Thankful

We are well back into the swing of school and fall is upon us. This time of year when the leaves are starting to change, the weather is (sometimes) cooler :), and it is time for the girls to dig out their jackets makes me think of how blessed we are. Yes, life is busy. However, thank you for the health to work, a job to go to, children to raise, a family to love, and two dogs to play with! Fall seems like such a reminder of God's grace and generosity that I find myself thinking on these things regularly.

Praise Report

Sarana's foot is on the mend! After the disturbing x-rays two weeks ago at the orthopedic specialist we were concerned and anxious for an update. However, the x-rays this trip showed that her foot is repairing itself quickly, and at this point, no long term complications are suspected. As far as the walking cast, she is venturing out this week without it at home but still wearing the boot in public places.
According to the doctor adjusting back to a regular shoe should have caused her quite a bit of discomfort but even that hasn't been a problem. Sarana has proven herself a real trooper throughout this whole ordeal. Thank you for your prayers, but of all, thank you Jesus for intervening on her behalf.

Back to School

Sarana and Kaitlyn have officially started school. Kaitlyn was fine going back. Of course, it helps that Mom works at the same school that she attends and she was greeted by a teacher that she knows very well from her Student Council position last year. Sarana was a bit nervous about going off to Jr. High (about as much as Steve and I were to send her.) Oh well, they have to grow up sometime. Anyway, the school year if off and running and the girls seem happy so all is well in the McDaniel world.

OUCH! ((((::::::))))

Summer fun has ended and we are back in the groove. At least I am, the girls will be back in school next week. Jr. Camp was a blast as usual. Jr. Camp is one of those "jobs" that is a lot of work but is the most rewarding and worthwhile event of the year for Steve and I. Of course, this year the memories will linger a while longer than normal since we will be nursing Sarana's foot for quite a while. For those of you who don't know, Sarana and another girl from our church had a mishap which ended in three broken bones in the top of Sarana's foot. No, it was not Alyssa's fault! It was just a freak accident that landed Alyssa's behind on Sarana's foot. The xray picture attached was taken at the orthopedic doctor yesterday at a 10 day follow up after her injury. OUCH! Thankfully though she is doing well with it and has been a real trooper about being limited and the pain. The doctor believes that due to the growth plate still being intact in her foot that the bones will (eventually) grow back together without the need for surgery. Please keep her in your prayers as this adventure unfolds.

Summer Fun

Summer is passing very quickly at the McDaniel house. For obvious reasons I am not one of those parents that pray for summer to pass and get the kids back to school.
Kaitlyn is taking an art class this week offered by the art association, and loving every minute of it.
Sarana moved closer to being a young lady yesterday- braces. I think she looks cute with them, especially since she chose hot pink bands, but we are prepared for the tears and frustrations ahead that come with food restrictions and teasing. Funny how all the restrictions seem unbearable now but in a few short days will be forgotten and life will be back to normal.
Unfortunately that sounds like summer, in a few short days it will be gone and life will be back to normal. Oh well! ;)

Happy Birthday Steven!

Happy Birthday to the best husband and father in the world. Today Steven turns 36 years young. This is a picture of him yesterday at Roadhouse with his toilet seat cover tie and coffee filter hat as the staff sang Happy Birthday to him. Although I don't often like to admit it, :), Steve really is a super guy. He is Cheeve to Bowen, Cheevers to many, the "er" in a commercial with my Dad and Tarrah, Uncle Jeeves to Jason, a bowling machine, much much more, and the best dad in the world. We often say we should sell him to Hollywood since he could make a living off telling stories and imitating people. Steve definitely is one of the many blessings that God has given Sarana, Kaitlyn, and I. Happy Birthday Baby- you are the best. I love you!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to everyone. Although our day will be spent manning a very hot fireworks booth, like almost every other fellowship in the organization, I thank God for our freedom. Not only am I thankful for the freedoms granted me by living in the USA but also the freedom that comes from living in Christ. I used to sing a song that the chorus read, "Yes, the cross is my statute of liberty, for it was there that my soul was set free. Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross is my statue of liberty." I thank God for the privilege of not only living in America but also of being called one of His.