My sister-in-law is home......

This Christmas we had the pleasure of going up north to see Kam's sister who just returned with honor from her mission in the Philippines.... It was so good to see her and hear some of her stories... She came back such a humble soul... and we are so proud of her.... most of my husband's family had made the trip up north, and it was so nice hanging out with all of them.... the kids went swimming played basketball and volleyball all week.... for Christmas we all just hung out and talked about what Christmas was really about..... the spirit was so strong.... and definitely felt by all. So on Saturday we got up at 4am and went with Kam's whole family to do a session at the Oakland Temple at 530 am... when we pulled up it was still dark outside and the lights on the temple grounds were so beautiful.. And I could already feel the spirit.....later that day I found out the my sis in law Kala was about to be proposed to already..... and even though I didn't really understand it all I was excited to witness and traditional Tongan engagement... and what was more exciting is that my children got to be a part of it....here are a few pics of the event... Again I have no idea what actually takes place... all I know is that they brought a pig and some falas and a beautiful blanket that says I love you Kakala on it, that my daughter was given to since she is named after my sis in law... Then on Sunday we went to the Tongan ward to hear Kala's talk.. which I'm so glad she did in english so that I could enjoy....all in all we had a great time....

On the 6th day of Christmas my Mammy gave to me..... a scrapbook and a warm cozy blankie....

We received a box of gifts from my Mom and Harry in Utah on Saturday... and it had been driving the kids crazy that they couldn't open them... but they decided to be patient... Well after Talking it over with Kam we decided to let them open them since we won't be home for Christmas... They were overjoyed with the personal scrapbooks and blankets my mom made....We had so much fun looking through the pictures dating back to when they were babies... When Jayden opened his he was so funny he said" look its a book with Josiahs picture".... little did he know that was himself... that's how much Jayden and Josiah look alike... We also received a pretty hanging sign with our last name on it, and some cookware which I was so excited about... My hubby got a shirt and a new tie... which he loved... all in all they are some very special gifts... Thank you so much... Mammy and Harry... we love you =)

A cool family home evening...and a special delivery.....

For family home evening, last night we went to help out at Dustin's Diner for those of you who Don't know what that is you can click on the link and check it out.... briefly ..it is a little booth set up in a neighborhood close by us that have amazing lights throughout..well every year at this time they sale hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and cookies for 1.00 each that you can drive through and buy as your looking at the Christmas lights... and all the earnings go to the homeless shelter here... A boy by the name of Dustin created it at 8 years old and 15 years later it is still up and running...Last night we had the pleasure of helping out with a few other families.. I was the money taker, Kam was the traffic controller, and Jayden,Tyler and Kala were the sellers.... It was such a humbling experience and I couldn't help but get a little teary eyed as we first started.. I loved watching my kids and hearing them shout " buy a cookie help the homeless" Dustin was actually there last night.. and it was neat to work by his side.... what an amazing person to have thought of this idea....it was neat because the news was there, and Jayden and Kala got to be on the news. At the end of the night we made 820.00 in just about 2 1/2 hours which is pretty good for a monday.... it goes on til the 23rd of December....as we were driving home I heard one of my children say " this was a cool family home evening... I'm so glad they took part in this great experience..... and actually enjoyed it... So about our special delivery.... On Sunday were all camping out in the front room and all of a sudden we get this loud knock on the door... that just about scared us.... we open the door.. and there is this beautiful cake with no one there delivering it.... it was just left on our doorstep... the kids were all excited.... since we already ate sweets, we decided to save it for after Family home evening.. so when we got home we decided to open it up and eat it... what a perfect treat to end a perfect night...

Future Missionary

Doesn't Josiah look like a little missionary in his lil suit.... carrying his very own book of Mormon that his Mammy got him last year for Christmas.... This was taken today right before church..Isn't he so Handsome



This was taken while we were putting our Christmas decorations up..... He has the cutest smile ever..... even though I couldn't keep the hat on him for longer than 5 seconds...

And my husband wonders why I can't get anything done around here.....

Well we finally got a baby gate to keep Josiah out of the kitchen..... and of course he just had to find something else to get into.... I was trying to put a load in to the dryer.... and he got in there first.... he is such a little monkey that definitely keeps me on my toes..... LOL.... anyways just thought Id share this with you ...... oh and that look on his face... is his lil proud look like " ya I did it" kinda look =)

Happy Thanksgiving to all.......

