Halloween at Dewart Lake

Picture is from 2010

I am here at the cottage and did a big oops, not bringing any candy. At the farm we never get any trick or treaters, therefore, I never gave it a thought to pick up a bag of candy for here, when I picked the the bags for the Light the Night party. 

I miss seeing my grandchildren every day but not getting to see them all dressed up stinks too. 

 

With that said, I hope my boys will be dressed warm as the forecast here is down right cold and ugly.

Outfits from 2013

This is the costumes the baby boys wore in 2013, I didn't get to see them first hand but was glad to see the picture.

The Schwartz's 2013

Last October I was in KY for Grandparents Day and actually saw the baby girl's costume come together. I am uncertain of any of the costumes this year so hoping to see a lot of photographs. 


Please have a safe and wonderful Halloween no matter the weather forecast.

Halloween: Safety First

My nephew and niece as Bi-Polarism

Whether you are an adult going to a costume party, attending Light the Night or a child going from door to door trick or treating, it's Halloween: Safety First.  As parents or grandparents it's our job and responsibility to keep our children safe!

2 of my grandsons a few years back.

Common sense should tell you to purchase flame-retardant costumes that are roomy enough to allow a child to dress warmly, however, not too big as that could cause your child to trip or brush against a lit Jack-o-lantern. Also, take into consideration the color of the costume, the lighter in color the better for the visibility of the child. If the child is wearing a mask, instead of makeup, test it out before hitting the streets so you are certain the child can see in all directions well. 

Light the Night; couple of years ago

For years and years this treats inspection has been advised:

1. An adult should check all treats before they are eaten. Explain why this is important to children. 
2. Only eat treats in original, unopened wrappers. Throw away candy if wrappers are faded, have holes or tears, or if the candy has been unwrapped. 
3. Check fruit and homemade treats for punctures or contamination. Allow your child to eat such items only if from someone you know and trust. Fruit can be cut into sections to check for sharp objects. 
4. Consider giving non-edible treats such as stickers, crayons, coins etc.

 More trick-or-treating advise:

1. Feed children before trick-or-treating and give them some candy from home while trick- or-treating to avoid the temptation to eat from their bags.
2. Carry a flashlight or glow sticks, wear reflective clothing or tape, and watch for cars. Try to finish before dark.
3. An adult should accompany young children, and visits should be limited to familiar well-lit homes.
4. Avoid barking dogs or other upset animals.
   
   • Portions of this information came from Halloween Safety; MnPoison.org
     
     • Read more about Light the Night  on Seekyt

 

    

Light the Night a Halloween Party Alternative

October 31 is Halloween parties and trick or treating will be happening everywhere. Our church, New Song Community Church, is always looking for ways to be an outreach to the community.  Therefore, we host “Light the Night” a Halloween alternative party as we are proclaiming Jesus is the light in the world to off set the darkness that follows the Day of the Dead of Halloween.

Instructions for Light the Night a Halloween Party Alternative:

First step is to decide you want to make a difference in your community. John 8:12; NIV When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Next step is to find a great location on the main street so children, parents and grandparents can easily find you.  We want to represent Jesus so no need to hide. Proclaim it loud and strong.

Decide what you want to do and say to your community. Make it inviting so even someone that would never step foot into a church will come see what makes you different. Have games with prizes, popcorn, hot dogs, hot chocolate and loads of candy.

Get the whole congregation involved. Some will want to work, while others will be more apt to donate the needed supplies. Send clipboards around a few weeks ahead of time during the Sunday morning service to round up volunteers to operate each station. You will need people to help set up, cook the hot dogs, assemble and hand out the hot dogs, game stations, candy stations, our the hot chocolate and clean up.

After you have collected bins of candy, you will need people to assemble the bags of goodies. Place a track in each bag telling them about Jesus, the name  of your church and how they can locate you.

Rent a big light to set up to represent the light of the world you are proclaiming.

Be prepared and over prepared, you will have more children and adults than you can possibly imagine. You do not want to turn anyone away empty handed, any extra supplies you may have can go back to the church for the youth or children’s ministries it won’t go to waste.

Have fun and where a smile, remember who you are proclaiming on Halloween, it is not the dead the world is celebrating, it is Jesus the light of the world. So go, light the night for your town.