How I spent the day...

As you all can probably imagine, I figured yesterday would have been awful for me. Wasn't sure how I'd get through the day or even want to do anything. And that's how it was in the morning. I struggled a lot. Had some pretty bad thoughts, and a lot of pain, but certain people were very encouraging to me and I thank God for them. :)

Our plan for the day was to go out to eat with my brother and sister and Joan, a friend of our families. ( Actually she was my Mom's best friend ) So and before doing that, Tara had the idea of buying a tree and planting it in memory of my Mom. So, that was the plan!!! :)

So Mandy and I really had nothing going on at home, so we decided to leave early. We had a few places we wanted to go and then thought of more as we were out. We went and visited my Mom's doctor. He is the nicest man. We wanted to just say Hi and tell him about our upcoming movie premiere. He knew that we had made a film and said he wanted to see it. Well, we loved seeing him. And he took us back into the kitchen area and just sat down to talk with us, it was so neat. Then from there we went to the Hospice place and sat and talked with our "social worker" for 30 min. probably. She will be coming to the premiere, along with some other Hospice employees. It was really neat to see them, and when we walked in, they all remembered us, and my Mom was only on Hospice a week.

So after making those stops and a few extra, we went to plant the tree. The school where Tara works said it would be fine to plant it there and they also said they would donate a memorial stone to put out by it. So....it was Tara, Mandy, Joan, Jason..which is Tara's boyfriend, and me all out there trying to dig this hole for our tulip tree. It HAD rained like the night before but the ground was still hard as ever! :( So, we all took turns trying to break the ground and dig this hole. After Tara tried, I decided to try jumping on the shovel! :) I did that a few times..still no hole. Then Tara held on to me and I stood up on the shovel and I jumped up and down SEVERAL times...still no hole. THEN, we had the brilliant idea to have Mandy jump on my back and THEN I jump up and down with Tara holding on to me...guess what! STILL no hole.
I couldn't believe it. Thankfully, Jason WAS with us, and he took over. Witithin 10 minutes probably he had the hole dug, and that's without jumping up and down or carrying someone on his back! ;)

So, then it was time for us to plant the tree. It ended up looking very nice. So, then it was time for our next thing. Mandy and I had bought a "thinking of you" card for my Mom for us all to write in. So, after writing my message in the card, and having just planted the tree, I lost it. I HATE having people see me cry too, so I just walked away and got in the van to be alone and thinking "hopefully" no one will see me. I just miss her SO much! So, we all went back to Tara's house, and we were going to let off the card then. We had also bought one Happy Birthday balloon to tie to the card and let go. Well...bad news! The card was too heavy and it just fell to the ground. :( I couldnt believe it. I tried ripping up part of the card, where we hadn't wrote to make it lighter, that didnt work. Then someone suggested tearing it, (like that was going to make it lighter) well, I tried, and once again, failed. SO...we then had a very ugly looking card, torn, and sort of shredded. :( We decided that we needed MORE balloons. :) So, everyone went to the restaurant to meet Kyle and Taryn there (brother and future sis in law) and Mandy and I went back to Deals to get 4 more balloons! :) By this time, it was getting dark, and ready to storm! :( So the wind was VERY strong and we knew the card would be taken off by the balloons. :) So when we got to the restaurant we called Tara and Kyle and had them come out. Joan also came to take some pics. :) We all held on to it then on the count of 3 we let it go and said "happy birthday" well...then I cried some more. Watching the balloons just drift away was hard. Kind of felt like letting HER go. I know it doesnt make sense, but it was HARD.

Well, having our waiter really lightened up the night for us. He was very...umm, just different, but very nice! He was lots of fun to all of us! And kept us laughing...a TON. Tara brought an ice cream cake for all of us and then after eating it, Joan had a gift for each of us. I couldn't believe it. She is SO thoughtful. She gave me an angel and she said I was the last to buy for because she knew she needed JUST the thing. The card that came tied around the angel said, "Though words alone can't ease you loss, Nor take away your pain; This Angel lays its gentle hand to comfort and sustain" I thought it was perfect! I hugged her and cried and she just whispered to me, "Danielle, you and Mandy are so fortunate, you got the best years with your Mom...Tara and Kyle missed out. She loved you SO much" That just made me cry even more. I was crying because of the gift, but also all the hurt came out again.