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Just wanted to come on and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.... and express my gratitude for all my family and friends. I am so thankful for my Husband and children and the happiness and love they bring me each day. I am thankful for Temples and have great comfort knowing that my family and I will be together for eternity. I am grateful for the gospel and the joy, peace, and blessings it brings to my family each day. I am thankful for my parents and all they do for me and my family...I am thankful for my husbands family and all they do for us. I am thankful for the friendships that have remained throughout the years, and thankful for the new ones that I have been blessed with.... all in all I'm so grateful for everything and everyone who surrounds me...and especially for my Heavenly Father who has blessed me with it all......

Now lets hope my dinner turns out good... this will be the first time I will be making thanksgiving dinner from scratch....so wish me luck.... Harry it is right about now that I am missing that marie callender turkey dinner that you always order for me..... =) hehehehehehe!!!

Happy Birthday to my HUbby.......

I just wanted to say Happy birthday to Kam, Hope you have the best birthday.... We are so thankful for him everyday, and all that he does for our family... He works hard in a very dirty job everyday and he never complains about it once... he gets up at 4am and never acts tired.... and then comes home and plays with the kids everyday.... Thank you for all you do for us and being the best dad and husband ever... We love you....!!!

Happy Birthday to my First born son.......

I woke up this morning.... Thinking to myself, I can't believe I have a 15 year old.... Today my oldest son Tyler is 15 years old.....I couldn't be more prouder of him... He is such a good kid who is so smart... he has been doing so well in his first 2 years of high school, and is already thinking about college. He was blessed with the talent of playing the baritone in marching and concert band... and I just love to hear and watch him play... He Makes me so proud...He loves sports and wants to be a journalist after high school... he is a responsible boy who will do just about anything we tell him... We are so blessed to have him as our son... Tyler we love you...Happy birthday son...... love always.. Dad, Mom, Kala, Jayden, and Josiah

Jayden does the darnedest things!!

O.k. I just had to get online and share this funny story with you ..... So this morning I decided to get up and go yard saling with my friend marisa. Since my husband had to work I left Tyler in charge of the kids for a little while. I figured by the time I got home they would be just getting up for breakfast! WRONG... Jayden was already up and ate breakfast.... so im in my room and Jayden comes up to me and says " mom you need to get some new sugar, that sugar is really expired" i was like WHAT??what do you mean, he said "its really old and taste funny" so im thinking to myself it cant be that old... so I asked Jayden where did you get the sugar? he said right over there in the big bowl with the lid on it..... LOL....hahahahahahahaha I said " JAYDEN THATS FLOUR NOT SUGAR....." LOL... i asked him if his cereal tasted a little thick....... oh my goodness that kid is so funny......lessoned learned for the day....don't ever put sugar on your cereal!!!

Josiah's first birthday pictures.......

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE YES ON PROP 8 TOMORROW.....

The needs of children OUTWEIGH the desires of adults!!! I feel like I can't do or say enough to spread to word of voting yes on prop 8, I've done hours and hours of volunteer work for this prop. From phoning, going door to door to educate people on this important issue, reminding people to vote, displaying it on my blog and all over my my space, to mass emailing, but yet I hunger for more... My husband is sign waving as we speak and I wish I could be out there, since I can't I thought I would spread the word this way.... so get out there and vote yes on prop 8... and if you don't live in california... but know people who do remind them to vote yes on prop 8.... voting is tomorrow..... " so lets get this passed....."

I've been Tagged.....

I've been tagged by my cousin Melissa to answer a few of my favorite eights. So lets see if i can think of eight things... here it goes....

8 TV Shows I love to watch . . . . .

1. biggest loser
2. the hills
3. survivor
4. food network challange
5. ace of cakes
6. the news
7. iron chef
8. semi-homemade with sandra lee

8 Favorite Restaurants . . . . .

1. red robbin
2. road house grill
3. L&Ls hawaiian bbq
4. el torito
5. OLive Garden
6. arbys
7. o.k. we never eat out so this one is hard
8. um.... china bistro

8 Things that happened last night . . . .

1. had a big Tongan feast to celebrate jayden's baptism.
2. the Tonga family came over to eat with us( their last name is Tonga)
3. my in-laws went home.
4. brought our couch back in after being in the garage for a week since Josiah's birthday party.
5. cleaned the kitchen after the big Tongan feast =(
6. had a nice chat with my husband til he falls asleep, which we do every sunday.
7. rocked josiah to sleep.
8. and went to bed early...

