From our house to yours......
We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! With all of the hustle and bustle and stress of the season I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and didn't loose sight of the real reason for Christmas. It is not running around looking for that shirt or certain gift it is celebrating Jesus's birth to the Virgin Mary. It is a time to spend with family and make memories for life times to come. I got tickled at my mom she had a few gifts that had the wrong name on them and my sister pipes up and says it is going to be a grandma Alice kind of Christmas. Just like that even though grandma was not with us she was in our hearts, minds, and memories. Christmas is a time to remember the less fortunate and a time to giveand be wonderful followers of God. Without Jesus this season would not be possible, better yet we would not be possible.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS and a very Merry Christmas to all!




Isn't she beautiful!

Even though you can not hear her Penny Princess is singing We wish you a Merry Christmas:)

Parker received his blue belt in karate last night. I left early from religion to go see him receive his belt but I was a half an hour to late. They used to do it after they did practice but this time they did it before. Kelly told everyone he called Parker smiley because he is always smiling during practice. Parker has decided that he wants to take a break from karate and that is okay with me. One less thing to go and do of an evening. I don't imagine his decision will last long though.

Brad's mom is doing some radiation treatments and didn't have her tree up yet so we went and put the tree up and put some of her decorations out. She was going to get a new one and decided just to use the old one so the kids enjoyed making it pretty. It is important to me to teach my kids what Christmas is all about. Making memories and spending time with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus is the most important! Gifts come and go nobody remembers from year to year what they got but memories last a lifetime. Thanks for the good memories!


Brad and his mommy hanging ornaments


Patton and Parker was so excited to get out all of Mamaws "beautiful" decorations

My crew with Mamaw and Babaw


Last but not least a very Big HAPPY BIRTHDAY Riley I can't wait to "skrap" with you:)

The Middle Mann turned 8 on Thursday the 4th. My oh my how time flies I struggle with the kids growing up it just seems like every time I turn around they have changed.

Parker wanted a school of rock birthday party with a jam session so that is what he got. He invited all the boys in his class and a few other friends and cousins. They made shakers, decorated cupcakes, and had Leroy Jones come and play a few songs for them. They even joined in and jammed with him. Yes they ran around the house a lot which overwhelmed Parker a bit. I think he has his mothers anxiety problem. He had a bit of a melt down and locked himself in the bathroom crying and Parker is not one to cry unless he has had to much! All in all he said it was the best birthday ever. We passed out t-shirts for the kids that had a guitar on the back that said Parker's school of rock. Thanks Charlie! They also got a CD with some of Parker's favorite songs on it big thanks to Jodi! Lori helped with the shakers thank you, thank you. Last but not least Deann helped with the cake THANK YOU he loved it! I am so blessed with a great group of people that surrounds me you guys are all great friends and I am lucky to have you:) I tried to upload Leroy playing but it wouldn't do it so pictures will have to do.











My guy on the first day of pre-school





Now he is a little man with a great new guitar. Practice,practice,practice Parker







Parker and Leroy



Kamdyn listening to Leroy play

The kids listening to Leroy play

Rock on Reid!


Chow time

music time

Mikaela with her new guitar and Mitch

The whole group

Parker and his great cake

Thanksgiving Eve was a fun time around the Mann house! We did tons of baking and had a great time:)

Oh what a happy day in the Mann house hold:
Sunday morning Parker wakes me up at 5:30 to tell me goodbye he was going with dad to hunt. I woke back up at 8:22 to Parker he could not stop talking. They got a deer! Patton woke up and ran outside to see. I got up grabbed the camera to capture the exciting milestone in Parker's life.
A little buck but Parker talked Brad into shooting it. Parker spotted it and said it was about 30 yards from them and that dad would be silly if he did not shoot it. "Come on dad it is the last day we have to shoot something."
He even helped Brad gut it Brad said he had a few questions one being "is that round stuff what Larry gave me to eat at Gavin's" hehe Brad firmly said NO. He said he was curious about other body parts and when he asked about them he just chuckled. Oh Parker how excited I am for you but you are growing up so fast before I know it you will be killing your own deer.
Good job middle mann mom loves you;-)

