Christmas Re-Cap...

I can't believe that Christmas Eve was 1 week ago. Time just goes by SO fast...I keep realizing that. The past week has been filled with so many fun activities, Monopoly games, tired kids, LOTS of food...way too much food, lots of laughs, tons of tears from tired kids, excited faces, family get togethers and late nights. But it has all be SO worth it!

This was the first year that Tyler and I have spend Christmas Eve night at our house since we have been married. Usually we go to Tyler's family for the afternoon/night and then sleep over at my mom's. But this year we thought it would be easier for my parents to come to Coaldale and spend the night with us. It is just getting too hard to pack all the presents and things the kids need for a few days and sleep over at Grandma's house. And with Tiffany having Christmas dinner at her house it just made way more sense. I wasn't all that thrilled about doing something new, but having to do less work appealed to me. And you know what...it turned out SO well. The kids were excited to be at their own house for Christmas morning, and it was great having all the luxuries of our own house. I'm sure that we will spend every Christmas at our own home from now on.

These pictures are at the Pilling farm on Christmas Eve. Uncle Bronc hooked up the team and took the kids for a sleigh ride. They had SO much fun.


The kids were beyond thrilled with what Santa brought them this year. Here are a few pictures.

Mom was happy with her Christmas present too...a Canon Rebel XS. Now I just need to learn how to use it. HELP!

Here is a picture of Grace with her 2 namesakes. 3 generations of Julia's here.

Christmas 2008 was GREAT! We are looking forward to a great 2009!

Grandma's Sleepover...

Friday & Saturday both Tiffany & I headed down to Cardston to have a "Grandma's" sleepover with all the grand kids. We had talked about doing something like this for awhile now, and with both of our husbands out of town we thought this would be a great time to go.

I was able to find 4 pairs of matching pj's for the kids. They looked SO cute & they were so cuddly. Next year hopefully we can find some for ALL the kids.

Here are all the kids listening to Grandma explain the "rules."

1. No jumping on the furniture. ( She just got new leather furniture...it is SO nice! So you can see the need for this rule.

2. No yelling

3. No fighting

4. Have FUN!

Once the rules were established the party could begin! First on the list of things to do was to roast hot dogs with Papa in the fireplace. The kids LOVED doing this!

Tyson's turn

Carson's turn to roast his hot dog.

Next it was time for some games. We played a Christmas version of "Don't eat Pete." The kids were more interested in eating the candy we used for the game, so we didn't play this for too long, but they had fun anyway. Then we played "Christmas Bingo." Tyson & Jayda loved this game. I think as the younger kids get older they will like it too. When the kids got a BINGO they got a Kinder Surprise. They loved that!

My 3 kiddos! Man is it EVER hard to get a decent picture of the 3 of them!

After the games and supper we put on "The Grinch," and then it was time for bed. The kids were quite excited about camping out on Grandma's living room floor and it took them quite awhile before they finally fell asleep...we even had the threaten to call Santa. LOL! But eventually it was quite and everyone was in dream land. Tiffany, Kimberley & I played cards and just had fun catching up on things. It was so nice to be together and enjoy each others company.

The next day brought even more FUN! The kids had fun using their blow up beds as sleds to go down the stairs. They called it their water slide.

After they were tired of doing that we bundled up the kids and they headed outside for some fun in the snow despite the FREEZING weather! Grandpa hooked up a sled to the back of the quad and pulled the kids around. They kids had a BLAST and managed to stay out there for quite sometime.

Here is Tyson snowboarding behind the quad. He was actually quite good. He had SO much fun doing this. It was fun to watch him.

So despite the cold & the lack of sleep during the night we all managed to have a GREAT time at Grandma Jensen's house! We are planning on making this a yearly tradition. Nothing is better than being with family and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

The Brick...

I got this email today & had to share it. It really made me stop think. Have a Great day!

THE BRICK

A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down

when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver

then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against
a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'

Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'

Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watch ed the boy! push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.

Thought for the Day:

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.

If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.

He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

Send this to every 'beautiful person' you wish to bless.
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Read this line very slowly and let it sink in...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

A Special Visitor...

Tonight we had a special visitor come to our house. Each year Santa makes his annual visit to the Pilling house to check up on the kids and make sure that they are being going for their parents, and to make sure that he knows what is on their Christmas list. They kids were so excited to see him...(a.k.a. Ryan.) They both know that it isn't the "real" Santa and that it is Ryan, but they are happy and excited none the less. This year Grace got to sit on Santa's lap. She wasn't even scared...then again she hasn't hit the "making strange" stage yet.

