Fun Run

Today my kids had there annual fun run at school. Now I know that the emphasis should be on fun but I do have to admit I get a little competitive. I want them to WIN!!! I don't necessisarily tell them that but I strongly encourage it. I just let them know that if they get first, second or third place they DO get a medal. Just to let them know. They all did great!!! Sydney got second place in the kindergarten group, Tyler got second place in the first grade group and Kalli ran her heart out, she never gave up!!!

(that is Kalli's pregnant teacher Mrs. Despain behind her, encouraging her on)

They did awesome!!!

A Not So Fun Carnival...

Raegan doing her clogging dance at Alpine Elementary School

Tonight Raegan had to dance at the Alpine Elementary School Carnival. So we decided since it's family night lets all go and watch her and then enjoy the carnival at the same time, sounds perfect right....WRONG!!!! As we were waiting for Raegan to finish dancing, Kalli took Sydney and Andrew to get a balloon animal. Well they waiting for quite along time and finally they got their animals. Sydney got a blue dog. Shortly after she got her dog it dropped on the ground and popped and scared her to death. Well she was extremely upset by this, so my wonderful mother decided to go and get her a new balloon dog. So when my mom gave Sydney the green dog she had made for her Sydney decided to cry, scream and have a major temper tantrum. She wanted a blue dog. Oh I was mad. I have very little patience when my children are ungrateful and rude. So I told Sydney to be happy about the green dog and thank grandma, well that was not happening, she continued to throw a major tantrum. So I took her hand and we walked back to the car and I told her she was done with the carnival and we would wait in the car for the others. Oh was she mad! So Sydney, Max and I went and sat in the car for one hour while the other children had a very nice time at the carnival with their dad. Well back in the car I couldn't help but take notes on what my lovely, hot headed five year old had to say...

"I am going to stay in this car untill my birthday,

I don't love anyone in our family not even Cinders (that is our dog)

I am never going to wear my seatbelt,

I am never going to church or school.

I am going to pop everyone's balloon-except mine,

I am going to break all of the windows in our car and climb out and go find STRANGERS.

If I have a bad day at school I'm no even gonna tell you about it,

I don't even like Tuesdays or Wednesdays or Thursdays!

I only like Cinders (the dog) and Rae Rae (Raegan) I don't like anyone else in our family. Oh and I like Kalli too.

I am going to AZ to live with Abby!

Next time I go to California Disney I am not even going to wear my seatbelt!"
Sydney being so TICKED off at me, waiting in the car for the rest of kids


Isn't she fun? Well I told her I loved her and that just made her more mad. Oh well, I just tried to ignore her and read the talk by Elder Ballard in the Ensign on how I'm a great mom. Someday she'll think that way too.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

Just Enjoyin' the ride!!!

One of the best qualities of Cassie is her ability to simply enjoy the ride. She is the first to get on any train any rollercoaster or any ride with her children but perhaps the greatets ride of her life has been Motherhood...and she loves every minute. If motherhood is life's greatest calling then Cassie is accomplishing life's greatest success for she is a tremendous mother.

Thanks to Cassie...we don't blink.

Many of you are perhaps familiar with the country song that says something like "don't blink" (I don't listen to Country much either). Because of Cassie we don't blink. Cassie is committed to enjoying every element of our children's childhood. Cassie puts high priority on family time and enjoying life. She has amazing perspective. I have never believed that anyone can be a perfect mother, but Cassie makes me question that thought constantly! She is an AMAZING MOTHER!

Cassie's Theme

Prominently displayed in our home is a quote by Presindent Hinckley. I can't help but think that this is Cassie's theme to Motherhood and life.

"In all of living, have much of fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed not just endured." -President Hinckley

Motherhood is to be enjoyed not just endured...Thank you Cassie for teaching us the importance of enjoying life! Thank you for being the greatest Mother our children could ever hope for. Thank you!!!

Spring has Sprung!

Today we had a very busy Saturday. Our sports have started. My kids LOVE soccer and that is because their dad LOVES soccer. Soccer has been instilled in my children since they could walk. They begin walking and Chad puts a ball in front of their little feet so they can begin pushing the ball and eventually kicking it. So now spring soccer has begun. Raegan is on a team that plays spring and fall and is in a more competitive league. Kalli and Tyler play on a city team that Chad coaches and Sydney and Andrew play on a little city team as well. So we have three soccer games a Saturday. It is a little nuts since we only have two parents and Raegan's team plays in a different city. In Tyler's game he scored one of the two goals that were made and in Sydney's game she scored 5 goals!!! We were shocked!!! Last year when Sydney played she sat in the middle of the field and picked the dandelions. Now she is an ALL STAR! Plus today Raegan had a national dance competition at Lagoon in Farmington at 1:00. It was a very busy day for us. But we do enjoy this time watching our kids do what they love. And the best part is they crash hard at the end of the day from complete exhaustion!!!

