Hard Working Mom

Okay, Okay, Okay....I know that it is time!!

2010-04-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

So, I have finally taken the advice, well let us just say nagging from the little sis to start posting again. Little did I know that the entry to the social networking phase was going to take up so much time and effort. Anyway, so I am back on the path of writing again, well at least I think I am! So over the next couple of weeks you will see my blog getting a "makeover".

Since my last post, and yes I understand has been almost over a year, Lauren has grown in many different ways and still keeps us entertained day by day. We celebrated her third birthday last year here at the house, where she was greeted with many guests and gifts. Also we had a small family reunion at my parents where all of my dad's brother's and sister's came to my parents house. Also since my last post, Ray and I celebrated our 5th year anniversary!! I have to say I knew then I was marrying my best friend and five years later I can repeat that very same statement. We also had a wonderful Christmas with both the Daniels' and the McCain's.

I have to say that the past two months have definitely been a change for all of us in the Daniel's family. One Ray was permanently promoted to Corporal, with that promotion came a change to day shift. Let me tell you that living with someone for five years that has worked on a night shift for at least three of those five, it took some getting used to seeing him at night all over again. I have to say we have managed and wouldn't change it for anything. Lauren loves having her daddy put her to bed now and have him read her a book. I also got a promotion to an Assistant Branch Manager at the bank.

So that is a little that has been going on with us in a nut shell and hopefully, I can stay updated of what is going on and actually take the time to write about it.

A Hunting We Will Go!!

2009-06-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

In addition to my wonderful trip to Bham to see wicked with the sister, we also celebrated Easter at our house this year. Yes, I did say my house but I didn't cook, well, I put it in the oven, that should count for something right?? Anyway, the Easter Bunny did make his stop by our house for Lauren and filled her Easter basket up with lots of goodies.

The festivities began once I got back from B'ham. Lauren and Ray dyed eggs together. He missed out on this part last year because he had to work. I think they both had a blast. Ray was trying to make different designs and Lauren well she would just drop the egg in the dye and dive in to get it out!!! I love watching them two together, we are truly blessed with a wonderful husband and daddy!!

After seeing what the Easter bunny left, we made our way to church. We enjoyed a wonderful church service with my parents and friends. Once we got home we at a wonderful dinner and let little one take a nap. We wanted to make sure that she was well rested once we got ready to hunt eggs. My daddy and Ray had fun hiding eggs for Lauren. She was a little hesitant at first but once she got the hang of it, we had to hide the eggs that she found!! All in all she had a blast and found the prize egg, in which she took off straight to her bank when she found out what was inside!! Cannot wait until next year!!!

Okay, Here We Go Backposting!!!

2009-06-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know I am going backwards instead of forwards but I am TRYING to catch up!! Actually, today I am sitting in the recliner making myself catch this thing up!! So to start with there have been several events to take place since I have posted to here we go!!

My sister and I gook an awesome weekend trip to Birmingham for a "Sister Trip". You see I have always wanted to see a broadway musical. My wonderful sister bought tickets for her and I to see the play Wicked being performed in Birmingham. My mom offered to keep Lauren, so off to Birmingham we went. We could not have asked for a better weekend. It was the weekend of Easter so an overnight trip was all we could take but we had a blast!!! We went shopping and ate at the Cheesecake Factory before the play. Needless to say it was all wonderful and cannot wait to make a trip again. Grease is playing with Taylor Hicks in September, so maybe I can convince the husband to go!!! Enjoy the pics!!!

Long Time No Post!!

2009-05-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yes, Yes, I know, my sister let me know that I need to make a post pronto!! Well there are a lot of things that I need to post about like my trip to Birmingham with the lil sis, Lauren's Easter, my new blackberry or should I say "CRACK"berry, parents night out, etc, etc. I promise I am going to get those posts up when I do get time. I just have a lot of things going right now like well I can't tell you just yet but you will see the posts in a couple of weeks!!! Okay well I am going to get my munchkin in the bed and will post later, just wanted to let you know that I am still alive!!!

It is time to cook Y'ALL!!

2009-04-14T19:44:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it has been a very long time since the last time I blogged. Well over the next couple of days I will be updating you all on what has been going on. It all started back at the end of March. My grandmother bought my sister, mom, and I tickets to see the all time Paula Deen. I have been watching Paula Deen since we got the Food Network in Cleveland. It was a great show, she did more talking than cooking, but that is a woman, right? We even got to taste a little bit of German Chocolate Bars. When I say little, I mean little. Anyway, it was a great event and would love to see her or any of the other Food Network stars. I have a couple of pics to share!!! They are not very close, I forgot to take my zoom lens.

Puddle Jumping with Aunt Sammy!!

2009-03-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello, I know I haven't blogged lately, but a girl just gets a little worn out every once in a while. To be honest with you, I really haven't had anything to blog about in the past couple of weeks!!

Anywho, I got to witness one of the sweetest things yesterday. Lauren received a pair of rain boots from my mom a couple of weekends ago. She loves the boots. She wears them all around the house. Well, this past weekend, Aunt Sammy came into town and Lauren spent the night with her. Aunt Sammy called me and asked be if Lauren could bring her rain boots over so she could puddle jump with her. Of course it has been raining for the last week and you never know with this Mississippi weather, when you will get the opportunity to play in the rain. So here are a couple of pics of Lauren and her Aunt Sammy "Puddle Jumping". I hope that you enjoy!!

Not Your Normal Treasure Hunt

2009-03-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

Hello to all!! As some of you may know, I am married to the biggest techie that could have ever been created. If it has anything to do with technology, you can be rest assured that it is probably in the vacinity of my house. Better yet, I could probably put my hands on it pretty quick. Anyway, normally when Ray tells me about some new technology that has been released, I let him speak, look like I listen, and then we are on our way to the next thing that was just released.

The newest idea of Ray's technology finding, is Geocaching. What is Geocaching you ask? Well in lamen's terms it is a world wide treasure hunt!! Who knew that technology could be so much fun, besides, your everday run of the mill computer. You have these different sites that people or geocachers, you may call them, set these "treasures" out and you find them with a handheld GPS with certain coordinates.

I have included several pics of our hunt so I hope you enjoy and I will definitely keep each and everyone updated.

Our first find, can you see it?

There it is!!

Lauren loves hunting for "treasure", we love doing this as a family, it gives us the opportunity to teach Lauren sharing, you leave something in the cache and take something out. It also gives us something to do as a family during the limited time that we have with Ray when he is off.

Our Second Find!!

Can you see it?

Looks like Lauren and Daddy found the "treasure"

Family pic time!!

