Opening Day

Well like every Saturday I had to do a little work this morning and we ended up missing the opening day ceremonies. I do not think the boys cared though, it was not the big deal like it was last year so all was well and there were no fights about it. The biggest difference in opening day was the fact that this year the games were real season counting games. John Michael played at 2:00 and Danny at 2:00 and 4:00.

I missed Danny's first game so that I could see John Michael's. I watched the score, but Brandon was with him so he had a cheering squad, which is what I care the most about! They lost the first game 19-4 (I think) and the second game they won 11-10. I know that this one is right I watched it and it was a GREAT game. So proud of all the boys. My little catcher boy is really doing great!

John Michael's team won their game 13-2. They played amazing. John Michael got up to bat twice and hit the ball great both times and made it to second both times! YEAH!!! He was on it out in the field too. He has really grown a lot since last year. He even has a game face and he kept it on.

Monday I plan to go to the City of Clay to have a discussion about the A$@ who is running the concession stand. Stay tuned as I will update everyone after I say my peace.

The storms decided to head this way almost as soon as the games were over so we rushed home. It has thundered and lightened a lot but there has been very little rain. I guess that is just the way that it goes sometime.

Well, I am off too bed. Can you believe that March is over?

Corner Forms

Brandon and I had a pretty full day today, which is pretty common because he is off so we try to cram everything into that one day.

We took the boys to school. We had to run in and take some popcorn for one of the scouts and Danny's lunch order form. Danny is testing again today and we are praying that John Michael gets a green face. He has been doing so good and then the last two days we have been at yellow.

Brandon and I ran to the mortgage company to sign papers. It is always stressful to sign your life away, but it is also most definitely a blessing. I am so thankful and cannot wait to be moving in! Hopefully time will go pretty fast. It should since we are pretty busy.

After the mortgage company we headed to Morris Avenue where I had a photo shoot. It was a great shoot and we had to work fast since the rain was trying to get to us. It sprinkled a few times, but we made it through which was a plus. After we picked up the boys we went to Botanical Gardens for another shoot but for this one I was not so lucky. It rained, and rained, and then rained some more. Still got some fun cute shots so I am not going to complain. It was definitely an experience and one I hope that Brooke and her family enjoyed and will look back on with smiles later.

BTW...John Michael got a green face and Danny has to continue testing through next week! They had great days though, which makes me happy!

We went to the house and were so excited to see that the corners were formed, more gravel was brought in, and there was a little dumpster looking thing on the lot! Progress makes me so happy! Maybe next week there will be even more. Fingers crossed.

The Snakes Return

Today I had several shoots at Aldridge Gardens. I love shooting here but all of the snakes are starting to put me on edge. Today I got to see a lot of them, they were under rocks, on the grass, and swimming around. It was not at all how I wanted to spend the day. Seriously slightly freaked out. Who knew that such a beautiful place could have so many seriously nasty creatures. I was definitely glad when the sessions were done and I headed out.

Danny is still testing and is doing great! I am so proud of him. He has been working hard to get in bed early and get up early enough to eat and relax a little.

Both boys had practice today, which is rough because it is me and the two of them and I hate to leave either of them alone. I left Danny with his team, since he is a little older. He still managed to get a little lost. He knew that I was at the park, but could not find me. Thank you so much Jill for helping him. I felt so so bad. I wish that there was a way for me to be in two places at one. More and more I am thinking it is almost time for a cell phone for my baby. We will see what happens.

Pinewood Derby

Every Cub Scout looks forward to the Pinewood Derby. Their parents are usually just as excited, this year was no exception. I love this race, and we are considering making it a fundraiser this fall to help us get a new track. We need some other ideas too, so if you have any please share them.

This year the race was quite possibly closer than others, it is great to see the boys get so excited. Of course there are always tears, which breaks my heart. Overall there are more smiles, cheers and laughter than anything.

We let the siblings race after the scouts which is always fun for them too! It is great to see so many kids having a good time.

Nothing New?

