Costume Party

Sophie is still on an Alice in Wonderland kick, and had picked Alice for her Halloween costume this year. Chloe, being so clever, chose to be Alice's sister. It was fairly simple to find an Alice costume online, but the no name sister -- not so much. From the play we went to Chloe knew the sister looked just like Alice, only wore a yellow dress instead of blue. So, we got to work making her a costume. Then she got invited to a costume party by another girl in her class. I had already started her costume before the invitation even came, so I wasn't too worried; however, you may be familiar with my hatred for the sewing machine. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but it always is. When will I learn?

I was slowly making progress on it when Brandon decided it was time to put a finish on our hardwood floors. Moving all the appliances into the dining room took over my sewing space (which I was thankful for the break), but then it stressed me out to realize I may not finish the costume in time. After having a little breakdown, I finally called my neighbor and begged for help. She was amazing! What would have taken me two days she had done in less than an hour -- while she was sewing something for another client AND babysitting her granddaughter! After that I pretty much gave up on the costume and just finished it so that it would be wearable.

Then I still had to make an apron. The day of the party I got to work on that, and miraculously made something that resembles an apron. I just pinned it onto the dress, because I had no time to think of how to assemble it. After school I picked the girls up and took them to a park to enjoy the beautiful weather before the party started. Chloe started to throw a fit; she had changed her mind about wanting to go to the party. I was not in the mood to fight with her, so we went in the bathroom, changed into her costume, then took her to the party and dropped her off. She was clinging to me, but I was not going to let her out of this (I know it sounds mean, but I also know Chloe needs to be pushed sometimes).

On the drive home Sophie said to me, "If I were you I'd be really sad if Chloe didn't go to the party." I asked her why, and she told me because of how hard I had worked on the costume. It sure made me feel better to know that Sophie noticed, even if Chloe didn't appreciate it. At the park she had made a comment about how this party was going to be like her audition, where she threw a fit but then ended up having the time of her life. That Sophie is quite perceptive. Sure enough, I went to pick Chloe up from the party and amongst all the goodies she was carrying there was a gumball machine. We had heard plenty about this gumball machine. The friend hosting the party had told everyone it would be the prize for the best costume, so I didn't even have to ask. Another mom saw her coming out and even commented about it. I know the prize belongs to Chloe, but I have to say there's just a tinge of pride after all the work I spent on it. I wish I had a picture to share, but I haven't taken any yet. You'll just have to wait until Halloween. In case you didn't figure it out, Chloe DID have a good time at the party.