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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Noah was on Santa's Good Boy List

Noah was being funny on Christmas morning. He got this LSU basketball from Grandpa Pete and Grandma Shirley. Also this is one of the few photos I have of him looking like a big boy. I had the best Christmas outfit picked out, but the 75 degree weather ruined it! We headed to my parents house to do Christmas with my brother, Aunt Denisey, Grandma, and my parents. Noah was curious what was hiding under the blanket. Santa brought him a painting, coloring, desk combo to Mimi and Popeye's house. He has entertained himself for hours - its wonderful!
My brother, being an musician himself, loves give Noah the best musical toys ever. This hit the all time best gift yet. Parrian and Aunt Denise got Noah a piano. He played lovely for us on Christmas day - Grandma said, "He's a natural!"
The day after Christmas we headed to Biloxi to do Christmas with the Manuel's. (Unfortunately, we received horrible news that Ike's uncle is dying of cancer in South Carolina - so the festivities were very mellow down in Mississippi) Noah to the rescue. We laughed and played and finally started seeing smiles on the families faces. Noah asked if the gifts under the tree were his because he saw his name. Grandpa gave him a whole tool set and an electronic drum set! (oh, thanks!)
Overall, it was a wonderful Christmas. To see Noah's reaction to the Season and Jesus' Birthday was priceless. I wish he would stay this small forever!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

WAITING ON SANTA

Noah was so thrilled while making cookies tonight. He couldn't wait to put them out for Santa. Then he said "What about his reindeer?" So we put out some carrots too. "Hurry Up Santa!"
I love it! The milk and cookies are adorable. The little pillow was cross stitched for Noah this year from his (7th adopted grandmother - Ms Paula Dietrich from the hotel)






SANTA TRACKER

This is a hoot. Go log into www.NORADSANTA.org and watch as Santa travels through the world delivering presents to good little boys and girls.

I cant wait............

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Oh, what a Christmas...

The hotel had its 2nd annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday. I was excited to see how Noah was going to be, he was a perfect angel! He walked right up to Santa and smiled. He loved decorating the cookies and playing with the other kids. I love the photo below of him cheezing! (sad to think 2 years in a row my son is wearing shorts during Christmas!) 45 minutes into Ike and Noah (along with about 35 other families) having fun, the hotel fire alarm goes off (of course when Ike goes down the hall to Starbucks and I am the hotel manager on duty.) I left Noah with another manager at the hotel making cookies. (its weird how i went from total mommy mode to manager mode so quick!) It was a fire on the 2nd floor of the parking garage. Most of you might have read or scene it on the news "Metairie hotel evacuates due to fire. It took 30 firemen to escort 100 guest to safety." hahahaaa...dont you love how the news embellishes? the real story is that an employee invited her cousin to attend the breakfast and her battery caught on fire. About 50 people (35 being workers of the hotel) were asked to go outside for their safety. It did take 4 firetrucks, 25 firemen, 4 chief of fire, and 1 hr 45 minutes to get it under control. The best part one of the chiefs brought fire hats and coloring books to all the kids who's Santa party was interrupted. Of course that is all Noah keeps talking about. The photo below is Noah having a "Terrible Two" moment at the hotel (but adorable!)





GOOSE BUMBS FOR LOVE...

I have to share what happened to me at the hotel today.

I have had this guest staying with me he actually is an older gentleman that is a bellmen for the Ritz in Florida. His son at 23 years old had a heart attack and is waiting on a transplant at East Jefferson Hospital. Daily we hear of the news and the staff really makes him feel at home while he deals with such a horrible tragedy.

Another family came to the front desk to share that they met a gentleman on the elevator. He was a kind man the mom said. They shared how the too were away from home during Christmas. The gentleman shared of his son's tragedy. The mother presented a beautiful gift basket to be delivered to his room, but she didnt know his name only the story. She said it was the least she could do during Christmas for him.

As my bellman headed to the elevator the father exited hanging his head low. He had received bad news of his son and was rushing to the hospital. My bellman said, please come see my manager. At this time the entire front desk and bellmen were at the desk and gave this beautiful basket to him. He was speechless. We begged him to open the card. He began to cry. The card was signed by the two young girls with wishes of his son's health and Merry Christmas. (OK, i was crying by this point). All I could say to him, "there are angels!" The family wanted to be anonymous...just wanted him to know that everything is going to be ok.