Danny's testing started today. He was so worried, when I explained that these tests would not effect his grades he seemed to relax a lot. He told me that he did great, which made me feel so much better! I do not like it when he worries.
After school I had a photo shoot at Aldridge Gardens. My boys were hoping to see snakes. I was hoping not to see any. They were pretty disappointed that we didn't, but it is what it is. We were definitely more aware of where we were and what was on the ground close by.
We headed home so we could head out to the new house where we are hoping that they have done something. We get there to see that everything still looks the same. I wish that they would get to work, I am so ready to see some changes. It is so exciting, but also so frustrating to just sit around and wait. We will not be able to head back for a few days so maybe it will be enough time for things to change.

Back to School

I have to admit I am sad that Spring Break is over. I love the extra time with my boys. Many people may take that for granted, but for me I am just thankful when I have it. Lately I do not feel like I have any time with them, so when we have a little extra it is nice.
I had a photo shoot this morning on Morris Avenue. It was a great shoot. More candid than anything else, which is always a lot of fun. For more on this please stay tuned to the blog on my website at www.monicaannephotography.com.
The boys had a great day back at school, which definitely made me happy. Danny is pretty nervous about his testing that starts tomorrow but I have assured him that he will do fine. He is such a smart cookie, but he worries a lot and that worries me. I want to make sure that his childhood is the best, which means I want him to relax and have fun.
Both boys had baseball practice tonight. They did great. I am so proud of how much they have both grown in baseball. I am so so proud of them.

My Daddy's Birthday

So today was a super hard day I am just glad that I was super busy.
Today was my daddy's birthday. I just want to have a day to spend with him. There is a country song about being able to visit heaven and I really wish it was possible. A day trip to see my dad and get one more hug or talk about absolutely nothing. He was such an amazing person and it break my heart that he is no longer here. God definitely showed me that He only takes the best when He decided to call my dad home. It seems so unfair that my children have to grow up without their Granddaddy who made them his life, I know that he would be so proud of them. I just wish that he could tell them that himself. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss my dad, but I also know that the best way I can honor him is to be the best person I can be and to raise my children the best that I know how and that is what I am definitely trying to do.
I had back to back photo shoots today starting at 9:00. Stay tuned to the blog on my website for the newest sessions. www.MonicaAnnePhotography.com.
While I was working the boys' worked at the house around the yard. It looks great and I appreciate all of the work that they did so much! It was nice to come home to cut grass!

Photo Shoots and Practice Games

So today was super hectic for me. MonicaAnne Photography blog will be going to exciting places very soon so keep your eyes peeled at www.monicaannephotography.com All of the business lately has me feeling very blessed, I cannot express my appreciation in words.
The downside is what I am missing. Today I missed Danny's baseball practice and John Michael's first practice game. It is not easy to miss out on things, but I know that they understand. I went and got a picture of John Michael on the field and then I headed out.
We missed one birthday party this afternoon, but made it to one tonight so I guess it all evens out. I hate to miss things, but I can only do what I can do and everyone knows that I love them. At least I hope that they do. I definitely told them.
The birthday party was great, we got t catch up with some friends we have not seen in years! I love catching up and as we all grow up I hope that we can remain close. I am not having people over until we move but when we do it is on. I am looking forward to having people over and catching up more, especially during the summer when we can catch up by the pool!

Closet Time

So there are so many things about Friday that I love and Brandon being off is definitely at the top of that list. Of course we always have a to do list a mile long, but we make it work.
Today we wanted to accomplish something in the house so we tackled Brandon's closet and let me just tell you that was a huge task, but it is complete, which makes me a very happy momma. Again, I do not want to pack things we do not need. I will be busy on eBay if I can ever get a free five minutes to get things listed.
Well, we had several errands to run and we some how managed to accomplish it all. I love days that feel productive.

Happy Birthday Nana

Today is an awesome day for several reasons.


