A not so Merry Christmas!!

Max enjoying a little taste of snow

Christmas Eve was a blast. We have started a tradition of getting together with our friends the Checketts every Christmas Eve. This year it was our turn to have it at our house. We ordered pizza, wrote silly poems, read the Christmas story, sang songs and opened pajamas. We love getting together with this family, our kids are all of the same ages so it is definitely fun for everyone!

Tyler and Chad reading the Christmas Story

Pretty Girls, Mikayla and Raegan

Jason, Maren, Cassie and Chad

All of the Kids
(except Sydney who was sick in bed and Max)
Well Christmas came and went. I hate to sound a little down about it but it wasn't one of our best. Three out of our six kids were sick, I mean really sick. Raegan, Tyler and Sydney could hardly get out of bed and when they did it was only to throw up! And because of the sick kiddos my dad could not come around because he is currently doing Chemo treatments and his immunity is too low. So there was really no playing with toys, no sledding or playing in the snow, I don't even know if the kids even realized what they or each other got Christmas morning. Even our Christmas dinner was canceled. We were supposed to go up to my cousin Shelley's house for a big dinner but with sick kids and a wild snow storm outside we were stuck staying at home with a dinner consisting of Croisant sandwiches and chips. Which only a portion of our kids could even eat! The day after Christmas was much better. Kids were looking more alive and played and hung out together. This will be a Christmas they will probably never forget.

Santa was pretty lucky, he almost got in big trouble this year. For some reason none of Raegan's presents were from Santa this year. She was heart broken. Untill she remembered that she had left a note on the igloo outside specifically telling Santa to put her presents in the igloo. So after everyone was done opening presents Raegan was a little teary eyed. She thought that she had been a naugty kid this year. Untill she checked that igloo!

The Igloo with Raegan's note. It was empty the night before but had presents in it on Christmas.

Those Crazy Kerby Kids!

The Girls

The Boys

By The Tree

Today was the Sunday before Christmas. I always have my kids wear their Christmas clothes to church this Sunday. Well since Chad is not around on Sundays, the picture taking and distracting while picture taking all must come down to me. So this is what we got. I don't think I got one picture of every kid looking at me, oh yes I think I got one but of course it came out dark. Oh well, they are cute kids and guess I captured personalities instead of perfection. Maybe I can do better next year!
My Favorite!

Christmas Carols, Gingerbread Houses and Giggles

Sydney putting the frosting (mess) on her house.

Tyler was way into his creation. Him and Andrew even set up guards (Christmas candy corns) around their houses.

Sainie, Elle and Mckenna

The Girls

Last night Raegan and Kalli had a Christmas party with some friends from school. I think we had about 14 girls total. So lots of giggling, squealing, some drama and a whole lotta fun! The girls made their own gingerbread (gram cracker) houses, had a white elephant exchange game, ate popcorn and watched Eloise's Christmas. All of the girls came in their PJ's and left with Smiles. Tyler was even helpful and not obnoxious which was a shock with that many of his sister's friends. I think we are almost done with partying this Christmas, besides a small BYU one tonight...
Go Cougs and Party On!

Tis the Season!

Max's first experience with snow!

Wow what a week. We have had a preschool program, a second grade play, a first grade sing a long, a ball room concert, a dance recital, a ward party. Tonight Kalli and Raegan are having a Christmas party over at our house and tomorrow we have a BYU football party. Man, you would think we could spread things out a little bit. Plus the craziness of baking, Christmas cards, teacher gifts, decorating, wrapping, shopping, helping at school parties, etc, etc, etc. Whew, I should be worn out! I am hoping that next week will be a lot slower and relaxing
(who am I kidding)!
Tis the Season!
Sydney was totally into her first grade sing a long!

Kalli got to choose a partner at the end of her Ballroom Program.
Chad was her lucky guy!
Max and Andrew just after Andrew's preschool program.

Sydney was determined to dress "Christmas" for her Christmas school party.

All my kids were so excited to wear Santa hats to school today.
It was "Christmas Spirit Day".

What a Blessing

One of the bonuses of having my husband be a bishop is getting to see the amazing acts of kindness presented to so many deserving people in so many different ways. This holiday season my heart has been full seeing the many miracles, sacrifices and generosity given by so many. This Christmas more than any other that I can remember truly has blessed me with the Christmas Spirit...The Real Christmas Spirit. I am grateful for the little opportunities the Lord has aloud me to be apart of and the many blessings he has manifested to me. With a more willingness to serve and an acknowledgment of his existence, this Christmas season has been the best one yet. He is there and he is aware of our needs, desires, dreams and hopes. He knows us individually! I know that! I have seen for myself the tiny miracles of his love. What a blessing to know in this day of uncertainty that we have a Heavenly Father who wants us to be happy! REALLY HAPPY! I hope we can all be blessed with the Christmas Spirit this year!

