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!