Stupid Jason Casserole

Our Cute Kalli who is NOT a Jason Castro supporter

Tonight we watched American Idol of course. We always watch American Idol, our Tuesday and Wednesday nights revolve around American Idol. Well all three of my girls love Brooke White. So tonight when she was voted off we had a few in tears. In fact Kalli who holds NOTHING back stood up with tears running down her face, pointed to the TV and

yelled in her low raspy voice "Stupid Jason Casserole you probably voted for YOURSELF!" Needless to say we were all in stitches. In fact we had the giggles so bad from Kalli's comment we struggled saying prayers and even Chad had a hard time keeping his composure during our scripture studies. We were laughing SO hard. So to you stupid Jason Caserole we hope THIS is your last week!!!!!

She never stops impressing me!!!

For those of you who read Cassie's poem might believe that Cassie got a good deal, but then, if you are reading this blog you probably know me and know that most of what she said was not true. Anything that I am or will ever become is because of my amazing perfect wife. I am going to give you the top ten reasons why I am the luckiest man on earth (narrowing it to ten was a HUGE challenge).
10. Always makes me smile. (Seeing Cassie makes anyone smile)
9. Constantly encouraging. (Always looking to uplife others)
8. Most determined person I know. (Well I know her mom so maybe the Second)
7. Loving and compassionate person. (Cassie always looks for opportunities to serve others)
6. Enthusiasm for life. (I love how much Cassie loves life!!!)
5. An unbelievable perspective. (She never sweats the little stuff)
4. Incredibly supportive. (Cassie never complains when I am gone or attending to other responsibilities)
3. If one can dream it Cassie can do it. (Anything fun we have done in our marriage is because of Cassie. Whether it be travleing back east, Disneyland or going to the beach if Cassie can dream it...it happens!)
2. A loving, kind, patient, patient, patient mother of 6 (Let's just say our kids always tell me they are grateful for their mother)
1. Most Christlike person I know (Hey she married me and seems to be enjoying it!)

I love her more than anything I have ever loved before...I don't know why I was blessed to have such an amazing wife...but somethimes I don't ask questions.

I LOVE YOU CASSIE!!!!!

Thank you for the BEST 11 years of my LIFE!!!!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

He is handsome and strong, tall, dark and lean.

He loves his kids and is rarely mean.

He is spiritual, kind and a whole lotta fun.

He has energy like no other and is always on the run.

He loves soccer, basketball and of course BYU

He is a true fan yes he is through and through.

He makes me laugh every day of my life.

I am forever grateful to be his wife.

The man that I love and truley adore,

Is Chad Michael Kerby and need I say more?

I am the luckiest girl on earth

A million bucks is what I feel I am worth.

Life really could not be sweeter at all

With Chad by my side I feel 20 feet tall.

Chad I love you so much I think you are great!

Happy 11 years together, lets celebrate!

The Artist Part Two...

Well this morning when I went into the kitchen and opened the pantry doors I saw that "the artist" had more artwork than I originally thought. On the inside of pantry door one it says: Sydney K is the bas (translation: Sydney K is the best) on the inside of pantry door two it says: Tyler is not the bas Andrew is not the bas (translation: Tyler is not the best Andrew is not the best). There must have been a conflict going on between Sydney and her brothers. For the most part my kids get along really well, now I understand they just take their frustrations out artistically. Oh you gotta love Sydney!!!

"but I can't stop my hands..."

This evening I went into my kitchen and I found this lovely, green artwork all over my pantry doors. I decided to ask who did it, strangely no one knew who the culprit was. I approached my sweet little Sydney and asked her if she knew who did it and of course she had no idea who would do such a thing. I asked her to show me her hands and sure enough they were covered with green marker. She then informed me that her feet just walked right over to the doors and her hands just wouldn't listen to her brain. Oh I swear this child is going to give me the BIGGEST run for my money. Wish me luck!!!

August Rush-movie review by Me!

I watched this movie tonight unsure of what it was about. I really liked it!! Of course I wish that the parents had been married, otherwise I really, really liked it. I watched it by myself but I am in hopes that I can get Chad to watch it soon. It is probably one of my new favorite movies. Now those of you who don't like the happily ever after, unreal, dramatic movies this one is probably not for you! But if you are looking for a feel good, heart warming movie that will make you want to hug your children then August Rush is worth watching. Rent it, Watch it and let me know what you think!!!

