06 August, 2010

one crazy summer...part 1

I was informed today {thanks Jamie and Lindsey !} that it's been quite some time since I updated my blog. So, this one's for all of you who have been clicking over to my little blog and sadly leave without a glimpse into our world!

It's been one crazy summer in the McDaniel home! How many of you remember that movie....One Crazy Summer? I loved that movie! Cracked up every time I watched it, although I'd probably think it was totally stupid now! Anyway, back to our summer.

We left for a short vacay the day the kids got out of school, but after Eli had a ball game that evening. Crazy I tell ya! We meet our great friends, the Garinger's, in Colorado Springs. Our trip out there was not the drive-thru-the-night-while-the-kids-sleep drive we'd hoped for. Instead, we had to take shelter around midnight at a total dive motel in Russell, KS, to avoid driving directly into a severe storm a few hours ahead of us that was spawning tornadoes left and right. Thankfully, the storm had died down quite a bit by the time it hit Russell and we were able head out around 3:30am. We made it to CO sometime before noon....I was too tired to notice the time. We were able to spend some time just as a family one of the days. We visited Focus on the Family {totally recommend}, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo {totally recommend}, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun {totally recommend}, had dinner at an awesome Mexican place in Old Colorado City {totally recommend}, and ended our evening with a sunset stroll through Garden of the God {totally recommend}. We had a great time!!! Our time with the Garinger's was fabulous too! The kids played in the little mountain stream behind our cabin and had a blast playing Twister. The big people got relax on the mountain-shadowed back porch after the kids went to bed and play a rousing game of Mad Gab....which was super funny! The dads took the 3 bigger kids up to Pike's Peak and hiking through Garden of the Gods. The kids had a blast and are still talking about it! One evening we went into Manitou Springs to the Penny Arcades and had a blast! Our families just blend together so well...Eli thinks we should all buy one big house and live together!

When we left the Springs, our family headed to southern CO for Great Sands National Park. I was not thrilled about going b/c of the distance and had started feeling better {can you say altitude sickness?} after leaving CO Springs only to find that we were rising in elevation again and I felt like poo. Then we got there and it was amazing! It's these massive sand dunes nestled at the foot a some mountains in the middle of nowhere! There was a "stream" of melt off running at the base of the dunes from the nearby snow-capped mountain and the water was freezing!!! I gave Rich a lot of grief on the LONG ride there, but in the end, I'm glad we went.
From there, we headed back home via a short, but relaxing stop at some friends in Rolla, KS. They are such an exceptional family and we love them dearly. Rich S. is on the liver transplant list, but by his actions and spirit you'd never guess he's as sick as he truly is. Sara, his wife, is just an inspiration to me! She carries herself with a grace and gentleness that astounds me considering the medical crisis they're in. Their reliance on God is certainly something to be sought after. I also adore their kiddos. Zach is a handsome young man with a tender heart for God. Kenna, oh Kenna....I just love that girl! She loves Jesus and her family and has developed a love for photography that tickles me.
Welp, that pretty much sums up the last week of May! Be watching for part 2 of One Crazy Summer soon....I promise not to wait so long! ;)
Here are a few pix from our trip....blogger is apparently not happy with the number of pictures I'm trying to post, so I'll stop here and add more another time.






14 July, 2010

it's the little things

Falling into bed after an exhausting and sweltering day will be made sweeter when the landing is cushioned by crisp sheets infused with the comforting aroma of sunshine.

20 April, 2010

{she melts my heart}

April 19, 2000 will forever be one of my very most favorite days. That's the day I met my sweet girl....all 4lbs 9oz and 17in of her!

These are some of my favorite pictures of Emma when she was between 4-5....that's about all I made it through before the tears blurred my eyes too much to see the pictures clearly.






Emma Grace,

How can you be 10 already? Wasn't it just yesterday that I held you in my arms throughout your 2hr morning nap? Didn't I just cry with you as you got your kindergarten shots?
Here are a few of my most favorite things about you:
-you're incredibly shy and quiet....the total opposite of me
-you have your own style and aren't easily influenced by your friends
-you love Jesus
-your tender spirit just melts my heart
-you're super compassionate and usually root for the underdog
-you love Eli and don't get annoyed w/him too often
-your face lights up when you talk about animals of all kinds....ok, except snakes! ;)
-you save EVERYTHING.....little scraps of paper, shells, rocks, ribbon, etc (just like Mimi!)
-you love to read
-music is one of your favorite things
-you aren't afraid to try new things
-you're a great and loyal friend
-you blush easily
-you still sleep w/your hands behind your head
-when you love someone or something, you love w/your whole heart
-your giggles still crack me up
-you aren't embarrassed to throw the "I love you" sign up to me
-you sometimes call me "mommy"
Even though my heart is a little sad that you're no longer a "little" girl, I totally love the stage you're in now. You are growing into a beautiful young lady! I love watching as you discover who you are and what's important to you. I'm so very proud of you, Emma!
I love you right up to the moon.....and back!

06 April, 2010

{another installment of totally random tuesday}

~It's a totally windy day here in the beautiful Flint Hills.

~So windy that I've totally got wind-blown hair while sitting in my kitchen....not even kidding!

~I finally got child #2's clothes switched out, but have totally not done child #1's yet.

~I'm going to use the word "totally" and/or "total in every random thing simply b/c it makes me laugh!

~My sweet Emma is growing up so quickly and it totally makes me sad. :(

~I ate mini Robin's Eggs for breakfast b/c I totally love them!

