Manea's Many Treasures

Adoption

2012-01-08T12:40:00.001-08:00

Hope is Fading from Allan Rosenow on Vimeo.

Christmas and Family

2012-01-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Mossy Kenny and Andrew

We were blessed to have all our children plus my neice Willow home for Christmas. Santa came early because I had to work. Dang the hospital never shuts down. We all had a great time spending it with each other. Seth got engaged Christmas day to his girlfriend of five years, Tabitha

Sean and Mossy

Seth Tabitha and Izzy

The newest Manea

2012-01-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

Introducing Amelie Ella Claire.

Amelie was three in November and is waiting for us in Nanning City.

Its been a long time.

2011-04-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Well I cant believe it has been over a year since we posted. Alot has happened. we just sent our foster daughter Kelsy home to her Udder Mommy, as she says. We had her a year and a half. It was sad but we are ready to move on. All the kiddos are doing good, we are home schooling Jonathan and he is doing well but still needs prayers. Andrew and Kenny are doing well in school and growing to be handsome young men. Mossy is the princess as usually. She is such a blessing.

Happy Gotcha Day

2010-01-24T05:33:00.000-08:00

Look at those red cheeks, she had travelled 3 and 1/2 hours to meet her mommy.
I am a few days late on posting because our internet has been down. It has been two years since Mossy was placed in my arms. Man how time flies. I was looking back at my post two years ago and the emotions come back to me. The girls were so little but came to us like they already knew us.

Our American Girl

2009-12-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

Mossy received her certificate of citizenship today. Since I travelled alone to get Mossy we had to apply for her to become a citizen.

I love chaios

2009-12-27T11:17:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is over and I have not had any time to post. We all had a wonderful holiday season. Jonathan was able to spent three days with us and he did terrific. Andrew, Kenny Mossy and Kelsy also had a wonderful time and got WAY too much as usually. We were able to spend at least part of the day with all of our children and are truly blessed to have these kids in our life. Please continue to pray for Jonathan and we hope he is able to return home for good soon.

Alot going on

2009-10-27T17:48:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in forever, next week maybe I will have more time, it is very chaotic now in our lives. Please pray for our family. I will post more later.

Jonathan

2009-07-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had to place Jonathan back in a treatment facility. Only those who have had to do this know how devestating this is. We know this is the best for him now but are all hurting like crazy. Please pray that God will perform a miracle for our big guy and please pray for us as a family. Just look at this sweet precious angel. Jonathan is such a wise old soul. When I was telling him where we were taking him I was crying and he said I know your sad mom but it is what I have to do. He is one brave boy.

Mossy is the big 2

2009-06-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Prayer for a Child's Birthday
With thanksgiving and love that you have been given to be a part of our heart and of our family, we celebrate this day of your birth, beautiful child, delightful spirit.

May you have a year full of joy and may your prodigious talents, like arrows, find their true mark through a long life in this world.

Pledge for an Adopted Child
We did not plant you, true.
But when the season is done,
When the alternate prayers
For the sun and for rain are counted,
When the pain of weeding
And the pride of watching are through,
We will hold you high.

A shining leaf
Above the thousand seeds grown wild
Not by our planting,
But by heaven.
Our harvest.
Our own child.

Mossy at 23 months

2009-05-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

it is hard to believe that our baby girl will be two years old next months. She is growing up way to fast. She is a real Jianxi beauty. She is talking, using more words each day. Our family is truly blessed.

Prayer

2009-05-13T20:15:00.001-07:00

Father of the fatherless, you give your children a home in which to dwell; and like a loving mother you gather us into your household. We give you thanks for the child who has come to bless this family and for the parents who have taken this child to be their own. By the power of your Holy Spirit, fill our family with trust, understanding and affection; and, through this child in our midst, enable us better to know the mystery that we are all your children by adoption; through Jesus Christ our Lord

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.
For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you
The gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of YOU!

Andrew is 8.

2009-05-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

Andrew turned 8 years old yesterday. He is a really great, smart kiddo. He amazes me everyday with his wisdom. He said to say he loves LEGOS. Happy Birthday Andrew.

25th anniversery

2009-05-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today is our 25th anniversery. We spent the day shopping, I got diamond earrings and we refinanced our house. How much more exciting could a day get. Yesterday was also Stan's 50th birthday.

