Rainy Mondays

This morning I got up did my workout, got in the shower, got ready, got the boys up and then laid back down and wanted to go back to bed...that is what a rainy Monday will do to you. I had to get the office task started though so I took the boys to school, came home and got to work. Fortunately I got everything that I needed together, so now it is just a matter of getting everything compiled. There is a lot going on at the schools the next two weeks so I will be busy, but it will all be good.

Today was the only day that Danny will wear his regular uniform to school. Tomorrow it is the scout uniform, Wednesday mass uniform, Thursday he has on out of uniform day, and Friday is his spirit uniform. Wow! Hopefully I can keep it all straight in the morning. I actually plan to lay out his scout uniform tonight so that should help...hopefully!

We laughed at John Michael tonight he did not like what we were having for dinner so he opted for his lunchable. The thing is I only buy them when they are on sale or when I have a coupon, and I never get the one with a drink. Anyway, he has one for tomorrow and then it is sandwiches. He made a "sandwich" that was too big too pick up. He proceeded to break it down and then he dunked it in his milk. It was pretty gross, but he liked it and I used it as a photo opportunity.

Well I am headed to bed! It is a little after 9, but I am getting closer. Before I go to bed i continue to remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. You are all so amazing and I am thankful to have you in my life. I am also praying for all Catholic schools as Catholic Schools week continue!

Catholic Schools Week

Today is the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun and exciting week for the students, parents, teachers, faculty, and everyone involved in Catholic schools.

This students were asked to wear their uniforms to school. The 11:00 Mass they also sang in the choir, and did the readings. It was really great and I have to admit to getting a little emotional during Mass. There is something almost magical about the children singing. Danny is in the Children's choir and he did very well, they all did. I was and am still a proud momma.

There was also a great display in the vestibule this morning that had a picture of all the Saint Francis students. It was really nice.

The banner that the youth from SFX took to the Walk for Life in Washington DC was also on display and it was great.

Next week is the food drive so hopefully I will rememer. I seem to be on a role and I have to get more organized. This morning was the First Eucharist parent's meetings and I had no idea. I feel like such a horrile person. I was assured by one of the mom's that it was no big deal. As I am decluttering my home hopefully I will be able to keep up with it all. Next year it will be an amazing blessing to have them in the same school! I think that alone will help. I currently drive 132 miles a day!!! That is enough to drive anyone crazy...right?

Everyone seemed to be shocked by John Michael's hair, but they also seemed to like it. It is a shock, he has always had a lot of hair and even though he has had several hair cuts, we have always kept it a little longer. Now he looks like a big kid! I guess it had to happen sometime.

Well, it is definitely after 9, but tomorrow is a new day! I will try again. On my way to bed I will remember everyone in my prayers. I will also be praying that the alarm will wake us up in the morning, I need Monday to start well this week! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nice weekend as it looks like now we will have rain followed by really cold weather!

Basketball...Haircuts...GREAT WEATHER!!!!

Well, today was quite a day! We had a lot to do and a lot going on, but it was a great one!

First, I want to sing praises for the amazing weather. I could not have drawn a better January Saturday! If only it would stay, there is a lot more winter. Hopefully not a lot more winter weather though! I was able to get the van cleaned, inside and out and that alone made me feel wonderful! I have been trying to get it done and today I just did it, with the help of the family!

Danny had another basketball game. This one was against the other OLS team and the SFX Saints won again. The final score was 23-2. These boys play so well together and have a great time. Danny played well especially considering that his finger was jammed after throwing the football around Friday night with Brandon. Brandon felt horrible, but it is doing better. Still sore and black and blue, but it is better. I felt horrible because I forgot my camera. They only have a few more games so I cannot do it again. The thing was we were running late, and when I remembered it was afraid if we turned around we would be even later, it worked out that we were 10 minutes early. Go figure. Oh well, there are reasons for everything.

Tomorrow morning the children's choir is singing at Mass so it should be great! I will remember my camera. Maybe I will put it in the van tonight.

We came home tonight and Brandon wanted to cut his hair, Danny wanted him to cut his, and then my rock star John Michael wanted his cut too! Well, they all have matching haircuts now! It is so sweet and I do like it, but he looks so much older now. They grow up so fast! Prior to matching haircuts, they got matching head lights today and were super excited!!! Check out the before and after pics for John Michael!!!