So although I did cry a lot, I think a lot of deep down hurt came out and I actually feel a little better! :) By the time we left the restaurant it was pouring out...I had parked around back too, so Mandy and I had to run in the drenching rain! :) But that's not the worst. From the restaurant, we had to get some things from Wal-Mart, so, by the time I parked... :), it was REALLY REALLY pouring outside. And we looked at each other and just decided to go for it! ..Oh, I wasn't parked close either! ;) So we did it. Mandy actually stopped and took off her sandals and RAN barefoot in the parking lot. Which sounds crazy but was a good idea, because I was slipping all over in my flip flops, they get slippery when they are wet! :) By the time we made it to the door, we were drenched. Everyone was staring at us and knew we were crazy for even trying to make it. Our hair was wet, umm...all of our clothes were wet, it was awful. All the staring we got and lots of questions from people..."Woah, you guys got REALLY wet" or there were some "Is it raining outside??" :D Umm... YES!!! :) It was a lot of fun though, besides being freezing cold it was a nice way to end our day! :) We thought of Mom's poor card though...for sure it's all wet and gross now. :(

So...that was my day! Exciting, huh??? Hope you all aren't too bored with reading about it. Oh, and sorry bout the pics. They are very blurry...Tara doesn't have the best camera! :P But...you'll get the idea from them! :)

-Danielle

"Happy Birthday Mom"

I've really been thinking a lot how my blog has sort of turned into some sad blog, instead of the hope I had before. And So, I was determined to do a "nice" post, but then, my mind started wondering again and my emotions started rolling...and well, now I have
this post. Tomorrow will be my Mom's birthday and the first one without her. It's going to be VERY hard. I decided to go back to the post that I made on my Mom's birthday last year. Here is what I said...

MRI and BIRTHDAY

Okay, I'm sorry it's been awhile since I have wrote anything. I've been waiting until today though, so I could let you know something about the MRI results. Well, I'm sorry to say this, but I still can't tell you very much. Just because, I don't know very much. I have what I think, but I could be 100% wrong. What is looks like to me is that the tumors have either stayed the same or shrunk, but the swelling is much greater. On the pictur e, almost half of her brain is taken up by gray, when the rest of the brain is black. So we aren't sure if that is the tumor or the swelling. We are really praying it is the swelling. It makes since it would be the swelling.

I had a long talk with David last night, and we both said that no matter what the results said, we wouldn't stop believing that God is going to heal my Mom. H e does what gets most glory to him, and through my finite brain, it seems that he would get so much glory this way. There are many friends of ours, that would almost mock us with somet hing were to happen to my Mom, because we didn't use traditional medicine. Also, things as far as custody of my sister and I would be such a disaster. I hope I never have to go through that. So, no matter what, as long as my Mom is still breathing, I will believe that God is going to heal her. Or, I am praying that I can always believe that. When things get tough it is hard to always think that way. I want to give up and lose hope, or run away from my problems, but that never changes anything. I have to rely on the Lord for my strength, and know that he will get me through it.

On a better note, my Mom's birthday was really good! I think she enjoyed it more than she would have thought she could. We had lots of visitors today and lots of cards and flowers showing up. It was so nice to see my Mom getting excited. She hasn't been so happy for a long time. Instead of going out to eat, like we do for b-days, we bought steaks and grilled them at home. The Lord blessed us with great weather today , in the upper 80's, maybe even the 90's. It was just a really good day.

Tomorrow, I get to look forward to laundry and packing, OH and cleaning and cooking. Those are a given though. :) I'm also looking forward to cutting my Mom's hair tomorrow. I cut mine tonight, but that was a first...and a last. I won't do that agai n. It 's too hard, I'll stick with other people's hair. Hopefully mine will grow out soon!

Thank you everyone who has been leaving comments on my blog and has been praying. May the Lord bless all of you!

