Celebrating the Harvest
Now that we are in kindergarten, we do things a little differently around here. We don’t celebrate Halloween. We celebrate “the harvest.” The great candy harvest.
Don’t confuse this get-up with a Halloween costume. Trust me, we’ve got several of those too.
This is obviously a storybook character.
However, I’d appreciate if someone could please tell me what story “sexy candy corn witch” is in, because though Gigi’s classmate came with a corset, knee high boots and fishnets, she did not carry her book. And thankfully, not a whip.
Did you know that Angelina Ballerina has a little sister?
She does now. And that little sister was destroyed when she learned she would not be attending the kindergarten Harvest Party. Gigi promised to bring her home some treats. I love that mouse.
That worked until we dropped Gigi off. I then discovered that the threat of “smeary whiskers” is enough to stop tears instantaneously. Do not be surprised if you suddenly see whiskers now in every single picture of Lulu. How young is too young for cosmetic tattooing?
As the classroom party parent, I was in charge of activities (“Boo” bingo, pumpkin bowling, storytime and treat bag crafts), and (insert evil laugh here) snacks. After some long thought, I came up with an arguably fun, inarguably vegan solution:
After decorating their treat bags with stickers, googly eyes and markers, the kids got to fill the bags with their own mix of:
- pretzels;
- dairy-free chocolate chips;
- apple cinnamon Cheerios;
- banana chips; and/or
- dried cranberries.
All washed down with some apple cider. Do you see the three sets of hands clamoring for the chocolate chip scoop?
Other than a few moms who thanked me, the parents weren’t as enthusiastic as I was about the non-traditional snacks. When I explained to the parents that we don’t really do candy in our house and that the girls trade their trick-o’-treating loot to the Treat Fairy for a new game, toy or book, you could have heard a pin drop. You’d have thought I told them that I kick puppies. Or that I was saving up for Lulu’s facial tattoo. After a strange glance from the ninja’s dad, he then looked in his son’s bag and told him to go load up on the chocolate chips.
But overall, I thought the kids had a blast getting to make up their own snacks, and I was able to encourage the kids to try new flavor combinations other than chocolate chips with a scoop of chocolate chips on top. With a little help, of course.
“Hey guys, you gotta try a pretzel with a dried cranberry!”
I love that mouse.
Story time also got a little sketchy when I had to on the fly change the words to the story I was reading. I wasn’t about to say the “D” word.
Suddenly Aunt Min’s soup had eighty-nine “varieties of tomatoes.” I’ve never been so grateful for childhood illiteracy.
After wrapping up our party, we took our celebration on the road and did some harvesting at Whole Foods.
Now THAT’s my idea of a jack-o’-lantern.
Gigi asked if we could eat it.
I love that mouse.
I love this post! Great idea for the school party. Kids always love to choose what they put into their bag! I’m giving you a pat on the back
Have a great weekend!
Thanks Nikki! It won’t be so fun when they “build-their-own trail mix” at the Christmas party too.
I broke out laughing after ” You’d have thought I told them that I kick puppies”. I probably would have loaded my bag with chocolate chips, too, but I never mind a banana chip now and again
I think I heard someone say “candy Nazi” under their breath.
I love it when that quick improvisation of children’s books is necessary
I’ve definitely done that with my nephews. “…and he fired his WATER gun at the bad guy!”
Admittedly, I’ve changed names too. Gigi likes it best when every story is about her. Like mother, like daughter.
Haha!! =)
your girls are so adorable! hope your family is having a fun halloween weekend
Great treat for the kiddos. I want to have my own treat bag with those yummies.
And seriously, why is a kid’s book talking about dieting and calories?!?!
No way did someone let their child dress as a sexy witch!?
For god’s sake, I don’t even understand my fellow college students who dress up as a “sexy” version of something…
And it’s to school! On Storybook Character Day! I shoved some pretzels in my mouth so I wouldn’t say anything.
Love your eighty-nine “varieties of tomatoes” substitution. We need more moms like you!!!
Happy Halloween!
Thanks Jaime!
I think it’s a genius idea! At my son’s school you can’t even bring any kind of “junk” food – including cookies, cake, chocolate and the like. Every “treat” has to meet government guidlines….sometimes it’s ridiculous (eg. you can feed them 80,000 mg of sodium in deli meat on white flour pizza dough as a hot lunch, but parents can’t bring real fruit juice popsicles for fun day!) but their idea is a good one
I like the sound of your son’s school. The other classrooms were frosting sugar cookies out of cans and trying to eat donuts dangling from strings.
