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.

Father's Day 2009

Our Father’s Day weekend was spent with many precious family and friends. Not only were we able to see all my aunts (my mom’s sisters) together again, but also had the opportunity to be reacquainted with a long lost cousin. Family and friends are certainly some of the greatest gifts from God and I cherish the time I can spend with mine.

Steve and the girls after Father's Day service.

Our family with my dad, Jim. My mom was still on her family vacation with her parents and sisters.

Steve and I with Grandpa Helms. This guy has more fun than several people half his age put together do.

You know this is true love! Sarana and Kaitlyn saved up their “Paw Dollars” from Build-A-Bear workshop in order to buy Steven a bear for Father’s Day. The newest member of the McDaniel clan is a chocolate colored teddy named, Rev. Andrew. Rev. Andrew is dressed in a black suit, cool tie, and dress shoes to make him look very close to Steve. Not that the girls needed to store up brownie points with their dad anyway but this gesture certainly secured their every wish for a long time to come. J


Of course no Father’s Day would be complete without thinking of some significant father figures in our lives that have passed on. We owe Grandpa Tredway, Grandpa Jim, Grandpa Bill, and Grandpa McDaniel a huge thanks for being such influential people in our lives.

Kaitlyn's Pet Sitting Business

Kaitlyn, who has her heart set on being a veterinarian, had an opportunity to dog sit today for Jason & Chelsea this afternoon. Cubby, a large Saint Bernard puppy, has disappointed Kaitlyn quite a bit. First, she wants an incredible amount of food. The whole slobbering part was ok with Kaitlyn until it got on her skirt and foot. Lastly, Cubby is more interested in laying down and watching Kaitlyn play instead of participating. Oh well, I consider watching Cubby for the afternoon a blessing in disguise since Kaitlyn didn't have as much fun as she thought she would and this might make her change her mind about her whole pet sitting business idea. However, there is no telling what her next new plan to make money might be. :)

Sarana's Back

Sarana made it back safe and sound from Scicon (just as we knew she would.) She had a great time and has been talking about it nonstop since she got off the bus. Check out her blog
for her thoughts and pictures. http://www.saranamcdaniel.blogspot.com/

.. a pirates life for me..

Our family visited Pirates Dinner & Adventure over Memorial Day weekend. We had a blast spending some time together as a family. The goblets, head scarves, "gold" necklaces, and flags were all part of the fun. It certainly made it more enjoyable for Steve and I when we found a great special on the tickets too!

Missing Mack

Sarana, "Mack" as her daddy calls her, is gone to Scicon this week. I am positive that she is having a great time and probably not missing us at all. I am comforted by the fact that I do have her teacher's cell phone number (no, I haven't called) and that she is with three wonderful teachers that would have to face mommy if something goes wrong. :) All jokes aside, I know she is doing great and Friday is only a couple of days away.

Mother's Day '09

Mother's Day was a beautiful time with family and friends. The sign in front of our church read, "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is being a mother." Truly being Sarana and Kaitlyn's mom is one of the greatest joys in my life. I also thank God for my own mother, mother-in-law, and grandmothers. Here are some pictures we took by the fountain in Lindsay after the Tredway family had lunch together.

Kaitlyn's Garden

Kaitlyn and Steve planted a garden this spring in our backyard. Kaitlyn has religiously pulled weeds, watered, and inspected for any signs of growth. The first blossoms were rewarded with many squeals of laughter and tours to the garden for everyone that stopped by. Here are the first fruits of her labor and boy is she proud of them (Yes, only 3 strawberries and 2 wax peppers). As soon as the corn on the cob, squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes are ready maybe even I will get excited.

