Baby Brinlee

The morning of Friday, October 30 couldn't come fast enough for a certain young married couple. They awoke that morning with much anticipation and even a little apprehension after all neither one of them had ever had this experience before. All they knew was all the stories that they had been told by those around them, and some were rather frightening! They arrived at the hospital at 6:30 that morning........(this is me skipping over a few minor details of this story)... At 1:00 the young woman was checked and informed that it was time! That's when things really got exciting!! At 1:23 a little cry could be heard from inside the room. Finally Brinlee Nicole Manning was born. She weighed 5lbs. 12oz and was 18 & 1/2 inches long. What a beautiful baby she is! The happy little family returned home Sunday while the rest of the family was at church. And so far things are looking pretty good for this little family.

The Good News Corner

Hello to all my favorite people that enjoy reading my blog!! You will all be pleased to notice that I do remember how to do this, not just play games on facebook! However I do want you to know that I am an excellent farmer (thanks Caty) and a fantastic chef (thanks AJ)!! So on to the good stuff!! After much casting and bootlegging, Laura's leg is finally free of all artificial support! She is done with crutches as well! She only needs the boot occasionally if after school her leg is really hurting her or she has been very naughty and mommy needs to borrow it. She is still going to physical therapy and enjoys it. It helps that she thinks that her therapists are cute! (Oh great!! Now she is blushing and trying to hit me!! OW!!)
AJ's first band concert of the year was last night. It was a very joyous event! It was full of music. Hehe. They invited the West Point Junior High Advanced Band to join them and they got to go first. Then we were honored to hear the Syracuse High Jazz Band! Man are they good!!!! AJ played in the last two numbers. The very last one was combined with the junior high. I am including a video of the song that AJ played in that was just the high school. It was really good.
Today was the day of much fun and frivolity at Lakeside Elementary! The girls are getting to enjoy (along with all their classmates) Halloween parties and parades! Sabrina even gets to have a carnival and perform a dance to Thriller! I am going to try to record that as well and then I will post it as well. I will post Halloween pix when I get a chance and actually take some good ones. We are going to be parting Saturday night so that may be a good time to get some. Ya think?? My love to you all and may you enjoy this spooky weekend!!

Catching Up!

June ended up pretty good. We did get to celebrate Arianna's 14th birthday and that was wonderful! I still can't believe how fast these guys are growing up! I feel like I have to run to catch up and then hold my breath while they just keep moving forward.
We did manage to have a wonderful time camping for the 4th of July at Flaming Gorge! We were able to pick up a wonderful little motor home (20 feet isn't very big) that we were able to take with us. It did manage to rain everyday we were there, but we really had a great time. Alan took all of us out on Grandpa Crane's boat and that was really fun! Because we had the trolling motor hooked up we couldn't go as fast as the kids really wanted us to go. I will post pictures when I get them all assembled. We were able to attend church out there as well. It was amazing how many people they were able to squeeze into this tiny chapel. All the "locals" ended up sitting up on the stand for lack of seating. It was a wonderful experience!
We were able to go camping again for the 24th weekend. Alan was able to get almost that whole weekend off and that was great! We went camping in Alan's parents' orchard. It was fun. We were all given t-shirts (each family had their own color that they picked out) and the kids got to paint and decorate them. That was fun. Friday we had a fun "circus" set up and there were lots of activities to do. That is where the fun for some of us ended though. It was during this fun play time that Laura was hurt jumping on the trampoline. She ended up going to the hospital with Alan and I around 2:00ish. We spent about 6 hours at Ogden Regional Hospital where they discovered how broken her little leg was. The cat scan showed 8 separate breaks. It was down by her ankle and even broke her growth plate. We ended up taking her up to Primary Children's Hospital in SLC. We got there about 9:30 that same night. It wasn't until 2:40 in the morning, Saturday, when she finally went in for surgery. She ended up with 3 pins in her leg. We were able to leave at noon that day. I am pleased to say that she is doing much better and will be getting the pins out on the 3rd! She can't wait!!
We started off August with a real bang!! We were able to drive down to Arizona and spend time with my family down there. Jeff was back from Iraq for a 2 week vacation, so we were able to spend time with him and his family. It was great. We really missed Jere and Jen and there kids though. We had fun going to the park, swimming, playing games, hanging out, and just enjoying each other's company. But as with all good things, this was way too short a trip. Oh well! All good things do end up ending before you are ready for them too.
We finished up summer break with Aryus getting both of his feet casted. He has been dealing with a growth plate injury in both of his heels for about a year now. We tried taking care of them with out going to the extreme of casts, but obviously that didn't work. He only has to wear them for 3 weeks and so will be getting them off the day after Laura gets her leg taken care of. He will be using orthodics though.
Well, now that I have written a small book, I will end for now. Hope all is well with you all! May the Lord bless and keep you safe from harm. All my love!!