Oy Vey! A children’s book that talks about calories in soup?! That makes my heart hurt. Could we be teaching unhealthy habits any earlier?
In the book’s defense, it’s ten years old. But still!
What a fun post! I just started reading your blog recently and your writing is so comical! I love the part about the inappropriate halloween costume is hilarious. Fishnets??? There’s always at least one:)
I know, but at 5? I really try not to judge. I really should try harder.
Whatever! Don’t try harder. Judgment is sometimes a necessity. That child’s mom needs to be smacked.
I can’t believe they have 89 calorie soup for a diet mentioned in a children’s book!!! And that parents would be disappointed in healthier treats being offered. Ridiculous.
Oh you wait. I was surprised as much as you are!
Love you, love your blog, but man, I would feel ripped off if I came to Kindergarten expecting Halloween candy and getting pretzels and banana chips. I know you had good intentions, but I think that’s just as bad as only providing mini Snickers, Kit Kats, and Reeses. At least provide a little of each and encourage the kids to try a bit of both. Just my two cents.
To each their own! I have a feeling none of those kids (including mine) will be lacking in the candy department come Sunday night.
Too true Mama Pea.
My little brother still has candy leftover from LAST year!
But each of the pretzel and fruit gummy (ok…somewhat healthy) snacks were used up faster for school lunches.
You offer kids kit-kats and Reese’s and then “encourage them to try a bit of both” all you want but they will not go NEAR the healthy stuff with a 10 ft pole until all the junk is gone. That’s from experience. And my poor, obese 11 year old nephew has been put on a diet by his doctor because of his addiction to junk-food and rejection of anything healthy unless it is the only option in the house. Sad but true.
Becky, you should send your nephew’s mom/dad my blog or email. I’d be happy to help with some ideas he might like!
this made me so happy — i’m surprised the parents were opposed to the trail mix idea. you’d think they’d be totally on board! were they actually hoping that you’d feed their kids some garbage? I understand not having a problem with some HFCS-treats or something Reeses-PB-cup-esque, but being standoffish about your idea? Unreal.
Love this post. Great idea to have ‘build your own treat bag’.
If the 5 year old is wearing fishnets I can not even imagine what her mother is wearing. The apple doesn’t drop far from the tree, afterall.
The trailmix thing is just fine, I imagine there will be major proccesed sugar overloading going on, in most households.
My mom let us pick out about ten pieces of candy from our loot to save, when we were little. It was fun for us because we got a piece each day, for ten days. It worked out, we grew OK (well that is up for debate, since you know me), but we survived.
You know there is something worng with our society wehn people think you are weird for not letting your kids scarf down as much candy as they want:S
I think it is great that you took the innitiative to provide them with a healthy, yummy snack!!!! what is wrong with thoses other parents!!!
Ha ha, i change the words of my Babysitting Kid’s dora books, I have no clue how to pronouce thoses spanish words!!!!!!!
Thanks, Hannah. It’s about time we started giving our kids more credit and better choices!
I am sorry, I just re-read my comment and noticed all my grammar and spelling mess ups, typing is not one of my strong points :S
Mama Pea, this is awesome! We need more moms like you at the school I work in!!! The garbage they bring in (hello Hi C and Cheetos) is honestly appalling.
Angelina Ballerina is my favorite!! I hope the girls have an awesome ‘Harvest’ !!
Thank you, Lisa! If I could ban one thing, it’d be those Capri Suns (not the 100% juice kind). Might as well give them a can of soda!
I think the treat fairy idea is awesome. Does it go over well with the girls?
As for the make your own trail mix, that is beyond fantastic! I used to work in kindergarten and that would have been a hit.
I love Angelina Ballerina. So cute
They actually like the whole Treat Fairy thing. They get a few choice pieces on Halloween night but then they have a new Taylor Swift cd and Connect 4 game to last for years to come! (Can you tell I just got back from Target?)
I teach cooking to 3-5 year olds at local schools and I read them a book and then we make a recipe from that book. Anyhow, I read them that book last week and we made gazpacho. I thought the kids would gag at the idea, but they all loved it.
Anyhow, this week they were all hopping for me to make some halloween treat but we did “black bat pasta” with bow tie pasta and black food coloring with little bits of butternut squash inside. The kids loved it but the parents were a little horrified. Lots of “ninja’s dads” asking me why I didn’t get them candy. I wish they had more mamma peas and pea daddies around.
Thank you, Eden! You have what may be the 2nd best job in the world.
