MANIVANH TRIBE

Gingerbread Houses

2009-12-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

Yeah for Christmas Break!.... I think. Well at least no chauffer duties while on break. But kids at home all day. Perhaps fighting and definitely making messes all day. If I get my way the boys and I will hang out and read, watch some movies and nap everyday. Wouldn't that be joyous.

Anyways, Jalen had a blast making Gingerbread houses and decorating it. Then we crashed Gavrie's Party afterwards. My oldest is already neglecting to keep me in the loop. But since I volunteer at the school every Friday, I find out anyways ;)

Jalen's house did not survive the trip home, but it was still yummy.

Gavrie Turns NINE!

2009-11-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that in just three short years my baby will be a teenager! He just turned nine this past weekend. They boys and their friends had a ton of fun goofing around and playing.

Halloween

2009-11-13T16:25:00.000-08:00

They boys were Ninja Lords this year for Halloween. They wanted long samuri swords to finish the outfit but I decided to veto that notion. They were already having too much fun.

Trunk-or-Treating at the church.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

Another year... another pumpkin patch. The kids still enjoy it so we still go. The boys and I walked around the patch singing Jalen's "dracula" song that he learned in kindergarten, while we waited for Theb to join us after work. Took some cute pictures, went on the hay ride when Theb arrived and the boys went into the maze. Last year they got lost and it took forever. So this year I thought I would go to Costco (that was just up a little ways)while they were in the maze. But when I thought I had a good plan, they were through that maze quick this year, and joined me at Costco. So much for trying to get in a little mommy alone time at Costco.

The boys are singing that song (below)

Our New Home!

2009-10-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well it's been over a month of laying down new flooring, painting the kitchen cabinets and fixing up odds and ends, but we've finally moved in a couple weeks now. Being so very comfortable at my sister's home for over two years, it's going to be a while until this place feels like home. At least until we get some furniture and fix up the yard :) More work! yah! (no...not really). Anyways here are some pics.

The kids room Our roomWhat will be the craft roomWhat will be the tv/video game room The living room The dinning room The kitchen The backyard

First Day of School! First Day of School!

2009-08-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

My little one was as excited as Nemo on his first day of kindergarten. He was so proud to be going to the same school as his older brother. Gavrie is a big third grader this year. Wow. I'm already feeling like an empty nester :)

Beach Camping

2009-07-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

We went on our annual camping trip, started just last year, with a couple of friends this past weekend. We decided to try out camping at the beach this year. As always, the kids had tons of fun playing with their friends and enjoying camping activities. Just got back Monday and I'm still tired. Also, I think this was the second time I had a camera go into the sea and filled with sand.

That's a sign of a good trip!

Happy Birthday Nang!

2009-07-20T14:36:00.001-07:00

Auntie Nang's birthday is today and we went down and took her out to lunch and bowling on Saturday.

One year older and wiser too? We hope so.

Girls Camp Again

2009-07-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Went to Girls Camp this week. My fourth time as a leader. Our theme was Believers Bootcamp... hooorah! We got to do rappelling and it was great. I was nervous initiallly but once I discovered that there was some resistence in the rope, and I was not going to just freefall if my grip was to slip even a little, I was okay. I even wished we were able to do it on a longer drop. Absolutely exhausted and had to have a little nappy nappy when I got home. My boys were ecstatic when I came through the door and that just made my day!

11th Year Anniversary

2009-06-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our 11th year anniversary this past Saturday on June 27th. Went to Las Vegas with the family and had a blast.

One highlight of the trip was going to Excalibur's Tournament of the Kings dinner and a show and watching the kids totally absorb and enjoying the show. They loved pounding the tables and cheering for the king knights along with the crowd. Jalen even did a jig a couple times during the show with the music :)

Anniversaries really are about celebrating families as much as it is about weddings and marriage.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to my special man. He is a wonderful, awesome, truly devoted father.... and a great griller/bbq'er too. He grilled the steaks that we prepared for our Father's Day lunch. It was yummy, yummy, yummy. The salad had a spicy peanut sauce on it and a side of asparagus with a big juicy steak. Did I already said yum? Oh, yeah... you get the idea :)

Happy Birthday Noi!

