Morris

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T09:38:00.000-08:00

Other than Elise ending up in the ER Christmas Eve to have her appendix removed, it was a wonderful Christmas!! Here's hoping for a wonderful, QUIET New Year!!

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KENNY JR. IS 16!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!

2011-12-10T08:25:00.001-08:00

So much to be Thankful for!!!

2011-11-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

I was bracing myself for the holidays without my dear Mother and Father-in-Law but the void was filled with such a warm comfort and peace...they were there with us!! What a glorious thing!! What a beautiful eternal family I have! They bring me such joy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE SCOTT!! 13...WOW!

2011-11-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN HUNNEY!

2011-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

First Halloween without Mom was hard. She loved this holiday and made every one memorable with her famous portryal of the wicked green witch. My favorite was the year she dressed up as the witch but added the pink tu-tu and went to entertain Charlie's elementary class!!
We made due however with Bailey's pretty witch and other fun costumes, family food and trick-or-treating!...

Miracles and Tender Mercies Among Tragedy...

2011-09-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

Well to say our family has been experiencing some hard times this year would be somewhat of an understatement. Between the death, disease, accident, surgeries, freak occurances and heartbreaking moments we have grown closer and have seen the tender mercies of the Lord and even experiences miracles along the way. One Family night as I was breaking yet another piece of bad news to my tender children regarding members of our extended family, they wept but then they started sharing scripture and with me and sharing evidences that they have not been left comfortless during this time. They are amazing and an wonderful testimony to me.
I believe we chose our trials before this earth and I just want to learn and experience all I can here so I can return to my Father in Heaven refined and ready. To have learned what I came here to learn and done what I came here to do. I know that as we face our trials with the knowlege of that bigger plan that we can always see the miracles and tender mercies and feel the angles surrounding us and the Holy Spirit guide us for the Lord will not leave us comfortless!!

Kenny's surgery to remove his bone tumor went well. He is healing fast...

I debated on including pictures of Brooklynn's accident but it is a testiment to the miracles that I spoke of so I will. If you have a weak stomach, consider yourself warned before you start the slide show.

Brooklynn and I ran into eachother in the kitchen. I had a cup of hot water from our water cooler, it spilled down her back. She hit the floor screaming and I ripped off her shirt. When I did, most of her skin came with it. I poured luke warm water over her back and was yelling for McKenna to text Dad and let him know we need to head to the ER. Brooklynn stopped crying and just calmly looked at me with a sheet white face and said, "it's ok Mom, it doesn't hurt any more." This freaked me out even more since she was shaking violentley and I could see even more skin sluffing off as I poured the water over her. Ken came in the door just then, calm and collected. We got her to the ER in recored time, no wait. There they declared that she had 2nd and possibly 3rd degree burns over 6% of her body. They sent us over to the Maricopa County Burn Center where they had to scrub and redress the wounds. We were told to scrub and change her bandages 2 to 3 times a day. Thanks to my amazing sister Amy who was with me at every "burn out" center visit (as Brooklynn calles it), and every single bandage change, we actually made it through this somewhat intact. We were told that she may need grafts and that it could take up to four weeks of these painful treatments and dressings before we would know how bad the scarring would be. We were hopefull after a blessing but were not prepared for the healing pace that truly was a miracle. With 14 days her skin had healed completley. There is only a slight discoloration left but we are told that if we keep her out of the sun for a year then there will be no evidence of the accident. It is a true miracle! The staff at the "burn out" center asked us if we were using some alternate treatment. They were so surprised by her recovery time. So many sweet cards and gifts, meals and prayers on her behalf were truly appreciated.

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Papa's Heastone

2011-09-27T14:54:00.000-07:00

In Honor of Jerry Duke Morris

2011-06-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Happy TENTH Birthday Elise Virginia!!!

2011-05-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

We have had some dark days with the loss of our Grandma and now the news that our Papa will be passing soon but the perfect faith and growing testimony of our children has amazed us!! Elise is no exception! She is saddened but carries a quiet peace that permeates our home. She is so kind and helpful and loving! We are so blessed to call her our Daughter!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISE!! WE LOVE YOU!

McKenna is 17!!!! Love you baby!!!