The front desk staff and this man - all we could do was smile and be thankful for amazing "angels" especially at Christmas time. This is truly my Christmas story this year. What a selfless gift to a perfect stranger.

Merry Christmas and God Bless!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Shepherd Noah found the babe lying in a manager

Noah's preschool put on a Christmas Pagent for the parents last week. It was adorable to watch Noah play a sheppard. If you look closely on the left hand side (next to the Inn leaning towards the middle) you will see my little star! Noah told me "You had no rooms for Jesus at your hotel!" Instead of there were no rooms at the Inn for Mary and Joseph.
This is Noah and his girfriend, Lilly posing with their teachers!
THE BIBLE NATIVITY STORY KJV Bible--Luke 2:1-38, Matthew 2:1-23
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The Manuel Family Holiday Decor



As I was sharing the other day, I have a few friends posting their holiday decor. It has been so cute to watch: a dating couple, a newlywed couple, a family with small children, a family with grown children and how each decorate SOOOOOO differently. This year, I kept it low key due to my surgery and the hotel is really busy too. I thought I would share with you our family holiday decor (thanks Mimi!)






Below is our mantle. I love this large oversize fireplace. This year I went with a red, white and silver theme and it turned out GREAT! The three photos in the center are myself, Noah and Ike at the same age (18 1/2 months old). My original intent was to have each of our first Christmas photos to hang up, but thanks to Hurricane Katrina we lost all of Ike's childhood photos. (Thanks to my dad scanning a few for our wedding, we have this one of Ike!) Oh, yeah Noah doesn't have two stockings, that's Ike Superman stocking that he ADORES! Since Ike and I have been married, I have continued the tradition of the Danos' family. Each year we purchase an ornament that signifies what we did that specific year. Needless to say for the first year of our marriage we only had 3 ornaments. Now with Noah and 4 years of marriage behind us the tree is truly filling out. This year I had to find just the right ornament for the NoNo-bear. And here it is................ How cute is the potty training ornament? I absolutely love it! Here is the overall tree. (Not nearly as GINORMOUS as the Ireland's- heheehee!) I am allergic to pine, so we are an artificial Christmas tree family. Ike and I bought this on our 1st Christmas together in Nashville. You can also see the beautiful rocking horse that my dad (Popeye) made for my brother and I to pass down for generations. At the bottom of the tree are the first two years of Noah's Christmas with Santa photos. Oh, I cant forget Baby Jesus. On my birthday when we were putting up the decorations, Noah was terribly upset that we didn't have a Baby Jesus. So my mom and dad found the most adorable manger and baby for us to put under the tree. We will slowly build our Nativity. But daily Noah goes to visit HIS Baby Jesus and tells him his birthday is coming soon and Santa is bringing his birthday present!!!

Since I was born on December 6th, in Catholic tradition, this is the original celebration of St Nicholas (and my patron saint that I am confirmed as). With that, my mom began my collection of old St Nicholas statues. On the far left is a Santa, this is a proceline letter holder and the two green angels on the right are my great grandmother, MawMaw Agnes, made and when she passed it was my one request to have! And of course Nemo's bowl was decorated by Noah special for the holidays!

To complete our holiday, Honeybee and Dox gave Noah (his first Christmas) a fun Advent calendar. Noah's favorite thing is to move the "dog angel" day by day!

Christmas in the Oaks


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

LIKE WE HAVE TIME...

A few (non-blogging) friends are mimicing the show/website of HGTV's "Rate My Place" and emailing their Homes for the Holidays. Its been a hoot! I have really enjoyed looking at interior and exterior Christmas decor and ideas. As soon as I can, I will post the Manuel family decorations. I would love to see what you have done too!

Big Dan (Sorry, Danielle Daigle Ireland) is one step ahead. She posted this morning her GINORMOUS tree (that was Nick Jr's word of the day yesterday!) I absolutely love that you went to a real Christmas Tree and Robert cut it down!!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

ANCHORMAN EVAN PREWITT

This is the son of Trisha Simpson and Stephen Prewitt (brother of Rebecca Prewitt Compretta). I just had to share the precious photo. Mom, baby, and dad are doing great. He was born on November 11th

Friday, December 12, 2008

DAD PLAYING AT THE HOUSE!

