The End of Christmas Gatherings... and Hallie's Need to Do Homework

Hallie's Homework

She is sooo Proud!

Sweet Hannah....

The thought of Homework makes me Tired...

Loving on her new bear Papa Glen and Mamaw Leda gave her for Christmas

The Cassady 5

Aunt Catherine, Kyle, Hallie, and Hannah

Marty and Steph..

Well, I don't know if everyone was like us, but Christmas sure was busy this year. We ended our gatherings on the day after Christmas in Louisville with Kyle's mother's family. It was a wonderful day, and we were glad to be with everyone again. This past weekend, we spent lots of time relaxing and just trying to get down some Christmas decorations. Hallie enjoyed playing with her new Santa toys, but she has all the sudden developed a new fetish for homework... Boy, just wait until she starts school and I am sure she will change her mind. This is how the story goes... Every Sunday I ask her for some ideas that she would like to do for the upcoming week in regards to fun (play),learning, and for cooking ideas. I feel that by doing this, that it makes her feel that she is important in planning out what we do for the upcoming week. So, this Sunday, she spoke up loud and said that she thought we needed to start "practicing" for school. Great idea! I try to work with her as much as possible and as much as she shows interest, but I don't want to bore her with it at her age. My mom, who just recently retired after working with children for 27 years, has always told me that it is important to make early childhood education fun and creative. So, tonight, we started writing and spelling words, as Hallie says, "Word Homework." I wrote down 7 words and then asked her to spell them out and write them. She did a great job! When she finished, she said, "Mom don't you think you need to take a picture of this and put it on your blog!" I just had to laugh, and then go get my camera. The things kids do to brighten up our day. Hannah on the other had just enjoyed sitting in her exersaucer and then loving on her new bear. I included some pics. from Louisville and of our homework experience. Hope you enjoy. Looking forward to the New Year!

Whew, What a Day! But Santa Was Good....

This morning Hallie awoke at 7:45 and was ready to go see what Santa had brought. Hannah was still sleeping, but we decided to wake her up, since she sleeps most of the day anyways. Hallie was so excited this year, and she keeps telling us that this is the best Christmas ever! After opening all the Santa gifts, playing and singing with the new karaoke machine that Santa brought, and then straightening up a little, we all got ready and headed to Nana and Papa's (my parents). There my brother and his family came to exchange gifts. When my grandparents were living, we used to all gather at their house for a big celebration, but now that they are both with Jesus, everyone on Christmas day stays with their own families. However, Tuesday afternoon, my mom is cooking a huge meal and everyone will come to mom's house. We ate lots, opened gifts, and just enjoyed every one's company. Christmas is so much fun! I posted some pictures of the day.. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. Tomorrow we will head to Louisville for the last and final stop (#4) to celebrate the Nevitt family Christmas. Whew, it sure has been busy, but I can say it has also been lots of fun!!!
The remains of Santa's cookies and his letter back to Hallie and Hannah...

All the gifts that Santa was so kind to leave behind... He sure was good to the Cassady Girls this year!

Hallie opening her Santa gifts

Hannah enjoying her new "Anywhere Chair"

I think Santa should have brought a Karaoke Machine to Dad too..

Hallie hasn't got the reading down pat yet.. NOTICE she has her back to the words.. She just loves to Sing!

Karaoke Words on our TV

Hallie sporting her new "Fur" coat that Santa brought and her High School Musical
Accessories

Family Pic...

Papa and his Girls

Nana and her Girls

Aunt Susan, Hallie, and Sawyer

My Wonderful Parents and Grandparents to my Girls...

The reason Christmas is Sooo Much Fun!

Christmas Gatherings Still in Full Swing....

We spent today with Darrell's (Kyle's dad) side of the family. We had so much fun visiting with everyone and was so glad that everyone is healthy and able to attend. We had lots of good food, received wonderful gifts, and played Dirty Santa. Everyone had to bring their most beautifully wrapped yardsale item.. Boy, was there some good gifts and lots of laughs. I hope you enjoy some of the photos from the day and a couple from the 23rd. Hallie is so excited and was so ready to go to bed (which is unusual for her because she is such a night owl) so Santa will make his way to 82 Winding Creek Rd.

Mollie and Baby Hannah

Catherine and Drew

Aunt Emily and Baby Hannah

Darrell and Marcia's 5 kids....need I say more

The Cassady Girls... Cinco trouble!

Uncle Richard and Aunt Liz

Santa and Hannah.. taken on the 23rd by daddy... I am not going to spend my money on a picture with a drunk Santa!

Hallie and Hannah before Hallie headed on a date with Aunt Catherine

Hallie and Hannah before heading to bed on Christmas Eve.. Hallie loved her Gingerbread Gown

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, everyone is sleeping but Kyle Cassady's spouse. There is always so much to be done, to make sure Santa is ready to come. From filling the stockings and vacumming the floors, all the work must be done. I love Christmas so much, and tomorrow is the big day, but hopefully the many memories that I will make with my sweet children will never fade away. As soon as I post the blog, off to sleep I will go with all my might, and to all a Merry Christmas and a good night... Jesus is the Reason For the Season! Love to everyone!

Trial Run for Santa's Cookies

Hallie with her baking face on....


Cookies ready to go into the oven!


Hallie said she just couldn't wait to eat one!


My Cheapo way of coloring icing...



The finished Product!