First and foremost it is my mom's birthday. My mom is truly the most selfless person that I know. She is truly amazing. No matter what she is going through she puts everyone and everything ahead of her own needs and concerns. She has been the best mom and I will forever be thankful to her for that. Being adopted I get asked more than I can tell you if I want to meet my real parents. Here is the thing John and Roselle are my real parents, while the DNA might not be there the love is true and DNA would not change that. The only thing I would even have to say to my biological parents would be "thank you." They gave me the most amazing gift, first life and second amazing parents.

Today is also Aubrey's birthday. Aubrey has been more of a sister than a friend for most of my life, and the fact that her and mom share a birthday I never forget it. She is amazing and is expecting her first baby in about four weeks.

So to mom and to Aubrey HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I LOVE YOU!


The boys and I called mom around 9 and woke her up by singing Happy Birthday to her. She said that it was the perfect way to start the day. Then we baked her a cake. While we waited on the cake to cool we ran to Staples. I have some things to ship,which means I need boxes. I have no idea what happened to all of mine. We were also hoping to beat the rain. We got home and ate lunch, and then made the icing for the cake and then the boys' decorated it. Danny wrote Happy B'Day Nana! '57' He was so proud and I was so proud of him. John Michael gave her a gummy corner. Too cute. We delivered her cake and visited for a few minutes. We literally got home minutes before the bottom fell out.

Well, it was a great day and I cannot wait for the weekend. It is super busy with work, baseball, birthday parties, church, and just all that jazz, but it will be amazing!!!

Catching Up and a New House

Today was a great day and the boys and I worked around the house, played basketball, and went to the park in Trussville for a photo shoot.
The great thing about photography is that I get to meet some amazing people. I also get the chance to catch up with old friends. People who I have not seen in years are so great to work with. We are able to catch up and talk about the past, the present, and the future. It was great to see Kristin and meet her beautiful daughter. Watch for more on this shoot on the blog at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/. Before we move I WILL get this blog caught up too!
We headed to Springville this afternoon to see the house, while it is still a lot the work has started which is beyond exciting! They have staked the lot and the corners of the house! I cannot wait to start seeing more progress. The boys were so excited to see where the house will really and with their awesome imaginations they had it up and living in it just with the corners.
John Michael was starving and ill when we left so we headed to Fox's and let them play and eat. They had a blast and it was great to see them enjoying themselves. Happy babies make for happy parents!

Photo Shoot and Peanuts

Well it is the first day of Spring and it is a beautiful day! I am LOVING this warm weather! It just makes me a very happy person!
The boys knew that we would be working for Spring Break and they were okay with it as long as we had some fun too. Today I had a photo shoot on Morris Ave. It was for Senior pictures and they were gorgeous! Stay tuned for more on this shoot at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ I will be updating that blog soon. I just need some more time to get it all done.
After the photo shoot I took the boys to The Peanut Depot. We bought some peanuts, which are SO good. They watched them make some and we are going to try to get something together for the Cub Scouts to head down there this summer. It should be a lot of fun and I cannot wait. We will see what happens.
We decided to go to Subway for lunch, John Michael shocked me and ate all of his 6" usually he just eats a little.

We had to stop for gas on our way home and while we were pumping Santa pulled up. It was awesome and the boys days were made complete! This they should be talking about for days! They were even given cards from him. It was perfect!!!
It was a great day and even though we are not taking a great vacation I hope that the boys are enjoying their Spring Break. I am enjoying the time with them!

The Last Day of Winter

So I have admitted several times and will continue to do so, I do not like Winter at all! I loved the fact that today was the last day of Winter and was 87 degrees! Now that is a winter I can handle. I also will openly admit that I hope the temperatures remain high....no need to back down now!!!
I was supposed to have a shoot this morning and the lady had to cancel. No big deal, I understand all to well that stuff happens. I just hope that they were able to get everything taken care of I know how stressful some situations can be.
Today was Spring Break Monday and the boys and I decided to take the stuff that I needed to back to Academy and get them pants and shoes that fit. Pants were too big, shoes were too small. Go figure, I tried to get it done, but it decided to bite me. Oh well, we managed to get it all taken care of. Danny had to get Adult Cleats. I cannot believe how big my little man is getting.
They both had practice tonight and both did very well! I was definitely a proud momma. Some of the chatter on the teams is seriously on my nerves. I am not sure who is behind it all, but I do have to say....seriously people Grow Up!
Well, good night! My Spring Break starts Tuesday and I will be able to enjoy time off school, not work with my little men!