You can see Monty-puppy walking. he had no clue what to do in the snow!

Dad was cute taking pictures of the backyard at home.


Thursday, December 11, 2008

THE HOTEL IS GOING CRAZZZZY!


Who would have thought you would wake up in New Orleans to snow? The hotel went from emptying for the weekend to remaing sold out due to the weather. These photos were taken at daybreak this morning. By now it is about 1/2 inch thick outside. My poor bellmen are freezing and throwing ice balls at each other. I hope you are all warm and cozy and loving a TRUE WINTER CHRISTMAS SEASON!

MAGIC REINDEER FOOD

Have you made your Reindeer Food yet or decided what cookies to put out for Santa this year? Well, Noah wanted to share with you his NEW favorite recipe for reindeer food. The tag above is what Noah reads on Christmas Eve (well, since the Christmas decorations came out on my birthday!)
REINDEER FOOD
1/2 c of chex mix (vanilla flavor or plain)
1/2 c of cheerios (Noah's favorite is the yogurt kind)
1 T of crystallized color sugar - red, white, and green of course (Noah likes the toppings for a cupcake sugar shaker)
1 decorative small cellophane bag
1 decorative ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS
dump it all in the bag. tie it up. shake it up. wait until Christmas Eve to throw it on your lawn for the reindeers. This is the added bonus to ensure that Santa arrives at your house - feed the reindeer.


Merry Christmas - 12 days left!

Monday, December 8, 2008

A Cajun Night Before Christmas




Grandpa Pete and Grandma Shirley brought Noah (and their two real grandchildren) to Christmas lunch with Santa (well kind of...) It was Santa's Cajun Cousin, Poppa Noel. Noah loved the arts and crafts. He also enjoyed playing with Payton and Parker. Also, Noah wasnt even scared to sit on Poppa Noel's lap this year!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Happy 29th Birthday Momma!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!

This was adorable! Noah sang Happy Birthday to me this morning. I had to share.
29 years ago, Lauren Marie Danos was born on this day!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

I'M ALIVE!

Today I really feel like I am getting back to normalcy! I can actually sit at the computer without pain (we will see how long that will last! heheheee!) I want to give a special thanks to my parents. Each day since my surgery they have picked Noah up from school and then come to my house to take care of me. I am so lucky to have parents that live close and dont mind being around. To see Noah having a blast with them melted my heart! Not to mention mom and dad both cleaned, vaccumed, and had dinner on the table! (thanks Mimi and Popeye!)

I wanted to catch you guys up on what else is going on around here. First I have to laugh, we went to late Thanksgiving dinner with my brother "Parrian" and his new bride "Aunt DeniseY" this weekend before surgery. I miss him so much and get jealous that Ike gets to see Brian more than I do (they work for the same company). So the subject of my birthday came up, Mom made a comment that I am turning 26 years old. I died laughing. Nice that I had Noah, just purchased our first home, and bought a new Explorer at the age of 26. Mom and Dad both couldn't believe I am turning 29 on Saturday. I had to sit back and laugh too...where in the world did the time go? Well, at least I am not 30 yet (wowwwwwwwww! that sounds old!)
Also last weekend we went to Grandpa Pete's Surprise 70th birthday. Grandpa Pete is not any relation, except our precious neighbor who spoils us rotten. Have you ever loved the thought of having that neighbor when you ran out of coffee or a cup of sugar you actually could ask? Well that is exactly what they are. The go shopping for Noah and even brought dinner over for this week while I was out of commission. I love them dearly.

This was taken at the party. Look how adorable my boys are! I cant thank God enough for blessing me with a wonderful family and friends.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

I'M A SURVIVOR

I cant thank each and everyone of you for your thoughts and prayers over the last couple of days. Monday's surgery was a success. Dr McClure showed my parents and Ike photos of the cyst and to Dr's amazement it was larger than she expected. I am in recovery and doing well. I took my bandages off last night and showered. Again, I thank God (my angels above) and you for loving me through this yucky surgery.

Love Danos

Sunday, November 30, 2008

ONE MORE TIME...

