Just 4 Mom blog: Costume conundrum

Ah, Halloween. It's that magical time of year when kids are hopped up on candy and teenage girls think it's OK to dress like streetwalkers. What a beautiful holiday.For moms though, it's also a time of stress. Finding the perfect costumes for your little ones is a defining part of motherhood because, let's face it, how cute your child looks on Oct. 31 directly reflects on you as a mother. No matter what else you do during the year, this one outfit is critical.If you haven't already decided what your child is going as this year, you're already behind. Come on, Wal-Mart has had Halloween gear on its shelves for three months now, so if you don't act fast, you'll be stuck with the Elmo jumpsuit that will make people wonder why you dressed your child as red shag carpeting.Now, if you're particularly domestic, you could always make your own costume. This is not for me — I must admit. But if you can sew and have the time, making a Halloween costume puts you in the running for a Mother-of-the-Year award. I've been laboring over this critical trick-or-treat ensemble for weeks now. I first went the humor route — I envisioned my 18-month-old daughter in a trench coat and sneakers and nothing else. She would be a flasher and my husband and I would be cops. I still think this is hilarious, but it may result in a child welfare representative on my front steps — so I scratched it.So, I'm still thinking it over but could use some help. What are some cute kid costumes you have seen/made/bought for your little ones? Any good ideas for a family costume?