Birthday at the Zoo

Chad with his birthday party crew! He LOVES his kids!

We had such a great time at the zoo! We were able to go and celebrate Chad's birthday with the monkeys (both the zoo's and ours). Our friends the Checketts joined us. It's fun because we have six kids and so do they and almost everyone has a buddy their same age. We got to see the White Alligator, Monkeys, Giraffs, and all of the other animals, then we ended the day with a train ride. The kids thought it was a great birthday party. Chad enjoyed it too. We were lucky to FINALLY have beautiful weather. So maybe next year for Chad's birthday we could head to Chuck E. Cheese or Skateland. Always a kid at heart!!!

Happy Birthday Chad!!!

Today is Chad's birthday (April 18) we are celebrating his birthday by going to the zoo. Chad told all of our kids that he was having his birthday party at the zoo and that they are all invited. This of course thrilled my kids. So party at the zoo and your all invited too!!!

Chad is Mr. Wonderful. I am not kidding, he truly is the greatest husband for me. He treats me soooo good! His main goal in life is to make me happy...no joke! He gives the best foot rubs...on a daily basis I might add. He adores his children and is fully committed to them. He loves to spend time with and have fun with his family and takes such great care of us. He is extremely helpful with house cleaning as well!!!Chad is a huge BYU sports fan which makes life interesting, I remember when we were first married and he got a rug burn on his knee because he threw himself on the floor when BYU missed a play in football. (I thought it was rediculous at the time) He is passionate about everything-his family, his church calling, the gospel, his job, his cell phone,

his BYU. Chad is a pleaser, he wants to help out in any situation, he is extremely loyal, very funny, a friend to everyone and truly the LOVE of my life. Happy Birthday Chadwick!!!

Deal or No Deal...

Jessica showing her nerves right before the interview

Wow, we had the craziest night! On Saturday the TV Show Deal or No Deal came to Salt Lake for an open casting call. Over 7,000 people showed up to be interviewed. One of our dear friends Jessica (Brian Jone's wife) made it to the final interview with the casting director. This interview was scheduled for Monday night at the Salt Lake Hilton.

The support Team (minus me)

If you have seen the show you know that up on stage with the contestant is a support team of about 3-4 people. Jessica had to bring people for her support team for her interview. She chose seven of us to come including Chad and I. She choose Chad because her husband Brian (who is Chad's best friend from high school) is like a Deer in Headlights when it comes to the stage or a camera. Anyway the casting director had Jessica in the room interviewing her for about 20 minutes and then opened the door and invited "the supporters" in the room. We had to be all hyper and crazy. It was a blast. Jessica has a really good chance at this point to be choosen to be on Deal or No Deal. When she is chosen the producers will choose 3-4 people from her "support" group to come to Hollywood with her, all expences paid. So watch Deal or No Deal next season to see if we made it! Good Luck Jessica!!!

Life after surgery

Well Raegan made it through! She is doing great. She was really scared before and tried really hard to hold back the tears. She was brave. Now she is anxiously awaiting the removal of her nose cast so she can enjoy jumping on the trampoline, playing tetherball, soccer and holding her baby brother again.

Kalli, Raegan and Elle enjoying Raegan's flowers from Kylee

Her cute cousins brought her gifts of cream puffs and flowers. She definately has enjoyed the extra attention.

After the surgery Raegan was so excited to see her brother and sister after her surgery that she sat in a chair in the front yard waiting for them to get home from school.

Raegan's Nose Job...Not really

Well we took cute Raegan into the ENT (ear nose throat) dr and he determined that she did need surgery. She will be getting the bones realigned in her nose tomorrow morning. (Friday) She is extremely nervous about this but she is being a trooper. She knows that this is the best thing for her. The Dr. said no soccer for a month and no clogging for two weeks. It will be a nice little break for us in the carpool dept. but she might go crazy, luckily next week is spring break. Please Keep her in your prayers we will keep you posted.

Good Luck Elder Julian!!!

Tonight my family got togethere at Red Robin in Provo to say our goodbyes to my nephew Jake who enters into the MTC tomorrow. (where he is hoping that we send him lots of care packages with LOTS of caffinated beverages since there is NO caffine in the MTC) His family came down from Colorado to send him off. We had a very enjoyable dinner and evening together, laughing and almost crying. Jake is the second grandchild on my side to go on a mission. It is so great when these older cousins go on missions, it is such a great example to my children as well as all of the younger cousins. I love my family and I wished we all lived closer so that we could spend more time together but I do cherish the times we do have.

