Miracles: Fruit for the Soul

How we feel depends on what we see and how we think. The next time you find yourself feeling dark, angry or depressed, eat a piece of fruit.  Don't just eat the fruit, contemplate it. 

The next time you eat a piece of fruit, think about the one who planted the tree. Imagine the dirt under the farmer's fingernails and the sweat on his brow.  Contemplate this person's labor of love. Then, think about the one who harvested the fruit, so that you may not go hungry. It is back-breaking labor. It doesn't matter whether or not the picker speaks your language; he hungers, thirsts and aches just like you. 

Now, dig a little deeper. Contemplate the seeds inside the fruit, before you discard them. Inside a single seed, lies a brilliant code ~ a code that possesses the ability to reproduce not one piece of fruit, but an infinite amount of trees and fruit.


Now, dwell on the blossom. There would be no fruit without the existence of bees. Contemplate  the honey bee and how, only by its' coded instinct, does it seek out the pollen in the blossom. Driven by hunger, the bee leaves the safety of the hive to seek out what it needs to exist. It collects the yellow dust, returns to the hive and converts it to honey.  It does so, so that no bees will starve. The blossom needs the bee, as does the bee need the blossom.  The blossom must first be sought out and fertilized, before fruit can emerge.  Fruit emerges so that no man may go hungry.

Contemplate the most important factor: the sun.  The seed seeks the light. Without light, there would be no tree, no fruit, no blossoms, no bees or honey.  Without light, there would be no life.

The fruit may nourish my body, but contemplating it nourishes my soul.  I am a seed. Once filled with anger, I hungered for the light. I now know that without it, I would not be.  That is why, I believe, we need to feel dark, depressed or angry at times.  The duality of life reminds us that, without periods of darkness, we would neither recognize or seek the light. 

I believe this life, this world is not a happy accident. I marvel in the miracles, so that the light will seek me.  And, I am at peace. 

Love Thy Self ~ A Single's Survival Guide to Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day: a holiday created to celebrate love. Let's be honest about this holiday.  For those who are not in a happy, committed relationship - on and around February 14th -  this can be an incredibly painful time of year. It can leave singles feeling inadequate, down or angry. I have been there, more than once in my life. It doesn't have to be painful.

It was Christmas, when I was broken-hearted and alone.  The commercials began before Thanksgiving.  I was already dreading a day that celebrates family, because mine had been torn apart.  I was not in a good place emotionally.  TV offered a temporary escape, until jewelry commercials started airing, in mid-November.  Once I was reminded that every kiss begins with 'K', over and over ad nauseum - watching TV was no longer an option, unless I wanted to punish myself.  Love songs on the radio hurt, going out and seeing happy couples holding hands in the grocery store hurt.   Waking up to an empty pillow, that once cradled the head of the man I loved, hurt most of all. I was tired of feeling hurt.  In an act of defiance I made up my mind to find ways to make my situation hurt less.

Here are some of the things I did to cope. I didn't just cope, I actually felt more empowered and better about myself, when all was said and done.

GNO ~ make a date for a girls/guys night out.  Don't go out looking to meet Mr or Ms right.  Do something fun with the people already in your life, such as bowling, laser tag or go to an arcade.  I, personally, would not consume too much alcohol.  It's a depressant; you may feel giddy at first, but coming down will only leaving you feeling sad later on.  You could go out and grab a bite to eat or get coffee, but you're more likely to be faced with sappy, happy couples.  Instead, plan a pot luck dinner with single friends and play Words With Friends, also known as Scrabble.

Pamper Me ~  If you can't find a friend who is free to hang with you, instead of sitting at home licking your wounds, do something self-indulgent instead. Nothing says I love myself more than splurging.  Go shopping - it's called retail therapy for a reason. Set a budget and a specific goal. Set out on a quest for a new pair of earrings, a different shade of lipstick or new shoes.  Be daring. Don't get sensible shoes! Step outside of your comfort zone and do it in style.  Hit every store in the mall before you make a decision.  End the trip with a manicure, pedicure or a makeover. Most department stores are eager to give makeovers.  Buyer beware -  they will try to sell you everything in stock. Unless you make the big bucks, purchase a lipstick or eye shadow and remember: you can find comparable products for less money at a drug store. The last thing you need is to go home with buyer's remorse.  No matter what your station in life is, freshly polished nails or a brave new shade of lipstick will remind you that you are capable and willing to take care of your own needs, first.  Guys, go to the men's fragrance section in a department store and have someone help you select a new cologne.  Go to a hot towel barber and get a professional cut and shave.  Don't knock it till you've tried it: be brave and get a pedicure sans the nail polish, especially if you work on your feet all day.  It's incredibly relaxing. Or, treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

