I want to swim as fast as Michael Phelps!

In the beginning of the year, Caleb decided to start swimming lessons again. He has grown so much since last year, and it has been amazing to see how much he has learned. He is now quite the strong swimmer. He can swim alone without a life vest. I had to capture a few videos to show off to the grandparents. They aren't great but you can at least see a little of how awesome he is!

The other day we saw a picture of Michael Phelps and Caleb asked who he was. We explained that he was one of the fastest swimmers in the world and was a Gold Medalist. Caleb was so excited and asked many questions about him. We eventually ended up finding a video of Phelps swimming online so Caleb could watch see him in action. He now wants to learn out to swim in races and think he wants to be as fast as Michael Phelps someday. Never thought my 5 year old son would know who Michael Phelps was. Not a bad hero, I guess. It was be interesting to see what the future holds for swimming in Caleb's life. But for now, swimming is most definitely a favorite!

STOMP

This week, Brydon and I had our late Valentine's date.  We went to see STOMP!!  It was a great night out with friends which included dinner and then an amazing show.  We had never seen STOMP before and it is spectacular.  The show only has 8 performers and for 1 hour and 40 minutes (with no intermission) these performers are making music with brooms, trash cans, their feet and hands, coffee cans, trash, pipes, kitchen sinks with rubber gloves, and barrels.  It is fast paced and exhausting to watch.  They even threw in some great humor.  The performers never talk but the actions and music speak loudly.  I found myself tapping my foot the whole time.  They are superbly talented musicians and it is Street Music at its best.

The flash was totally blinding but we got at least an OK picture!

I highly recommend STOMP if you ever get the chance to see it.  So grateful for friends who invited us to get tickets with them and see a show for the first time in a long, long time. 
We love the theater!

Feeling the Love at the Manning House

Caleb had a lot of fun making his Valentine's for school this year. We had gotten a large bag of broken and left over crayons from the church Nursery, so we decided to recycle them. One of my kindergarten partners from Utah does this and I thought it was a great idea. So we found all the pink, red, purple, and white crayons and put them in heart shape molds. Caleb really enjoyed designing heart crayons and loved to see them all melted. This is a really fun project and we hope to do it again with some different shapes and colors.  The hardest part was getting the paper off the crayons, but it was very kid friendly and Caleb was really into the recycling idea. 

I had to use my new Cricut to cut out some heart shapes.  I think they turned out pretty cute. 

The best part of Valentine's Day was our secret ambush on Dad's office.  We decided to Heart Attack Daddy's office.  Caleb was so much fun.  He kept giggling and telling me how much fun he was having.  We secretly cut out a bunch of hearts and then snuck in to Daddy's office after school.  We covered the office in hearts and put chocolate candies all over.  Caleb couldn't wait to see Dad's reaction but we snuck away before we saw him.  Brydon was very surprised and actually got his first glimpse of the office as he was escorting his Squadron Commander in to have a chat.  Luckily he has a great Commander who didn't even make a comment about it.  We had to let Daddy and everyone at the office know how much we loved our #1 Airman!!

Check out Caleb's awesome Valentine's sweater.  Yep it is a Christmas sweater with Reindeer.  The kiddo most definitely has his own sense of style and confidence :)

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day!!  Lots of love from the Manning Clan in Texas!!

Sometimes You Just Find True Love at Two

When we moved to Philadelphia, it was like moving to a foreign country. We were so far away from family, surrounded by many different cultures, and lived in a city that was set up so differently than any other we had ever lived in. It was a whole new world. The one thing that helped us adjust to our new way of life was the people that we met at church. We were surrounded by the most amazing people who instantly became our family. Everyone supported everyone, everyone served and gave so much to help others, and we were all in very similar situations. For the most part we were all families struggling to put our husbands through graduate programs with young children far from home. We were amazed as we watched our friends serve as Bishops and Relief Society Presidents as well as other busy callings at church. The women would send husbands off to early morning church meetings and then get the children ready for church before driving to the ghetto to pick up Liberian refuges to bring them to church. Everyone gave so much. There were no excuses not to serve or help others.  They were amazing examples to us and we learned so much from everyone around us.  We were so grateful for our friends.  The friendships we made in Philadelphia were the kind you cherish forever.

In Philadelphia, Caleb also found his true love.  When we first moved to the area, we met a family that had a little girl named Reese that is Caleb's age.  The two year olds quickly became friends and loved to play together.  Every Sunday they would hold hands, and Caleb would take Reese to Primary.  Eventually they began talking about getting married.  Reese even had a wedding dress picked out and Caleb would talk about what temple he was going to marry Reese in.  It was a sweet little romance and they were the best of friends.  We were sad when Reese's family moved away. 

Caleb and Reese in March 2010 a couple months before her family moved away.  The sweet 3 year old friends.

We were so excited when Reese's family let us know that they would be visiting some other Philly friends in Dallas and suggested we should all get together.  We were so excited to have a little Philly reunion!  We had not had the chance to visit our friends in Dallas yet and it was going to be so fun so see our friends. 

