I have lots of important things I've been thinking about blogging: Patriot's birthday party, the Biblical view of spanking, gun control and the Christian family . . . We'll save those for another day because today I'm writing about candy corn.

If you're anything like me, you mark your holidays by candy. Easter brings Cadbury eggs, Valentine's was created for chocolate truffles, Christmas is marked with peanut butter balls and chocolate covered cherries, and Halloween is all about candy corn.

Let's first zero in on exactly what we're talking about: Brach's Autumn Mix is the only candy corn worth eating. It is the perfect combination of traditional candy corn, indian corn (with the chocolate bottoms), and mellowcreme pumpkins.

My candy corn ritual begins the first day of October (even though they start selling it in stores at the beginning of September). I buy a bag of candy corn, take it home, and remind myself that one serving is approximately 20 pieces. Then, almost every day in October, I have one serving of candy corn while the boys are down for their naps. My candy corn must be enjoyed with a glass of water to balance the sweetness but not distort the taste. My candy corn will NOT be shared with the children but may be shared with Matt -- he appreciates, even though he may not agree with, the importance of the ritual.

I think it's important for us to have little traditions that help us mark the passing of time. My holidays are filled with them. And not every tradition involves candy, but probably should.