Sis. Mamie Hunt

This past weekend a precious lady was called home. Sis. Mamie was a favorite of mine while growing up. Sis Mamie was famous for sneaking us candy, telling a funny joke just for the kids, or just an onery look at someone that was sure to bring a smile and laughter. My brother and I spent many weekends with Mandy and Tim at Sis. Mamie's house. Sis. Mamie had the most clever ways of solving our arguments, made the best things to eat, and always knew when we were being mean to their dog, Sadie. A fond memory of her orneriness is when she invited Mandy and I out for an ice cream. Of course, we jumped on the chance but quickly began rethinking when we realized she meant we would walk to get an ice cream. About 2 miles later the ice cream sure tasted good but we were grumbling about the walk home. Sis. Mamie walked faster than us and thought it was funny that Mandy and I complained as much as we did. Sis Mamie was a pillar of the church, a constant friend, and a wonderful lady. She will be missed!

Poetry and Heavy Medal

Kaitlyn recently presented her poetry selection in front of about 300-400 people at the annual employee recognition ice-cream social for our school district. Kaitlyn, along with the other students who were selected as winners from the school poetry fair, used the opportunity to practice in front of a crowd before attending the county poetry fair later this month.

In preparation for the annual STAR testing that students have to take we had heavy medal day at school. The girls proudly displayed their medals and awards in what was called, "Heavy Medal Day." The girls have earned the medal, and many more awards for, attendance, character counts, teacher reconigition, performance on previous assessments, etc. We are very proud of our girls and will certainly support them being in this "Heavy Medal" group whenever they'd like to.

Hair! Hair! Hair!

Sarana & Kaitlyn are blessed well beyond their years with an abundance of hair. Sometimes I find myself wishing for the day when they "want" to do their own hair. However, those thoughts quickly pass and I would gladly volunteer for a lifetime of pigtails and ribbons so that they could stay small.

Laid To Rest

After a whirlwind week Grandma Tredway was laid to rest this morning in a private burial service. Yesterday her funeral was attended by approximately 250 family and friends. The service was gorgeous. After the service all were invited to a local mexican food restaurant to fellowship and reminisce about the 79 years that God blessed us with Grandma. My grandma was a special lady that meant more to me than you can ever imagine. Some consolation in her passing is that Grandpa is certainly happier now and we will all see her again. I was blessed beyond measure to have Marvin & Lucille Tredway as grandparents.

Grandma Tredway 1929-2009

If you notice in the lower portion of the picture Grandma has a birthday badge that reads, I’m not getting older…I’m getting better. This picture was taken at her birthday celebration at Big Bubba’s on December 19, 2008. April 19th, at approximately 10:30 pm, Grandma “got better.” Although Grandma wasn’t ill near the end of her life, she certainly “got better,” and went on to her final reward. Grandpa & Grandma Tredway worked hard for the kingdom of God, and she is certainly in a "better" place than here on earth. I can't imagine the celebration that Grandpa had when Grandma arrived on the golden shore that he had preached about so many times. Grandma Tredway will be sorely missed in more ways than I could ever count. Thank you Grandpa & Grandma for a Godly heritage, a tried-through-the-fire example, and a well marked path for us to follow. You have given us more than we ever deserve. 'Till we meet again.

i run in church

Aren't they adorable? Steve picked these shirts up for the girls while he was at YC '09. We are proud of these young ladies and their worship. Keep running girls- you make us proud.