Love, Danielle

______________________________________________________

As sick as my Mom was then, I wish I could go back to having her here, with cancer or without. That is so selfish of me I know, but my heart aches for her. At least then, I could tell her how much I love her and everything else she should know. I was told many times from people that, the 6 weeks mark is the hardest, or the 3 month mark, well to l et you all know, for me, its not getting ANY easier. Almost harder, and I dont understand why. Am I doing something wrong? I try to hide my pain a lot, but I'm afraid it still shows through. I dont th ink the hurt will ever leave.

I dont know what to write now...I feel as you know all of this, it's like I write the same things everytime. And I'm sorry about that. I just wonder why I am taking this SO hard for so long. Last week my sisters and I went to a wedding shower, and on the way Tara wanted to talk about Mom. I thought I would be fine, but I wasnt. I couldnt stop cry ing. So, I glared out the window trying to hold back tears so Mandy or Tara wouldnt see me. The thing is, I dont cry like, Oh I miss my Mom type of cry, it's like, I cant go on, type of cry. I think since my Mom died I've had this void in my life. A void that can only be filled by Jesus Christ. And maybe untill I do that, I'm gonna have this hurt. I am not sure. Even if the pain doesnt go away, I know that having Jesus fill that spot is what I need. I cant look for it in memories of my Mom, family, friends, or activities. Just HIM! Please pray for me as I try to do this.

Well... it will be her birthday tomorrow, so I was going to post a few pictures that were from her birthday 2 years ago. Before she was ever sick. When things were good, and we were all happy! I have to remember...I'll see her again! :(

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you and miss you very much!

-Danielle

HURT

I'm really struggling right now....I feel like I cant take it anymore. I want to run and forget about this life...about everything! I miss my Mom, so much! If only she was here, sometimes it doesn't feel real, it feels like she will be back here with me, but in reality, she wont! She never will be... and I have to live with that...but I'd rather not.

This is the day last year when my Mom was SO sick....right before we left for Mexico...she almost seemed like she was in a coma, it's sad to me, but that seems better than what I have now. At least she was there, and although she couldn't talk, she could hug me, and squeeze my hand. I dont have any of that now.

I just want this hurt to pass...I feel SO angry at the world...why does all this happen to me? But really there is no reason for it. God chose me to go through this, there HAS to be a plan, I just cant see it. And it hurts.....

August 14th...ITS BEEN ONE YEAR

As most of you know, it has been one year since my Mom was diagnosed with brain cancer. Thinking back, it almost seems like it was a long time ago, but then more and more memories come and it seems like it happened just yesterday. I almost wish it did just happen yesterday so I could spend more time with my Mom. But, I cant... I wanted to use this post to talk some about my Mom...before she got sick. I don't think I've really shared much about that...you all know abut our lives from the time my Mom got sick, and we seem like a pretty messed up family, but we weren't always like this...we were normal, or so I thought.


Growing up, my Mom had to raise us 4 kids, pretty much on her own. She did it so selflessly too. She spent her time going to school and working to provide us with an education and life that she thought would please us. We weren't the richest, or most organized, but we were definitely a family and I loved it! Not until recently did I realize how much she did for us...and how much she gave up for us...for us to be happy and to be like the other kids...even when our checkbook didn't want to permit it!





Then my Mom had the greatest joy of her life...or so she told me....she married David and got to stay home with Mandy and me and home school us! She taught me something that was so valuable...She did more college than most people and had SO many different jobs but her true joy and contentment came from being home with her kids and being a loving wife. Right before my Mom got sick...I was struggling with wanting to go to college...I cried almost everyday, finding myself, longing to go away to school...when I expressed this to my Mom, her heart went out...she couldn't stress to me enough, that this world has nothing to offer us. My flesh wants to go away, but was that what God wanted for me? She went that route and found her joy coming from being home. I'll tell you the truth...at first it was hard for me, but now I can say 100% that I have NO desire to go to school...I have the desire my Mom had...and I know that my contentment will come through that. This was one major lesson my Mom taught me.


When we were being interviewed for our movie, the reporter was asking what my Mom was like, and what she liked to do...the question stumped us..it was quite embarrassing...I'm not sure if we were caught off guard or just at loss for words...but now I can come up with plenty!