Weekend update

2009-04-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jonathan got to come home for the day Saturday. I picked him up at 8 and we came home where he did really good. He got to spend some time with all his brothers and sister as well as us. Andrew and Kenny are pretty much inside kids but when they get a chance they can get dirty just like all boys do.

Mossy at 22 months

2009-04-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

We can hardly believe Mossy will be two years old in two months. She is growing like a weed and very animated now. She is getting speech therapy and learning sign language to help us understand her more. She loves to rock in the new rocking chairs we bought for the front porch and loves eat also. Here are some new photos.

Jonathans sleep study

2009-04-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will spend the night at a sleep center with Jonathan. He is having a sleep study to rule out sleep disturbances and seizures. Maybe this will give us some answers. Here is a picture of what a sleep study is, this is not Jonathan but I will post some pictures tomorrow. Please pray that we will have some new things to guide us and help figure this puzzle out.

March 2009

2009-03-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

We are still here. We are still working, or Stan is on getting our mess cleaned up from the storm. We have been plant shopping to buy some schrubs for the yard so our house will look a little more homey. Please continue to pray for Jonathan and our family. We need a huge miracle.

We're back

2009-02-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

Oh where do I began. Well with the winter ice storm the last of January we were with out power for almost a week and we feel lucky, some had to go without power almost one month. We were also lucky that we had an old generator that powered our electric fireplace, refigerators and my dad oxygen concetrator. The kids were good through it all but were our very bored. We just cable and internet service one week ago. I had 1400 email messages in my inbox, yike.s Jonathan is still in Tennessee and is making some improvement, we are able to see him every week. He will be eight on March 6th. My how time flies. Andrew is a good boy as usually, Kenny is having some impovement in school, Sean and Seth are working long hours and being young adults. And last but not lnot least Mossy. She is growing and changing everyday. She is a LITTLE spoiled thought. She is talking more and talks about her baby all the time. She loves one particular doll and she wags it around all the time. She has learned to jump on the bed too. She totally amazes us.

Happy Gotcha Day

2009-01-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

One year ago today princess Mossy was placed in my arms. It seems like it was yesterday. It was a very exciting day. We landed in Nanchung and Bruce our guide said you get your babies in two hours. We were all so excited and totally exhaused. We had just been in Beijing the day before for a grueling tour but boy were we ready. All of the girls are doing awesome and we hope to get together with them this summer. Happy gotcha day girls. We are all so truly blessed to have these most precious angels and all of our other childrenk, adopted adn bio.

Flu shots and fun with hats.

2009-01-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

SEE MY OUCHY
All the kids had flu shots. I had to take Mossy to get her immunizations and took Kenny and Andrew along. The nurse ask if they needed flu shots so I said yes. Mossy did fine with hers but Andrew let out a loud scream and it took three of us to hold Kenny down. Bad thing is now they have to have another one in one month.

Here are some pix of Mossy and her hats.

Christmas and New Year's.

2009-01-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

We were very blessed to be able to have all six of our children home for Christmas day. We have been very busy with work, the kids, the house and going twice a week to visit Jonathan. He is doing some better, please continue to pray for him and his struggles. We had a very good 2008 and are expecting to have another good year in 2009.

Miss Mossy at 18 months

2008-12-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Our Mossy is eighteen months old today. She is definately a toddler now. She is walking pretty good although she looks a little like Frankenstein with her little legs stiff. She is quite the little lady. She is saying more, thank you, stop, mama, and dada. Someone told me once children start walking their speech takes off. She is a mess.

Happy 22nd Birthday Sean and Seth

2008-12-17T19:11:00.000-08:00

Today is Sean and Seth's 22nd birthday. How did they get so old? We are so proud of them, they both bought houses this year, have a job and girlfriends. They have really made us proud. Thanks for not giving us any trouble all these years. Thanks for being Mama's boys, right Megan.

On a lighter note

2008-12-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

MOSSY THEN

MOSSY NOW
One year ago today we got our call that we had a bouncing baby girl, five and a half months old. We wouldn't see her sweet little face until the next day but this is what Emily told me about her, she is cute, not much hair, and serious and she was right. Wow what a difference a year makes.

