Piano Federation 2011

Doesn't he look handsome!?

Every March there is a piano competition of sorts. I say that because you're not competing against anyone else but you are judged for your performance - memorization, timing, knowledge of the piece components, etc. Anyway, Stephen's judging was last Friday, March 11. He did fantastic! He has been working hard on his two songs, "The Acrobat" and "With a Yo-Ho-Ho", for so many weeks that I could probably play them by heart. It's nice to have it over with and move on to different music. This is good competition for Stephen to build confidence and be rewarded for his hard work without competing against anyone else. Nice job Stephen!

Where's Emma?

Can you find Emma?

This was too funny not to post. We went to Old Navy the other day and as soon as I walked in to grab a cart, Emma darted away from me, saying something about seeing the doggie. I turned around and couldn't see her right away. She had climbed up on the manequin stand and was hiding in plain sight! She stood so still that you really would have believed she belonged there, until she began to speak. What's even funnier is that when I went to get her off the stand, I didn't notice ANOTHER child (about 10 yrs. old or so) stood with the manequins also. When he moved away, I totally freaked out and then began to laugh!

Basketball & Love

Not that those 2 go together, but in my house sometimes they do. This winter Stephen played Jr. Jazz, #25, and this is the year he finally got a good handle on the game. He did amazing! He scored, dribbled, passed and rebounded. A chip off the ole block. Greg became the coach a few games into the season and did a great job teaching the team the basics while having lots of fun. Each team member improved over the weeks and we were sad to see the season end just as they were working together as a team and understanding the game.

For Valentine's Day the kids didn't have school so Greg & I surprised Stephen with a yummy breakfast in bed complete with pink waffels, bacon and eggs. Cupid left a toy and treat for him also. Eating in bed is nice but gets lonely so he finally join us at the kitchen table to finish breakfast. Emma slept through it all which is probably a good thing since she loves to jump on Stephen's bed - no matter if one is trying to sleep or eat. Cupid brought her a Tinkerbell backpack for "school" and a treat also.

Extreme Makeover

Finally! We are done with our flooring remodel! It wasn't as bad as I expected it to go, even though it took longer than originally planned. The house looks amazing! We put in new carpeting in the master bedroom, living and family rooms and laminate in the front entryway, hallway and kitchen. The after photos speak for themselves. New house rules: shoes off! We are happy to have this new look - even if it means slippery floors (sorry Emma!) and more sweeping ! :)

2010 in Review

WOW! 2010 is over and a new year is beginning. Here are a few hightlights of our year At the Cassat's house:

We welcome a 3rd member to our family - Phoebe the wonder dog!

Greg and Mindy in deployment mode getting the house and cars all fixed up.

Emma turns 2 and goes to a babysitter 3 days a week.

Stephen turns 9 & enters 4th grade eager to learn.

After 8 months of waiting and waiting, we say good-bye to Greg in June.

Mindy & kids travel to Europe to visit Cassat cousins w/Grandma & Grandpa.

We are blessed to welcome Greg back home in August after a cut in numbers.

Mindy is released from Primary. She & Greg teach the 16-18 yrs. Sunday School.

Greg is called to be on the High Council (Heavenly Father's answer to "why am I coming home?")



We look forward to another wonderfully challenging year in 2011!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

We celebrated ringing in the new year at a friend's house eating pizza and drinking soda all night (or at least until 9:00 when the kids needed to get to bed). Stephen enjoyed banging on the host's drums and Emma discovered Malcala game - dropping colored rocks into grooved out cups. We watched movies and watched the kids enjoy themselves. Yes, we didn't wait up for midnight to come but had a great new year's eve night.

Birthday Girl!

I had a fabulous 38th birthday that began with breakfast in bed made by my honey. I invited Stephen and Greg to join me and help eat the yummy cinnamon french toast. (Nobody declined my invitation). Next I went to the gym and had a great workout. After the gym, Emma and I had a nice visit at the cemetary since I didn't get there for Christmas to visit mom, Brad and Rob. It was harder this year than other years. I know they are watching out for me from heaven. I'm glad I went. Emma would say "wuv you" when I place flowers on their graves.

I spent the day doing what I wanted to do. I didn't do any laundry, house cleaning, painting, home improvements, etc. I DID play with my kids, finished a sewing project and relaxed!

Despite having pink eye and a cold, we enjoyed birthday pizza and then Greg & I went to a movie. A nice way to end the perfect birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!

Thanks family for making my day so special!