~My hot boyfriend totally taught me how to run the lawn mower last night.

~It was a total blast....except our steep ditch totally freaks me out!

~Eli and I played baseball last night and I totally hit him w/the ball. He cried and then said he was glad that I didn't hit him in "the tenders"! I totally laughed!

~My girl is totally proving to be quite natural at sports. I love that for her!

~I want to start a garden but I totally have no clue where to begin.

~My favorite boy totally cracks me up! The other day he asked me if jet packs are real and how old he needs to be so before he can get a jet pack.

~I totally about died when I realized how much the kids' summer ball stuff cost!!!

~Totally starts to sound like it's totally not even a real word after you say it so many times!

Hope you've totally enjoyed my randomness and didn't puke from the sheer overuse of all the "totally"ness! ;)

20 March, 2010

{winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!}

The other day The Nester hosted one of her totally rockin' giveaway days. There were 27 different giveaways that were amazing. AND I WON ONE!!!!

I won a BEAUTIFUL apron made by Janet at The Empty Nest! Janet, who is just sweet as honey, makes her aprons using exquisite vintage and thrifted fabrics, trims and notions. She also has an awesome etsy shop full of her unique creations. Go check her out!

My apron is called Garden Party and boasts some beautiful embroidered hankies, lovely spring colors and gorgeous trims. Isn't she beautiful?
Doesn't her beauty just make just melt?
I believe she's gonna need a name! What shall I name her?
Thank you so much Janet! I can't wait to hold her in my hot little hands!

09 March, 2010

{totally random tuesday}

I saw on someones (totally can't remember who) blog this morning a random Tuesday thing and thought it would be rather fitting for me today as I've had nothing but random thoughts swirling around my brain the past few days....no weeks....let's make that months.

So, here goes:
*My throat is totally on fire today....hurts to swallow, talk, breathe......good times!

*The girls in my class at church totally crack me up! Some are super serious, some are ditsy, some are moody, some are so "pretty" they just can't help themselves. I love each and everyone of those girls! I'm sure it helps that they think I'm still in my 20's....god bless 'em!

*One of my favorite scenes from Friends was when Joey was eating all the jam. he had jam all over his face and Rachel rubbed his cheek and told him he was so pretty.

*I also loved when Joey talked about "it" being a moo point.....you know, it's like a cow's opinion. So stinkin' funny!

*I could quote Friends all day!

*My dog's been shut in the laundry room most of the day b/c he smells and I don't want to smell his funk.

*I've just recently started reading the Twilight series. I'm 200 pgs into new moon. Although I'm really enjoying them, I don't get the complete obsession some have with them. I don't get the whole "team Jacob vs team Edward" thing.

*I'm on "team Rich". Have you seen how hot he is?!

*I like to use "..." when I talk in real like....it makes me laugh.

*I'm also reading Beth Moore's new book So Long, Insecurity. It's VERY eye-opening. I'm beginning to think every woman I know should read it.

*I didn't know it was raining when my kids' school got out yesterday and they started to walk home in the rain. Then my sweet friend picked them up.....thanks Shana!!! I'm an awesome mom in case you were wondering.

*I wonder how long our Christmas lights are going to stay up.

*My heart is simply broken for sweet, little Layla Grace's parents, sisters and family. She's with Jesus now!

*I HATE what cancer does to families!

25 February, 2010

{my favorite boy at 6}



  • fascinated and a bit obsessed with Transformers

  • played "organized" basketball for the 1st time

  • your favorite parts of bb games were snack time and when it was your turn to sit out

  • still suck your thumb and walk on your tiptoes

  • sleep with T every night

  • love kindergarten and your teacher, Mrs. Ginavan

  • love to play outside

  • told me I can't smooch you in front of your friends b/c they might make fun of you

  • will still let me hug him in front of his friends

  • give the greatest hugs

  • can almost beat your sister when wrestling

  • love Jesus a lot

  • have a very generous heart

  • one of your favorite meals is cheesy meatloaf w/mashed potatoes

  • rock at MarioKart

  • kick every ones tushes at sword play on Wii Sports Resort....it's a bit humiliating

  • crack us up w/your silly sayings

  • embarrasses his sister

  • need your momma when you get hurt, are scared or sad

  • doesn't like to have "Be Neat" written on his writing papers

  • are missing your two front teeth due to a fall and having them pulled by the dentist

  • have made a ton of new friends

  • love your sister

  • cry if others are crying

  • have an ornery streak a mile wide

  • think batting your eyes and tilting your head will get you anything

  • ride your bike like a champ

  • could make friends with a tree stump

  • love to sing.....loudly

  • don't like clowns

  • can pout like nobody's business

  • are upset that you didn't feel bigger when you woke up this morning

Eli, I love being your mom! Everyday you make me laugh and learn. Your turning 6 is not only a big deal for you, it's also a big milestone for our family. No longer will any of our "babies" be able to tell their age w/just one hand. That makes my heart a little sad. I'm so proud of who you are and how you show Jesus's love to others.



You're my favorite boy ever!

22 February, 2010

{oh my heavens.....look at my girl!}

I just found this post I'd never posted from April of last year. My girl's birthday is in April, so I'm sure I was putting together a beautiful post about my most favorite girl in the whole world. But somehow I got distracted (imagine that!) and never finished after adding a few pictures.

So, enjoy these images of a time when my girl still loved the princesses, willing wore pink, didn't fuss about wearing a dress and let me put her hair in adorable braids. She still melts my heart as much today as the first time I saw her beautiful little face!