Photo Shoots and Birthday Parties

So Sunday might be a day of rest for some but for my family it is always one of the busiest days of the week. This week was no exception to the norm.
I had two shoots on Morris Ave. It is definitely a popular place this time of the year. Both of them were great and for more on them stay tuned to my blog at www.monicaannephotography.com I cannot wait to start editing them.
Danny had a birthday party for his best buddy. It was at the Trussville YMCA and the boys were pumped that they were going to get to go swimming. I have to admit I was a little jealous that Brandon was getting to go with them, but I am super glad that they all had such a good time.
Mom called when I was headed home and mentioned that she was headed to Costa's needless to say I stole her idea and headed there for dinner. I just did not feel like cooking and I have to say it was delicious. I ended up pulling in right in front of her.
It was a great Sunday and I was so thankful for the work and the time with my family!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Today was a great day! I got up and cooked breakfast for everyone. Sausage and pancakes, the boys were very excited.
Then we all dressed in green, no reason to get pinched by a leprechaun! I love it when we all coordinate, but nobody was feeling a photo opportunity even though I was. Oh well! You cannot win them all and I surely did not win this one.
We headed to the ballpark where we spent most of the day. Both of the boys had practice and they both did really good. I am super excited about ball season! The coach that I was concerned with was not there, so that helped a lot hopefully next week will be easy breezy....that is what I need.
I hope that everyone had a very happy St. Patrick's day. It was gorgeous in Birmingham Alabama!

Photo Shoots and PonyTails

After we took the boys to school Brandon came with me on a photo shoot at Aldridge Gardens. The family was great, and even though we were slightly limited due to a wedding it was a great day. The weather was perfect and the session was great. Stay tuned to the blog at www.monicaannephotography.com for more information on this session.
After the photo shoot we went to get our driver's licences renewed. So here is the thing. When I am working I pull my hair back. It keeps it out of my way. This is not something that I would ever do for a driver's license picture. These are meant to be horrible by nature when you add a ponytail and a sports bra to it, it was a disaster and for four years I get to enjoy it. Unless I get to take a new one when we move. Hmmmm. We will have to see how that works out. Fortunately our wait there was very short, which is always a nice thing. I am sure that I look fat (which I am) and bald (which I am not). It will be awesome, and as I lose this weight, because I know that I will, I will look at the picture and laugh. It is another goal for the year. I love making these!
The boys had a great day at school. Danny has a few friends who are calling him names and I am not enjoying that and am pretty torn on what to do. I guess I will see what happens when they head back to school after Spring Break. I hate calling parents about stuff like this, it is never fun. Praying that this blows over and fast, he really likes everyone in his class and is pretty hurt by a few of them.

The Design Center

So today we took the boys to school and headed to the design center to pick everything out for the house. I have been so excited about this, and I was not disappointed. Except for the fact that mom did not come, she was not feeling good and we definitely missed her. It was a lot of fun though. It went much quicker than I thought it would and the colors and designs are beautiful, I just hope that everyone else thinks so. I cannot wait to start seeing everything going together.
We met with the mortgage lady for a few minutes after the design appointment and it looks like everything is good to go.
It is such an exciting time and I am so glad that I get to share it with my awesome family and friends. I am just ready for move in day! Of course there is a lot to do here before we get to go there. We are making progress though.
The boys had a great day at school and baseball practice went fairly good. All I know is that if this one guy yells at my baby again he will have to deal with me. We will see how next week goes.
BTW....I want a cigarette the size of a telephone POLE!!!!

