Sign of the Times

Chris Schmidt is on a budget for Halloween this year. He has been unemployed for 18 months during the past three years, along with his wife, Heather.

“Basically we’re limited, with all of our children, on what they’re going to be able to do for Halloween,” Schmidt said. “If we’re going to spend money, it has to be more of a value.”

Schmidt’s parents are visiting their son and his family for three weeks from Spokane, Wash., during which they are staying at his house in Dansville, Mich.

“It (has been) a good opportunity to go and get material and make what I would say is a better quality item for my kids to enjoy year round,” Chris Schmidt said, explaining that during his mom’s visit, Karen Schmidt has been making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, Marrina, 11, Adrian, 10, and Gabriel, 4.

Adrian plans to be a member of the Army, Marrina plans to be a zombie cheerleader or a zombie soccer player, and Gabriel still is undecided.

“(The costume) will usually have a life to it where it can be handed down,” Karen Schmidt said about Halloween costumes. “You usually get a better quality if it is homemade.”

Making Halloween costumes is a way for the family to spend time together in the home, Chris Schmidt said.

“Having my mom here has really reminded me that making costumes is almost more fun than what it is that you are making,” he said.