Now this third find, well I have to say is my most favorite!! It was the hardest one that we started on Saturday and guess who found it today,which is Sunday, ME!! Yes, I said me. Can you tell that I am still pumped about it. Well here are the pics from the third find, we plan on doing this every weekend Ray is off, so stay tuned!!!

Teach Me To Pray!

2009-02-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

This post is a little different from the rest. I really couldn't pass this up to share a wonderful gift that my daughter received a couple of months ago. I have always made a committment that I will teach my daughter who her Lord and Savior is, and try each and everyday for her to see him through my ways and actions. Although, Satan has tried many times and yes has sometimes succeeded to make me question the way that I am trying to show Lauren the right way to live. Of all the things that I could mess up in that little girl's life, I am sure that I can get this one right.

Along the way we tend to get so caught up in life and forget the reason why we have children. They are gifts from God that he uses to bless our lives. This is a huge gift that he has blessed me with, the least I can do is show her the right way to live through him. Since Lauren was born we have always had a "bedtime" routine that included prayer. I would read her a book, pray for her and thank God for the wonderful blessing he blessed me with, and then on to bed.

A couple of months ago, my mother in law was introduced to "prayer blankets". These blankets were made by a special lady in our home town, she never charged for these blankets. She would make them in her free time and then give them to those who are sick and in the hospital. Once she had one made, she would take the blanket to the church and have the congregation pray over them. These blankets would lay somewhere on the bed of the sick and ailing and people who come and pray for them would tie a knot in the string on the blanket. Well this sweet lady made two extra blankets, but changed the name to "Teach Me To Pray Blankets". She gave the two extra blankets to my mother in law for my neice and Lauren. Although, Lauren's bedtime routine always includes a prayer at the end, it was nice to incorporate this blanket into our routine. Now when we say our prayers, Lauren does not let me forget to "tie her knot"!!

Bringing a Little of the Delta to the City!

2009-02-20T20:23:00.000-08:00

My post tonight is a little different than some, but they do contain pics of Lauren, so maybe not as different.
Last weekend I got the opportunity to spend some quality time with Ray and Lauren, experiencing some of the beautiful nature that God has created. You see, Ray and I are from the MS Delta, and you can enjoy the nature just stepping out your front door. The beautiful flat lands, the wonderful sunset over a cotton field, and just he overall ambiance of the summer sky. Ray and I took Lauren to Lefleur's Bluff State Park off of Lakeland Drive. It is amazing the vast difference that you can experience in one turn off of such a busy street. We took the nature trail along the Pearl River, and it reminded me so much of what Ray and I used to experience in the Delta. Now I am not wishing to move back or regret moving to the "big city", it is just great to take a break from all of the hustle and bustle and actually enjoy the day. I guess you can say, "you really do not know what you are missing until it is gone!!"

Also, Ray and I made an investment this week that I only wish I had when we went on this tour of nature. We decided to go ahead and bite the bullet on a Canon Rebel. I know it is a big purchase, but I honestly believe it was a good investment. The money that I spend on pictures, so outway the cost of this one time purchase that is going to last us for a while. With this new camera does come another decision that Ray and I are going to have to make.......How big of an external hard drive are we going to get. I love capturing pictures of Lauren and especially of her when she has no idea that I am taking them. So I am sure you will begin to see a little of my prodigy from our new purchase, I hope that you enjoy!!!

My Little Girl Is Growing Up!!

2009-02-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know that I cannot have Lauren at the age of two forever, but it seems like it is passing by so fast!! This weekend was so wonderful. We went and had lunch with some friends of mine from high school. While waiting for my friends to get to the place we were eating, we were sitting in the car and I got Lauren to sing her ABC's to me. I know that she is mine but I can't help but realize how smart she really is and how fast she is catching on.

While eating lunch, Lauren acted so well. I was complimented on how well behaved and well mannered she was. I know that I get so OCD about things that she does, but it makes me so proud to here such wonderful comments. After we had lunch, we went and spent some time at the park, it was such a beautiful day outside and Lauren needed to get outside and breath some of the fresh air.
Today we had our first dentist visit. To think that she is old enough to go to the dentist is beside me. I guess when you think of the dentist, you think of adults of all ages and not children. Well children have to go to the dentist too!! We got a wonderful check up and Dr. Wren said that she is on the right path to a beautiful smile. We now refer to her brushing her teeth to "tickling" her teeth. She is very proud that she is going to the dentist now and is very proud of her new toothbrush. I have to over look Dora on the toothbrush, but if it makes Lauren happy then I can live with it!!!

I Want To Walk In Your Shoes Mommy!

2009-02-03T19:03:00.001-08:00

So I love the little moments that I have with my little one and often wonder if I could just keep her at the age she is now. I am educated everyday by her, hmm, who would have thought that I would be learning from her. The two years that we have had Lauren, I have learned many things, some are listed below:

1. Look at it through a child's eyes. You can only imagine how different things look to a small one.
2. Little ears are always listening and little eyes are always looking!
3. The most simple things excites little ones. They don't care how big and elaborate things are.

Normally, while I am getting ready for work, Lauren watches her Mickey Mouse and eats her breakfast. Well this morning Ray was running late, so I was having to entertain her. I was putting my makeup on when I realized Lauren was in my closet messing around with my shoes. She looked at me and said, "Mommy, I walk in your shoes." She had my black heels on and I just looked at her and just smiled the biggest smile. You see, being a new mother you learn things every day. Growing up and keeping children while I was a teenager, I knew their were children that looked up to me, my sister told me she always did. This time, coming from my very own daughter's mouth was different. In one sense, I was extatic that she wants to be me and the next, I was scared to death. I felt like a million dollars this morning and no one could take me off of my cloud. It is amazing how just a couple of words out of a child's mouth can make you feel great!!!

I have included a pic of her this morning. She was too precious to pass not taking a picture of this.

Ten years, already??

2009-01-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this past Monday I went to my 10 YEAR High School Reunion meeting. Yes, I said TEN years!! Where did the time go. The whole time you were in high school and college, it seems like that next year would never get there. Amazing!!! Well the meeting seemed like everything is going to be off on a good start!!! We met and caught up on old times. To be honest with you, it went better than I thought!! I am actually looking forward to it!!! Oh well I will definitely keep my followers updated.

On another note, they have set up a facebook group to keep everyone updated. Well, I was NOT going to join another site where I have to check for messages EVERYDAY!! You see I already have MySpace and then this blog. Well low and behold, I now have Facebook!!! Am I totally out of the loop when it comes to these things?? I mean why couldn't I think of something that could network you to old friends and colleagues? I had a friend mine call it "crackbook". I now understand that statement!! It can definitely become addicting in the beginning because you can't wait to see who you have found or who has found you next!!!! Oh well, we will see how this goes, it may be bye bye MySpace!!!!

New Recipe, New Taste!!

