2 Kids 1 Dog and a Costume

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Getting ready for Halloween. Sammy Timmy and one very Cool Pirate!

Fall Family Fun

Timmy had Friday off from school, something called "Autumn Break!" So I decided that if anyone really needed a break-it was me! So since I have more sick days saved up than I will ever possibly use, and since Timmy's doctor appointment was going to be only a short part of the day-it only made sense to take the entire day off. A small guilty pleasure reserved for us "Working Mom's" when we want to pretend every once in a while what it might be like to be home and have time with our kids that doesn't revolve around homework, lessons, laundry, cleaning, or cooking.

So after spending hours on step by step lesson plans for a sub in my computer lab, uploading lesson plans, map to my building, coding the absence, notifying all the powers that be (2 phone calls and an inernet login procedure) I was cleared to take my son to the doctor and enjoy the rest of the day off.

After sleeping in until 8:00 A.M. Timmy and I got the doctor appointment over and planned the day. Cartoons until 12:00 noon. Did you know they are still playing the same ones we watched as kids? Then Daddy Bear, Timmy Bear and Momma Bear all headed off to the Public Museum and planetarium. After a yummy lunch in the "Planetarium Cafe" we explored exhibites about Grand Rapids Furniture History, walked down the old fashion street representing Grand Rapids past, and enjoyed the planetarium show on constellations. Timmy even took a Carousel Ride since no friends his age were around to notice!



The best part of the day was the trip to Post Farms. This year we decided to try it out since it advertised a huge corn maze using the Olympic Rings. We have long been fans of Robinette's, so venturing off to a NEW Pumpkin Patch was an adventure indeed. I have to report that the place ROCKS. There were mini pony's and goats to feed. They also boast a pumpkin train, hay ride to the pumpkin patch and an awesome Corn Maze. The temperatures were in the low 60's, the sun was shining and the trees were a blaze in yellow, red, and yellow. The tasty homemade pumkin donuts were warm and liightly iced-just the way a Michigan donut should taste. The bumpy Hayride in a wagon filled with straw driving down 2 track paths reminded me of my grandparents farm. However going to the field at Grandpa's ment-well work. This hayride end in fields and fields of pumpkins in every size and color. I ended up buying more pumpkins than I possibly needed- but come on..who knew there were blue pumpkins, white, pumpkins, and bumpy pumkins? Next up the giant corn Maze.

After 45 minutes in the Corn Maze we found all but 3 clues and my legs would not walk another second-and as luck would have it the ride back to the main house was right there. Timmy declared it a perfect day. I softly sighed and realized sometimes being a mother is well-just the best. I am not sure his eyes ever looked any bluer and I am not sure if he had ever smiled any brighter?

I do know that the best memories are built on days like these-where we take time and spend it together as a family. Along with the photo's I took I have a mind full of precious moments. I won't soon forget the joy of seeing my son cast colored leaves into the air and watch his eyes follow them, as they drift to the ground. I have to smile as I remember watching him carry the biggest pumpkin he could manage back to the farm wagon. I admired his determination and organization as he navigated that huge corn maze. What could be better than a day off from work and time spent with husband and child enjoying a fun-filled fall day! For a while, elections, the stock market, learning goals, homework and bills-were all meaningless. The day was indeed-perfect!


In case you want to visit Post farm too- Here is the website http://www.postfamilyfarm.com/maze/index.html

Jamie-We miss you! Remember autumn in Michigan:) Daddy will see you in Cally soon!

Family Updates

Tim's Mom had successful surgery. We are waiting to hear when it is okay to visit her. We are thankful our prayers were answered and she came through her surgery so well.

Tim has accepted a Job Offer which is an answer to a 14 month long prayer. We celebrated by buying Timmy a new pair of shoes. (His were 1 and a half sizes to small).

Jamie is working as the photographer for the California Academy of Science. He is having a ball and as he likes to say-It's a real job! I miss him so much. It has been 17 month since I have been able to hug my first born son. No matter how old they become -they are still our kids.

