Jar of Gumballs Costume

I thought it was a grand idea!  It was quick, easy, inexpensive and most of all fun!   I had seen the idea in a magazine and was eager to try it out.  Although it wasn't the best traveling costume,  I felt it was worth the inconvenience.  This was twenty five years ago, but my son still remembers the costume.  I would like to say he remembered it with fondness... he was only five years old, who would have guessed?  But, he hated it then and still complains about what I "did to him" all these years later.  I tell him to "let it go".  He smiles and shakes his head.  We'll see what transpires when HIS children start dressing up for Halloween.

I still think it is a marvelous idea for younger school-age children, so I will share it with you.

A little jar of gumballs!  Only 35¢ please!

Here is what you will need to transform your little one into a jar of gumballs:

- One large clear plastic trash bag with a drawstring closing
- Small round balloons in multiple bright colors, blown up
- 1 piece of card stock cut to look like a price tag.
         I made my price tag on the computer, but you could also hand write the tag
- Solid color pants and long sleeve shirt


Directions:

1.  Blow up several dozen balloons and tie them shut.  Set them aside until you are ready to fill your gumball 
     jar.

2. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut two leg holes in the bottom of the trash bag, then cut two arm holes
    toward the top of the bag- one on each side.

    Your child's size will determine where these holes go and how large they should be.

3. Dress your child in solid color pants and shirt.

4.  Have your child step into the garbage bag, placing a foot through each of the leg holes at the bottom of
     the bag.

5. Carefully slip the child's arms through the arm holes in the top of the bag.

6.  For this step a second pair of hands may be helpful.  Begin to add balloons inside of the garbage bag
     surrounding your child until you achieve the desired shape.

7.   Attach the SALE sign onto the drawstring of the bag.

8.  Tie shut - in a bow--- NOT A KNOT-  "the jar of gumballs"  by tying the bag closed around the child's
     neck.   Tie it in a bow for ease of removal and MAKE SURE IT IS COMFORTABLE - the same
    comfort amount used in the size of buttoning a shirt's top button .   Obviously this costume is not for a very
    small child due to this step.

For safety there is the assumption that you are with your child during putting the costume on and taking it off as well as during the wearing of this costume.  Common sense must prevail.

When Halloween trick-or-treating is over make sure to have fun with the balloons!

Ideas for the balloons from the costume:

-play volleyball
-see who can keep their balloon in the air without  touching the floor the longest
-sit on balloons until they pop  :-)
-draw faces on balloons with permanent marker or pen and use them as puppets
-play "tennis" or "bad-mitten" with the balloons
-rub balloons on your hair and create static cling
-decorate your room or the center of the table

What other ideas can you think of?

Use the empty trash bag to collect the balloons when finished playing for easy clean-up.

Have a Fun, Safe and  Happy Halloween!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

Jack-o-Lantern Fun!

I just recently returned from a trip "up north".  The colors were amazing and the air was crisp and cool!  It seemed that about every mile, we passed a produce stand.  It was glorious.  One stand had an old fashioned scale with weights and balances, like the kind you could find in doctor's offices.  It was upon this scale that you set your selected pumpkin before purchase.  The pumpkins were priced by the pound.   A variety of choices were available from tiny to huge!  We made our selection and bought a pumpkin.  As we carried it back to our vehicle I allowed a little skip in my step as I was
filled with delight!  It had been years since we had carved a pumpkin. 

I remember as a child sitting at the kitchen table every year with my grandpa.  We would decide on our design and he set about carving the pumpkin.  Each year's events ended with a photo session of
our creation.  It was a tradition that I looked forward to and remember with joy. 

We continued this tradition with our children.  I pray they have many warm memories as well.  There is nothing like the excitement of lighting the candle in your freshly carved pumpkin and setting his top on.  Watching the rays of light stream from the Jack-o-Lantern's smiling face produces great joy and  happiness!  (Our pumpkins were always happy!)

Some years we saved the seeds to plant next year and other years we washed, seasoned and roasted the seeds for a special treat.

