The Lives of the Many Manis's

Where has Summer Gone

2011-08-08T14:19:00.000-04:00

Well summer has flown by but we have had lots of fun. We spent a week at Lake Junaluska for Annual Conference which was great. The weather was actually great. I was still recovering from emergency gallbladder surgery on May 31st.

Next the 4 middle kids headed of to camp for a week and they all had a great time. Buffalo Mnt Camp has become a second home to them. The next week was VBS which kept us all hopping. Joey got "pied" by the kids because they raised a certain amount of money during VBS. Which was better then the dunking booth last year which the guys added ice to. Samuel and Stephen even joined in on the fun!!

We then had a few weeks of down time which I really needed after having having 3 surgeries in 6 months. The funny thing is the gallbladder was the worst of all 3. Believe it or not the gallbladder actually has a purpose, and gallstones are actually made in the liver and are stored in the gallbladder so with no gallbladder gallstones can now get stick in the bile ducts which can continue to cause issues including pancreatis.

Well the middle of July brought vacation time at Folly Beach SC. 2 weeks of relaxing in the summer was great. We really had great weather most of the time. Joey's uncle and aunt also came to see us while we were there. The kids had a blast playing in the ocean and looking for shells. We brought home 2 diaper boxes full of shells and 1 starfish, but didn't find any sanddollars this year.

Now we are getting ready for school to start back next Monday. It will be good for all of us to get back into a regular routine again but I am not looking forward to the homework. The kids will be in the 2nd, 3rd , 4th and 5th grade. So this will be the 4th year of the same reading stories for us with 2nd grade. School ssupplies are bought and ready to go.

One Year Ago Today

2011-05-06T21:15:00.004-04:00

The whole Family Easter 2011

All 8 kids together

Stephen hanging out in a tree!!

Samuel taking a try at the tree!!

Well one year ago today it was offical that I was pregnant. Boy where has the year gone?? So much has happened in a year. Not only did I give birth to beautiful twins boys which was the prize but I have had a full hysterectomy and dealt with postpartum depression/anxiety. So now that I am almost 4 weeks out from my hysterectomy I am feeling pretty good and mentally doing better. I still have to be reminded that I am still healing from 2 major surgeries in 4 months and it will take time to get back to normal. The boys are growing well and are happy little boys. We are finally getting into routine of some kind and the other kids are great help. We are looking forward to summer fun starting soon.

First half of April 2011

2011-04-16T18:55:00.002-04:00

April brought time for us to have family pictures taken. It took a couple of hours but it was lots of fun. Everybody did a great job. We have enjoyed more spring days outside and the kids are growing like weeds. April 12th I had a full hysterectomy that will hopefully lead to some much happier days ahead. We are looking forward to summer with time at Lake Junaluska, our family reunion, and 2 weeks at the beach in Charleston.

Samuel and Stephen are growing so fast and their personalities are starting to show. Stephen seems to be a blond with highlights of red and Samuel looks to be a burnett. Their personalities are so different with Samuel being very laid back and Stephen being a little more high maintance, but they are both so loveable and cuddly.

3 months old - March 2011

2011-03-28T17:08:00.005-04:00

Boy the month of March has flown by and the boys are growing like weeds. It is so hard to believe that they are 14 weeks old now and boy are their personalities starting to show. Stephen has starte turning over from tummy to back but for Samuel he just goes to sleep. They both are so cuddly and smile most of the time.

They have grown enough to finally fit into their Auburn clothes!! We are adjusting more as a family and working on routines. I personally have been dealing with postpartum depression but after a trip to the doctor several weeks ago things are getting better each day. I actually will be having a hysteresctomy in a few weeks which I am glad to be doing!!

You can see more pictures of the babies by clicking on the slide show on the left hand side.

Please keep Samuel in your prayers as as of 2 months old he still has a hole in his heart which hasn't closed yet. It is being watched. We are all ready for spring and summer - as we are looking forward to Annual Conference in June, Kids going to camp, and a 2 week vacation at the end of July on Folly Beach, SC.

Boys are 1 Month Old

2011-01-18T19:10:00.004-05:00

One Month Old Today

Where has the time gone?? The boys are 1 month old today and it hard to believe everything we have been through in the last month. Babies being born 4 weeks early due to my high blood pressure and platlets dropping. Then time spent in the NICU to finally coming home. The boys had their 1 month check up today and they look great and have put on also a pound each in 2 weeks. Stephen now weighs 5lb 15oz and Samuel weighs 6lb 15oz.

Last weekend we took the boys to Gatlinburg for Resurrection and I think they were the youngest there.

Maddie Gilmer and Devon Wade - our youth from our church who performed

Joey, Cheryl Samuel and Stephen at Resurrection 2011 in Gatlinburg, TN

The boys are 4 weeks old

Our youth won the T-shirt contest for this year at Resurrection so these are some of our parents selling shirts.

Cheryl, Joey, Samuel and Stephen at Resurrection 2011

2011-01-10T10:45:00.002-05:00

As of January 4th, 2011 all of the Manis family is under one roof!! Stephen and Samuel are back together and plotting all their trouble!!! Both boys are doing great and growing like weeds. It is hard to believe the difference in our lives in a year but it is one of the greatest changes I could ask for!! God did such a great job and these boys will always be a great blessing to us.

More Pictures

2010-12-29T20:50:00.004-05:00

Samuel
Samuel

Stephen

Stephen and Samuel with Santa Christmas Morning

Manis Babies Have Arrived

2010-12-29T20:26:00.003-05:00

The Manis Boys arrived on Saturday, December 18th, 2010 at 9:28am at Franklin Woods Community Hospital in Johnson City TN. Stephen Brinson Manis arrived at 9:28am weighing 4lb7oz and Samuel Ramage Manis arrived at 9:29am weighing 5lb5oz. They arrived 10 days early due to me having major blood pressure issues and my platlets falling. Both boys had to be transferred to Johnson City Medical Center NICU. Samuel was having respitory issues and Samuel was having eating issues.

Samuel came on Monday, December 27th and has the attention of everybody. Stephen is still in the NICU but is about to the point of coming home.

Christmas

This is the first time I got to hold Samuel and the nurse worked it so I could hold them together.

Boy Has Life Had Changes

2010-11-06T23:01:00.003-04:00

Stephen Brinson Manis

Samuel Ramage Manis

Can't believe I haven't posted anything since the end of July and it is now November. We have been preparing for the arrival of our Twin BOYS!! Who we hope to see toward the end of December. Carrying twins and being 40 has not been an easy thing and has changed my life in so many ways. I feel like I don't have control of anything as I have gestational diabetes so I can't eat or drink what I want, I can't sleep the way I want, I stay tired that I can't do the things I want or need to. But I keep reminding myself that in the end I will have 2 beautiful little boys to love and cuddle with. It has been an adjustment for everyone in the house but the little kids are excited. Lydia was disapointed that the babies are boys and really wishes that they could be changed but I keep telling her that it really doesn't matter as once they are following her around and getting into her stuff she will complain either way.

Summer Vacation

2010-07-31T20:27:00.003-04:00

We finally decided that we would go to Chattanooga for vacation this summer. The kids have never been so it was a time to do all the fun tourist things - Rock City, The Incline, Ruby Falls and the TN Aquireum. We had a lot of fun and lots of laughs and excitement from the kids. We also got to see old friends and catch up. You can also see more pictures of our vacation by clicking the slide show on the side.

Through with the 1st Trimester

2010-07-07T22:02:00.002-04:00

We have made it through the 1st trimester and everything is going great. Babies are growing as they should be. It is so amazing to watch them grow over the weeks. I am finally starting to feel pregnant and probably in the next few weeks will actually start looking pregnant. The thing with carrying twins is you are 5 to 6 weeks bigger then if it is a single. So even though I am in my 13th week I am the size of someone 20 weeks pregnant. And boy can I feel it. We are taking it pretty easy this summer and not doing too much. We are going to take the little ones to Chattanooga at the end of the month to see the sights.

Something New

2010-06-14T10:24:00.002-04:00

Well the cat is out of the bag now so I will post. Joey and I are expecting twins in January. After 19 years God has finally given us our greatest desire. And he even thought it would be fun to add to things and give us 2 at one time. We are very excited and look forward to the coming months. I will say I never thought I would be the mother of 8 kids and with the age gaps I feel like I will have raised 3 different generations.