I am asking for all of your thoughts/prayers as I enter surgery tomorrow morning. I will blog as soon as I recover and can sit up. I know that the amazing Lord above will watch over me (and my angels up there too!) Thank you in advance for loving me!

Friday, November 28, 2008

MAY YOU BE BLESSED

You know, I actually woke up before my alarm (4.45a) and started my day off in a great mood. As soon as I came into work, my employees foul attitude and tense were killing my "happy go lucky" attitude. I asked them to kill the negativity and they looked at me like I was crazy!

So, I went back into my office and delighted in my fresh cup of coffee and my Christmas music. I opened my email and noticed one from the hotel's corporate owner. I noticed it was an inspirational video. I sat back and watched. The video was a WOW moment that I HAVE to share!

http://www.simpletruths.tv/store/movies.php?movie=MYBB

In today's world we are rushed and stressed. Often we forget to stop and realize WE ARE BLESSED. Please take a moment and click the link below. Tune out all things around you (I know that is hard to do with little ones around) and watch the video. I hope for you too that you feel loved and your worries are subsided.

God bless,
Danos

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

GOBBLE GOBBLE

This is the time of year we sit back and reflect on the things and people we are grateful for and you come to mind right away. I hope you find happiness and contentment this Thanksgiving. I hope you can find many things to be grateful for and I hope you know we will be thinking of you.

I want to wish everyone a wonderful and happy thanksgiving. Not just today, but everyday I am thankful for amazing friends and family like you. Enjoy your wonderful food spread, make joyous memories, and nap time too! :)

(unfortunately, i will be at the hotel while my boys spend family time with my mom's family!)

Sunday, November 23, 2008

WOOZIE AND MATT MATT HAVE A GIRL!

Noah's godmother (Emily) "Woozie" and her boyfriend Matt had Christmas a little early this year. They gave each other an adorable baby girl black pug named Zoey! We were worried how Noah was going to react to her, since he is scared of soo many dogs. He did great! He kept saying, "She's so small!" He and Matt Matt were building blocks and made Zoey a castle for her to play in. It was soo cute!

Woozie and Matt had a baby!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

REMEMBER our troops, lest we not forget them




With the holiday season coming so fast, we have to remember those that are fighting for us. They are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, daughters, sons, friends, and companions....The least we can do is to show our support.

I encourage each of you to share this website with those around you. Click on the link that says "thank the troops" and send them a heart filled message. http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/

There is also a great website for sending the deployed holiday treats (if you want to go a step beyond and sharing your Christmas cheer!) http://www.soldiersangels.com/

Friday, November 14, 2008

THERE'S A MONKEY IN THE HOUSE

This morning after Noah's normal wake up routine, he asked for a banana. Gladly I gave him one. He sat at ate while watching Blue's Clues (while Ike and I continued to get ready for work). I finished and went to iron my clothes in the guestroom, passing the den (peaking at Noah). I howlered at Ike, "Did you give him another banana?" Ike said NO. So I asked Noah "Where did you get that banana?" "MYSELF! I WANT TO EAT A BANANA!!!!"

Ike and I just laughed that we now have a Monkey in the house.

Not only had Noah already had 1 banana, he had to jump up to the kitchen table, grab the banana, and peel it. (oh, we found the peels on his desk!)

sooo funny!!

MY SURGERY

I have set my surgery for December 1st at 10am....YUCKY birthday present! :)
Keep the prayers coming.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I NEED SOME PRAYERS...

I didn't intend for this blog to have anything but Noah's amazing growth, but I am seeking love and prayers.

For the last couple of months I have been battling with a large cyst on my left ovary. After 8 weeks of intense medicine, today the bad news came. The cyst has actually grown to 8.25 cm (HUGE!) Along with that has come pain and discomfort.

I am asking for prayers because I have scheduled surgery for the removal of the cyst. I truly believe that God will provide, but it still scares me. Also, I know that in order for us to have our desired 2nd child, it has to be removed.

I will keep you posted with my recovery and future, but in advance appreciate the prayers and loving thoughts.

xoxo...danos

A NEW ANCHOR MAN IS BORN!

