Sincerely Sunday : The Heart of This Florida Mama

Things I'm thankful for:

1. Having such a sweet, joyful, and well-behaved little boy.  I really am so proud of him!

2. God's faithfulness.

3. Florida's sunshine that allows me to go to the beach in February :)

Things I'm looking forward to:

1. The women's conference at my church this Friday & Saturday

2. Going to the beach Tuesday for play group

3. Getting caught up on my mountain of laundry!

Things that made me smile this week:

1. Going kayaking with my sister yesterday and enjoying a seafood lunch outdoors

2. Hearing Elijah try to sing along with Veggie Tales tonight... he only knew the last word of each of the sentences and would sing them really loud.  It was so cute!

3. I rarely ever take naps with Elijah these days.... 1. Because he usually gets so excited about being in my bed that he won't go to sleep and 2. I don't want to make it a habit.  But this week, I got to nap with him twice (the second time Daddy joined in too!) and it was so special.  Seeing his face light up when he wakes up to my face is so precious!

4. Enjoying a dinner out with some of my family, complete with sushi! Yum!

Current like:

Learning more about photography

Current dislike:

Having so much on my plate

Something I need to work on:

Getting back into my crafts!  I just haven't been into it lately...

Scripture:

"I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.  Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live." -Psalm 116:1-2

With love, 

Danielle Renae

Welcoming Warm Weather on a Wednesday

This day could not have been closer to perfection.  After waking up a little earlier than usual, Elijah and I joined our friends Janine and Lennon (and later, our new friend Jamie) for our first beach trip of the season.  While the boys played and bonded in the back seat...

...Janine and I smiled away, amazed by our growing sweeties.  And of course, chatted away about mommy things.

The beach greeted us with the blue skies and warm sunshine we've been longing for.  It wasn't long before we were all giggling and soaking up the day.

As the afternoon came around, the quiet beach became full of sun-seekers taking advantage of the gorgeous day.  Once our tummies started rumbling, we knew it was time to head off to our next destination.  The Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs seemed like the perfect place for our beach-bumming day.  We of course headed straight for the ice cream shop before lunch :)

Our little munchkins just loved watching the boats come in and out of the docks.

With full bellies and sleepy eyes, we headed home.  Needless to say, it wasn't long before they were conked out in the back seat...

Once we were home, Elijah and I cuddled up and enjoyed a nice long nap together (which happens very rarely these days).  Seeing the big smile on his face when he realized he was waking up next to Mommy was one of those moments that makes me so happy to be a mother.  

Today, I am thankful for friendship, motherhood, and my wonderful Florida sunshine that made today's joys possible :)

Love, 

Danielle Renae

Here's To Trains And Space

Our Tuesday mornings are usually the same... spending time with our friends at play group.  But this morning, we decided to change things up a bit.  Nothing super exciting, really.  Elijah got a new train set for his birthday and was so happy and content playing with it...

So, I decided to skip out on the normal routine and take advantage of his rare mood to get a start on my spring cleaning.  My mess of a closet is finally tidy again and the piles and piles of clothes I had shoved in every nook and cranny... some too big, some too small... are now all neatly stored away.  Which brings me to my new favorite thing... space saver bags!

Bag #1:

And bag #2 (In the same bin):

Hooray for saving space!!! :)

Love,
Danielle Renae

Sincerely Sunday : Happy 25th Birthday To Me!

This weekend has been so wonderful!  After spending Friday night celebrating Elijah's second birthday (Holy crap... I have a two year old!!!), Saturday proved to be even more fun.  We met our family and a few close friends at the Park for some late morning fun...

After all the bubbles, cake and smiles came to a close, Elijah headed home with his Mimi and Papa for a sleep over, while Mommy and Daddy headed home to prepare for an evening out.  Before heading to my favorite restaurant (Roy's) for some Hawaiian fusion cuisine, we made a stop at Wal-Mart where Cliff decided to buy me a new iPod (to replace the one I accidentally smashed)...

