I failed to take a costumed picture of the boys before now, but I'd been wanting to show this picture for a while. I'll call it peek-a-BOO, and then it fits the theme. I don't know what it is about a Bohon boy in a sweatshirt, but it gets me every time. I love Halloween. Pretty much any holiday really. Even the really obscure ones are kind of cool, because Michael works for the State and always gets them off. Seriously, he's off for holidays you probably don't really know exist. But it's these big ones that really make me happy.
I know some Christians feel we shouldn't participate in this one, but - well - we do. Pretty whole-heartedly actually. Autumn is just perfect to me, and it deserves a holiday. And it works for me that it's one in which we get to dress up. I've taken my children to the grocery store wearing their blankets as capes on a Tuesday - just a regular ol' weekday in the spring or summer. They loved costumes way before they knew that Halloween existed. No matter what movie they watch, you can pretty much count on a blur to race from the living room at some point so that one of them can return dressed as the subject of the movie. We really like our costumes. They have an entire box in their room of capes and gear and possibilities for their imagination.
The real hero of this holiday is of course Grandma Bohon. I knew they had discovered her powers when Drew came to me one day and said, "I know what I want to be for Halloween this year. Call Grandma." I think it was July at the time. She can make them anything they want to be. They aren't properly grateful of course, because they don't see her actually working the sewing machine. But they are grateful. They know she will always deliver, and it's one of those happy I-always-knew-I-could-count-on-it things that I'm so glad their childhood includes.
And that's what Halloween is to me. Michael and I were just talking about it last night, and we can't be absolutely positive that Jesus won't look at us on judgement day and say, "I can't believe you dressed them up on Halloween." But I'm pretty sure He'll agree with us on the wonder that is Grandma Bohon and how beautiful it is to make memories, to love each other, and at least every now and then to put on a cape.
4 comments:
I've never felt very strongly one way or another about this, but I've been thinking today that whether we celebrate Halloween, celebrate a modified version of Halloween, or stand up against it in some way, our goals are actually very similar. No matter what we believe, as parents, we are doing what we believe is in the best interests of our kids. For whatever reason. I hope looking back our kids will always feel that!
I loved dressing up for Halloween. I remember the costume box coming down from the attic with all its delicious possibilities. And I remember my dad dressing up with us several years and visiting the elderly neighbors who thought the whole thing was a hoot.
iccertainly agree about Grandma Bohon. What a gift she is in lots of ways. I remember when things got a little scary just before John Michael's birth. She is the one who went to the waiting room and got everyone praying! She not only covers them in awesome Rocky robes and Jedi cloaks, but she covers them in hours of prayer. I'm so grateful for both.
Gramma Kathy
There were times, like Halloween, when, as a born again Christian, I longed to be Catholic again. When we were Catholic, we got to get dressed up and go get lots of candy from our neighbors. I much prefer where I am at right now in terms of relationship with my Savior vs following religiousity.
We went trick-or-treating for the first time this year. Jazz was Iron Man. Paris was a Pirate Girl.
Our kids get dressed up based on movies, too!! Jazz created a great night guard outfit after watching Night at the Museum. I love the creativity our children have!!
I could sit and gaze into Jake's eyes for hours on end.....
luv
Tiff
Hurray for Grandma's!
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