2009-06-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Pon's birthday this past Saturday. Took her out to lunch and blew out a cake the next day. Her age is a matter of national security. Top secret.

Jalen Turning 5!

2009-05-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Jalen celebrated his 5th birthday this past Saturday! We took him, his brother and a couple friends to see a movie and then pizza and games for lunch. He had a blast! Thank you everyone!

New Do's

2009-05-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Every summer I seem to need to shave my kids hair. It gets so hot, especially where we are now, that they sweat so much. This year Jalen wanted a mohawk, so we compromised and I gave him a babyhawk. After shaving their head feels so smooth and velvety.

Spring Break Away!

2009-04-23T12:49:00.000-07:00

We promised the boys we would take them camping for Spring break. As is our luck rain was in the forecast. We still had to trudge on because of the promise, but endured it for only one night instead of two as originally planned. So on Thursday morning a couple of weeks ago we drove up to a state park in the Monterey Bay area and set up tent! The kids still had a wonderful time, amidst rain and all.

Pon and the kids stayed snugged and mostly dry in the tent while Theb and I drove to town to get a tarp and setting it up because our tent was leaking. And later staying dry eating dinner in the trunk of the pilot while Theb got the fire going and cooked our food. Rain could not stop the the urge for roasted corn on the cob, sausages and of course roasted marshmallows.

A walk along the beach at the campsite

The next Friday morning we were off to the Monterey Bay Aquarium! The rain had ceased early in the morning and it was a beautiful sunny day. Yeah!

Afterwards we walked along Cannery Row and had lunch. Jalen was ecstatic shopping at the Candy Factory. Barrels full of all sorts of treats. You should have seen how his face lighted up the moment we stepped into that place.

And then we were off to the East Bay to visit grandma and grandpa.

On the Bart to the New Year Celebration in San Francisco.

I know we have a hundred of this pose with daddy and boys, but we adore them!

Who does not love riding escalators!!!!!

Grandma & Grandpa

The only picture we took in San Francisco. Theb and the kids going back and forth between the entertainment and festivities, while Pon and I waited in line, and waited and waited to buy food. But we had lots of fun.

All Hail Auntie Nang!

2009-02-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

You'll think that after years and years of slaving away for your children, if they are going to worship anyone, it should be you :) Anways, their auntie thought this was hilarious, and probably gave her quite an ego boost too.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! This year was a wonderful year for us. We continue to enjoy living with my family. Especially the boys who love rooming with their auntie and loves it when the other auntie visits. They also have a blast playing with their uncle who comes to visit during the holidays and sometimes during the summer. We miss our families in New York and Washington and wish we could see them more often.

Theb is still working for the County and enjoying his work and his calling. I stay busy at home and take a couple of classes each term at our local community college. We love watching our boys grow, and grow they have. And they make us laugh almost everyday with their antics and the things they say and do. They are wonderful boys.

Gavrie is in the 2nd grade and loving his class. He is smart and artistic. He has lots of friends both at church and at school and tries to make more wherever he goes. He turned eight this past November and so had a baptism. His dad was very proud to baptize him. He is fun loving and light hearted most times. He tries to be grown up, but still loves being cuddled and babied. He is my "big and juicy".

Jalen is my shy but energetic boy. He is very "image" conscious so is often nervous around new people and situations. He is our "shrimp". He's easy going as long as things go his way, but is learning to compromise and give in to his mommy's wishes from time to time. He loves his brother more than self and has no shame being a mamma's boy. Therefore I enjoy endless hugs and kisses. He still goes to pre-school and has fun playing with his friends there and at church. He can now spell his name and has learned his ABC's and numbers to 10 in English, Laos and Spanish. ( The Lao is a bit rough though).