2009-01-25T15:55:00.000-08:00

Well I started looking at different recipes, one so I can cook enough to start taking my lunch to work, second to start cooking something different!! You can only eat so many meat and potatoes.

I found this blog called Meal Planning for Mommies, it is a blog where these stay at home moms come up with weekly menus and prepare the food. They also include pics so you can follow along exactly as they do. Well, I decided to cook one of thier recipes and it was great. It is called Creamy 3 Cheese Tortellini with Spinach and Tomatoes. I thought it was going to take a while to cook and in 25 mins it was done. I was too impressed. Lauren seemed to like it as well, so this will definitely be a keeper. I have included a pic of the original and a pic of mine!!! I will definitely be trying to use some of thier other recipes.

I wanna help you Daddy!!

2009-01-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

As you know last week, Lauren was out of daycare all week with a viral infection. Well she is doing great, but you know when Mommy stays home with baby who is the next to come down sick? Mommy!!!!

Well sure enough, on our way home from the Burg visiting my sister, I started feeling aweful. I figured that I was getting the flu the way my body was feeling. All I wanted to do is either sit in a hot bathtub or sleep, that was the only way I could feel relief. Ray was away hunting last weekend and I wouldn't let him come home, because he had also stayed with Lauren last week as well and he really deserved a weekend away. When he came home Sunday, I couldn't have been happier to see his scruffy face walking through the door. Those women who are hunting widows on the weekend all know this face. Anywhoo, I have had a wonderful husband all week who has allowed me to actually get some rest and heal.

I cannot remember what night it was this week, but one that I still didn't feel very well. Ray decided he was going to fix dinner. Well he wanted to keep Lauren occupied so he was trying to entertain her while he cooked. Both of us were in the kitchen when we hear in this sweet little voice, "Daddy I wanna help you!!" Ray just couldn't deny this sweet little face and voice, so Ray picked her up and put her on the counter. I caught these pics while she "helped" her daddy. She thought that we had given her all the money in the world!!! She is especially big on being the "big girl" right now. We encourage every moment of this, although it still makes me sad on how fast she is growing up!!! I hope that you all enjoy the pics, I know I did!!!

The Hardships of a Parent

2009-01-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

You know 32 months ago when I had the positive sign of a pregnancy test I never thought that parenting could be so rewarding yet so disappointing. Yes, I said dissappointing!! Through these 32 months that I have been a parent I have learned what works and what doesn't work. I have also learned that there will be times that you have exhausted all possibilities to make it better and yet it seems to get worse. Lauren hasn't been the most well child. I never know when she is going to get sick, well who does, but the GOOD LORD up above. You try to keep your child in this bubble so that nothing touches her such as germs but you can't. Lauren has an viral infection that has to "run its course". There is no antibiotic, no medicine to make her feel better and to me as a parent it stinks to see her not feeling well and not being able to do anything about it. Yet the rewarding part is, she seeks Ray and I and wants us just to hold her and it makes it all better, including the endless popscicles and icecream!!!!

The doctor told me today at her follow up visit to just pretty much let her get away with anything, well....I broke the rules and allowed her to pitch her tent in her room and watch the Little Mermaid, after her tv curfew had past. Needless to say it took her mind off of her ailments and she went right on to sleep, with HER Abbie right beside her watching to make sure I didn't need to be in there. Yes, Abbie is definitely the best watch dog. Anytime Lauren is sick, Abbie sleeps in Lauren's room, all night. The wrong cough or the wrong breath, Abbie will alert Ray and I. I have included a pic of Lauren and Abbie, it brings light to this whole situation!! Please just keep us in your prayers!!!!

And here is Bob!!!

2009-01-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my mom, my grandmother, Lauren, and I went shopping. I have to say Lauren was well behaved and was very cooperative!! Well of course, my mom nor my grandmother can go shopping without buying Lauren anything!! Yeah I know it is a bad habit, but it is their way of doing things for her so I allow it!!!
Anywho, we went to two children's clothing stores while we were out and acquired a new friend. You see, I have always called Lauren my little monkey and that was one of the first animal noises she could tell you what it was. So we are kind of partial. Anyway, we were in Children's Place just buying some time for the terrential rain outside to pass. Once I decided that the rain had let up enough for me to get the car, I went outside. While pulling up I notice my mother inside the store behind this most excited child with a monkey in hand!!! I said to myself, "Oh my, a new stuffed animal!!" Not to mention that we just cleaned out a whole load of stuffed animals out of her room the weekend before!!!! Well after getting home from our shopping spree, I was giving Lauren her bath and asked her what her monkey's name is going to be. She looked at me with this pondering look and out of now where says, "Bob". I said, "Bob". She said yes ma'am. So Bob the Monkey it is. Lauren has not allowed it out of her sight yet!!!!! I have to say I have never seen her so attached to something besides her bankie (blanket).

So meet Bob!!!!

Happy New Year and a Birthday All In One!!

2009-01-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

If you noticed I haven't been blogging as often as have been in the past. I know, I know, I know........but you see got a Wii Fit for Christmas and that is pretty much all I have been doing. I have a fitness goal that I want to obtain so I am working really hard!!
Anywho, we rang in the New Year just as quietly as ever!!! We went to our cousins house a couple of miles away to ring it in!!! Well they rang it in, Lauren decided to conk out on me and since we were a good 45 minutes away, I decided to leave and get home before 12. We had a great time!! My cousin cooks some awesome ribs and I just couldn't pass that up!!! Oh well, here are a couple of pics from that night. Lauren once again didn't want to have any part of the fireworks so we stayed in the house where it was warm!! Lauren also got in some "tea time" with her Pops as well!!!

Also, I was able to celebrate my birthday as well!!! It was the following Sunday after New Year's. My parents, sister, and grandmother came over to celebrate the day with Ray, Lauren and I. Well like I said in the beginning of the post, the Wii is pretty much all that we have been doing. Well.....my parents came over about 12:30, we ate dinner and then it was on. We spent a good 8 hours playing the Wii. Who knew you could get such a work out!!!!! Oh well, here are some pics depicting that day. I also had a wonderful cake that was baked by my sister and decorated by my beautiful daughter. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday!!!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-31T21:56:00.001-08:00

Well I know that I am a little late on my recap of Christmas, but Christmas in this family is a week long event and I am just now getting to posting about it!!!

When I said that Christmas is a week long event in this family, well, that is just what I meant. We started it off with Christmas with my dad's side of the family at my grandmothers. Everyone was there except for a couple of cousins, but the most exciting part was the children that were there. You see there are 17 grandchildren in our family and well multiply that by two parents, a spouse, and maybe a child of their own and you have a large get together!!! Anywhoo, my cousins and I were sitting around watching the toddlers and the babies and realized that history had come full circle. We reminisced about the old times when we were around the little kids ages and had many laughs!!! It was truly a great time, no bickering, no argueing!!!! We were truly excited.