 

Here are a few tips/ideas for your annual pumpkin carving festivities:

Adding newspapers under your work surface makes clean-up much easier.  Just roll up the
mess and toss.  Adults/much older children (teens) should be in charge of the cutting, as pumpkins are very tough to cut.  Always use a sharp knife.  Dull knives result in more injuries.

An ice cream scoop or large metal spoon works nicely to scoop out the inside of the pumpkin.
Hands work well too, if you don't mind getting slimy...which by the way, is half the fun!

 

Instead of a free hand design, we chose to cut a pattern out of a piece of scratch paper until we got the look we wanted.  Then using double sided tape we taped the design onto the clean, dry pumpkin.

 

You can either use a pencil or the tip of your knife to outline your design, then remove the paper pattern; or cut around the paper pattern while it is taped onto the pumpkin.

Carefully remove the pieces after cutting through the pumpkin shell.

 

 

 Add a votive or tea light candle inside.  It is wonderful to have battery operated tea lights and votive candles to use as they are a safer option.  Set your pumpkin on a plate to protect the table surface.  A large plastic lid from a container you were going to throw away will work great as well.

 

No matter if you are 2 or 102 years old

carving a pumpkin in the fall is always a thrill! 

 Look at that smile!

 

 

 

Alternative options:

 

Foam pumpkins from a craft store can also be carved. 

This will eliminate the slimy part of the activity and

your creation can be saved, to use for many years.

 

An alternative to carving is to drill your design. 

These pumpkins were drilled with two different size drill bits. 

 

You can do design drilling on real pumpkins too!

 

 



 A very non-traditional pumpkin can be made out of a tin can.  Any size tin can, can be used. 
Wash and dry a tin can and make sure there are no sharp edges around the top.  Investing in a can-opener that leaves smooth edges is well worth the investment!  Paint your can orange.  Punch a hole in each side of the can to insert a wire handle.  Use black paint or permanent marker to produce your face design.  Add a bow, if desired, and your Tin Jack-O-Lantern is ready to go!

Are you really feeling artistic?  Use a hammer and nail to punch small holes in your tin can to make a design.  Add a battery operated votive or tea light candle inside.  The light will shine through your holes.

Whether you are a family, a couple or doing this with a group of kids

(Sunday school, scouts, 4-H, or other club)

Have fun!

 

 

 

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book.

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

Jack-O-Lantern/ Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

A long time ago there was a festival on October 31 to celebrate the harvest season. People tried to scare away evil spirits by dressing in scary costumes. The children would dress up and go door to door telling people that if they gave them a treat the evil spirits would go away.

Years later the church decided to change the festival by making it a celebration of eternal life. Instead of honoring evil spirits they honored all the Christians who had died in the last year. This celebration was held on November 1 - called All Saints Day or All Hallowed Day (holy ones). The evening before was called "All Hallows Eve".

Over the years the name was shortened to "Halloween"

When planning for a pumpkin prayer family devotion time a real pumpkin can be used, or you can use an artificial hollow foam pumpkin (purchased from a craft store).


Steps for Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

Each step below includes actions to take in the process of carving your pumpkin, comments to make about what and why you are doing this step, a scripture reference and a short prayer.

Preparing Your Pumpkin:

If you are using an artificial foam pumpkin, have the parts already cut out before starting the devotion. Clear push pins can be used on the cut out pieces as little handles aiding you in taking the pieces in and out.

To make fake pumpkin "guts:
Materials needed : a mound of tangled orange yarn
real pumpkin seeds
(found in little packages in the snack section of the grocery store)
white Elmer's glue
Directions:
Take a small amount of glue and mix it with the yarn and seeds. Spread it out on wax
paper to dry. When the glue has dried, the seeds will stick to the yarn
resembling real pumpkin "guts".


If you are using a fresh pumpkin, cover your work surface with newspaper first for easy cleanup. Cut each piece as you go along and have a family discussion about each part.


1. Pumpkin Lid.

God helps us to learn about Him. We need to be open to what God wants to do in our lives.

* Scripture: "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

* Prayer: Dear God, open my mind so I can learn about you.


2. Pumpkin "guts".

God takes away our sins and forgives us. We need to ask God to take away our sins every day.
We can feel all clean after God forgives us. Show clean inside of pumpkin

* Scripture: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness" I John 1:9

* Prayer: Take away all my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do.