Our family would like to wish yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We love you and hope the new year brings you much joy and happiness. Love The Manivanh's.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

We went up to Washinton State to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family up there. The weather was great. There was no rain or snow up in the mountains, so the drive was very pleasant. We ate all that we could, shopped till we dropped, and had loads of fun. Thanks to all the family up there who hosted, cooked, and let us stay at their place! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Gavrie's Baptism

2008-11-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful day for us, with our first born getting baptized. I gave a quick talk, Theb did not have to dunk his son more than once and did not tear up too much during the confirmation. He only had to pause a couple times :) During the intermission we played a movie clip for both boys (a classmate of Gavrie was baptized too). We hope Gavrie will look back on this day and remember the spirit that was there and all the love and support from the family and friends that were there to share this special moment with him.

Gavrie Turns Eight!

2008-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

November 8th was a big day for Gavrie. Not only was it his birthday, but his baptism as well. There was a lot to pack into one day so we decided to keep it simple. His grandma, grandpa and Uncle John came down from Richmond to celebrate this special day with him. We started our day with double soccer games both at the same time. Good thing the fields were side by side. We planted our chairs in the middle and cheered them both on. Then it was off to the movies with a couple friends to see Madagascar 2 and lunch at McDonalds. There was short break at home where the kids got to play and blow out the birthday cake. Then it was off to the baptism!

Some Halloween Fun

2008-11-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-30T16:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween is tomorrow and the kids are thrilled as usual. Christmas is their favorite holiday, but Halloween comes in at a close second. And who can blame them. You know you enjoy the candy the kids bring home :) Here we are enjoying our local Pumpkin Patch.

Jalen appreciating the smell of the goats and pigs behind him in the stalls :)

UPDATE

2008-10-30T15:40:00.000-07:00

Things have been slightly overwhelming so I have not updated in a long while. So here are a few things that have happened since. Theb got shoulder surgery about three weeks ago. He was quite proud of himself after surgery because he reacted very well to the anesthesia and block. The key word there is "block". Since he felt no pain after he woke up, he thought the recovery wouldn't be so bad. I went to get him his vicadin and he did not even take it, saying it did not hurt at all. The next morning he was literally crying for it. Woke me up before the sun was even up asking for the vicadin and for me to plug in his cooling pump. I did try to inform him that he needed to stay on top of his pain management :) He's doing good now. There is still some mild pain and stiffness, but at least the sharp pain is gone. I tease him about it by saying "FOR THE LOVE OF BASKETBALL".

Here's what it looks like inside

Then a week later, our little one here, also had to go through general anesthesia for some pretty extensive dental work (7 fillings and 2 caps). Look closely at the picture and you can see his new "grille".

The kids started playing soccer at the end of summer and are still enjoying it.

Summer Fun Recap

2008-10-30T15:00:00.001-07:00

The best summer ever! That was the phrase I heard all summer long. And they did get to do some pretty fun things this past summer. Starting with the trip to Disneyland in the Spring, their summer was filled with "fun" activities for them and quite literally tired us parents out. Here are some of the highlights that they enjoyed best, including swimming, nature and just hanging out with friends. Oh, and lets not forget the escapades to the movie theatre with friends and families. Disney pretty much has parents broke with those summer releases. But it was fun for both them and us. (oh, and I did not try to take pictures in the theatre :)

Can You Believe This?

2008-07-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

This Sunday Theb was called as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric. He was not this surprise... Well I've never seen him this surprised. I'll even go so far as to say he was quite flabbergasted! That is a word right? He's apprehensive and unsure as to whether he is up to the task. But I think he'll do great. He's a superb people person. Puts people at ease and is easy to talk to. This will be a wonderful growing experience for him and us as a family I think. It seems we have been having to grow up quite a bit these past few years. It's been heart-wrenching, uplifting and

challenging all at the same time. But we are still trying to hold on to our carefree lifestyle as much as we can:) Life needs to be joyful and enjoyed to be worthwhile I think. At least in some deep intrinsic level where, despite the trials and sorrows, you are comfortable with the person you have become. Just some food for thought. Wish us luck!

