Spring Break in Nauvoo

In the mid 1800's, Nauvoo, Illinois was the 2nd largest city in the state largely due to the Mormon migration from Missouri. Mobs of angry men were carrying out an unethical law stating that all mormons in the "show me" state were to be "exterminated."

The large band of peaceful, religious pioneers quickly settled the area and formed a thriving community by working harmoniously together using their own skills and talents. They lived here for six years.

...and then were forced to move West...

Today, Nauvoo, is a sleepy little town along the Mississippi which comes alive in the spring, summer and fall when thousands of Mormons converge on the town to experience a "spiritual" mecca!

...We visited before all the crowds...

Someone is missing!!!!!!!!!!! during our Spring Break of 2011!

Nauvoo, Illinois Temple

The Mannings, the Wheelers, and our family spent two days in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Carson and Sara Wheeler got to do work in the temple for their very FIRST time.

Staying at the Nauvoo Family Inn, allowed us to enjoy playing games during the evening and swimming. Jessie got her hair styled by Kami Wheeler. Strangely, this trip, there were more GIRLS than boys!

...I am not used to that...


Katie Wheeler---Brad---Kevin and Chris Manning
Hunter Bishop---Joshlin Manning---BVN sophomores

This statue garden is a tribute to the woman who endured trials and hardships during their 6 years in Nauvoo.  Sculpture--Dennis Smith

Joseph, Emma, and  Hyrum Smith homestead and burial site

Carthage Jail

Out of this window, Joseph Smith fell to this death. The unlearned man is believed to the be first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and largely responsible for the restoration of Christ's church.

A bullet went through this door and struck and killed Hyrum Smith, Joseph's older brother.

A field trip to IHOP!

The International House of Prayer is just 20 minutes from my house in Grandview, Mo.  The ministry's main teaching is a 24/7 prayer room where ANYONE can visit and hear spiritual music or leaders of the church preaching. Furthermore, the room is wired to be broadcast throughout the world 24 hours a day--seven days a week!

Quite an intriguing concept so my gal pals and I took a field trip.

I learned of this "mission base" through Brandon. While working at Chic Fil A, he met some girls who were studying at IHOPU and prior to his mission, he visited the 24/7 Prayer Room out of respect to his new friend. He had an interesting experience and learned about scripture in the bible that inspired the concept of 24/7 Prayer and Fasting.

In turn, his friend participated in an LDS 3-hour church service and even attended Brandon's mission farewell address.

While visiting the prayer room, we listened as a Christian band performed. Participants either listened quietly, danced, or browsed the internet available to anyone in the room with a laptop. Their appeared to be no formal speaker on a Wednesday at noon, simply worship through music.

...A member of our group remarked concerning the experience, "The philosophies of man, mingled with scriptures."

...Another member remarked that it reminded her of the peace she feels in our LDS temples.

...We all were impressed with the number of young adults participating and praying and felt they were focused on doing good on a Wednesday afternoon in place of other activities that may intrigue that age bracket!

...I questioned the authenticity of their "service" to others and serving your fellow man.

We were all grateful for a new experience that makes us aware of our community.

Count Your Many Blessings

Almost one week ago, the relatively small Japan island was hit by an earthquake.

 (the event has already made it to Wikipedia!)

Daily news of the devastation reveal streams of stories and video displaying the after events of a motion unseen by human eyes. Deep within the ocean floor, land shifted, cracked, and jutted upward, setting forth an unstoppable series of catastrophes that will result in unseen changes in human life for decades to come.

earthquake==tsunami==flooding==fires==explosions==radiation exposure

Despite all this, life will prevail...

...and can be seen in the open eyes of this 4-month-old thriving baby as the military leader smiles brilliantly at her rescue.

I am going to widen the scope of this photo and visualize tired, dirty, down-trodden arms opening to 

receive the gift

 and swaddle her the way only a mother can.