Caleb was particularly excited!  Although we hadn't seen Reese in almost 2 years, Caleb was still determined to marry her.  He regularly talked about her and talked about when they would get married.  If any other girl mentioned they wanted to marry Caleb, he would tell them that he was only going to marry Reese.  Other girls were just out of luck.  Reese was also just as devoted to Caleb.  She would also talk about him and about marrying him someday.  The two were so excited to get to see each other again.  Caleb told everyone he could that he was going to see his girlfriend.

Last Saturday as we were beginning to prepare to leave for Dallas, Caleb walked into my room in a suit and red shirt and announced he was almost ready to leave.  I was told that he only needed a church hat and a flower.  When I asked him why, he said he needed to look nice to see Reese.  When he found out that we probably wouldn't be able to find a church hat, he decided he wanted to get 2 red flowers.  One to give to Reese and one to go on his suit pocket.  Unfortunately we were not leaving for a few hours and the trip would be 3 hours long.  So we convinced Caleb that it would be ok to change back into his suit when we arrived in Dallas and that we would buy a flower there.   Being 5, when we got to Dallas, he just wanted to get to our friend's house and no longer cared about flowers and his suit.  But he sure was cute that morning!

Caleb and Reese were a bit shy at first but quickly warmed up to each other again.  They play so well together and really are great friends.  On Sunday, Caleb again escorted Reese to Primary and he has informed us that he still wants to marry her.  His parents can't deny he has pretty great taste.  She is really cute and her family is as good as they come.

Brinley, McKenna, Caleb, & Reese

Old Philly Friends! 

It was so fun to see the kids play together and become friends again so easily.  Philly was truly a bonding time for all of us.  We have 8 kids all together.  I missed getting a photo before the little ones were in bed and tired.  

Obviously the kids enjoyed being together!

Murray's, Christensen's, & Manning's

It was quite a full household but was a great trip.  The adults even got a night out together and we all just enjoyed sitting around talking.  It was nice to catch up and see where our new careers had taken us.  We are so grateful to know such wonderful people and that we can call them our friends. 

Thank you Murray's for putting up with us all and letting us all crash at your house!

32--Ain't Too Bad

Last week I turned 32!! I figure I am still young enough that I don't need to lie yet. I also have a 5 year old that announced to the world that is was my birthday and that I am 32, so we have no secrets around here.  I must admit that the 30's have been pretty great.  I love being in my 30's and this year was by far one of the best birthday's ever.  It was the birthday that just kept on giving.

The Birthday Celebration started the day before my birthday, when one of my friends held a small Ladies' Luncheon for me.  It was a wonderful, fancy lunch that included her grandmother's china.  I had never had a fancy lunch like this before and it was extra special.  The meal was perfect, the Strawberry Cake fit me perfectly, and the friends were the best.  I can't remember the last time I had a party where a bunch of friends organized a party for me and brought gifts.  I felt very special and loved.

We figured "5" would work just as well as "32"!

On my birthday, I received many wonderful Facebook messages, phone calls, and spent the evening with my family.  During the day, I substituted at Caleb's school and even got to share my birthday with a bunch of great third graders who were very kind and thought I was turning 21.  Way nicer than kindergartners who usually thought I was turning 100.  That evening my boys took me out to try Texas Roadhouse for the first time.  We had a lot of fun there.  Caleb loved telling everyone it was my birthday.  He is just so much fun to be around!  Having a birthday with a 5 year old is the best. 

I got to sit in the Birthday Saddle as the wait staff sang to me.  Caleb loved it!!  It was pretty neat.

Couldn't ask for a better birthday gift than hanging out with this handsome guy and his amazing dad.

The next night, we invited some friends over to hang out with us.  Another friend made me one of my traditional birthday cakes. I switch between two particular cakes every other year.  Last year we had my Grandmother's strawberry shortcake so this year I had my unique no-bake cheesecake with strawberry topping.  (Yep I love strawberries! And when your birthday is close to Valentine's you get a lot of pink and red and hearts.)  It was a loud, crazy evening but we love being around them all.  The guys did get a bit strange on us though and decided to try out a new water filter.  So they walked over to the marsh close to our house and drank the water.  Apparently it tasted like pond scum, but no one got sick so I guess the filter worked.  The things men do together!

Over the weekend, we went to Dallas to meet up with some of our great friends from Philadelphia.  They had remembered it was my birthday and before we left we had cake and ice cream to celebrate.  It was so fun to get to celebrate with so many people.

There is no doubt that I have the best friends and family ever.  I was totally spoiled rotten and felt so loved!  It was an amazing birthday and I am so grateful for every one's love and friendship. 

Yep...32 ain't too bad at all!

Memorable Temple Moments

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to finally attend the Lubbock Temple together.  Brydon and I hadn't been to the temple together since we took a special trip to Washington, DC.  We were grateful for the opportunity to go and for our friends who took Caleb for us.  It was a great day.  We were able to attend the temple with our very special friends.  Jacob is about to leave on his mission to Costa Rica in April and Brydon was able to escort him in the temple.  Jacob's father is currently deployed and wasn't able to be here for this special day.  He was greatly missed!  It was a beautiful day and was a great day at the temple with many friends from the Ward.  We are so grateful our friends let us be a part of their special day!

