Treats for October

This weekend I enjoyed some much needed time at home.  As I rested and reflected on the events of last week (Homecoming at school).  I pondered the events for the month of October.   We do some great activities in our neighborhood and in our church during the month.  I'm absolutely loving the cooler weather.  Today,  I attended a Tastefully Simple party and got to taste some new as well as standard items.  Wild Rice Soup, Smoked Garlic and Paprika Dip, Carrot Cake Cheese Ball, Beer Bread, Butterscotch Hot Chocolate and Oat and Cranberry Squares were my favorites.  If you haven't ever tried the products you are really missing easy to prepare items.  Google "Tastefully Simple" if you would like to order.

In just a few short weeks we will celebrate Halloween.  Several years ago my kiddos started a Trick or Treat Canned Food Drive in lieu of trick or treating for candy.  Our neighbors are always very willing to participate.  The week before the collection the kids deliver Halloween themed notices to all of the neighbors notifying them of the date for the collection.  Once the items are collected the children go with us to deliver them to the local food pantry.

We took this picture the first year the kids collected canned food during Halloween.  They were so excited about their contributions.

On Halloween night our church sponsors a "Trunk or Treat" event.  If you have never participated you must find one or start your own.  Each family is asked to decorate their trunk and hand out candy.  We pull into a parking lot and line up- kids then go trunk to trunk with their treat bags.  Our church also provides hot cocoa, hotdogs, chips, etc.  We also roast marshmallows.  This event is much better than the old fashioned trick or treating of my childhood and a much safer alternative.

Here are more great themes:

Nursery Rhyme Theme
Thomas the Train Theme
Hunting or Camo Theme
Princess Theme
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (decorate w/candy)
Beach Theme
NASCAR Theme - Display all your souvenirs
Harvest Theme
Sports Theme (pick a sport) - Team displays are popular
Popular Kid's Themes: Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, Veggie Tales, etc.
Animal Themes - Stuffed animals count.
Movie Themes (Keep the kids in mind though)
Western Theme
Camping Out theme
Christmas (or other holiday) Theme
Gone Fishing Theme
Pirate Theme

Got to get busy on the theme for our trunk this year- I have no idea what we will do.  I am open for more theme suggestions.  Happy Early Trick or Treating!