My Mom was a joy to be around. She would light up a room wherever she went. She was open and honest with everyone...she shared her heart and hoped others would be encouraged with what she had to say. She was smart, talented, beautiful, loving, caring, and funny! When we would go grocery shopping she would dance down the aisles sometimes...she knew it embarrassed me SO much...but she knew it would get me to laugh also. :) She had a way of getting me out of my rotten moods...I miss that...I miss everything about her.


Also, my Mom had a heart for the Lord that was like no other...no matter what the cost...she served the Lord. Oh....I can barely even write this...Umm... it amazed me how she could submit so easily and change if she knew that was what God wanted..and I know it must not have been easy, but she knew she had to make it look easy, for us to follow...she was our role model, and if she behaved that way, we had a better chance of doing that... My Mom's faith was great too...after she got diagnosed, maybe 3 days later, we were sitting in her hospital room and I had been pretty upset...and she looked at me and said, "Danielle, what if God has to take me, to save your Dad? Is it worth it?" I couldn't bare it...I said No! I wanted her! My Dad could be saved some other way....I know it was selfish and wrong of me, but my Mom was EVERYTHING to me, my life. But she loved the Lord so much and trusted Him, she knew He had a plan, if he were to take her. She did know that much........


I could go on and on I'm sure about my Mom, but I think it's just getting me more and more upset...maybe I shouldn't have done this....I pray that through this post you will be encouraged by my Mom's testimony. The life she lived was one for Jesus and now she is living with Him. It breaks my heart knowing that, but also I can rejoice because soon I'll be there with her...one day! And I'm sorry for all of you who never knew my Mom, I wish you could have and I pray that through this blog you will learn a little about her and see her love for the Lord!

I Love You Mom!

Quick Update!

When life seems like it can't get any crazier or worse, God has a way of showing us just how wrong we are. Actually, I shouldn't say worse, it's probably our outlook on it, to determine if it's worse or not, but definately crazy!

Since my Mom died, I figured by now our lives would start turning in the right direction, things would become clear and I'd somehow see the good from her death and understand more things...It's been almost one year to day that my Mom was diagnosed with brain cancer and my world is more upside down now, than it was 4 months ago. I know God has a plan for my messed up life, just right now, it's hard for me to see it. I'm continually having to re-focus and trust that the Lord is ultimately in control and has a plan for my life. And that through each of these trials I go through I have two options, to become better or become bitter. Which is it? It's my choice, and from now on, I'm choosing to grow in the Lord...to become better! I need your prayers though.

Just a quick update...Mandy and I are now living with my Dad and family. It's only been a week but I think this will be a good home for us. My Dad loves us very much and I'm just learning all of this now, being almost 19 years old.

Oh, one more quick thing!!! Mandy and I have submitted our movie, Dancing With Angels, to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Praise God that he allowed us to finish, just in time! We just got an email from someone letting us know that they have received the film and would let us know by September 15th, if we made it or not...please pray about this too...we want God's will for this film, not our own!

In Him,
Danielle

Awards!

I was awarded my first blog award today by Kaitlin, and now I have to pass it on to another 5 girl bloggers, who in turn will have to pass it on to another 5 girls.

Here are my choices for the Rockin' Girl Blogger award:

Celeste- Thanks for all the encouragment while my Mom was sick, it is so appreciated!

Lora- You are a great friend and constant encouragement!

Cheryl- I miss you!

I'm afraid I can only come up with 3 female bloggers. I'm sorry....let me know if I forgot you! I know some guys...but I'd hate to give them the Rockin' Girl Blogger award!

Just a little survey....

. FIRST NAME? Danielle

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? my sister's friend in preschool....touching huh? :)

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? 2 nights ago

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? yeah, it's fine

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? turkey???

6. KIDS? I want a bunch! :) Children are a blessing from the Lord!

7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd hope so

8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? lots!

9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? No

10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes

11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Hmm...probably not, but certain people could get me to do it

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Bunches of Oats

13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yeah sometimes

14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I guess...for a girl

15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? anything chocolate or mint chocolate chip!

16. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? How they act...

