A video for you!

I found this when I hopped onto lds.org today. It was a really wonderful video so I thought I'd share!



Love you all!
Wesa

McKay Bennet Manning

So this has been about the busiest month ever...and should only get worse from here as far as running around goes, however this is the month that I happen to be actually posting! haha:) However, this past month has also happened to be the worst for my poor dying computer. It does not like me writing (SORRY MANNINGBACKPACKIA!!!!!!) and I'm not even sure it will hold onto this for me. Anyway I just wanted to jump on and give a quick update as well as pay tribute in my small way to my new nephew, Mckay. Jesse and I were very fortunate to be in Provo this past weekend and spent the night at Burke and Julia's the night that she happened to go into labor! It was all very exciting to get to be so close at such a special time for them. So between events and dinners and sessions at the Temple with Jesse's family (what we were actually there for:) I was able to hop over to the hospital a few times and hold the little man with blonde hair and the biggest most beautiful lips. He really is amazing.

.....aaaaaaaaand here is where i tried to post a picture and it didn't work because my computer is piece...

SO! Quick updates are... well, shall I just do them as a calendar?

Feb 28 - Came home from a two week vacation in CA with Miles. It was so amazing and I did not want to come back!! Accept the face that I do happen to have a loving husband who needs me:) I came home for
him...only
Mar 05 - Spent the weekend in Provo, more time with Jesse's fam, NEW NEPHEW! Spent some really fun time with Trev and Sheri and the kiddos and got to give everyone haircuts, watch Trevor's student
recital, and go to church with them! :) It was a great weekend!
Mar 19 - Mary Kay Career Conference in Salt Lake!! Yay for MK! http://www.marykay.com/louisagriffith/sellmarykay/default.aspx?ab=lg_sellmk watch the CBS report. It is SO COOL and made me so proud to be a part of this. I feel so great about it!
Mar 28 - Kelsey's Baptism down in PG and then I race off to my dear and distant (but not so much since she inspired me with Skype!) Sister, April to join her in our explosion of plans for the next event that comes to my calendar....
April 04 - KATE'S WEDDING!!!!!!! So excited, so excited! Love my Katie girl!
April 06 - Take a deep breath here people....I START NIGHT SCHOOL AT Paul Mitchell!!!!! Wahoooo! Go me!:)
April 08 - Jesse's whole family comes to stay at my house for the Beast's (Brianna, if you're not close family or friends:) graduation.
*GASP for AIR* and THEN!
April 11 - Emily is getting MARRIED!!!!!!!!! AGHHHHHHHH! hehe

People! PLEASE do not even TELL me what comes next...That's as far as my innocent little brain can think but not only do I expect a full spring with school, but Jesse will be in school as well as a coach for the local highschool and the baseball coordinator for the entire league here at BYU-I, not to mention the fact that we still have not heard back on BYU on whether or not he can transfer which could mean MOVING this summer! I don't want to count on it though because it would be too disappointing if it doesn't happen so I do even go NEAR imagining what it would be like to have weather above 20 degrees and five feet of snow not still piled around and...and...and....ok, not thinking!:)

Ok! Well, now that you're all thinking that i need to take something and go to sleep....

As my last part I am happy to announce that my WONDERFUL and GENIUS sister April is going to be helping me to trade in this computer (that among other defects besides being almost four years old is missing many keys now courtesy of MILES!!!) for my very own Mini! YAY!!! I will be able to post ANYWHERE! (Ok, lets not pretend like I post a lot;)

Love you all!

First Snow...

OK, so really it's the second one, but it's the first REAL SNOW meaning that it was in the air long enough to hit the ground before it melted. My heart literally sank to my toes today when what started out as a bitter cold overcast day quickly turned into a windy snow shower.

I knew getting out of bed today was a bad idea.

I got home and quickly tried to pull myself together. I pulled out all of the candles to light, popped my favorite fall scent into my warmer, broke out the Ipod, and finished my chores. I...cannot even begin to tell you how much I am not ready for this. The last time it snowed this year it was in June. JUNE PEOPLE! July, August, September...That's all I GET??!!!???!! the last month of September till about a whole week ago was all I got for fall. Three weeks.

START CRYING FOR ME EVERYONE.

Jesse is busy trying to wrap up his twelve unfinished projects that needed to be done before winter. So yeah, if you need him he can be found with his head down a five foot hole in our front yard. Haha:) He is such a good hubby!