Wow, that *is* an amazing job! I’ve never heard of a cooking class for little ones. My daughter loves to help me cook and it’s so neat to see her getting into creating meals, even if she does turn her nose up at half of them when they’re done
What a great idea, making those healthy swaps! I seriously can’t believe the other parents complained! Certainly doesn’t reflect well on them- the world needs more mums like you!
And WHY OH WHY is there a children’s book that talks about dieting and calories! That’s really terrible- well done on the improvisation!
No one really “complained.” They just didn’t pat me on the back as hard as I was patting myself.
Great party! Last year for my son’s party I did all the snacks too. I made vegan chocolate covered pretzel rods and pumpkin bread. This year I wasn’t in charge and they had fruit kabobs, veggies and cupcakes. I sent in a chocolate chip pumpkin cupcake with cinnamon icing for him. His treat bag was a pencil, raisins, tattoos and stickers. I was quite pleased that the only thing I had to substitute was the cupcake. Now on to the trick or treat tomorrow. We usually save a lot of the candy to decorate our Christmas gingerbread house.
Great idea for the gingerbread house! I usually pawn all the candy off on Pea Daddy’s office.
With all the junk kids will be getting tomorrow night, I’m surprised the parents weren’t thrilled to have a different kind of snack at the party. I know I’d be all for it. I mean, I happen to be a big fan of Halloween candy, but if the kids get goodies at school, day care, soccer (etc) and then from trick or treating, it’s TOO much.
That’s why, as a concerned parent, I eat all the good stuff out of my daughter’s trick or treat stash so she’s not inclined to overdose on sugar. Because it’s the right thing to do.
You are such a good parent. Pea Daddy is too, in that sense.
Don’t you worry your little Pea brain about not giving those girls candy – they’re sweet enough without it! I’m pretty sure I will follow in your footsteps when I have kids.
Diets in kids books? Really?!!?
I love. love. love that you brought healthy snacks!
I love you Mama Pea! I wish more moms were like us! I am always trying to get the healthy snacks around and I have to say, it is not easy… the hard thing is that the parents like the junk and the belief is that the kids “must” like junk too. I hate this thing of “kid food”, we are all people, humans, we all eat the same.
I hate every school gathering that involves snacks, every after soccer game snack, it is all cr@p food (there goes a coin from me to your swear jar), unbelievable.
(and let me tell you, it gets worse as the years go. It wasn’t that hard with preschool or kindergarten, kids were willing to try things then, but with third grade the picture isn’t pretty).
We need more pea mamas like us!
Ana
I 100% totally agree with you, Ana. And parents assume that their kids won’t eat anything that’s not junk or “kid-friendly” or that somehow their childhoods or memories won’t be as “special.” I assure you, my kids are having a very special childhood.
Oh my gosh, that is exactly it, I wrote about that on the original post and deleted just to not make my post longer. It is like “oh, my child would never eat that”… “well, have you let him try it already?” People don’t even give the child a chance to try new foods, they just assume it is not “kid-friendly” and that they won’t like. Then there is the thing that “oh, let them be a kid”, the memory thing, wait, wait, my son is 8, and he acts and do everything a normal kid does, he just eats healthy foods, and he likes it, and he doesn’t miss on chocolate or ice cream. He eats that too, and mac and cheese (with butternut squash cheese sauce),it is just that those foods are simply not the main part of his diet/an everyday thing. (and let’s not even start on the “nuggets” as a kid food huh…)
So glad to see there are people like me out there! Thank God I am not alone!
Ana
Had to jump in cause you’re not alone! My daughter just turned a year and one of her favorite meals is tofu scrambles (thanks for the recipe Mama Pea!) with avocado and Daiya cheese. She will happily shovel, and i mean with both hands, that in for lunch and then maybe have some steamed spinach mixed with homemade hummus on a whole-wheat tortilla for dinner. i posted some pics of her eating stuff like that on Facebook and had to laugh at the comments about how crazy it is feeding her this way…because eating a Double Down sandwich is normal?!?
Ooh, the scramble recipe is in the book. Yum!
For what it’s worth, I think you are doing your kiddo right!
Oh man, I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this post, especially at the part about “kicking puppies.” Ha! I love your take on a harvest celebration, thumbs up to you!
Thanks, Laura!
I know everyone has already said it but I need to too. The snack idea was awesome and if Avery were in the class she would have loved it. Good choice!!
Thanks, Ang. And thanks to for coming out the the soccer game this morning. Gigi felt like a superstar!
I think it’s awesome that you tried to get creative and do something other than the mainstream typical candy bars.
And I love their costumes. They look adorable!! Smeary whisker threats being able to stop tears…oh, I loved that one
Thanks, Averie.
I love everything about this post! You are so funny and Angelina Ballerina is absolutely adorbale!