Well, still not before 9 but it will happen! SOON! Before I head to bed as always I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I love you all. I hope that you have all been able to enjoy this weekend and that it continues to be great for all of us and all of you!

Out of Uniform!!!

It is always an exciting day when the uniform is traded in for jeans and today was no exception. Danny was so excited when he remembered that he could wear whatever he wanted today. He chose to sport the 2010 National Championship shirt and jeans. He looked so cute! Of course he has worn it all before but not to school! So he was excited to say War Eagle in Orange and Blue! He said he had a great day and that is what is most important to me.

We picked up John Michael from Nana's and he of course had a great time too.

The boys were exhausted and it was no better for mom and dad. We accomplished the dining room and the living room so that is done. Monica vs. the House and right now Monica (and family) are kicking the booty! Next week will be the bedrooms, den and office! I might have to hit the office first since I need to get everything ready for taxes! We shall see how it all works out, especially considering that next week will be hectic as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

We were able to get outside for a while after homework was done and that was nice. I am so excited about this weekend. The temps are supposed to be in the upper 60's. Now next week is not looking so nice, but one day at a time! We plan to enjoy the weekend and all of the things that we have to do and want to do. It will be busy, but fun and best of all a lot of it will be outside, thanks to the great weather!

Well, still not in bed by 9, but one day it will happen and it will probably be the title for the day's blog!

I will be remembering you all in my thoughts and my prayers! You know it is amazing how some people do not believe that Catholics are Christians or that we do not pray, or that we do not pray right, but being Catholic means being a Christian and as I am watching my children grow in their faith I know that it true. It is a blessing to be as close to God as we are, and I am thankful that my parents (even though my dad was not Catholic) ensured that the basis of my beliefs were Catholic, pro-life, and blessed!

Interviews with the Grandparents!!!

Well today was a blessing in itself that the sun was shining all day! I absolutely loved it!!!! I miss the sun and the warmth that it brings. Come on summer and spring!

Today we had to finish up Danny's interviews with all the grandparents. It was a lot of fun. I had to do my dad's because unfortunately I cannot find a number for heaven. If I could I would be more than happy to pay long distance just for a few minutes with him and his voice. It was really great though because thinking back to the stories he used to tell was amazing! Danny talked to Nana, Meme and Pop. I wrote the answers because I figured being able to speed write and read it would be important. Danny has nice handwriting but not when he does it quickly. I am not sure what they are doing with these interviews, but I know that it will be special. I need to let his teacher know I can help her with the typing if she needs it.

Basketball practice was a lot of fun and Danny is ready for his game Saturday morning. He is really loving basketball. I am considering a baseball or maybe a basketball camp for him this summer. Auburn has several. We will just have to see if we can do it monetarily. Maybe there will be one closer or cheaper.

John Michael is spending the night with Nana. He was really excited, as long as he got pizza. He is a trip. I am sure that they are having a great time and I miss him as always. We will pick him up tomorrow before we get Danny from school.

Well, it is 9:04 so I still did not make it to bed before 9, but as soon as I can get Danny there, I am headed there. I am pooped. I have decided to take back my house and control it instead of my house controlling me. Today the kitchen is done. Cleaned, cleaned out, organized, the whole nine yards. I also got another dinner in the freezer. Tomorrow it will be Monica vs. the Dining Room and since Brandon is home I am hoping it can be Monica & Brandon vs. the Dining & Living Rooms! We shall see.

Tonight I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I love you all! I hope that everything is wonderful for everyone and that the sun shines down on us all! My deadline for one of my projects is tomorrow so please say a prayer that it all works out.

Homework Time with 2

So a lot was happening today while the boys were in school. I have been in a combat battle with the house. So far it is too close to determine a winner. I am trying to get some extra meals cooked and in the freezer. Things are so busy and in order to stay out of the drive thru lines I am determined to keep things in the freezer that are healthy and easy. Today I cooked 4 meals, 1 for tonight and 3 for the freezer. At least I know that progress is being made. I am also completely overhauling the house. Everything, closets, drawers, cabinets, shelves....if it s in this house it could find itself in need of a new home! I have always been sort of scattered when doing this, and this time I am doing one room at a time. This way I know when I am done I am done!!!