Miles on the other hand is walking around talking like a pro. For those of you who've actually met him he is different when it comes to talking. Most children his age talk pretty well, but they generally choose to say only the words that they know. Miles...well he just fills in the blank spaces with words like, "digga, digga" and then long vowel sounds intermixed with laughing and car sounds. He talks more than any other two year old I know...you just can't always understand what he's saying. Jesse says he gets that from "his mommy":). Anyway, lately he's been picking up on the grand idea of full sentances inspired by conversations between me and Jesse. He says things like, "Jesse, what was that?!" and "Weesa, where are you?" and (in a deep voice) "WEESA!" and then (in a shrill voice) "WHAT?!". It's pretty funny, but mildly embarrassing. He knows all of his basic shapes now, is counting great, and learns so fast (notice I didn't mention the new spanish words he's picked up on thanks to diego...yeah, not my favorite because he has been speaking spanglish a lot lately...Haha).

Anyway, that's enough for today. I have so much more to catch up on...but I can't remember it because I procrastinate blogging so badly. It's disease I tell you

...kinda like winteritis. Found most prominently in REXBURG, ID.

P E A C H E S

How many ways can you can peaches? Let me count the ways....

I do not can. I do not know how to can, therefore I do not can. I have always just decided that I CAN not. Ok, maybe that was a bad pun, however, the point I'm trying to get to is that I decided this year to can a few things.

It was on a whim, but hey, I'm a Mormon woman. And what are Mormon woman supposed to do? Stay at home and think of things to sew and can...besides those five instruments you're supposed to be playing, food storage you're supposed to be keeping up on for your family AND the mormons across the street who aren't doing thiers...and don't forget your visiting teaching... Are you taking notes?

SO...this year I got the idea when Tammy told me that her daughter was starting a little peach business and was selling half busshels...so yeah, I bought a whole one. Now...these peaches Are GOOOOOD. But a whole busshel is a lot for my little family!! (I actually bought one and a half, but the half went to the mormons across the street. See how this works?) ANYway so yeah, I got a lesson from Tammy, read up online, and got a few tips from a loving sister, mother, and grandma. I'm pretty much a peach canning goddess now.

I've canned sliced peaches, peach butter (thank you april), peach jam, peach and plum jam (thank you grandma), and frozen enough peaches to make smoothies and fresh peach cobbler that shall keep until next year...when I shall again buy another busshel of peaches (plus a half probably for some mormon) and can my nights away into rashes from a million little fussy slivers between my fingers, up my wrists, and around my mouth...and don't forget the ones you get on the tip of you nose...do you get those too?;)


Ummmm.....how about some peach dump cake??? YEAH!

My Big Baby Boy

Miles turned 2 on the fifth of this month! He has been so much fun and excitement for us these past few weeks. I can't believe how fast he's picking up on things now and how fun it is to be his Mom. Miles already got to celebrate his Birthday a few times at Grandma and Grandpa's in California so we just wanted something small for the sake of pictures and for us as his parents...accepting that our son has turned two:). It started out small, but I invited some friends, and Jesse invited some family, and before we knew it we had friends and family over for cupcakes, ice cream, and chips and salsa. It was fun, and Miles received his now most prized possession, a LeapFrog ABC's magnet set. He plays with it all day long and almost has them all down. I love it! He learns so fast and I get so excited when he counts to 10, says a big word, or remembers a new song. Don't get me wrong though...I mean lets be honest...he's still two!

Today blinked and before I knew it the door was open and he was gone. I ran out of my house with my heart pounding freaking out, only to find him next door knocking on the neighbor's door. Nice. At least he's polite and knocks...??? He seems to have a new thing every week, and a new word that he loves to say. These days it is almost a new word and a new thing every day! Today his word is Wesa. I don't know where he learned that, but he has been yelling it and calling it all day. In fact he is sitting in his bed (where he is supposed to be napping) yelling, "Wesa! Help!" right at this very moment.

Jesse is loving his new job. He landscapes for my Director's husband, and should be able to get good work there all fall and right up until Christmas. There is something about having him working in town that I love. I always felt so uncomfortable with him so far away and driving in such bad conditions in the fall/winter. Things are really confusing right now as to what the future will hold for us this fall however. Jesse found out that his Major (Health Ed.) got canceled here at the school last fall. The reason that he was not informed, was that he never "Officially" changed his major...seriously, like not even from when I first met him and he wanted to get his BA in Business...yeah, a LOOOONG time ago:). Anyway, so now our options are fight it, change it, or move. We are going to take the fight it option first, but after that who knows.

Gotta go do something with the other half bushel of peaches I purchased:)

-Louisa

21 Days

I know the beginning of this post already sounds like a cheesy Sandra Bullock film, but I've been thinking a lot about creating habits. There are always so many things that I want to do. Every day I think of about 15 things that I wish I was doing on a regular basis that I know could make me a better person...just in general if not change my life. Here are a list of a few that I always think about...knowing that I could do better.