Ouchies!

I almost forgot to tell you about my girls ouchies! Karalynn and Laura had surgery friday morning. They both had to get their adnoids out and tubes in their ears. Laura also had to get her tonsils out. They are doing ok, but don't like to be without mommy. They can't wait to be able to go swimming and eat "normal" food. They also miss playing with friends. Hopefully this will do the trick for Karalynn. Her ear was really bad and she may need further surgery if the problem doesn't fix itself with the tubes. I am posting pictures of them. I hope that all is well with all of you!

England Trip

For those who haven't heard yet, Alan and I went to England!! It was so much fun!! We flew out of SLC (an hour late) and enjoyed a 6 hour delay (compliments of Delta) at the fabulous JFK airport! We arrived at the London Heathrow airport about lunch time monday the 8th. After picking up a really cute little chevy from Avis Car Rentals, we drove to Brighton! It took a little getting used to driving a stick from the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road. Once I got the hang of it though I had a really good time driving! Alan just kinda took a week off from all driving. It was great!
Monday night and Tuesday morning was spent in Brighton. We went to the Royal Pavillion and went to the Museum to see if we could find anything for family history. Unfortunatly the Parish Church there was closed so we weren't able to go in. Come lunch time Tuesday, we were back on the road trying to book it into South Wales before everything closed (at 5pm)! It was a long drive, but very pretty.
Tuesday evening we found the Parish Church (it was locked for the night) and enjoyed looking at the headstones trying to find relatives. Alan had forgotten all the paperwork that he was supposed to bring to help in the search for James Crane's family so we weren't able to find much. After a lot of driving around in Tenby, the town just down the road (almost literally) trying to find an inexpensive place to stay for the night, we ended up back in Penally at a wonderful little Bed and Breakfast. It was a home that had been converted over.
Wednesday we spent in the Tenby Library tring to find more and then ended up going to the Pembrokshire Records Office in Haverfordwest to find more. There we found gold! We found a little leaflet that was put out that talked about the work house where James Crane grew up! He was mentioned in it by name twice!! It's now a senior center and they were celebrating 150 years when the leaflet was published. We spent the night there in Haverfordwest at a nice little guest house. We also went to see Termantor while we were there.
Thursday morning we were off to Taunton, England! They have another castle there and we ate at a nice little pub called the Moat House. It sits where the moat used to flow. It's cool. The food was really yummy everywhere we went. Friday though we drove into Lydeard St. Lawerence and Tolland to visit some Wolcott Family sites. It was amazing to see these churches that our ancesters worshiped at all those years ago. In Penally it was in the 1800's, but in Lydeard and Tolland it goes all the way back to 1575 and 1600's!
Later on Friday, after the churches, we drove on over to where Cadbury Castle once stood. The path up the hill was very muddy though, so we didn't make the climb. This is where Camelot once stood (or so we were told). All that is left up there are cows grazing. Then we headed on over to Stonehenge! That was amazing!! The feeling there is quite surreal. I can't explain it very well. We went on an audio guided tour and got to hear all kinds of interesting things and myths surrounding the place. We left there for Windsor. We were sad that it had already closed so decided to head back first thing in the morning. We ended up staying at the Shariton Hotel in Heathrow that night.
Saturday morning we returned our rental car and took the bus back to Windsor. Most of the cool stuff was closed at the castle, so we spent a lot of time getting there and back to London, but didn't feel we saw enough for it to have been worth it. Mostly cause it took a lot of time from London. It was nice to get to see it though. Alan was bummed that he didn't get to see a real suit of armor! Getting to London was fun though. We took the underground and got off near Picadilly Circus. We took a bus tour so that we could see all the fun stuff without having to walk and figure things out ourselves. It was the best! We could have gotten off and on the bus to really see more, but didn't have the time. We also could have taken a river cruise, but again were worried about not getting back to the hotel. All in all though, we had a fabulous time and would love to go back again sometime! I hope that you enjoy the pictures.

Hello Everyone!!

