Backpacks and Diaperbags

"When the student is ready, the master will appear."

That chinese proverb was running through my mind as we arrived

back in Houston just a few days before school began.

There was still a lengthy list of school supplies to acquire,

immunizations to update, class schedules to pick up

and a 'meet the teacher' afternoon. But Sunday evening,

before the Monday morning - we were all confident

that the students were ready! As usual the night before was one of

kids tossing and turning in their beds, while

visions of back to school scenario's danced through their heads.

And that first morning was one of backpacks, excitement and anticipation.

(A few traditional first day photo's too)!

At 8:10 a.m., Lady London officially began her course of study

in the third grade! Hooray for another year at Kuehnle!

The student was ready and her teacher's (master's) appeared.

Mrs. Morrison and Miss Alexander. She was happy about that!

At 8:50 a.m. Jacer officially began his 7th grade year at Kleb Intermediate.

A new school for him (due to district rezoning) Kleb is his brother's alma mater.

I think he was excited about that...after all he is a Bearcat in training!

This student was ready and all seven of his teacher's (master's) appeared.

Even better - friends in most of his classes and lunch C appeared as well!

Phew! It was a busy and an exciting morning!

We sent Jace and London off with a prayer, hugs and a bundle of good wishes!

But that wasn't all of our excitement on the first day of school. No siree...

...that same morning, at 7:54 a.m., this 'little Mann' arrived.

Alexander David Mann

Grandbaby Boy #2

Welcome little one to the first day of school - 'Earthlife 101."

Eight days early, this precious bundle caught us all by surprise

but you know what they say,

"When the master is ready the student will appear."

(And appear he did. All 6 lbs and 11 ounces of him).

Backpack's and Diaperbags! We are delighted!

Grandbaby Boy #3 is coming soon so stay tuned...

Oh Man!

Jace-man!

This is one of Jace's nick names, and has been ever since he

was a little boy. Not quite sure how it happened...maybe because he has

always been like a little man. Wise, understanding and very perceptive.

That nickname has become more fitting with every passing year.

But whoa! Our precious little Jace-man is quickly becoming

..one very cool guy!

One of the great events of our summer was

celebrating this very cool guy's 12th birthday.

It was a milestone birthday because

the Jace-man became a preisthood man and was ordained a deacon

on Father's Day.

Lately, Jace has been told (quite often) that he's a Justin Bieber look-alike.

I don't know about that ( since I had to google J.B.) but

these are the things about Jace-man that I do know...

He is becoming quite the little golf-man.

Even scored a birdie on his birthday!

Wasatch Mountain Course - fifth hole.

He is a music-man. Guitar...

...and men's choir.

Jace is a part time mountain-man

and Scout!

He's an amateur sailor

and an expert student.

(Straight A Honor Roll)

Jace is this little monkey's uncle

as well as

an incredibly sweet brother...

...all six of his siblings would agree-he's a great man

to walk through life with!

Oh man!

Is it any wonder that we celebrate who Jace is becoming

and who Jace has always been!

We love you Jace-man. So glad you belong to us!

May all 12 of those birthday wishes come true!

Angel Face

Isn't this the sweetest little angel face?!

Little Sari is growing before our very eyes.

Love you baby girl!

A June Riddle

"Who came with summer to this earth

And owes to June her day of birth?"

With ring of Agate on her hand

Can health, wealth and long life command."

Give up?

None other than this little June bug...

Wasn't she adorable? And still is!

In the event you need a few hints

as to who this little darlin' is...

Today, June 1st, she is 27

Graduated from USU

Was an amazing missionary

Has a great love for family and friends

Has a creative flair and an eye for design

Loves to have fun and sprinkles it wherever she goes

Is determined, dedicated and loyal,

tenderhearted and compassionate

Is partial to chocolate cake

Answers to the name of "Becky-boo"

Blogs under the name of "Bloom"

appropriately named

since she has blossomed in to an

exquisitely beautiful,

talented, amazing woman.

A woman in full bloom.

Wouldn't you agree?

And so dear daughter, we are grateful

for you today and everyday.

We are wishing you a year filled with

bushels and baskets of happiness...

the kind of happiness that blooms again and again...

reminding you of how much we love you!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Tarry, Tarry....Meet Miss Sari

Sari Montoya

7 lbs 5 ounces

May 31, 2010 10:17 P.M.

The Woodlands, Texas

Although technically Monday was Memorial Day, for us it was Labor Day.

Stacia's labor day. Sari tarried a bit longer in heaven than we

had all planned (7 days longer) and she tarried along the labor route

a bit longer than we had hoped (more than 30 hours) but was she ever worth the wait!

Her mommy was amazing. Her daddy was too. What a great team they are!

They labored at home for hours and hours....

They labored at the hospital for hours and hours....

Even without any sleep Stacia amazed us for more than 22 hours with her

ability to handle labor au natural. Stacia was tough and sweet and kind

every minute of every hour! However, the picture below is at about 21 hours

and you can see her beginning to consider the benefits of an epidural.

And so after a quick little visit from the anesthesiologist the smiles

came more often and much, much easier! I think Stacia may now believe

that epidurals are a girls best friend (right behind attentive husbands, of course)!

Abraham never left her side.

However, Sari still tarried for another 8 hours!

("Sari, sari - please don't tarry" should have been the chant of the day)

but finally she made her debut!

Our first peek at her confirmed what everyone had predicted all along...

...a headful of beautiful silky dark brown hair. Stacia and Abraham were smitten

from the minute they looked into Sari's big, bright, beautiful eyes.

Eyes that seriously never closed. She calmly, peacefully,

serenely looked about for hours and hours.

As you can see, they called "Grandma Hollie" right away and described

every exquisite feature of this sweet little angel face.

We all wanted to snuggle this precious bundle fresh from heaven.

Nonna Great

...and Proud Aunties!

Even the nurses couldn't help themselves.

But who could blame them? Sari is absolutely beautiful and

looking at her almost feels like catching a glimpse of eternity.

Welcome to the world little one!

Thanks for letting us be your welcoming committee!

It was such a wonderful privilege!

Singin' in the rain

Guess who celebrated their first wedding anniversary on Saturday?

And what a celebration! That rainy morning we joined

Stacia and Abraham at the temple and despite the

Texas sized thunder storm it was a beautiful day.

Nothing but sunshine in these happy faces.!

It was a bit of a double celebration. As you can see, we are also

anxiously awaiting the "any day now" arrival of Stacia and Abraham's

sweet little bundle of pink. Nine days and counting!

Wouldn't you say they are "glowing?" (And growing!)

Happy First Anniversary! We Love you!