I got another e-mail today that I would like to share. It came at just the right time in my life. I read this and just started crying because it is so true. I know, I know I am a big ballbag:( I am having a hard time with the kids and them growing up and with life in general. It just seems like it all passes by way to fast! I blink and someone has grown a foot or something else has gone on in my world. It is very hard not yell at the kids or be a good wife, sister, sister-in-law, friend, and just all around good person. I find myself mad and stressed about the little things in life and that is just not me I just want simplicity! I really just need to clear the air and make "pancakes" with everyone in my life. Life is short and no matter what I have said or have done to upset anyone in my journey through life I am sorry and I love you. It is hard to say that when someone has hurt you by their looks, words, and over all actions. It is hard to say that when my children aren't comprehending the values I am trying so hard to instill in them. (Don't get me wrong they are good kids it is just hard being a parents these days) I don't know maybe I am whining and that was not the point of this post it was to share with you a wonderful e-mail.
Father Jerry said today in church that we should love one another as God loves you. No matter what! Very hard to do when someone has made you so mad you can't see straight he said to say a prayer for that person. That is exactly what I did for a few people that have really caused me pain in my life and continue to cause me pain. I do hope that they can make "pancakes with their lives and make it better and become better people.
Okay so anyways thanks and love to all:)

Making Pancakes:
Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.
Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad..
He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.
And just then he saw Dad standing at the door big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon 's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess.. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him.
Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!
That's how God deals with us... We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.
Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.
But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to 'make pancakes' for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...
I was thinking and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, 'I love you' can heal & bless! Remind every one of your friends that you love them. Even if you think they don't love back, you would be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a reminder like this can do.
Just in case I haven't told you lately... I LOVE YA!!!

Some friends of ours who live in Pennsylvania were coming home and asked us to babysit we were all excited to see the kids!

Cowgirl Ali!

little Johnathan

Ali sweeping the floor she loved the swivel sweeper!!

Thanks guys for visiting us we had a great time:)

I received this and after reading had to post it. It is so true. Some of us read these and say we are going to change but it never happens, I think I am going to try extra hard this time. Slow down and enjoy life;)

A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, ' I love you ' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Well it is saturday and I can say I have officially been in bed since Monday night. Parker started our week off right with a high fever sunday night. Brad stayed home monday while I ran some errands and went to work. I started the day with a cough and ended it with a high fever. Parker and I laid in my bed so Brad decided to sleep with Patton little did he know that Patton was going to end up sick to. I guess it was 2 or so in the morning that Patton woke up with a high fever to. Well there lay the three of us sickly people in my bed. We have been stricken with the FLU!!
I know, I know what you are thinking I shouldn't have been so quick to post my feelings about this whole H1N1 stuff. I guess I just jinxed myself.
We ended up having Influenza A, or so we think I got a diagnosis over the phone. No I didn't give any of us Tami-flu I let our bodies fight it off. I did push the fluids and tried controlling the fever. There was one night that Patton and I's fever got real close to 104. I had Brad put him in the shower while I passed out not really sure what happened after that.
I guess I can throw the salt and water e-mail out the window it was worth trying though and I am up for any other homeopathic suggestions. We are just going to have to be extra germaphobic! I guess I was not crazy enough making my kids wash their hands ever time they turned around.
Kuddos to Dr. Rodriguez I did call him one night I was thinking about spreading my nasty germs to the ER. Even though I really don't remember the whole conversation what I did get out of it was to keep the fever down and push the fluids. I did express to him that I was second guessing my decision on not getting the kids the shot and he said that I was not the only one who choose not to and that this could happen to anyone. Thanks Tony your compassion was very appreciated.
Well bring on the new week besides a crazy schedule at work and a whole bunch of homework for the kids.

Halloween is official over!
The boys had a great time trick or treating and after worrying about their costumes they looked great!
We got home and I proceeded to put the candy and goods away. Like every year they get way to much and then we go to Brad's parents and they get overloaded!

Part of the stash and I had put quit a bit up already

The books and play dough, and pens, etc stuffed into a bag

Mamaw even gives them a sack full of clothes to. I personally think it is over kill but whatever.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween. Look forward to Turkey!