And I love the treat bag idea. I was working at a Tri-Rail kids fun day today and couldn’t believe how much sugar parents let their children eat. They even had a make your own cookie station where kids would put frosting and candy on top of a cookie. I’m all for a treat every once and a while, but It’s not even Halloween yet. I don’t understand why parents wouldn’t be happy to not have to deal with crazy kids on a sugar high.
Amen. I was actually celebrating the harvest with some fruit! Candy is for Halloween.
A kiddie corset?? I might throw up. What was that mother thinking? …or not thinking.
And ninja dad too. Man oh man. Your snack mix is the bomb.
I love Lou Lou’s little tiara in her bun!
Yeah, I couldn’t bear to make another pair of mouse ears. So a tiara it was!
Mama Pea thank you so much for changing the words to that book. It really gets me angry that kindergarten children are learning about calories in tomato soup, instead of the lycopene in tomato soup! I am so impressed and inspired by your thoughtfulness and foresight to see that the messages children receive are actually heard!
Thank you, Kelsey! Keep spreading those positive messages!
You are a smart Momma mouse
And good for you for teaching the girls to love themselves and good food from an early age.
I wonder what the Ninja’s dad would have said if you told him the chocolate was dairy-free
Ha! I never thought of that, Cynthia!
Love love LOVE this! It’s so sad how many parents let their children eat themselves into a stupor with all that Halloween candy! LOVE your blog!!
Because they’re obviously not getting enough candy at this time of year. I applaud your homemade trail mix bags!!
Thanks, Christin!
I cannot believe that anyone woule let their kid dress up like that for Halloween? Maybe the kid got a glimpse of Katy Perry’s pulled skit from Sesame Street?
Diet mentioned in a kids’ book? I know you said it’s old, but that’s crazy. Lkike you, I never mention diet, feeling fat, good or bad food or anything like that around my nieces. Even though I’m not their mom, I still feel like I have a responsibility to set a good example and foster a positive self image for them. It’s awful the things that kids are still taught whether intentional or not these day!
The girls both look so cute in the costumes!!
You sound like a great aunt. I agree, with girls that self-image/body talk is so important!
There are so many things I love about this post:
1) The storybook characters theme for school. The girls look adorable!
2) That you did trail mix for the goodie bags. If I had a kid in Gigi’s class, I’d be thrilled.
3) What kind of children’s book talks not only about diets, but calories? I like 89 varieties of tomatoes better!
I wonder if there are actually 89 varieties of tomatoes…
Oh, easily. I grow at least 3 varieties every year, mostly ones that I’ve never tried! So much fun looking forward to tomato harvest every year and waiting to discover my ‘perfect’ tomato.
did gigi’s classmate seriously come dressed like that? anyways, you are a brilliant party planner, because that is such a fun treat idea! i kinda wanna go to kindergarden with gigi now…but whats with todays kid books?? are we really teaching children about calories before they can even read? geez. im scared for when i have kids now…who know what ill be up against…i cant imagine it getting much worse than a corset/fishnet costume on a 5 year old.
I’m hoping the church party tomorrow will be sex-free.
Goes without saying–there need to be more moms like you in the world. The girls look so cute–Gigi’s getting TALL!
I know! She’s growing out of all the pants I bought her that she never wears.
Who needs pants…Isn’t that what swimsuits are for?!
That’d be funny if Lulu hadn’t had her bikini on at 10 am yesterday.
LOL! They belong in Florida w/ Auntie MB!
I had my bikini on at 10AM yesterday and today!!!
Yeah, she was drenched from the pouring down rain at the soccer game, promptly walked in the house and put on her bikini. Nice.
I wish your blog had a “Like” button !!
Those parents should be grateful you didn’t load their children up with sugar, sugar and more sugar! I mean, I’m not a parent myself but children bouncing off the walls is not my idea of a relaxing evening. I like that you showed them a way to eat more natural sweet foods.
Angelina Ballerina is one of my favorite children’s books of all time! Love the costumes, so adorable.
You seriously have the cutest sense of humor! Love your posts!
Thanks for reading, Vic!
I have had that same exact reaction when I would say similar things about Halloween candy! One year I even sent out letters to our entire block asking if they would consider giving out something other than candy. Not only did NO ONE cooperate with that, but the letter was not even mentioned to me. I even stated stats in my letter about how illness escalates in children right after Halloween. Nobody seemed to care about that.
So I gave up, and just let my boys trick or treat to utter joy. But then after they spent the evening trading candy with their brothers, and had a few pieces themselves, I bought their candy from them. They quite liked the money.