8 Things you're looking forward to . . . . . .

1. winning prop 8 and the elections being over
2. seeing family during the holidays
3. my sister in law Kakala returning home from her mission.
4. thanksgiving
5. my husband getting his machine for his sleeping disorder, so i can get some sleep.LOL
6. Josiah being potty trained( ya I know I have a long ways to go....)
7. hopefully visiting my mom in april... =)
8. and last but not least... um um um i look forward to all this dang halloween candy being gone.. thats all i could think of... =)

8 Things on my wish list . . . . . .

1. a house
2. continuously healthy happy family
3. a new bed
4. to be able to visit mi madre
5. my kids to stop fighting all the time( wishful thinking huh..LOL)
6. that we win prop 8 VOTE YES!!!
7. to go to the salt lake temple
8. and to have world peace..LOL.. nah just kidding, well of course i want world peace.. but i was just thinking of the movie miss congeniality... ok for reals i wish for a clean house with a snap of a finger.... =)

8 People I tagged . . . . .

1. marisa
2. janiece
3. gina
4. and
5. whoever
6. else
7. reads
8. this

HaPpy FIrSt BiRthDay JoSiaH!!!

Today is our youngest son Josiah's first birthday.. it's hard to believe a whole year has passed... this past week I have been reflecting back to this time last year.... as we were walking up to my middle sons parent conference, I got a little flashback of last year, when we were at my daughter's parent conf. at 7pm and I delivered him by 9pm... it was an amazingly easy delivery.... let's see at one years old Josiah is 29 lbs. and 32 inches long, he has 4 teeth with a couple on the way, he walked at 11 months, and his first word was ball. he knows how to ask me for a bottle and shoots his pacifier out of his mouth when he sees food. He points at everything..and likes to look at books.. he is a good eater but is not quite chewing food yet... he loves his brothers and sisters and wants to play outside with them all the time, he loves to play with daddy.but when its time to cuddle he wants mamma, he loves playhouse disney, and gets all excited when the monkey mail comes on. he makes us laugh everyday..... and you can't help but love his contagious smile... Josiah... we love you.... Happy birthday baby boy..... !!

Look what I can do.......

This past saturday, my ward had a super saturday craft day, we made lots of things, but the one i'm most proud of is the pillow case I made for josiah since I've never sewed before. I picked out the fabcic, yes we all know I love giraffes so of course thats the fabric I wanted.... well with some help, I made this beautiful pillow case, I think I might like sewing now.. and want to get a sewing machine.... anyways here is a before and after picture.....

Jayden's birthday......

I know I'm posting this kind of late, but with everything going on last week ... I didn't feel like posting.... so here is pictures from jayden's birthday.... he had a great day My dad and my brother and his girlfriend cam up to celebrate with us, he got a cool race track and a big thing to put his cars in... thanks for the birthday wishes and for the presents..... he loves them.... I know it looks like I got more pics of Josiah, but thats because Jayden was hard to get pics of... he ran around playing games all night...

A friend gone, an angel gained.

Early this morning My dear friend Shannon Royer Passed on and returned home to our father in heaven, She was such a young, beautiful, amazing,smart,big hearted,strong lady,Who would light up a room anytime she walked in. Although I know she is no longer in any pain or is no longer suffering, I can't help but be a little selfish and wish she was here. I will never forget the day we met, from that day forward our friendship just blossomed, She taught me so much. my most precious memories will be our drives to morning workout, I always had so many questions about the church since I am a convert, and she always always was there to answer all my questions, and explain things to me so I would understand. I miss her so much already, I will miss our walks we used to go on, I will miss the many laughs and good times we had, I will miss our monthly trips to olive garden, I will miss going to lunch bunch with her and sitting next to her In relief society, even though I am older than her I always looked up to her. I am going to miss everything about her, she Is such an amazing soul who always remained so strong though out her trials. her strength and faith was amazing. Shannon I love you and miss you dearly. Thank you so much for your friendship and for everything you have done for me.