It has been way to long since I have posted on here and I am sorry. There has been a lot going on here lately. For now I just want to share with you the excitement that we felt as school let out for the summer. We ended up the school year with a band concert and an orchestra concert. AJ and Arianna have really enjoyed playing this year. All the kids worked really hard and pulled off some really good grades. I have seen vast improvements in the older ones especially. AJ pulled off a 3.666 gpa for the term! His final gpa was 3.139! All he needs to do now is finish his eagle scout and he can start driving this fall in driver's ed. (I am still totally not ready for this again!) Arianna worked hard and ended up with a 3.476 gpa for the term. Aryus pulled off a 4.0 every term this year! Sabrina, Laura, and Karalynn's grades are figured differently. I did notice much improvement for them as well. I can tell you this though. Karalynn recieved all 4's in her classes this last term. Alan and I will be taking her and Aryus out to a movie to reward the amazing 4's! Aryus is taking Jazz Band this summer playing guitar. Arianna and AJ are continuing their violin and trumpet lessons this summer, but Arianna won't be taking them during the school year this fall. She will still be in orchestra though. She also still spends hours playing the piano, during which Aryus is playing his guitar. He has been working on posting a few videos on youtube. I will post links when he does. AJ is really looking forward to going to high school this fall. I think that he is leaning more towards the video game design and robotic fields of study though. For those who haven't heard yet, I have gotten my papers in for starting school in July. I will be going into the ASL (American Sign Language) Interpreting program at the DATC (Davis Applied Technology College) in Kaysville. I will be taking classes two nights a week and am very excited!!

Congradulations Arianna!!

This is an award that Arianna was given for getting a 96% on the Iowa Test in mathmatics. This is the testing that is required in Junior High. I don't know really all the details, but I do have to say that I am very proud of my girl!!

Later that same evening.......

After we had the wonderful experience of attending the Temple Open House, we were able to take the family out to dinner. We took them to the Mayan. It is a very yummy mexican restaurant. The fun part is that it looks like a jungle and they even have cliff divers that do these amazing dives into a pool of water for the entertainment of all that are there. It was someplace that we had never been before and so it was like an adventure for the kids. Below you will find yet another video of Aryus. This time however he is being silly. I am not sure what prompted the silliness but it's something that you will have to see to believe. We had been enjoying the homemade chips with salsa. The chips had run out leaving us with just the little bowls of salsa. Also by this time the drinks had not yet been delivered. Make sure when you watch it that you turn the volume down a little first. It's kinda loud. Well enough for now. Enjoy the video and remember that I love you all! Stay safe and happy.

I love to see the Temple

This last week we had the honor of taking the kids to the Draper Temple Open House. It was such an amazing experience for all of us. We went with Susan and her kids as well. For the older kids, it was a loving reminder of the day that our daughter, Brianna was finally sealed to us. The younger ones didn't remember it as well, but they were able to enjoy the spirit that resides in the Temple. It is such a beautiful building! Alan was telling me after about Darcy's excitment. She was holding a pamplet of the Temple and told him that she wanted to see all the pictures in there. I only wish that we could have walked through a little slower. I was able to talk to Laura as we passed through the different rooms and tell her about how special each one is. It was truely a choice experience for all of us. One I don't think they will forget soon. They are all looking forward to the time that they can go back. I am so grateful for the chance I have to go to the Temple. It is so amazing how you can just walk in the front doors and feel the peace that can only be found in the House of the Lord. Alan and I have been trying to go more often. We were unable to attend last month, but I have already signed us up to do sealings on the 26th. I told him that's what I wanted to do for our anniversary. I couldn't think of anyway better to celebrate our own wedding than to perform the same for those that have gone on before. I am so grateful for the knowledge that families can be together forever. Not only am I looking forward to being with Alan and our children, our other family as well, but with all our ancesters. I am excited to be with all those that are mostly just names to me now. I just want to tell you all how much I love you! My life has been so blessed because of the love and closeness that we all share. May the Lord bless each one of you.

Sorry about the way the wording turned out in my blog. I tried to fix it, but it didn't work. Just know that I tried and hopefully next time I will do better. Love you all!!

Another year older and wizer too!

Ok so you can all stop giggling now. I misspelled wiser on purpose for all who are wondering. I have learned many wonderful things this last year and when my mind remembers to remember all of them I will share them with you. As you know, I have always been a fan of birthdays, especially my own, and this year was no exception. I will say that I did have a great day! I loved recieving texts and phone calls from everyone as well. Thanks! So I well tell you about my day (for those whom I didn't already tell but don't mind hearing again anyways). It all started out by getting to attend West Point Junior High's talent show. Alan and I were able to go and hear Aryus play his guitar for the whole school! I am very inpressed with him. He has only been playing for about 3 months now and learned the song himself. I have posted the video here. Unfortunatly he only learned half the song, but he performs that half very well. Then on Saturday we all rode the Frontrunner into Salt Lake City to go out to dinner. Alan found this wonderful authentic italian pizzeria that is actually owned by someone that served the same mission that he did. They were in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) together and became friends. I have also posted a picture of the two of them. Also is the business card that AJ collected from Michael Brooks, the owner. The oven he has was imported from Naples, Italy and anyone that has eaten (and enjoyed) pizza in Italy would love this place!! We hope to share this great find with as many of you as we can! Well I will end for now. Know that I am thinking about each of you and wish you all well. My love and prayers are with you all!