17. RED OR PINK? Pink

18. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? that my relationship with the Lord isn't where I want it to be

19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my Mom

20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? yeah

21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES YOU ARE WEARING? brown flip flops and blue pajama bottoms

22. THE LAST THING YOU ATE? bread

23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? the birds chirping

24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU Be? blue or this odd shade of purple ;)

25. Favorite SMELL: I have no clue?? ah...I do know...but I better not say!

28. FAVORITE DRINK? water, iced tea, pink lemonade!

29. FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? baseball

31. EYE COLOR? BLUE

32. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? no

33. FAVORITE FOOD? mexican and chinese

34. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Happy endings of course!!

35. THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Besides ours...Borrowed Hearts

36. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? blue polo shirt

37. SUMMER OR WINTER? SUMMER!

38. HUGS OR KISSES? BOTH...from my Mom!

39. FAVORITE DESSERT? brownies

42. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING? my bible

43. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have no mouse pad

44. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? dont have tv

45. FAVORITE SOUNDS? guitar and piano music..., the ocean, not sure what else

46. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? NEITHER

47. THE FURTHEST YOU BEEN FROM HOME? Mexico

48. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Hmmm...I dont think so....

49. WHEN WERE YOU BORN? August

50. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? St. Louis

So, you all know...our website is up now!!!! dancingwithangelsmovie.net ENJOY!

Finally...a Post!

The past two months have been so busy and crazy and I have had no time to write and update…I apologize.

Before my Mom died, she had a list of 4 things she wanted to see…none of them got done. One of the things was to see our movie done. When I had first heard this I told my Mom, No….I told her it was too hard and too close to real life…but I guess it didn’t stop us. My Mom believed that this movie would change lives, and we out of faith did it for that reason and for her!

(I had tons of makeup on here to look sick!)

In May, Sage, John and Caleb Naylor all came up to stay with us for 2 weeks to film the movie. It was such a neat time for all of us. I saw God work in ways that I couldn’t believe. I guess I could give a few examples… (The Logan Family)

(John, our DP)

One night after filming at a restaurant we came home to import the footage and it was all gone from the day. We couldn’t believe it. Right away I stressed out and wondered what we would do, but Sage suggested we pray….Now why didn’t I think of that? So, we did and then believing God could bring it back, we left it alone and went to play volleyball. After finishing we decided to try re-importing and guess what? It was there! It was a miracle to us…later on after the Naylors left, John told us that he was going back over footage at home and it was gone again. God just had to get us to the point to trust him for everything.

(Mandy, filming at the graveyard)

Also, one day we were filming in the Hospital wehre my Mom was actually at…the Hospital Mandy and I hated, since they found the tumors. Anyway…so the Hospital contacted the media to let them know our story. So come filming day, News Channel 11 and the Suburban Journal came to interview us. We were excited because it seemed like a chance for us to glorify God through what we said and did. (Channel 11 filming)

It was also very hard though, bringing up past memories of my Mom and her being sick. But since this, another man came to interview us from the St. Louis Post Dispatch and he wrote an incredible story! God was most glorified! Also a week later, we got an email from the reporter from the Suburban Journal. She went into detail how her Dad also died of cancer, a year before my Mom was diagnosed and that since then she was searching for God. She told us she had been staying away from cancer stories, but hearing about ours, she knew she had to do it. She then went on to say that she accredits our story to being one of the things that brought her to accepting Jesus is her heart! Praise God! He is so good and just faithful to do his will. We are excited to see this movie touching lives, even our own.(John and I being weird...I had the apron on for a scene...not sure why he has one on)

So, now we are on to the editing. It’s lots of fun, but also so many struggles come up. The first few days for me were rough. I would spend 8 or 9 hours just on a 2 min. trailer. Then after finishing it, I was told that it needed a LOT of work! ☺ I then was completely stressed out and it turned into me getting the glory for this and not God… David had me stop editing for the whole week. I was really upset at first, but it was good for me. I had time to re focus and and realize again why we are making the movie. After that happened, Mandy and I got the rough cut done very fast….I say Mandy and I did, but in reality God did! ☺

(News reporters for DJMC7 news...)

