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.