Back At It

Well, Spring Break is gone and we are preparing to head back to work/school tomorrow. However, we had a wonderful time being off together and certainly spent a lot of time on the go.
On Monday, Steve and the girls shopped around in Fresno while I took the final exit exam for my Masters in Public Administration program that I was in. A lot of prayers later, I was notified that I had passed. Although I am still happily teaching I wanted some options available to me for later down the road. Although VP or Principal may be my final destination my first choice would be curriculum at the district level.
Steve was accepted on staff of the National University Journal as a publications designer. It is actually part of an internship program that he has to participate in but it opens up a lot of other opportunities to him as well. This internship will also have him doing some work out at Porterville College. Congrats to my honey!
Earlier in the week Kaitlyn and I walked out the farm where the animals stay and brought the donkey home for a "grooming" session. Jezebell wasn't too upset about the experience but certainly was in a hurry to get home once we started back that way. Taking a donkey home for a bath wasn't my first choice for the day but it was important to Kait.
We had planned on going to the desert to ride quads on Wednesday but the weather wasn't cooperating. Anyway, since we had the quads loaded we decided to chance it and hope for the best. We ended up not going to CA City but down to Hungry Valley in Gorman. It was gorgeous down there since the wildflowers were in full bloom. The riding terrain is like a forest in some parts which is certainly different than the desert that we are used to. We had a blast and the weather cooperated until we were loading the quads on the trailer to come home.
Both the girls were involved in the Easter presentations at church. Kaitlyn was part of the Little Hands of Praise signing of "Because of Who You Are." This was the first time that these kids have worked together and they did an awesome job. Sarana was part of the IMPACT Youth presentation of "My Redeemer Lives." Both of them, along with all the young people involved, did a wonderful job. Check out the video clips on the IMPACT blog.
Here are picture of us Easter morning. Kaitlyn wore her Easter clothes on Sunday. Since Sarana had to wear specific clothes for the drama she will wear her new duds next Sunday. I will post pictures of her later. We had a wonderful Easter with friends and family.

Spring Break 09

Spring Break is only a few hours away!! But who is counting? :)

Fun in Oakdale

This past weekend our family traveled to Oakdale for Steve to preach. We thoroughly enjoyed being with Bro. Louie and Sis. Kathy McDaniel and the warm and inviting church family of Oakdale. While in Oakdale we stayed with the Gentry family which was a treat all in itself. Thank you John, Anita, & Chrissy!
When we first drove into town Kaitlyn spied a sign for the "Cowboy Museum." Of course, she was excited to tour the museum and gift shop where she found many more things to add to her "wish list." Although the rest of us were not terribly excited about the museum, we did however enjoy being in the cowboy capital of the world.
Thank you again to the Gentry family, Bro. & Sis. McDaniel, and the Oakdale UPC church family.We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Kailtyn's True Love

Although Kaitlyn loves her Daddy and I much we realize we are not Kaitee's first love. Her top picks live a couple of blocks down the road from us in a pasture! Although Kaitlyn doesn't get to spend as much time with her animals as she'd like to, she certainly enjoys each and every second that she is there. Today, after feeding them apples, she walked and rode Jezebell, the donkey, which didn't leave Freedom to happy.

Spending time with Grandma Terrie

Sarana & Kaitlyn got to spend quite a bit of time this weekend with their Grandma Terrie, and boy are they happy about it. What started out as meeting for lunch yesterday turned into an all afternoon excursion ending at Tony's Pizza for dinner. Then, since we were having Bro. Terry Vik this morning in service, Terrie came over this morning to attend services with us. Finally, after lunch Terrie said she had had enough of us and was out of here. No not really. She had made plans to pick up one of her friends to attend their regular weekend service. Since the girls have already lost one grandpa and three great grandpas (all within the past few years) we are quickly learning to cling to the family we have left. Especially when they are as crazy as Grandma Terrie!

Good Times

Today was a day of relaxation and fun with Steve’s side of the family. We seriously ate too much but lunch was delicious! What started out as a walk for Grandma McDaniel (Steve’s grandma) turned into a family recreational event at a school across the street from their house. Everything from a football and a basketball to four bikes and skateboards made their way out of the garage. The bike that Sarana is riding was Sarana’s (Steve’s mom) when she was a little girl. The bike is super heavy and we all decided they don’t make it like that anymore. The bike that Steve is on belongs to his brother. Although he enjoyed riding, it certainly didn’t match his style. Anyway, we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our family, and as always, vowed we would have to do it again soon.