Get Physical ~  First you're sad, then you're mad....well, that's how it was for me.  For those who have an over-abundance of angry energy: put it to good use.  Take on a project.  Repaint the room you spend the most time in or buy an old chair and refinish it.  Go to the gym or put on a kick boxing video. Listen to empowering music or comedy tracks, while you work and work out.  I created a Spotify account on my computer - it's free and it's user friendly.  Here's my workout play list:

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
Respect - Aretha Franklin
Survivor - Destiny's Child
Raise Your Glass - Pink
U and Ur Hand - Pink
So What - Pink
Hot n Cold - Katy Perry
Wide Awake - Katy Perry
Part of Me - Katy Perry
Mr. Know It All - Kelly Clarkson
Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
Stronger - Kelly Clarkson
Titanium - David Guetta/Sia

You can also listen to your favorite comedians on Spotify.  I know it's cliche', but laughter can be the best medicine.

Getting physical can also be serene. If you've not yet tried yoga, give it a go. It is far more difficult than it looks. It is also incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. Thankfully, there are beginner level classes.  Many yoga studios allow you to pay for one class at a time.  If you're having trouble silencing your mind, yoga is the answer.  Yoga helped me realign - not just my body but my mind, spirit and, in time, my life.  Anxiety was my primary issue.  I feel anxiety comes when the mind, body and spirit are in conflict.  Inner peace came for me, once my insides were in alignment. Inner peace is all essential when it comes to healing and facing most anything life throws at us.

Movies ~ Go out with friends and avoid all date movies.  Or, stay in and watch one at home.  Say 'no' to Rom Coms!!  Watch an action flick, a side-splitting comedy or a movie about courage.  I watched movies  I knew would not upset me.  A League of Their Own and Men in Black are two of my go-to favorites. If you're ready to embrace the thought of loving again, I recommend Under the Tuscan Sun. It reminds us that love will find us when the time is right.

 Love  is not exclusive to romantic love - there is maternal & paternal love, the love of dear friends and the love of cherished pets.  Love should not be celebrated once or twice a year - it should be a daily celebration.   Love should, above all else,  begin within and radiate outward. Make this potentially difficult day, a celebration of you - whether you are single or in a committed relationship.  If you carry that celebration with you and within you, you may never feel inadequate again.

With Love Always ~ Happy Skinny Mrs <3

Skinny Stir Fry

Have you ever looked at people who are fit and trim and then asked yourself, how do they do it ~ what's their secret? You can try asking them or, you can do what I do: watch and learn.

I find human nature fascinating. I am a people watcher; I observe people and their  behaviors whenever I'm out in public.  Whether I'm at the mall, the supermarket or the gym, I pay attention to, and learn from, others.  Being a people watcher helps me make better choices for myself.

I also believe in cause and effect; you get what you put in.  This is true when it comes to relationships, career and your state of health.  I cannot control my genetics; I was born into a family history of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  My family history puts me at risk. Most of these risk factors are related to diet. So what's a girl to do; give up and eat fried foods, rationalizing that I can't fight my genetics so I might as well eat whatever I want? Or, better yet, maybe a girl can do a great deal more for herself.........by fighting for a better quality, longer and happier life.

I am a fighter by nature. There's only one way to fight the battle of bad genes..................take control and make better choices. First and foremost, you are what you eat. Thin people have a little secret to staying thin: they think thin; I am a thin thinker. I find ways to burn more calories every day, by not parking in the closest parking space and by taking the stairs over the elevator. I never follow recipes; I tweak them by trimming the fat and upping the fiber.  I've learned that by making meals a little spicier, I amp up the flavor and, according to studies, I rev up my metabolism too ~ win, win.  I don't miss the fat - on my plate, or on my person.

This recipe is so easy and tasty. It's also versatile. You can use chicken, beef or tofu in lieu of pork.   Why order out when you can whip it up at home? Waist not, want not ~ cut calories and your waistline with this tasty, low-fat, skinny recipe.

