HAPPY BIRTHDAY T MUN!!!

I can't believe that my baby boy is 8 - yes, EIGHT - years old today!! Time sure flies when you're having fun, doesn't it? I guess it's time for a few words to and about the most incredible kid that anyone on this beautiful planet has ever met...

Triston / T Mun / T / Handsome Pants / (You get the point),

I can't believe that you are already 8 years old, you are such a big kid! Although it's difficult, I am starting to accept that I can't keep you from growing up. I guess that I can let that go as long as you continue to become such a great person. You are my best friend, one of the 2 people in this entire world that can make me laugh no matter what, that can drain all negativity from me, that completely melts my heart. I've been thinking about advice to give that might help you continue to grow into a strong, confident, happy boy, and in my infinite wisdom ;) , 
this is what I have pulled together:

Think with your brain, act with your heart. There will be a ton of things to think about, to decide as you wander through life. You can’t possibly make good decisions all the time. That’s not the point. The point is, when you reach those moments where the decisions start to really mean something, three-step the solution. Gather information, learn what you can. Step back and let it simmer. Then listen to and act upon what your heart tells you is right. Whether it was the most logical decision in hindsight doesn’t matter. Remember that you can always correct course.

Laugh, laugh, laugh. Spontaneously, joyfully. 

Change is inevitable. No matter how much you love (fiery skull tattoos) or hate (broccoli) something today, no matter how sad or happy you are today, tomorrow brings an opportunity for something to new and different to happen. So enjoy the things you love today, dismiss the things you hate today, relish the happy moments when they happen, and grit your teeth and breathe through those tough times. But know that it changes. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Remember that you will never know joy if you have never experienced pain. Either way, we grow and move on.

Learn from you mistakes. Mistakes, like change, are inevitable. Admit and accept when you are wrong and apologize to those that you have wronged. You can’t very well have regrets if you've learned from every experience you’ve ever been through, good or bad.

Do stuff because it means something. It may take you a while to figure out what doesn’t really change how you feel and what activities and people make you feel deep-down, inside-out great. But when you do, find ways to do those things and be with those people as much as possible. That’s what matters. Not how much you have, but what you do and with whom. 

Oh.. and also, try not to use the word “whom.” Ever. It’s proper English, but, seriously, how many people who say whom do you really know…and like? 

Don’t smoke. Don't do drugs. A long, long time ago, people thought smoking was cool. the Marlboro Man hadn’t yet died from lung cancer. Now he has. Now we have more information. Now we know the truth. But, here’s the thing - it might seem fun at some point, but once you start, it’s really, really hard to stop. If you never start, you’ll never have to worry about quitting.

Give a lot, but don’t lose yourself. Maybe the coolest feeling you can get is when you give a lot, help a lot, do a lot for other people, without ever asking for anything in return. It just makes you smile inside. Cooler still is when you figure out ways to give without the other person even knowing it was you who did something nice for them. Do that as much as possible.

But, try not to define who you are by how you satisfy other peoples’ needs. You’ve still gotta be you, have your own personality, opinions, passions, ideas, creations and friendships. Because you’re worth it. So give a ton, but know it’s okay to receive, too.

Love. Say I love you, and mean it, as often as you can.

Where ever your path will lead you in life I will always be two steps behind cheering you on. We've come a long way, you and I. I love you so much, and wanted to say "Thank you," for making me the mother I am. 

Happy birthday, to my sweet little man.

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME

 

Happy Birthday Gracie Girl!!

I've heard this quote before and considering that today is my baby girl's 5th birthday, I think that it is more than fitting..

"A daughter may outgrow your lap, 

but she will never outgrow your heart."

Grace,

I just wanted to write a quick letter to tell you Happy Birthday.  You have become such a beautiful girl - inside and out.  You have an incredibly sweet attitude and spirit that remind me of the grace that you are, every single day.

As you grow and experience life, remember who you are and where you come from. Remember that you are strong and that you can accomplish anything no matter how long the roads to your goals look - nothing is impossible.  Always have faith and stay true to yourself.  Be confident and take pride in who you are.  Remember that everyone is different, and that different is beautiful.  You will realize that beauty will get you many things, but always remember that the inner beauty you hold within is the most powerful, and what will make you the most beautiful.  Continue to be kind and compassionate, not only to everything and everyone around you, but also to yourself.

Laugh.  Your laughter is bright enough to light up an entire room.  Your laugh puts a smile on everyone's face, and your sweet attitude and personality bring everyone in our family so much joy.

Dream big.  Dream colorful.  Dream magic.  Dream beyond the stars.  Remember that everything big starts as something small.

I have faith in you, Grace.  I will love you forever and look forward to a lifetime of experiences with you.  

Thank you for all the smiles and even some of the tears.  Thank you for always loving me and teaching me everyday how to be a better person.  Thank you for being a part of our family.  But most of all… 

Thank you for just being you.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISSY PANTS!!

"A Picture is Worth Ten Thousand Words..."

The past couple of months has given me an entirely different outlook on this statement.  I am not always the best with words, so please bear with me as I try to express what I am feeling when I look at these pictures.