Summertime Has Arrived

2010-06-02T11:53:00.002-04:00

Well the kids are out of school as of this week. Joshua graduated from Kindergarten last week. So as of now Joshua is a 1st grader, Lydia a 2nd grader, Joey Jr. a 3rd grader and Sarah a 4th grader. Time sure does fly. It is hard to believe it has been 3 years since our 4 little ones came to us. And they were all so little when they came to us and have grown so much. Our summer has many things going on. Next week, Joey Sr., Sarah, Joey Jr., and Lydia are all going to camp. The next week we are going to Lake Junaluska for conference and a little R&R. then back home for a couple of weeks and VBS during that time. We will then head to South Gerogia for a 4th of July family reunion. We will head to Tybee Island, GA for a week on the beach at the end of July.

Good Bye My Old Friend

2010-04-20T21:37:00.003-04:00

Well today we said goodbye to our Kitty Oreo. He had started going down hill and we just couldn't watch him suffer. He had gotten to the point he just couldn't handle things everyday and we finally figured out he was blind. Meet you at the Rainbow Bridge Oreo!!

Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T17:16:00.002-04:00

What a glorious day. We started with sunrise service - which was beautiful watching the sun come up over the mountain. Then enjoyed a great breakfast from the ladies of the church. Then back home to get all dressed up for Easter Service. Easter service was packed with over 250 people. It was a great service with with wonderful music, kids singing, a great sermon, a baptism and communion. After worship off we headed to our favorite chinese resturant for lunch with all the family. Then back to the house to relax, let the kids hunt Easter eggs and enjoy some dessert. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Rising of our Lord and Savior.

Colors of the Rainbow

2010-04-04T08:07:00.003-04:00

That is how how our Easter Eggs turned out. Since I was a kid I have always colored eggs for Easter so I have carried that with my children. Last year i started something new by writing our names on the eggs and taking a picture of all of them. This year we were 2 short as Marlana and Jeremy weren't with us. We had lots of fun and the kids liked seeing how many colors they could get on one egg. The egg is a symbol of new life and as we celebrate Easter today we are reminded that we are made new in Christ. As for our eggs they will become egg salad this week.

Smart Kids???!!!

2010-04-03T15:30:00.003-04:00

Ok I am not sure how smart my kids are after watching this take place. Last Saturday while the kids were playing outside Joey Sr. got this idea to tell JOshua to lay down on the drive way, Lydia hold the football on joshua's nose and for Saah to kick it. I figured they would tell their dady no way but next thing I knew they were doing it!!! I did grab the camera and actually got pictures of them doing it. Thank goodness there was NO blood or broken bones!! Their daddy would have been the one making the trip to the ER. The things that kids will do!!

Palm Sunday

2010-04-03T15:21:00.002-04:00

The kids sang at the beginning of church on Palm Sunday with the Adult choir and they did a great job. I love seeing my children sing praises to our Lord. After church we had an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids at church. It had to be done inside due the weather but the kids still had lots of fun.

I have to say Lydia made me very proud the other day when her brother Joey asked "Why is it called Good Friday?" Well Lydia jumped right in and told Joey the story and why it is called Good Friday. My little girl has been listening to those who have been teaching her.

Planting a Garden

2010-04-03T14:54:00.003-04:00

Ok we have decided to plant a garden this year so we will have fresh veggies for the summer. We have a really big back yard so we decide we would put it at the back of the back yard. One of our church members came over with his tractor to plow up an area for us at the beginning of March - it was one of the first pretty days we had seen with no snow on the ground. Once he got things plowed up he told us we would wait several weeks then they would come back a till it up for us. It is exciting to think of things coming to life and growing.

Valentines Day 2010

2010-04-03T14:39:00.002-04:00

Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday this year and our Sprouts at church decided that they would like to do a Valentine's Lunch with the donations going to Haiti. The Sprouts at church are the 4th-6th graders and though a small group they do great work with missions. The lunch was a sit down meal which was served to us. it was wonderful and the fellowship hall was packed. It really does my heart good to see children so excited about helping others.

A Month Gone By

2010-02-07T18:03:00.002-05:00

Time is flying by - can't believe it is already Feb 7th. January was a lot of snow and no school at our house. To be honest we were really getting tired of looking at each other. Joey and I did run away for a few days in January to a cabin in the mountains. It was lots of fun and the first time in almost 4 years we had been away together. Mom and dad came to watch the kids and that seemed to be an adventure for them. Things at church are going great and keeping us busy. This week the Women's Bible starts up again. The are 20 wonderful ladies taking a wonderful study of John by Beth Moore. I am so excited. February looks to be pretty quiet but hopefully spring is right around the corner and things will start to bloom.

Happy New Year

2010-01-02T11:53:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year from the Manis Family. We brought in the new year quietly at home watching the ball drop on TV. The first day of 2010 was spent quietly at home watching movies and just relaxing. Christmas deorations were put away which is always sad but the Valentine decorations so we can start celebrating love!!! We are hoping for a quiet January but with a household of 7 there is always something going on.

Christmas Eve and Christmas at the Manis House

2009-12-25T20:57:00.003-05:00

After Christmas eve service we came back to the house and mom and dad were with us. The kids got to open their Christmas Eve Present which are new PJ's and put them on. Once settled dad read "Twis the Night Before Christmas" to all the grandkids. The kids all then headed to bed so Santa could get to work. The past 2 years with the kids it has taken the Adults to wake up the little ones. Well they are finally in "normal" child mood when it comes to Christmas morning - they had to wake us up!!! They did sleep till 7am but then they were up and ready to go. The funny thing was they came to wake us up to tell us Santa had brought them Chapstick - forget the skateboard, "computers" and MP3 players. I just laid there laughing!!! We had a great day with my parents over for the day, ate our way through breakfast then snacks and then dinner.

Christmas Eve Service

2009-12-25T20:34:00.002-05:00

We had our traditional Christmas Eve service sitting in the nice warm church in a cushioned pew, with an organ playing and a bulletin in hand. Nice service. But the best Christmas Eve Service was the late service at 10pm. It was held in a barn with no heat and haybales to sit on. As the Christmas Story was read Mary, Joseph and the donkey came in - then Mary had a baby and she called him Jesus - then came the shepherds and the angels. it was a wonderful way to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. Not the packages and bows but a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes in a manger. As the service took place the donkeys and the horse bayed and other animals moved around. It was a wonderful way to start our Christmas celebration.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T11:00:00.002-05:00

Well it is Christmas Eve and time to get a few things done. We had fresh baked muffins for breakfast. I plan to back a few things this morning and part of that is sugar cookies for the kids to decorate for Santa. Have to bake the ham for tomorrow. Then to finish wrapping presents and make sure everything is in working order. The kids are excited and ready to watch where Santa is on the computer. Tonight we have 2 Christmas Eve services - one is traditional at the church then the second one is at 10pm in a church members barn with all the animals. My parents are even coming over for that one. Then to get the kids to bed so Santa can come for a visit. Tomorrow will be full of fun and excitement. New toys and lots of laughs. I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas and take time to remember why we celebrate.

A White Christmas

2009-12-22T23:15:00.002-05:00

Well the snow came a week before Christmas but I think that there will still be some on the ground when Christmas day gets here. We had about 8 inches of snow and it was beautiful. We all had a blast playing in the snow and building snowmen. The kids had never seen so much snow so they thought it was great!! We were fortunate that we never lost power like a lot of people did around us. We did lose phone, cable and internet for 3 days and the only thing we really missed was the internet. I love that it really feels like Christmas. And the important thing is my kids can tell you the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

2009-12-07T11:10:00.002-05:00

Well we have the house all decked out and have been enjoying Christmas music, baking cookies and watching our favorite Christmas movies. We do still have to get the outside decorations but the weather hasn't cooperated with us this past week. We have lots of parties over the next couple of weeks to celebrate the season but we are working really to find lots of family time.

Wedding Day

2009-12-02T14:30:00.006-05:00

Well the day finally arrived this past Saturday for Marlana's Wedding. It was a very happy day even though it was hard to let go of our little girl. Marlana made a beautiful bride and we were happy to offically bring Jeremy into the family. Here are a few pictures and you can see more through the slideshow on the side.

Halloween

2009-11-05T18:50:00.009-05:00

Last Friday we had a Fall Festival at the church and had lots of fun. The kids enjoyed getting all dressed up. At the end of the Festival the kids went Trunk or Treating which filled their pumpkins with lots of candy. Our visitors were:

The Hulk

A Butterfly Fairy

Cleopatra - Queen of the Nile

And a Policeman came to keep the peace:

We didn't go out on Halloween night because it was raining and we have had sick kids for the past couple of weeks. Look at the slideshow on the side to see more pictures of the fall festival.