Baby Evan Price Prewitt (son of Stephen and Trisha Simpson Prewitt) was born on 11-11-08 at 7pm via c-section. Evan weighs 8 lvs 14 oz and 22.75 inches long. Mom and baby are fine!

(pictures to come!)

Saturday, November 8, 2008

COOKIE MONSTER

I got home from work early today, Noah asked to make cookies. So after his nap I made some sugar cookies AND............. we decorated and drew on them! (maybe I am so far from the Jones' I didn't know that these markers exist!) They look like real markers,but actually are food coloring. Noah and I had a blast with the cookie decorating.

(oh, yes! that is chocolate on his mouth - if you look closely you can see he pulled out the chocolate chip from the center of the cookie and ate it!)


(and yes, he is wearing one of my favorite tshirts "lock up your daughters!")

WHAT'S YOUR NAME?




My name is "NoNo Baze Manold" (aka: Noah Blaise Manuel)


(oh, he is jumping on my excersise ball! sorry for the distraction but this was too cute not to share!)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

THAT'S FUNNY!

So Ike and I dropped Noah off at school this morning, his teacher had a story to tell us. She said that yesterday that she was playing ball hide with the children. She would stand up and put a ball behind her back, switched hands back and forth. She had the children guess what hand the ball was in.

After a few times of getting it wrong: Noah replied, "YOU HAVE IT IN BOTH HANDS!"

I about died laughing! What a hoot = Oh, Noahbear!!!

Saturday, November 1, 2008



HAPPY HALLOWEEN








..


We had a blast carving the pumpkin with Noah (and Bob). On Halloween night we went to Honeybee and Dox's house first (Woozie and Matt came home from LSU to see Noah). Then we headed to Mimi and Popeye's house to trick or treat with Aiden

Tuesday, October 28, 2008



PUMPKIN PATCH








..


We had a blast at the St Augustine Pumpkin Patch. This was so much better than last year's experience. Poppa and I found the best pumpkin of the batch, we were upset when another couple picked it up. After a few minutes, they dropped it and we quickly picked it up and went to check out!

ELMO GROWS UP!

BOO AT THE ZOO


I have heard about Boo at the Zoo for years. I couldn't wait until Noah turned old enough to go. We gathered up Lilly and fam and my own and headed off to the amazing trick or treat fest at the Audubon Zoo.

It was adorable Noah dressed up as Bob the Builder (of course) and Bob came too! I bought Bob a Halloween costume too! Lilly (Minnie Mouse) and Noah (Bob) looked adorable! Until we entered the gates to begin out good time....

YEAP!!! Noah had a big boy accident. Thank goodness for a change of clothes because we needed to do a whole wardrobe change. (that is why you will notice him in a different outfit)

He had a blast anyway!




This is baby Griffin, Noah and Lilly posing in front of the huge elephant (I promise it is behind them!)











Noah really got the hang of opening his bag and saying "pitk o pete" (aka: Trick or Treat!)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

VISITING JESUS

RIP: Nemo2 and Nemo3
We woke up this morning with both Nemo2 and Nemo3 belly up in the bowl. We both knew that free goldfish were not going to last, but it was still sad. All morning, I tried to distract Noah from the fish bowl. Ike and I driving into work came up with exactly what we were going to say to Noah when he asks. We came up with "they went to visit their parents" "they went out shopping", then Ike looked at me and smiled, we are going to tell Noah that Nemo2 and 3 went to visit Jesus. (simply put!)

He hasnt asked yet....I will let you know.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

Yes, Ike and I are new Grandparents??!! (if you have been following...) Noah won 3 gold fish at the St. Ann fair a few weeks ago. While I was working this weekend, Noah and Poppa went to the fish store to pick them out. Noah calls them Nemo1 Nemo2 Nemo3! Noah says that Nemo is his friend. He enjoys playing with them after school.


Below is my favorite one, I will never again be able to catch all three fish coming up for air at the exact same time!



Sunday, October 19, 2008

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY UNCLE WES AND AUNT KATHY!

Bob sang Happy Birthday to Aunt Kathy and then said cheeese for the camera!


Uncle Wesley and Noah playing around the hotel room

yummmmm......Aunt Kathy let Noah dive into their birthday cake (let me say it the other way...it was 7pm and he kept eating and eating and eating. Noah was sooooo hyper!)