Halloween Tradition...

Today we completed another TRADITION in the Pilling home. Tyson has his annual HALLOWEEN party. I have been throwing a kids Halloween party for the past 4 years. The kids look forward to it all year. They start planning their costume and who they are going to invite. They also look forward to ALL the candy! I think my kids like Halloween better than Christmas...well almost.

So today was the BIG day! Tyson invited friends from school this year. And he was excited for me to meet all of them. As usual I worked tirelessly to make sure that everything was PERFECT. I ordered all the party favors and pinatas from Oriental Trading Company. Such a COOL site. I will be using them for ALL my parties in the future! I decorated last night...and heard the little lanterns falling from the ceiling during the night. AGHHH. Who said duck tape with make anything stick? Well it doesn't stick all that well to a stippled ceiling. Oh well...I managed to put them back up today and they looked cute...until the kids got to them. BOYS...are so darn destructive! This year we played a few games and then I realized that I had to much time to spare...so I let them watch a Diego Halloween movie...which didn't last long. When you have about 8 grade 1 boys...they didn't' seem to want to sit very still & started playing ninja instead. But what could I expect right? Over all they were quite behaved. Also this year I bought dry ice to put in the punch. The kids thought that was GREAT! They all wanted "smoke" in their glass. Naturally we didn't' eat anything that was healthy...until I felt guilty and put a plate of apples & grapes on the table, which only were eaten by the adults. Go figure. LOL! And as usual I sent the kids home with a lovely sugar high for their parents. Oh and to end the festivities we had a skull pinata that when I hit it it swung up and hit a florescent light and broke it. I think that was the highlight of the kids party...when Mrs. Pilling broke the light.

It was a fun time had by all...but I have to admit...I AM TIRED! All the work and preparation for a few hours of fun. But I can't stop having that party now when I have been doing it for so long. I have already decided that for next year....less kids, and possible just a sleep over, or would that be more work? I guess we will have to see. Here are a few pictures...which I am kinda disappointed I didn't get more. I was to busy playing games and keeping all the "ninjas" under control.

My little "Wolverine"

My nice little dragon

Tyson playing a Halloween version of Twister.

Kids at the craft table.

Having snacks...Yummy!

Last night our ward had a Halloween carnival. It was SO much fun. The kids enjoyed playing all the games. I think the biggest hit was bobbing for apples. It took Tyson quite a few tries before he grabbed one, but Carson surprised us and picked one up with his teeth on his second try.

Of course I couldn't let a Halloween go but and not have Grace dressed up. Here she is at 3 1/2 months old dressed up as a butterfly. Isn't she SO cute! Gotta love The Children's Place. I hope all you littler ghosts & goblins have a fun & safe Halloween!

Priorities...

Lately I have been thinking a lot about priorities. I have been wondering if I have mine in the right order. I seem to go through phases in life where I want EVERYTHING...NOW. I was sitting in my living room the other day thinking about all the THINGS that I want & the THINGS I want to do. Like, paint my fireplace, get new carpet & furniture, pain the whole upstairs & get a brand new kitchen complete with appliances. So I went on a tangent talking to Tyler about everything and trying to convince him that these were all priorities. I could totally rationalize all of these WANTS, and had him pretty convinced. I even went to the Brick & Ashley Furniture to look at what they had. I was starting to get all excited at the possibilities of an update to our home.

Then a week or so passed by and I started to realize that for now we are comfortable with our home. Sure it isn't brand new and the furniture is about 9 years old, but it still looks good and we can make do for now. We would have to go deeper in to debt to purchase all of the things on our WANT list...and the thought of that doesn't seem so appealing anymore. Tyler and I decided that for now we would focus on paying off our debts and then save for the things that we WANT instead of getting the self gratification of buying it now. I feel comfortable with this decision although NOW would be nice too. LOL! I guess patience is something I will ALWAYS have to work on!

As I was thinking more about my priorities I began to put them in order and think about how well I was doing. I have to admit that there are some things I have totally been slacking on and I need to pull up my socks and do better. I don't want to live with regrets about things I didn't do that I should have. I want my kids to know how much I loved them and cared about their well being. I think of my 6 year old while he is at school and wonder if he is being a good boy, if he is being kind to everyone, and listening to his teacher. I hope I can have the kind of relationship with my kids that they know no matter what they can always come to mom for help or advice. My family is my number 1 priority.

I really doesn't matter how much STUFF we have, a fancy vehicle, nice new clothes all the time, or a new house. Those things will never come with us when we leave this earth. But the memories, teaching moments, and values that have been taught within our family will last the eternities. Sometimes we need to step back and re-prioritize our life, and I guess that is what I am doing. Take some time to hug your kids a little longer, kiss them a bit more, listen to them, show more appreciation for your husband and let friends know they are needed and appreciated. You never know what tomorrow will bring...you have to live for today like it was your last! Will all that STUFF really matter?

p.s. Here is a GERAT giveaway that you may like. Who wouldn't want this adorable quilt.

So MUCH To Be Thankful FOR...