2011-04-01T20:23:00.001-07:00

My Beautiful Girls....

2011-03-10T20:53:00.001-08:00

My Dear Mother

2011-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

She was AMAZING, TALENTED, BEAUTIFUL, ENERGETIC, ARTISTIC, MUSICAL, STEADFAST AND IMMOVABLE...ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN GOOD WORKS....

Many people were asking about the Rainy Day song we sang for my Mother's funeral. I wrote this song for my little Brother Brooks' funeral. He passed away when I was 10. My Mother added a third verse and by Brother Charlie made the most amazing arrangement of the song and they recorded it and gave it to me for my birthday last July.

You Guessed It... More Catch-Up..HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2011

2011-01-08T19:25:00.001-08:00

We kicked off 2011 with a kick ball game at Amy's park where we also celebrated Brooklynn's 8th Birthday! It was a BLAST!!

More Catch Up...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2011-01-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

Playing Catch-up...Kenny Jr.'s 15th Birthday...

2011-01-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

I love you Kenny! I can't beleive you are 15 and taller than me!!

"UP" Mann Family Reunion 2010 Part II-Up to the Riverbend...

2010-12-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

We went UP to the Riverbend and continued our reunion. We flew kites, blew bubbles, and our spirits were lifted when we placed our testimonies in helium balloons and released them all at once. Hopefully they were carried and edified those who found the messages. We were all Uplifted as we shared this great adventure...(to be viewed with the song, A Married Life from the UP soundtrack. You may need to set the player on repeat to get through all the pics in this slide. :) )

Katie and Cole's Wedding-Night Under the Stars!!

2010-12-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

We had the added bonus of adding Cole Babbit to our family the day after Thanksgiving! He is amazing and makes Katie so happy! They met at Chick Filet and were honored with the Chick Filet cows at their reception, also guest appearences by Michael Scott, Dwight Shrewt, George Michael and Elton John. It was a star studded night...(view with the Prayer and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me tracks.)

Thanksgiving 2010...Count Your Many Blessings...

2010-12-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Mann Family "UP" Reunion 2010 Part I

2010-12-24T07:21:00.000-08:00

My parents are amazing! They put together an unforgetable family reunion the week of Thanks Giving that we kicked off with a hay ride where we jumped "UP" on the wagons enjoying a beautiful sunset. Each family brought an ancestor along for the ride. We shared their stories around the camp fire and even had a re-enactment of one of our favorite ancestors, Jesse James, holding up a wagon train. Luckily, all he stole this time was a kiss. Bailey and Wills honored Grandma and Grandpa Mann!
Here are some pictures...just a few. We took more that will be included in a Christmas DVD uploaded to the Mann Family website so watch for that!

Kyle's 12!!!

2010-11-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that my Kyle is 12 years old!!! I cried on his last day of primary but I am so proud of him and so excited for his opportunity to hold the Priesthood!
We love you Squeekieotto! Happy Birthday!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN HONEY'S...

2010-11-02T06:49:00.001-07:00

Fall!

2010-10-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year! As much as I want time to just stand still for a second, even if just to catch up the blog and catch a breath, nevertheless it marches on so I just try to enjoy every second! Much has happened in the last month or so. Here is a little recap...
Slide Rock day trip was a blast. Minnie Mouse Club is alive and well! Tyler left to the Marines! Semper Fi! We just enjoyed a wonderful conference and our family tradition of fresh baked cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning. We had dinner and Grandmas and PaPa's with Julie and her kids!
We recently said goodbye to Mason who left for his mission in Mexico. We are so proud of him and we will miss him. The Zoo Walk for Autism was another huge success for our sweet Cade this year! We had a fun family night last night at the Merrills' where we celebrated Nick, Josh and Aubrey's birthdays! It was wonderful to see Jandi and her little tummy filled up with Skyler Brick who will arrive in a couple months. Today Jandi is going through the temple and we are so excited for her and their upcoming sealing in December! We said goodbye Louie, the Koozer's Great Dane. Sadly, he is not on a mission but was so old and sick so they had to put him down. He was a great dog and lived a long happy life and we will miss him! We miss Buddy too who is doing such a wonderful job as a missionary in Italy. We can't wait to see him and hug him again! He has a new nephew and three foster brother's he has never met so that reunion will be fun! All the kids are doing great! McKenna just spoke at the seminary conference at Highland, Kenny is tearing it up on the Highland football team, Kyle is in student counsel and getting near perfect grades, Elise is excelling this year in school and loves tumbling at Tracy's. Brooks is loving the second grade and tumbles with Elise. Ken and I are staying busy with work and callings. We are looking forward to Katie and Cole's wedding and the family reunion next month where we will get to see the Sheperds and the Manns!!