And here is my toothless Tyson! He pulled out his tooth tonight in the bath tub! Looks like the tooth fairy will be visiting our house tonight.

Found this on a freinds blog and thought I would do it to.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

I LOVE wrapping paper. It is way more fun to tare it off than it is to open a bag.

2. Real or Artificial tree?

I love real trees, and always had one growing up. But artificial ones are just more practical and a lot less mess. So we have had a "fake" tree for quite a few years now.

3. When do you put up the tree?

In years past I have put it up on the 1st Monday in December. But his year Tyler was out of town and I put the upstairs tree up the 3rd week in November. I waited a few more weeks to put up the downstairs tree though.

4. When do you take the tree down?

Right after New Year’s Eve.

5. Do you like eggnog?

Oh yeah! And I like to make french toast with it too. It is SO yummy!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

I remember getting a Barbie McDonald's one year. It was so awesome! It had little food and everything.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

TYLER for sure! He always wants the "12" days of Christmas...if you know what I mean. LOL!

8. Easiest person to buy for?

My kids for sure. They are always wanting something. And really I love to buy toys, so they are really easy.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes I have 3 actually. A Willow Tree set that Tyler bought for me, a Jim Shore set that I got for my birthday a few years ago & a hand made ceramic one that my Grandma Jensen gave me. I am kicking myself though that I didn't buy one when we were in Mexico. Oh well next time we go I will!

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Most definitely snail mail. We never get anything "fun" in the mail anymore, and I always like the surprise of getting a letter from a friend in the mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Most definitely the year Tyler wrapped up smoke alarms. He thought it was fine cause we needed them. LOL! He has learned not do give me gifts like that anymore.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

I love the Polar Express. We took Tyson to it the Christmas when it first came out and he was 2 1/2. He was SO into trains that year. It is a great memory for both Tyler & I. I also LOVE Elf & The Santa Claus..oh and "Christmas Story.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I try not to shop to early cause then I forget about things I have bought and end up spending WAY more money than I should...and the kids get way to many things that they don't really need. So I usually go the first week in December and throughout the month...and fight the dreadful crowds. But that just makes it feel like Christmas to me.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

I honestly can say that No I don't think I ever have...not to my recollection anyway. But I'm not opposed to it in any way.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Oh there are SO many. I love my Grandma Jensen's nugget & toffee. Also homemade cheese ball & shrimp dip. Chocolate covered pretzels & caramel popcorn. Oh the holidays are filled with SO many yummy treats it is hard to pick just one favorite!

16. Lights on the tree?

Upstairs tree has all white...and downstairs has multicolored.

17. Favorite Christmas songs?“

I don't think I can choose just one. "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem," "Oh Holy Night," and so many many others. I can't just choose one!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We always go to the Pilling's on Christmas Eve, and then usually spend the night at my parents house. This will be the first year that we are coming back to our house for the night. I am kinda sad that we won't be at my parents, but at the same time it will be so nice no not pack all the presents/clothes for the kids and travel down there. They kids are SO excited that Santa will come to our house. They are always worried that he won't find them at Grandma's...but he always did. LOL!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

Of course.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

A star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas morning. But we always open pj's on Christmas eve & a new family DVD.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Grumpy people, long check out lines, and all the Santa hype. I seriously think our society has forgotten the real reason we celebrate Christmas!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

Traditional red & green & gold. My upstairs tree...I TOTALLY love. I have been collecting Willow Tree ornaments for a few years now and I love them. It is a rustic/country tree that I just love looking at. The downstairs tree is red & gold with all the kids ornaments on it.

24. Real Reason for Christmas?

Christmas to me is such a happy joyful time in our family. It is the special time to celebrate the birth of our Savior and to remember all that He has done for us. It is also an easy time to reach out to neighbors and friends and to give service to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It really isn't about the fancy presents it is about family, love, kindness & reaching out to those in need.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Even though I just mentioned that it isn't about the presents...I will mention a few that I would like....I would LOVE a new camera...a Canon Rebel to be exact. New housecoat & the Mamma Mia DVD. I would also love to spend time with family and friends playing games and eating great food!

Chrstmas Card..Parties & Birthday...

It has been a CRAZY week around the Pilling house. We have had so much going on that I didn't know if I was going to survive this week.

First off here is our 2008 Christmas card. I used the family photo that Rebecca took of us in the summer. I wish I could have gotten an updated one with Grace a bit older...but oh well.

This year I decided to include a family letter to update everyone on what has been going on with our little family. I won't bore you with that...

The boys both had their school Christmas concert on Thursday night and they both did such a GREAT job. Carson was in a mood before we left and he didn't really participate much in the song, but it was still fun to see him up there. I can't believe how big he is getting!