Dancing♥♥♥♥

Last night our stake had what they were calling "A Night of Marriage". It was a stake fireside/dance. Vaughn J. Featherstone was the speaker. It was wonderful to listen to him talk about the importance of love. There were so many people there that there was standing room only in the back of the cultral hall! When he was done speaking all the extra chairs were put away. They showed a slide show through out the dance. Everyone was asked to submit a wedding photo for it. It was fun to try to figure out who the other couples were. We also were asked to submit the song that we "fell in love" to. Of course we said "You're the Inspiration." It was a lot of fun. It was great getting the chance to dance with Alan. It had been so long. Here is the picture that I submitted and a picture of us before the dance. I hope that you are all having a wonderful sabbath. Know that you are in our hearts and in our prayers.

Thoughts that I thought

January is cold. Just wanted to remind all of you who live where January pretends to be warm. At least Utah's January doesn't pretend. Brrrrrrrr! I love winter but I am ready for warmer weather so that I can kick the kids outside more for play time!! I am suffering from the kids cabin fever. However good things can still happen to people that are cold. Alan and I were able to attend a sealing session at the temple. That was an amazing night. I love the amazing feeling that exists there. I also had the privilidge of attending an orchestra concert with AJ. We were privilidged to hear a chamber orchestra playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons. We both had a wonderful time and the music was amazing! The first semester did end for my kids. They worked really hard to get thier grades up. Aryus was able to go out to dinner with Alan and me because he earned another 4.0. AJ is still loving Seminary and band. The Advanced Band was able to play at the Festival of Trees this year. It was fun to go and hear him play. He also finally got a new pair of glasses. His broke during Christmas break. He loves that he can see again. Arianna is looking forward to seminary next year. She is also enjoying her orchestra class. They had solo ensemble last week. Her private violin teacher played for her. Jason has been gone now for over a month and we are all looking forward to his return. It will be interesting what he decides to do for work. We pray that he will be able to get a job soon. They need the stability and the chance to really start their lives together. Everyone else is doing well. One of my best friends from Kansas, Diana Self (now Allen) moved right around the corner from me! It is so amazing to be able to see her and her family. Her boys like to play with my kids. Well I had better end for now. I will have more to share this month. It is after all my favorite month! May the Lord bless you all and keep you safe. Especially those that are away from their families. My love to you all! ♥

Repenting

Boy! Catching up on my blogs has been rough. I am learning though, that if I write at least once a month, I won't have to repent and do several all at once. I hope that you all like my corny christmas poem. I will admit that I kinda got stuck and asked Arianna to help me. I am just not quite as talented as mom! I do hope that you are all doing well and I make it my new years resolution to write more often. Love to you all!

Christmas Time!

Twas the morning of christmas and all through the house
the children were still sleeping so we snuck like a mouse.
We woke them all up made them wait on the stairs
without even letting them brush their teeth or their hairs.
When up to the living room they did rise
to hear Father Crane read the story of Christ.
Then we lined them all up from smallest to biggest
to assend the final steps for them to witness
the stockings were scattered on the couches so full
of music and yummies that made them all smull (smile).
The gifts were all wrapped and under the tree
everyone loved them, especially me.
We hope that you all had a wonderful day
This is the end of my poem and all I am going to say.
Merry Christmas to all!
And to all a good New Year!!

The Wedding

December 22nd was a day that we will all remember for a long time. It was cold, icy, but wonderful. It was the day that Brianna became Mrs. Brianna Nicole Manning! The boys loved it too because they were able to get another brother. I am not sure how to post a video or I would let you all see the actual ceremony. (If you can help me with this that would be wonderful!) It was held in the West Point City Building. Our Bishop, Jay Ritchie, performed the ceremony. As you can see from the slide show, Brianna looked amazing! We were lucky to be able to have my mother and Sarah, with her three wonderful children, there with us.
All the beautiful poinsettias were donated by our friend Bart Weaver. He works at a green house and since they were just going to throw them out, we got them! Thanks Bart! The wedding cake was made by another friend, Dawn Mikesell. She works for Alan's parents at their store, Kitchen Kneads. It was so beautiful! I didn't have good pictures of the cake cutting part, but boy were they messy!! Thanks Dawn! We also had red velvet sheet cakes and nut cups that Alan's parents both made and provided for us. We had two drink fountains going also. One was for cold apple cider and the other was with warm hot chocolate. Thanks Bruce and Carla Crane for all your help with the food and drinks! We also received help from our ward members and family with the decorating. The bouquets and tuxes were provided by Jason's family. Thanks Jason's family! It was just overall a wonderful occasion.
We really do wish, as I am sure you do as well, that everyone could have been there. I just want to say that you were missed. Well I better sign off for now. My best to you all and may the Lord continue to bless each of you.