I love my life, my family, my Savior. Truly blessed!!

Nick & Aubree...Today is the BIG day!

2010-08-06T08:57:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun time at the dinner for Nick and Aubree last night! Amy re-created a vintage french cafe and my mom made 100's of delicious pasties! We got to meet Aubree's wonderful family! We are looking forward to meeting more of her family and seeing friends tonight! We are just so happy that she is part of our family! Today they will be sealed for time and all eternity! Congrats! We all love you!

Wanna Be Free- Happy Independance Day!

2010-07-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

We love our Country! We know this is a promised land! We feel privileged to be a part of it and gratful to those who have sacrificed to defend it! We have to do our own study of history since it is no longer taught in school and since we see how very fragile our freedoms are we will keep learning so we can stand up and tell the truth and fight for our God given right to be free! Here is a fun little tribute by the kids. Happy 4th! (Be sure to pause the music player to the right before you start the video.)

Elise Virginia is 9! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2010-05-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Elise has grown up so fast! She is so smart and fun! She is a great dancer, singer-songwriter, reader, baby magnet! A stray kitten quickly adopted Elise just in time for her birthday too! We had a special day together at the salon and movies, then we picked up her cousin Sarah for a mall stop. Sunday on Elise's actual birthday, she was able to attend her first temple dedication for the Gila Valley Temple. This was special to her since she was able to tour it a couple weeks ago. Elise we hope you had a wonderful special birthday because you are a wonderful, special person! LOVE YOU!

McKenna's Spring Sweet 16!

2010-04-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

It's official! McKenna turned 16 on March 29th! We had a blast with old and new friends at her party! We love you McKenna! Happy Birthday sweet girl!

A fantastic local band, Shopping Kart Tragedies, comprised mostly from Priests from our ward played. Awesome!

Spring Break Kick Off...Horseback riding with Papa..

2010-03-15T13:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you Papa! WE LOVE YOU!

Way cool T-Rex print that Kyle pointed out right when we got to the farm!

MONSON WILLIAM JOLLEY IS FINALLY HERE!

2010-02-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

I stayed up at the hospital late Sunday night waiting for him to come and I missed him by just one hour! I can't wait to go visit him on Saturday!
You're favorite GREAT Auntie is on her way sweet baby boy!
Thanks for letting me babysit sweet Monson Friday Bailey and Wills! He is just sooo yummy!

Brooklynn's Cake Boss Birthday Party!!

2010-01-09T10:28:00.000-08:00

Brooklynn turned 7 on January 2nd! She had a fun birthday party based on two of her favorite shows, Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss! I love this sweet girl. I can't believe that she is seven already. She is so smart, funny and beautiful! I just love being her mom! Thanks to McKenna, Carlie, Catelyn and Shae for all of their help making this party a huge success! Happy Birthday Sweet Brooklynn!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

2009-12-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas this year! We are so grateful for our blessings and our sweet family for being there for us and continually bless our lives each day. We are most grateful for our Savior and this special time of year to reflect on His birth! We love you all and hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Here is a slide show from Christmas morning and a picture of my favorite gift this year, another AMAZING painting from my mom. We have wonderful pictures from Christmas Eve with Charlie and Robin that I will post soon.

Christmas is Coming!!

2009-12-19T12:28:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T07:52:00.000-08:00

This was a sad year because Ken and a few of the kids got really sick and we all stayed home to spare the rest of the family. On Monday we had a fun pie night with the Mann side of the family. My Mom made tons of pies and Dad shared the story of the first Thanksgiving (with some help from Porter) :) It was a lot of fun.