Our Family is All Back Under One Roof

2009-10-17T21:23:00.002-04:00

Boy it has been a month since I last wrote. All 3 boys have had a birthday, my parents have been on a cruise, my parents' cat Happy pasted away (she actually started out as mine and Joey's cat when first got married), Joshua had the H1N1 flu, Joey went to a conference in Kansas City, Lydia's eye surgery has been scheduled and Melissa is home for good.

So to elaborate on some of these things:
My boys all have their birthdays' in one week. Joshua is the 16th, Joey Sr is the 17th and Joey Jr is the 18th. This year we took cupcakes to the boys' classes so they could help us celebrate and also kept from having 3 birthday cakes at home. For Joey Sr I made his favorite yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
Mom and Dad took a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea for 2 weeks - visited several places in Italy, Greece and end up in Spain.
My parents have had a cat for the last 17 years named Happy, Happy started out as mine and Joey's cat when we got married. When we moved to an apartment the second year we were married Happy went to live with my parents and she never left. My father fell in love with her. Happy had diabetes for the last 10 years of her life but still managed to live a great life. To say the least she was spoiled. So Happy lived 18 years. So if anybody has a orange female tabby that is a year or 2 old let me know cause my dad is having withdrawals.
Joshua came down with the H1N1 Flu the first week of October and was home with me all week. Our house smelled like Lysol for a week, but so far he is the only one who has gotten it.
While Joshua was home with me Joey Sr went to Kansas City for a conference. So I was a single mom who couldn't go anywhere because of Joshua being sick. So didn't even get normal days while Joey was gone. Thank goodness Marlana would stop and pick up the things we needed from the grocery store.
Lydia has had an eye issue since she was little and had had 2 eye surgeries before she came to us. Lydia was originally cross-eyed and they went in to tighten and loosen different muscles twice. After she came to us she then developed a lazy eye in the left eye. We have spent the last year and a half patching the good eye so the that brain would start making the left eye work. Well after 18 months we finally have the left eye back to 20/40 with glasses, but now both eyes are pulling outward so Lydia will be going to have the outside muscles loosened in a day surgery on November 9th. She will then be home for a week to rest her eyes and keep from getting things in her eyes. But on a great note for Lydia she is so smart and ahead of all the kids in her class that missing a week of school will not put her behind.
On the biggest news Melissa has finished her training program at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smynra TN. She was trained in Food Service and Catering and also worked on Independent Living Skills. Now that she has finished her program she has come home. She will start working on finding a job this week and getting a daily routine set up. We are glad to have her home and to have all of our family back under one roof even if only for a short time till Marlana's wedding.
Wedding plans are moving ahead and we are on the down side - the wedding date is November 28th.
I think this has gotten me caught up. I will try better to keep things up to date. Blessings to All.

Blessings

2009-09-15T07:37:00.003-04:00

It is the middle of September - where has our year gone? Last night I laid in bed thinking about all the blessing God has given me. He has given me a wonderful husband who loves me no matter what kind of mood I am in. He has given me 6 wonderful kids which I never thought I would have. And he sent me those children in the most unusual ways and with people who knew us and these kids (but not together) praying for the right family to come along. All of my children love life even after the way they started out being treated in this world. All my children love Jesus. We have a wonderful church family which truely loves us and wants us to belong. Healing has begun after such a hard stuggle we had at our previous appointment.

Now here are a few blessing which might not seem like them at the time - scratches on the car doors because of the kids riding their bikes to close to the cars. (My kids are healthy and able to run and play). Having to get up early in the mornings even though I am not a morning person - (I have things to do for the day and I get to see a beautiful sunrise each morning out my kitchen window). Kids arguing with each other (but not 2 minutes later great laughter comes from the room).

So there are just a few of my blessing this morning. Now is time to get ready for Women's Bible Study which is a wonderful blessing to me too. And something that really stuck with me this week as i did my reading - instead of writting God into my story - Let God write you into His!!!

Feeling Like Fall

2009-09-09T11:57:00.002-04:00

We are into the second week of September already - where has this year gone? It is starting to feel like fall outside which is wonderful - I love letting the fresh air in even though it makes a few of us sneeze. The kids are enjoying school and the girls are getting involved with Girl Scouts this year. Tonight we start Wednesday night activities at church. We have dinner at 5:30 and activities for all ages from 6 to 7. Yesterday started our fall Women's Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. We have 21 women doing the study. I am still working around the house to get things settled from our move this summer and also doing physical therapy for the ankle I hurt while we were on vacation this summer. I have torn the ligaments. Next week we celebrate all 3 of the boys' birthdays.

Back to School Time

2009-08-27T22:31:00.002-04:00

Well have all the kids in school this year. Joshua was a little confused as to why he didn't get to stay all day the first few times he was there, but as of Tuesday this week he is riding the bus and staying all day. Now what to do with my "free" time. We are at a new school we moved and really like it. We are having to adjust to getting up early (6am) as the bus picks up at 6:55am. Getting up earlier means getting to bed earlier each night.

Last Days of Vacation July 2009

2009-08-27T22:22:00.002-04:00

The last couple of days of our vacation were spent playing on the beach. Our final night in town we went to a RiverDogs baseball game and had a really good time. I really think this was our best vacation yet.

Day 3 - Magnolia Plantation

2009-07-28T10:19:00.003-04:00

Monday was sent at Magnolia Plantation - which is one of the oldest Plantations in Charleston and the only one still owned by the original family. It was beautiful!! We took a train ride around the plantation, a boat ride throught the swamp, a tour of the house and a tour about the slaves to freedom. The swap boat ride was great and the kids really enjoyed looking for aligators. Joshua had fun pointing out all the birds but kept calling all of them chickens. it was too funny. They also had a petting zoo with goats, deer, chickens, pigs and lots of other animals. I did have one bobo as I got off the train- I was graceful but took a fall and twisted my ankle and scrapped up my leg. But all is good. More pictures are on the left side of the blog.

2009-07-26T22:57:00.002-04:00

Day 2 of our Folly beach vacation 2009 was spent out on the beach most of the day. The kids played in the sand, Lydia and Sarah went shell hunting with mommy and we all played in the ocean. I have to tell something on Marlana - she is afraid of the fish in the ocean so she had to have a innertube with a bottom. Well she found one which was a giant baseball - well it was great except it didn't have handles so she did get flipped a few times. Joey Sr. played in the sand with the kids and we even got him to bob in the water with us for a while. After our day at the beach we went out to find dinner and then took a walk along the Battery. We finished the evening off with ice cream. Tomorrow we are going out to a Plantation for the day. Check out the rest of the pictures from today!!

Day 1 of Folly Beach 2009

2009-07-26T09:34:00.002-04:00

We arrived at Folly Beach yesterday afternoon and once we were unpacked we headed to the beach. Putting our feet in the ocean as soon as we got there and the water was great. We took a walk along the beach and then went to find some dinner. Buffalo wings and fried green tomatoes what a great dinner. Then we took a walk on the pier which is always so much fun. Then it was time for a trip to Walmart to pick up a few things so we would be ready for the beach today. If you want to see more pictures click on the slideshow on the right side of the blog. I will be posting though out the week.

Summer Trip to the Biltmore 2009

2009-07-13T23:32:00.003-04:00

Ok we took our summer trip to the Biltmore and had a blast. I did take pictures inside the house (don't tell), but I didn't use a flash. Believe it or not the kids love it. In the afternoon while we were at the Winery there was a big storm that came through and knocked out the power at the winery. So we just kept tasting the different wines. These are just a few pictures you can see more pictures by click on the slideshow on the left side of the page.

The Results of over $800 Raised for Missions

2009-07-13T22:26:00.007-04:00

Ok Joey told the kids if they raised $500 that they could shaving cream him on the last night. Well the kids with a little from the adults raised over $800 toward missions.

Before - he is ready to go!!!

The little ones getting started!!!

Here goes the next group - they seem to handle the cans a little better!!

It is starting to get bad!!!

He is starting to look like a giant marshmellow!!!

Here is the end!! And his skin was soft and he smelled good.

