Daily Archives: October 31, 2010

Falling Away

The end of fall is fast approaching.  The leaves have all but left the trees and tonight will be Halloween Looting.  Tomorrow will be clean up.  Then I move forward to preping for xmas.  Yes, I start thinking early.   Step one of that process, though, is reviewing Fall.

This past month has been a struggle for our little Wheat Free Horde ( 3 boys from 6 – 13 and myself).  I was not aware of how many safeties I had put into place when we lived in the City.  Some of the things I just naturally did and others I know I worked hard at, all to ensure that my boys had the best holiday/traditions I could manage while keeping them Gluten Free and laughing!

I have great memories of holidays and family times and I REALLLY want my kids to be kids and have those when they grow up.  I don’t want them to remember parties where they felt left out, unable to enjoy the socialness of ‘breaking bread’ with friends, or sharing in a celebratory piece of cake with the Birthday Honored.   I want life to move forward as if this just IS,  not like it is a handicap that needs to hold them back from anything.

In review of years past?  What did we do to make the events appear effortless and smooth?

Host our own party:

  1. Keeps the kids as the hosts and in control
  2. Plan a meal with GF everyday foods like Ogre Feet Meatloaves, Build Your Own Pizza-o-lanterns, Beef stew with Maggot Pasta bits, or some other fun grossness
  3. Load up on GF trick or treat candies
  4. Non candy based prizes ( McDonald’s coupons, trinkets, swim passes, etc)
  5. Old fashioned take home treats like candy apples, popcorn balls and caramels!

As guests at parties;

  1. Bring GF cupcakes/foods to share
  2. bag/decorative pail of GF candy for the treats table
  3. Stash GF alternatives as “swaps” in our bag for if the kids win a non GF prize.
  4. STAY UP BEAT & DON”T EAT IT!
Werewolves and zombies

Desire to DEVOUR!

So often it is easy to ‘sneak’ a bite, make excuses or otherwise sabotage yourself.  The last thing you need on top of a sugar hang over, though, is an allergic reaction!  It can make a whole household struggle!  Totally not worth it.

Relocating this year has given us some speed bumps as we settle into new routines.  So far we are GF safe but there have been some close calls and some hick ups.  Still a success.  Next year we will reconnect with some old traditions to bring our personal touches into our new lives!

Happy Ghostly Greetings to Looters and Looted!