On Thanksgiving, the kids and I put together a last minute meal and had a lot of fun. We all felt very sad for our Dad because he did not leave his bed all day! He is finally feeling a little better and we are looking forward to the hayride today with Papa and the cousins!

Despite the sickness we sure do have a lot to be grateful for! We went around the table and I had the kids tell me one thing they were grateful for, for each year they have been alive. I thought the big kids would have a hard time coming up with so many but I think we all went over! Kyle cheated and counted cousins individually so that would make him about 50! I was so touched by Kenny and McKenna who's gratitude list turned into a beautiful testimony of the truthfulness of the
Gospel and the power of the priesthood. I am sooooo blessed!!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and for nice Uncles who are always available to come over and give blessings and check on us. Thanks to ALL of our family who we love soo much!!!

We Are Still Here! Happy Birthday Kyle!

2009-11-23T11:58:00.001-08:00

It has been way too long since I have had a chance to post here. Things have been busy through the move and school starting. We are enjoying Gilbert but we do miss our friends and family in Mesa! We are adjusting well and settling in.

We enjoyed a wonderful vacation in October to the Sheperd's in Texas! I will post pictures of that soon. We also celebrated Kyle's 11th Birthday!! I can't believe how fast time goes!

Kyle had a special birthday where he got his dog and best buddy Teddy back. We had given him away when we moved to this rental house. All the kids missed him but Kyle never really got over it. Luckily we gave him to a dear, understanding friend who agreed to let us give him back to Kyle for his birthday.

We went out for ice cream for family night and took a walk around Pet Smart just to kill time as we often do. I had Teddy groomed and he was sitting on a grooming table when Kyle walked by and saw him. He could not believe how much that dog reminded him of Teddy. I agreed and suggested that we take a picture.

I really took this video of when we told him that it was indeed Teddy and that he could take him home. It is precious and a little embarrassing since we are all crying in the middle of the pet shop! Enjoy!

THIRTY EIGHT IS GREAT!! THANKS EVERYONE!

2009-07-19T17:18:00.001-07:00

I just want to thank everyone for making this a birthday I will never forget! I was so surprised! Thanks for the sweet gifts and tender words of love from so many! It must have taken so much planning to get so many of us out to Maricopa! I received so many sweet gifts and hugs and kisses and phone calls from everyone. The biggest surprise was that my sweet brother Charlie somehow remembered the very first song I wrote when I was ten. He made an amazingly beautiful arrangement of it and had Hillary record it when she was up visiting him in Virginia. They recorded it with my mother singing the tender words including a third verse that she wrote that was so moving. This song was prompted by my mother's comforting words shortly after my little brother Brooks passed away. It brought me peace and helped me through a difficult time and helped my testimony grow. He must have been working on this for some time. I can't even remember how to play it. You amaze me Charlie! I can't believe you remembered it and wrote this beautiful arrangement of it! I can't even comprehend the scope of your talent! When I think of the time and thought this must have taken everyone, especially Charlie to even think of such a sweet tender gift is priceless!!

I am truly blessed and love you all so much! THANK YOU!

Picnic at the Parrot Club! :)

2009-06-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

Well we know it's not really a parrot club but that is what my kids have called it all their lives. We had a fun family party there to welcome home Grandma and Papa from their 2nd mission! We had so much fun! We are so proud of them and are so grateful for their service but are sooo glad they are home with us again!

Stayin' Cool!

2009-06-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

Heather Graduates! We are so proud of you!

2009-05-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Elise is 8!! What a special day! What a special girl!

2009-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Evelyn, Elise's 5 year old cousin sang this song I wrote for Kenny's baptism about 5 yrs. ago. Elise and Evelyn sang it again later that day at a convert baptism in her Grandpa's ward. It was so sweet and powerful.

My first step the waters warm
The burning in my heart tells me this is my first step home.
To my waist the water's deep
Sacred words the Priesthood speaks
Of promises and covenants kept
On this path I will take my first step.
The water rushes ore my head
I am washed clean by the blood He shed.
Immersed in His love then I rise
He took this step and so shall I.
The only one to fulfill the plan.
He came to earth to save all men.
On this road I'm not alone.
He'll be with me every step and guide me home.
My first step the water's warm
The burning in my hear tells me this is my first step home.