"Girl" Power

Carson, Jessie, Brad and I helped entertain 6 adorable girls so Carson could earn money for summer boy scout camps.

--Reese, Cailin and Brinley Bieberly--
--Nya, Kai, and Maleah Deshler--

The calm before the storm

Popcorn appetizer

Carson and Jessie present a Puppet Show

Creating a MAGIC trick

Creating some Crafts

Nothing finishes off a "girl" party like a dance-off!

Carson's humor and storytelling skills keep the girls' intrigue for over 45 minutes!

As the plot of the show thickens, the audience delights in a humorous twist. 

  The laughter of children is contagious and I caught the "giggle" bug while taking pictures!

I was shocked and amazed that toddlers and infants could sit for such a long time. In my experience with this age group, I generally have witnessed "boy" bravery as they fight through their energy.

Tiger Moms: Is Tough Parenting Really the Answer?

This is a great article and I want to refer to it to motivate me in parenting my children!

Tiger Moms: Is Tough Parenting Really the Answer?

Jessica turns 6 today!

**Beginning the day with Grandma, Aunt Kim, Dad and Mom**.
We enjoyed a yummy and fresh breakfast at Mia Mia's Cafe. Exchanging presents was Jessie's favorite part!

Working with Coach Mack in her gymnastics class was a must even though it was her birthday.

Jessie shared some Hostess cupcakes with her "gal pals."

Then it was off to kindergarten with Mrs. Walker!

I got to read Jessie's favorite book--Morris Goes to School--to the class!

At 8 PM, Jessica FINALLY got to open her presents after waiting ALL day! She pulled out all the shots to try to open them earlier, but we wanted to wait for her brothers to get home. Carson participated in a solo-trumpet festival and had to perform in the evening and Hunter and Dad took an emergency trip to the optometrist for an inflamed and painful eye. Hopefully, antibiotic drops will heal the virus.

Needless to say, the day wasn't ALL about Jessica!

Birthday party for 6-year-old Jessica

 Although Jessie turned six on March 3, she continued to ask,

"When is my REAL birthday?"

She meant the one where she gets MORE presents from her friends! We finally had it and here is a look at what we did for fun!

Birthday Party PHOTO PICS HERE

"Majestic Mountain" & "The Race Car"

Mrs. Julie Silverburg and her Junior Festival piano students perform at a retirement facility. They are all preparing to play in front of a judge to receive a rating.

After this piano performance, Carson participated in a Boy Scout fund raiser to raise money for summer camps for his trroop. The evening was very enjoyable and many people helped support Carson's Troop!

Star of the Week--Jessica

Jessica will celebrate her 6th birthday this week and if you have ever had a kindergarten, this also means

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! STAR OF THE WEEK! ! ! ! ! ! !

This event was so dreaded when my oldest turned 6 because I had to sort through a billion pictures, buy some fancy paper, get out the glue, scissors, tape, markers, ribbon and various other craft supplies (all while nursing a newborn I am sure)! 

HUGE SIGH when that project was over.

With the digital age of photo storage and retrieval, I simply sat down to my computer and used the tools within the program and whipped up a photo visual in less than an hour! Granted it will cost me to print it, but to me and JESSICA, it is sooooooo worth the time and energy I save.

Here is Jessica as the Star of the Week:

....With this album complete and off to the printer, I can go back to watching the rest of the Oscars, (I fell asleep well before 10:30 PM) which is on DVR--another one of my favorite inventions!!!!!!!

Carson turns 12

All-you-can Eat pizza and a movie at home!

Peter Bagley  •  Jacob Forred  •  Jacob Hughes  •  Carson  •  Dylan Bailey

This recipe was recently introduced to me by some "young, hip" friends. With a little altering, it made for a delightful birthday "cake" for each of Carson's party participants!

CAKE BALLS

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
• 1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting
• 1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

Directions

1. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
3. Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

Jessie celebrates Valentine's Day

Jessie was so excited to have her hair french braided for the party.