I love it! You sound so much like me. I’m not calling you old (AT ALL…you are one hip grandma), but I would think when your boys were young there wasn’t nearly as much attention given to our huge obesity epidemic/nutrition and so you were so brave to take a stand!
That is the cutest mouse I have ever seen! If I was one of those parents, I’d give you a hi-five! Way to go!!!!
Since when is trail mix not a normal snack?? Silly parents. Good for you for finding a snack that ALL could enjoy!
Seriously! I asked how many kids had had trail mix before though, and they were few and far between!
Great post! The Treat Fairy sounds awesome, and I love the choose-your-own treat bag; kids are often more willing to experiment with food and try new things than their parents.
Mama Pea! As a dietitian, I really appreciate your commitment to a healthy diet for your children! You are a great example and definitely an inspiration to me! I hope that whenever I have kids (someday far into the future) that I can help them develop into well-rounded veg eaters, too.
Thanks Emily. That means a lot to me. It’s no accident that I have happy, healthy kids. I really think nutrition plays a big role!
You are BRILLIANT! What an awesome vegan spread! I was surprised to not see popcorn! (not the microwave kind, homemade is best!)
I’m trying to think of how I can bring an air popper and we can do popcorn for the Winter Holiday party.
Ooh, that sounds great!
I saw the sexy candy corn witch today at a trick or treat the mall thing. She was maybe 7. I also saw what we have determined was Lady Gaga – age 4: leather jacket, big hair, black leotard, fishnets, black boots. I do not understand parents who let their kids dress like that.
It sucks that the parents weren’t more into your snack, it sounds yummy. And we wonder why kids have the health and weight issues they do.
Holy stinkin cute (not)costumes! I loved angelina ballerina as a wee girl
What is it with children’s books?! I am constantly substituting words! I don’t know what I’ll do when they can read every single word!
Your snacks looked great to me:) Kids get enough candy and sugar this time of year and I always appreciate it when there’s healthy snacks to eat.
What a great post!! I love that the parents were upset you didn’t feed their children gobs of sugar for Halloween. The horror. I bet the kids loved the tasty treats!
Also, you make me want to seriously find a Whole Foods. That hot bar looks amazing. I’m jealous.
Kids LOVE it when they get to mix up their own snack. I swear, it seems like some parents WANT their kids to go insane for candy.
I can’t believe they have talk about dieting in a children’s book! That’s horrible!
I love your snack idea!!! Every day we have to send in a healthy snack for morning snack. Karlie usually takes fruit slices or her favorite cucumber sticks. I was amazed when the Kindergarten teacher sent a note home after the first week of school to remind parents the snack needed to be healthy; donuts, candy and chips are not healthy. On the first day, she had them make their own trail mix and it had raisins, cheerios, and other dried fruits, it was so sad to see the other little kids filling bags with just the cheerios because they didn’t like fruit. What?!
Love the pumpkins, those are so cute!!!
Jen
You have the cutest little mice I’ve ever seen! And with such good hearts.
I was really surprised that parents were so down on your snacks. Do they want their kids in a sugar craze and then a horrifying sugar crash? And it’s not like you were giving them edamame or something… you were giving them normal snacks! So strange!
Great, Great, Great post. I’m the “healthy” mom at my kids’ school. I feel like I’m ALL ALONE. It’s so backward to me that we load up our kids with all this junk and think it’s this benign thing, contributing to their childhood memories and so on. To me giving our kids all this crummy food (some of it can’t even be called “food”) just defies common sense. Your kids look gorgeous and healthy and are a walking advertisement for a healthy, plant based diet. Way to Go!
I agree! I remember tummy aches on more than one holiday as a kid myself…
Hahah…love the jack o lantern. And Gigi totally knows what a good pumpkin is for.
I, for one, would have been totally patting your back if you brought MYO trail mix stuff to my child’s class. I’ve still got a year or two before I have to start messing with kid’s holiday parties and such, but I will be That Mom too. I can’t wait. My daughter and I like to make healthy muffins at least once a week and she takes them to her sitter’s house, and she feels like a million bucks, dispensing oatmeal muffins, pumpkin muffins, or whatever struck us that morning. Anyway, thanks for being fantastic and here’s your cyber-pat-on-the-back! (patpatpatpat) Happy Halloween, Peas!
I’ll never turn down a good pat! Thank you!
I love YOUR posts. I only hope my children will entertain me as much as yours someday.
Xxx
As a first grade teacher, I have to give you props for your thoughtful snacks. We had pretzels, grapes, cheese, water and because an unexpected parent dropped in, mini-cupcakes. I would insert a friendly “Grrrr…” here, but at least they were mini – and many got left on the desks.