1. Prayers...regularly and spontaneously
2. Daily personal and family scripture study
3. Journal writing
4. Planning out my weeks...two in advance
5. Eating a regular breakfast
6. 8 hours of sleep at least a night
7. Drinking more water (seriously!)
8. Making it to Curves 4 times a week
9. Practicing the piano...at least for personal enjoyment (I really can't play at all)
10. Blogging regularly

Anyway, I've started to think that if I could just focus on one thing at a time, and do it for 21 days steady...maybe I could create these good habits that I always end up shoving into my life all at the same time. It's like every time I get on the scale and weigh another pound, or find myself lying awake at night, wishing I'd written something down so that I'll remember it forever, or have to tell someone what my blog address is...followed by, "but I never post...wish I did!!!" I'll then always get to thinking about that one thing, then think of all my other short comings, and then pretty soon I'm hitting myself over the head telling myself bad things about how I'll never be good at this thing called life.

They say it takes 21 days to break a habit...so why not 21 days to make one? And if FOCUS really stands for Follow One Course Until Successful, then maybe I've been doing it the wrong way.

Cindy Williams always says, "Give me a recommitted person over a committed person any day!" I believe it's because a recommitted person knows what they're signing up for; they've already not done so well, but they're willing to dust themselves off and try it again because they WANT IT. If you've tried it a million times and been unsuccessful then you're doing it wrong. It can be done.

So I'm recommitting myself to trying this from a different angle. One thing at a time.

Maybe I'll let you know how I'm doing:)

Well I love my new blog:) It feels so comfy!

Anyway, as always I have so much to say, and not a ton of time to say it.

I'm in my beautiful front yard with my beautiful son playing. I'm so thankful right now for this beautiful day. Lets be honest, every nice day in Rexburg is something to stop, and be very grateful for:)...you never know how long you will have before the snow comes.

Jesse found a job as a landscaper for the fall. He is very happy with it, and comes home dirty and tired every day. Landscaping has always seemed to be something that he's really enjoyed doing. I think he likes the labor. I really do. He is planning on starting school again in the winter and will get on fast track so that he can go year round. Then we can leave Rexburg sooner...I added that last part in for my benefit;)

I have been working extra had this fall. I'm wanting to move up in my career so that I can earn a car or take the cash bonus offer. It's all been really exciting to me. I love what I do every day because I feel like it improves me even just as a person. I love the women I work with, and I love that I am given so much, and don't have to compromise my time with Miles. Now that the summer is over and we're back from our forever long vacation I have decided that I need more structure in my daily lifestyle and that I need to delegate more. I also need more options! I am a total contradiction because I am structure not wanting a routine. I guess I just don't want to get caught up and CRAZY! I have a babysitter come to my house for three hours twice a week while Miles takes his nap. (Yes my son still takes three and four hour naps!:) She does some chores for me, does my dirty data input:), and gives me time to multi task with my business! It's great and I'm REALLY enjoying how it feels.

Miles is so great. These days I feel like we really connect. He is such a happy and loving child. He understands me more these days and boy am I starting to finally understand some of his constant chatter! His words crack me up! His thing that he says to me now all of the time is "STOP!" for everything. "Stop, Stop, Stop!" and the other day he said, "Dang It!" Sometimes I think that he doesn't get it, when he runs around calling everything that is round (that isn't a ball) and apple, but then he'll turn around and the other day he walked up to me and said, "go outside and see birdie!" wow...I didn't teach him that one. Well I guess I did. That AND "dang it" as well unfortunately:)

LOUISA HAS MOVED BACK!!!

Hey guys...sorry I haven't written in a while. I was delusional there for a little while and decided to switch to different blog providers (I won't mention any names:). Anyway, it was a little more complicated than I am, and since Google has taken over Blogger I have seen a lot more of the kind of gadgets that I wanted which was why I changed in the first place...so yeah! I'm making over my blog and coming back!

Hope to see you all here soon!

Love Always,
Louisa

Catching Up

Seems like that's all I've been doing with everything lately...but catching up on my blog has been WAAAAAAYYY over due. I have had so many thoughts in the last couple of months that I've said to myself..."Hmmm, I can't wait to blog about that!" and then I never do! Anyway let see...


In the end of February I ESCAPED!!!!!! Tired of endless snow and no where to go (and no where that I really should go for safety purposes) I ran away to CALIFORNIA! It was The Greatest, most Relaxing trip with Miles. My Mother in law and sisters in law all took such great care of us and just let us sleep in, relax, go shopping, play outside for hours...and of course, GO TO THE BEACH!!! Here are some pictures of Miles as I had never seen him before...free to be a Boy.

so...it was glorious. I haven't had such a nice day in forever.
Apparently Miles agreed...

A loss in my life...