This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving, and I took some time to think about all that I am thankful for. My list was SO long...endless in fact. I am amazed everyday all of the little things I am thankful for. Everything from electricity to running HOT water. I often think about the pioneer women and men and all they had to endure and all they had to live without! I was talking the other day with my sisters about what pioneers would have fed their babies. They didn't have the conveniences like we have now. It is so easy to go to Wal-Mart and buy baby food already cooked and ready to eat. Then there are disposable diapers as compared to cloth. Life is just so much easier than it was then...or is it?

Sure we have a lot more conveniences than they had: drive through restaurants, electricity, email, Internet, telephones, indoor plumbing, vehicles etc... But we also have a lot of things they didn't have to deal with: drugs, pornography, immodesty etc. Our children have a lot of peer pressure these days, I often wonder if it wouldn't be easier to just lock ourselves up in our little house and protect our kids from all the evil that is in the world, but I don't think that is a great way to pre-pare them for the real world. With all the negative influences there are out there...I think there is WAY more good, and thus I am just SO thankful!

I have found myself being so thankful for my health and the health of my family lately. As I have followed the heartbreaking blog of a family as they try and fight cancer I am so thankful for my health, and my heart aches for people who have to go through this trial. Last night as I watched the season premier of Little People...Bigger World, I was SO thankful for healthy children. Tyler and I are so blessed that our kids have the energy that they do, although at times that can be trying. They seem to have way more energy than we do at times. But I wouldn't trade that for anything! I was also very thankful to live in a country where we aren't ravaged by war. Where we can enjoy many many freedoms. We have the freedom to vote...which we should ALL being doing today. We have the freedom to practise the religion of our choice. We have the freedom to choose for ourselves & are treated as an equal with men.

On Sunday we got together with my family...the Jensen's. We gathered at my sister's house for a yummy Thanksgiving dinner with all of the fixings. The kids were actually quite behaved, of course they would rather play than eat though. It is near impossible to get all the kids to be happy, look at the camera all together without anyone making a goofy face! Tyson is totally going through this goofy face phase. He won't take a cute smiling picture for anything! So here is the best we could do:

I am just so thankful for my little family. I feel as though our family is complete. Grace has brought so much joy into our home. The boys love her to DEATH! She lights up when either one of the boys talks to her. Tyson especially loves to hold and play with her. Carson has always been quite concerned when she would cry. The other day she was crying on my bed and I told Carson to go into my room and talk to Grace. He quickly came back...she was still crying. I said, "didn't you talk to your sister to make her happy?" Carson said, "She didn't want to talk to me...she is tired." I had to laugh at that, it was so cute.

Here is our little pumpkin, complete with a handmade pumpkin shirt. Yes I made the shirt and the matching headband. I am just having SO much fun dressing Grace, she is my little doll to dress up. I can't believe that she is over 3 months old. It is SO funny...Tyler has NO idea how old she is. The other day he told some ladies that she was 5 months old! They commented on how tiny she was for 5 months...all he did was smile and say, "Yeah she is quite tiny." LOL!

I am also so very thankful that my family lives close. Both Tyler's family & mine. It is nice that we are able to spend lots of time together. I am very grateful for my sisters! Tiffany & I are very close. I don't know what I would do without her. The other night she offered to watch my boys while Tyler and I went out for supper. What a sweetheart! I know how much she doesn't' really like to watch kids, and by her offering to watch them really meant a lot to me. One thing I have learned over the years is that friends will come and go out of your life, but your sisters will always be your friend and have your best interest at heart. They will love and support you no matter what, they are your greatest confidants and will defend you when needed.

Another thing I am grateful for is TYLER...my wonderful husband. He is just the best person I know. I have never in my life met a more selfless, patient person. He loves me unconditionally and is the best father to my children. He is such a hard worker and will do anything for his family. He honors his priesthood and is always willing to serve others. I just can't say enough good things about him...my list would be so long. I love this man more and more everyday, and I am learning to tell him that more often.

Yesterday we went to the zoo with our good friends the Wolfe's. It was such a beautiful day in in Calgary. The weather was warm and the kids were in good spirits. It was fun to end our long weekend by doing something fun as a family. Here are a few pictures from our trip. Of course Mr. Tyson had to have his goofy face on! LOL!

Can you spot the Bear in this picture?

Can you spot the Tiger in this picture?

Each day we need to take a minute and think of something to be THANKFUL for. There are little things all around us. Even if we are having a very hard, trying day there should always be something positive to think about. Life really isn't all that bad. Each day I am going to try a little harder to be a little better, to speak a little kinder, to have a bit more patience, to tell each of my family members that I love them more, and to serve others a little more. If we forget ourselves and think of others...good things will happen. Make today a GREAT one!

8 THINGS...

8 Things I am PASSIONATE About...

1. Family
2. The Gospel
3. Being a good mom (teaching my children manners, respect & being kind to EVERYONE! oh and to be good sports)
4. Friends
5. Serving Others
6. Keeping a journal (blogging)
7. Learning new things, developing new talents
8. Having good frineds and getting together often

8 "words" or "phrases" I say way to often...