Prayer for Children

2008-12-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

How fitting is this. Everyone who knows me know what is going on with Jonathan so please keep him in your prayers , maybe even say this prayer for him.
Prayer for Children
Blessed God, you have created life to begin with childhood, a time of innocence, laughter, and exploration. Bless, we beseech you, the children of this world. Grant unto them the nurture they need for strong physical growth, keen minds, balanced emotions, and a holy spiritual life. Send unto them teachers to inspire an inquiring and discerning heart, to enable curiosity toward their surroundings, and a knowledge of this global village. Bless them with love, hope, and vision, and keep them ever in your unfailing compassion and protection. Amen.

- Vienna Cobb Anderson

Holidays

2008-11-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

I cannot do this alone

2008-11-25T16:10:00.001-08:00

I Cannot Do This Alone
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Mossy is 17 months old

2008-11-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

Here of some pix from about ten days ago when we had some friends over. We are still putting some things up in the house but are in and will have our Thanksgiving Sunday. Please keep our family in your prayers, especially our Jonathan as he is going on a very difficult journey.

Lead me to peace

2008-11-11T06:13:00.000-08:00

Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill my heart,
my world, my universe.
Amen.

fun times

2008-11-10T17:06:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Dream

2008-11-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

Seth had a dream last night. In that dream his Granny came to him riding on a Harley,
with an angel as a passenger. She told him thank you and said that everything would be okay now. Seth is now at peace.

Feels like today.

2008-11-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Listen to the words.Enough said;)

Hallowing, yeah hallowing

2008-10-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

JONATHAN AS INDIANA JONES

ANDREW AS ULTIMUS PRIME

KENNY AS DARTH VADER

JONATHAN, BATMAN AND JOKER, HE SAID I THOUGHT YOU WERE ENEMIES

MOSSY AS YOU GUESSED IT A LADY BUG
Here are pictures of our little gobblings. Our neighbor invited us to her church for trunk or treat and the kids had a great time.

Mossy at 16 months and moving

2008-10-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Mossy is 16 months old today. She is doing great. The boys are good as well. We are moving into our house or at least trying to. Here are some pictures from today.

Mossy at 15 months

2008-09-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Mossy is 15 months old today. She is making such progress. She is standing alone and will be taking off soon. She is such an amazing little person. She has a joyous laugh and we hear it alot. Yesterday we readopted her and she is now officially Mossy Marina Grace Manea. Here are some photos.

Mossy at 14 months

2008-08-17T18:14:00.000-07:00

Mossy will be fourteen months old tomorrow. She is almost walking. She has a temper and is a real little diva. She loves our photo shoots. Here are some pix from today.

KENNY IS SIX YEARS OLD

2008-08-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Kenny celebrated his birthday on the 13th. We took cupcakes to school and at first he did not want to eat any, but then he decided he would, LOL.

Buying paint and flooring and grandpa

2008-08-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today Stan, Mossy and I went to Lowes to buy flooring and paint. 33 gallons of paint and 35 gallons of primer. I hope I dont hate the colors after they go up. A woman at Lowes thought Stan was Mossy's grandpa,hehe. I thought we should get a seniors discount, right. The paint will most likely be up in about three weeks. I will post pix when some of it goes up.

Six Months Ours

2008-07-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Mossy was placed in my arms six months ago, a day earlier than we had expected. WOW what an exciting day for all of us in our travel group. Time has really flown by and we are enjoying raising a little princess along with our sons.

Moss is 13 months old today

2008-07-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

MOSSY STARING AS PIGLET

MOSSY CRUISING

MOMMY AND ME

I HATE THIS STUPID PINK HAT

LOOK HOW CUTE I AM
Hey friends and family. Our MOMO girl is thirteen months old today. Her physical therapy says she should be walking in a months or so. House is still progressing, the sheetrock was delived today and it will start going up on Monday. Here are some cute pictures of Mossy.

Update

2008-07-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Mossy then

Mossy now
Been very busy lately. Jonathan, Andrew and Kenny all have tutoring two to three times a week so we are on the run all the time. The house is being insulated this week and they will start sheetrock next week. We hope to be in in about three months max. All the kids are doing good. Sean got engaged and both Sean and Seth have bought houses. Here is a comparison of Mossy when we first got her and now. We have been home over five months now.

Mossy Meets a New Friend

2008-07-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Mossy and Maggie

Mossy and Maggie again

Maggie

Mossy
Yesterday we met the Ford family at the park here in Paducah. Since Mossy has been home I don't think she has seen another Chinese child until today. Maggie is 15 months old and has been home for about five months too. When we arrived at the park the boys yelled, there is another Chinese girl like Mossy. We hope Mossy has alot of opportunities to meet Chinese people in the future.