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!!!!

If it is going to be cold than "LET IT SNOW"! I love the snow. I love how clean it makes things look (fresh fallen snow, not dirty black old snow) I love that my kids play and play and play in it and it completely wears them out, I love to watch snow fall, I love to shovel snow (my only form of exercise in a long time) and I love that I can make a hot meal and it is SO appreciated! I LOVE SNOW!

The Goings On...

You know this month has been very busy for us as I am sure you all can relate. I just haven't had much to take pictures of or blog about. Well today I finally do. Tyler had his second grade play, GLOW. It's all about bugs. He got to be a Bumble Bee and he was so dang cute! I absolutely love this age because they aren't "too cool" yet. He totally got into his character. I loved it.Tyler, Grandma and Andrew after the play.

Tyler, Conner and Scott Robley. Scott was the play's director and was awesome! Scott and Chad are great friends. He is also the primary chorister in his ward.

Elizabeth VanUitert (sunflower) and TylerTyler and Sydney after the play.
Sydney would love to be behind a microphone all the time if she could be.

Dang Cute Bee!!!

We also have a new addition to our family. Sadie! My mom and dad got a dog. A little Shitzu. She is very cute and follows my mom everywhere. My kids love her. Especially Sydney. She (the dog) is trying to get used to my dad (she has a problem with men for some reason) but she is starting to warm up to him.
Sydney is in Heaven with this dog!

Even Max gets really excited about "Sadie"

And one last thing...
Who needs action figures? Not us!

I NEED YOUR ADDRESS!

Calling all friends, family and whoever else would like one, We are in need of your address to send our 2008 Christmas Cards out. If you wouldn't mind emailing me those addresses ASAP we would greatly appreciated it!

Please email me those addresses at www.familylaughs@gmail.com

Thanks and have a great holiday season!!!!

We Had a Wonderful Day!

Today we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with almost all of my family, minus two nephews and a wife and daughter of one of them. We missed you Elder Julian, James, Tabitha and of course Olivia!
My mom wanted to make sure that we all had pictures taken with everyone as well (thanks Kirk), it is often very far between visits that we all get together. It was really a wonderful day with everyone! The kids enjoyed playing football and tag outside and the adults loved visiting and playing our game of cards (shanghi) while being incredibly silly and singing lots of songs way off key!
I love being all together.

Max is always so concerned with Grandpa, he is always helping him along.
Where ever Grandpa is you can find Max.

The five girls, Mom and Dad
(Andrea, Leslie, Tara, Stacey, Cassie)

Mom and Dad

Uh Oh it looks like Max is getting away.
My cute kiddos in their BYU gettup with Grandma and Grandpa.
(you gotta love Sydney and Tyler's grass stained knees.)

The whole group! We had fun dressing up in our favorite sport teams. We of course had the BYU gear on. Andrea's family had ASU gear, Leslie's family had their Denver Broncos stuff on. Stacey's family had on Wyoming colors (I don't blame them for not wanting to buy the Wyoming sweatshirts, yellow and brown sweatshirts..oh gross!) and Tara in Blue.

Jason and Jonni

Jackson is always the funnest with the grandkids. Here he is spinning Kymber.

Kalli and Kymber...Best Buddies!

Let's guess, who is the one with the ATTITUDE!!! Could that be Sydney?

Here is my mom making her famous rolls, seriously they are the best and always have been! And of course cleaning as she goes along.

Jackson gives the BEST hugs!

Not sure why Abby and Sydney have Ellie tied up. Hmm I wonder who's idea this could have been???

What a wonderful day and time of year. Now lets see if I can go and do some damage at Target and the mall bright and early tomorrow morning.
Happy Shopping!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for.

I love my life and everything in it!

I Am Grateful For:
Freedom of Religion
My Faith
A Sweet, Hard Working Husband
Six Awesome Kids
Mom and Dad
Inlaws
Sisters
Nieces and Nephews
Really Great Friends
A Home
Health
Health Care
Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer
Music
Yummy Smells
Plentiful Food
Love, Laughter, Hope and Charity
Animals
Talents and Abilities

I hope this Holiday Season finds you all happy, healthy and full of cheer.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Poor Poor Chad...

Today Chad had to eat "humble pie" at his big meeting. Apparently he had a little bet going with some fellow colleagues about the BYU/UTAH game.
"Sorry sweetie, better luck next year."

I have been tagged...Thanks Kayola!