Drizzle Can Really Mess With Plans

So today started with some drizzly weather, which meant that the photo shoot I had scheduled this morning was off. It was not how I planned on the day starting, but it worked, because I went to Mass with the boys instead, which is what I love to do on Wednesday mornings.
The boys had a great day at school and I was able to accomplish a little at the house, so I am not complaining.
Batting cages tonight for John Michael's team and I swear I am so over buying a new bat every year. A loan for baseball season is not something that I am interested in. Do any of you remember when we were growing up and the parks provided bats, helmets, gear...all we needed was a glove and to show up. Then as we got older and stuck with it we got bats. That is so not the case anymore and it is so difficult to be financially prepared for March. Maybe next year I will be able to plan better.
The eBay listings are going pretty well. Now I have a stack of stuff on the couch that I need to photograph and get listed. Maybe that is what we will do Spring Break. I am sure that the boys will love that. Add to it the photo shoots that I have every day and it is going to be a busy Spring Break. My goal for next year is a vacation, even if it is a small short one.
Well, today is Brandon's Friday! We have so much happening this week and weekend it is going to be awesome! I cannot wait!

GoodBye Sanity

So today is a new day for many reasons.
I am determined to take my life back over, and I am going to quit smoking and quit drinking carbonated drinks! Say a prayer for me and those around me as the venture begins.
Today has been tolerable, but the boys are at each others throats. I keep trying to explain that they need to be really nice to me for a while, we will see if it works, right now it seems to be getting results that are quite the opposite.

Hello 31

So Happy Birthday to Me!
I have to say between the messages, posts, phone calls, text messages, cards, and face-to-face birthday wishes today I felt so blessed. Thank you to everyone who remembered. You are such amazing people and having you in my life is reassuring and truly a blessing. I love you all.
Today started with a field trip with the 3rd grade to the National Weather Service in Calera. It was pretty interesting to see how everything is actually forecasted. Especially after being so close to so much devastation, it literally hitting home, it was pretty cool. I was glad that Danny was so excited I was going and that having momma around is still okay. He even told me Happy Birthday several times and gave me a huge hug in front of his class. It was great!
John Michael had a great day at school and even got a green face! Now that my friends is a birthday gift. Hoping that he keeps it up, I am so proud of him.
We came home and tackled homework, which was not an easy task because we were all so tired. A nap would have been much better, but we do what we have to do.
Then we headed to the ballpark. Danny had practice. When we got there I got the best surprise....Brandon was there. I thought he was going to have to work until 7 so him being there was great. I wanted family time for my birthday and I got it. Even a family dinner, sort of it was ballpark food and there is a lot to be desired from Clay's concession stand. It is pretty horrible for ballpark chicken fingers.
Well, many changes coming tomorrow to me personally. I plan to make 31 rock! More details coming soon. It will be awesome I can assure you of that!
For now, good night and again thank you so much for the birthday wishes. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Year 30 Comes to An End

So today was a great day. I cannot believe that it is my last day to be 30, but it is what it is and I am looking forward to 31.
I had three shoot today and they all went great, I would have had one more, but Daylight Savings Time had the client running behind so we rescheduled. Watch the blog at www.monciaannephotography.com as it will be exploding with new sessions soon! I am so excited about the wonderful things that are happening with the business and I know that they will continue and for that I am so thankful. There truly is something amazing about doing what you love.
Laundry was the name of the game at home. While I did not get it all done, I got a lot done and hopefully tomorrow I can be back on top of it.
Brandon and the boys had a great day, they played basketball and went to baseball practice. Brandon even started to work in the garage some, which is great news as there is a lot to do in there. They also watched the race. The boys are really into NASCAR which is pretty awesome.
Well, I have to admit I am pretty exhausted after fighting with my computer most of the night. Hopefully a new one is in my future. We shall see. Until then I will keep bringing it with what I have! :0)
Know that you are all in my thought and prayers. I am driving with the third grade class on a field trip tomorrow so say a prayer for safe travels. Thanks everyone! Good night!

Gorgeous Saturday

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day, I do not know if I could have hand picked a better one....well, maybe adding 5 - 10 degrees, but seriously it was gorgeous.

We went to the Botanical Gardens and I had a photo shoot with a beautiful family. Stay tuned to the blog on http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more details about this shoot.