Here is a little video clip of Tyson doing his song. He was SO into it! He was quite miffed at me that I made him wear his nice new Christmas outfit. He said it wasn't cool & that he needed to look cool for the performance. As you can see Mom won the battle...and I think he looked COOL! LOL!

And it wouldn't be fair without a video clip of Carson. As you can see...he wasn't all that enthused about it. LOL!

Along with all the kids activities I celebrated my 31st Birthday. My how the time has gone by! Tyler spoiled me as usual. And I was more than surprised when I opened a tiny black square box and saw the beautiful blue topaz & diamond ring he picked out for me. Topaz is my birthstone...he did such a GREAT job picking it out. And to top it off we both got a new pair of sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut. Mine were a total splurge cause I wasn't really needed any...but hey it was my birthday. And I also got my hair cut a bit. This isn't the best picture of me...oh well!

And here is a picture of little Gracie...who is growing SO fast. I cant' believe that she is 5 1/2 months already! I have tried starting her on rice cereal but she isn't so fond of it yet. Here she is trying an Arrowroot cookie & getting it all over her face.

Time Flies...

I can't believe that it has been 3 weeks since my last post. Holy cow is time ever going by SO fast. Nothing really exciting has been going on in our house, I guess that is why I haven't been blogging. Just the normal every day kinda stuff. Laundry, meals, cleaning, running kids here & there etc. You get the picture.

Tyler and I did manage to get away for a few days to Kalispell for Black Friday. We had a GREAT time. It was nice to leave the older 2 kids at home with grandma & grandpa and just have some time to ourselves. The drive was great and went by quickly, and the roads were perfect. I have to admit though that this year I was a bit disappointed that there weren't as many "good" deals as in years past. But I still managed to spend money. LOL! We did buy a generator for camping and it will also fun our house in an emergency. So that was a GREAT find...and a really good deal. My sister, mom & I were once again crazy as ever and were up at 3:30 to go shopping. I know...CRAZY!! But it was fun, and Grace was such a good baby. No I didn't take her out at 3:30, she stayed at the hotel for a few more hours with daddy.

I can't believe that in 2.5 weeks it will be Christmas! My kids are getting so excited. Their school Christmas concert is next week and they have both been singing their little songs. It is SO cute. I am sad though that our school doesn't have a concert focused on the Saviour. Christ really has been taken out of Christmas in so many ways and it really makes me sad! Each night I read my kids a Christmas story, we have a book that has a different story for each day. I have been trying to really focus and teach them that Christmas isn't really about Santa, but about the birth of Jesus. I think Tyson gets it...I'm happy about that. Next week for FHE we are going to be putting together a hamper for a family in need in our community. We don't know who they are but we are excited just the same to help someone out. Tyson had a million questions about why the family needed our help and who they were and if we were going to meet them and if they were going to come to our house. I think he finally is understanding that there are some people/families out there that don't have as much as we do, and that we can help them have a better holiday by giving to them. SO I am excited for Monday to see how it all pans out. We have been doing this for about 5 years now with another family in our ward. Each year I look forward to it, and this year will be even better cause we are involving the kids. I'll let you all know how it goes.

So like I mentioned...nothing to interesting int he Pilling house, but wanted to let you know that I am still here.

Have a GOOD one!

Baby Mia...

I have been following this blog for a week or so now. In the beginning my heart ached for this family and for the trial they were going through. I can't imagine having a baby that was critically ill and in need of a heart transplant. In my mind their outcome seemed to be a pretty inevitable one...their little girl would not make it to see her 1st birthday. With so many other babies on the waiting list for a new heart...all in the same hospital it seemed their chance of getting one was quite slim. But as I read their blog tonight, which I haven't in a few days, things have dramatically changed. Their prayers have been answered and their baby girl got a new heart! What a miracle! I can't imagine their relief in knowing that their daughter now has a fighting chance at a normal life. That she can recover and live a full and fulfilling life!

While one family is rejoicing over this wonderful answer to prayer, I can't help but think of another family who is heartbroken at the loss of their child. They will never get to see their child grow to maturity, to hold them and sooth them to sleep. But I hope and pray that they can take comfort in knowing that through their loss another family has been given hope that thier child will live a long and full life. This really is a bitter sweet situation.

A week or so ago friends set up a way for people to donate money to this family who was facing a very heavy financial burden to care for their daughter. I can't believe the support of so many...most of whom are total strangers. There definitely is power in numbers. I don't know the amount that was raised and that doesn't matter, but to know that there is still SO much good in the world. It seems we only focus on all the negative things effecting us. The media, TV, movies, Internet etc. that we don't actually take time to think about all the good that is going on around us..and all over the world. This is just one example...I'm sure there are many!