VBS at Piney Flats UMC

2009-07-13T22:14:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pictures from VBS at Piney Flats which the week after we moved in. It really was great for the kids cause they got to make friends with a lot of the kids at church and they will be going to school with a lot of the kids too.

Joshua is hard at work on the nights crafts!!!

Snack time - ice pops one of our favorites!! There is Sarah and Joey Jr.

Joey talking to the kids about missions.

Craft time still working on it!!

Closing time - look at all those kids. We had an average of about 60 kids each night.

New Beginnings

2009-07-02T14:32:00.003-04:00

Well we moved a week ago into our new home and were welcomed with open arms by our new church. We are down to those last few boxes would you wonder what to do with. We have already made the house a home and had a great frist Sunday at our new church. This week has been Vacation Bible School all week and it has been great. Tonight is the last night of VBS and Joey is going to get covered in shaving cream!!! I will post some pictures tomorrow. Melissa has been home this week from school so that has been a great help and a joy to have her home. The weekend should be pretty relaxing and looking forwqard to a great Sunday in worship.

Life Changes in a Moments Notice

2009-05-31T18:54:00.002-04:00

Ok tomorrow is June 1st and we will be moving in 3 weeks. We found out about 3 weeks ago that we are moving to a new church. We are only moving about 30 minutes from where we are but it still means packing everything up. We are really looking forward to a new ministry - we will only have 1 church for the first time in our ministry. This is the first move that the little ones so we have had to answer a lot of questions. Melissa is off at school right now and will come home for summer break to a new house. Marlana will be moving with us till the wedding in November. I am excited as I will get a new house to decorate - which is always lots of fun. So our summer is going to be full of new adventures and lots of fun!!! So we move June 23rd and 24th, have our first Sunday at our new church June 28th, VBS at the new church the 28th-July 2nd, a couple of weeks to settle in and then we get a week in Charleston on the beach before school starts back. It is a mazing how things change in just a moments time.

Easter 2009

2009-04-20T12:34:00.003-04:00

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. We started with coloring Easter eggs. The little ones have never colored eggs before and neither had Jeremy (Marlana's fiance). We all had a blast and colored one for Melissa too as she has gone off to school now. Saturday we had a church wide Easter egg hunt with about 600 eggs and 17 kids. They had a blast and came home with lots of candy. Sunday was started with Sunrise Service at our smaller church - Joey and the kids went to this and I was given a couple of every hours of sleep. Then when they got home all the kids were changed into their Easter Outfits and off to church we headed. We had a wonderful service with the Holy Spirit really present. After church it was home to fix lunch and mom and dad came over. We had a great lunch with all our favorites. Thenit was time for an egg hunt for the kids. While the kids were outside the Easter Bunny did come for a visit so the kids enjoyed all the goodies. It was a wonderful and blessed day.

Adoption Celebration and Baptism

2009-04-07T11:08:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we had a great time celebrating the kids adoption with our friends and family. The kids were also baptized by several special ministers to us along with the children's Godparents being part of the service. It was wonderful to see old friends.

Holy Moses!!

2009-03-25T19:19:00.003-04:00

Ok we have found a mate for Mary. He is 7 weeks old and cute as a button. We have decided to give him the registered name of Sir Holy Moses - we call him Mo or Moses around the house. He and Mary have taken to each and are so cute together!!

Saturday

2009-03-21T10:37:00.002-04:00

Ok yesterday - I didn't get everything done I had planned but I did take some time with my hubby - just the 2 of us!! We went out for an early dinner and then went to a couple of stores. We got some of the decorations for the Adoption Party and Baptism in a few weeks. Just to get out by ourselves is a great blessing. When you have 6 kids it is hard to find alone time. And next month Melissa (our 20 yr old) will be heading off to school so our time will become less. But I have to say I wouldn't give up all my kids - they are a great blessing. I make sure everyday to notice the little things they do that make me smile and laugh. Yesterday while we were out Melissa and the kids got out the new sidewalk chalk and we came home to all kinds of drawings on the drive way. Boy that brought a smile to my face. After they had dinner we took a trip to the dollar tree - my kids love the Dollar tree and we had lots of fun rooming and laughing at things. Today I can't wait to see what it holds.

Spring is Here!!

2009-03-20T11:05:00.002-04:00

Ok today is the first day of Spring!!! Still a little cool but the sun is shining and it is beautiful outside. Today is the last day of school before spring break - so next week we will get some time to do family things. Go to the park, play outside, take a trip to the zoo and even have some crafts lined up. This afternoon I am going to get out the rest of the spring and Easter decorations around the house. Also time to start thinking about getting the garden area ready and deciding what we want to plant this year. My tomatoes and cucumbers grew great last year.

The Team is Home

2009-03-15T19:33:00.004-04:00

The team landed in Knoxville yesterday at about 3:30pm. They were fighting who was going to get through the revolving door first. First site we see of Joey he is carrying a drum and has something long wrapped in newspaper sticking out of his backpack. They were greeted with open arms. I wasn't the only one missing people the past 2 weeks. They were tired and so glad to be home. All 8 of us went to the airport to get Joey!! Once we got is bag and I gave him a real Coca Cola we headed out to eat before coming back to Kingsport. Joey wanted American food - no rice or goat!!! So we went to Texas Roadhouse. After enjoying our meal we headed home - well after the detour to Dunkin' Donuts in Knoxville!!! The first thing Joey did when he got home was take a shower. Once clean he gave out gifts and was talking a mile a minute. The big drum Joey was carrying of the plane was for Melissa, the next thing was the big thing sticking out of Joey's backpack. It was a tall hand carved giraffe for me. I love giraffes. He actually brough me home 3 different carved giraffes, a bowl with giraffes, I purse with a giraffe and a beautiful wall hanging and runner for the top of the dresser. So I think we will be changing the decorations in the bedroom. He brought back African shirts for the boys, Jeremy and himself which they all wore to church this morning. He brought back Saraha dn Lydia the cutest dolls that are handmade. Marlana he brought a totbag and a carved frog. To all us girls he brought back these really neat necklaces made by the kids at the Humble School in Uganda. We watched some of the videos he made whcih were really neat. We all got a good night sleep last night. Today he still has a little jet lag but should be better in a few days. Here a couple of my favorite pictures and you can see more by clicking on the slide show on the left hand side. What I have loaded in the slide show is just a sample. Thank you all for your prayers, and please continue to pray for those in the Sudan and the other teams who will be going in the future.

Day 12 of Sudan trip

2009-03-12T22:50:00.002-04:00

Well the weather here on the home front is cold, rainy with a little sleet. Everybody is doing well here and we have been staying busy. Friends brought dinner over tonight and ate with and just sat around and talked. Now everybody is in bed and I am watching my favorite show ER.

Today from the other side of the world we got a phone from Joey - it was 2:30 our time and 9:30pm his. They have been in Uganda since Tuesday and have gotten to do some site seeing. They went the orphanage and got to hear the African Children's Choir. The choir will be heading to the US in a few weeks for 6 months touring in the US. They got to go on a flat boat ride and see the Nile River. Tomorrow they will be going to the open market and the Uganda zoo. Then tomorrow night their time (4pm our time) they will start their flight home. So in less than 48 hours they will land in Knoxville. It was sooooo good to hear his voice and me, Marlana, Melissa and Joshua got to talk to him. The others were still at school. I asked Joey if he had gotten a Coke since he got back in Uganda - he said "yes, but it taste nothing like ours!!" He said the weather over there was hot - they had several days in the Sudan in which it was 120 degrees. In Uganda it has been comfortable in the 80's. I told him what the weather was here and he told me to bring him a coat to the airport!!! He said they really miss the child and he said it has given him a totally different perspective about things. He said he has taken lots of pictures and several hours of video. So i will upload some of them after he gets home.

Please keep the team in your prayers as they travel home - remember they start flying at 4pm (EST) on Friday and will arrive in Knoxville around 4pm Saturday.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Sudan Trip day 10

2009-03-10T21:35:00.002-04:00

Ok I haven't post in the last several days but we hadn't gotten any news since the last post. As of the today the team is back in Uganda for a few days to debrief and get a little rest before the long flight home Friday and Saturday. I can't imagine the emotions the team must have after 7 days with all those children and then to leave them. Those of you who are close by please give Joey some time when he gets home.