HaPpy BirTHdaY JayDEn JEreMIaH!!!!

Tomorrow will be Jayden's 8th birthday...and we are so excited for him to be baptized on Nov 1st by his daddy..... Jayden is such a smart good little boy and we are so thankful for him everyday... He is so unique in his own special way... his daddy has a soft spot for him and always seems to get his way out of trouble.... he is hard-headed and so stuborn... and wants what he wants... and will do anything to get it.... He enjoys boy scouts and is definitely not shy to get up in front of a crowd... he has a habit of wandering off and getting lost in public... he is an amazing older brother, he loves to take care of his baby brother. Jayden we love you so much and hope you have a very happy birthday....... Love always mom,dad,Ty,Kala, and Josiah....

And he walks.........

Well I just posted yesterday that Josiah is not really walking...well tonight all of a sudden he just got up and started walking everywhere,, he is so funny when he walks.... he laughs and squeezes his fist..... anyways here is a little video..oh also his daddy has introduced him to a chocolate chip cookie..... here is a picture of him.... after eating one...LOL...

I'm 11 months old.....

Well Josiah is 11 months old and I can't believe in just 4 weeks he will be 1 years old.... he is currently 28 lbs and 31 1/2 inches long.... everyone says he's got major personality, and he is so dang smart... he points to everywhere he wants to go and everything he wants to eat....LOL... he gets this same silly little look on his face when he crys,dances, or gets mad at somebody.. its hilarious he squints his eyes and sticks his bottom teeth out...he is constantly making us laugh.. with the things he does....he is trying to take some steps... but not walking on his own...yet... anyways here are some recent pics of him.. papa jim I thought you might like the one of him on the horse..... =)

She's a Junior girl scout...She's a star!!!!

Last night was Kala's investiture/rededication ceremony for girl scouts, she was sworn in as an official junior girl scout... it was such a fun filled party with a Hollywood nights theme. There was Hollywood decorations all over the room with Hollywood music playing it was quite the set-up. First the girls put on a little show for us while we ate dinner, then the girls put on their Hollywood glitz and glamor and walked the red carpet to receive a trophy, it was so funny to see these girls strut there stuff. On the floor there was a walk of fame star for each girl, where they signed it and took a picture... Kala had the best time, and always loves being a part of the girl scouts.... the day before she got to walk in the parade at the Kern county fair, she was very excited to do that especially since her mom helped make the banner.... overall girl scouts is off to a great start this year..... GO GIRL SCOUTS!!! her are some pics of the night....

Yee Haw!! some adult time......

On Saturday our stake for church had an adult activity it was a country round up theme.... My husband and our friend Mike went to the stake center at about 2pm to help with the barbecue. I was hoping that he would come back so we could go together, but he got stuck there helping out with the finishing touches. So Marisa ( mike's wife)and I decided to go together. when we got there the men were still helping. So Marisa and I decided to grab our food and find a seat. They had Tri-tip, salad,bread,beans and brownies.... Yummy ..it was a good meal... and a good show with country singers and dancers. About 10 min before the event ended Kam and Mike were able to join us. After the dinner 5 couples decided to go back to our friends Shannon and paul's house for a game night, we played music scene it and ate some ice cream..... it was the best game night I have ever had... I think we laughed the whole night.... we decided to have women against the men... and of course the women won... but the men wanted to play again to try to win... and they did ..but as I said the first game is what counted... the game had lots of variety of music from cyndi lauper to MILLI VANILLI..... LOL.. Kyle seemed to know every answer and had been to every concert, Mike new every wordless song..... and Kam even new britney spears perfume..... we had such a fun night with alot of forever memories... can't wait to do it again.... thanks Shannon and paul for hosting.. so of course when we got home the house was a mess and the kids were a sleep..... but it was all worth it...... =)

My poor lil bub....