What the......
Payton came to me 2 nights ago and said mom I have a rash starting on my forehead look. So I looked and said oh I see. (it looked like a cluster of pimples to me but was not going to tell her that) Well last night she shows me again and it has spread a little bit more and she says it itches. Well I really didn't know what to tell besides don't scratch it and we will see if it gets worse. She goes to her room and Brad just looks at me and "one of the symptoms of the swine flu is a rash." WTH??!! So I immediately get defensive and say whatever I am sick of hearing the crap about the swine flu and Payton doesn't have it!
Brads secretary's son came by the office to tell her that he just came from the doctor the told him he had it and gave him some tamiflu. I then heard a few other people said there doctor says they have it to. Well this really ticks me off because it is putting everyone in a tissy over this.
Doctor Megan: so you are not felling well okay vomiting, headache
Jane Doe: no doctor I just don't feel good but I did manage to drive myself here and take my kids to school and go to the bank.
Doctor Megan: yep, yep well Jane lets test you for influenza A and B.
Jane Doe: Okay great
Doctor Megan: Well Jane looks like those came back negative so yep you have the dundundun swine flu.
Jane Doe: The dundundun swine flu don't you need to test me to make sure.
Doctor Megan: Oh no that test is $400.00 and I am saying you have it. So here go to the pharmacy and get this and have a great day. Oh and don't forget to pay $160.00 in office visit before you leave
Jane Doe: I am on my way to the pharmacy to spread my sickly dundundun swine flu germs to everyone.
NO I am not crazy just sick of the bullshit. These doctors are not testing for this and I know first hand from my mom. She is guilty of it to she said she has seen many H1N1 cases. I asked her if she tested them and she said oh no it is to expensive. Unless the person is very ill and about to go to the hospital or in the hospital they will not test. Well for us not so doctor smart normal people (sorry Mom) you are causing a big stir!!!!! What could be a simple stomach virus or respiratory thing going on you are slapping a not positive diagnosis on and sending these people home to tell all their friends oh my God Doctor Megan says I have the dundundun swine flu! It spreads to other people hey did you hear that Jane Doe has the swine flu shut down the school where her kids go and don't go to the place where she works oh and did you see her husband last night? I waved at him oh no my stomach hurts I think I have the swine flu for waving at him oh I think I am going to die.
Okay I think you get my point and no the children and people it has killed I feel for their families because I just don't know it could happen to us and then I would feel very shitting for posting this well part of it anyways.
Come on people if you take proper precautions maybe just maybe your family won't get it. No I don't mean run out to the nearest flu vaccination clinic. I choose not to get the shot for me or my kids. I might regret that and I might not. To me there is not enough research. I feel like they just threw it together because everyone is scared and not to mention someone is making a killing on it. (okay bad choose of words). This choose is not for everyone and I am not saying you are a bad parents for getting the shot either. It is what you feel comfortable with. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't.
My mom did send me and e-mail with a few things to help prevent you from getting it so I have been having the kids do it before bed and before school. Okay last night and today doesn't count I just remembered we didn't do it. It is a few simple and cheap things to try
1. Gargle with warm salt water this will help kill germs. Salt has some awesome uses besides tasting oh so yummy on my popcorn
2. Take a q-tip and swab the inside of you nostrils with that same salt water.
3. Rinse out your cup and fill it back up with very warm water, and drink it. This is to help kill the germs inside your body
4. Blow your nose really hard about 4 times a day. Tell your kids to blow so hard you want to see if they can blow pieces of brains out. Sick I know but I am a mother of two boys that love that gross stuff so it works for me.
5. Simple WASH your HANDS a lot!!!!!!!! Don't go sneeze in your hand and then go touch something or watch your child do it and not say anything. Your kids may not like to wash their hands but hey you are their parent make them after a few times of being consistent it will become habit.
Well what ever anybody does good luck to all But please help the spread of germs! Germ-x, soap, Lysol whatever you choose is fine with me and the world!

Good Morning blog world!
Well it is 8:51 I am still in my jamms and I have no motivation. This the story of my life these days. I don't have to be to work until 12:30 so what do I do. That is where you come in. I am trying to be a little more organized with my time and I just thought i would type out what I have done this week and what I have yet to do.
Monday: Um geez I don't even think that I can think that far back.Okay can't remember I know I worked some in there. oh I remembered I took my recylce stuff.
Tuesday: Well Miles did not come today they went on vacation and got back late Monday night. I have a whole post on that little scoot. I cleaned the bathrooms,the wood,floors,wiped down the couches, gave dogs bath,fbked,fell in love with grid shock game on fb(thanks a ton Katie).Ran some errands, picked up little people from school, went to vin. got home around 6:30,did homework,read,played more grid shock,took Payton to dance,picked Payton up got kids showers did laundry, fbked played more grid shock(yes I know addict). Went to bed.
Wed. Got kids ready to go to school, fixed bfast,took kids, came home and payed bills,balanced checkbook. Got onto fb and played grid shock. Blogged and then got ready for work. Went to work came home ate lunch, went to school got script card to go to wal-mart. Went to wal-mart spent more than my script card almost late picking up little people. Got home did homework, read, got on yes you guessed it fb, went to work, laundry, fixed supper, off to karate and religion. Took Patton home after religion and went and hung out with Jodi S. Thanks Jodi I needed that! Came home and went to bed.
This weekend I know we are going to the parade and no my kids are not going to be in it. I want to enjoy the parade and so do they.
Sat. work and then a birthday party and then trick or treating.
Sunday: church it is my moms birthday. Payton has her first competition and then home to cook supper and celebrate moms b-day.
I think I have my weekend filled up so I guess I had better get of my rump and do something! That does not consist of grid shock:)