The boys bot had homework tonight. It is so great to see John Michael starting to read. He has always loved to be read to so now I am making a huge deal about him reading to me. This is what I always did with Danny and even now he even loves to read. I hope that this is something that stays with them for their whole lives. I love to read and just for a fun fact...7 minutes of reading releases chemicals in your brain to help you relax. So it is good for you!

Well, It is already past nine, but I am actually not long for bed, so maybe at least before 10. Maybe tomorrow! I will keep trying to it happens! I will as always remember all of my friends and family in my prayers tonight. I love you more than you understand. I am still working on these new photography ideas and so prayers are greatly appreciated. I will be saying a special prayer for my brother in law who is having his wisdom teeth cut out in the morning. I hope that he does well and recovers very quickly!

Home and School

Tonight was the 3rd Home and School meeting at Saint Francis Xavier. It was a really great meeting. Fr. Bob and Fr. Bill were the guests of honor and they shared some of their personal memories from their school days at St. Francis. It was entertaining, educational, and something that I am glad I did not miss. Danny's class closed with a song, and it was so sweet and they did so good! Mrs. Hayes, Danny's teacher, is amazing and when she gets them together for something they truly are able to rock the house!

I was so grateful for the snow being removed from the forecast for tonight. While tonight is not over the chances are gone (at least I think).

Well, I am off to bed, again not before 9. Trying again tomorrow night! I will be praying for all of my friends and family. You all mean so much to me and I am so grateful for all of you! I miss some of you so much and would love to see you more. Please pray for my photography journey as I am working on several new projects and am really excited about the possibilities.

Paw Prints

So over the past few days I have noticed more and more how much my little babies are turning into little men. They have always had such amazing personalities. They are truly growing by leaps and bounds. I was told that time flies, but lately that has a whole new meaning to me. I am determined to give my children the best of everything that I can. I know that I want them to be happy and healthy and I want them to love life and most importantly I want them to live it.

So many times I look back and think about the things that I should have done differently when I was very young. While I truly think that my childhood was perfect, I also know how much one relatives mistakes totally took over my life and changed everything. I try not to look at it as a negative, but even as I am older there are so many more negatives than positives when referring to this situation. I want my boys to be exposed to the positives and I want to keep them away from the negatives. While I know that I cannot shelter them, I also know that I can protect them from certain things.

I was sitting here with Danny and he was holding my hand and I knew that was my picture for today! He is almost eight and it does not seem like it has been that long ago that he was just coming home from the hospital.

Well, I am obviously still not in bed before 9:00, maybe one night this week, but I doubt it since this was the calmest night that we had for the week. There is so much going on this week, but it will all be a lot of fun! I cannot wait to see how amazing this week turns out.

Before I go to bed I remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. I also ask you all to remember we all have people in our past and there are usually reasons they are not in our present. Stay positive and stay with positive people, they will take you the furthest in life. I do ask for a prayer from all of you. I am working on a pretty big quote for my photography business and I really want and need this opportunity! Thank you all!

Aren't Sundays supposed to be for rest?

Well for the living the time to rest is limited. I think that the most important thing that we all have to do is enjoy the day and forget the resting but definitely make sure that we are living it!

Today was hectic but fun. Both the boys are now signed up to play baseball which should be a lot of fun. I am excited about Clay park, especially after everything that they seemed to have changed. Taking control of the ballpark away from the city is probably a positive, it always ran just fine without them, and then it got rocky, so hopefully they got it back on track and things will start to change positively for the park and all of us who have amazing memories from the past and are looking forward to making them in the present and in the future.

We were able to get the Christmas stuff in the den down so now it is just a few odd and end things left. The problem is the closet under the stairs where we keep it all seems to have shrunk. The office might have to catch the overflow, at least until we floor the attic and make use of all that space!

The picture is of Danny finishing up the sandwich that he and John Michael made! They found the recipe online and they really wanted to make it! It was so sweet!

Tomorrow I plan to cook meals at least for this week. I really want to do the once a month cooking but I have to get a little more organized before that can happen. Maybe I can work on that next week. I do want to get at least enough for this week done tomorrow and then I can focus on getting our taxes ready the rest of the week.

Before I head to bed I will be praying for all of my friends and family. I love you all and hope that all of your dreams and desires are positively answered. I hope that you all enjoy each day and live it to the best potential!

SFX Saints go 3-0

Danny's basketball team had their third game today and they won! 21-3 was the final score. They played Prince of Peace and Danny was able to see his Chess Coach, and played against his son. After the game Danny told them that he was glad he could beat Clay in something. Needless to say he has not beat him in Chess yet. It is so funny to see the competition in these little guys, they are serious! They all are good sports though and it is so great to see.