Happy Birthday Sarana

Friday, 3-6-09, Sarana Ann turns 12! Seems like just yesterday she was born and now she is turning 12! :) Steve and I are very proud of this young lady. Sarana is natural leader and eagerly takes on responsibilities to lighten the load of others. Sarana has political aspirations in her future.Go for it baby! Certainly she has proved her capabilities while serving as Vice President of the Student Body last year and President this year. Sarana’s biggest accomplishment is her desire to attend church and her eagerness to worship freely. We are proud of this special young lady and love her to pieces.

Happy Birthday Baby!
Love, Mom

Tulare County Spelling Bee

Yesterday our girls participated in the Tulare County Spelling Bee Championship at the Visalia Convention Center. There were 212 students competing and about 500-600 spectators. The students were called individually to the microphone to spell a word orally in front of the crowd. Kaitlyn was the 125th student to compete and Sarana was the 190th. The competition goes in “rounds” where all students have to spell a word individually before they can proceed to the next round and if they do not spell it correctly they are eliminated.
Sarana was eliminated during the 3rd round on the word vogue. She placed 63 out of 207. The frustrating part was that she knew the word and immediately caught her mistake when she put the u in front of the g. However, for the sake of time students cannot back and fix the word. Sarana’s other words that she spelled correctly were kidney and forsythia.
Kaitlyn was eliminated during the 5th round. Prior to being eliminated she correctly spelled jewel, filibuster, linseed, and molè. Kaitlyn was finally eliminated on the word roodebok. After researching it when we got home we discovered the origin of the word is Dutch, a synonym for the word is pallah, and it is the official name for a South African antelope. Sure, we all knew that! Kaitlyn actually claimed 16th place. 4th grade is the first year students can compete and she was 16 out of 207! If you’d like to try some of the words that students were given today try: voortrekker, muishond, schadenfruede, pfeffernuss, pickelhaube, gesundheit, philhellenism, or hoomalimali. Can you see why students have studied for months and parents get ulcers?
Anyway, as you can see we are very proud of our daughters and their efforts on becoming better spellers. I know in the process Steve and I certainly learned some new words as well. I am almost thankful the girls were eliminated since I was not sure how much more suspense Steve and my mom could have taken! Steve says he would rather preach General Conference than sit through watching our daughters do that again. Although, Kaitlyn has her sights on winning county next year and moving on to the National Spelling Bee in Washington , D.C. so Steve might just have to suffer some more.

Birthday Fun

This weekend we had the privilege of celebrating Sarana and Kaitlyn's birthdays with a lot of family and friends. The fun started off at the church with about 60 people joining us for cake, ice cream, and presents. After that seven girls came to the house for a slumber party. I never knew that seven young ladies could polish off 2 pizzas within 10 minutes at midnight!

After getting the girls up and having breakfast of pancakes and sausage we headed off to Build-A-Bear in Visalia to finish off the day. For a couple of the girls it was the first time they had been there which was really fun. All the girls had a blast making their new friends. We certainly enjoyed the time we spent with the seven fine young ladies. Thanks to all our friends and family who celebrated with us in anyway.

Ms. McDaniel Strikes Again!

Kaitlyn will be representing Jefferson Elementary in two county competitions this spring. Not only she is one of the two team members of the spelling bee team (Sarana is the other), but she is also representing the student body at the Poetry & Prose event at the Tulare County Office of Education. Kaitlyn fell in love with poetry after recent visit from a poet, Mr. Mike, held an assembly at our school. In just a few short days she had memorized a fairly long poem entitled, "New & Improved." The poem takes all the cliches that sales people use to try and convince you to buy their product. Eventually the sales person only stops when she loses her voice. (Sounds more like a telemarketer to me). Anyway, we are certainly proud of Kaitlyn and wish her the best at the TCOE Spelling Bee.

Happy Birthday Bugs!