After the family portraits were complete I took John Michael around and did a few 6 year old pictures. He was not really feeling it though. I also got some of the boys together. I love it when they will pretend to get along even if for a few seconds for a picture.

After a morning of photography we came home and started to work on the van. We had to clean it inside and out. While there is still a lot of work to do, the seats and all that need to be cleaned, but today was a start. Just another thing that we want to get done, that can stay done before we move.

The more organized and in control we are the better. I am super excited about our progress and know that we can keep it up.

We went to Mass tonight, and then to the spaghetti dinner. Mass was great as always. John Michael seemed to forget how to act, but he got it together before Mass was over. The spaghetti dinner was great, all of the work that has been put into it definitely shown. The boys ate with us then headed to child care, where they got to play in one of the Game Trucks, watch movies, and play in the gym. They had so much fun, in fact John Michael cried when we left. I tried to win a couple of things in the silent auction, but lost them both by just a few dollars Danny was pretty sad that I did not win, but I tried. I will try a different approach next year and we will see what happens.

Well, I am off to bed. We spring forward tonight, which means more hours of daylight tomorrow, which I am SO excited about. I am not SO excited about losing an hour of sleep especially when tomorrow is so busy. It will be another great one though!

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers tonight and every night.

Happy Birthday Uncle Brian

Today is Brian's Birthday! This is a great week for a birthday...first Hunter, Brandon, Brian, and then Me. ;) Of course that is day order definitely not age order. Anyway, Brian we hope that you had an amazing day, you deserve nothing less.
The boys had a great day at school and Brandon and I worked to get some things done that we needed to do, like getting new tires.
Thank you so much to Big 10, who was able to get them in and on today! I am not so sure that Sam's ever rotated them when we would take them. Of course there is no way to prove it, but we will see how many miles this set lasts. I am also curious to know if there is something off about the van that makes it go through tires quicker. Who knows, but I am so thankful that I have new tires, especially since I am driving on a field trip Monday. I have been seriously worried.
We decided to go to Top O' The River in Gadsden for dinner. This was my dad's favorite restaurant and we have not been since he died. We wanted good seafood and this is the best. Man, it was so good. The perfect birthday dinner, and we will definitely have to go back soon. It cannot ever wait that long again.

Happy Birthday to My Love

So today is Brandon's 31st Birthday, he is officially an old man, well until Monday when I turn 31 and Brandon becomes young again.
Since we are moving there were no elaborate gifts because we decided that the new house was plenty of a gift and that right now we needed to concentrate on getting all of our finances in order so that we are in a better place this summer.
The boys' were so excited to get up and tell Brandon Happy Birthday. They are such sweet boys and did not understand why he was okay without a present, but he assured them he had everything he needed. It was so so sweet and truly allowed me to understand what it meant to have your heart melt with a few simple words.
The boys' asked if they could give Brandon birthday spankings. We had to laugh and let them do it, instead of splitting it up they each gave him 31...32 if you count the one to grow old on. They absolutely had me in stitches this morning. It was a great way to start the day for all of us. A lot of laughs, loves, and memories! I honestly cannot ask for anything more.
The boys had an out of uniform day today, because we sold 8 tickets to the Spaghetti dinner at St. Francis. If you want to come it is Saturday and Sunday and tickets can be purchased at the door! Great food, entertainment, and items to be won.
Brandon had to work on his Birthday, but he is off next Thursday to celebrate. It was a good day for him though. The producer that he works with James, was out today because his wife was having a baby! So happy birthday to Baby Faulkner. Brandon says the baby is destined for coolness! I have to agree it is a pretty great day to have a baby!

The boys were supposed to have practice tonight, but they are fighting a cold and I am determined to win, so we stayed home. I was not sure until the last minute when it started to rain and I figured that was the answer that I needed.

