the big kid...

With the Christmas season well on its merry little way, I thought I would try and do my best and try to enjoy it. Only 1 problem... all that I can think about is Mike! So, since he is always the biggest kid when it comes to this holiday, I thought that I would post a few pictures of Mikey when he was little kid! how could you not just love this innocent little face???

May this Christmas season bring out the big kid in all of us!

~Happy Holidays~

Love,

The Mannings

FREE TO BREATHE...

Even though we were not in North Carolina for the real 5k... we decided to have our own little "walk-a-thon" here in Ogden. We had a great time! We wore our "For the LOVE of Mike" shirts and walked the trail outside McKay Dee Hospital. The only thing missing was Mike, but I know he was right there with us... and he is now & forever "FREE TO BREATHE!"

Enjoy the photos...

~We love you Mikey~

Michael B. Manning

March 18th 1946 ~ October 29th 2008

~If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember... you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think... but the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.

~Winnie the Pooh

SPOOKALICIOUS!!!

~Mike is always the first to make everyone laugh... so in the spirit of the Halloween season here is another great laugh from Mike. These photos were from a costume party 2 years ago. He has got to be the sexiest drag queen I have ever seen... don't you think? Move over Dolly Parton, there's a new cowgirl in town!

~HAPPY HALLOWEEN~

Real memories...

Okay, the memory of camping with Dad and Ang is a little faint.





But, I remember a particular fishing trip at Flaming Gorge...It was me, Dad, and Jamie. We had sooo much fun. Jamie was playing the limbo on deck with "Chubby Checker". She would dance and dance to her choice of music.

Dad, of course, sat there arm on the steering wheel, shaking his head.

So, we were out on the rocks fishing. My dad was teaching me how to really fish. We were in a bass hot spot and determined to catch one. We were pretty dedicated anglers. Jamie was across the little cove from us...rockin' out on the rocks. As it started to rain, she was singing "Feels so goood comin' down" (Old 7-up commercial). Of course, she starts squealing because she accidentally caught a fish. We ran to help, but it was gone before we got there. She proved her method was the most effective by catching another just a couple minutes later.

Dad and I just sat there shaking our heads.


I love the Gorge. Cold mornings and chocolate licorice. Funny, I don't remember catching that much!


I love you Dad!

NOW I remember!!!

I can't believe I forgot about THAT camping trip...It was such a special one. I had soooo much fun. You're right Ang, I was a bit camera shy. I did manage to find a couple of pictures in my scrapbook.
That cabin was so beautiful.

Mmmmm...remember the steak and eggs in the morning? Yum!

...and that sweet little boy scout we found in the woods?! Dad's baked beans made him feel so much better!

What a good time we had. Thanks for the memories!!

Disco Down to Dee's...

When we went with Dad, it was always going to be something fun. We would go for a sleep over. We would go fishing. Or we might play in the pool in his backyard, eat apricots, and play catch. Most days ended at Dee's. I think this is where Dad and Angie's story started...

I have to know...

How did that go down? How did he first "ask you out"?

a little bit of mikey...

I just wanted to share with all of you a little bit about Mike that you may not know. Mike is a man of many talents, from building cars to playing the guitar; whatever he does, he does it well. We all know what a car guy he is and how talented he is when it comes to building them. He spends countless hours in the garage grinding and pounding, welding and painting... and in the end there is a beautiful masterpiece to show for all of his hard work!

Mike loves to play the guitar. He does not know how to read music, he plays by ear... and wow, the music he makes! As I said anything he does, he does it well!

Also once upon a time in his wilder days, Mike rode bulls and bareback horses!

However, the greatest talent of all... is that he is the best husband, dad, grandpa & friend anyone could ever want!

~ About 15 years ago, a very handsome and special man walked into my life. Mike is my best friend and the only man I will ever love. As everyone knows the last year and a half has been pretty rough on Mike, but we also all know that he is a very determined man and he will beat this ugly disease! Mike is also very fortunate to have the love and support of a wonderful family. The list of loved ones rallying behind him is endless. Everyone who knows him, loves him and is in his corner. We are both so very honored and proud that Monica and crew will be participating in the Free to Breathe 5k in November in honor of her dad. Thank you to all of those who are supporting Monica and Mike in this and also those who have been there throughout this trying time. Your love and support is what helps get us through... so keep it coming!

a long time ago...

I thought, I should blog about my dad. But, I tend to get all gloopy with emotion and erase it in the end. But, this one will stick. I may even let others read it, who knows.

Right now, I just want a place where we can all express our love and support for him.

So, please leave your love and well-wishes in your comments. We would all love a few more fighters in our corner.

Monica