On the home front we had a good weekend and everybody is well again. We had friends (another minister and his family) bring us dinner Saturday night and we enjoyed time together. They know the feelings we are having right now as Brandon went to the Sudan back in October and Karoline stayed home with the babies. So it was good to talk to someone who has been there. The week has started out pretty normal. Sarah has jammed a finger while doing flips on the trampoline so I have put a splint on it till it gets better. Today (Tuesday) Marlana and I had a day out because she is on spring break and not working today. We went shopping - found the girls bathing suits for the summer. Then Marlana and I went to lunch and then off to David's Bridal to look at wedding dresses. For those don't know Marlana and Jeremy are getting married November 28th. She tried on dresses and we have found the one. We both cried and she is so beautiful. I won't post a picture cause that will ruin the surprise!!! Ok after shopping for a wedding dress with my oldest child I went to register my youngest child Joshua for kindergarten!! Talk about an emotional day.
Tonight wonderful people brought us dinner plus they decided to go ahead and shop for the rest of the week. They made us a menu and brought all the supplies!!! So we have food to finish out the time till Joey gets home. We will have to save him a piece of the Homemade Strawberry cake - it is wonderful. Thanks girls!!!!!!!!!!!
So pray for a quiet rest of the week here and pray for safe travels home for the team.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Sudan Trip days 5 and 6

2009-03-06T12:23:00.003-05:00

Ok I didn't post yesterday as I hadn't heard anything plus I was down. I really miss Joey, we have never been apart this long. The homefront is pretty quiet - Lydia is feeling better, fever broke and she finally threw one of her tempertantrums which tells me she is feeling much better. Little Joey has had a good week at school which is a blessing in itself. Sarah has been the one getting on everybody's nerves - doesn't want to follow the rules which has gotten her in trouble. Joshua has been his usually cute self and gives me hugs often so I am "not lonely". Oh did you know a 5 year could sit still for 3 hours?? Joshua sat and watched the movie "Australia" with me the other day and loved it. He didn't move or even go to the bathroom. If you want a movie review just ask him.

Ok last night Joey called me at about 11pm our time (7am where he was) which was really a God thing because I really was having a pity party. Anyway he called to say they were safe and doing good - they have really enjoyed working with the children. He said that he had a bad case of "jet lag" the first day but other then that good. It was good to hear his voice. Probably won't talk to him again till he is back in the states.

He talked about the safe issue because of all the things going on over there. There has been a warrenty put out for the President of the Sudan so things are getting rough in some areas. 10 aid groups have been told to leave the Darfur area. This in NO WAY effects our team in Yei Sudan. If you would like to read what is going on here is a link:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,504426,00.html

We need to pray for those in Darfur as lives will be lost there without the help there.

Ok this morning we got an email from the team it is posted below:

Hello All,
I just spoke with Beth and all is well in Yei. The team is safe, happy and healthy and have just finished up Day 3 of Bible School. Beth said that the school at the United Methodist Compound has gained students because of the kwajahs (white people) who have been there teaching! The other 6 team bags have arrived and all is going well. Tomorrow they will be going to the UMCOR office and then Sunday they will be going to worship at the UM compound with the folks they have been working with.

She said the headmaster at the CTC where they are staying said to them “we love you.” And that seems to be the reaction they are getting all around Yei! The team said they will most likely not call again until Tuesday when they are back in Uganda.

So please continue to keep the team and their families in your prayers.

Blessings to all,

Cheryl

Day 4 of Sudan Trip

2009-03-04T16:28:00.002-05:00

Thing on the home front are pretty good - even though we still have a sick Lydia with the flu. Fever isn't as high but still has one when the meds start to wear off. So looks like she will miss the while week of school - just glad it is Kindergarten and that she is really smart. Sarah did get in trouble on the bus for poking a hole in the seat with a pencil so now we have to see how much that is going to cost to fix. Mommy wasn't very happy to get called out to the school bus this afternoon!! So for now Sarah is writing sentences. Little Joey has had two great days at school so that has been good and he hasn't had a major melt down. Dinner tonight is Chicken stuffed broccoli and cheese, pasta and green beans. Wonder what they are eating on the other side of the world.

So on the other side of the world we have heard today that they had a really great first day working with the kids and everybody is doing well.

So please keep praying for them and please say a prayer that our Lydia will will get better soon.

Blessing to All,

Cheryl

Day 3 of Sudan Trip

2009-03-03T17:12:00.002-05:00

Ok on the home front today things are quiet - Lydia is feeling better but still running a little bit of a fever. Nothing major today able to actually get some rest after 3 nights of being up.

Around the world things seem to be quiet as well. The following is an email sent to us from the contact at the conference office:

Hello All,
I just spoke with Beth and the team is safely in Yei! They saw the other Holston team, who is on their way home, on the airstrip in Yei and were wished well by Bishops Swanson, May and Wandabula. She said they have been resting and that she and Don had met with the headmaster and the team will begin Bible School tomorrow. They know that they will have 6 different groups throughout the day, but are being flexible about what that will actually look like and how much time they will have each group.

She said their accommodations are really nice and they have a sink, toilet and shower in each of their rooms. She said she guessed the temperatures are in the 90s, but not unbearable.

They have a female social worker, Allen, from Humble School in Uganda who is traveling with them as a their liaison from the East Africa Conference.

Beth said that 6 bags and a guitar did not make it to the airport with them, they were in a different vehicle. However, they were all team bags and the team members have all of their things with them. Those bags are being shipped to them by land so pray they arrive before too long.

She also said that she could feel the prayers of many throughout their safe travel and smooth sailing through customs!

I will most likely hear from them again in a couple of days. I’ll let you know when I hear something!

So glad to see they got there safely and smoothly. Thanks for all your prayers and please keep praying as they start the "important part" tomorrow.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Day 2 of Sudan Trip

2009-03-02T17:15:00.002-05:00

Ok here on the home front things are pretty calm. Did have to take Lydia to the doctor as she has been sick since Saturday. She has a wonderful case of the flu and strep throat!!! So she will be in bed for a few days. Melissa and I have taken to spraying everything with Lysol. Thinking about dipping the kids in it tonight after their baths!!! :o) I am still battling with an ear infection so now on 2 new meds in hopes of clearing it up finally!! Tonight is chicken Patties, Mac & Cheese and green beans.

On the other side of the world - the team arrived at about 1pm EST in Uganda. They will spend the night at a hotel and will fly to Yei, Sudan in the morning (well morning to them which is about 11pm EST for us. They are 8 hours ahead of us. They will be getting off the plane in Yei to say hello and goodbye to the team that is their now. That means as they get off the plane for their days in the Sudan the team has been there for 2 weeks will be getting back on the plane and heading home. From the e-mail received one of the girls on the team called to say they got to Uganda without anything happening. Which I was glad to hear.

More tomorrow!!

Day 1 of Sudan Trip

2009-03-01T09:34:00.002-05:00

Ok the the team will be flying out of Knoxville today at 11:15am. They will fly from Knoxville to Detroit, from Detroit to Amstredam, from Amstredam to Entebbe, Uganda. This part of the trip will take about 21 hours. The will spend the night in Entebee and then fly to Yei Sudan. They will be 7 hours ahead of us.

This is a video from one of the pervious teams who went a year ago. This will give you an idea of what they are going into. The man who did this video is on the team Joey is with now.

More updates as they come in and please keep praying!!!

Joey Heading the Sudan

2009-02-28T13:11:00.003-05:00

My husband Joey will be leaving in the morning with a group of 11 total to the Southern Sudan. This group of Young Adults will be going to do VBS with around 2000 kids. This is the first to go over just to spend time with the kids. They will return on March 14th. This will be a time of change for all of us in the Manis household as we left behind will have learn how to do without Dad for day to day things. Joey will deal with a lot more changes as he will go for 40 degree weather to 90 degree weather in a desert climate. He will be sleeping under a bug net at night and eating different foods and a totally different type of bathroom. Those are only a few of the things. We will get very little conunnication from the team while they are gone. If and when we get an email or communication I will post it to my blog. Please pray for the team going and the families left behind. For us this will be the first time Joey has been gone so long without being able to talk with us. Below is a picture of the team.

Isaiah 40:31

2009-02-18T13:31:00.003-05:00

Someone sent me this video today and after watching it I decided to share. My brother has had 2 chocolate labs - but we have all had that special pet in our life. We have had several with Biblical names but we haven't gone to scripture verses yet. Please watch and give it a thought. Gives me an idea for a children's sermon!!!

Adoption Day

2009-02-09T21:25:00.003-05:00

Granny and Grandpa with the 6 grandkids

The whole Manis Family

All 6 siblings!!

