Have you ever heard of Halloween being a controversial holiday? I never really thought much of it until recent years. I never knew that some people do not participate for reasons greater than they simply do not like dressing up in costumes. It never occurred to me that some will not participate due to the original meaning of Halloween and it not coinciding with their beliefs. Until I was a mother, I never considered why someone would hesitate to traipse around to strangers’ houses, stockpiling loads of sugar their kids likely do not need.

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Now, I do realize these things and can certainly understand the reasoning in people who decide to forego Halloween. I still celebrate. Why? I enjoy allowing M to participate in Halloween parties and activities with friends. I know we will have a good time taking a stroll together as a family tonight. And she loves her duck costume!

Heck, there are plenty of people who celebrate Christmas without believing in Jesus. While I would love them to know Jesus, as I trust in the peace a relationship with him brings, I don’t hold their participation in Christmas festivities against them. We do Halloween because it’s something fun for our daughter and as a family.

The other issue, all the candy, isn’t really an issue at all for me either. Recently I read an article about how kids forced to “clean their plates” or not allowed to have certain foods display less control over their food intake when they do have more freedom. This kind of reminds me of Halloween. I fear that not allowing candy at all would only backfire in my hope for Makenzie to have a healthy relationship with food. I have no issue with her having some candy. Or treats at parties, some bites of our frozen yogurt, a hot dog, some pizza, etc. She has those options regularly enough to where she knows she enjoys them.

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But you know what? She will often eat a bit and then be done. For example, at the Halloween party on Friday, she ate about 1/4 of her cupcake and wanted no more. And on a day to day basis, she shows no issue asking for apples, cheese, broccoli, peas, oatmeal, yogurt, water, grapes, granola, smoothies (green monsters), zucchini, pasta, hummus, etc. She knows and enjoys those foods as well because we persistently expose her to healthy items. Sure, she may have one or two pieces of candy as a special treat. That does not bother me. I personally feel best that those options are actually options for her. I hope it helps her learn balance. Then, she won’t have to give a disclaimer for having a fun-sized candy treat. 😉 Did I just say that aloud? Some of you likely know what I’m referring to, so I’ll stop there.

With all that being said, we will trick or treat and collect our share of candy. Then, I will do a mix of the following:

• having it available when she asks, but not promoting it as the parent
• mixing it into healthier treats, like putting M&Ms into a trail mix snack
• saving some of the candy and using it when baking holiday treats
• freezing candy so it lasts to be eaten sparingly over a longer period
• if she understands, we can also allow her to trade in candy for other treats/goodies like a new toy (thanks Mama Pea for this idea)

Every person must make his or her own decision. I decide to enjoy a few favorite pieces guilt-free along with my daughter. Then, eat some vegetable stew. Sounds pretty dang good to me! 😉 Look for a recap post with my “costume”, trick-or-treating action, & a recipe for the veggie stew tomorrow morning. 😀

• How was your weekend?
• Do you ever think of Halloween as controversial?

Last night I had a fantastic time. I had the chance to dine with some great blogger friends from the area. I always love blogger meet-ups. From left to right: Em, Lee, Kelly, me, and Alayna.

You know you will always have a lot to talk about thanks to the common interests. And tastes in food. Lee had suggested Eclipse di Luna for this meet-up and it was the perfect fit.

The restaurant serves mini-plates tapas style, so we all ordered a bunch of things to share with the table. There were many different options and all tasted delicious. Some of the ones I caught on camera:

Fried Goat Cheese with Honey & Caramelized Onions

Yucca Fries

Scallops with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Herbs

Spanish Pizza with Roasted Veggies

Lamb Mini Hamburgers

Whew, that lighting was rough. I think some of the worst food pictures I have ever taken. I can’t wait for our next meet-up. Hopefully more of us in the area will be able to make it to that one. No matter what though, there will be two less attendees in the future. Our next big meet-up will likely come after Em & I have popped out the baby boys. How exciting! 😉

Today has been relatively calm. Peter volunteered at our church, so M & I were on our own. We spent the morning playing and then headed out to meet some friends for a Trek or Treat event at a local park and trail.

We sort of expected it to be more trick-or-treating, but the event actually just had some food, crafts, booths from vendors, and music for the kids to dance. It was still nice to walk around and see all the kids in costumes. And hang out with some good friends. Even if they are the enemy today. 😉

It’s the BIG game today. Georgia vs. Florida. And it is time for me to watch! All by my lonesome. Well, M will watch too. She loves football. My, how life is different than these days…

I’m the one in the black top with the silver and the red skirt to the right. Hopefully we win today, like we did that year. Go Dawgs!!! And happy Halloween Saturday.

• What sport do you love to watch? College football for me. Also, things like gymnastics.
• Do you like tapas style dining? I do as long as the people I dine with like similar foods. Otherwise I bet it is frustrating!
• Don’t forget to ASK ME ANYTHING for the November Q + A series!