Goodbye King! We will miss you!

2009-05-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

After a year of caring for this big brute, his owner is ready to take him home. Needless to say the kids didn't take it too well....

Go Grease Lightning! Kyle's Talent Show!

2009-05-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

Kyle did a great job in this year's Emerson talent show! He had fun along with John Wright, Lance Bodine, Cooper Tingey and Michael. So funny....

Kyle=Scofield

2009-05-12T11:01:00.000-07:00

Some have asked how Kyle got his nick name. We started calling him Scofield because we see a grown up version of him in Michael Scofield from Prison Break. What do you think?

Finally met Eliza!

2009-05-03T17:04:00.001-07:00

I went to the BYU Conference for Women last weekend with Bailey and Missie. We stayed with Wills and Robins Grandpa who lives right by the Provo temple. It was hard to be so close to Buddy and not go see him. We thought of purchasing donuts for him and throwing them over the fence at the MTC but decided to send him a package instead. Not as fun but probably more effective. :) Bailey's mother-in-law and sister-in-law were amazing hosts and showed us how to do the conference in style. She gave us conference bags with EVERYTHING you could ever need including umbrellas and little socks in case our feet get cold. It was so wonderful. It was very eye opening and I learned a lot. I am anticipating the movie Marylin is making from our conference photos. I also ran into a dear friend who I love very much and haven't seen forever! It was so wonderful and I enjoyed every minute! We plan on getting all the sisters together and making it an annual event!
I was so excited to FINALLY get to squeeze my little niece Eliza Mann for the first time. It was so good to see Robin too. We debated pulling numbers from a hat to see who gets to hold Eliza first. She is so beautiful! I had some special time with her Saturday morning when Robin ran an errand with her mother. I didn't have to share Eliza for a whole 45 minutes! She reminds me so much of Charlie when he was a baby. So Yummy! It was hard to say goodbye! We stopped by St.George on the way home to see Kevin! It is so beautiful there. It was so good to see how happy Kevin was and see where he lives and give him a big hug. Missie and Bailey and and I had a blast on the drive watching Ghost Whisper and giving our spouses the "Love Language" profile quiz over the phone. I had so much fun! I came home to a clean house and lots of hugs and kisses! Perfection.

HAPPY EASTER!

2009-04-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to have the rain yesterday and then wake up to such a beautiful spring, glorious Easter morning. I enjoyed our family discussion on the atonment with the kids this morning, singing in the choir, teaching the word Res-ur-rec-tion to the nusery kids and seeing my sweet babies looking so pretty today! I am so grateful for the Atonement of my Savior. I know that I am nothing without Him.

THANKS GRANDMA MANN!

2009-04-09T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well she did it again! Another AMAZING portriate from Grandma! Mom, this is so beautiful! I told McKenna she will have to have you paint another one for her when she gets married because I am keeping this one! We love you and appreciate you so much! What a wonderful gift!
I included a picture of the painting as well as some others that she did. The one of Ken and I was co-painted by Uncle Steve. Priceless...

We Loved the Easter Pageant!

2009-04-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

We took the kids to the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple last night. It's been years since we have gone. I'd forgotten how beautiful it was. It's a good thing we went since Brooklynn asked me if there is candy at the Easter Pageant. It was a good opportunity to remind her what this holiday is really about! I am grateful for all the hard work that goes into this production! We had a lot of friends in it this year! It was so moving. Exactly what I needed. I do know that my Savior lives and loves and knows each one of us. He has provided the way - now we just need to accept his gift and follow him.

"It's gonna be OK Tia" Party!

2009-04-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at the chocolate potluck party Bailey had for Tia. Buddy made sure before he left for his mission that we all care for his Tia while he was away. She really did need some cheering up when he left so Bailey threw her an "It's Gonna Be OK Tia" Party. I think it did the trick. We ate LOTS of chocolate and watched movies. It was a blast. Here are some funny pics from our fun night...

Brooklynn Lost Her First Tooth!!!

2009-04-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

She was so excited that her first tooth finally came out! She called me after school to tell me that it didn't even hurt and how cute and tiny it was. The sweetest thing was when she said, "Now we will have all the money we need for clothes and food because the tooth fairy is on her way." What a sweetie! Love you Brooklynn!