Isn't it so cute? I can't wait to use it at the gym!  It even has a clip on the back to attach to my clothing and has some little thing-a-majig that counts your calories with each step you take (they call it a pedometer, but I prefer the term "thing-a-majig").  Now if I can just get by without loosing the little thing, everything will be super! ;)

This morning lead us to church where I was surrounded by smiling faces from the people I've come to love so much.  Then my sweet friend Nicole and I spent the afternoon pampering ourselves with pedicures and doing a little shopping...

My parents invited us over for dinner where we were treated to a delicious steak dinner and banana cake.  Yum!  Then it was back home for some wrestling and tickle fights with my favorite boys.  Today was a beautiful day to celebrate my 25 years of life.  I am so thankful for all the family and friends that I have been blessed with.  They make my life so much sweeter.

Things I'm thankful for:
1. Birthday celebrations
2. The gift of life
3. Pedicures (I can finally stop hiding my feet!)
4. Having such a happy son
5. My church family

Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Dinner on Saturday.  We're getting a sitter (a big thank you to the Lawrences!) and enjoying a dinner out with both sides of the family to celebrate my birthday (this weekend was a little full).  And there will be sushi :)
2. Having breakfast with my Daddy one day this week
3. Spending some quality time with my mother and sister tomorrow night
4. Kayaking with my sister Saturday morning
5. Play group (as usual)

Things that made me smile this week:
1. I recorded Elijah singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and "The Itsy, Bitsy Spider" all by himself.
2. Having some much-needed girl time today
3. Hearing Elijah speak in full sentences

Current like:
Days spent outside in the warm sunshine.

Current dislike:
The disorganized mess that is my house.

Something I need to work on:
My horrible eating habits.  Tomorrow starts the calorie counting.

Favorite quote:
"Our imaginations were fashioned like wicks to be ignited by the fire of fresh revelation, dripping with wax that God can imprint with His endless signatures." -Beth Moore

Scripture:
"For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.  I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." -Psalm 139:13-14

Yours Truly,
Danielle Renae

Birthday Bliss... Two Years Of Big Smiles And Happy Hearts

Today was the beginning of what is expected to be a great weekend.  And for good reasons.  Aside from the fact that yours truly will soon be celebrating her 25th birthday, today held a special significance.  Today was a day of thanksgiving.  A day of reflection.  A day of love.  A day of pure joy.  Because on this day 2 years ago, God blessed this world with the life of my precious son.

The day was filled with quality time with grandparents, soaking up some sunshine, cuddling on the couch while watching Eli's favorite shows, and of course... eating plenty of cake!

My heart melted as my growing boy's eyes lit up to "Happy Birthday" songs.  He didn't hesitate to dive face-first into his own special cake.

Following tradition, dessert lead to opening a few presents and play time...

 
Tomorrow, the festivities will continue as we meet up with family and friends at the park.  With all the excitement, I just couldn't resist a little crafting to make the day extra-special...

Thomas Elijah Pruitt... thank you for making the last two years so incredible.  Your laugh, your smile, and your love melt my heart over and over again.  And just when I think I can't possibly love you any more... you find a way to make it happen.  You make this world a happier place.  I love you more than you will ever know...  happy birthday Bug!

-Danielle Renae

Wordless Wednesday : A Big Boy Hair Cut

Birthday Beginnings And Little Valentines

To put it simply, play group this morning truly was heart warming.  While tired mommies sipped on coffee, and smiling toddlers indulged in various sweets, we took some time to celebrate Valentine's Day with the little ones we love so much.  And since Elijah's birthday is Friday, we also celebrated the birth of my adorable son...  

 {Valentine's Day Crafts}

{Yummy cupcakes!!!}

{A cake for my sweet boy}

 {Blowing out birthday candles}

 {More cake and trucks make for a very happy little guy}

{Sillies}

I've realized that while play group was originally intended for our children to have a chance to play and make friends, I have grown to love the other mommies there and cherish that time for myself.  Can't wait to see them all again next week!