To be comfortable in your own skin......
Well Payton has been not herself lately and I just can't put my finger on it. She is depressed acting and I don't like it. She comes home and goes straight to her room and shuts the door. That or she is just never home. We went to vin. last night and on our way she did not say two words. I finally asked her what the deal was and she started crying and told me that I would think it was stupid and laugh at her. I told her that I was 15 once and whatever it was that it wasn't stupid to her so it must be important. She said that she hates her body and thinks that she is ugly and fat. UHH dumbfounded I told her that she was beautiful and she had a body that most women pay high dollar for. She has a set of "girls" that women pay $20,000 or more for. She has muscles that I wish I had! I also told her that God made us this way and that everyone had flaws no matter what! I said that what we want changed only we can change so if she wants to fix something it will take hard work and dedication but she could do it.
Does anyone have some advice on what to say to her? The pressures in today's society to be this model stick figure is ridiculous! I know that is what every kid sees and thinks that is beauty but its not. The percentage of Americans who are over weight out weigh the ones in the magazines by a long shot! It is so hard to fix a broken child I feel helpless and don't know what to do for her.
I do know That Payton I love you more than life itself and you are perfect to me in every way!

Pumpkins and Halloween party
St. Joe had their annual pumpkins contest and Halloween party last Thursday night. The kids didn't win but I can say they did their pumpkins all by themselves except for the cutting. They wanted good old fashioned jackolanterns and were very proud of them! The costumes turned out nice to. Patton made what I thought was a cheesy costume look very cute! They were very excited about getting their faces painted to.

Halloween Costumes errr.....

Well we have 2 days until the big Halloween parade at St. Joe and our costumes are not complete. Not that this is anything out of the norm but every year I say I am going to get them early so we won't have to fret about anything or have to run all over earths creation trying to find something. I guess I really don't get to worked up about them but I do want my kids to look cute. I was going to order their costumes a couple of weeks back, but I just have a hard time spending all that money on a costume that they are going to wear once! Yes the ones at Wal-mart are a lot cheaper but it shows! I then say well I don't want to spend $15-$20.00 on junk either. Where is the happy medium. I really forget what Halloween is all about, the kids. Patton reminded me this morning when I sat them down at breakfast and told them we are going to have pick something else for a costume because I was not buying the stupid crap at Wal-mart! Patton spoke up and said but mommy it is not stupid crap to me! So I looked at him and said okay and I went to Wal-mart and bought the costumes I said I wasn't going to buy, brought it home and the boys have decided to go another route. So with two days left I think we have Parker's costume taking care of, now we have to work on Patton's! I guess all that matters is that they have fun at the party:) Trick or treating to all!

Well Parker finally saved up enough $$ to buy his new ride. We went to the bank cashed it all in and went to find uncle Mike(I pitched in the rest of the $$) Parker worked very hard to save his money for the past couple of months and he ended up with a decent amount great job little buddy:) He even was looking under all the aisles in Wal-mart to find loose change. Okay it was a little embarrassing having your kid on the dirty floor but it was fact of how excited and how much the 4-wheeler means to him. He did end up finding a little over a dollar I think. Okay I am sure some of you like me are a little nervous about a 7 year old boy on a 4-wheeler but rest assure that he knows the rules and the safety and knows what will happen if he breaks them. This also teaches him a valuable lesson that not everything in life will be handed to him the great benefits of hard work and dedication do pay off. So with that said congrats on your first major purchase in life Parker mom and dad are very proud of you:)
P.S. This is the middle Mann the redneck new favorite song maybe the little Mann won't be so hick like.lol not that being a hick is bad I am one myself I just choose to believe that there is a little bit of a city girl in me;-)