Princess in the Park

2008-07-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

From today's photo shoot.

This is Life

2008-06-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

Happy 1st Birthday Mossy

2008-06-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

Mossy will be one tomorrow the 18th but technically she is already one because China is 14 hours ahead of us. I find myself thinking about her birth mother. What a precious gift she gave to Mossy and to us. First the gift of life and then making a heartwrenching decision to have to abandonon her. She did place her in front of the hospital so she would be found. So we must thank her for her heroism. Mossy is the most precious little girl and perfect for our family. She is truly loved by everyone who knows her.

Mossy early birthday party

2008-06-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had a early get together for Mossy birhtday which is on Wednesday. It is a rare occation to have all six kids together.

BACK FROM A SHORT VACATION

2008-06-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

We took a quick trip to Florida with the four youngest kiddos. With gas prices four buck a gallon this might be our last year. Here are some photos enjoy them.

Remember........

2008-05-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Girl

Mossy and Jonathan

Mossy Sean and Andrew

Mossy and her daddy

Kenny aka Candyman
As we are approaching Memorial Day please take time to remember all those who passed before us, most recently Maria Chapman. I am sure she is smiling down upon her family and they will be reunited in Heaven. Please challange youself to help others through pledging your monthly donation to Shoahannahs Hope. Give whatever you can so children around the world can have a family, just like our sons and daughter.

Another Angel Gets Her Wings

2008-05-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Maria and her father.
Everyone in the adoption community knows what the Chapman family has done to help many hundred orphans find a home. Please pray for this family. I spoke to Maria's grandmother this morning and they are coping as best as they can. Please remember this family in your prayers.

Mossy at eleven months

2008-05-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Today our Momo girl is eleven months old. She is even more than we ever dreamed. She is the happiest little girl in the world. She has made tremendous progress, she is scooting on her bottom, almost crawling and will stand with some assistance. She says mama, dada, nana (for Bottle), she claps her hands when you say Yeah and loves Sponge Bob. She is truly a blessing.

Our house update

2008-05-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

The front of the house

The basement entry

The backside.
Well the ouside of the house is mostly finished as you can see. Stan is doing the plumbing, running the telephone and cable wires and finishing up the electrical. Hopefully we will be in the house within the next three months. Remember I said hopefully.

Daycare battle wounds

2008-05-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Mossy has had her first "fight" at daycare. She got bit by another child. I am not upset because all of my boys were biters and sometime they bit the other kids and sometimes they got bit. Oh well life goes on, right. MY POOR BABY!!!!!

Happy 7th Birthday Andrew

2008-05-08T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today is Andrew's seventh birthday. We love you Andrew, always and forever
Andrew and his new Heelys
a_vI/AAAAAAAAARE/yJFczpPktRk/s400/008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198199644179070706" />

Andrew and best bud, sometimes, Jonathan

Andrew at school today

Andrew and big brother Seth

Happy 24th Anniversery

2008-05-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Today we have been married for twenty four years. How time flies. I love you honey.What an amazing journey this has been. Here's to another twenty four plus.

MOSSY AT TEN MONTHS

2008-04-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

Mossy is ten months old today. She is progressing lying to sitting and stand on her legs with help. She gets more precious every day. All five of her brothers think she is adorable and she has daddy wrapped around both little fingers. Here are some pix from this week.

JUST A SHORT UPDATE

2008-04-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

HEY EVERYONE, WE HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY WITH THE KIDS AND THE NEW HOUSE. I HAVE GONEBACK TO WORK AND IT IS REALLY HARD, ALOT HARDER THAN BEFORE. MOSSY IS STILL PROGRESSING SHE CAN ROLL OVER AND SIT UP. SHE CAN ALSO PUSH HERSELF BACK WHEN SHE IS SITTING IN HER WALKER. WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF RAIN BUT THE HOUSE IS COMING ALONG. STAN AND SOME OTHER FOLKS ARE BUSY WIRING, PLUMBING AND DOING THE DUCT WORK, WE ARE STILL UNSURE WHEN WE WILL BE IN.