In the last 2 months along with this movie, our family has been going through a lot. Things I wouldn’t want to deal with, but I’m living in reality so I have to. When you have a family of 4 and one leaves, naturally you will be weaker, but I am surprised at how strong God has kept us together…Satan is working hard though to tear down our family. I am continually praying that we all resist the temptation and focus on our goal! It’s not easy though…at least for me.

There is so much going on. I have quite a few situations I am praying about….I am not sure what I’m supposed to do in a year from now or in 6 months, but I’m praying God would direct my steps and give me wisdom to know his will. And to also give David wisdom to know what God’s will is for our lives.

While going through all the trails in the last weeks, I started to write a song. It’s pretty corny, but it somewhat explains what’s been going on. ☺ I think of Mrs. Naylor and Sage whenever I play it. They have been an encouragement to me…

Vs. 1
Nighttime seems to last forever, the storm doesn’t want to pass
Winter lingers for eternity, but Lord will it really last?
You’ve promised to bring the morning, and the calmness of the sea
Spring is here and in full bloom, Be glorified in me!

Chorus-
Be Lord of my Life, a stronghold in the trouble
A rock that I can stand firm with, a beacon to shine
What if your people hide, when things get rough and dark
But I need to be the light they see, be Lord of my Life

Vs. 2-
It’s hard to find contentment when life takes a turn
The joy you had is stripped away and pity creeps on in
We’ve heard the words, “This to shall pass, I’ll never leave you”
Stretching out his arms he said, “I’ve been there too!”

Chorus

Bridge-
Can we rest while life is shaken, and trust He’ll get us through
Take joy in knowing your not alone, Jesus is always with you.

Well, I’m sorry this is such a long post….that’s what happens I guess when you don’t update for 2 months! ☺

Love in Him,
Danielle

(Most of the cast and crew)

Mandy's Party!

I have been completely lacking in writing these last few weeks...or should I say months. It used to be a passion of mine to get on and write all the time, but unfortunately now it isn't anymore. I'm not sure why, but I hope that it will become that again.

Well, About Mandy's party...It was great! :) The day started out pretty rough, but it ended much better. Mandy left around 9:30 on Friday, well around 9:20, Jake drove around our house, and of course Mandy was standing at the front door to see him. She immediately asked me, "Why is Jake driving around our house?" I had to come up with something quick...."Ugh, he is hunting???" She then forgot about it and then Mrs. Tate showed up and she left. I called Jake right away and asked him why he did that, it was a close call. So then I let Mandy know that I called Jake and he said he was turkey hunting, she believed all of it! :)

So, then I started working as soon as she left! I got a lot of the house picked up but then needed to start on her sombrero! I got the sewing machine brought up and I sewed maybe 2 inches on it and something happened to my bobbin...I couldn't believe it. So, I put it aside and decided to hot glue it anyway. That worked very well, except for a few blisters on my fingers now from touching hot glue!

Around 11:00, I went to pick up Mandy Culwell from her house. It was my first time driving without anyone in the car, well except for Audrey. :) As I was pulling on her street I heard this beep noise..I had no clue what it was and started looking all around. Well, it ended up being my gas light...I was out of gas! I couldn't believe it! :) So, Mandy and I loaded the decorations into the van and went to the gas station. I was pretty scared though, because I've only pumped gas once and it was 3 years ago, so Mandy and I worked together to figure it out. We had already decided if it took too long we would ask for help. We did it though! Just one thing minor we messed up on. :) But we were off now, the tank was full!

After cleaning up more we decided to start on the cakes. We really didn't know how it would all work. I wanted to make a sombrero cake for her, but was sort of throwing a lot of different sized pans together to get it to turn out right. So, we made the mix and then I started pouring some of it into a deep dish pizza pan we have. Then divided the rest into the other 2 pans. When I went to put them in the oven, I realized that the pan was much too large to even fit in our oven. So, we baked the cakes with the door open partially. About 25 minutes later, I started smelling something burning, so I went to the oven and we noticed it was on fire a little bit. Our two smaller cakes were volcanoing over and they lit on fire in the bottom, so I took all the cakes out and shut the door of the oven, I wasn't sure what else to do, and after a minute the fire was out, then I put the cakes right back in....well, after I scooped out almost half of the batter of the 2 little cakes. (Mandy Culwell ate the batter!) So....what do you think?? Was our day pretty crazy so far????

