It's About Time

I have neglected my blog for far too long now. About a month ago I got on the blog to upload some pictures, but the website was having issues and would not allow me to upload any new pictures. So, I thought I would give it a little bit of time and try again. Well, here we are in June - it's about time I get some new pictures up.

I am going to try to incorporate more writing into my blog now, instead of just posting photographs. Recent events have made me realize how important it is to keep in close contact with family and friends, and my blog is a great way to keep everyone updated on my growing children and family news. So, here I go:

My last posting was in March, so I have all of April and May cover. I really haven't been writing things down so I'll try touch on the highlights of the past two months.
Matt's 28th birthday was in April. I really wanted to have a fun party and spend a lot of time on a great cake, but things just didn't turn out that way. Time once again got away from me and I did not have the time to dedicate to making an extravagant cake. So, we ended up buying a store-made cake, but hey - as long as it's super chocolaty, Matt is happy. It was also my step-Dad Darryl’s 70^th birthday.

May was a month full of sadness - I lost an uncle in Texas - my Dad's brother, Danny. We also lost a family friend that I have known for about 20 years. In the middle of all of that was my Dad's birthday (Happy birthday Dad!). I am happy for May to be over, as are many other family members and friends. One positive thing that came out of the sadness was getting to talk family in Texas whom I have not seen in years. Part of my commitment to keeping up my blog is to keep in better touch with family members.

Now that it's June, the school year is winding down for Matt, which means he is super busy. Between May awards, concerts, end-of-the-year parties, graduation, meetings, etc., I feel like I never get to see him during the last few weeks of school. Happily, the school year does come to an end, and I always look forward to summer when we will have more time together as a family.

Summer also means less sickness (hopefully)!! Our household has been hit hard with sicknesses in the last couple of months, and everyone except me has been on one antibiotic or another off an on. Finally we seem to be over all the diseases, so I am hoping that this summer is disease-free and super healthy! On a similar note, I have spent the last 5 months losing 35 pounds. Another 15 lbs and I will hit my goal! I am hoping by the end of summer I will have it the big 5-0!!

Lastly, on both a happy and sad note, my sister-in-law and her husband moved away to Washington, D.C. They have both been teachers for the last several years (minus their two year stint in the Peace Corps), but after about a 2 year application process, Thad was finally hired as a diplomat with the Foreign Service! Yay! They will live in DC for around one year, and then globe-hop for the rest of their careers. I am happy for them, but they will be greatly missed.

If I have forgotten to mention any major events or news, please forgive me. Half the time I don’t know if I am coming or going, but such is the life of a mom with two young kids in diapers I guess.

Before I end this posting, please keep the many victims of the terrible weather and tornadoes in your prayers. My cousin Cale was just one of the victims – he lost his home and his car to the Joplin tornado, but thankfully not his life. Everyone needs prayers and help right now. I only know of one reputable place to donate to – the American Red Cross. They have been around for years. They could use donations right now to help feed, shelter, and rebuild the storm-ravaged towns.

Now, here are some pictures from the last couple of months.

Happy 70th birthday to Darryl!


My Dad, his siblings Danny who recently passed away, Kathy who has passed away, and Donald Ray who lives in Texas.


Happy birthday Dad!


Last McDaniel family picture before Michell and Thad left for the foreign service. Notice the bat. Long history there, but my mother-in-law hates bats, so I had to photo-shop one in.

My blue-eyed boy!
Sitting in Daddy's lap.
Matt, Audrey and Grandma Joycie.
First time at Chuck E Cheese!
Me with the kids and Chuck E Cheese.
Audrey riding in a car.
Riding the big pony!!
Her first time in Chuck E Cheese before we played on the toys. She was a little overwhelmed!
Kellen's first time at Chuck E Cheese!
Relaxing at home with his binky.
My final cake for my cake decorating class.
Trying to crawl.
Big blue eyes!
My beautiful mom and I taking a self-portrait! Both of our faces look misshapen!
Self portrait.
Mother's Day cake I made for my Mom, Grandma, and Aunt June.
Me and the kids on Mother's Day.
Kellen sticking his tongue out!
Stealing his kisses!
Audrey attacking me!
Mommy and Audrey on Mother's Day.
Grandma Betty, me, Mom and Aunt June on Mother's day with the cake I made.
Aunt Shell holding Audrey at Michelle and Thad's "Deserting Us" party.
Kellen and I at the party.
Thad with his high school friends Justin and Josh.
Thad and Matt looking at old photos.
Kellen in his swing that Audrey calls the "pumpkin" swing.
New swing set!
Audrey going down the slide!
Audrey and I baking cookies together for the first time.
Stealing a kiss during cookie making time.
Whispering something to her.
Mixing the cookie dough.
Kellen in a swing at the park.
Audrey on our way to the park.
Audrey's sticker earrings that she loves to wear. No real earrings yet.
Going down the slide at the park.
Park in Boise!
Darryl on his 70th birthday with the cake I made for him.
Kellen loved to swing so much he fell asleep!
Tired from swinging.