I fly like Superman flies. I just take off and it's the most amazing experience. I actually feel it. Talk about empowering.


9. I'm more likely to remember a person's phone number than their name. I have no idea why, but that's how it has always been. Though my memory is definitely not as good as it used to be! Ahhhhhh Momnesia.


10. I believe in ghosts - or rather spirits. Not the bad, spooky ones. But spirits are all around us. It's the core of our being. Every house we've ever lived in since we got married has had spirits and we've just learned to accept them as part of our lives. Of course, now that you know this, you probably won't want to come in my house...right? Not to worry. They are nice spirits and even protective and funny.
    

Well, that's it. Those who know me well are sure to know some of these things. It was fun thinking of some honest traits about me and I'll admit, I had to get more cerebral than just name off things I've done or like/don't like, etc... .

So, go ahead. What are some honest things about you that people may not know? Do some soul searching.

And when you do, ask yourself: What is my most honest trait and how can I make my life better by realizing it, sharing it and making it grow?

R.I.P.

I'm saddened to report my ever-faithful Canon PowerShot (see previous post) digital camera has gone to camera heaven.

It lived a long life and helped me capture thousands of memories my kids will surely cherish.

It will definitely be missed.

Now....on to it's cousin...the Digital Rebel!

Was the mourning period not long enough? Oh well, it's not like I can afford to go get it right now anyway...