Kenna and Mom

2009-04-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

McKenna is 15!!

2009-03-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast the years fly by. I got some good motherly advice from my Mother when she said to enjoy this last year when your heart is not always in your throat once you hand the keys over to the teenagers. I politely agreed then she reminded me of what a horrible driver I was at 16 and I had to stifle a panic attack. McKenna is a wonderful daughter, I have a feeling she will be a better driver than me! I guess the odds are pretty good. I couldn't ask for a sweeter, more beautiful, talented daughter. I don't know what I did to deserve her. I love you Kenna, hope you had a fun day. She got to celebrate with her Uncle Dale on his birthday as well. She missed her aunt Becky whos birthday just passed as well. We always think of Jesse and Brooks around McKenna's birthday since their special day's are all so close! Good company! I love you all!

Return With Honor

2009-03-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

Buddy left for his mission to Rome yesterday. We will miss him but we are so proud of his example and know that he will be a great missionary. We took a pre-mission picture of him with my boys so we could see how much they grow in two years. Kyle just happened to have his Return With Honor shirt on and made sure it was visible in the picture!
Love you Buddy!

Happy Birthday Amy!

2009-03-27T08:41:00.001-07:00

Grounded From Pocket Knives!

2009-03-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

David Archulette Fireside

2009-03-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Nick and Jordan let us know about David speaking at a fireside in our old Stake. I went with Mckenna and Carly and met Nick and Mason and Jordan there. He gave a great talk, sang my three favorite hymns, I AM A CHILD OF GOD, BE STILL MY SOUL AND HOW GREAT THOU ART. Then he stayed to take pictures and shake hands with anyone who wanted to, which was everyone! It was really neat.

New Mexico Zoo with Sheperd's

2009-03-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Last year we went to New Mexico to visit the Sheperds! We had a blast with our cousins! These are some of the pictures from our zoo trip there! We love you Sheperds!!!

In the Navy Now!

2009-03-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell my nephew Josh, how proud I am of him for serving his family and the Lord all his life. For his faithfull mission in New York and for his decision to serve our Country in the Armed Services. I am grateful for you and your example and for your friendship!
We are all so proud of you and love you so much! We will miss you so much! You will always be in our thoughts and prayers! Here are a few pictures from a party we had in honor of Josh on Saturday....

Hamster Dance!

2009-03-01T10:32:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-20T18:43:00.000-08:00

Just playing a little catch-up. Here are some New Year's photos, (better late than never.) We welcomed Nick home from his mission to Montana! Welcome home Nick, we love you!! Buddy leaves for Rome on March 30! I am so proud of these boys! We had a family memorial for Grandma Mash so Sarah and the kids came down for the long weekend. We had a fun Valentine's Day with the Sheperd's. We went to the zoo and then to a funny improv show and dinner with friends. We cracked up for hours afterward sharing funny, embarrasing poop stories and cake for Bailey's 20th birthday. (That just sounds so wrong!) :) We had so much fun!! I love you all!!!

Arizona Winter Fun!

2009-02-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

We had fun swimming in Hillary's pool with the cousins. It was heated which was nice. Little Ruthie came to play at my house. I had the hamster in her little ball on the floor. Then she was gone. I was getting worried until I realized that Ruthie decided that Bella would enjoy a little ride in the stroller. Kyle, Elise and I rode the paddle boats at the zoo. Brooks was crying because she thought there were alligator's in the lake. I finally convinced her that she wasn't going to be a reptile snack and she was finally ok and had fun! Don't you love how trusting they are at this age? That water was pretty mucky, who knows what was really in there!

Fun times!

Grandma and Papa serving in Galapagos!

2009-01-31T20:09:00.000-08:00

We sure miss our Mom and Dad Morris who have been serving their second mission in the Galapagos Islands. We clearly recognize the blessings in our lives that are a direct result of their faithful service. Their first mission was in Navoo Illinois which is a world away from where they are now. We love them and miss them and are so proud of them!

Inspirational!

2009-01-31T15:55:00.000-08:00

I just love this video so I had to share....get at tissue!

This is for you Cade Morris- We love you!!!

