More Pictures of Birthday Party

Chloe's Birthday Party

Well, we are finally sitting with our feet up after a wonderful celebration. This birthday party will be one to remember and thankfully we have digital media for Chloe to remember the big day.

Chloe's birthday party was a success in the midst of a mass down pour of rain...we still had fun. Here are some pictures of the big day.

Chloe loved eating her cake and I cannot believe she ate the whole piece! My favorite part of the party was the cake! It was gorgous and of course, our little princess. She looked so pretty!

We couldn't have pulled the party off without MeMe and Pops and Grandma and Grandpa Orlewicz. They all tremendously helped us pull it all together!

We wish all of you who are reading could have been there!

Hugs!

More pictures of Birthday Weekend

Pictures from the party will be coming on Sunday night! Stay tuned...

The Birthday Weekend Begins

Chloe Noelle Daniels is officially 1 years old! Yesterday, June 26 was Chloe's first birthday. Her Me-Me and Pops came in to town from NC on her special day. We celebrated with them with lots of snuggles and kisses.

Joel and his dad have been redoing our "falling apart" deck so that has been a blessing. We are trying to get everything ready for Chloe's big party. This Sunday we are celebrating with 50 friends and family, Chloe's special day. The theme is princess and our little princess will be strut'in out in a pink tool princess dress that says Birthday Princess. The fancy hat, which probably won't be worn, is cone shaped, pink and furry!!

The menu is set and we are ready to serve a feast. Birthdays are very special to me. My mom and dad always threw me the BEST birthday parties. I remember several of them fondly...down to the smallest details! I hope that Chloe treasures these special times.

I have included some pictures above of Chloe in her birthday hat, next to her inflatable cupcake (yearly we will photo her next to this cupcake and see how big she grows), pictures of her in the dirt and with her Me-Me. We also had dinner tonight with my parents and the one and only MARCUS! He cracks me up whenever I am with him. What joy and laughter this preteen brings to our family!

Today I reflected on how special grandparents are. Thank you Lord for giving my girls such committed and special grandparents. I know they will grow up with wonderful memories of these special people.

Daddy's Girl

Here is Chloe looking and listening to her daddy play the guitar! It is definitely a daughter's love! I love her smile. We love when Joel plays music for us.

Summer is here!

Summer is officially here for our family! We are taking advantage of the free time to play in the sun and be together. Chloe has been very active. We have play dates lined up all summer with cousins and friends from church. She had swim lessons last night. She was 1 of 3 babies that dove under water. It was so fun! I had to stand her up on the side of the pool and tilt her into the water like a nose dive. She did so well. We did it three times! She is so trusting of me. I am amazed daily how much she trusts Joel and I to take care of her. "Lord, help us trust you like that." She knows all of her needs will be met...Just as God promises to meet all of our needs.

We also had music and play class today at Gymboree. Chloe climbed like a little pro on all of the equipment and mats. She was so brave. She went and sat in another mom's lap because she wanted the toy that she had. Hmmm...no fears there. I pray daily that Chloe is strong, independent and brave...of course, gentle and sweet as well. I read about Joan of Arc yesterday...there has been very strong women in history. One of my favorites is Esther! Chloe- take on the world, little one!

Chloe and I had fun the other night with spongy rollers. Check out the picture below. I have fond memories running around the house as a little girl with Nicole wearing these spongy rollers. We would wake up with them all over the floor and our hair in twisty curls. How fun to re-live our childhood through our children.

Finally, we get to talk to Samantha this week. We are looking forward to her phone call. It has been two weeks. The director says she is adjusting. Please continue to pray for Easter Appilachian Teen Challenge. As with any ministry, they need funds to continue the work they are doing with the girls. If you feel led to give to their ministry let me know.

Danielle

Chloe's Attempt to Feed Herself

Our little Chloe is becoming more independent each day. She still likes it when mommy holds her cup, but she can hold it quite well. She now knows how to tip it up so the milk comes out. It is so cute though...if Joel is feeding her and I come in the kitchen, she will hand me the cup so I can hold it for her. I hope she always wants to be my baby. Even as an adult it is nice to know that your mom will take care of you.

Chloe is eating all sorts of things now. I am so afraid of choking that everything is pretty mashed up. I bought the best food grinder/mixer the other day. It makes perfect homemade baby food.

The Night Before Sam Left

Chloe and I took Samantha to one of her favorite restaraunts, Pizza Hut. It was a weird feeling to think that we wouldn't share a meal with Samantha for long time. Here are the smiling girls!

Samantha's Home Away from Home

Well, last Monday Joel dropped Sam off at Eastern Appalachian Teen Challenge. It was the hardest thing we ever did. But we are hopeful that she is going to connect with the people there and truly grow in the Lord. We are praying for her daily.

We miss her. The house is so quiet. Chloe likes to crawl in her room still. We have to wait at least two weeks before we can talk to her on the phone. If she does well over the next two weeks and makes the adjustment she will get to call home.

Above are some pictures of the house. They can house 12 girls there. Currently it is Samantha and one other girl.

Welcome!

Hello Everyone,

This is our first post on our new blog. Wow! I never thought I would set one of these up. However, I love reading others blogs. So, here we go!

The Daniels are gearing up for summer. Samantha is getting ready for Teen Challenge and finishing up her finals and school year. Her and Chloe are adorable together and absolutely love one another. Chloe scratches at her door when it is shut. Soooo....cute.

We are getting ready for Chloe's 1st birthday. We will miss Samantha on this special day but there will be plenty of pictures. The theme is "princess" so pink is on overload!!

I have about 12 work days left!! Yahoooo and then 7 weeks off with the fam! Very fun. We have swim lessons ready to go and gymboree classes! We already have play dates scheduled! We are ready for a fun filled summer!

Joel is playing baseball and enjoying his nights out with the guys. We are excited to see his games.

Finally, I am working on my dissertation this summer and half way done. I am so ready to graduate and finish up this summer!

Hugs!