On to Christmas Eve.....You see Lauren and I were truly blessed this year!! We were able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Ray!!!! So we made this a huge deal!!! We started out at my parents house to open gifts with them. Lauren absoulutely enjoyed unwrapping everyone's gift. My sister said that all she is going to buy her next year is wrapping paper and tape because she had so much fun. It was truly a blessing to see all of us enjoying each other's company. Lauren was overwelmed and really didn't know what to play or open up first!!!! One gift that she absolutely loved was the coasters her Aunt Sammy made for her. Lauren, has a small obsession with coasters at everyone's house, so Aunt Sammy had some made for her. After a couple of hours, we went to my grandmother's for Christmas Eve dinner. We had a scrumptuous dinner; prime rib, baked potatoes, lobster claws, and boiled shrimp. Let us not forget the birthday cake for Jesus (we taught this to Lauren to let her know the real reason that we celebrate Christmas.) She was all about and enjoyed telling everyone that it was Jesus' birthday!!! We opened gifts and Sammy and I got the Wii. Yes I said Wii, and have played with it since!!!! It is so entertaining and you get such a workout. I also got the Wii Fit which I will be start January 1. That is whole another post!!! As we wrapped up opening gifts, we played Wii for a minute and then on to getting Lauren's things ready for Santa. Lauren wrote Santa his letter, and also put out reindeer food for the reindeer snacks. We also put out Oreo's on Santa's special plate that Lauren made at daycare this year. Once all of that was done, Lauren was off to bed and we were there to wait up to help Santa with Lauren's gifts.

Christmas Day, Ray had it all planned out. We were to get up at 5:50; set the video camera so we could get Lauren's first expressions of what Santa had left her. Well Lauren had her own plans!!! We were woken up at 4:45 to, "Mommy, Daddy, there is a baby in here!!!!" She was so beside herself!!! It was too cute and immediately went to playing with her new baby and new house. It was the beginning of a long day. You see, we do all of our Christmas on Christmas Day. We spend the whole day doing our own family traditions, which is playing with the new stuff we received for Christmas or catching up on some rest!!!!

After spending Christmas Day together, we headed to the Delta to have Christmas with Ray's side of the family. There we spent the whole weekend with the Delta family. Lauren was super excited when she received her bike and her big dog named "Biscuit". We feasted all weekend on foods and snacks. Once again she loved opening everyone else's gifts for the joy of ripping the paper and tape off. On Sunday we left a little early to get back home so we would have time to put the new gifts away and to give Lauren time to play with all of her new toys.

Well that is an end to our Christmas journey for 2008. It is amazing how we prepare for weeks for it to get here and then in a couple of days it is gone. We, the Daniels' family does have a perk, at least we can extend it and make it a week long event!!! I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Christmas this year!!!

New Traditions Con't

2008-12-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Ray, Lauren and I tried something new this year, we decided to build a ginger bread house!!! It was definately a sight and we had a blast doing it!!! Ray had royal icing all over his hand and arms. Lauren had fun sticking the candy everywhere. We had a blast and Lauren kept trying to sneak a bite off of the cookies. I am sharing the pics below:

Christmas...A Time for Old Traditions and The Beginning of New Ones!!!

2008-12-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

Well it is almost Christmas and our stockings are all hung by our chimney with care in hopes that Lauren's San Clause will soon be here!!! We finally have all of our gifts bought and now they are needing wrapped but that will soon be done!!!! I haven't posted in a while due to the business that has been buzzing around here at the Daniels' household. Between getting orders for Taste of Gourmet and trying to get the gifts bought I have been one little busy bee. But with that all being said and done, I want to take a minute just to take in what THIS Christmas is all about.

You see, Lauren and I get the ultimate gift of all this year. In the last two years Ray has had to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, meaning that we get a little time to spend with him and then he has to sleep and jet off to work. Well, this year is different. His shift fell on having both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. I thank God everyday for this opportunity and cannot wait. We are going all out this year!! I am fixing an actual Christmas Dinner(yes Ray will have the firetrucks backed into the drive way!!!)and we will lay around the house watching Lauren play with all of her new toys.

Christmas time is my most favorite season, as you have read in former posts. Not just the gift giving, but the reason for this season. A time for family and friends, but most of all the reason why we celebrate it. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle and seem to forget the real reason. I got so aggravated today because I couldn't find that certain Christmas gift that I wanted to get Ray and he made me realize real quick that it didn't matter. All that mattered was he was getting to share the opportunity of being with Lauren and I on Christmas. We also have a tradition with the women in my family and we Lauren was able to pitch in this year. On an early Saturday in the month of December, we, as the women, gather and make Christmas candy and cookies.
It was definitely a sight with Lauren and the flour!!! We make the candy to take to our offices and also for the men to take to their work as well. Just our little way of spreading our Christmas cheer. Also, we made our trip to the City of Lights, to see just that, Christmas lights. Lauren enjoyed it the two trips that we went and enjoyed riding the caroseaul. We also took a horse and carriage ride around the square and drank hot cocoa. It was so simple and it was very enjoyable. I believe we have started a new tradition and isn't that what Christmas is about.....FAMILY!!!

I know that this is a long post but I did want to share the Daniels'/McCain Christmas cheer for everyone to enjoy. I will also have my pics of our family Christmas' soon as well. Merry Christmas to all and God Bless!!!!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2008-12-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that I was able to stay home today. See, I took today off to take Lauren to her Ear, Nose, and Throat check up. I had one more vacation day so I thought what the heck, I will take it off, take Lauren to the doctor and then back to daycare. WRONG!! Mother nature had her own plan, I got to take Lauren to the doctor but when I saw those HUGE and I say HUGE snowflakes falling this morning, I decided that Lauren and I would spend the day together. It all started about 7:45 this morning, I opened the front door and it was snowing. I told Lauren to come look and she was completely amazed. She looked at me and said, "Wow Mommy!!" I just loved the look on her face. I bundled her up and we went out to see the snow!! Needless to say, the snow didn't stay very long and we did have to go to the doctor. So I have included some pics, I hope that you enjoy!!!!

Getting all bundled up!!
Trying to figure out what all of this white stuff is floating around!!!
Trying to hit the
snow with my hand!!
The house after we got back from the doctors office about 11:30 a.m.
Ray playing with Daisy in the sleet!!

In Memory

2008-12-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Okay now on more of a serious note. Like I said before, this is my most favorite time of year, but it is also a time of year that my family takes time to remember two people that were near and dear to our hearts. These two people passed away exactly 10 years and a day between each other. So I would like to take the time to write about both of them.

