Best Shot Monday: Rudolph's Rampage

Does anyone else notice the interesting juxtaposition here? The reindeer carrying a machine gun?

No?

Just me then.

We're having a party on Tuesday. It's not actually the BA's 13th birthday (until May) but a friend from Queensland is here this week for the school holidays and so we have taken the opportunity to have an early birthday party with a 'Movie' theme.

Guests have been asked to come dressed as actors/actresses or as a character from a movie. We will be setting them the challenge of working all the characters into one plot and filming the whole thing at the party.

I have suitcases full of old clothes for costumes and bizarre props. Himself has been co-erced into using his commercial movie-making skills to video the proceedings and make up a DVD which all kids will be given (later) as a momento. We are thinking of having a red carpet, Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars and gold sprayed Oscars as goodie bags!!! And all this within 24 hours.

What am I thinking?

Anyway, the Small Boy is here for the week and (much to the BA's chagrin: why does HE have to come?.... because he's your brother...) will be at the party. He has assigned himself my helper and has decided to come dressed as a reindeer. Of course. What else????

The BA has chosen Reece Witherspoon from 'Legally Blonde' and Saturday saw us combing the Op Shops for a suitably vile pink outfit. We found a few. The Small Boy was not to be left out.
"What about my reindeer costume? When are we going to look for that????"

With a vile pink dress and hideous pink strappy sandals purchased, I set my mind to the task of finding 'reindeer' clothes!! :-(
This is what we eventually came up with. Yes, I know they are leopard skin (or cheetah as Small Boy insists) but they are faux fur and he is happy with them. And they only cost me $3.00 so I am laughing. He hasn't had them off except to sleep and shower in the last 24 hours!!!! That's what I call value for money.

His father has pronounced them 'gay' but I admonished him severely saying that for a child as sensitive as this one, who spends so much of his time emulating older, idiotic siblings and who will normally not wear something unless it is 'skate' brand, happily playing a game of make believe is a wonderful thing. It's evidence of his still tangible childhood. Don't ruin it for him!!!!! Father grunted and rolled his eyes but said no more.

He also has a denim sleeveless jacket with fur around the collar to complete the ensemble.

Today we have been printing out Walk of Fame Stars and buying plastic ten pin bowling pins which we've spray painted gold to represent Oscars. Since there are only 10 pins and twelve kids coming, two are getting 'Golden Globe' awards. (The bowling balls sprayed gold.)

Tonight I am doing the infamous yearly cake as well as making some cupcakes and some savoury stuff. I don't know why I am putting myself through this kitchen hell but it is tradition and I kind of feel that your kid's party requires a certain level of involvement and the personal touch. I did buy party pies and sausage rolls however. I'm not a complete idiot.

This morning No2 Son and I had an argument over the party.
"Good parties don't need planning. They just happen. You shouldn't be so prescriptive about what you're going to do. At 13 they deserve to be left alone to decide what they want to do themselves."
"In MY house? I think not."
"When I was little we didn't go to these lengths to plan birthday parties. If I said we wanted a water fight we just had one. It just kind of happened."
"Yes, well, I like to plan theme parties. It's what I've always done." (not strictly true. For a couple of years we did 'Ice Rink' parties and 'Swimming Centre' parties and even a 'couple of friends at the movies' party!)
"Well, I think you are overplanning. Just let the kids get here and amuse themselves."
"How about you do parties your way and I'll do my parties mine?" (through gritted teeth)

So. Wish us luck for tomorrow. At the end of the day it doesn't matter whether they make a good short film or not. It doesn't matter if we don't get through eveything. It doesn't even matter if we don't eat everything. Just so long as they have a good time and don't wreck anything!!!!!!!!

Hop on over to Mother May I to see what others have been up to with their photography this week.