3. Heart shaped eyes.

How can we see that God loves us? We see how much God loves us when we read the Bible, look
at our families and see everything God has created!

* Scripture: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalms 34:8

* Prayer: Open my eyes so I will see Your love


4. Cross shaped nose.

What does it mean to turn your nose up at something?...don't like ...ex. foods, clothes, etc. We
may think we know what we need better than God does! It is important to remember that Jesus
died on the cross for us and we know that God gave us all we really need.

* Scripture: "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O most High."
Psalm 92:1

* Prayer: I'm sorry for turning up my nose to all You've given me.


5. Bible shaped ears.

Do you ever have to be told more than once to do something? Sometimes we don't
listen well. Parents want you to listen to them and God wants us to listen to Him! The Bible
tells us : How much God loves us, how He wants us to live and how He will help us. We need to
listen to God's Word.

* Scripture: "Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live." Isaiah 55:3

* Prayer: Open my ears so Your work I will hear.


6. Fish shaped mouth.

Jesus told disciples they weren't going to catch fish now but they would be fishers of men by
telling others about God's love. A long time ago Christians greeted each other by drawing a fish
in the dirt when they met. We can use our mouths to tell others about Jesus.

* Scripture: ..." I will proclaim what the Lord has done. " Psalms 118: 17

* Prayer: Open my mouth so I can tell others You're near.


7. Light a candle inside the pumpkin.

Turn off the lights and either light a small votive candle in a real pumpkin or turn the switch
on an electric candle. Battery operated candles, votive or tea lights are a safe, great ideas.

Look how bright the light shines out of the pumpkin! The light stands for the Holy Spirit that lives
in Christians. When we let God open up every part of us, He can shine through us so others will
see Jesus in us.

* Scripture: "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see
your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, open our minds so that we can learn more about you; Please take away our sin and forgive us of the wrong things we have done. Open our eyes so we can see how much you love us. You have given us so much. Please forgive us for turning up our noses at our many blessings. Open our ears so we can hear and understand your word and help us to know how to share the Good News with others. We ask that you help us let your light shine in all that we say and do.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Being a Christian can be easily explained by comparing it to the life of a jack-o-lantern:

"God comes to us and picks us up from a lonely, cold field.

He washes off all the dirt of our sin.

He removes the seeds of doubt, fear, and hate that have grown inside of us.

Then he places within us the light of his love.

This love warms our hearts.

What was once filled with darkness is now flooded with light.

That love puts a smile on our face!

Now the whole world can see God's love shining in us!"

"Go SHINE for the Lord as you

Share

His

Incredible

News

Everywhere!"

This year as you carve your pumpkin, let it be a special reminder

to seek the Lord in all we do and say!

Let our light shine for Jesus!

Source and for additional resources see CTA (Christian Tools for Affirmation) http://www.ctainc.com

 

 

This coming Saturday be sure to check out

pumpkin carving ideas!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.amazon.com

Jack-O-Lantern Supreme: Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

 A long time ago there was a festival on October 31 to celebrate the harvest season.  People tried to scare away evil spirits by dressing in scary costumes.   The children would dress up and go door to door telling people that if they gave them a treat the evil spirits would go away.

  Years later the church decided to change the festival by making it a celebration of eternal life.  Instead of honoring evil spirits they honored all the Christians who had died in the last year.  This celebration was held on November 1 - called All Saints Day or All Hallowed Day (holy ones).  The evening before was called "All Hallows Eve". 

Over the years the name was shortened to "Halloween" 

 

When planning for a pumpkin prayer family devotion time a real pumpkin can be used, or you can use an artificial hollow foam pumpkin (purchased from a craft store).   


Steps for Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

Each step below includes actions to take in the process of carving your pumpkin, comments to make about what and why you are doing this step, a scripture reference and a short prayer.

Preparing Your Pumpkin:

If you are using an artificial foam pumpkin, have the parts already cut out before starting the devotion.  Clear push pins can be used on the cut out pieces as little handles aiding you in taking the pieces in and out.