The first that I would like to write about is my Papaw McCain. This man was an amazing son, brother, father and grandfather. He passed away when I was a Junior in highschool on Decemeber 8th. My papaw was like no other. He loved his family more than anything and was full of theories and philosphies on life. Well HIS theories and philosphies!!! Sorry got a little side tracked. We would sit and watch tv together, clean the yard together, or just sit and chat about the world and what was going on. I would have loved to have gotten in the kitchen and found out his famous spaghetti sauce recipe, but we weren't allowed in the kitchen. That was one of his rules and we abided by it. He was a strong spoken man and when he spoke we all listened, including the children!!Although he was strong spoken, he had a soft heart, and that is what I remember the most about him. I miss those talks and the time spent in the yard. Better yet, I miss the drive to Itta Bena, to an Uncle's house, and him having the heater in the car turned up so high, that I had to ask him if he was roasting peanuts!!! My grandmother and I still laugh about that today. I cannot wait for the day that Jesus calls his people to Heaven and I get to see him again.

This man is my other grandfather, Papaw Ken. This is my mother's stepdad, but there was no step we took him in as our own. You see, my Papaw Ken was a horse of a different color. He didn't think like a grandfather, he was more of an oversized kid if you asked me. He was very talented and very fun to be around. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with my grandfather because he used to live in California, but the time I did get to spend with him, we made the most of it. The thing that I regret the most is when him and my grandmother did make a permanent move to Mississippi, I didn't spend the time that I could have with him. This man was a loving man also, and also loved his family as well. There are a lot of memories that I could write about him, but there is one that will always stick out in my mind. I like to shop and I love to bargain shop, well I knew that anytime I wanted to go shopping, all I had to do is call my papaw Ken. This man would shop until YOU dropped, not him. I miss those days so much and long for the day I get to see him again as well. I know he is in heaven as we speak rearranging everything. He is also probably using his wonderful talent of painting and painting huge murals in Heaven.

I know that this is a very long post, but like I said before, these two men were very near and dear to my heart. They both served in the military. They loved their country and thier families. I wanted to take the time to celebrate thier lives and what they meant to me.

This IS WAR!!!

2008-12-10T17:14:00.001-08:00

Okay a few days ago, I tagged some people to pick four favorite Christmas tree ornaments or four favorite Christmas memories. Well, my sister, GOD love her did oblige since she has already been tagged by me twice wrote her post. Well included in her post was this lovely picture of me sitting on Santa's knee in Greenville, MS. God only knows how long ago that pic was taken. Anywho, my sister and I have always joked around about certain videos or pictures may pop up so our significant other may see. Well, since my sister decided to include that pic for the whole world to see I thought that I would include some hilarious ones!!! Like she said it is easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission!!! So here it goes......

The first picture will be a Christmas memory that I will share. I believe that the sister was about oh 4 months old and this was her first Christmas and the mom decided to take us to the local KMart, yes it is still open in Greenville, to have our Christmas picture made. Low and behold my mom did not realize that my sister was flipping the bird until after the Christmas cards with this picture went out, we still laugh about it today!!!!

Let us just call this one a bonus!!!!! My sister used to be a die hard Ninja Turtles fan!!! Not sure why but die hard....No BARBIE's she mohawked all of mine. Anywho, this picture was taken by my grandfather, God rest his soul and we laugh about her dedication to the Ninja Turtles to this day. As a matter of fact, if you read her blog you will see that it was one of her favorite ornaments.

This is all fun and games and God only knows what she will post next, stay tuned, this could get interesting!!!!

You are Tagged!!!!

2008-12-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

Now it is my time to start a tag. Christmas is my most favorite time of the year and I want you to pick at least 4 ornaments from your tree that are your favorite or four of your most favorite memories of Christmas. I will go first:

#1 The ballerina shoes I never obtained. See I used to be big into dancing when I was younger. Tap, Ballet, Jazz, you name it. My ultimate dream was to get my toe shoes and it never happened. Bigger and better things came along like sports, friends, and oh yeah boys....What was I thinking??? I believe the shoes would have been better time spent don't you??

#2 My ballerina girl, like I said it was my dream to one day be a ballerina with my toe shoes.....

#3 My baby's first Christmas ornament. This was the first Christmas I spent as a mother. Couldn't have been more excited!!! It is a great feeling and would never want it to be any different. God love my little girl, I love to see her grow everyday.

#4 My baby's second Christmas. This Christmas was a little different. Lauren actually was able to enjoy opening gifts this year!! The pics were priceless!!! Can't wait to see what this Christmas has to bring!!!!

All in all I do want to take time to remember the reason for Christmas!!!! I thank God everyday for sending us Jesus to give us the ability to celebrate his life during this holiday. I cannot wait to sit down and explain to our little girl the real reason. I hope this finds everyone well and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I now tag Angela, Sammy, Allison, Lee and Caroline

I've been Tagged

2008-12-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

I've Been Tagged

Allison says that I have to blog 6 things that are interesting about me so here I go.

#1 I love to scrapbook, although I don't have the time to do it as much as I would like to. With a two year old running around it is kind of hard to get around to doing a lot of things!!!

#2 I love to paint nursery art and things for my friends. It is my way of venting and getting things out!!! So if you know anyone who needs nursery art or children's art let me know!!

#3 I love working with flowers and decorating with them. I have been doing this since I began working in my mother in law's flower shop while in college. I love using my creative abilities to create different arrangements or different displays.

#4 Christmas is my most favorite holiday!!! Not just for gifts, but it all goes back to the decorating thing, but I love the smells, the lights, and the colors.

#5 There are several tv shows that are my favorite and you do not need to call or try to talk to me while they are on. First and foremost ER on Thursday nights but that is about to all come to an end considering that this is the last season. I have been picking up on Grey's Anatomy and I am liking it!!!!! On Monday nights during its season I am glued to the tv to watch the Hills. I know kind of highschoolish, but I like it!!! I have also gotten hooked to the new 90210, I loved the show with Brenda and Kelly, and the drama is even deeper now!!!!

#6 Being a mother is the most awesome thing that you can be. I love being a mother to little Lauren. Playing in the floor with her and laughing with her is the best feeling in the world!!!

I know tag Samantha, Lee, Caroline and Angela

Ahh Traditions, Traditions, Traditions.....

2008-11-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hello, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that I did. I got to spend it with my wonderful husband, in which I was thankful to spend Thanksgiving Day with this year; and my wonderful daughter. We went to the Delta to spend the holiday with Ray's parents considering that we haven't been able to in the past two years. We had a great time, filled up on Fried Turkey and all of the fixings to go with it!!! This is going to be a long post. I truly believe they need to make these holidays more that one day!!!