Skinny Pork Stir Fry  (serves 4)

Ingredients:

1.25 pounds lean center cut pork chops
2 boil-in-bags whole grain brown rice
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup Soy Vay veri veri teriyaki sauce
2-3 tbs low sodium soy sauce
2 tbs peanut sauce* adds kick & flavor (optional)
1/2 cup fat-free, reduced sodium chicken stock
2 -3 cloves diced garlic (or sub garlic powder)
1 sliced red pepper
1 sliced green pepper
2 stalks of celery, sliced
2 green onions (scallions) chopped (about 1/4 cup - or sub in a little onion powder)
1 teaspoon of Crushed red pepper or to taste* adds kick & flavor (optional)

Marinate First!


Trim the visible fat off the pork chops, cut into slices.  Place in zip-lock bag with teriyaki sauce; store in fridge for at least 15 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the meat  (I marinated mine for an hour).

Prep work:  about 15 minutes 


Place large sauce pan (filled 1/2 way with water) on high** do NOT add salt to water!  Add rice pouches to boiling water and cook as directed (drain & leave rice in bags until pork dish is ready)

You'll need a large skillet (or wok) on the stove-top ready for stir-frying, but don't turn on the burner until your prep work is complete.

Slice, dice and chop your veggies.
combine chicken stock, soy sauce & peanut sauce in measuring cup - whisk with a fork until blended (set aside)

Fry away baby! (cook time less then 15 minutes - whenever pork is cooked through)

Heat skillet on stove top, on medium heat
drizzle olive oil in skillet; let oil heat about 2 minutes

Remove pork from the marinade (*don't add the marinade to the skillet - discard whatever is left).

Add pork and veggies to skillet (do not add garlic yet as it tends to burn, easily).
Fry, stirring  frequently with a wooden spoon, until pork turns white and has no visible pink.

Add garlic & continue stirring for approx 1 minute

Immediately add the sauce mixture to skillet and continue stirring (**if you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper now too).
Continue cooking & stirring until meat is white all the way through (cut through a slice of meat; it's done when there is no visible pink).  DO NOT OVER COOK - it's much yummier when the veggies still have a little crunch to them

Remove from heat and serve over brown rice.

There's always ways to trim the fat and calories, without compromising flavor.  There are endless variations to this recipe. Add mushrooms or other veggies.   Make it vegetarian and sub in tofu or black beans. If you're not a fan of Thai food, skip the peanut sauce. This recipe comes out tasty even without the kick.

A Christmas Present ~ The Best Gifts Can't be Gift-Wrapped

Think back to last Christmas.  Now, try going back to the year before.  Do you remember what gifts you got  or what gifts you gave to whom?  I don't. Well, I can remember only one; a very special one. Unless I rack my brain, I can't recall the gifts. Since my brain usually runs in overdrive, I have no desire to tax my brain by trying to recall the gifts of Christmas past. What I do recall is much more valuable than a gift which came from a department store - it's the gift of a Christmas memory.

I grew up in the 1960's.  My parents didn't have extra money to spend on developing film, so I don't have any photographs of my childhood Christmases.  They didn't have a smart phone or a digital camera to instantly download a memory to a home computer; none existed. Even though my memories of my childhood Christmases are still vivid in my mind, I wanted to find a way to recapture them, so that I could enjoy them and share them with my own family.

It began around 7 years ago.  I purchased a box of ornaments from QVC.  Christopher Radko had reproduced ornaments from his own childhood - Shiny Brites.  He fondly remembered his own holiday memories and so he reproduced them for all to share.  When I received them in the mail, they instantly brought my own memories vibrantly back to life; incredibly fond memories of my own Christmases of long ago.

I began a quest to recapture some of my childhood by way of searching for vintage Christmas collectibles.  I easily found original Shiny Brite ornaments at various antique stores and flea markets, costing no more than a dollar a piece. I even stumbled upon vintage candle stick holders and salt and pepper shakers at a flea market and voila - a new hobby was formed.

It's incredibly easy to find vintage collectibles online, but the point and click method of shopping doesn't fulfill my sense of adventure.  It's all in the hunt. I only went out once or twice a year to hunt for memories, so it's taken me years to build up a small collection.

I was feeling homesick for my own family one Christmas (my sisters all spend the holidays with their own families since my parents retired to North Carolina in 1991).  I wanted to share an old memory with them, so we could all conjure up the same fond memories of our childhood holidays spent together.  I carefully selected and wrapped  vintage ornaments and gave one to each of my three sisters as an early holiday gift.  No words were needed; they felt the same way I did when I first laid eyes on them.