(Close your eyes and picture Mr. Burns)
Excellent. Excellent.
I once had a boss that WAS Mr. Burns.
“Release the hounds.”
Great idea with the party snacks. I did something similar in my son’s first grade class. Most children will believe everything they learn in school, so if we only give them junk to eat in school, they’ll believe that is the way they’re supposed to eat. Good for you for making it fun and healthy.
Why on earth would a parent be unhappy to have healthy snacks at a school party? Even if I didn’t give a whit about health, the kiddies are going to get PLENTY of sugar this weekend. With cupcakes and Snickers during the week, they’ll crash even before they don their costumes again for Trick or Treat and manifest the discomfort in frustrated whining. Though the whines of “Ewww pretzels…but I wanted /Starbursts/!” may last for all of two minutes before they get distracted by sparkles, the aftershock of sugar is very, very long and difficult. Heck, I’m 22, and /I’m/ impossible to deal with if I eat a bunch of candy in the morning.
I wish I had that option growing up! I would totally load up on those goodies!
Love love love this post! Many props for you bringing in the healthy snackage! You’d be surprised what kids will like sometimes…especially when little “mice” say they are tasty too! Love how helpful Gigi was! I mean, c’mon, kids have enough energy as it is. Must we sugar them up so they are literally bouncing off the walls? I used to work in a daycare for school age children and I always dreaded the holiday parties. All parents ever bring in are cookies, candy, and brownies!
Great idea about the treats! They’ll get plenty of the real stuff today to make up for it and you’ll know Friday didn’t contribute to the onset of childhood obesity. =)
Can you be room mother next year, Deb? Hope to see you guys tonight!
Great snacks! Those kids have probably been inundated with candy all weekend!
Great idea, I was just telling my BF that when my kids go trick or treating they’ll only be allowed to have some candy the day of, but then maybe “donate” it to other kids less fortunate. (I have to come up with something clever..) But I just remember having that huge bag of candy in my closet all year and snacking on it whenever I wanted. My teeth sure didn’t appreciate it, and to think about packaged food thats been sitting in a closet for months is kinddd of disturbing!
We usually end up handing it out by the end of the night
Now that I am thoroughly caught up, I am more impressed by you than ever before. Yes, I am referring to the oreo video. And I’ve bookmarked the brown sugar bars. And I never pretended to like watching sports with Marshall, something tells me that was a good move on my part.
THIS POST made my day. Good for you for taking the treats you did. It’s creative, interactive and fun. My sister does the trade in candy thing, too. Such a good idea. And the candy corn witch? God help us.
You’re hilarious, as usual, so I had to stop by and feed your ego a little more. Happy Halloween, I can’t believe we will be hanging out in less than a week! Love!
Thanks Janetha! Happy Halloween. Love you!!!
I LOVE the idea of yummy, creative, healthy snacks instead of the usual candy! I cannot believe you got funny looks and resistance- the parents in Gigi’s class should be thanking you for not essentially poisoning their children with all that sugar and processed food! I work in a primary school and it is AMAZING how much candy was everywhere on Friday. And I am not even in a high socio-economic area where everyone has plenty of healthy food to eat most of the time- that is the really sad part! If I were a parent I would LOVE your change in perspective and your taking the time to think of something fun, tasty, and creative that didn’t leave my children in sugar shock! Anyway, this year we’re sending our “extra” Halloween candy to US troops overseas… I have never done that before but from what I understand they appreciate any reminders of home and have limited access to “favorite” foods like that. Keep up the great recipes and spreading the important message of healthy, tasty food!
I love the idea of sending candy to the troops! Maybe we will put a package together ourselves.
There is a dentist in our area who mailed out postcards saying his office will accept candy donations after Halloween. The candy will be sent to troops overseas and he’ll donate one dollar (or something like that) per pound to a local children’s charity!
Wow, I love that dentist idea! Wish I knew of a dentist doing that! Mama Pea, I am glad you like the troops idea! My heart felt really good yesterday when I saw all the candy we collected at my school- about 10 copy paper boxes-worth. I heard that you get a discount on postage if you are mailing to a military address too.
Great post!! I think it’s awesome that you wanted to provide the kids with healthy options….I mean it’s not like you replaced treats with broccoli. If most kids weren’t fed crap 24/7 they’d be ecstatic about the spread you brought. I feel like so many parents today want solutions for everything without changing what they’re doing. No one wants their children to be unhealthy or obese, yet they complain when someone wants to make an effort to give kids better habits. Major props for sticking to your convictions- you’re doing the right thing!!