Now that I have read of this good news it just reiterates to me how bless I am to have healthy, happy children. As I was putting Grace to bed tonight she was screaming at the top of her lungs, I have NEVER heard a baby scream like she does, it literally makes my ears ring, but tonight...I am SO thankful for those little lungs. That they work as they should, and that she has the energy to produce such a scream. I am so thankful for my little boys who tell me that they love me. I am so thankful that Carson can hear and that having tubes in his ears has helped him SO much! I am very grateful to live in a time where there are so many medical miracles. 20 or so years ago baby Mia would not have been able to have a heart transplant...technology has come SO far in the medical world!

p.s. The NO TV challenge went quite well today. Carson did get up and go downstairs and turn it on, but was quickly reminded by Tyson that we couldn't watch TV. I did let them watch a movie as we were driving to Cardston, but I could justify that because it was a movie...not TV, and I was monitoring it. The NO TV for the parents...isn't working out so good though...Tyler is watching the hockey game right now. LOL!

Pilling Family Challenge...

I was talking with a friend today and she told me that her family doesn't have TV. She told me her reasons for not having it and I just couldn't' have agreed with her more. I have been thinking lately that my kids watch WAY TO MUCH TV! It has become the easy babysitter, the go to electronic when the kids are bored and need something to do. It is the entertainer and occupies them for hours. I am embarrassed to even admit how much TV my 2 boys watch. So after talking with Janae I decided that we needed to put a STOP to the madness and cut out some of our TV watching.

So for FHE tonight I brought up the idea to the boys, Carson was oblivious to what we were talking about but Tyson knew exactly what we were doing...and he wasn't all that happy about it. Tyler and I agreed that we could try for 3 days without TV. I know that doesn't sound like a very long time...but in the Pilling household that is VERY LONG! We decided that if we completed the challenge then we would take the kids bowling which was their choice. I then told the kids that I was going to make a chart up with out challenge on it and that I would put an envelope of ideas attached to it. So if they were struggling with something to do and needed and idea they could take something out of the envelope and do that activity. I know that this is going to require a lot more from me cause lots of the activities they can't do by themselves. But I think it will be good to be active with my kids more. The house work will have to be put on hold at times, but teaching my children there is more to LIFE than watching TV is WAY more important.

There were several websites I found that focused on cutting out TV. They gave lots of good ideas of what you could do instead. So I have made a list and hopefully some of the activities will interest the kids.

Not only will this be a hard challenge for the boys, but it will be for Tyler and I as well. I DO NOT watch TV during the day. I haven't for MONTHS. I can't even begin to tell you what was on Oprah or Dr.Phil, and there is NO way I could update you on the most popular Soap Opera, but ask me about reality TV, or the hottest drama on at night and I could probably tell you. After I get the kids in bet I usually get in bed myself and watch TV for a few hours before falling asleep. Tyler and I have a TV in our bedroom...some may think this is CRAZY...some may not. We have always had a TV in our room and I like it that way. So with this little challenge I'm not sure how well I will do...but I am going to give it an honest try. So tonight is my last night for the next 3 that I can watch TV. Too bad it isn't Thursday night...my favorite TV night. Oh well...it will be worth the sacrifice. I'm sure this will give Ty and I a better opportunity to communicate and spend some quality time together. I guess we will be missing out on the hockey game tomorrow night...which will be hard for DH. OH well...nothing like a good old challenge!

So my question to you is...how much TV do you let your kids watch? Do you limit the amount of time? Do you monitor what they watch? Just curious as to what other families do in this situation.

And now for a CUTE picture of my little Gracie...I only wish I had a better camera...Christmas is coming though.

And here are my 3 kiddos together. This was taken on Sunday...our Primary Presentation. It was seriously the BEST presentation ever. I was so proud of my kids...they both did a GREAT job!

I LOVE this picture of the 3 of them...but I took it in front of the glass doors on the fireplace and you can see my reflection in them. I wish I knew how to edit that in photoshop. I want to add a patterned background to the picture...but don't know how. Does anyone know how to do that? I wish I had better photoshop skills. LOL! If you know how...and want to help this momma out...that would be GREAT! I would love to use this picture of our Christmas cards...but that background will NOT due!

Wish us luck with our little challenge...and I'll keep you updated. It could be a very HARD day tomorrow with 2 kids home from school...with NO TV!

Remembering....