First off I know I haven't blogged in while.... besides being a busy bee mom... my lil Bub( my lil nickname for josiah) has been sick for almost 3 weeks.... it started out a cough with a runny nose ...well the cough just never seem to go away.... so I took him back into the doctor and sure enough he is wheezing ... and that he may have Asthma.. which seems to run in my family... I have it really bad. So i'm so sad to find out that my lil one might have asthma. The Dr. gave him a breathing machine for at home breathing treatments, and butt load of other meds... i feel so bad for him, needless to say he seems to be getting better today his cough is sounding broken up.... and he is getting back to his ol' happy trouble maker self... today I was at my friend Debbie' house while we were working on a project... him and another baby were being awfully quiet... so i go to check on them... and they are chowing down on dog food... MMM yummy.... his breathe was so stinky I pulled out about 4 pieces of dog food.... that's Josiah for ya....... LOL anyways here are a couple shots of me trying to give him his breathing treatment. .he is not to happy about it and trys to put the mask on me instead of him...... =)

Look what I can do!!!

The last month or so Josiah has been learning how to take steps when you hold his hands , but would never walk with his push toy. Then all of a sudden yesterday he finally learned how to walk with his push toy ... the first time he did it was really funny because he didn't realize how fast it would go and he practically ran to keep up with it... then he got the hang of it... here are some videos of him in action... LOL

Josiah is always up to no good....

So Josiah like most babies is always getting into something he is not supposed to .... here are a few pics of him in action



I was trying to empty the dishwasher, and I turned around for one minute to put away a dish and this is what i found... little monkey no wonder I can't get anything done...LOL
Then this morning he was being really quiet in the living room, I thought he was playing nicely with his toys.. come to find out he got a hold of a sharpee and decided to take the lid off and color himself..... Thank goodness it come right off with baby oil...... he is always making us laugh... =)

First day of school went well....

On Monday was the kids first day of school, and I had been ready for this day since the middle of summer...LOL... My lil tradition is that I take the kids every year on their first day of school. I walk them to their classroom so they know where it is and then walk them to the playground, watch them line up, and then walk to their classrooms. I can't believe how big they are getting. This year I didn't even get to drop Ty off, He didn't want me to... :( so he is officially grown up.. So after they went to class, it was time for me to go... I couldn't help but get a little teary eyed, just thinking about their day... learning new things, meeting new friends, and getting used to a new teacher... And I couldn't wait to hear about it all when they get home.... of course we have to take turns... but they normally try to speak all at once..... all in all it was a successful day....and they are enjoying school





Tyler on his way out the door.. headed to his sophomore year.
Kala is in the 4th grade and Jayden is in the 3rd grade... like Kala's new haircut?
Sorry Josiah ...no school for you yet!!

Ending the summer with a blow out!!

Well this past weekend we decided to load the kids up(minus Ty, he's still in Utah) and head up north to Kam's family for one last getaway before school starts. We got there about 9pm Friday night and had a movie night, then on Saturday morning we got up about 4am to do a session at the Oakland temple with kam's mom and sister it was a truly wonderful experience. Then we all got ready to go to Stinson Beach I had never been there before and was just expecting this average everyday beach. WOW was I wrong.... after we drive for about a half and hour we get on this curvy road that curve's up the mountain and then back down the view was phenomenal and the kids were screaming the whole time.. they were a little scared..... so we finally get down the mountain to this absolutely beautiful beach that is breath taking.... we had such a good time with the family. Josiah and I played in the sand, while kam,the kids and his sisters swam in the ocean, at one point we were shocked because Josiah was crawling normally in the sand.. he normally does the army crawl.. then after a long day on the sand we had a bbq it was such a fun time... On Sunday we went to Kam's moms ward, its a Tongan ward and is always a bit challenging for me ..lol, but it was nice... then we got ready to leave about 7ish and not even an hour on the road we hit something in the road and got a BLOW-OUT.... so were sitting on the side of the road waiting for our tire to get fixed with car full of kids.... we made it home around 1am....... just another day in the life of the Manu family..... here are some pics of our weekend

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Girls just want to have fun!!!!

our kids are always up to something.. last night the girls where playing dress up and wanted to put on a little show for us....

sleep..sleep..sleep...

Well As I mentioned before Josiah can fall asleep any where ... he must get that from his daddy, yesterday Jayden walks in the living room with Josiah, and this is what we saw...LOL

Last week was quite the busy week.... here are some pics of our funfilled week...no time to post a long blog... as I usually do.... so anyways hope you have a good week, hopefully I will write more later.... :0)