My friend Dorothy McKinney died yesterday. Her body was old and tired, and she'd been ready to pass since her beloved husband did four years ago this month. Life was hard for her after Russel died and she was always very lonely. When Dorothy passed she probably walked right up to Russel and punched him for leaving her so long ago. I'm so sad even though I know right now she's probably making fun of how ugly I look when I cry...:) Seriously, that's Dorothy; and anyone who knew her would agree. She was such a piece of work and we drove each other nuts; but I loved her, and I will always love her. My heart is so heavy. I miss her.

I came to meet her when my Father concocted a plan that I go and stay with her for the summer to keep her company and earn money. I'll never forget that first week with her. At first we clashed heads, and I'm not very sure we ever stopped. But we soon decided that we loved each other, and that two redheads could make it work. She was so rough around the edges...but she loved me. She stayed my friend through my courtship with Jesse and my wedding; a trying pregnancy and was especially in my heart and in my life when I brought a baby boy into the world. She taught me about love, life, and how to keep your head on strait when everything else is spinning. She was always interested in my feelings and how my marriage was going. She was completely in love with Jesse and rooted for him until we tied the knot. She adored Miles, and of course became honorary grandmother to him. There was never a conversation where she didn't get all into my business and make her tell me how things were "really" going.

Towards the end our conversations would get shorter and less frequent. She never called anymore when she would promise to call back (which was very odd). My phone calls were never answered and I soon learned that she was mostly unresponsive to normal things. However, whenever we were lucky to talk she would always express her great pain for life, but then end with telling me that I was her daughter, and that she loved me so much. I know she did. I don't even remember the last time we talked. I don't know if I said goodbye, and I wish more than anything I could have been there as she finally slipped into silent peace. They say she smiled.

I miss her, and I am so so sad.

Pure CHEESE

I'm not sure when this emerged, but suddenly we hold up the camera, and out comes this face... IT CRACKS ME UP!!! It is so corny I can barely take the picture!!! Here are some of my many favorites...

And Last but not least...
Mac and Cheese

Life in ICEburg

"The worst winter in FIFTEEN years..." that's what they are saying on the news. Four Feet of snow...and it seems as though two of those have been here since December. I know that might not seem like a lot of snow...I know, but when all roads in and out of here have been closed for a whole week that tells you that it hasn't been just snowing here and there. It has been STORMING for a week. April barely made it out of Rexburg in time, and Jesse...well Jesse and his little FedEx truck got stuck halfway to Jackson for two days and he hasn't been able to get to Jackson ever since he got home after the avalanche on the Teton pass. I'm sure it's been very stressful for Jesse to be days and days behind on delivering and picking up, but for Me and Miles it's been nice to have Daddy home for a change. Ever since his Winter driver up and quit on him a few days before his winter semester classes started he's been back to work and gone such long days.
He was really sad and disappointed for a while as he has to drop his classes and return to work, but ever since he has started training a new driver Jesse and I have really been able to feel the hand of the Lord in the chain of events that have transpired since he got that phone call. This week of snow has given us both a lot of time to sit and point out all of the good reasons why he was not supposed to return to school; from ways that we've been able to answer others prayers to the simple fact that being stuck for a week would have probably broken ANY driver. Anyhow, things will be fine with the route because Jesse is such a hard worker and so dedicated. I am so proud of the hard work that he does every day...and besides this snow has given him a chance to get sick for a couple of days, and now he's better and ready to go...whenever that may happen.....

On a sadder note...a few days ago I was sitting at the table with my big sister April when Jesse came walking out and told us that Heath Ledger had died... Ok, you didn't really think I was going to be talking about that, right? Though that news is true, the only reason why I bring that up is to make me smile about the difference in the news of the two deaths that April and I heard about while sitting at my kitchen table in the last few days (and because it was funny to me and April in our heads...??). April and I politely smiled at ourselves because we were both VERY upset, and didn't understand why. Heath Ledger honestly did not mean a lot to either of us...in the nicest way possible. However when one of my tenants came upstairs to tell us the news that our wonderful prophet had just passed on it broke our hearts. Personally I still don't know why I am so devastated. President Hinckley definitely meant so much to me in my life. My love for his sweet spirit just meant so much to me! Immediately I could not hold back the tears and I have been saddened ever since especially here in Rexburg as we would have been preparing to see him dedicate our beautiful temple tomorrow. The dedication (and MANY weddings) has been postponed, our prophet whom loved so much has passed away, and we won't eve see his smiling face again in this life.