Has It Been Ten Years!!!

2008-07-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Amidst the chaos of my life, being a full-time mother, chauffeur, working mother and part-time chef and housekeeper, I somehow forgot to post a note about my 10th year anniversary! My forgetfulness fortunately has no correlation with my love for Theb. That surprising keeps on growing :) I can't believe it's been ten years already since we both still feel like young saplings. But if corniness and age goes hand in hand, then we are as old as bark. We celebrated the occasion by dragging the whole clan (minus grandparents and Chanhom who lives to far away) to the beach. We camped, body board, sunbathed and ate all that we could. Food makes this marriage richer apparently!

Disneyland Trip

2008-06-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on our family vacation. We planned a Disneyland trip, but were also able to visit some friends that were down that way as well. We started our trip Monday, with a quick trip to the Los Angeles temple. There was this huge old tree off the side, we dubbed it the family tree, because it seemed old and big enough to hold a couple generations of family on there.

Right after we headed down to Korea Town and had some Korean barbecue. We are taught that "man shall not live by bread alone", but it does make it more delicious :) and we sure love to eat.

Gavrie had his first taste of kimchee and loved it. Jalen's first taste of "kimchee" was actually pickled daikon.

We met up with the Willis later in the evening and headed to the beach and strolled on the pier since it was already to windy and chilly. Later on we headed to Little Saigon for some pho.

Jalen had a great time playing the "big brother" and holding monsavanh's hand and leading her along as we walked around Little Saigon

It may seem that our trip revolves around food, but we couldn't help it. We take advantage of it when we are in areas where there's good food. The next morning we met up with Uncle Ai for dim sum. It was brief but the boys enjoyed seeing him.

And later we were back at the beach. This time at Huntington Beach. It was not as hot as we would've liked, but warm enough for Theb and the boys to enjoy a bit of body boarding. Gavrie was scared to try a couple years ago, but this time around he could not get enough. He was out there on the board almost the whole time we were at the beach.

Finally in Disneyland! Well at least at California Adventures ;)

Susy and her son Tanner met up with us and we enjoyed riding kiddie rides and talking to Crush (you know the turtle from Nemo), but I did not get a picture. The kids wanted to go back and talk to Crush some more but we did not have time.

Tarzan's Tree House was a lot of fun for the boys. There's these nets connecting all the trees and branches. Just don't look down if you're scared of heights! Like Auntie Pon was who could not even move when the nets wobbled, which was every time kids would race across them.

Yes, Gavrie looks a little nauseous. He just got off the Grizzly River Run and the raft spins around in circles too much for him. Jalen was quite bummed, he did not meet the height requirement :*( Maybe next time.

Gavrie hugging Kenai from Brother Bear, after the totem ceremony.

Check out the EARS on Theb!... I mean check out Mickey's ears behind Theb :)

Gavrie and Jalen excited about Route 66!

Who's the cute couple?

Oh, it's us! :) Who knew?

Loving the bamboos. Or it just bamboo? Oh well.

The mosaic was so funky and beautiful at the same time. You can't see it, but there are utensils and everyday items worked into the pattern.

Now we ARE in Disneyland! Hooray!

This may have beenGavrie's favorite ride

I wanted to get a picture of me eating this HUGE delicious turkey leg, but sadly I'm the one taking the pictures. So here's Pon indulging me. Last time all of us sisters were at Magic Mountain we saw people eating this fare, but we had already bought burgers. Bah! So Nong, this one is especially for you, ENJOY!

Waiting for the parade to start, in which Jalen fell asleep right before it started.

Here we are finally on the NEMO submarine ride. We had to wait for our second day at the park to go on this ride, because the line was so long. We went straight to it in the morning and still had to wait about an hour. Could not beat those early birds.

Sitting on the treasure at Pirates Island

This kiddie coaster was surprisingly very fast!

The Peter Pan Flight which had a maintenance problem right before we got on. But we had waited and so bravely "flew" on the ride anyways.