Well most of you all know that in the Delta, life is just at a little slower pace than here in the metro, well except on BLACK FRIDAY!!!! Now for those who are Black Friday virgins, going on this certain day for the first time can be a bit scary!! Since we were in Cleveland, I decided that I would get up and just go to Walmart and see if they had a couple of things that I spotted in the sales paper. Well Ray thought that it was best that he go with me so I wouldn't be by myself and his father decided to go as well. We get to Walmart about 10 after 5 this morning and it looked like angry lions ravishing a piece of meat. I told Ray we probably will not find what we want but we can give it a shot. We proceeded to make our way to the toy department and finally got to the back 20 mins later, yes I said 20 minutes. As we looked we decided that it wasn't worth it to fight the crowd and we would just wait until we got back to finish Christmas. I do have to say that we found my niece's gift at a steal, so I took my little deal to the cash register and checked out. Ray said I would never have to worry about him ever going on "BLACK FRIDAY" again. I just laughed. He also told me that I was crazy, but I look forward to next year once again to get the "BEST DEAL".

Once we got back home, I went to the two Walmarts here just hoping I might find the item that I was looking for early this morning. Nope, I was wrong and ended up walking out with CD-R's. I also went to my parents to spend some time with them. Well, my parents still continue the tradition that has been in place for I know 27 years, the decorating of the Christmas Tree. My mom bought a new tree this year and my dad wanted to go ahead an un pack it. I just think he was chomping at the bits just to see what kind of tree my mom had got. Anywho, we got the tree up and decorated.
It was really fun, because my parents have saved every and I mean every homemade ornament that my sister and I have made. We also had a tradition that we would buy and one ornament for that year!! It was amazing to see 27 years worth of ornaments on our tree. So much history and who knew!!!! With the way the economy is waying down on everything, it is wonderful to sit back and reminisce on how Christmas used to be without all of the hustle and bustle. Here are some pics of the tree decorating.

Hmmm What I would like to do!!

2008-11-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, I believe I have completely gone nuts and so does everyone else or at least I think so. I have literally been tossing around the idea back and forth about going back to school. Wait......here are you ready for the reason, hmmm..........I want to go back and go to nursing school. Yeah wierd I know it. The one who changed her major from Pre Physical Therapy to Management because I knew that I would have to touch feet and here I am wanting to do one of the most hardest jobs ever. Well those who know me from back in the day would know that I did do two years of Votech while in highschool for Allied Health and really liked it, just thought that maybe the whole feet thing wasn't my cup of tea. Well after you have a child all of your major yuckiness in your life is pretty much gone. Especially after you have been crapped on, spit up on, and snot wiped on you!!!!

So am I really crazy for wanting to start a new chapter in my life. Something that I started so long ago and never really gave a chance. The girls at my old branch told me all the time I really missed my calling and should have went into the med field. Oh well, we will see what God has in store for me.

On a second note, the holidays are approaching just around the corner, well next week and we are headed to the Delta!!! So there probably will not be a post until after then, so I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I know that the Daniels' family is very thankful, because this is the first Thanksgiving that we get to spend with Ray in two years. YEAH!!!

Happy Birthday Lauren!!!!

2008-11-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well, today at 2:56 pm two solid years ago, Lauren Elizabeth entered this world. Yes Lauren's turned two today and it has definitley been one heck of a ride!!! I would do it all over again if I had too. Needless to say, Lauren's "birthday" started back in September when we got Daisy dog; then in October, we took Lauren to see Elmo Live. This past Saturday, we had Lauren's birthday party at our house to celebrate with family and friends and then today we ended it with a small party at daycare.

Lauren had a wonderful time Saturday. We had a space jump, hamburgers and cupcakes!! Lauren was extatic. It was an Elmo theme this year, go figure!!!! I did all of the decorating for the party Friday night after she went to bed. She woke up Saturday morning telling me that Elmo was everywhere!!! She was too cute. Of course, she got an abundance of gifts. Enjoy the pics, I know we loved every minute of it!!!!

Oh yeah, we also reached a new milestone.....We are no longer in a crib, we are no in a big girl bed!!!

More pics to follow of the big day!!!

Buzzing like Bees!!

2008-11-15T06:27:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to make a quick post. I haven't posted in a while, because we have been like my title "buzzing like bees" around here!!! Well being the typical person that I am, I waited until the last minute to get things ready for Lauren's birthday. I actually thought I had an extra weekend in there somewhere before the party and guess what, I didn't. Oh well, hopefully things will go well and no catastrophes!!! Well I will have pics posted soon of her party, hope all is well with everyone!!!!

Where do you people get your license??

2008-11-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is a rant post. As I was driving to my daily destination of day care and then on to work, I notice that there is a police officer in front of me. No biggie, I am doing the speed limit and obeying every possible road law there is to follow. Well, apparently there are some people out there that didn't study the same drivers ed book that I studied. I was taught that if there is a police car, fire truck, state trooper, ambulance behind you, you are to move to the right lane. Whether they have their sirens on or not. Maybe it is because I have law enforcement running through every which way of my family tree, but that is one thing that irritates the crap out of me. You have no idea where they are going and it can be an emergency and you are holding them up because of your stupidity. There are times that they cannot run their lights for the safety of themselves and others. So
MOVE OVER people!!!!!!!!!

BOOOOOOOOO!

2008-10-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween fellow bloggers!! Lauren is at the age that she can actually go trick or treating, well this year we went "Trunk or Treating". In some areas yesterday was designated Halloween for trick or treating. We went to the Trunk and Treat yesterday in a local town. Lauren went as a monkey and was too cute!!! Ray and I are always calling her our little monkey so we thought it only appropriate for her to be one. Well, I had never been to a "trunk or treat" but I have to say who ever thought of the idea, was pretty smart!!! Local businesses met in a popular park and decorated thier company vehicles in halloween attire and sat out and gave out candy. Lauren was very happy to oblige in putting her what she calls, "punkin" out there to get a treat. Needless to say Lauren has enough candy for us and her to share, so on to next year!!!!

A Wonderful Weekend......

2008-10-28T18:56:00.001-07:00

Okay well this is going to be a long post so sit back, get comfortable and start reading!! Well our Saturday started off with a trip to see Sesame Streets Elmo Live!!! I have to say that it was well written and well performed. We even ran into some friends in the parking lot while going into the show. While sitting there waiting for the show to start, Lauren was constantly saying, "Where did Elmo Go?" and "Where are you Elmo?" The announcer came upon the stage and started counting, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1; and you would have thought that Ray and I had given Lauren a million dollars. She was so beside herself when Elmo came out. I just smiled with joy just to see our little girl so excited. Below you will find some pics from that wonderful morning.....
Then my mom took Lauren to Hattiesburg to see my sister and then it was a night of freedom for Ray and I. We threw with some other friends of ours a couple baby shower. It definitely a night full of fun and relaxation. The hit of the night was the onesie that Eddy gave to Emily and Adrian. You will see the pic below. All in all we had a great time and time well spent with our friends.