It took me years to find and replace the ornaments I willingly shared with my sisters.  I thought I may never find those exact ones again - the ones I remember dangling from my grandparents' tree branches along with real tinsel and big, multicolored lights. Then I stumbled on the mother load.  My husband and I had an hour to kill while our cat was at the vet for a procedure.  We wandered around an antique store and found an entire room dedicated to Christmas Past.  My husband spied the room first. He turned to me and said, "Uh, oh; I don't think you should go in there."  I could tell by the smirk on his face that he knew a big reaction was about to happen.

I walked into the room and gasped.  It was like stepping back in time - back into a warm and fuzzy place filled with laughter and excitement.  I turned to my husband and grabbed him with both hands by his jacket and whispered  "Oh my God!"

I don't know how I appeared to him, but he says I looked like a wide-eyed child filled joy.  I was feeling like a child as I immersed myself, if only for a little while, in my own childhood.  I fell in love with a wreath made entirely of vintage Shiny Brite ornaments.  I was like a child in FAO Schwartz.  There were so many wonderful things; how could I possibly choose? We left without buying one single item.  I also left with the intention of returning with my sister.

My husband, one of my sisters and I went back.  I still couldn't choose.  The only thing I kept returning to was the wreath, but it was much more than I wanted to spend.  My husband said, "It's the only thing that you see that is lighting up your eyes. I'm buying it for you for Christmas."  I argued that it was far too expensive, but he paid no attention to my voice of reason.  He argued back that it would be something I would enjoy every year and it would one day become a family heirloom.  He didn't have to twist my arm too hard.

It's now December, 2011.  My vintage wreath hangs beautifully in our dining room.  It has become both a new and old Christmas treasure.  While it reminds me of my own childhood, it has given me an even fonder memory - one created with the man I love.  He's the man that lets me be a child whenever I need to be and understands my need to recreate a cherished memory. While helping me to do just that, he gave me an even greater gift than a somewhat pricey wreath.  He gave me a new memory, one that I'll treasure forever.

I still visit some flea markets because I still enjoy the hunt.  I also visit my new favorite antique store, The HiHo Market located in Gardiner, New York in the beautiful Hudson Valley.  I allow myself a few vintage collectibles each year. If you long to immerse yourself in your own childhood memories why not step back in time and visit Heidi and Humphrey at HiHo.  A visit will take the humbug out of most any Scrooge's heart.

Visit The HiHo Home Market and Antique Store online at http://www.hihohome.com/home.html  or in person. Tell them I sent you to take a much deserved break from reality.  You won't need the ghost of Christmas past to take you there. Just bring a childhood sense of wonder and someone you love.

This Christmas, take time to create memories with your loved ones while taking time to walk down your own Christmas memory lane.  Have a blessed holiday from my home to yours. ~ HSM

Black Friday ~ The Best Things in Life Aren't on the Sale Rack

Who doesn't love a good sale?  When you have a limited holiday budget and lots of people to buy gifts for, Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to go out and.......make a memory.

It was the season of Playstation 2 -  the must have, hard to find gift of the holiday season.  My kids weren't materialistic and they didn't always ask for the must have gift of the season - except for the year of  Playstation 2.  I made multiple attempts to get my hands on one prior to Black Friday, but to no avail.  The outlook was grim. The supply wouldn't come close to the demand and no shipments were expected in time for Santa's elves to wrap it and get it into the sleigh in time. I had missed the boat on pre-ordering and I didn't have any good connections.

We made plans to travel to North Carolina to visit my parents for the Thanksgiving holiday.  My husband and I planned to go Black Friday shopping in North Carolina, in hopes of finding the in-demand gaming system. Our kids were at the age when they no longer wanted to believe in Santa, but they weren't ready to risk admitting it....for fear of not getting any other presents under the tree besides new underwear and socks.

My sister and brother-in-law (Paul) were the first to relocate to Charlotte - the cost of living was much more affordable than living in NY.  When my Dad retired from IBM, my parents followed them there.  Paul had become my shopping buddy. We used to go out and shop all day to purchase gifts for my sister for Christmases and birthdays.  We always had a great time together. We'd shop and go out to lunch together. He had the best sense of humor.  I enjoyed his humor and he enjoyed my sarcasm.  He was the brother I never had.  I admit that, when he and my sister made the decision to move, I was deeply saddened.  I knew we'd have very few opportunities to spend a full day together shopping.