All of the Christmas decorations are in from outside. That is a definite plus! Now to finish up the inside. I swear I feel overwhelmed, but I know that it will all come together. It really has too. I am determined to stay positive and just keep working at it. Next year I will be more organized if it kills me. Also, I have 2 families to deliver Christmas gifts to. I will probably send them with Brandon to work since he works with the dads.

So there seems to be snow in the forecast for next week, and possibly the next. Last week we had ice and this week it snowed for like an hour Thursday night. I am seriously over it, but I will say if it is going to do anything snow is better than ice. I am however still of the belief that the worst profanity in the book is snow and when put with significant...it is even worse. Cover your children's ears, pack your bags, and let's move to the tropics!!!

I did get all of the laundry but one load done, so that is a definite plus! Laundry is such an irritating thing! Mainly because it NEVER ends! Danny's school uniforms are ready for the week and this time I will get them all right, I hope. I screwed up twice last week!

Did anyone know that Medium's last week was this past week? I love that show and was so sad to see it come to an end.

Well, I am off to bed still after 9:00 maybe tomorrow night. I will continue to pray for all of my friends and family. I love you all! I wish that I would have been in Auburn today! I will always be ALL IN! WAR EAGLE!!!

Lions, Tigers, and LEGOS Oh My!!

Today was a nice Friday, typical with Brandon and John Michael home. We spent most of the morning playing with legos. It was fun! When Danny got out of school we all went to pick him up and had a really nice afternoon and evening.

I have been trying to declutter and came across a lot of CDs. Most of them have pictures on them from when Danny was a baby. I have definitely dried a lot of tears as I was able to see so many pictures of my dad and many of them were from my dad. I miss him so much and while I have had to keep living I often wonder how different things would be if he were here. I know that he is healthy now though and that he is with God, and while that makes me smile, it also hurts. I figure it always will.

I have a lot to get done this weekend and it does not look like going to Auburn is in the cards. That is slightly upsetting, as I wish we could be there. I love my Auburn Tigers and while I will not be there physically, my heart is always with them! Plus we really do not need to spend the money on the gas at this point. Maybe if it would warm up a little I would be able to get some photo shoots in.

So, I am watching the news and am concerned about the words significant and snow being used together. Does anyone know where Al Gore is these days? I would love to discuss global warming with him, but I would like for him to spend the night in Alabama (Grayson Valley) outside in his underwear.

Danny has his third basketball game in the morning and I am very excited about it, and he is too! He really loves it and I am so glad. Baseball will be starting soon, so I am going to change my address to the Clay Ballpark. Both boys are playing so hectic will be a key word!

Well, I am headed to bed guys....still not making that 9:00 deadline. I will keep trying though! I will be saying a prayer for all of my friends and family tonight. For everyone going to Auburn, have a wonderful time and take some pictures for me! Also be safe! I hope that everyone has an amazing weekend! See you all Saturday!

WOW! That is all I have to say

So here it is folks. I am really trying to be positive, but seriously some good news and positive feedback would be a great assistance. I am just continuing to pray. Sometimes I am the needle and trying to get out of the haystack is just not easy.

So I did have some blessings. I was able to see my Danny man practice basketball, and spend some time with my boys. I love having time with them. They both snuggled with me before they fell asleep and then I tucked them in. That is a rarity, as more often then not they think they are too big to snuggle with mom.

Children growing up is the most bittersweet thing that I think I have been a part of. One day they are so small, sweet, fragile, and completely dependant on mom and dad, then you turn around and they are walking and talking, and then they are too big for kisses in front of their friends or a cuddle on the couch. Anytime I am around a younger child or a friend who is expecting I simply tell them to hang on and enjoy the ride. This is really part of what really drove me to make a career out of photography. I love being a part of the special moments and catching them and better than that preserving them for many generations. While I have my memories and they come flooding back a lot I love taking a trip through the past via pictures.

So today has ended on a note with the newest profanity that has been added to my vocabulary....the S word...snow. And this is my picture for today's blog. I hope that you can see it and if you feel like I do, I am sure it has your head pounding! And yes, that is still the Christmas decorations. Maybe they will be gone this weekend, maybe not.