Jalen did manage to stay awake for the parade the second time around. the key is popcorn and cotton candy.

He saw this rocket from afar and had to ride it.

Oh come on! We had to get a picture with Mickey Mouse, although there were a ton of kids waiting in line behind us to take pictures with him too.

Happy Birthday Jalen!

2008-05-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Jalen had a fun birthday party this last Saturday.

He had a blast playing with all the friends that came, opening presents and eating cake!

He loved his Hot Wheels cake.

So much that he ended up getting smoke in his eyes while blowing out the candles!

Mommy and Daddy enjoying the birthday of their youngest.

Opening presents

Everyone just hanging out and having fun.

Camping in Yosemite

2008-05-14T15:49:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we went camping with two awesome families in Yosemite. It was our first time camping in a tent, and it was great! Need some sleeping gear though......the ground was a bit cold and hard, but even that did not dampen our enthusiam.
Gavrie was very concerned about bears but braved it very well :) And Jalen...ate roasted marhmallows! need I say more? They decided it was the best day ever! (Just a premonition - there will be more best days coming this summer!) The park was beautiful and we definitely want to camp there again. We had a blast!

Our tent was huge! It appears normal size outside, but inside is spacious and roomy. The kids had a ton of fun playing light shows for us with their flashlights while they were inside and us watching from the outside.

A picture of the girls. You can't tell from the picture, but we're being sprayed from the gushing of the waterfall. It was so cold!

Gavrie and Jalen looking tired from a hike.

The kids enjoying cheese puffs! (they do not get this stuff at home)

The awesome families I mentioned earlier :)

Farewell to Yosemite for now. Looking forward to another camping trip soon.

Posing!

2008-05-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

The boys got to indulge in one of their favorite things to do this last Friday when a car show came to Porterville. They had a blast looking at all the cars and posing in front of them!

Double Birthday

2008-05-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Nong, this is especially for you guys. I meant to post this in April, but I.... well you know. Grandpa and Grandma shares the same birthday, and the kids were more then willing to help them blow out their key-lime cheesecake. The cake was sooo delicious. Grandpa turned 74 and Grandma 54 and still looking great! Having fun celebrating life and family!

Working Hard

2008-05-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

This last Saturday Pon worked us like slaves. Theb and I that is, not the kids. They had fun helping. She wants to have a stone patio and clean up all the stuff my dad collected over the years from the construction sites as this neighborhood was going up.

We rented a open-back trailer and loaded it up to the top and it took us four trips! It was Spring Cleaning day at our local dump so luckily we did not have to pay. There was loads of tree stumps and branches, 4x4 and assorted wood planks, pipes and plumbing stuff, carpet that he had laid around the house (don't ask why, he always has his reasons) that had moss and probably mold growing on it. And then there was the cement blocks that we had to break and haul away.

That was the hardest and we did not even get to finish getting it all. The sledge hammer was just too heavy Pon and I couldn't even help break the slab. Poor Theb had to do all that, and we hauled it away to the trailer. All in all we worked 7 straight hours that Saturday. I understand why contractors make such good money, although most of that pay probably doesn't go to the guy doing all the hard work. Enjoy they pictures of the kids "helping out" the day after. I was so exhausted, sore and sun-burned, although I thought I should take some pictures to capture those expressions, I didn't have the energy. Wish us luck!

A Little Reunion

2008-03-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

We went up to Sprinville for an Easter Potluck this Saturday at Bou's (on left) house. Back in the days they called us the 3 amigos, or the equivalent of that. Childhood friends since the 6th or 7th grade when we met at church. We have not seen each other for about 8 years. But the amazing thing about great friendships is that once you're back together you just have a ball. Yes your different people, having gone through different experiences away from each other, but still able to just pick up where you left off. "I had an awesome time girls!" And the kids had yet another egg hunt. Yet was the enthusiam any less? Not a bit! My boys had a blast too (that includes the husband :D) Happy Easter everyone!