My husband came down with the flu on the trip to North Carolina. He was still feeling ill on Thanksgiving evening.  We both knew that he wouldn't be up for a 4:30am shopping trip.  Paul stepped up to plate and happily volunteered to go with me. It would be like old times, except neither one of us had ever participated in the early morning, Black Friday frenzy.

Paul had both a love and a need for coffee.  He made multiple daily trips to the same coffee shop near his home. He was a regular customer who ordered one of two of his 'usual' orders.  He picked me up at 4:30am. He poked fun at the fact that I wasn't ready on time.......typical me.  We went directly to the coffee shop.  We were in a hurry, so we went the drive-thru route (so we could get to the stores ASAP).  Paul ordered by dollar amount and not items.  The person at the window recognized his voice and his unique way of ordering. The entire staff of this shop knew Paul.  They knew his voice and they knew just how he liked his coffee. I thought that was completely hilarious and just so typical of Paul.  He had a way of making everything fun.

We got to our first store, but failed to score the must have item, so we hurried to the car to head to the next store.  We didn't find it there either so.............onto to the next store. Paul marveled at the controlled chaos that is Black Friday.  People shopping with 2-way radios in hand and.........a mission.  He loved the excitement in the air.  Neither one of us could process why we had never partaken in the experience before. Along with fantastic bargains, there was fun and excitement in the air.

We made it to our third location and found what we were looking for.  I did my victory dance - I got the goods and was going to make it home in time to have breakfast with my family.

"Isn't there anything else on your list?" Paul sounded disappointed.
"No, this is the only thing I needed to get.  We're good to go home now."
"Oh - are you sure?  This was really fun."
"No - I don't need anything else.  Do you want to shop for anything?"
"No, I'm good too."
"Well this was lots of fun; just like old times!  We'll have to do it again one day."

We headed back home with the most valuable gift I've ever gotten - a lasting memory made with my wonderful brother, Paul.  Our first Black Friday shopping excursion also happened to be our last.

We lost Paul suddenly in 2007 to a heart attack. His absence is felt by many.  I miss him more than ever this time of year.  So, even though our kids are now grown and their Christmas wish list never consists of any must have toy, we still make a point to shop on Black Friday.  Sure, my husband and I say we're going out to save some money and take advantage of the once-a-year amazing sales, but we both know the real reason I want to go out and be a part of the chaos.

This Black Friday the stores are open even earlier.  My husband and I will go out; not with lists in hand, but  with coffee in hand.  We'll experience the excitement that is Black Friday. I'll be sure to remember to bring some tissues. The salesgirl at Macy's may think I'm shedding a tear because I paid 50% less for our daughter's jacket. Hey, who wouldn't cry over a 50% savings? My husband and I will both know that it's because I'm remembering and missing my brother.   Many complain that Black Friday is too chaotic and not worth the hassle just to save a few dollars.  For me, it's more about the memories and paying tribute to a man that is sorely missed.

If you see me at the mall and I look like I have tears in my eyes, I do. They will be tears of joy, because I am still grateful that I had that one last opportunity to shop with my brother.  Thanksgiving is about gratitude. I hope to spend Black Friday being thankful for his memory, while making new memories with my wonderful husband.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and yours............... ~ HSM

Who Should Host the Oscars? ~ Clooney and the Award Goes to......... Me

The Oscars need a new host? I'll do it ~ I'm sarcasmic, smartasstiic and available. I sing and dance like Lucille Ball. I'm willing to co-host the Oscars with Clooney, Sandler, Chris Rock or Will Smith - tall, dark and.............hilarious! You thought I was going to say handsome, didn't you? 


Why I 'll even host the Oscars for free! It's an offer the Academy can't and should not refuse! Okay, I may not do it completely for free. I'd like to keep the wardrobe, however I promise to return any and all adornments provided by Harry Winston. 


 I also want to attend the after party of my choice - the one that Octavia Spencer is going to. Yes, she's getting nominating and she better win, or the powers that be may just  enjoy a slice of her 'special' chocolate pie.  


So why not Hollywood? I promise to surprise and entertain your diverse audience.  Oh, and please let Mr. Clooney know that I'm still happily married and that he should accept it and settle down already. Time's a wastin' George! 