Good Luck Elder Julian!!!

We think it's broke...

Raegan with her puffy, swollen nose and black eye after the game

This is Raegan before the soccer game

Raegan is on a competetive soccer team. She plays defense. On Saturday she had a game and it was FREEZING!!! I know it is April but whatever. Anyway a girl about five feet away from her, on her team kicked the ball really hard just as Raegan turned around. She got hit smack in the nose. She now talks like her nose is plugged and it is really swollen, she also has a little bit of a black eye. Poor Rae, noses have to heal on their own, there is not much we can do with it besides ice it. I told her that soon she will be back to her beautiful self (she is still beautiful just with a puffy nose and a black eye)

Crazy Hair Day

Last week my kiddos had crazy hair day. Don't you remember those days? My oldest Raegan has never participated in Crazy Hair Day before because it was just a little to out of her comfort zone (she is alot like her mother that way). We convinced her to do it and the kids were off. Now Kalli wishes everyday was crazy hair day.

Change is constant, Change is good...

My sister Tara, Elder Julian and I outside the Denver, CO Temple.

My nephew Jake is so great! Seriously this kid has got it going on.

(we hear "Jake Julian's the man" quite frequently)

Yes he is a litle arrogant but he is a great kid.
Jake recently recieved his mission call to serve in the West Indes, Trinidad and Tobago French speaking mission. He will do awesome. This last weekend I had the opportunity to go to Colorado to be with him while he went through the Temple for the first time. It was such a neat experience. Then he gave his mission "farewell" talk on Sunday. The church was full of nonmembers who Jake invited. Jake shared witness of our Savior Jesus Christ and testified of the Book of Mormon as well as Joseph Smith. He did a phenomenal job. He will do great!
I love you Jake Julian!!!

Tabitha and James

Recently there has been alot of change going on for the Julian family. In March my other nephew James married his sweetheart in Virginia. Tabitha and James met while working and going to school out in Virginia. Tabitha has a sweet baby girl named Olivia. So that makes my sister a grandma, my mom a great grandma and me a great aunt! I have not gotten the chance to meet Olivia and Tabitha but I am so excited to get to in the future, I already love them and can't wait to get to know that sweet baby girl. Congratulations you guys

Tabitha and Olivia, WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY!!

A tribute to Grandma

Max enjoying the AZ sun in Staci's backyard

We just got back from our super quick trip to AZ. We got in on Monday night and we got back today (Thursday) at noon. (for any of you out there who want to come and visit we made it in 9 1/2 hours both times, not too bad) The funeral was very nice. It was beautiful how the tribute was not only for my grandma but for my missing grandpa as well. It finally brought a since of closure to his dissappearance. It was so nice to be down there amongst so much family. This was the first time we had all of my grandparent's grandchildren together. We had some come from Alabama, Indiana, Colorado, Utah. It was wonderful.(Cassie, Stacey, Tara, Andrea and Leslie)

It actually was the first time all of my family (my four sisters and me) have been together in 5 years. We stayed up and played cards and laughed and were just plain silly, it felt really good. The trip was a great tribute to the legacy that my grandparents Robert and Ruby LaRue have left. We also got to spend some time with Chad's family. We took our kids over to his grandparent's house to ride horses. They had a blast. Especially little Sydney who all she wants to be when she grows up is a cowgirl. We stayed with Staci and Brad and appreciate their hospitality. They live right next to the desert, so they got their little quad out and let Chad and the kids play on it. They had so much fun! Staci is a great cook, she always has homemade bread waiting for us in the morning. They make it really easy on us (I am not so sure how easy it is on them, we are an army to house and feed) but we do appreciate it. All in all it was a great couple of days.

Hippity, Happity, Easter!!!

This describes our crazy life...Isn't it amazing when everything (everyone) is crazy, the man (Chad) doesn't realize anything is going on!

Happy Easter Max!

We had a beautiful weekend. The weather was absolutely wonderful!!! (It's about dang time) We had a an easter egg hunt with our friends the Sautters on Saturday. On Sunday the kids woke up to Easter buckets with treats and small gifts. Church was great...Always an adventure. It's amazing once spring arives the feelings and personalities of people just change. People are happy and smiling. I love this time of year. I love that the earth is renewing at the same time we get reminded of our Savior Jesus Christ and the sacrifices he made to renew our lives. Happy Springy Easter Everyone!!!

What A Hottie!!!

I find nothing sexier than my man mopping the kitchen floor with his pink polo on and listening to my ipod. What a HOTTIE!!!