The judge with us after signing the papers.

The judge with the kids!!

I can't believe this day final arrived today!!! It has been a long road and we wondered how long we would be on it. Today marked the end of that road and the start of a new one. The feelings i had as the judge asked us with we would treat them as if they were our biological children and telling us that we have all the rights and responsiblities to them as if they are our biological children. I have listened to then call us mommy and daddy for the last 19 months and today as I left the courthouse I knew that they are forever and legally mine. I also thought back to 10 years ago when we adopted Marlana and Melissa. After court this morning we came back to the house and celebrated with a cake from our agency - yes MY kids had cake before lunch!!! Then after everyone left we decided that it was time for some fun so we headed to Chuckk E Cheese for lunch. And you know what on a Monday at lunch time there was nobody there!!! We had a couple of hours of fun and pizza. Pictures were taken through out the day to remember this day by. I just finished tucking MY children into bed for the night. I know tomorrow will back to the normal routine but I think I will hug them all a little longer tomorrow then today. I know we will have lots of new adventures over the next 14 years but today was a great mild stone in the Manis history!!!

Snow Days

2009-02-04T14:11:00.003-05:00

Pictures from out the back of the house.

Snickers and Mary enjoying the warm fire!!!

Mary's first time outside and in the snow!!

The kids have been home for 2 days for snow now and it is snowing again. The sad part is it is too cold to get to go out and play in the snow. So we have settled in today with a fire and movies. Even the dogs are enjoying the fire. Today I put Mary out in the snow to see how she would react and she loves it. It was also the first time she had actually been outside. Normally I would be more creative with things to do on a snow day, but I have a major headcold which has made me feel terrible.

Adoption Day is Almost Here

2009-01-31T14:37:00.003-05:00

I haven't talked about this on my blog but the video below really tugged at my heart after seeing it on a friend's blog today. My husband and I have 6 wonderful children that all have been gifts from God literally since they have all been adopted by us. Our 2 oldest Marlana and Melissa came to us when they were 11 and 12 years old and that was 10 years ago. They have brought such joy to us and have become beautiful young ladies. Marlana the oldest became engaged in December and will be getting married this coming December and leaving our home to start a new life. It is hard for a momma to let go of her children but in some ways it is even harder to let go now because she hasn't been with us that long and I feel like I haven't taught her everything she needs to know. Melissa is getting ready to head off to school in the spring to learn a trade and to become more independent. So I have 2 babies leaving home soon when it feels like I just got them. I can remember Marlana saying she was leaving for 18 years when we first got her - I told her she would be 30!! Well we decided a couple of years ago we were ready to adopt again and we wanted another sibling group - never in our minds did we think of getting 4 at one time. We actually were at our agencies office talking about international adoption (we had had 3 failed adoptions in 6 months) when our agency got a call about the sibling group of 4 - we were asked if we were interested - we took one look at each other and we will take them!! Well 6 hours later they were brought to our house with basicly a small box of clothes each and each had a toy. As soon as they walked in they started calling us mommy and daddy which they had never done to anyone else before. They were 3, 4, 5 and 6 at the time. It has taken 19 months of jumping through the hoops and red tape but the adoption of our 4 little ones will be final on Monday, February 9th. It is so wonderful for us to be turning onto a new road in our lives. Never in my life did I think I would be a mother to 6 beautiful children which God has trusted me with. My husband and I could not be making this journey in our lives without God helping us each day. Each child is their own person but because of their past they also come with special needs which have to be treated differently with each child. I gave up my job so that the kids have a 24/7 mommy who can be there no matter what and I have the greatest pay each day when I get 100 hugs and kisses and told "I love you Mommy!!"

Mommy's Heart Feels Good

2009-01-28T14:37:00.002-05:00

Ok the last couple of days as I have been taking kids here and there my heart has felt so good to hear my children singing praise music along with the cd. And then they ask for their favorite song to be played again and again. Some days I really wonder if I am getting through to my kids and that they understand what we are trying to teach them. Then they ask to say the blessing at dinner or say to you "I love you and so does Jesus." This morning i had to take joshua to Pre-Kindergarten and on the way I had my favorite Michael W Smith CD playing "Amazing Grace" - well joshua was just singing as loud as he could and even as we got out of the van and walked to the classroom he finished the song without the CD. How many 5 year olds do you know that know all the works to the Chris Thomlin version of Amazing Grace? It just made my heart feel so good.

What to Do With the Coins in the Piggy Bank?

2009-01-24T22:57:00.003-05:00

Ok we have a piggy bank (well Winnie the Pooh) that we put our spare change into. We noticed a couple of weeks ago that he was getting very heavy, but we didn't really feel like rolling the coins so she decided that we would take them to the Coin Star machine at the grocery store. Well if you get the money put onto a gift card to certain places they don't charge you a fee so we got a Starbucks Gift card - well it ended up being $77.78 gift card so now I can get my coffee fix and not feel guilty!!! Amazing how much change we put away in a year!! So once we were done at the grocery store we just had to head over to Starbucks for a cup of coffee and to pick up a couple of bags of coffee!!

Winter Weather

2009-01-18T20:35:00.002-05:00

Ok it is the middle of January and we really haven't seen many snow but it has been very cold. Then last night week got ice which caused electricity to got out at 5am. It is really dark where we live and Joey was out of town so I got up and checked on everybody. Went back to bed to stay warm as with no electricity there was no heat. Kids finally started waking up about 7:30am. Lydia first tells me that the bathroom lights won't come on. I told her that is right as we have no electricity. Then Joey Jr. tells me the lights in his room won't come on - I explain again about the elctricity being out. Then I get the question - Why? I did start a fire in the fireplace which helped with the heat. Joshua the 5 year old then announces that he would like a HOT breakfast. We explain again we have no electricity!! I thought after the fact I could have told him I would be happy to but his poptarts on the grill!!

I had to call around about church being canceled since we didn't have any power there either since the preacher (my hubby) was out of town. Then the kids asked why aren't we going to church - my answer again we have no power!! We did finally get power later in the morning but we have spent the day in with a warm fire watching movies and playing the Wii. Tonight we are suppose to get some snow - I really hope we get enough to sled down the hill as the kids are out of school tomorrow and we would have a great time.

A New Year

2009-01-09T10:51:00.002-05:00

Well our new year has started off with some new things. We decided it was time to finally buy some of our own furniture. With being in the ministry we have been living in church parsonages for the last 15 years and with the house comes furniture the church supplies. We decided that we wanted our own bedroom suite and family room furniture. It was so much fun going out a shopping and testing out furniture. Well we picked out what we wanted and then had to come home and start moving other stuff around. We have gotten everything in place and are already enjoying it all.

2 More videos of Ice Skating!!

2008-12-28T23:26:00.003-05:00

Videos of Ice Skating!!

2008-12-28T23:10:00.003-05:00

Ice skating videos - enjoy!!

Ice Skating!!

2008-12-28T22:35:00.006-05:00

Ok today we took all 7 kids ice skating. Marlana and Melissa have been before but it had been a while. The other 5 - Jeremy, Sarah, Joey, Jr., Lydia and Joshua had never been. The 4 little ones started to figure it out pretty quick and even with falling they didn't let it get to them - they got right back up. Jeremy was a good sport and tried hard - even falling a few times even though we didn't get it on tape. He will be really sore in the morning!!! They all had a great time. Enjoy the pictures and the videos!!!

Can You tell She has Grown?

2008-12-21T23:27:00.003-05:00

Mary Christmas at 9 weeks old!!

Mary Christmas at 12 weeks - can you tell difference with the same can of soup??

Ok Mary Christmas is now 12 weeks old can you tell she has grown? She is little bitty compared to the others but her size sure doesn't keep her down. She tells the others what for when they try to pick on her!!

Merry Christmas from the Manis'

2008-12-21T23:09:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Baby Girl Growing Up

2008-12-17T12:29:00.003-05:00

Well our baby girl is growing up. On Sunday December 7th Marlana's boyfriend proposed to her in front of the whole church. She has accepted. The wedding won't be at least for a year. But we are excited to welcome Jeremy to the family.

Christmas Greetings from the Manis Family

2008-12-17T12:26:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The New Baby

2008-12-04T13:17:00.002-05:00

Ok after losing 2 of our babies in a month our hearts were broken. So Joey asked me what I wanted - I decided that I wanted a Chihuahua puppy. We found some local and bought Mary home on Tuesday evening. She doesn't even weigh a pound but so full of energy. The others are adjusting to her.