Gone Fishing

2008-03-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

For the past several years Theb has told his kids he was going to take them fishing. Since before Jalen was born actually. It has been a long time coming, but he finally kept his promise. I'm very proud of him :D The kids had a blast and did not want to come home. I of course caught my finger on one of the hooks. Good thing it did not go deep enough for the barb to be embedded or I would not be this cheerful. Oh, and we did not catch any fish. But try, try again right?

Easter Past

2008-03-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? The picture above left is a picture of Gavrie on his first Easter egg hunt seven years ago. He was one and slowly stumbling along... not fast enough for his dad! Content to open each egg and enjoy the treat inside one by one. Today he was running around so fast I had to ask him to pose, because I could not get a clear picture with all the movement.

This is Jalen's second hunt, and being fallible parents (we forgot the camera last year) do not have pictures of his first Easter egg hunt. There were so many eggs on the lawn that at first he just walked around aimlessly. Sometimes bending to pick up an egg then withdrew because another kid beat him to it. For all his tenacity he was quite calm and thoughtful today. After I told him to just pick up any eggs he quickly got into the rhythm of things.

Artwork by Gavrie

2008-03-06T20:20:00.001-08:00

Gavrie is quite the artist. His passion right now is racing, especially race cars. He knows the drivers and the numbers on their cars and even who their sponsors are. It's amazing the things kids pick up. He draws cartoons too. Good ones. Characters from Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney. I wish I was as artistic.

Asian Tony Hawk?

2008-03-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

My boys right now love things extreme. At least the older one likes the idea of it. The young one... well he kinda scares me. No fear... except for grandpa it seems.

Their Auntie Nang got them skateboards and they're loving it. Always begging to go to the skate park. Jalen likes to fall on purpose and has a huge scab on his back from repeated scraping from his tumble off the skateboard. No crying and no whining about it though. I ask him why he falls on purpose and he says "It's fun". Figures. To be a kid again eh.

Gavrie, now that's my Don Juan. Likes to look the part and likes to look good doing it. Thank goodness he has no guile. Just a sweet kid that likes people and likes to be around them. He loves living with his Aunti Noi and his grandparents. There's always someone home and someone for him to talk to. Wished you could love life like kids do!

Lao Trip

2008-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

The joy of visiting Laos right after the monsoon season. In our effort to visit the Buddha Cave in Thakek, we had to traversed flooded plains. The picture of my aunt above shows the edge of the water at the shallow end. As we journeyed farther, the water reached up to our thighs and we had to hold onto the broken railings of a submerged bridge. Yet it was one of the most memorable day for me and my sister. And as we reached the foot of the cave, the view was breathtaking. (see above left :)

As I was climbing up these immensely high and narrow staircases I felt like I was in a "Lord of the Rings" like bookscape. This is how I would imagine Elves living in a wilderness along a mountain range. The staircases flowing with the landscape so seamlessly. At our aunts insistence we road a canoe on our way back. Which was frightening in its own way, since the water was much deeper and came up to the top edge of the canoe. But the guide assured us he has never tipped over before.

My sisters and I were born and raised in this house until we immi- grated. My oldest sister can tell you wonderful tales of her escapades there. And now, after seeing it, I believe her. You can't see it in the picture, but there are old trees with wonderful character in the back, and a lush rice field as far as the eye can see. It is abandoned (because our cousin died there and Lao folks are superstitious, surprise?) and now a Chinese businessman owns it. I hope he will have colorful memories there too.

A stroll in the Sacred Grove

2008-01-29T15:59:00.000-08:00

Yes, Theb does have that "deer in the headlight" look about him, but there is a good reason. Being quite overwhelmed while walking around the sacred grove, he felt quite inspired for us to take a family picture. He never realized how his inner state would show so dramatically on film. :) Humor aside, it was a wonderful experience being able to visit the Sacred Grove this past summer when we visited my sister in New York. Just trying to envision where Moroni and Joseph Smith walked, and all that transpired to bring about the gospel, was quite inspiring. We can't wait to go back for a second visit, and this time we will plan around the Hill Cumorah Pageant.