Busy Week

2008-03-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

JONATHAN AND HIS NEW HEELEYS

MOSSY AND PAWPAW

MOSSY AND GRANNY

ANDREW, LITTLE LADYBUG AND KENNY
We have had a very busy week. The framers are finished with their part. Stan is working on the plumbing and electricity. Jonathan turned seven on Thursday and got Heeleys and walkie talkies. Mossy is getting fatter and sassier. Andrew and Kenny are doing great also.

Move over Heidi Klum

2008-03-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Mossy had her photos taken today, she is a natural, isn't she. Here are a few shots. Enjoy.

Mossy and her big brothers

2008-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

SETH AND MOSS

SEAN, ANDREW AND JONATHAN WITH MOSSY MOTO

TABITHA AND MOSS
Here are some photos of Mossy and her big bubs. She is crazy about all of them. We are still waiting on her alien registration from the INS so we can readopt her, hopefully this will come in soon. I will return to work in two weeks, arggg. Enjoy these photos.

Mossy is 8 months old today.

2008-02-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

Mossy and her possy

Mossy and her baby

Look at me
Mossy is 8 months old today and has been with our family four weeks tomorrow. She is doing amazing, sleeping well, eating good, you can see for yourself. The time has flown by and I will return to work in four weeks. Wish me luck.

HOME ONE WEEK

2008-02-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

We have been home one week today. Everyone is adjusting well and Mossy is a hit with everyone. She was a little sick last night, I think she is developing an URI so we well need to keep a close check on her. We are still a little jet-lagged, getting tired about 6PM and waking up often. All in all this has been an amazing journey.

Last post from China

2008-02-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

We are packed and ready to come home. In about 26 hours we will be in St. Louis. We have had an amazing trip, but we are really ready to come home.

IN GUANGZHOU

2008-01-30T00:26:00.000-08:00

After a fifteen hour bus ride we made it Yeah. Today we wnt for the babies medical exams and did some paper work. We are going to eat with some of our travel mates in just a little while. We are ready to come home. The White Swan is very, very nice. Now why didn't we come here first. Here are some Mossymoto pix.

Leaving for Guangzhou today

2008-01-27T17:19:00.000-08:00

We will be leaving for Guangzhou today. Last night it was uncertatin that we would be able to leave due to the weather. Bruce our guide gave us three choices: airplane, twenty hour bus ride or water buffalo. We choose the airplane. At 11 we will pick up Mossy's Chinese passport. At 2:30 have our luggage ready, it is ready now. Then at 3:00 head out for the airport, yeah. The weather is looking better today. Our plane leaves at 6 so it will be along day. Here are some random pix enjoy.

ORPHANAGE VISIT FRIDAY

2008-01-25T16:34:00.000-08:00

CABBAGE PATCH
We visit the orphanage Friday. It was about a four hour, hang on to your seat, drive to Poyang. We were met by the orphanage staff and serve hot water and fruit. We were allowed to ask questions of the director and staff about our daughters. After that we were allowed a tour of the orphanage and were let in to two baby rooms. The ratio for babies is one staff to four babies, very good by even American standards. It was very clean. We saw two baby rooms and each had four, ranging from 3 days to a few months, they were all so precious. They were all bundled up, it is about 20 degrees colder than usual. There was no heat. All you could see was their little, beautiful faces. There were susposed to be seventy children there but the babies were all we were able to see. After this we had lunch with some of the orphanage staff and the owner of the resturant which was very interesting. After taking more pix with the owner of the resturant we made the four hour trip back to the hotel and had Pizza Hut, yeah.

I have forgotten the day were are on, oh well

2008-01-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

She is so beautiful.

Good baby.

NIGHTY NIGHT

Today is a day that we are not required to do anything so Emily and I went to the real WalMart, everyday low prices. It was definately worth the two extra minutes walk. We bought some diapers to take to the orphanage tomorrow and some staples like Diet COKE, yes. We will leave around 8 in the morning to visit Mossy's SWI, Orphanage, Poyang SWI. It is 3-4 hours away so it will be along day. It will be us and four other families. Here are some more photos, enjoy.