CRAZY 8'S

8 T.V. SHOWS I ♥ TO WATCH~

1.} Gilmore Girls

2.} The Biggest Looser

3.} American Idol

4.} Rachael Ray

5.} Everybody Loves Raymond

6.} House Hunters

7.} Paula Deen

8.} I'm a NEWS junkie

8 of MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS~

1.} Carrabba's

2.} Any AZ Mexican Food

3.} Kneaders
4.} Texas Road House

5.} Pei Wei

6.} Patsy's (NY)

7.} Black Angus

8.} Cafe Rio

8 THINGS THAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY~
(Actually Saturday, Yesterday the only thing that happened was cleaning up Max's throw up and that just isn't very interesting)

1.} Went to a Mother/Daughter Tea Party with my girls

2.} Went Shopping with Mom

3.} Chad, Dad and Todd watched the BYU game in our living room.

4.} Baby sat Jone's kids

5.} Tyler broke a rule about no balls upstairs and he shattered a hall light...totally devastated him. (he he he)

6.} Went to Texas Road House with Chad, John and Heidi (yum)

7.} Gathered all church clothes for the next day (Sunday)when I become a single parent.

8.} Was a bit cranky in the morning (sorry Chad and kids)

8 THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO~

1.} The Holidays

2.} Thanksgiving with all of my family

3.} The next time I get to go to Carrabbas

4.} This Saturday when Ron, Andrea, kiddos and Tara arrive in Utah.

5.} Thursday when Leslie, Jason and Kiddos arrive in Utah.

6.} The day the Dr. tells my Dad that he is all better.

7.} Getting older, I love getting older. (wiser)

8.} Someday taking my family on the Disney Cruise (it WILL happen)

8 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST~

1.} My Dad having a clean bill of health

2.} My Dad not hurting anymore.

3.} Taking my mom and dad with us on the Disney Cruise

4.} HAVING AN ORGANIZED and CLEAN HOME

5.} NO Debt

6.} Owning a Cabin

7.} A large, front loading Washer and Dryer

8.} Finding a really good Mexican Restaurant in Utah. (I don't think it exists)

8 PEOPLE I'M TAGGING~

1.} Andrea

2.} Tara

3.} Mindi

4.} Maren

5.} Robyn

5.} Rachel

6.} Crystal

7.} Alma

8.} Stephanie

Thanks Kayola...this was fun...although it made me really have to think. And thinking has not come real easy for me lately! :-)

Last One About Rachael Ray...I Promise!!

Chad, Rachael, Raegan, Kalli, Valerie and Me

The studio just sent me this picture. I have to laugh because look at Chad. I guess when Rachael kissed him it made him rather nervous so he made sure there was enough room between the two of them.
(not really, but why is he so far away from the group?)

You know you have made the "big times" when you are on You Tube. My sister Tara found our Rachael Ray segment on You Tube. So if you missed it the first time, here is part of it, the part that they filmed in our home. Please remember as you are watching it that a lot of it is staged and the final song where we really look dumb, they made us do it!!! So please keep that in mind.
Anyhow here IT is. (click on it)

Have Much of Fun and Laughter!

Whew! I am so happy to finally have that (the TV show experience) over with. It was a fun ride. A great learning experience in so many different ways. And no we probably won't let up to much when it comes to doing silly things in front of and for our children.
Now you all know that we are not alone in our embarrassing acts. You know you all have similar stories. We want to hear about them! Seriously, Chad and I want you all to think of funny and embarrassing things you do to your kids or vise versa what they may have done to you. Or with any children weather they be friends, nephews or nieces. Young and old alike, we know you have stories. Or if you know others who might have stories, please spread the word, we want to hear from everyone! We want to know how you laugh with your family in this time of uncertainty in the world. How you keep it light in your home. We are working on a pretty big project and would
love all of your help in this.
Our family lives by the quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley
"In all of living have much of fun and laughter, life is to be enjoyed not just endured."
How do you enjoy life and laugh with your children or loved ones? We have set up an email account just for these stories. familylaughs@gmail.com
Please be thinking and email us!! I also wanted to let all of you know that I do plan on going private on my blog. I will be doing this in the next week or so. So please also email me at familylaughs@gmail.com if you want an invite to my blog or leave a message in the comment box. I don't even have to know you personally, just let me know how you found my blog and that you read and enjoy my blog and I will send you an invitiation. I look forward to hearing all of your funny, funny family stories!

Sneak Peak

For all of you out there in the blog world who actually check my blog, here is a link to a sneak peak of what is to come on Wednesday on the Rachael Ray show. Just to let you know I realize I look enormous but the way they positioned me in front of Chad and the sweater I am wearing (way unflattering) and the camera angle was not cool, I am not that huge in real life. They told me to wear something that looks like winter (sweater) and that green is a great color for the camera. I just wish someone would have told me
"Hey Cassie that sweater looks like a tent and you look like a whale!"
Any how for what it's worth check this out.
http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/view/601/

Then click on the arrow (play button) on Tim Mcgraw's face.