Saturday, October 21, 2006



Ding-dong, the Witch is Dead...

Confession time. I despise Halloween. I didn't used to hate it so. But I clearly did not think out the quantity of children that I have and the number of costumes to round up. Usually, when I hear that some one would like to have a large family, someday, I just like to point out that they better like to cook, 'cause you do a whole lot of that with a large family. But I guess, I might need to say, "Hey! Make sure you like sewing capes!" Whoda thunk? I used to make a lot of costumes in high school and college... and it is one of those activities that leave me feeling frustrated. I want things to last longer and be useful for more than just one night! So I am sewing, sewing, lots of black fabric. A few ruffles of lace, some satin, A cape that needs sleeves- I point out that it isn't a cape if it has sleeves. But it all got done. Finally. The only good thing about Halloween is that their costume party came a week early this year! Now I can put up my feet- put the witch to rest until next year! I just don't get into the plastic pumpkins- love the real ones, the fake spider webs-hate the real ones, or all the cheap junk that gets piled in the yards and messes up a perfectly beautiful scene of changing leaves and such. My own yard looks way too much like that on an ordinary day- can't imagine why any one who choose to do that to their yard! One or two pumpkins should do me- maybe a few corn shocks... a hay bale. But please, nothing cute. Cute... it just isn't something I'd do, voluntarily. But the kids love it, and so it is all worth it!

But aren't the kids cute?!! Abe loves the Phantom of the Opera. If I pop the soundtrack into the stereo, he will lay down in front of it and listen to the whole thing. Quite an attention span for a 3 year old. The big boys were cowboys(Dan was a silly cowboy- in case you didn't guess from the stick horse. And his hair is a wig- Bill says , "Now you know why we keep our hair short- scary!") and the 3 younger boys were... well, I am not sure. They are big fans of Lord of The Rings, so I am sure that is where they found their inspiration. Each year I ask if they wouldn't mind being something... nicer... like anything that doesn't involve armor and swords. Every year I get the same blank looks. What fun would that be? The girls were a ballerina- "a modest one" and Little Bo-Peep- see her crying over her lost sheep? They had a great time at the bonfire and Bill just looks at me and smiles- knowing what a trial all that sewing was and how much the children enjoyed every minute of their big evening. Next year, I'll try to keep that in mind just a little more.

13 comments:

teelduo said...

OOOH I love all the costumes! You did good girl!

ROFL at Dan's hair. I was cracking up. That needs posted on Pleo. BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Carolyn said...

A woman after my own heart...I've always hated Halloween, even as a kid. I don't understand all the plastic decorations in front of the houses either. I hate going door to door and begging for candy. Most of all I hate making costumes...you did a great job!!! I can't believe there is someone else who doesn't like Halloween!

Judy said...

Abe is adorable! as are all the youngins, except for maybe whatever the 3 boys are....knights or dracula, or Lord of the Rings? Scary!

This and birthday parties is one thing I really missed giving up when I didn't get to have kids! I can see where 9 of them would be a bit much though! Valient effort Mom!!

dot said...

Tooo cute. Believe me there will come a day when you miss this. I made my kids costumes, granted only two, but now that they are adults I miss is soooo much. I did make one for DD a few years ago, if I find the picture I will post. You are an inspiration to many of us.

ForestJane said...

And the cat at the far end of the row, on the left? What a good disguise, lol Is it really a dog?

I can't remember my mom ever making any of us a costume. There was a lion costume that we all wore when we were 5, 6, and 7ish. When the lion was so tight in the armpits that we rebelled against it, we had to find our own stuff. I can remember my brothers being a lot of bums and hoboes, with burnt-cork blackened moustaches and beards. I was a rabbit once, white sweater, white pants, tube sock ears over my own ponytails.

Fiona said...

Here in the UK Halloween was never celebrated as much as in the US until recently. (Does this have something to do with Walmart coming to the UK I ask myself?) Until last year my son just wore a mask and an old long black cardigan of his sister's worn backwards! Your kids look great, I'll bet Abe wants to wear his costume all the time now.

Darcie said...

I keep saying you're a Saint...now I just know it: You ARE A SAINT, NINA! One of a kind...what a Mom to make all of those recognizable costumes for her children! Bless your heart.

What fun to read your post! I certainly hope that the shield that one of your boys is holding...is not your studio ceiling!!! And your *black* cats...they're even joining in on the fun dressed as punkins, aren't they?!?! ;-)

Have a beautiful October Sunday, my dear!

Carol E. said...

What a great mom you are!! I did enjoy sewing costumes for my kids, even though I also dislike Halloween. It just seems like a dumb "holiday." I have only 2 kids and they are 6 yrs apart, so I didn't have the annual chore of so many, as you do!!! You are amazing. They are all fantastic costumes. I think my favorite is Phantom of the Opera. (And I don't miss making those costumes at all, even though it was sort of fun at the time.)

McIrish Annie said...

Wow, I remember doing the costume dance for one!! never mind your crew! They all look great and it is worth all the work when you see them in the finished product. Back in the day when my son was a trick-or-treater(i.e., that's when it was safe to go door to door)we would have anywhere from 80 to 150 kids at our door. THAT'S A LOT OF CANDY!!! I Loved all the costumes and trying to guess which neighborhood kid was what! Now that my son is grown, my DH and I skip Halloween and go out to dinner and a movie on trick-or-treat night.

Anonymous said...

Who's dressed up like a kitty?

keryn said...

We have never celebrated Halloween in Australia, and I'm glad. I think it's weird just from what I've seen on TV. And I don't believe in stuffing kids full of sugar either; maybe dentists are the ones who love Halloween the most.

But your costumes and your kids are gorgeous. I've made a few fairy costumes, monk's habits and cloaks in my time; got to love how easy cloaks are....

Holly said...

So cute and wonderful - put a big smile on my face. That cat in on the left - FUNNY - somehow it knew to pose for the picture along with the kids. Neat family you have.

Quilts And Pieces said...

The costumes are wonderful! You have a beautiful family! Cook is what you think about with a large family? Not laundry or cleaning up after them???!!!! :)