So why shouldn't I be sad? I have every reason to feel that we are at an extreme loss. Well I have three reasons.
The first is that my good friend Nathan Siebach mentioned the news of President Hinckley's death like this:"Good News! The Prophet has reunited with his wife!"
The second part the is sweet to me is that Jesse's grandfather told us that a member of the seventy had just been at his house telling him how sick the Prophet was and that he was "just hoping to be able to make it through this weekend" when he would have dedicated our Temple. As I was buying some pictures of President Hinckley from the distribution center the next day the lady noticed my tears and said, "Be happy for him, this was the only way he knew he would be able to be here for the dedication". And I believe that.
The third reason that I have to be happy came to me in an email from our loving Bishop:

Remember President Hinckley

For many of you, President Gordon B. Hinckley is the only prophet that you personally remember. He was the prophet for essentially all of your growing up years. He was in the 1st Presidency for 3 other prophets as well. What a great man. I will love him forever.

I am thankful for my testimony of the Lord's plan and organization in the church. There is no campaigning for a new prophet. I was sustained as Bishop of the 11th ward the same day that the Catholic Church announced a new Pope. There was quite an internal struggle and posturing and campaigning amongst their church leaders (at the Vatican in Rome) before enough votes were eventually cast to elect a new pope.

There was no 'White Smoke' from our building's fireplace room when I was sustained as Bishop, because we believe in revelation from the Lord. We already know that President Thomas S. Monson is in line to be the next President. The Lord has prepared him for this calling. He will be a great prophet. There is great order in the church.

I look forward to supporting President Monson. Hopefully, he will be able to come to Rexburg next week.

I am grateful for the life of Gordon B. Hinckley. I love him and all that he has meant to me in my life. I'm so grateful for his direction that he has given me, and for his love, and laughter, and sweet smile. I will miss him so much, but now I can be happy for him.

To leave you with a smile this is my son...this is his attitude (he is so busy and snoopy), and this is his life (to destroy my shades), and this...this really makes me laugh. Be sure to click on the picture so that you can get a good look at him peaking out at me to see what I'm doing.

Just Shoot Me.

This is I quick one, but I would like to take a moment to post what Miles and I did at Grammie and PaPa's House after Christmas...



















It was QUITE a drive in the snow, but as soon as Miles and I made it to Mom and Dad's lovely farmhouse in Hanson we were informed that the boys had made enough Mashmallow guns for everyone and that we were leaving to go have a massive war in the gym. We got there and we set up bunkers, split the teams, and commenced firing....while Miles and Kayla walked around eating our bullets from our stashes (GROSS...but I guess you're supposed to get over those things as a Mom...). It was quite the evening.



Even Miles gave it a shot...



All was well until we got home to go to bed. Miles tripped on something in Emily's room (who'd have thought:):). and hit is head on the corner of their heater. The grape-sized bump on his head was immediately apparent, and thankfully I've broken a blood vessel in my forehead before or I probably would have passed out.

LOOK AT MY CHILD!!! WHY OH WHY DOES HE INSIST ON BASHING UP HIS POOR FACE??? Man! You should have seen him a few weeks ago when he fell down the front steps (Jesse swears Jordan pushed him...Just Kidding Jordie!!:). But seriously...I love how calm he looks in this picture..."well as long as I have this phone I might as well call 911 and tell them my Mother needs to be turned in..."

Some Favorites from Christmas

I thought I'd take some time and post some pictures now from Christmas. Blogger is still giving me tons of trouble, but hopefully things will fix themselves soon.

Christmas Morning was SO MUCH FUN! We stayed up late the night before wrapping presents and putting together things for Santa gifts...but even when we were so exhausted and finally went to bed I couldn't sleep like I was six years old again! Having a little child to share Christmas with has made it so much more magical for me, and I know that might sound dumb, but I've given things a lot more thought this time around. For starters this Christmas was FULL of family. There were 16 people in my home on Christmas Morning!! Jesse's whole family was here from CA, plus some that are living here. Oh and on Christmas eve there were 21 people to share it with. It was hectic, but things went really well, as we all went to the movies, church, shopping, opened presents and of course ATE!

Thoughts on Christmas really changed for me when I was at a Christmas party for work, and we all got on the subject, of "what do you tell your kids, and what do you say when it's time to change the story". Unlike many others that I have talked to, finding out that Mom and Dad were actually giving me the gifts (which I had always suspected anyway and did not bother me) did not devastate me. I remember playing Barbies with Kate and Whitney when they decided "It was TIME". They told me the truth, and then said for me to ask Mom and Dad so that they didn't get in trouble. I remember that I really did not care. In fact, the only thing that troubled me was that I had been getting gifts from my parents for years and had never been saying thank you (and even sometimes saying things that I would not have said had I known it was from them...haha. "Santa must think my bum is really big because these panties are HUGE!" Right, Whit?:) anyway, I have heard people express their utter heartbreak however, to the point of thinking their parents are liars and other craziness. I also enjoyed reading April's Blog where she struggled to teach her little boys in a way that when they do really understand everything they won't misunderstand their intentions later. While talking to my Director, Tammy about her children she mentioned that she recently had to tell both of her daughters and they replied "so Santa really is all made up, isn't real, and totally fake?" I love what she said to them, because I think it's so perfect. She said