This was definitely a busy weekend but wrapped up in a nutshell a great one. I wish that I was able to see Lauren that excited everyday. It definitely was a memory that I will never forget, her face when she saw Elmo!!! Also, being able to give a shower for friends to be able to relax was very uplifting as well. I told Ray now on to planning Lauren's birthday it is only 3 weeks away!!!!!

To Blog or Not to Blog!!

2008-10-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

My sister brought it to my attention that I haven't blogged in a while, well just to bring you all up to date, it has definitely been hectic in this household. So I sit here at 11:30 blogging when I should be sleeping.

#1 One reason, we have been crazy is Lauren was diagnosed with RSV last week. You ask what RSV is? Well it is a fancy name for a severe cold. We as adults call it an upper respiatory infection, while in infants and toddlers it is a lot more serious. RSV is pretty much a mucus (such a gross word) build up in the airway passage. So on our third trip to the doctor, yes I said third, we seem to be doing a lot better since last Thursday. Today she seems ten times better than yesterday. I guess it is just something about Doc Dennis as Lauren calls him!!

#2 We also have a huge weekend planned as well. We are taking Lauren to see "Elmo Makes Music" Saturday. I hope that it is very entertaining for her because I will know that she will be ecstatic considering she says Elmo is her friend. We are also throwing a Couples Baby Shower at our house Saturday night as well for some friends of ours. It is a first for all of us, but it is our way of giving them one more adult get together before the baby gets here. Seems like everything fell on the same weekend!! Oh well!!

Well that is pretty much what is going on in our neck of the woods. I will be updating about the weekend, but as for now I am going to bed!!!

Dedicated Fan!!

2008-10-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Hello to the blogging world!! I thought that I would just write about my most favorite tv show in the world..........Yes you guessed it, ER!!! This season is it's last and final season. For fifteen straight years I have watched this show every Thursday night at 9:00pm. My husband would tell you that I have an affair with this show every week of the fall season. I have season 1,2, and 3 on DVD and hope to get the rest eventually.

Through the years I have had one character that I loved to watch and that was Noah Wylie as John Carter. Well I liked all of the characters but you always have that one. This past Thursday was one of the hardest episodes to watch, while Carter was on the show a nurse started at County named Abby Lockhart. I loved watching Carter and Abby together and would get upset everytime they would split. Well after they took Carter off of the show, I grew to love the character Abby even more, to the point that I could see similarities in me and that character. Thursday night was her last episode to be on. Yes, I cried like an idiot. I always figured that she would be the last to leave!!! There are probably some people out there that would think I am crazy, but after fifteen years you tend to think that you know these people!!! Oh well, I will continue to watch the rest of the season and then I will be on to another show, the thing that sucks I don't believe there will never be another show like it!!!!

Celebrating with Friends

2008-10-13T15:33:00.001-07:00

I meant to blog about this a week ago and forgot and it just came to mind!!!

Last weekend I had the chance to retouch with old friends at a baby shower. It was for my best friend from high school Caroline. I actually enjoyed the time spent with her and Ashley (my other best friend from high school). It is wierd sitting down looking around and thinking, "oh my we are all grown up!" Talking about our jobs, our families, and our children. If you would have asked me 9 years ago where I thought we would all be, it would have never been here. Mind you, our 10 year high school reunion is next year this is what I would have said.......

Me, I figured I would be in some big corporation with my corner office with a wonderful view, doing something in marketing and PR. Well I live here with my wonderful husband, my daughter, and my lovely dogs. In all actuallity, I work for a bank, I have a corner office with a view of a gas station, in PEARL!!! Not to say that working in Pearl is a bad thing, but if you are a Brandon High School graduate, that is beyond you!!!! Oh well it is what it is and it pays the bills!!!!

Ashley, I figured she would marry a rich doctor of some sort and live day for day. Well, she lives with her husband in MS and is moving back to Brandon (which I am selfishley jumping up and down with excitement, because the girls will be back together again). She also works at a bank!! HOW IRONIC!!!!

And Lastly Caroline, I figured she would be working for some huge accounting firm where she made partner in some great big city somewhere. No, she is here with her husband expecting their first child and working here as well.

All in all we did leave this place and venture out on our own and now are all coming back to the one place we all met. Really weird how things play out. My daddy always told me that you can have a lot of friends, but your "best friends" you can count on one hand. These two girls have always been there. We have gone for months even a year before talking and when we do talk it was like we just saw each other yesterday!!! I am glad that we soon all be together in one town again so we can at least go grab a bite to eat at the old fav. spot O'Charley's and talk about our husbands and children.

It is amazing how on blog about a baby shower can turn into all of this. Oh well, I love my friends and very greatful that God has put them in my life.

Clean Up on Aisle 4

2008-10-12T12:37:00.001-07:00

Yes, I said "Clean Up on Aisle 4". Yesterday, I believe that my darling husband and I definately were broken in as parents!! We were making our weekly Walmart outing to buy household necesseties, when my daughter decided to do a real good act!!! When we go shopping at Walmart, the grocery store, etc; my darling daughter has now decided that she is a big girl and wants to ride in the basket part of the buggy. Yes, I know that isn't the most safest part for them to be in, but have you ever been in Walmart with a wailing baby? Anywho, we were in the cleaning supplies aisle deciding on what new broom we were going to buy; and yes this is an important decision; when my darling daughter decided to look up and say UH OH. My darling husband and I both turned around and my darling daughter had taken the face wash that we use, unscrewed the top off of it and pour it all over her and the buggy. With holes being in the buggy the rest went straight to the floor. I am thinking to myself, oh my who has seen this? Low and behold I look up and the whole aisle is full of people. At this point I am wanting to just grab my darling daughter and go, and pretend the whole thing never happened!! My darling husband and I rush our darling daughter to the rest room, yes we rushed her to the restroom. Walmart have these new "Family" restrooms. My darling husband I have to say saved the day. He is such a smart thinker!!! My darling daughter was dressed in a onesie outfit, he stripped her down to nothing but her pull up and stood her up in the sink to rinse her off. If I would have been by myself, I would probably still be in the restroom trying to get that stuff off of her.

Oh well, another story about my little one and her little antics. I have to say that she definatley keeps this household entertained!!!

Adventures in Potty Training (the puppy and the daughter)

2008-10-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know it has been a while since the last time I blogged, but here I go!!! No one ever told me that being a mom had its little side adventures such as potty training. We, in this household are in the potty training stage!!! So far, it has really went well!! God love my child when she is constantly telling me that she wears "big boy panties"!! Yes, she is a little confused but I let out my little sigh and let her know that they are big girl panties and she is getting doing so well!!! Now on to the new adventure......