ADOPTION FINALIZATION

2008-01-22T23:56:00.000-08:00

MOMMY AND MOSSY. STAN THE SHOES DID FIT. HER FEET IS NOT AS BIG AS THEY LOOKED

EMILY AND MOSSY

CHILLIN"
Today we had to go to the Cival Affairs office, the notary office and a office to video tape the kids. No one, not even our facilator knows why they video tape the kids but now it is required. We left about 8:30 and returned around 11:30. Emily and I ventured out to KFC and their version of Wal Mart and it became quite the adventure. Emily is a real life saver and helps me out alot. I know Stan wishes he could be here, but he is at home taking care of the little guys. Emily and I think they should do Amazing Race in China with a baby and whoevers survives wins. Their Walmart is susposed to be like ours but is much worse. I will never complain about going to Wal Mart again. We had alot of stairs and stares. The Chinese people look at Mossy then at us. They don't ask questions, but I wonder what they are thinking. Tomorrow we have a day off and I am not sure what we will do. Friday we will get to visit the orphanage, a great privelidge. Our five babies are from 3 different orphanges. It is a four hour drive to Poyang but we feel this will be a great experience and it is the history of our children. Pray we have a safe trip.

GOTCHA DAY

2008-01-22T23:46:00.000-08:00

MOMMY AND MOSSY

MOMMY AND MOSSY

AUNTIE EMILY AND MOSSY

ALL HER CLOTHES
We arrived in Nanchang yesterday around 2pm and much to our surprise our guide said we were going to get the babies that day instead of today, yoohoo. We got to our hotel the Jaingxi and had about 30 minutes to get ready to pick them up. Boy were we rushing. We had about a thirty minute bus ride to the Civil Affairs Office and up to the 27th floore we went and there they were, all five of them, bundled up. It was freezing in there. We had to show our pass port and TA. We returned to the hotel and unpacked, I mean undress Mossy's five layers to check her out and yes I made sure she was a girl and she is. Can you believe it, we have a girl. Here are some pix

Day 1-2

2008-01-21T04:23:00.000-08:00

Well Emily and I made it here safe and sound. We met up with our group, some in Minniapolis, but most here in Beijing. We went on our tour today and saw the Tian'an Men Square, Forbidden City and The Great Wall.Everyone in our group is very nice and we have some very interesting conversation and tales. Tomorrow we leave at 11:30 to fly to Nanchang and Wedensday is GOTCHA DAY, YEAH. Here are some photos.

Last post til I get to China

2008-01-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

OUR HOUSE FINALLY LOOKING LIKE A HOUSE

JONATHAN LOST A TOOTH, ANOTHER ONE

ANDREW GETTING READY FOR BED

KENNY LOOKING HANDSOME AS USUAL
This will be my last post until I get to China. Please continue to pray for our family. Here are some misc. pix. See you all soon

Itinerary

2008-01-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

Ok everyone. The tickets are bought and here is our itinerary.
January 19 Leave from St. Louis
January 20 Arrive in Beijing 9:30pm
January 21 Beijing tour
January 22 Nanchang
January 23 Gotcha day, the day we meet Mossy
January 26 Orphanage visit
January 28 Local sightseeing
January 30 Guangzhou
January 31 Consulate appointment
Febuary 2 Go home.

Tentative travel plans

2008-01-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

Just to let everyone know my tentative travel dates are January 19-Feb2. Hope to be on my way soon. Keep our family in your prayers.

Wonderful Holidays

2007-12-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

TABITHA AND THE LITTLE BOYS

OUR CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS TREE

ANDREW

ANDREW

JONATHAN

JONATHAN
We had a very great Christmas. Here are some photos of the festivities.

21 YEARS AGO

2007-12-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

SEAN, HE JUST WOKE UP MY FIRST BORN

SETH, BORN EIGTH MINUTES LATER

SETH, DAD, AND SEAN, BOY DOES DAD LOOK TIRED OR WHAT
TWENTY-ONE YEARS AGO MY FIRST BOYS WERE BORN. HARD TO BELIEVE?

Our Daughters SWI PoYong

2007-12-13T17:21:00.000-08:00

Someone who recently travelled to pick up their daughter was able to take some photos of the orphanage where Mossy is currently.

Feeling very overwelmed

2007-12-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

Chinese angel
I thought all of the paperwork was over, but we still have alot to do. POA'S, LOA, I864, I864A AND ON AND. But I do have someone helping me with that part, Emily with KAS is helping and she will be travelling to China with me. Thanks Lucy. We are sending off for our visas very soon.

We have taken our medical report on Mossy to our peditricain to review and she says everything looks good. At Mossy's medical exam on September she weighed 5.5kg and was 58 cm long. We have also found out that she was found at the front of a hospital and an officer found her on the day of her birth. Her birth mother placed her in a place where she would be found and taken care of, this must have been a very hard decision to make. Little does she know this little one will be loved and loved and loved.