The Oscar's need a new host.................and the award goes to......Me?  If you don't ask, you don't get!

Trick or Treat ~ Halloween: It's Not About the Candy

Everyone has a an alter ego. Once a year we have an opportunity to be someone else.   Halloween is a strangely wonderful holiday that gives kids of all ages permission to let their alter ego come out and............beg for candy.

You'd think that Christmas would be the big one - the holiday that got  the most hype in our house.  Our kids need only be concerned with being really nice between Black Friday (the official  start of Season's Greetings) and Christmas Morning; about a month.  They had to deal with the paranoia that came with the repeated reminders that 'Santa was watching so..... they had better not pout or cry. Watch out! He's coming and he knows EVERYTHING.'  Pretty scary and far too stressful.

Our kids didn't live for the season that was run by a big guy, in a red suit, who also had his own CIA.  His spies were watching their every move and taking notes. Nope - they didn't live for the Ho-Ho-Ho holiday.  They lived for the Trick or Treat.

Our kids spent the entire year planning it. They were very serious about the costume they chose to represent their alter ego. Who would they want to be: a princess, a super hero or.......a  bad guy? Whenever they saw a character they related to in a movie or TV show, they'd say "I want to be THAT for Halloween!"  They changed their minds frequently throughout the year, so we couldn't really plan ahead.  It was usually best not to get a costume until the last minute - in case one of them changed their mind.  Okay, maybe it wasn't  best to wait (the pickins were slim), but I work better under pressure.

As they got older, they decided it was more fun to be a villain. Villains always had more fun.  Our kids didn't just dress up.  They got into character and made it a day of acting like someone else; someone who was nothing like them. Jim Carrey's version of The Riddler was the inspiration one year, and an easy look to pull off. The movie was a current hit and the costume could be found everywhere.

My husband and I remember one Halloween in particular.  My oldest son wanted to be Darth Vader. There was no convincing him of being anyone else. His mind, along with his heart, was made up. Unfortunately, there were no Vader costumes to be had.  My son was a trail blazer - the Vader costume was only available in too big adult sizes, at ridiculously big prices.  He already had a toy light saber.  He could have easily been Luke Skywalker - his white karate uniform was all he needed to complete the transformation into the good guy.  I might as well have suggested that he dress as Princess Leia - he wanted no part of playing a good guy after he'd set his mind on being the super villain of all bad guys.

I never wanted to let my kids down and Halloween was the biggest event of the year for them.  Creating a Vader costume was challenging and next to impossible.  Never say 'never' - a mother will do what she has to do, to help her child enjoy the simple pleasure of playing the part of a bad guy hero. The search for a suitable helmet was futile - we'd been to 3 shopping malls and countless department stores until........... we found a Speed Racer costume.   It came with a black helmet with a black face shield. Jackpot!  I'm sure I made a scene in the store - grabbing it and holding on to it like it was the last Tickle Me Elmo on the shelf.  I looked possessed. 'It's mine - don't even think about trying to take it!'

We steamed off the decals and it became a suitable Vader helmet. The rest of the costume was recycled; a Batman cape, a black turtle neck, black gloves and black snow boots made do for most of the costume.  He wore his black snow pants from the prior winter.  Even though they were a little too small, they worked.  I tacked on some shiny buttons and stickers on the bib and voila - he was transformed into the once good guy, who turned to the Dark Side and, eventually found his way back to good.  He didn't care that it wasn't exact - he felt like Vader and fell into character.

Halloween was never about how much candy they got or if it was safe enough to eat.  Sure, they'd score lots of treats when they went out for a night of fun, being someone else.  My husband and I would examine all of the candy and dispose of anything that wasn't prepackaged.  We'd also sift through and pull out the stuff we knew they wouldn't eat (conveniently the candy we loved).  They'd ration out their candy and make it last, but they never ate it all. We'd end up throwing it away (we grownups ate it).  They weren't really concerned with eating all of it anyway - they were too busy trying to decide who they were going to be next year.

Our kids are now all grown and in college.  Even though they've grown into adulthood, they're still young at heart. They still like to dress up on Halloween. My husband and I can't help but smile and reminisce about our own little ones' when we hand out treats on Halloween. "Remember the year we couldn't find a Vader costume and we had to make one?" I'd say to my husband.

"Yeah - that was a great Halloween." He'd say with a smile.

Have a safe and happy Halloween ~ HSM