While I was pregnant with Lucas, I scheduled a newborn photography session with an AMAZING photographer, Skye Johansen.  She took pictures of Triston and Grace about 2 years ago and I was so excited to have new pictures of our growing family.  I know that it might seem like I would have cancelled this session after losing our sweet baby, but my hospital stay made me realize the importance of pictures...I don't want to forget my kids at any point in their lives.  There were so many moments that I just sat and stared at Lucas, trying to soak in every little detail of his tiny body.  I already had so many pictures taken of and with him during the first day, but I started realizing that no matter how much those precious moments meant to me, memories fade.  I started to take pictures of every feature of his tiny body..every little wrinkle in his hands, feet, and in his long, skinny fingers and toes; his delicate fingernails; the dimples in his elbows; the cowlicks (yes, that's plural) in his dark, curly hair.

When I got home, I realized that I needed to have the same experiences with Triston and Grace.  They are getting so big, so fast and I feel like I've missed so much.

When I see these pictures I am not only reminded of what my children looked like during this time in their lives.  They tell me a story.   I am reminded of a lifetime of love that was consolidated into 2 days for my sweet baby boy.  I am reminded that I can't take time for granted.  That I need to slow down and appreciate each moment, because every second I have with Triston and Grace is a gift. I am reminded that plans change and that however distracting or painful, interruptions can be magical and beautiful. I see love, peace, comfort, family, strength, faith, and security.

Thank you, Skye.  I hope that this gives you at least a small idea of what your pictures mean to me.  They are all so incredible and I will love them forever.

So perfect in every way, God wanted him to stay

This has by far been the most heartbreaking, yet sacred and precious experience of my life. I am not typically one to share moments that are this close to me, and for the past couple of weeks I have not intended to, but I am so proud to be Lucas' mommy and I want to give everyone the chance to see my beautiful baby boy. 


Lucas Steven Mann was born still on December 15, 2009, due to unknown causes (SADS). I had the amazing opportunity to hold his perfect little body for 2 days after he was born. I miss him so bad that it physically hurts, but I know that I will always have those precious moments that I was able to spend with him, and he will always be in my heart. 

We miss and love you, Lucas.

Thank you, Debbie, for coming to the hospital so quickly to take these amazing pictures. I love them so much, and I can't tell you how much they mean to me.

I have also wanted to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. I have such wonderful friends and family, and I am sincerely grateful for all of you and love you so much. While I appreciate everyone's offers, I am spending the next little while with my family but I promise that I will let you know if there is anything that anyone can do to help. I apologize if you have been unable to contact me, the best way right now is through email - stacia.mann@gmail.com.

I'm Baaaaaaack!!

So almost a full year later...and I'm back. I've had several people asking me to update so here it goes. Since A LOT has happened in the past year (it's crazy!), I'll majorly consolidate and you can choose which sections to read..or you can just browse pictures. :)

For starters, I was on The Bachelor on ABC! Yeah, yeah..I was only kept for the first night - being kicked off with all of the "crazies," but made some fun new friends that I hope to keep in touch with. It was interesting to watch the full season having met the girls that were there. Fun experience. Different than expected, but fun!

Grace is now 4 years old and in preschool. She loves her teacher, Miss Bev, and always talks about her best friend Ava in class. Still a little priss..and definitely has her own little attitude. She's finally learning to stick up for herself..but she explodes when she does. Not too long ago she had had it with T and told him that if he didn't stop, she'd "cut him." She didn't get that from me, I swear..it most likely came from Kent or Elliot. Thanks a lot guys. ;)

Triston is 6 and started kindergarten in August! I cried watching him walk into class - he's such a big boy. He's making lots of new friends in class but he's already bored with the curriculum. When I ask him what he's learned about on any given day, the typical answer is "nothing I didn't know before," and has been on a roll lately with the sense of humor. He's the most random kid ever.

Bethany got married! She married Dewey Olsen, and shortly after the wedding they moved to PA. We missed them like crazy but are happy to have them back, as well as Charise and Juan! It's about freakin' time you guys. :) It's been so great having everyone back in UT.

New babies: Daxton Kent Mann was born in April 09 and is the cutest little chubby baby I have ever seen. He is such a boy..low voice and all. He looks so much like Di's nephews to me, it's crazy. Blakesley Anne Vargas was born in June 09 and is the total opposite of Dax - petite and totally girly. I think that she seems smaller to our fam than she really is just because Dax is such a pudge. They are the sweetest babies. And last, but not least....I'm expecting! We're excited to have a new little boy in our family, he's due on Christmas day. Gracie loves practicing to be a big sister with Dax and Blake, and T is way excited to have another boy so that he won't be outnumbered. Haven't thought of any names yet..any suggestions?? :) So far, we like the names Samuel, William, Clark, Davis, and Elijah. I change my mind everyday, but today my favorites are Samuel and Elijah. The kids say that they only like Samuel and Davis..and T says he'll make fun if we name him Clark. It's definitely unexpected, but I know that things will work out and we can't wait to meet him.

I think that's all for now! If you know of anything that I missed, feel free to chime in and I'll add a new post. Love ya!