So please welcome Mary Christmas to the Manis Family!!

Lost Our Puppy Scarlet Today

2008-12-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

We had to have our puppy Scarlet put to sleep this morning. She was suffering from neurologic Distemper. Things started a few weeks ago when she started pacing in circles and hiding behind things and didn't want to play with the others. After a trip to the vet we thought she had hurt her back and that is why she couldn't settle down. The vet put her on some meds to see if that would help. Well over the weekend she became disoriented, couldn't hold her head up and would walk and fall down. So we took her to the vet this morning and it was determined that she had Distemper/meningitis and there is no cure so we had her put to sleep. That was so hard to do with a 24 week puppy. Especially after losing Noah only a month ago.

Having some Fun!!

2008-11-28T10:59:00.003-05:00

Ok the other night we headed out to have some fun so we headed to the Speedway in Lights which is at the Bristol Motor Speedway - they do up the grounds with millions of lights. It is wonderful and lots of fun. You actually get to ride on the race track and then we made a stop in Santa's village to get some hot chocolate and visit with Santa. We also took time to play and the big kids even took a shot at the bumper cars. Here are a couple of pictures and for more click on the slideshow.

Christmas Parade

2008-11-23T22:01:00.003-05:00

Do you find this to be an interesting float???

Yesterday we went to the Kingsport Christmas parade. It was cold but had fun being out with all the crowd. Kids had a really good time. Came for a hot cup of Cocoa!!

Snow Day!!

2008-11-21T12:56:00.002-05:00

Look what we got up to this morning!!! I have had snow showers off and on all day today. So the kids had a snow day but really too cold to get out and play. I can't believe we have snow this early in the season!!! Wonder what is in store for us this winter. Time to get some firewood stocked up for the winter so we will have a warm cozy winter.

39th Birthday

2008-11-19T21:41:00.002-05:00

Ok - today is my 39th Birthday. There weren't any bells and whistles but a good day - first joey let me sleep in and then he cooked me breakfast once the kids were off to school. I had a relaxing morning around the house - then my oldest daughter, Marlana, took me out to lunch. Then we did a little shopping - actually bought myself a dress.
My parents came over in the evening - my mom made me a key lime cake for my birthday so we all had a piece. Kids were pretty good so that was a present in itself. Joey got me a new Nintendo DS game which is puzzles plus it has ocean sounds with it, he also got me some flowers.
My mom asked me a question "would I now be forever 39?" I said no because i look back over the years and see all the wonderful things in my life and even though I have some gray hair now growing older hasn't bothered me. I have some wonderful blessing to be thankful for in my life - a wonderful husband who treats me like gold, 6 beautiful children who God decided we needed even if it was by the old fashine way, wonderful loving parents and a wonderful Savior Jesus Christ in my life. The Lord only knows what the next year holds but I am along for the ride!!!

Going to the Theater

2008-11-15T11:37:00.002-05:00

Last night was so much fun - we got all dressed up to go have family pictures made last night (which went really well). Then we went out to dinner and then on to the Theater to see the play Beauty and the Beast. It was wonderful and we had a great time. Our tickets were split up but they were free so I wasn't going to complain. I sat with Lydia and she was great - her quote about the beast was "He is really mean". Joey sat with the other 3 and they were good too. Joshua was scared of the beast but Joey told him if the beast tried to get him he would punch him in the nose.

Have a Christmas Tree Up

2008-11-10T20:36:00.002-05:00

Ok this weekend we put up the first Christmas tree. I decided I wanted one in our bedroom this year. So I headed to Ben Franklin to get one of my favorite Country Trees. I decided on gold and silver decorations. I got it finished Saturday evening and it is really pretty and sparkley. Tomorrow I plan to put up my wall tree which I decorate all in snowmen. For those who don't know I love snowmen. We want to have the deocration up by Thanksgiving so we have plenty of time to enjoy them. We also got our new outside blow up for the yard - which is Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the doghouse.

November - Time to Decorate for Christmas

2008-11-06T22:16:00.003-05:00

Ok - Christmas is our favorite holiday in our house and Joey has already started about putting up the Christmas trees!!! Told him we had to atleast wait till the week before Thanksgiving but really don't know if we will make it. I have been listening to Christmas music and as you can tell I already have it on my blog.
Last year we had 4 full trees, a wall tree and the kids had little ones in their rooms. I am thinking of adding another tree this year and I want to put it in our bedroom. Ok - I know it sound crazy but I love to lay and look at the lights. So tomorrow I think I will head out to look for a tree for the bedroom. And then with adding another tree means a new theme for it as all of our trees have a theme. What kind of theme for the bedroom?? Once I decide I will let you know!!

Trick or Treat!!

2008-10-31T22:34:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween to everyone!! I'll be honest Halloween has never been my favorite holiday but we did have fun today. First we carved our pumpkins this afternoon when the kids got home from school. Then we got the kids all decked out in their costumes and went out Trick or Treating. We went with a Super Hero theme. Sarah was Super Girl, Joey was Captain America, Lydia was Wonder Woman, and Joshua was Mr. Incrediable. Marlana wasTigger and Jeremy was Eeyore. We went out to the neighbors and friends and church members. We have enough candy to last us months.

Hayride and Roasting Marshmellows

2008-10-31T13:06:00.002-04:00

Last night we went out for a hayride and roasted marshmellows. It was cold but lots of fun!! The kids had a blast. This afternoon we are going to carve our pumpkins before we go out trick or treating. I will post pictures of the pumpkins and the kids later tonight!!

Snow Today!!

2008-10-28T20:56:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not we have had snow showers off and on all day. It is cold and the kids had to wear heavy coats to school. Too cold and windy for the kids to go out and play so had to keep them busy inside.

Plan to carve our pumpkins tomorrow evening. Thursday we are going out to the corn maze and Friday we will be trick or treating!!!

Noah Died

2008-10-25T07:48:00.003-04:00

Noah died this morning. He will be missed so much. He was our first child and had seen us through some really hard and really happy times in our lives.

Some people may think it is silly but in our home all of our animals are part of our family not just an animal. All of the kids are sad and all of the other animals are sad too. There will be a blank spot for some time in our lives.

Noah be free and run and play with your sister Gumdrop!!

Rainy Fall Day

2008-10-24T11:52:00.002-04:00

Today is a rainy fall day and all the kids are home due to Teacher Inservice today. So far so good with behavior. We all are being lazy. Actually I am sitting here with Noah our oldest chihuahua. He turned 15 last month and we have been dealing with some major health issues for the last several months with him. Last week he stopped eating and is in his last days with us. The kids understand what is happening and it is making all of us sad. Noah has been a great dog and best friend and this is so hard. He isn't suffering so we just continue to love on him and wait. Noah was our first child so this has been a hard road.

Some Great News Today

2008-10-09T23:16:00.002-04:00

We found out today that Joey Sr. has been picked for a team to the Sudan in March 09. This has been a dream of his to be able to go. For those who don't know - Our conference of the United Methodist Church has a covenant with the Southern Sudan and we send 5 to 6 teams a year over to help with things. We actually are getting ready to send 2 pastors over full time for a couple of years.
Anyway Joey will be going with a team March 1st-15th. We have a lot to do in the next 6 months - Raise money and get things like vaccines and passport stuff done. His team will be spending their time with the orphanage there and other children doing VBS and day camp programing. The funny thing is it has been a running joke that Joey wouldn't be aloud to go to the orphanage since we already have 6 adopted children!! I told him I would give him a dufflebag. What is a couple of more??!!
Please start praying now for this team now. Even though they will be "playing" this is still a hard 2 weeks both physically and emotionally.

Just a Regular Day

2008-10-09T23:09:00.003-04:00

Well we have had pretty normal days the last couple of weeks. If a family of 8 can have normal days!! Joshua did have to have a baby tooth pulled as the adult tooth was trying to come in at the wrong place. Scarlett is growing like all puppies do. Fall has arrived which has really been nice. Could open the windows and let the fresh air in.
Melissa with Scarlett playing in the Kitchen
Joshua really into the movie on the TV. He is growing so fast. Can't hardle pick him up anymore. Where did my little boy go???
Joey with Gracie watching a movie.

Marlana and her cat Tiger!!

New Family Member!!