We got our daughter a lab puppy named Daisy!!! She is the cutest thing and has the best personality but never in my wildest dreams did I think about having to potty train a puppy along with potty training our daughter!!! Now I have to admit it is a little easier to let Daisy out and tell her to potty, than having to constantly remind little Lauren. Let's just say a small prayer that I don't get confused and let Lauren outside to potty and try to put the puppy on the potty!!!!!

Birthdays, baby showers, ....

2008-09-28T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well I have to say that this weekend was full of celebrations!!! Saturday, Ray, Lauren and I drove to the Burg to see the sister for a celebration of her birthday with my family and her friends. It was a very important time for us because we all finally got to meet "the boy"!! I have to say it went really well, considering that ten years ago I was once in the sisters shoes and wa la he is now my husband!!! Lauren seems to be a great judge of character and everything went well!!!!

Today Lauren and I went to a celebration for a friend that is expecting and is due in November. She had a very nice shower and cannot wait until the one that we are giving her. Lauren was slightly confused and kept telling her Happy Day Ms. Emily! Oh well, I guess all the gifts are the reason that she thought it was her birthday.

This week we will be adding a new addition to the Daniels' family. She is a golden lab and her name is Daisy Dog, in Lauren's words!!!! Yes, Ray and I bit the bullet and decided to let Lauren have a big dog. We also are excited as well. More to come on the puppy. I am sure that I will definitely have fun stories to tell!!!

Words are hurtful!!

2008-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

You know my mom always told me watch what you say, especially when you are mad or angry, because it will hurt someones feelings. Am I the only one who abides by that rule? I mean nine times out of ten, when you say something out of anger do you really mean it? And when that person says I am sorry does it really make it better? I don't understand why would someone say something that they really didn't mean. They thought it, so why wouldn't they mean it when it came out of there mouth. It seems to me that it just made it more permanent spoken. All I can say is once the statement is said, it sticks in the mind of the person the comment was made too.

I am just rambling because I am speaking out for a friend of mine as well. God love her, why can't people just keep thier mouth shut? People just do not think!!!!!

Golfing for a cause!!!

2008-09-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I wasn't particularly golfing for a cause, but there were many many men who were. I have no clue about golf, but I had the opportunity to volunteer this year for the Viking Classic Golf Tournament. Regions marshalled the fourth hole and it was actually a learning experience!!!! This year the Blair E Batson Hospital was on the recieving end for the charity. I love the hospital; and I love volunteering for any charity for children. So throughout the morning, I chased balls that didn't land on the fairway, and charted each shot that afternoon. I have to say that this whole time that I thought golf was just a boring sport, it was actually relaxing!!! I am glad that I chose to volunteer, and if I have the opportunity again to do so next year I will jump on it!!!!

Hello, hello, hello

2008-09-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to stop by and say hello and THANK GOD FOR PARENTS!!! You know as we grow up our parents become our "best friends" and the ones that we run too. I have to say that Ray and I are truly blessed with the both sets of parents that we have. Mine and His!!!! Anytime, I have needed anything, Lauren needs to be picked up or a night out with my husband, or just a break they are always there. So here's to you Nana and Pops; and MiMi and Pops, WE ALL LOVE YOU!!!!!

Patience, Patience, Blah, Blah, Blah.....

2008-09-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Okay I would have to say that I am one of the most patient persons in the world, but when I have had it, I have had it. Have you ever just worked and worked at something and it never turns out and then you get the joys of someone looking at you while you are ranting and raving, they turn to you and say, "JUST BE PATIENT, it will happen!!!" That drives me insane!!!! Knowing good and well if they were on the other end of the conversation they would probably feel the same way I am and not wanting to hear the word!!! So please if you are on the other end listening to me gripe, please refrain from saying the wonderful word that begins with a p. I know it is a virtue, but I really try I do.

Nothing to really report in the Daniel's household today. The day actually pretty well, so until next time, talk to you later!!!

Motherhood Initiation

2008-09-16T20:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, first of all I would like to send a couple of Thank yous out!!! I want to say thank you to my wonderful sister who made my beautiful header (hopefully that is the term!!) of that sweet thing I call my daughter for my blog!!! Also, thank you for the wonderful post about me, you definately give me more credit than I far more deserve. I love you and yes you are my bestest friend in the whole wide world!!!! Also, Amy thank you for the wonderful welcome to this new world!! Sammy is definatley the reason why I bit the bullet and started blogging, as with a lot of other things!!

Now on to the last couple of days.... It all started Thursday morning on the way to daycare. Now my normal ride to daycare is humming along to the dvd that is playing for Lauren on the way. The two that I could probably quote frontwards and backwards would be Finding Nemo, because we have yet to find him; and Elmo's World. Well minding our business and singing Elmo's World, we are approaching Elmo loves his goldfish, and I hear blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Yes Lauren begins getting sick all in the car. Now I am not one for preparedness, that is why I married my husband, but I have to say I handled this pretty well. Of course, Lauren begins to cry because she has the wonderful traits of her Aunt NeNe of not wanting to get dirty. I console her and let her know that it would be okay and mommy would get home as soon as possible. Well the whole day, Lauren would never get sick at home it had to be somewhere; the drs office, the hospital, and Walmart (of all places!!!).

Well there are some people in this world that just doesn't realize that some of us aren't the greatest mommies in the world but we really try. With that being said, yes Lauren did get sick on aisle 4 in Walmart, and instead of the ladies that were passing by saying, "honey is there something I can help you with?" with my wailing child and vomit on me and the floor, they give me this look that says, "couldn't you prevent that from happening?" Well a couple of words for them, no I couldn't help it and yes I will get it cleaned up. I felt that my motherhood was really tested that day. A lot of people say that God doesn't put anymore on you than you can't handle, it makes me wonder he must think I can move mountains!!!! Oh well, Lauren is better and that is all that matters!!!! God Love her, one second she is sick and the next she is bouncing off of the walls. She is such a blessing!!!!!

Okay I have to admit this has been a very long post, but I really needed to get that off of my chest!! There is more to come in my crazy world,so stay posted!!!!

By the way, the pic I included gives me a chuckle everytime I am down, I thought I would share!!!!

Beginners Blog

2008-09-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am not as good at this as my sister, but I thought that it would be a nice way to just get some feelings out instead of keeping them all locked up inside!!! Especially on days that I need to vent!!!! Oh well this is the beginning, please bear with me as I begin, I am not an experienced blogger so it is going to take some time!!!! Considering I have a lot of it!! HAHAHAHA So here I go........