"Santa is real. He was a real person! Don't you remember the story that we always read to you about St. Nicholas, the first anonymous giver? " and then her daughter said, "but you've been giving us the presents! And we NEVER said thank you!!" and Tammy said, "but that's the point of Christmas. Christ gave us so much that we will never be able to thank him for what he did. St. Nicholas was an example to us of how we could continue to give unconditionally like the savior did, and without thanks, because that's how we really should always be giving. We still give "Santa" gifts to remind us all to give unselfishly, and to be thankful for those things that we will never be able to repay Christ for".



I got such goosebumps from hearing her say that. So many people may look at Santa and Christmas as worldly and greedy, and I know a few who in my lifetime have shocked me by talking about how stupid it is to lie to your kids. I think remembering what Santa had to do with CHRISTmas made things so real for me this year, and made me remember how much I had to be grateful for. So I hope that those of you who are wondering what to tell your kids now, and later, will remember to tell them the story of St. Nicholas, and most importantly the story of Christ... because I'm in with Milo on this one. I want Santa to be "real in the world".







This is Miles with his first Santa gift.

I Promise

So I really want to start this post with an excuse that's a REAL excuse:) I REALLY REALLY promise that I tried to post many many times, but from mid-December on. I don't know how many people care that I haven't written, but I CARE! It's frustrating when you try and try to post and it just gets DELETED!! So last week I commented this on my own blog post:

Louisa said...

Ok, I know no one is really that concerned with the fact that I haven't written in weeks even though I specifically said that I would, but REALLY!!! I have been trying EVER since my last post to get back on to my dashboard and I CANNOT!!! I have been trying and TRYing!! Sometimes I can't even log on to google(Blogger is powered by google in case you didn't know)!! So in an attempt to reach anyone who might be a little disappointed in me for not posting all of the wonderful christmas magic from the last few weeks, I am commenting on my OWN BLOG so that you won't think I'm a flake.

So not that it matters, but I did try, and Now I Will Go Back and Fix It ALL...TOO LATE!

It's beginning to look a lot like I suck at writing...

So yeah...it's only been two months! Ok well here's the lame part where I have to update everyone.

The neat thing is that we got to go spend a week with Jess and Tiffany! We just spent the whole week hanging out, visiting people, and then at the end of the week we went to watch Jess run the Philadelphia Marathon. We were so proud (and so cold:) as we all hauled ourselves out to watch him work so hard! Now Jesse has caught the bug and plans to start training after the Christmas rush so that he can run a half in May! The kids were so cute, and it was so fun to get to spend time with Jess and Tiff! Hopefully it won't be so long before we see them all again!





Thanksgiving was fun! Turns out I can put together a pretty good meal with the help of Albertsons. Our Turkey was only 3 Ibs! But it was perfect and so moist! I was pretty impressed with the whole cook it in a bag thing. As you can see in the very corner we were not without the most important treat (in Jesse's mind)...our very own jug of Wawa Lemonade. Speaking of that...it's getting time for some more Jess...:) The rolls (though they look pretty yummy) were however a disaster. I don't know how it happened, but I think next time I will not be making calls to random people for equivalent measurements. Not that I'm going to act like I'm not stupid for not knowing in the first place though. I would also like Mom to know that our stuffing was made with 100% whole wheat. Not that it means much seeing as how I made it for festivities sake and neither of us had more than two bites of it...and Miles tried to throw it at me and it ended up in the gravy.
It was our first Thanksgiving on our own, and I think we did a pretty good job of just having a fun lazy day! Yup, that's what I'm good at...being lazy.

What comes after Thanksgiving? OK, so here we are at home. I always tend to get so crazy right around the times when we're gone. I only hate leaving because when I come back I'm still in crazy mode and then I get very depressed with the fact that it's really just time to do the laundry, not take on the whole world as seems to happen when you travel as Mother to a small group. So I started right away with Christmas decorations. I was talking to Julia about this very same thing and we got on the subject of when you actually put the tree up. She found it funny that we never put it up until Christmas. However, things have changed for me now. I always want to put it up Thanksgiving day:) I just like having it up so much!! I like it so much I also have two up now. Ok, three...but one is our redneck tree (pictures later)...the tiniest tree complete with shotgun shell lights. So here is a lovely picture of me by MY tree. I plan to add more ornaments...but those I still have to make (see my next post...Yes April! I plan to post again tomorrow!!). This year I had Jesse go chop it down (while I was getting my hair done:) and then I spent the whole next morning (in my church cloths which now have tree sap on them) decorating it with a theme. So we have one fun tree (for our random ornaments), one redneck tree (for Jesse?), and one big beautiful (ok a little skimpy:) tree that I get to obsess over.