Brydon and Jacob (soon to be Elder!)

Jacob has the most amazing mother and we love them to death!

I am always humbled by the amazing families we have met in the military and the sacrifices they make to support our country.  Their father will be gone for 9 months total and will have missed the day the mission call was received, the day at the temple, possibly taking his son to the MTC, and is daughter's High School graduation.  We are lucky to know such a great family and we love them to death!

As we spent the day in Lubbock, I was often reminded of some of my most special moments at the temple.  Before we left Philadelphia, I was able to escort 3 of my dear Liberian friends to the temple.  They were some of my most unique and dear memories of service in the House of the Lord.  I miss these women so much and am so grateful for the lessons they taught me.  These 3 visits to the Washington DC Temple will always be very special memories.

Right before Brydon left for Officer Training, he was able to come with me to escort Yvina to the temple.  It was an amazing experience to watch her be sealed to her dear husband, who she had such fond and dear memories of.

Later while my mother was visiting, I was able to take Mary to the temple.  Yvina also came with us and it was another beautiful day.

Not long after we moved from Philadelphia, Mary was sealed to Quilly in the temple.  We are so proud of them and happy they get to be together forever.

Right before I moved, I then took Pahn to the temple.  She is such a dear friend and is so loving.  It was such a blessing to be with her in the temple.

That day, Pahn and Richard were sealed together.  They were so excited to be together forever and couldn't wait to call their children in Africa to tell them about their special day.

Me with my 3 special friends

All the dear African sisters that came with us.  I will probably never have such unique and yet special visits to the temple ever again!  I never would have guessed when we first moved to Philadelphia that I would truly see these women as sisters and dear friends. 

Church Service Blessings

So I have debated a little bit about whether or not to write this post, but since I do use it to document our life and church is a big BIG part of our life, I am.  As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe everyone plays a part in the function of our local church or Ward.  No one is paid (including the Bishop), all service is voluntary, and we believe that callings are inspired by God.  You don't aspire to high ranking or leadership callings and all callings are a necessary part of making the church function correctly.  They do however play a big role in helping you stretch and grow and become a big part of your life.  Brydon and I have had an array of callings.  Some meant we met with youth early every morning for seminary (scripture study), I led a Literacy class in our home twice a week, Brydon has been a secretary for different organizations, and we both have taught classes multiple times.  Each calling has hard things about it but in the end you come to love the people you serve and love the calling you have been asked to do. 

One of Brydon's favorite callings was in Philadelphia.  Right when he was graduating, Brydon was asked to serve in the Bishopric (our clergy).  He was a councilor to the Bishop.  He learned so much and loved the men he got to work with.  It was a calling where you really saw him grow and use many of his great leadership skills.  He was in that calling for only a little over 4 months before he was sent off to Officer Training School.  It was hard to say good-bye. 

Philadelphia 1st Ward Bishopric, October 2010

Bro. Chin, Bishop McBride, Bro. Manning

When we moved to Texas, I was immediately put in as the Primary President.  I am in charge of all 18 month - 12 year old children, and help organize the Sunday School classes they go to and activities we support such as Cub Scouts.  It is a very humbling, busy position and I am just grateful I have so many amazing people I get to work with and help me.  Brydon was asked to teach some youth classes for a while and then 4 months ago got asked to serve in the one calling he NEVER wanted!  He was asked to work with the 12-13 year old boys and be an Assistant Scout Master.  He really had no desire to ever work in the Boys Scout Program and knew this was a calling that required a lot of work.  But surprisingly (well not that surprisingly) he threw himself into the work.  The Scout program had been struggling a bit and with the hard work of the Scout Master and Brydon, they have worked to create a TERRIFIC Scout program.  He has spent so much time scrounging for camping gear (because we had none), getting the boys excited about Scouts, educating parents, and organizing camp outs, merit badge classes, and a High Adventure.  He developed such a love for the program, the boys, and the men he got to work with.  They truly began to see miracles. 

Troop 250!  Whoot Whoot!

Two Awesome Scout Leaders!
All their hard work has started paying off, and now I don't think we could ever separate them.
Love you Bryan, even if you text my husband more than I do now :)

Proof that Miracles really do still happen. 
Our boys have most definitely not always felt the love they are now showing.  They sure are great kids!!

On Sunday, Brydon was asked to be in the Bishopric again as a councilor to the Bishop.  I have watched him cry and struggle to let go as he knows that he will not be an Assistant Scout Master right now.  It has been really hard for him to let go of his Scouting calling.  He really came to love the amazing things happening in that program.  I know he will be a great asset to the Bishop and will be a wonderful advocate for the youth of our ward.  I am grateful to be married to such a humble and worthy man who can hold such callings.  Life is going to be continue to be quite busy with church, but we are grateful for the chance to serve.  We have truly witnessed amazing blessings as we have served.  The Lord has most definitely given us more in return than we have given.