Before I go to bed as always I say a prayer for all of my friends and my family. Time is truly an amazing gift that we all have and should never take for granted! Treasure all of it.

Cubmaster Swap

Well for anyone who does not know this is Danny's second year as a cub scout. He is now a wolf cub and Brandon has always been the den leader. Tonight he officially became the cub master. He is excited and also a little nervous as it is a new responsibility. He will do great though. The boys love him. We look forward to growing our pack.

At our pack meeting tonight our theme was winter wonderland. It was a lot of fun. The Tiger cubs sang a song, frozen underwear, which goes to the tune of walking in a winter wonderland. It was the funniest and cutest thing ever. It might be my new favorite song, especially with the wonderful weather we have had lately. We even had a faux snowball fight which the boys loved and it allowed them to run off a little energy, which is always a nice thing.

It has been an interesting news day with people getting their panties in a wad because of our openly Christian governor. He ran on his Christian beliefs and I personally think it is a good thing. People seriously need to quit being so sensitive. Political correctness is just another way of saying your feelings were hurt. Guess what grow up!!! People think differently, people are different, that is what makes us all so amazing. If we were all alike life would be pretty dull! Let's all be grown ups and quit acting like babies! The man was in a church when he said it and it is good to be proud of your Christianity.

Anyway. I am off to bed, still not nine like I wanted, but tomorrow is another day! Tonight my prayers will be for my friends and family. I will also pray for those who are offended by prayer. They need it the most!

Christmas is not going anywhere here

Well, it is January 18 and we still have a lot of Christmas decorations to get down. Sometimes I wonder if it will ever end. I want to go t Auburn this weekend. I need to throw a roll of toilet paper in the trees! And more than that I want a picture of my boys doing it. I need to get the Christmas decorations down. What should I do? Here is the thing, part of my resolution is not to stress and enjoy life, which would put Auburn first. It is also to be more organized and on top of things, this would put Christmas first. Grrr.....

My pictures of the boys are of them sleeping again. Mainly because they both went to school today and then Danny had choir and Brandon picked him up and took him to basketball, then when he got home he finished homework, got in the shower and then went to bed. John Michael and I played for a while and then he took a bath and went to bed. I wanted to be in bed by nine, that obviously did not happen I will try again tomorrow night.

My other picture is of the gifts that I have purchased, and some actually wrapped for Christmas 2011. Some areas of my life I have organized. If only I could get it all there. Anyway, I am proud of my progress so I wanted to share. I have a few more bags in the van, and I hope that I have it all wrapped before February party time. Mainly so I can get it in boxes and put away.

Well, my mom and her friends arrived safely in California but not without a little excitement. The wheel on her suitcase broke at the Birmingham airport. Now she has pink (and I mean hot pink) luggage. When she saw it again in Sacramento she said that it was black. Her friends told her it looked like quarer luggage from a garage sale. She was upset, but it was pretty funny. Tomorrow they go to San Fransisco, Alcatraz beware...these three could end up being the tourist attraction! I love you guys and am just kidding! I hope that they have a wonderful time and that one of them took a camera, I know my mom didn't her son managed to take that with him...convienient huh?! Anyone who knows him knows what I am talking about.

Well as I head to bed I remember all of my friends and family in my prayers and I hope that they do the same for me. I know that there are some serious questions that I have been praying for the answers to. I also pray that the winter weather stays away at least for this weekend. I am so over being cold and stuck inside.

Some Days Bed Time is the Best Time

Well since December 2010 my boys have not been at school for an entire week! Now this is exhausting to momma! I love being home with them, and I love being able to be at the school when I am needed, but I also need to be able to take care of my house and for a month it has been seriously neglected. Now this might be a short week, but I am determined to kick serious house butt this week. I will keep everyone updated via the blog!

John Michael did wake up in an amazing mood and wanted to make his daddy some cheese toast. It was so so sweet!

Today the boys were wild. I kept sending them outside, but some fight would break out and they would come in screaming. I even went out for a little while, but it did not help. I am ready for Spring, we are definitely more adapt to warm weather. This cold winter is starting to get the best of us all. And the s word is back in the forecast...seriously?!?!

We had a wonderful dinner at Logan's with my mom. She is leaving for California with three of her best friends in the morning and she wanted to see us before she left. They should have a wonderful time and I am so happy for them! Had I taken any of my cameras that probably would have been included in the pictures. Oh well...next time!