Carlie's Twilight Surprise Party!!

2009-01-19T17:39:00.000-08:00

Inspired by Ken's party, McKenna threw a surprise party for her cousin Carlie's 15th Birthday. It was a Twilight theme. It was ton's of fun. Check it out...(Add one of the Twilight songs from the play list at the bottom while your watching for dramatic effect!:)

HAPPY 40TH KEN!!! 1/13/2009

2009-01-16T06:23:00.000-08:00

WOW! WE DID IT! WE ACTUALLY PULLED OFF THROWING A HUGE SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR KEN!! A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO HELPED ME GET IT TOGETHER!! I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU. KEN WAS OVERWHELMED WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE! WE LOVE YOU ALL!

STAY TUNED FOR SOME MORE GREAT PICTURES AND VIDEO!!

So just about a week ago I told Ken that my sister asked him to sing for my nephew Nick Merrill who was just returning from a mission in Montana! Ken loves to sing with with our nearly famous cousins band K-5 consisting of my nephew's and one niece, Bailey, Buddy,Cade, Dane and Emmett Koozer! They are awesome. They were all on stage ready to rock and when the curtians opened....we yelled, "SURPRISE!" Ken was stunned while he scanned the crowd and realized that it was all for him! It couldn't have been more perfect! He rocked the house with K-5! Then we all enjoyed getting down with the awesome DJ, Elliot Miller. Especially Scott and the brother's. They really let loose! The night was topped off by a moving rendition of Total Eclipse of the Heart by Rob and Ken Morris! I hope you all had as much fun as Ken and I! Thanks again!!!

special thanks to....
K-5 and Missie and Hal Koozer- for lugging all the band equipment up from Maricopa and the late night practice and picking up the cakes!

Nick Merrill - for letting us use him as a cover story! Welcome home! We love you! I am looking forward to your real homecoming gathering Sunday! :)

Elliot Miller - for the last minute FREE DJ services! You're the BEST!

My parents, Ron and Pam Mann for the balloons they tied to everyone's pants! That was a BIG hit! Thanks so much!

McKenna, Carlie and Catelyn - who helped me decorate and haul chairs! Also McKenna's "special musical number" with her DAD!

Kenny Jr. - For working so hard and making his debut in the band on guitar! YOU ROCK!

(Thanks for the guitar lessons Buddy) K-5 will live on while you serve your mission in Rome!

Alys Morris for the awesome pictures!

All my sisters and sisters-in-law and brother's in law for bringing food and helping me surprise Ken! You are all so precious to us!

All of our friends and family we love dearly who made the night one we will never forget!!!!

To all who couldn't make it or you didn't get the word...thanks for the calls and cards. We missed you!

Feel free to leave any comments! :) (We love those)

THANKS AGAIN!

Happy Birthday Brooklynn!

2009-01-04T16:19:00.001-08:00

Brooklynn turned 6 on the 2nd of January! We had a fun family party at Arizona Mills where we did a few of her favorite things. We visited the Rainforest Cafe to feed the alligator. We went to to get her ears pierced but she changed her mind at the last second. We went to see Bolt and brought home a new litte hampster that Brooks named, "Bella". We went home and all the kids helped Brooks decorate her cake. She also got a new play kitchen! I can't believe my baby is SIX!! We love you Brooklynn!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

Wow! Another year just flew by! We rang in the new year with a pack of poppers that Kyle won in a white elephant game at a Christmas party. Ken and I went to an Ugly Sweater party at the Everetts and chauffered McKenna and her friends to the stake dance. New Year's day we laid around in our pajamas all day and watched movies and played with the kids! It was wonderful!
This has been a year of many trials and blessings! We lost Grandma Mash last week. She was 92yrs old! We gained a new sweet precious little niece and cousin, Blakley Dance Abplanalp! We acutally had six different surgeries this year between us all. Kyle's little accident last Christmas Eve resulted in a surgery to repair the tendon in his hand. Kenny and Elise both had their tonsils removed and I had three surgeries to finally find and fix issues I had been enduring for a few years! Ken was laid off from Shasta as the economy declined. We are all healthy and appreciate that very much!! It was wonderful to enjoy our first year strep throat free!! I am finally pain free and feeling better than I have in years! Ken didn't skip a beat after his layoff, he took over the BPO's completly and has expanded his realestate business and even in these hard times we have not gone without! We know we have been blessed through paying our tithing. We always have what we need and as we put the Lord first we are blessed beyond measure!
The year started out on a wonderful note with the baptism of our new friends Doris and James along with two other new members in our ward and of course Brooklynn's 6th birthday!
Our new year goals include, staying fit and healthy, working on reducing our debts and increasing our year supply and spreading the good new's of the Gospel to anyone who will listen. To know who we are and why we are here. That we are the literal children of a Heavenly Father who loves us and that He has provided a way through his Son Jesus Christ, to return and live with him and our families - no trial can outweigh the blessings and peace that knowledge brings. That is why every year is a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Grandson Day! 12/22/08