2008-09-23T21:10:00.002-04:00

WEll I got my birthday present 2 months early but she couldn't wait!! Her name is Scarlett - we aren't sure what she is but she is so sweet and lovable. Believe it or not all the other dogs have already taken to her and Grace and Snickers have become her mothers. She is really gentle with Noah and will lay down next to him for a nap.

Happy Birthday Noah!!

2008-09-23T21:02:00.002-04:00

Noah is our oldest Chihuahua which Joey and I have raised since he was a puppy. He is our baby and he has had a rough road over the past year. He has been in congestive heart failure for over a year now and has slowed down a lot over the past couple of months. His kidneys are now affected too. We have gone to cooking for him because he has gotten picky because his teeth are really bad too. We even sit and feed him with a fork.Well Noah turned 15 today so I had to get a few pictures.

Birthday Pictures

2008-09-23T20:55:00.002-04:00

Ok we had one party on Sunday afternoon. The boys were excited and loved the attention. I baked Joey Sr. a birthday cake earlier in the week, Plus he got a guitar for his birthday along with taking lessons now.

Birthday's This Week

2008-09-15T22:44:00.002-04:00

This week is the week for boy birthdays.

Joshua's B-day is tomorrow and will be 5. Found out today when he went to the dentist that he has to have one of his baby teeth pulled in a few weeks because the adult tooth is trying to push through in the wrong place. Joshua is growing by leaps and bounds and is so lovable and cute!! But what momma doesn't think that about their child.

Wednesday is Joey, Sr birthday and he will be 38!! I married him when he was 20!! He has bought 2 guitars for his birthday and is now taking lessons so hopefully will hear something soon from him. Have to tell you a funny story - we have a dog Noah, who will be 15 next week. He is a chihuahua and so sweet. Well he is blind and in congestive heart failure and gets treated like a king. We cook for him and he has gotten very picky lately so we have to try different things. Well tonight I fixed him a turkey pot pie and he was so excited but he was having a hard time getting it out of the bowl - between being blind and having bad teeth too. So as I am leaving for my Bible study Joey Sr is sitting in the floor feeding Noah with a spoon the turkey pot pie and he is eating it off the spoon. And believe it or not I didn't have a camera around. Now that is a spoiled dog!!

Thursday is Joey, Jr birthday and he will be 7!! He is a good boy but definately a middle child!! He has been doing good in school and loves to read.

I think we are going to have party on Sunday afternoon after church - I just can't think of 3 parties this year!!!

Lydia's Birthday

2008-09-15T22:36:00.002-04:00

Ok I forgot to post some pictures from Lydia's birthday a few week ago. She turned 6 and we had a princess theme. She is such a little prissy thing!!

Been Doing Some Crafts Today

2008-09-12T22:26:00.003-04:00

I have been doing some crafts today. I love the little paper Christmas tree. I got the pattern from another girls website. I have been playing with my Cricut cutting machine and made the little bag. Then I started working on sample Christmas cards for a Workshop I am doing in a couple of weeks. I have enjoyed myself today. We have a quiet weekend so I hope to do some other things.

Next week we have 3 birthdays - Joshua, Joey Sr., and Joey Jr. Think we will just have one party next Saturday.

New Perspective

2008-09-03T21:21:00.003-04:00

Well this week has given me a new perspective as there have been about 400 evacuees here in Kingsport from New Orleans. They are in 2 different places - one being our sister United Methodist church and the other the Civic Center. We have been helping out at the church with serving meals and just visiting with the people. A lot of them had been through Katrina and were really nervous about the storm. Today we were up at 5am to go be part of a team to cook breakfast. We cooked not only for the people at the church but also for those at the Civic Center as they have no kitchen - so I saw over 700 biscuits and sausage patties go by me this morning. I don't want to see biscuits and sausage for a while. But while cooking we could see those staying there making their cots and cleaning up around their space. There are over 100 cots in the gym area and then more in classrooms. They still don't know when they will be aloud to go home. So just remember all those in shelters right now when you curl up in your own bed tonight!!

Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade

2008-08-26T22:09:00.002-04:00

I am learning it all again!!! I can read the little stories in my sleep. But what happened to Dick and Jane? Now there are lots of different names. I have spelling for both the 1st and 2nd grade and different kinds of math. Kindergarten is just reading right now - yes you got that right KINDERGARTEN. Lydia is doing great with it too. She is so excited to come home and read her little books to me. OK and next year we will have 4 in elementary school. Joshua is starting a pre-K program at a local church next week. Be in prayer for the teacher as her class is 8 5 year old boys!!! He is so excited. He only goes 3 hours each morning so I will still get some time with him. I;m just not ready to let him go. He is so mommys little boy.

Birthdays

2008-08-22T11:30:00.002-04:00

Ok August and September are full of birthdays for us. We had our first one a couple of weeks ago with Sarah (Aug 10th) - she turned 8. We had a small party with a tinkerbell theme. Our next Birthday will be Lydia on August 28th - she will be 6. We are planning a Princess theme. Joshua will be next is September (Sept 16th) and I am sure we will do a Cars theme as that is his favorite movie. Big Joey has a birthday on the 17th of September and I will make his favorite cake (yellow cake w/ chocolate frosting). Them little Joey's birthday is September 18th and I haven't decided what theme to do. Yes if you haven't figured it out the 3 boys have birhtdays straight in a row. (Now if that isn't a God thing)

Regular Schedule

2008-08-22T11:17:00.002-04:00

Well now that the school is back in we are getting back into a regular routine. Sarah, Joey and Lydia have been enjoying their new classes so far. Lydia was so excited because she got to ride the school bus for the first time this week. Yes, I got pictures!! We have been doing homework - there are spelling worda and reading every night.

Joshua will start a Pre-K program at a local church the day after Labor Day. He is so excited to be going to school. Say a prayer for the teacher as she has 8 little boys in the class.

Melissa should be heading to her school in the next month - we are just waiting for a spot to open up.

Marlana starts back to school next week, plus she is working. She also has a boyfriend now. So we hope that she will keep her priorities in the right order.

School Started This Week!!!

2008-08-06T13:48:00.002-04:00

Ok can you hear the excitement in my voice?? Sorry but 8 people can only be around each other for so long without driving each other crazy. Sarah start 2nd grade without her front two teeth and a cute tanned face. Joey started 1st grade with a lot of apprehension - he said "he wasn't going, he was staying kindergarten till he was 10". I told him "he wouldn't fit in the desk at 10 plus he has already done kindergarten 2 times so now it was time to move on." So daddy took both Sarah and Jory the first day and walked them to their classrooms. Well 4 hours later Joey comes home and his first comment was "1st grade rocks". So I think we are over that hump. Lydia has a kindergarten faze in over the next 2 weeks. We found out that Joshua will not be aloud in the pre-k program because he actually turns 5 before the cut off date so he will be home with us another year. But that is OK with me as I was not ready to let him go yet!! So I will spend time doing some homeschooling with him this year. So in a couple of weeks we will just have one child home during the day - which means I might get something done!!

Chicken Pox

2008-08-02T22:55:00.002-04:00

Well we have had a busy week getting ready for the kids to go back to school next week and low and behold Joshua comes down with the chicken pox!!! He has had the shots so he isn't suppose to get them but he has them any way. Luckly they aren't a bad case - pretty mild - but try explaining to a 4 year old they can't play outside, they can't go to the water park with other kids, he can't go any where!! And then trying to explain why they are called chicken pox when I don't even know why they are called that - does anybody know the answer to that. But Joshua now has it in his head that he is going to grow feathers!!! Which that part is cute and to night he took an oatmeal bath and enjoyed playing in the tub. Hopefully we are on the down side but they say they are considered contagious till all the pox have scabbed over so he will be home a few more days. The interesting thing will be to see if any of the other get them in the next 9 to 14 days!! Do need to take some pictures of "chicken boy" for a scrapbook page!!

Trip to the Zoo

2008-07-28T21:16:00.002-04:00

Today we went to the zoo with some friends and we saw Lions, and Tigers and Bears - Oh My!! The weather was actually pretty good and the 6 little ones behaved pretty good. The Knoxville Zoo is really lots of fun and we always see something new each time. Our kids really love the animals, but one of their favorite things to do is play in an old jeep that is there at the zoo. They will fight over who "gets to drive". We also saw a zebra who can smile - every time we said "say cheese" he would smile at us. My favorite animal is still the griaffe and I even got a picture of one sticking out his tongue. I made Marlana ride the camel as I have pictures of all the others riding one.