This morning as Tyson was heading out the door to school he reminded me of his school assembly at 9:00 a.m. YIKES! I had just barley gotten out of bed because Tyler let me sleep in...so I was NO where near being ready to head out the door to the school. With 1/2 an hour till the assembly I hopped in the shower got my "face" put on and dressed and out the door JUST IN TIME! We weren't even late for the assembly...thank goodness they were running a little late. I normally don't go to the assemblies but this month the grade 1 classes were putting it on so I wanted to go and support Tyson. I am SO glad that Tyler and I were able to go. It was a Remembrance Day program and it got me to thinking...

Normally I don't think about the war that is raging on the other side of the world. I seem to be to wrapped up in my own little "wars" here at home. Life is so busy with all the activities the kids are involved in, with church and family obligations. Because we live in a country where we are FREE I tend to forget that some people aren't! Today helped me to remember how lucky I am to live in Canada, a land of freedom and of choice. It is only because of brave men and women that we continue to live in freedom today. I am SO thankful to them, for their willingness to lay down their lives for the freedom of so many. We truly are blessed that we don't live in a war ravaged country. That men and women are treated as equal. Do we really know the significance in that! I have read many books about the Middle East and what the women face there. My little petty trials are NOTHING compared to what those poor women go through every single day of their lives. I know that I take it for granted that I have so many freedoms!

Today during the program we were reminded about all those who have sacrificed so much for us. They played THIS video...and it was so touching. Take a minute to watch it ...you won't be disappointed.

I was very proud of Tyson as he sang his song today. He did a GREAT job. On November 11th is Remembrance Day, I hope we can all take a bit of time to reflect on all that has been sacrificed so that we can live in a peaceful country today. I remember as a child the poem "In Flanders Fields" was always read around this time of year. I can still almost recite the whole poem from memory.

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep,though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Don't forget to donate a small amount of money and purchase a Poppy. They are a symbol of all that has been lost, and all that was gained because of it. When you see poppies think about how lucky you are to live where you do and in a time of peace here in Canada.

Let us NEVER forget...

Grace at 4 Months...

I can't believe that Grace is 4 months old. WOW does time ever go by fast. So I thought I would update you on what Grace has been doing now that she is 4 months old:

*Grace loves to smile, especially at her brothers!

*She is getting to be a happier baby. She was pretty spoiled there for awhile...well she still is. LOL!

*She is trying to roll over to her tummy...she is almost there

*She is such a GOOD sleeper! I usually put her to bed between 8-9 p.m. and she will sleep till about 3 or 3:30 a.m. I am so happy to be getting more sleep at night!

*She still LOVES her swing, and spend a lot of time during the day in there.

*She is starting to "talk" alot more. Tyler swore the other day she said HI.

*She continues to bring all of us so much JOY. It is SO fun having a baby in the house again...and I am trying so hard every day to cherish EVERY moment with her...because she is our last baby.

I love seeing the boys interact with her. They are both very protective of her and are big helpers to me. Time is going by so quickly and before I know it she will be talking and walking and getting into EVERYTHING! Each month in a babies life brings new things and each phase just gets better!

Make today a GREAT one...and cherish the time with your kids. They are only this age once!

p.s. Don't you just LOVE the shirt Grace is wearing? I made it! I had so much fun making the kids matching Halloween shirts & I can't wait to start working on thier Christmas ones.

Trick or Treat....

Last night was FINALLY the night the kids have been talking about for WEEKS! Tyson loves Halloween SO much...he loves everything about it. The candy, the costumes & the parties. He started out his day by having a fun party at school. He was so happy and excited when I showed up at his class with the cupcakes I had made. They were a hit...but hardly needed. His teacher Mrs. Kerr who is the BEST, had TONS of treats for the kids. She went overboard. After school Tyler took the boys skating and then we had a yummy supper at Auntie Tiffany's. Then it was time to get dressed up for the BIG event!

Hunter & Carson. They were both a hoot to watch. They would fight over who got to ring the doorbell first. Then when the person would open the door Hunter would walk right in and take a hand full of treats! This was a great opportunity to teach manners. By the end of the night the kids were being quite polite. LOL! Thank goodness they were all so cute...they could get away with it.

Carson as the "nice dragon." Tyson was too excited to hold still for a picture.

Gunner as a cute little turtle!

And sweet little Gracie girl, dressed as a butterfly. She was all wrapped up tight and snug in the stroller. She had fun in the fresh air and watching all the kids!

Another fun filled Halloween has come and gone. I think my kids have enough candy to last them until NEXT year. They have literally been bouncing off the walls today. Oh well...Halloween only happens once a year. After tomorrow though I will start to ration them on it. We don't need anymore visits to the dentist for cavities.

Make today a GREAT one!

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!