So that's it for this post. Too bad I started it like three days ago and I'm just now finishing it. Oh well, read it and be happy. Oh and you'd better read it!! and whoever reads it better leave me a comment, because then I feel like people know me, and LOVE reading my barren blog! And that makes me feel important, and makes me want to post more.

Happy Hanukkah. Miles is slamming his crib because he wants to get out

How I know my son is not a lefty

Today I woke up at 7 to go work out at Curves. I looked outside and it was raining. I rolled my eyes and got ready to leave. I walked out the door and it was a complete white out. Snow. It's October 6th and it snowed four hours this morning piling inch upon inch. Within minutes after conference had started our power went out. It was out until almost 2:00! It must have been the workout, because I'm still having a great day.

Miles on the other hand is having the worst week ever. He cannot stop falling down, smashing his head, and hitting his face. He is just in such a hard stage. Above is a picture of his first black eye that he got falling into the tub yesterday.

Getting Miles to eat has been a struggle from day one. Well, it's never been a struggle to get him to eat, the problem is how he eats. Ever since he went to bottles that has been all that he wants. Trying to get him to eat real food has been impossible. If he is eating with his hands he gets bored really fast and before I know it I'm pulling beans off the wall. Also, with the fact that he hardly has any teeth he is completely limited to what he can eat. I'm trying to help him with his motor skills like I'm being told to, but I feel like the worst mom ever when my child only wants graham crackers, mac-n-cheese, green beans, and milk. Seriously, that is his menu. Embarrassing, but true. Other than that he likes pretty much anything that comes on a spoon (as long as it's a variety of at least two different things) so lately I've been trying to encourage him using his spoon. As hard as I've been trying he won't do the over-zealous baby thing and grab the spoon. I try to hand it to him and he won't take it. I've been giving it to him forever and he just doesn't want it. So, today I was very positive that I was going to spend as long as it took with him at meals today. I was going to strip him down, put down newspaper, and not worry about the time or the mess. As I sat there with him feeding him applesauce, yogurt, mashed bananas, and oatmeal a thought suddenly occurred to me, so I did the unthinkable (duh) and decided to give the spoon to him in the other hand. He took it. This whole time I have been giving him the spoon in his left hand and the poor kid doesn't want to use his left hand!

Good Grief. Oh, and today I got out of the car and went inside...and twenty minutes later Jesse went outside to get something and found that I had left the car on. I'm not really on my game.

Ten Again

1. Miles says "Dog - woof woof" and he has started pushing his little cars around the house going vrooooooommm! I can't get over how cute it is that they just pick up on those things.

2. Louisa is proud to say that she has been saving since May by donating plasma and now has tickets to DE. Still not final though, but YAY!

3. Louisa is going to start selling Mary Kay. You heard me. Don't ask me why because I still don't really know, but I think I'm going to do it, and I think it might be fun:) Mary Kay anyone?

4. Miles got another tooth finally. Nobody ever told me that they get one tooth a month. He has four teeth total, so at this rate he will be still be teething by three. ...KILL ME NOW...

5. Jesse is just working. I feel badly cuz I never have much to tell about him:), but seriously, the man leaves at 5:30 and comes home at 5:30. We eat dinner, watch a game, talk for an hour and go to bed. So lets just recognize that it's me doing the talking here:).

6. Today Miles climbed up our shelf almost to the top and then fell off. He is such a climber! It's so hard to keep him off of things.

7. I am happy to report for Jordan that she is doing really well in her classes. I would also add that she is quite popular with the men around here. She meets about three new guys every day, and then those guys give all their friends her number (who ask because they think she is cute)
and then so on and so on. I'm telling you, some guy even talked to me at the plasma center today about how he met Jordan and to say hi!

8. Jesse and his dad have started putting more money away to build up the route so that we can buy another one. Fed Ex is building up bonuses and benefits for owners of more than one route. We're really excited.

9. Thanks to Jordan I am starting the twilight series. I highly recommend it to all ya'll Manning girls who are looking for a great romantic read.

10.This is a shout out to Kate. Katie, call me more!!! I miss you!

Ten for Tuesday...

1. Miles has started saying a few words now, and not just mimicking what I say (though that’s still the biggest part of his vocabulary). Two days ago he started saying dog on his own and he has FINALLY uttered the word “mom”…to his dad.