Tonight my blessings came in the form of bedtime. The boys had their showers and John Michael went straight to bed, and after watching Sarah Pallin's Alaska on the DVR from last weekend Danny headed to bed. John Michael fell straight to sleep, but Danny wanted his picture taken first. Sometimes a few minutes of quiet is a blessing! I consider every second with the boys a blessing and I love the rowdiness that one day I will miss but today my nerves are rattled and I just looked forward to bedtime.

Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of my friends and family in my prayers. Especially those who like me are so ready for Spring and even better Summer. This year I plan to be in a place where we can enjoy the lake house that we have. More on that another day!

The boxes are adding up

As we continue to pack Christmas stuff up I am realizing I might have to make a trip to WalMart for a few more rubbermaid boxes. Now, the thing is Christmas is my favorite holiday and I tend to get more decorations for Christmas as I collect snowmen, and then after Christmas I tend to get a few more things when they are on sale. I have yet to venture to Walmart and I am not looking forward to going this week, but they do have the best prices on the boxes.

I would rather stick a fork in the top of my hand repeatedly then go to Walmart. I am not a fan on many level and would seriously rather go anywhere, but I also have to watch my wallet. I do not know why as it is always empty. I have learned how to save more at other stores for just about everything, so if there is anyone out there with a way to save on the rubbermaid storage boxes let me know.

Well, back to the chore of taking down the Christmas decorations. The living room is completely back to normal, well except there are still Christmas gifts everywhere but the boys and I will tackle that tomorrow while Brandon is at work. The kitchen and dining room are almost there. The hallway is there. Our room and the bathrooms are there, and the boys rooms are almost there. Basically what is left is the downstairs and the outside.

The outside could not be done, because Chevy Chase...aka Brandon, wants to take a picture from the roof so that later this year when he goes to lay it all out he knows where it goes. Well, there was still a layer of ice on the roof and since a real Chevy Chase moment is not a positive thing, especially since we don't have stuntmen!

So the second picture is Brandon with a Pepsi he had gotten out of the refrigerator downstairs, well he did not know it was almost frozen solid and it went everywhere when he opened it. Before I could help I had to grab my camera!

I was so glad to have the sun and the warmer temperatures, even though they are not quite as warm as I would prefer. Of course the tropics would be ideal for me. Now to get the three men on board. John Michael would be easy he asks to go to the beach daily! I love it now if I could get to a place to tell him yes.

So I am off to bed. Brandon has a full work week, his first since 2010, and the boys yet again have a shortened school week, but we have plenty to do. It will be a great week and I will continue taking the pictures! As always I continue to pray for my family and friends. If any of you find yourselves bored this week give me a call and you can help me out!

Taking it all Down

Well, we have finally started to make progress on our Christmas decorations. The outside stuff still remains, but so does a lot of ice. We will get it though. We have about 10 boxes packed up and the big tree completely taken down. There is so much to get done, and I always forget how difficult this task can be, especially with the boys helping! Oh well it is fun family time.

Danny had is second basketball game today. We played at Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood. Danny was a little nervous about not playing at home, but they did great. In fact the score was 26-2, so I would say they did very well. They had a good time too which is what makes it all worth it. I was pretty mad at myself though as I walked out of the house and forgot my camera, had we not been pushing it with time we would have come home. I will not make that mistake again. Well, I hope that I don't. Danny still has not made a basket in an actual game but his time is coming! He is practicing a lot he just needs to get a little more aggressive, it will come with time though!

Overall it has been an amazing day, despite my questionable mood! That too will get better I think it is just a genera funk brought on by questioning that life so often throws in our direction.

Well Mass is early in the morning so I am going to head to bed early! On my way there I will continue to pray for all of my friends and family. You cannot know what you mean to me. Thank you for everything, whether it is a hello on facebook, a quick e-mail, or a phone call somehow you all know when I need you and are there. I hope that at some point I am able to show you all what you mean to me!

Remember to never take a second for granted. If you love someone tell them and if there is a lot of negative energy walk away from them. There is no reason to be forced into a situation that makes you uncomfortable. Do what works best for you and those you love the most.

40 Degrees

In my almost thirty years I do not think I have ever been so excited to have the temperature reach the 40 degree mark! I was thrilled to have the sun shining and to watch the temperatures climb above freezing. There is still a lot of ice out there so my pictures from today come from ponds that are frozen in the area. It is such a rare site that I thought it was definitely worth a picture or two! Granted I took more.