From that point on things got a little better! :) We finished baking the cakes, got the house decorated, had the food ordered, we just needed to pick it up. So, after David got home from work, we went to get the meat, so around 4:30. Well, we got there and the man was packaging all this raw meat. I couldn't believe it. I had ordered 8 lbs of COOKED steak for the tacos. Since they only speak Spanish and my Spanish isn't the greatest, I guess we both got confused. So, we sat there for 20 minutes while they cooked all the meat for us. They were so nice and understanding. I was stressing though, because everyone was at our house already and I knew I had to call Mandy soon to have her come home, otherwise she would be at the restaurant....

By 5:00 or so, we were back home and I went immediately into my room to get in the "crying mood" to call Mandy. It's easy now to make myself cry...so I did and then I got it real quiet and I called Mandy. I told her that the little girl I was babysitting had broke something on our amp that David just bought. I told her how sorry I was and that somehow I'd make it up to her and we would have a fun night tonight, but we couldn't go out to eat. She told me it was okay and to stop crying, she said, "Dont cry Danielle, it's okay" I couldn't believe she was believing it.

Well, around 5:30 Mandy came up the driveway and we all took our spots! We had it planned so she would walk in the house and not know untill she came into the dining room, then we all jumped up and said Surprise! Her immediate reaction was turning beat red and turning around and going out of the room...no one got any good pictures! :( She was completely surprised though, I couldn't believe it, but I was so happy! She was too, she was still asking about the amp though, thinking Audrey had broke it.

David made us all the tacos and Bob helped him serve them. There was tons of food, but it all got eaten, I think we had around 30 people at the party, maybe more. After eating we decided to do the pinata! Each person while hitting had to have a bandana over their eyes and the sombrero that I made on...which was very funny looking! :) Not many people wanted to participate so we had to make them do it, after it was done though, they said they liked it and were happy they did it! :) I can't remember who the one was that actually broke the thing completely open. I think it was a group effort...many of them were very good hitters! Lora Tate won the prize though. I had marked a piece of candy saying WINNER and whoever found that piece won the prize...a bag of Combos...fiesta flavor of course! :)After the pinata we played Musical Chairs...mexican style. David sat in the van and played the Mexican Hat Dance for us while we went around the chairs...we had lots of people play this game...but instead of just walking around, you had to do a little dance around. It was very funny...not really a dance, but you had to put one foot in front of the other and jump around sort of. :) We were trying to get some people out of their comfort zone. :) It was a lot of fun though! Collyn Hunt ended up winning that game...it was down to 3 Hunts...Zach, Collyn and Abe. Collyn's prize was a pair of maracas...which was funny because to those who wouldn't dance around we had people handing them maraccas to shake as they went around, that was their punishment! :) Zach and Abe were two of them that had to carry them!

Then it was time for cake and presents! Most of the people had to leave by then, it was close to 9:30 or 10:00 I think. For those who were still over we ended up playing Apples to Apples, in three small groups. It was fun...or at least for me it was. Then the next group of people left, by then it was 11:15 pm. Now only Kayla and David McKinnon and John Paul were left. I think we ended up staying and talking till' 1:30 with them. We showed them movies on our computer that we'd made and talked about other things, like why guys enjoy throwing bugs on girls??? Something I'll never understand...........
Overall it was a great day, or should I say night, the day was a little rough! :) Mandy enjoyed it and I dont think she cried once...which is what I wanted. I knew it would be tough without having my Mom here and I didn't want her to even think about it. I can't imagine how that day will be for me, but I dont want to dwell on it. (Most of the group that left at 11:00)

Oh, one more thing....the Naylor Family in OK gave Mandy a great birthday present! While she was out shopping she received a message on the cell phone from them. They sang a very neat Happy Birthday Song to her. Actually she said it made her cry, so she did cry, but it was a happy cry! :) Thank you Naylor Family...you guys mean a lot to us!

-Danielle