Last year nearly a gazillion people filled our home for our annual Halloween party.

What first started out as a small family gathering on the weekend before Halloween to show-case adorable infant costumes has turned into a rocking bash that the kids look forward to.  Each year we happily accumulate more and more friends and this year we had to either rent a hall or scale it down.  What a delightful dilemma to have, in life.

This year I kept it simple.  I didn't fret over matching plates with napkins.  Or worry about finding the right DJ.  I left the treat bags undecorated.  I hardly lost sleep over limiting the guest list to neighbors.  And I hastily threw my costume together the day before.  I almost didn't recognize the obsessive-compulsive person that I truly am.

I realized that the only thing necessary for a good party is a good mood.

The scent of my husband's chili bubbling on the stove top made my mouth water.  The pink ipod with a new play list created by Lola and I put an extra spring in my step.  The indecisive toddler with three hand-me-down costume changes made my eyes smile.  The bag of gum Jay paid for with his own money for a contest warmed my heart.

The mood was set hours before the first guest arrived.

It was an awesome party!  SO awesome that the kids want to make it a monthly tradition of inviting people over.  I think they might have stumbled across the secret to a happy life.