To make fake pumpkin "guts:
    Materials needed  :  a mound of tangled orange yarn
                                     real pumpkin seeds
                                          (found in little packages in the snack section of the grocery store)
                                    white Elmer's glue
     Directions:
                Take a small amount of glue and mix it with the yarn and seeds.  Spread it out on wax 
                paper to dry.  When the glue has dried, the seeds will stick to the yarn
                resembling real pumpkin "guts".


If you are using a fresh pumpkin, cover your work surface with newspaper first for easy cleanup.  Cut each piece as you go along and have a family discussion about each part.


1.  Pumpkin Lid.

     God helps us to learn about Him.  We need to be open to what God wants to do in our lives.

    *  Scripture:  "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things."  Colossians 3:2

    *  Prayer:  Dear God, open my mind so I can learn about you.


2.  Pumpkin "guts".

    God takes away our sins and forgives us. We need to ask God to take away our sins every day.
    We can feel all clean after God forgives us.  Show clean inside of pumpkin

    *  Scripture:  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
                         purify us from all unrighteousness"  I John 1:9

    *  Prayer:  Take away all my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do.


3.  Heart shaped eyes.

     How can we see that God loves us? We see how much God loves us when we read the Bible, look
     at our families and see everything God has created!

     *  Scripture:  "Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
                         Psalms 34:8

     *  Prayer:  Open my eyes so I will see Your love


4.  Cross shaped nose.

      What does it mean to turn your nose up at something?...don't like ...ex.  foods, clothes, etc.  We
      may think we know what we need better than God does!  It is important to remember that Jesus
      died on the cross for us and we know that God gave us all we really need.

     *  Scripture:  "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O most High."
                          Psalm 92:1

     *  Prayer:  I'm sorry for turning up my nose to all You've given me.


5.  Bible shaped ears.

     Do you ever have to be told more than once to do something?  Sometimes we don't
     listen well.  Parents want you to listen to them and God wants us to listen to Him!  The Bible
     tells us :  How much God loves us, how He wants us to live and how He will help us.  We need to
     listen to God's Word.

     *  Scripture:  "Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live."  Isaiah 55:3

     *  Prayer:  Open my ears so Your work I will hear.


6. Fish shaped mouth.

     Jesus told disciples they weren't  going to catch fish now but they would be fishers of men by
     telling others about God's love.  A long time ago Christians greeted each other by drawing a fish
      in the dirt when they met.   We can use our mouths to tell others about Jesus.

     *  Scripture:  ..." I will proclaim what the Lord  has done. "  Psalms 118: 17

     *  Prayer:  Open my mouth so I can tell others You're near.


7.  Light a candle inside the pumpkin.

     Turn off  the lights and either light a small votive candle in a real pumpkin or turn the switch
     on an electric candle.  Battery operated candles, votive or tea lights are a safe, great ideas.

     Look how bright the light shines out of the pumpkin! The light stands for the Holy Spirit that lives
     in Christians. When we let God open up every part of us, He can shine through us so others will
     see Jesus in us.

    *  Scripture:  "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see
                          your good deeds and praise your father in heaven."  Matthew 5:14, 16

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, open our minds so that we can learn more about you;  Please take away our sin and forgive us of the wrong things we have done.  Open our eyes so we can see how much you love us.  You have given us so much.  Please forgive us for turning up our  noses at our many blessings.  Open our ears so we can hear and understand your word and help us to know how to share the Good News with others.  We ask that you help us let your light shine in all that we say and do.
In Jesus name we pray.  Amen

Being a Christian can be easily explained by comparing it to the life of a jack-o-lantern:

 

"God comes to us and picks us up from a lonely, cold field.

He washes off all the dirt of our sin.

He removes the seeds of doubt, fear, and hate that have grown inside of us.

Then he places within us the light of his love.

This love warms our hearts.

What was once filled with darkness is now flooded with light.

That love puts a smile on our face!

Now the whole world can see God's love shining in us!"

 

"Go SHINE for the Lord as you

Share

His

Incredible

News

Everywhere!"

This year as you carve your pumpkin, let it be a special reminder

to seek the Lord in all we do and say!

 

Let our light shine for Jesus!

Source and for additional resources see CTA (Christian Tools for Affirmation) http://www.ctainc.com