2008-12-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Sir, Your friends and Neighbors have chosen you to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. You are to report to Company Headquarters at 0730 on the 22nd day of December. Kiss your mother before you leave home---this is a man's army. Wear boots, if you have them, the terrain here at the induction center is rough. You will be under the direction of SFC Miller of the 850th Military Police. Remember, INCOMING FIRE HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY. Your's truly, William R. Mann SP4 Draft Board Administrator. Each grandson recieved this letter from Grandpa. They showed up and actually got to tour the Arizona National Guard!! They had a blast. I have a few short videos here. I will add pictures as soon as I get them from Amos and Hal. Way cool Grandpa! The boys loved it. (Especially the big boys!)
My Favorite Country!

Goverment Issued..

Black Hawk

Good for Chasing Chickens..

HAZMAT

Goobie & Ubie Claws

2008-12-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

Ken and Uncle Hal visited Emerson Elementary this year as Goober and Uber Claws. It was a big hit. Ken came up with several funny new characters while preparing for this appearance. They are a crack up! Goober was in top form! He gave Ken some good pointers and was impressed with his first crack at the clown thing. Thank Uncle Hal! I still owe you for this one!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T20:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas friends and family! We just enjoyed a wonderful Christmas filled with friends, family and fun traditions.....

Milk and cookies for Santa! He needs his energy!

Oh No! We better get to bed. Santa is on his way!
We have continued the Morris' tradition of a family prayer in Mom and Dad's room then lining up youngest to oldest and walking in with your eyes closed to see what Santa brought! We added a little bit of the Mann's tradition and used chairs and an air mattress to "trap" the kids in so they wouldn't peak or get up too early! Of course this was 5:30 am anyway!

The biggest surprise was the little girls new playhouse bunkbed!! They broke my eardrums when they screamed after a moment of stunned silence and gasps!

A volleyball for McKenna! That is all she asked for! She got a wii fit and more stuff though cause she was really good this year! (Of course she is good every year!)

Baby doll's for my baby doll's. They named them Bella and Beth.

Kenny got an airsoft gun that looks too much like his dad's gun! He was most excited about the Wii!

Ken was way excited about McKenna's present! Way fun!
Kyle was psyched about his Heelys! He didn't think Santa would be bringing any because Mom hates them! That naughty Santa!
I loved my letter from McKenna, the blackberry storm phone from my sweetheart and the hand carved turtle that Grandma and Papa Morris sent from their mission in the Galapagos Islands! We loved the visit from the Sheperd's and the phone call to Charlie on the computer where we got to see Eliza! We had fun at the Porter Party and the Mann Family party and my work party out in Anthem. We love spending time with all of you. We have been blessed to have some new friends in our lives, Doris and Jared who will be baptized next week! We are so happy for them! Of course the greatest gift of all is the knowledge of our Savior and his gift for all of us. Making it possible to have Eternal Life and live forever with our famlies! That brings the greatest joy every day of the year! Merry Christmas! We love you all!

Grandaughter day! 11/08

Grandma and Grandpa Mann hosted a special day just for 15 of their 19 Grand daughters. (We missed you, Dakota, Sheridan, Eliza and Blakley!) It was a jungle theme and we had Madagascar happy meals, went to the Zoo and then enjoyed banana splits while Grandma and Grandpa gave each Grand daughter a little hand painted animal with a special message for each one!! They each felt so loved!