A Tribute To My Mom, Bertie Martha Allmon, aka Mossy, click the link below and watch the video

2007-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

YouTube - Mercy Me - I Can Only Imagine
My mom passed away four years ago yesterday. I always told her if I had a daughter I would name her Mossy. Even though she will never know her grandaughter, her granddaughter will know about her. We miss you mom.

Introducing Our Precious Daughter

2007-12-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

We have a daughter, finally

2007-12-05T18:36:00.000-08:00

We received our call today, we have a daughter:
Chinese name Bo Ai
DOB June 18, 2007
Jiangxi Province

We will post pictures tomorrows.

I HEARD TO STORK MAY BE ON ITS WAY, YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-04T16:42:00.000-08:00

AFTER TWO YEARS OF WAITING WE SHOULD BE GETTING OUR REFERRAL OF OUR DAUGHTER THIS WEEK, YEAH. CHECK BACK SOON TO SEE HER.

YouTube - Hanna-McEuen - Ocean

2007-11-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

YouTube - Hanna-McEuen - Ocean
One of Jonathan's favorite songs, written by his teachers husband.

Some Winter fun

2007-11-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

Andrew learning some new tricks.

Kenny being Kenny

Stan and Jonathan.

Manea boys strike a pose.
We were in Louisville and took the kids to the park for some fun. It is really getting to be winter.

Happy Fall

2007-11-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Kenny and Andrew as Power Rangers

Jonathan as Chuck E Cheese

Our Basement
Here are some photos of the kiddos and the progress of the new house.

Our temporary housing and some random pix

2007-10-02T16:27:00.000-07:00

Temporary housing

Three sweet kids
Here is where we are living on our building site. We have five storage units full of our things and so far I haven't missed anything. We are sure living in close quarters and it is harder to keep thing clean and tidy, but we will survive.

The Big Dig

2007-10-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

We are about two weeks into our big building project and it is going pretty well. Here is the progression so far.

Our new home

2007-08-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our new home. If all goes as planned we will be moving in about 12 months from now. Currently we are living in a small 700 square foor mobile home and have alot of our things in storage.

Jonathan Andrew and Kenny's Bike ride

2007-07-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Uncle Mike

Andrew and Uncle Mike

Kenny and Uncle Mike
We had a suprise visit from Aunt Donna and Uncle Mike this week. They drove their motorcycle down for a short visit and the kids got a little ride.

Our Mini Vacation

2007-07-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

We are back from Florida. We all had a good time and are glad to be back home. Enjoy the pix.

Long time no blog

2007-06-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

Our family has been very busy now that school is out. All the boys are doing great. Sean decided not to join the Navy and that is fine with us. We will post more later.

FIELD DAY WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!

2007-05-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Andrew had field day at school today so we took Kenny along for the activities. Enjoy the photos.

Kenny's preschool graduation

2007-05-15T06:29:00.000-07:00

Kenny will go to big boy school next year. Here is his graduation day photos.

Mother's Day and Loose Teeth

2007-05-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

I am a little late posting because we had internet trouble. We had a very exciting mothers day. Andrew lost two teeth and Jonathan lost one. The photos tell the whole story.

Happy Birthday Andrew

2007-05-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today is Andrew's 6th birthday. He had a really great day. His daddy took cupcakes and juice to school for him to share with his friends. He is a wonderful smart kid. We love you Andrew.

A really great day.

2007-05-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today Jonathan and Andrew teacher and her husband invited us to their farm for a picnic. All of the boys and Seth's friend Tabitha were there. Mrs. Adams has been a wonderful help to us this year and we are really greatful to her for everything she has done for our kids this year.

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

2007-05-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

Make your own | Click to play

Our big boys, Seth and Sean with Kenny

2007-04-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

Our oldest son will be joing the Navy soon. Here is the countdown. Some people have already told me that I will crying at the Greyhound station and it is probably true. He will always be our baby boy.
"

The wait

2007-04-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am resigned to the fact that it will probably be the end of the year before we bring our daughter home but as you will see in the photos we have our hands full.

Got my passport

2007-04-28T10:28:00.000-07:00

I finally received my passport in the mail. I was beginning to wonder if it would come. I also received our new i 171 H last week. Thats a little progress. No new news. All the boys are good, well I should say ok.