I am glad to have this area of Alabama out of this deep freeze. It has been a long week and a rough one but I am for one glad that the weekend it here.

Tonight I know my post is short, but I am exhausted. As always my friends and family are in my prayers. There are many great things happening to so many and so many things that are heart breaking but no matter what your desires they are part of what I pray for every night. I want you to all know that. I also pray that the temperature stays above freezing for a while. I am definitely over it, and I do not quite have a bank account large enough to support a move to the tropics!

Free At Last!

Well, we got out today to take Danny to school. We were all glad to see something other than the walls of the house, but it was pretty scary. There were several vehicles that had spun off the road, and a few wrecks. It will be nice when it warms up some and the streets are improved. I was white knuckled driving to Danny's school, and it took me a little over an hour, usually 20 minutes! Crazy but at least the sun was out so hopefully if it is out again tomorrow and the temperature rises above freezing like they are promising then all will be well.

Danny has started working on cursive! I am so proud of how well he is doing. He has been asking me a lot so I show him the letters that I remember how to write correctly. Over the years I have established my own style and I do not know that I can do it the correct way, but I plan to look at the cursive alphabet and refresh my memory!

We are finally taking down the Christmas decorations, at least on the inside. The ice needs to go away so we can do the outside this weekend. We are not really crazy we leave them up every year until the epiphany, which is January 6th. We usually take them down the following weekend. Well that was last weekend and we spent the weekend preparing for the snow that was supposed to be here, instead we were iced in! Oh well, hopefully we will get it all done. John Michael and I got 5 boxes full today and Brandon should be off tomorrow and then we have the whole weekend. It is a task when there is so much, but it is a blast. I also need to start wrapping for 2011 Christmas, but I cannot do that until I get the last of the gifts that I have delivered. I will work on that this weekend and next week too!

Well, we had basketball today so we are still working on homework. Gotta run so that I can make him hurry. We are already past bedtime.

Before I go to bed as always I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I also continue to pray that this ice goes away and that everyone is safe while traveling! I also hope that nobody ever takes for granted the amazing things that happen everyday. Yesterday it was a little sun hitting the ice in the trees that was such a gorgeous little gift. Today it was getting out for a little while!

House Arrest in Alabama

Well Sunday morning was the last time my vehicle was cranked and backed out of the garage. I am going a little stir crazy. We have done all that we can with the hopes that I can get out and get Danny to school. He had school today starting at 10 but I was unable to get out. I am going to try again in the morning, and we will see how it goes.

So many people that I have talked to are in agreeance. The first day it was fun, but seriously this is old news. It is cold,not above freezing for days, it is ice not snow so the fun factor is seriously decreased and the dangerous factor seriously increased. All in all we are ready for this to be a memory and for Spring!!!

I feel like I have been on house arrest. It is wild being stuck inside with 2 boys who are just as stir crazy as the rest of us.

Today I stepped out back and was looking around and I noticed that the tops of the trees where I thought everything was gone was sparkling. It was ice, and it was really pretty. I hope that it shows up as pretty in the pictures.

The boys have officially started eating everything in the house. We had cupcakes for the Auburn game and they finished them off today, along with about everything else. They are bored and while I am making them venture outside it is just too cold to stay out for long.

Before I go to bed tonight as always I am praying for all of my friends and family. I am also praying for all of those who have to get out tomorrow, and for as long as this ice is present. I am also praying that I can get out and get Danny to school.

Lazy Tuesday

We have been in the house since Sunday afternoon. Wow! I love my family but the mess is bigger now than it was post Santa Claus I think. It is all good though I will be able to get it back in order. Plus we still have to get the Christmas stuff up. We always wait until the weekend after the epiphany but this weekend we were getting ready for snow/ice. Oh well, Christmas decorations are pretty joyful.

Danny has to be at school tomorrow at 10:00 am. The good thing is if he cannot make it the absence will be excused. I do not know if I will be able to get the van out of my side of the garage. John Michael is out again. He is pretty restless. He is like his momma loves summer not so much winter. Danny does not mind the cold. The ice was not thick enough for all of the sledding today so we were pretty much inside most of the day. I am looking forward to the sun coming out tomorrow and even though it is going to be freezing again I am hoping it dries it up.