KayLee is engaged and planning on a summer 2010 Wedding. She is in her 3rd year at Grand Valley. Next semester will be the first student loan she has had to take out. Unfortunately we did not anticipate the rate increase in Tution with our financial planner. But as Kaylee says at least 2 1/2 years were paid for. (She still longs for a car)

Timmy is doing well at St. Mark Lutheran where he is on scholarship As you recall I worked there 2 days a week for 5 years-and only this past year got transfered to St. Anthony's full time. He is in a class of 11 students so he get lots of help and they have done wonders with his hand writing. The best part-no MEAP Prep. He has memorized more bible verse than I have in a lifetime. He now declares himseld to be 1/2 Catholic and 1/2 Lutheran. No worries though.. Daddy will keep him Catholic!

I have recovered from the dreaded Brown Recluse soider bite, shingles and all the complications that followed. I am now at St Anthony's 5 days a week instead of the 4 ,I was last year. I miss my St. Mark School and the kids there who were like family, but am embracing the 5 day challenge. I won 2 grants this school year so far-One Called Michigan Champions for Technology Training, and another to do GPS Tracking with students from MMECIC. I am now being published monthly in England and have gathered a bit of a follwoing in my educational Blog site.

Extended Family News:

Kelley's Side
Miss Katie visited in July and she and Mr. Tim were quite the pair. We miss Lisa and Gary but enjoy keeping up with them through their blog. Lisa is well on her way to becoming a writier. Gary is up for partner around January.- Although I do still pray they move back. Our little Katie is in pre-school already, and as Tim says growing up without us.

Aaron and wife Cheryl had a beautiful baby girl (Van Weelde Clan), and Jeremy and his Casey also have a new addition to the Manning clan. (That's 3 for Jeremy) With Tara's baby born earlier this year, and Jean's baby that brings us up to 4 new babies to add to the Manning clan, this past year. Justin and Sara Manning have moved back from Florida and now have a lovely home in Cascade. I bleieve Sara and Justin are working at Spectrum Health. Congrat's to Jeremy on his Pharmacy Degree!

Aunt Klio decided to work a bit longer and put off retiring because she loves those 14 hour days:) Sam is still working part itme as well. It's all about the medical insurance for sure. Aunt Jean Popma is loving her luttle apartment and busy with church and leading the swim classes at the YMCA. I hope when I am 80 I have her energy and drive! Susie is still copying with her illness. Remember to keep her in constant prayer. Cliff has retired and Christine is working part tiem. They are enjoying spending time with grandbaby Austin.

Tim's Side

Our Neice Whitney is engaged and planning a wedding in the near future and our neice Christa is also engaged and planning a summer 2008 wedding. Jacob is in his final year of High school and runs his own Karatee School. Bz is doing well in school and dating-every uncle's nightmare-someone dating his neice.

Manning Family Christmas is scheduled for December 7th We are hoping everyone can attend so we can get a good picture of the entire famiy. Maybewe can even talk the Florida cousins into coming up.

Memories of this Past Summer

Autumn Reflections

These last few days of warm weather surrounded by dancing and swirling leaves, makes Michigan a lovely place to be. Forget about Wall Street ,wallets, elections, and the weather that follows.

Right now God's hand is visible is bright brush stroke colors of yellow, orange and red. The squirrels are neatly cleaning my yard and piling the pine cones under the trees for later dining delights. The deer are having their fill of my garden , and the winds sings songs through the wind chimes hung about the neighborhood.

Children are riding bikes and running off to soccer practices. Fall is a time to take a deep breath and just be....It is a time between seasons. As we watch the trees come alive with color and the temperatures drop, we realize how fleeting this season and life really is. The Native American's used to mark the years by counting how many winters they had seen. I like to count the days in fall. I have to admit I still get a bit of a thrill kicking thriough a pile of leaves, setting out the pumpkins and taking a trip to Boss's Farm to partake of the last fruits of the Harvest. To me-fall is like a rainbow touching the ground.It is brief, fleeting and full of beauty.