With love, 

Danielle Renae

Wordless Wednesday : Blue-Eyed Wonder

Munchkins for Munchkins

As another day comes to a close, and my throat screams in agony (no thanks to this icky cold) I can't help but smile as I reflect on yet another wonderful day with my sweet boy.

Play group this morning was spent at the park, taking advantage of our glorious 75 degree Florida weather...

Complete with munchkins for our little munchkins (one for each hand!)...

Now I'm off to bed to dream happy dreams :)

With Love,
Danielle Renae

Sincerely Sunday : A Little Of This And A Little Of That

Things I'm thankful for:
1. A great church home.
2. Answered prayer.
3. Connecting with old family/friends.
4. My gym membership (I've been feeling so great!)
5. Cozy slippers.

Things that made me smile this week:
1. Finding out that someone I've known since I was two gave his life to Christ this past year.  I could not be happier and I can't wait to see where the Lord leads him.
2. I get measured every month at my gym.  In the three months that I've been a member, I've lost three inches in my waist and three inches in my hips.  While my weight hasn't changed much, it feels so good to see my hard work paying off! :)
3. It took Elijah merely minutes to fall asleep tonight.  Hooray!!!!!

Things I'm looking forward to:
1. A play date tomorrow at the park with our friends Haven and Kairo... complete with fish and bird feeding :)
2. SUPERBOWL!!!!!
3. Date night with my mom an sister tomorrow night.

Current like:
Blue painter's tape

Current dislike:
I have a cold

Something I need to work on:
Thinking before I speak.  I'm getting better at handling my diarrhea-of-the-mouth, but I still have a long way to go!

Scripture Verse:
"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." - Proverbs 16:9

Continue On

A while back, while I was going through one of the rough stages that life has thrown my way, a good friend of mine encouraged me greatly with a poem that someone had used to encourage her.  I came across that poem again, and today I would like to pass it along to you.  If you are a wife or mother... be encouraged...

Continue On

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.  She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.  She wondered if the time and energy invested in her husband and children would make a difference

At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. "Is it worth it?" she often wondered.  "Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart.  "You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be.  Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye.  But I notice.  Most of what you give is done without remuneration.  But I am your reward.

"Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support.  Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know.  I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.  Your children are precious to me.  Even more precious than they are to you.  I have entrusted them to your care to raise for me.  What you invest in them is an offering to me.

"You may never be in the public spotlight.  But your obedience shines as a bright light before me.  Continue on.

"Remember you are my servant.  Do all to please me."

-Roy Lessin

Sincerely Sunday : Loving In Deed and Truth

Things I'm thankful for:

1. The Steelers winning tonight's game.

2. The people who surprise you.

3. That my God loves me so deeply and knows exactly what I need... much more than I do.

4. Being a Floridian. The weather has been so beautiful lately and I just can't imagine living in all the snow up north!  Brrrr!

5. Good company.

Things I'm looking forward to:

1. My good friend Janine just joined my gym and is meeting me there tomorrow.  I'm very excited about having an accountability partner.

2. Church on Wednesday.  I missed church this morning and was in the nursery last Wednesday.  Looking forward to some great worship time and seeing good friends.

Things that made me smile this week:

1. Some of the things Eli is saying now is just so funny!  Hearing his little excited voice say things like, "Whoa, cool!" just makes my day.

2.  A sweet friend sent me flowers very unexpectedly.

Current like:

Having my iPhone 3G, which I inherited from my husband after he bought the iPhone 4.  I've never been one to care about having new gadgets, and for the most part, I just want a phone to make calls and text... but it has been nice to have the video camera always in my pocket to catch those special moments with Elijah. 

Current dislike:

There were a few days last week when I wasn't feeling so good and I slacked off with my housework.  Playing catch-up is never fun.

Current struggle:

Clenching my teeth.  I can't control it and it keeps resulting in headaches.

Scripture Verse:

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth." -1 John 3:18

Favorite quote:

"(I do not know what it is about you that closes and opens; only something in me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all the roses) nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands." -E. E. Cummings