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday Ms. Kaitlyn. Happy Birthday to you.
Love from Mom, Dad, & Sis

Our littlest angel turns 10 today (Thursday, 2-19-09). Kaitee isn't necessarily so little anymore, and not always an angel, but she sure is special to Steve and I. Kaitlyn is a great young lady with adult sized dreams and ambitions that certainly makes life fun. With her devious ways and onery schemes there is never a dull moment around the McDaniel house when Kaitlyn is home.

E.J. Simmons

Eric Christopher Simmons, Jr. "E.J." was born to Eric and Jackie (our niece) on 11-1-08. EJ is a lovely little guy that loves to be held and talked to. Tonight, 2-25-09, EJ will be dedicated to God during our evening service. We are thankful for this new little guy, and of course his parents too. Jackie and Eric we pray for God's will and guidance as you dedicate this little sweetheart and pledge to raise him in the house of the Lord.

Valentine's Day

Dear Steve,
Happy Valentine’s Day. I love you more than you could imagine and appreciate the awesome husband, father, friend, and partner that you are. Before getting married I prayed for a man that loved God, desired to be good father, and wouldn’t tire of my mischievous ways. The Lord certainly answered my prayers when He blessed me with you. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I know you will breeze through this MA program, and keep everything go smoothly, just like you’ve always done. The girls and I are so blessed to you. Thanks for being you (and putting up with me!)
I love you mucho,
K

Yes, I am bragging!

Each year students in grades (4-8th) compete at a county spelling bee. From our school of 700 we could only send two competitors. Through a rigorous elimination process, and a series of tryouts, finally the two members of the team were announced today- Sarana and Kailtyn! Sarana scored 50/50 on her final tryout with Kaitlyn only slightly behind her. With just helping them study I learned some new words! Tryout words included things such as: rendezvous, lieutenant, streusel, croissant, percocious, renaissance, etc. (Hope I spelled those right! lol) Anyway, we are extremely proud of them and will certainly be cheering on the McDaniel & McDaniel team at the county spelling bee!

This is Sarana making a presentation to the school board as a representative of a committee she was on. As student body president she was asked to be a student representative to a committee of staff, parents, and community members undergoing the process of selecting a name for the new school being built in the district. Sarana was asked to present on the process that the committee underwent. Although she was nervous she did an excellent job.

Back at it

Well, vacation is over and we are back at it. School resumed for the girls and I on Monday, 1-12-09. I cannot tell you how many times I have been corrected by 4th graders that it is 09 not 08! However, since I didn't have a reason to write the date while off on vacation I am now being retrained. Returning to work always brings mixed feelings. I do love my job and am extremely attached to my kids. However, it breaks my heart to hear the stories of the holidays that they shared with their families. Some of my students truly desired to return to school to, “have someone be nice to me,” or “get good food.” I can only imagine what they ate for the last three weeks if they look forward to coming back to “good” cafeteria food! Truly our family, and especially our girls, are blessed to not have to worry about some of the things that are reality for so many of their classmates. Knowing that I, in some way, brighten the day of students who face more struggles than even I know, makes the early mornings, late nights, and meager paychecks all worth it.

Family Time

A few days ago we had the privilege of visiting with Grandpa & Grandma Helms in Orosi. Regardless of what time of day we visit with Grandpa and Grandma somehow it always turns to eating. This time we ended up going to a good mexican food restaurant in Cutler. Upon returning to their home Kaitlyn started in again on her quest for Grandma to teach her how to knit. This lesson started at Christmas time and Kaitlyn forgot all she had learned as soon as Grandma left. I thought it was sweet that Kaitlyn and Grandma Helms (her great grandma) had something in common. I laughed as Grandma patiently showed Kaitlyn mutliple times how to hold the yarn and needles. Grandpa laughed as he shared that Grandma and Kaitlyn reminded him of Grandma and Aunt Karen when it was Aunt Karen teaching Grandma how to knit. I know that Grandma was certainly more patient about taking out the mistakes than Kaitlyn was. We count it a privilege to call these fine people family and thank God for them daily.