I am also hoping that Brandon's place of employment, I would put the name, but I know how they work and I do not want them holding my words against Brandon, will see that delaying opening again is a must for tomorrow. Brandon had to go in this afternoon as they opened at noon, and it took him an hour to make what is usually a 15 min trip. His way home he said that it was worse, black ice was definitely in abundance. Hopefully they will show that their employees matter and that Christianity is not all that they preach, but they also practice. We shall see. I will continue to pray for anyone who is traveling or has to while the roads are as nasty as they are.

Well, celebrating the National Championship has really been a lot of fun. I wish that I could be in Auburn, and if the roads were not bad we might have made the road trip, but safety first especially since we have sweet boys. I love my Auburn Tigers and are glad that they made it home safely! When we woke up this morning Santa had come to take the elves and Aubie back to the North Pole, but before they left they rolled our house. I am so glad that they brought a little Auburn to us this morning, it was great and the boys absolutely loved it!

Before I go to bed tonight I think of all the people who are being so dangerous on those roads, remember you are not the only person on them and be safe! As always my friends and family will be in my prayers. I love you all.

2010 National Champions WAR EAGLE!

So I am a little after midnight, but it was due to lack of oxygen due to holding my breath during the 2010 National Championship game! It was an amazing game. In fact it was AUsome! I love the Auburn Tigers, the fans, the coaches, the player, the school. It is great to be an Auburn Tiger tonight as they defeat the Oregon Ducks 22-19. We all sat around and watched the game, and there was not a dull moment! It was unbelievable and came down to the last few seconds! I would have loved to have been in Glendale Arizona tonight to celebrate with everyone, but my home in Birmingham Alabama was full of excitement too. The Magical Elves and Aubie the reindeer even came back to watch the game with us. You know Santa is an Auburn fan too!

Had I been in Arizona though I would have missed the fun in the snow/ice with the boys. It was definitely more ice than anything, but we pulled out the boogy boards for the beach and used them to sled down the driveway. It was a lot of fun even though it was freezing outside! We bundled up, and had a blast. It continued to mist freezing rain throughout the day so again the schools are closed all day tomorrow and Brandon's work is until at least noon, opening a noon will depend on the roads, which are currently closed. There is no getting out of our driveway at least not now, we will see what tomorrow brings.

Well, it is late and after a day in the ice and a night watching an amazing football game I am ready for bed! Before I go as always I say a prayer for all of my friends and family. You all mean the world to me! I also say a prayer for anyone traveling that they make it to their destinations safely. And for the Auburn nation I am Proud to be an Auburn Tiger! WAR EAGLE!!!

Winter Storm 2011

What a crazy day it has been and I do not just mean the weather. We got up and went to Mass, the boys were excellent. Danny always is getting John Michael to sit still and be quiet is a task that I have yet to master. We were on our way home and John Michael got sick. The thing is he has a hernia and because of that reflux, yet the medicine for reflux makes him sick. When he starts it can be a task to get it to stop. Well so far he has held down a couple of Popsicles, but that is about it and that is a feat with him.

This incident made me go from wanting to keep power for heat, hot water, and of course the Auburn game to needing to keep it for all of these reasons and also so that I can clean and do all the extra laundry that accumulated and be able to give warm baths. We are prepared if we lose power but some things will be almost impossible and if this is a virus I do not want it to spread. Praying for power to stay on!

Now to the crazy weather. It was almost 70 after the white Christmas, and again toward the end of the week but as I sit here it is snowing and sleeting outside. It started as heavy sleet, then moved on to some HUGE snow flakes, then back to ice, and now a mix. I much prefer snow over ice plus I think it will be better on my above mentioned power concern. It seems backwards to watch outside and see the streets covered and white and the yards just starting to get that way. Usually it works opposite in Birmingham. We shall see what tomorrow brings!

I am hoping that my husband's work leaves a message soon letting him know that they will not open tomorrow. Getting out in this weather is insane and the fact that they are not discussing closing yet is a concern. They are a Christian organization, so they should care the most for the welfare of their employees. Hoping that the message comes about soon.

Now as we head to bed I pray for the safety of anyone on the roads for any reason. I also pray for a victory tomorrow night. I pray for snow as the boys are really excited, and that they are healthy so that they can play in it. I pray for power. I also pray for all of my friends and family and for their needs whether they are head aloud or deep within. I love you all and am here for you!