1. Shut...UP! totally sarcastically. I know NOT a good word to say...my kids remind me of that.
2. Whatever
3. Crap
4. Tyson/Carson stop that
5. Gracie you are so beautiful
6. No way!
7. Tyler...can you help me
8. Good job

8 Things I want to do before I die...

1. See the Redwood Forest in California
2. Take my kids to Disneyland
3. Take all the kids on a cruise
4. See Celine Dion in concert
5. Make lasting memories that my kids will remember fondly
6. Take the kids on a camping trip to Zion National Park & the Grand Canyon
7. Grow old with Tyler
8. Go to Peru with Tyler & the boys to help people install proper cooking stoves.

8 Things I have learned From my past...

1. Patience...the Lord knows what is in store for us and when
2. We CAN be forgiven
3. Sometimes you need to say your sorry
4. Watch out for poles at McDonald's drive through
5. Tyler will ALWAYS love me...no matter what (his truck isn't as important as I thought it was. LOL!)
6. Your family will ALWAYS be your friend
7. Sometimes your heart does get broken...but it mends over time
8. Tomorrow is always a new day to start things over

8 Places I would love to see...

1. Japan
2. Thailand
3. The Maritimes
4. The Pyramids
5. The Sacred Grove (Mormon Trail)
6. Hawaii
7. Cuba
8. Vancouver Island (I have been there...but when I was younger and would LOVE to go back)

8 Things I Currently Need or Want...

1. New furniture upstairs...leather
2. A remodeled kitchen
3. New carpet upstairs
4. To be totally debt free
5. Happy, healthy children
6. Everyone to feel loved and accepted for who they are
7. No bully's at school ( we haven't encountered any yet...but I'm sure that sometime one of our kids will)
8. My children to always CHOOSE THE RIGHT!

A Few Giveaways...

Through my Internet browsing I have come across a few adorable giveaways that you might be interested in...so I thought I would share them.

Hair Flips: Most Popular Item Giveaway. She also has an Etsy store. Her stuff is SO cute! A girl can't have enough hair accessories can she?

Polkadot Papoose: Baby sling giveaway. Such cute baby slings...love all the fun fabrics.

Simple Finds: Is a great website for all those cool new things that you may not know about.

Have fun entering all the contests...hope you are a winner.

This Past Week...

Life has been busy this week. The boys started skating lessons on Tuesday. I am SO thankful that Carson is enjoying himself. Last year it was fight every week. There were LOTS of tears and a very frustrated mom. Half the time he didn't even skate because I was pregnant and didn't feel like dealing with a 3 year old who was crying all the time. So 1 year later...things are much better!

Tyson continues to enjoy school. I am SO thankful that he is fitting in and loves learning. He gets so excited to do his sight word flash cards each night, and reminded me last night about it. I told him it was the weekend and that we could take a break. He seemed a bit disappointed. He also got chosen to be the school spirit leader for his class. This is RIGHT up his alley. I know he will enjoy being involved in this. He has so much enthusiasm and energy, it will be great to have him use it in a positive way.

Friday night we had a movie night with a pizza picnic. The kids LOVED this! We watched the movie Paulie, it was so cute, I recommend it. The kids and I went to the grocery store and they each got to pick out there own pop & chips. I know...not to healthy, but hey it was the weekend. I couldn't believe how many pieces of pizza they both ate! Tyson ate 3 and Carson ate 4...they are definitely growing boys. It was nice to spend some quality time together.

Yesterday we went to Green Haven for their pumpkin fest. It was SO much fun, I wish we would have had more time to spend there. Tyson had a birthday party in the afternoon so we had to get home for that. This function was a fund raiser for the Make A Wish foundation and all proceeds when to this cause. They had little games for the kids, 2 astro jumps, a petting zoo and a wagon ride. Of course there was pumpkin pie, and lots of pumpkins you could purchase. Here are a few pictures of the kids.

Here is a picture of my little Gracie! I can't believe that she is 3 months old. The time is going by WAY to fast. She is my little princess. We are all enjoying her so much. He truly has blessed our family.

It was a GREAT DAY!

With pumpkins on my mind I decided to try a new recipe. It is called Dinner in a Pumpkin. There is a new family that moved into our ward so I thought this would be a fun meal to bring to them. Here are a few pictures of the meal:

Hollow out your pumpkin removing all seeds.

Meat & Rice mixture. Tasted a lot like that Chinese casserole. It was YUMMY!

Fill the pumpkin with the meat mixture. Replace the lid and bake in the oven for 350 degrees for 1 hour. I put Chinese noodles on the top when I served it. SO good!

Then I decided to make Creamy Caramel Popcorn. So DELISH!

Everyone enjoys a give away don't they...and who couldn't use another adorable bag. Enter the contest at Handbag Planet for a chance to win.

While listening to conference today one of the quotes I enjoyed the most was this:

Find JOY in the JOURNEY...NOW!

President Thomas S. Monson