I saw a child wearing a Lady Gaga costume today. Couldn’t have been more than 10 and she had the leotard, the wig, the glasses, the super-sheer stockings and heels. Crazyyyy.
you are awesome. I think I smiled the entire time as I read this post—just adorable.
Thanks, Bridget. I smiled the entire time I read your comment
I am all over that build your own snack idea, way to go!
Fabulous snacks for a fall party!
When my oldest was in kindergarten, I was so thankful when the Mom in charge of the fall harvest festivities said that she was planning “make your own trail mix” for the snack/activity. She sent home a letter the week before the party asking for donations specifically stating NO candy! I practically jumped out of my shoes out of excitement! A certain little colorful chocolate candy did show up at the table, but my son passed, stating “Why would someone put THOSE in their trail mix?” I cannot express how proud I was at that moment!
Although I tend to get lots of strange looks and sometimes curious questions about what my boys have in their lunchboxes, I just smile and answer honestly.
Great job for setting a good example in your daughter’s classroom with the snack and the story!
What a lovely post! …as always. You have such a great way with words and photos too. I admire your blog and your wonderful willingness to share your family with “the public.”
Also, I was so touched and intrigued by your recent post about the love languages. I made a mad dash for the public library to check out a copy of one in the series for myself. Thanks for pointing that one out.
Thanks Michele! I hope the book is helpful.
That is so cute! I can’t believe that book though! Shocking what they put in kids books these days. Great snack time idea mama pea!
I love the idea of build your own trail mix! Everything always tastes better when you “make it”.
I also really loved this post and your sweet little girls. But what I really wanted to say is I figured out who Gigi reminds me of–the little girl from “Enchanted.” I think Gigi’s pretty ballerina costume reminded me of the other little girl because she believed in princesses.
We haven’t seen that, but now we must!
Love the build your snack idea…the more kids get their hands on the food process, the better they seem to eat…your girls seem to be prime examples!
I totally want to go dig out my Angelina Ballerina books right now – nostalgia!
I agree! Kids will eat anything if they can make it!
Mama Pea,
I am a faithful (obsessed?) reader of your blog but rare commmeneter because …really I feel like you do not have the time…seriously how do you do it?
Anyway — I have to just say here that your idea of trading in the loot is AWESOME. AMAZING. NEEDS TO BE HEARD!!!
I am the type where I always say I am going to hand out raisins or cute pencils…but I always wind up taking a bag of candy from my parents for my apartment. (I don’t want to be “that” house.)
And I really can’t afford to dole out the “healthier candies” they sell at the Whole foods….
I often ponder what I would do if I had kids….you don’t want to deny them but….AND what if they had allergies and literally COULD NOT indulge?
This, my friend, is PERFECT. I think most kids, when they have three different kinds of hommeade vegan goodies (as I am surre they did) at hand, would choose a bag of plastic over a visit to the Toy Store.
You definetely should do up a freelance article next year about this and sublit it to some mags. “How to have a hEalthy Halloween…etc”
~Missy
OOPs I meant would choose the visit to the Toy store over the bag of candy.
I love the Candy Fairy.
Do you let them pick out just one or two “keepers?”
Yup! They get a few pieces tonight and then the Fairy takes the rest!
Thanks for all of your support!
I love the make your own trail mix concept…and I would have been the 4th hand reaching for the chocolate chip scoop had I been there.
Can’t believe they talk about calories in a children’s book. So wrong – but I loved your save Mama Pea. Quick thinking.
Hope the Pea family had a wonderful Halloween!
Thanks, HEAB! Next year will be so special for you too.
I bet the teachers were appreciate that they didn’t have to deal with the resulting sugar high result of a candy binge. Good for you, Mama Pea! I love the idea of a treat fairy. I was just reading about all the crap that’s in candy. Your kids get plenty of sweet loving with vegan treats that don’t have shady ingredients. I love your parenting style!
Actually we went right home after the party, so I don’t think the teacher would have cared!
Adults sure love their candy, don’t they? Good God, I can’t stand the crap and can’t stand it in my house!
It’s thrown at us left and right.
I know! Why does candy=love?
I love this post!! I just blogged about the Halloween candy dilemma and I am in love with your idea about trading in the candy for a toy or game. I may use that when my two-year-old gets older. (She hasn’t had candy yet but I know someday she is going to notice the other kids eating it…)
As long as they get a few pieces and then hand off the rest, it spares me from having to dole it out from now until Christmas.
Gigi for preisdent!