2. Louisa got a temp job working in the Rexburg Temple for a day and got to go through the whole building. It was awesome. She quit after the first 8 hour day…not enough time with Miles, and the cleaning was extremely painful and monotonous…even for the Temple, but you just wouldn't believe the work that goes into something like that ...well, Jess and Elijah probably have a pretty good idea.

3. Jesse and Louisa finally finished redoing the shower and are finally done begging friends for a few minutes in theirs.

4. Mom and Dad, Jordan, and the little boys came to visit last Friday. We went to the temple, went shooting, went shopping, ate pizza, watched movies, and just hung out for the weekend. It was so much fun!

5. Last Friday Miles took his first steps for Dad Manning and Jordan. His birthday party was also a blast, and he got a new book, and another stuffed animal to carry around.

6. Jordan came to live with us last Friday also. She is staying in the guest room for a while this fall until she can get her feet on the ground. She is starting school in a few days, and will help with the baby while Louisa works part time.

7. This week a signed letter came from President Hinckley and President Monson stating that the Rexburg Temple would be completed in December. We will have an open house from Dec 29th – Jan 24th, and then it will be dedicated on Feb 3rd (go Dad and Whit:), and will be open for ordinances the following day. Anyone who could make it, should (Dad and Mom:). It is an incredible five story Temple, with the largest sealing room in the whole church. I have tried to write down how awesome it is about seven times, but I just can’t. It’s just awesome, massive, and an incredible structure.

8. Jesse is finally getting the sprinkler system finished…just in time for Rexburg to turn into Iceburg…which means blowing the water out of the pipes.

9. School begins again really soon, so all of our tenants are moving in. This week has been so crazy, and I’ve felt so behind on everything, but it’s still been really fun. I feel so grateful that we have the opportunity to be managers…but I’m also really grateful to have greenwall out of my dining room.

10. Miles Called 911 today. Don't ask me how it happened, but after taking the beeping phone from him for the 17th time today it began to ring. I was SOOO sick of the phone ringing off the hook (new semester, Jesse wondering why I'm not answering my cell, telemarketers, etc...) that I ALMOST did not answer. SO glad that I did, cuz when I said hello I was asked if there was an emergency, and if I needed help, and then if I was SURE everything was ok. I was feeling quite safe and secure that the nice 911 operator cared that much until he quickly turned cold after my explanation that my son had been playing with the phone. Sorry 911 man! Did I mention that he is one and it's not like I have even had the chance to teach him that yet? I'm not a bad mom, geez.

A Shower of Disaster...

So... Lately we've been having some complaints from the boys downstairs of water leaking from their bathroom ceiling, but every time we would go and check it out everything was dry. Water Damaged, but dry. it would stay dry for a LONG time, and then another complaint... So finally Jesse and I decided to take it upon ourselves to find the leak. After much searching for something that "was probably a leaking pipe", we finally discovered some interesting water spots on the boards in the boys ceiling...which were right above our bathtub/shower combo. I decided to spec it out that day while Jesse was at work, so I went up to our tub, and gave a little yank on our soap holder. See above picture to fully explain what happened next. So our shower is shot. What's the first thing to do? CALL JESS! :) So we did. As I soon learned a while ago it was still seen as adequate to tile directly onto drywall. But as they were now fining out (while people's showers are falling through the floor) that is not good enough.

So under direction from Jess, Jesse and I began to dig. and this is what we ended up having to pull out. We were going to start with taking out three tiles max ("just to be safe"), but as Jess had warned, we ended up pulling out tons more. We put some anti mold and mildew on it and let it dry out for a day...and then went back to work putting up green wall. I got WAY too much at the lumber yard, but Jesse did a really good job at putting it in.


It was pretty silly packing up our towels and razors and trooping down to the boy's apartment, asking them to leave and whatnot, especially with Jordan in the house now.
Once Jesse put the green wall up he let me (with the assistance of Jordan) put up the latex sheets up and glue them to the wall. I was fussing so much about it being perfect...so that made me happy. What happened next made me pretty frustrated though. I had Jesse read the directions and he only read one side which was the end...so I didn't trowel the liquid nails and now I'm worried that the walls are going to come tumbling down because it isn't covering every inch. I mean, don't get me wrong I glued the heck out of it like Jess told me too...it's just not on every inch, and some spots are a little obvious where the glue is and where it isn't.


Then, oh then came the caulking with the silicone caulk. HOLY COW IS THIS STUFF HARD TO WORK WITH! That's all that I can say to express the extremely difficult time that I had trying to get the job done and make it look "pretty" in the process.

Oh well. I know that's it's not a professional job, but hopefully it will be adequate. I HOPE! :) Plus, our manager is getting his shower fixed for half the price, so who can complain?

I think I need to go call Jess now and get some reassurance!