Tonight after dinner Hallie and I decided we would do a trial run for Santa's cookies. She was so excited to help me break the eggs, mix up the batter, cut out the cookies, and then put them in the oven to bake. While they were baking, I looked everywhere for my primary color food coloring (tongue twister) and it was no where to be found. So this year, Santa's cookies are going to be a little neon! Yes, I am a cheapo when it comes to icing accessories, I never go buy the expensive icing tools. I always just make up my own and use a ziploc bag. We made stockings, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and mickey mouse faces. I have a mickey mouse face that I use all the time to make pancakes and eggs for Hallie with that we purchased at Disney World a couple of years ago, so she decided that we should also use it to make sugar cookies with. While dad and Hannah took a nap, Hallie and I had a wonderful time. It was soooo sweet! She said, "Mom we sure are making memories aren't we!" My heart melted! I can remember my mom baking with me when I was a little girl and how much I always enjoyed it. She didn't want to help me decorate a lot, but she picked out all the colors for the parts. When I tucked her into bed tonight, she once again thanked me for teaching her how to make cookies.... I truly love spending time with my precious girls, they are my true blessings in life! Hope you enjoy the photos!

Christmas Gatherings Are Offically in Full Swing.....

Hannah's Birth Announcement

Thanks Jes!!

Me and My Sweetheart (just because he does all my wrapping...LOL)

Our Christmas Photo!

Hallie and Her Cheer Shirt that Grandmother got all the girls

Hallie and Her Ariel Doll Head that Aunt Catherine Got Her

We are Going to Have So Much Fun Curling Her Hair!

Sweet Mollie and Hannah


It is so hard to believe that Christmas is only 4 days away! However, I can say bring it on this year, because with the exception of my mom (which is the hardest person in the world to buy for) everything is done and wrapped. My mom is so hard to buy for because she is so much of a giver that she will never tell you anything she likes or needs. Just don't buy me anything because I don't need anything, spend your money somewhere else. We have been really busy the last few weeks finishing up everything and alot has been going on. My sweet Hannah turned 3 months old this past Friday. I can't believe it! She had a little head congestion, so I took her to the doc last week and Dr. Kries put her on some congestion medication. Much better now! She weighed 14 pounds 6 oz. and other than the little cold, Dr. Kries says she is doing great. Hallie had been sick the week before with cough and congestion, so I guess we just had to pass it along. We started our annual kickoff of family gatherings today at Darrell and Marcia's. We had a wonderful time and the appetizers, desserts, and lunch was wonderful. We always have a wonderful time visiting with Kyle's siblings and their sweet families. My girls and Marty and Steph's sweet girls had so much fun singing, dancing, and performing for everyone. I didn't get around to taking alot of photos (my sister in law always does much better at this than me, and I always ask her to share her photos with me), but I will post what I have. Also, I am going to post Hannah's birth announcement that I finally got out to everyone. I loved them and thanks again to my friend Jessica Parsley for doing such a great job! We are looking forward to lots more fun with our sweet families and most of all the good food that the Holiday Season has to offer! Thanks again to Kyle's wonderful parents for all of our nice gifts and the wonderful gathering! Also, thanks to Kyle's siblings and wives for all of my kids wonderful gifts! We love you so much!!! Oh, by the way, Marty, Steph, their girls, and Aunt Catherine got Hannah an "Around We Go." Can you just imagine what fun she is going to have with that?

Breakfast With Santa and A Look Back Over Past Christmas Photos!

Santa and Hallie at South Edmonson Elementary Breakfast With Santa

She is Growing Up Way to Fast!!!

Dear Santa Page 1... I Have Been A Good Girl...

Camera, Karaoke Machine, Ariel Leap Frog Game, Bath Tub for Doll House...to be continued!

Dear Santa Page 2

Hannah Montana Scooter, Doctor Kit, Watch, Gloves, Scarf, Boots, and Ariel Doll..

My Santa Baby Hallie 2004 (6 Months Old)

I loved her FAT cheeks!

Hallie's Christmas Collage 2005


Hallie 2006 Christmas Picture


Hallie 2007 Christmas Pictures


My tired Santa Baby Waiting for Mommy to Quit Blogging So She Can Go To Bed


This morning Daddy and Hallie awoke early to get ready to go have breakfast with Santa. She got dressed and gathered her two page letter that she had wrote to Santa earlier in the week. She wrote the letter herself, I just told her what letters to write to make the words. As you can see her letter is rather lengthy, so I hope Santa is taking coupons or giving discounts this Christmas..LOL! We finished it twice, and she would think of things she needed to add. Mommy and Hannah decided to stay home where it was warm and cozy so Mommy asked Daddy to take pictures. His response was, "Are these pictures for your blog or for memories in our photo album?" My response was "BOTH!" These husbands just don't understand how important this blog thing is! Anyways, while I was getting ready to do a post, I couldn't help but reflect back on her pictures from previous years and how much she has grown. Not quite the little baby she used to be, but no matter how big she gets, she will always be my little girl. I posted some Christmas pictures of her throughout the years. And, I just couldn't help myself but to add one of my precious Hannah. Her and I have stayed in today where it is warm and just enjoyed spending time with each other. Hope you enjoy!

More New Photos!

Over the last few weeks we have been taking several photos. Birth announcement photos, Mommy/Daddy and me photos, Christmas photos, and new family photos. There are some new photos at jparsley.com under H Cassady Christmas gallery. Check them out and let me know what you think. I think Jes did a great job as usual!