This might be Gigi’s favorite book:
http://www.amazon.com/Grace-President-Kelly-S-Dipucchio/dp/0786839198
Good for you for doing something different! I think that’s awesome.
I love your trail mix idea! Some of those cheap chocolate bars are so disgusting and I rather have a pretzel and some cheerios over the cheap stuff any day!
I would think that most parents would be grateful that their little monsters were not hopped up on sugar, but to each his own, right? I have to say it again- your girls are so, so cute.
Awwwwh, SUPER cute- love your cheesy stories, family, costumes and everything. You go, Mama Pea! Have a great Halloween
Who you calling cheesy?
I think it’s awesome that you guys “don’t really do candy.” What a great idea, that they can trade up for bigger and better things, instead of just passing it up.
Crazy to me that other parents are actually against this idea. It’s not like you told them that they had to back away from the Reese’s Cups themselves! Haha. Your mice are adorable.
I wouldn’t say the parents were AGAINST the idea. They just weren’t chanting “Mama Pea, Mama Pea, Mama Pea” and lifting me up on their shoulders.
Ahh…Reese’s. My one candy weakness. Good thing I can make my own!
Interesting that not one parent was enthusiastic about your snack bar, which I think is great. I’m all for giving kids choice. Even if everything is healthy, the fact that they get to choose makes it more fun and gives them a say in what they eat.
And even if you don’t kick puppies, I wouldn’t put the odd foot tap to Pea Kitty past you
If I were a parent at the class party I would be thrilled that you brought such healthy options! And I love, love, LOVE the idea of trading candy in to the “Treat Fairy” for something they’ll get something other than a cavity out of! I realize that not everyone is open to healthier options, especially on Halloween, but with the knowledge that their kids would be getting BAGS full of candy I would think they’d be relieved that during their class party they would be getting some nutrients in. Way to go, Mama Pea! And I am with you on the “sexy candy corn witch” thing. My boyfriend has a daughter and I refuse to buy her Bratz dolls or Barbie or any of that stuff because I want her to feel beautiful without trying to live up to the standards of a toy (and definitely not dressing like them!)
Ugh, don’t even get me started on Bratz.
Mama Pea, you are awesome.
Oh, I LOVE angelina ballerina! I just last night bought that book for my boyfriend’s niece for her birthday, complete with tutu! I want to get her a book with a costume something each year …. until she’s old enough for taylor swift I guess haha.
I would have loved it if you were in charge of snacks at my kids’ “harvest” parties! They were so sugared up and my poor dairy/egg intolerant kid had a rough night. I can’t believe any parent would be upset by your snack. My kids trade their candy in for money. They pretty much cleaned out the neighborhood (i.e. cleaned out Mommy’s wallet) last night! Halloween is expensive.
I agree. After we’d spent $30 on gifts I told Pea D, “Geesh, at least candy is free!”
You got it goin’ on Mama Pea! Found your blog a couple weeks ago and I’m so glad I did, your posts are delightful! This is my first time commenting
I just wanted to say I admire you for your balanced approach to eating healthy and taking care to promote positive self image for your girls by emphasizing the amazing little people they are and the wonderful things they can do – doing your best to avoid the landmine of diets/weight/high value on appearance which is so pervasive in our culture – I mean seriously! Auntie on a diet and counting calories in a children’s book!?! Good grief. But you’re not afraid to maybe bump heads with some people by taking an unconventional approach to eating and parenting because you value your and your family’s health much more than what other people think. Keep doing what you do chica! You are awesome!
Thank you, Paula. I’ve definitely bumped a few heads, but hairspray makes a great helmet.
Gigi is such a cute mouse, oh my gosh! Good job on providing a healthy snack and for changing the words in the story book!
The cupcakes look delicious, and the girls are adorable!!
My son was a “banana” for Halloween last year, everybody liked that costume!! (it was a slightly different one though).
And I also thought the oreos on top of the cupcakes made them look like sharks!
Ana
This one is quite big, so expect to see it for the next several years…
We had something similar called the Great Pumpkin that would come take our candy and leave us a game, book, toy, etc behind
Yup, same concept!
And I bet you didn’t feel ripped off as a kid at all!
1) I LOVE that you wouldn’t say diet and changed the words.
2) I think your snack idea is genius. Also, I may or may not be planning on making my own version of it for my airplane snack to Foodbuzz.
3) Which reminds me… looking forward to seeing you in SF!
Thanks, Kaitlin! See you soon!
cute costumes! oh geez, people can be so uptight sometimes. so what if they actually got vegan-friendly snacks at school for halloween. it’s not like they didn’t get a billion tons of candy when they went trick or treating.
way to go!