Well, I am looking forward to going to sleep with the rain hitting the windows tonight. No severe weather just rain, which means I will be able to sleep. Hopefully I will dream about how I am going to come up with $2500. It would figure I would get our income taxes and pay off a good bit, and then when it is all gone remember that I have to pay the lake rent, get the boys stuff for baseball, and buy new tires. I thought I still had about 20,000 miles on them but it looks like it is going to be needed ASAP. We will see what happens. Praying for answers. You know like a check in the mailbox....that is not a scam. One can always hope right.

Well, to my love Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Brandon, Happy Birthday to you!!!

Progress Happening

So today I was a little sad because I had to miss Mass with my boys. I had a photo shoot and even though I set my own schedule sometimes it just clashes instead of meshing.
It was definitely a beautiful day for a photo shoot. The temperature was great, the sun was shining bright, and well it was just a great day. The session was at the Aldridge Gardens, which is a location that I love in my opinion it is so much nicer than the Botanical Gardens. For more on this session watch the blog on http://www.monicaannephotography.com/.
I am working on getting another Living Social ad complete. We will see what happens. I am excited about it since this one expires in about a month.
Today is Brandon's last day to be 30. I hope that he enjoyed it. Tomorrow is his late night so hopefully we can go out for dinner or something Friday. We will see what happens.
Today I got the hall closet (at least one) cleaned out. I was super shocked by what I was able to get through in there, there is actually room in it now. I also got a few more things on eBay. I am excited that some of the things are starting sell. While I know that I will not get rich on eBay a little extra would definitely be nice especially with us trying to get so much done.
The boys had a great day at school. Which is always a great day for momma! I love it when they come in smiling!
Today is our Nephew Hunter's 7th Birthday! I am not sure when all these baby boys turned into big boys but it has happened! Happy Birthday Hunter Luke! We love you!! xoxoxo
Well, I am off to bed, super excited that it is before midnight!

One Room at a Time

So yesterday it was the living room and today it was the dining room and I started in one of the hall closets. I am so glad that I can tell I am making progress. With bags to be donated and a small stack to sell, hopefully it will all get taken care of.
I started actually putting stuff on eBay today. Hopefully if I can do a little each day I will not get overwhelmed by it, which tends to happen. Hopefully by taking the pictures as I find the things, and then adding them each day I will be able to keep up and not feel like I am being pulled too much. Today got 4 things listed and I am super excited because one of them is already selling. Hopefully they all do! It would definitely be an added blessing.
The boys had great days at school, and I am proud to announce that we got another green face! YAY! Hopefully this will be the new normal.
We had family movie night tonight. The boys' got Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer from Santa on Blu Ray so tonight we watched it. It was really cute they laughed through it all which is my favorite sound in the world.
Well, I am off to bed. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

SOLD!!!

So today I started the process of going through everything. I figure if I make one pass now then when we go to packing it will be that much easier. Plus I think I will feel that much better about it. While the boys were at school I completely tackled the living room. Every shelf, drawer, etc has been gone through. A few things for donations and few things for eBay and then everything else just cleaned.

After school John Michael had two gifts to open. He was so excited. He loved them both too. Now if we can get thank you cards out this week that would be great, we shall see it is a goal of mine.

When Brandon got off we headed to Springville. I was so excited there was a SOLD sign in front of our lot. YAY! It just sort of made me feel good to see it. I was so happy, and to see the boys so thrilled it just made my day! They cannot wait to start seeing the house go up. A few weeks and we should start to see something! Brandon's mom and Aunt Paula met us up there to see the lot and to walk through the house that is like the one we are building. They seemed to love it. When we went from our lot to the house the boys asked to walk! Without hesitation we let them. There is something awesome about watching the boys run down the street and knowing that they are safe and just spreading their wings some, which children have to be able to do and now finally my boys will be able to.

We headed from the new neighborhood to the ballpark. Both boys had practice. They did very well, and had a blast which I love. Danny is doing really well and he is so glad that baseball season is finally here.

Now we are home and headed to sleep, soon, I hope! Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Good night!

Back to Work

Since the tornadoes things have been crazy to say the very least and I have been behind in so many aspects of life. I am working on changing that fact about myself.
Today I had two photo shoots and they were so much fun. It was great to get back to work which lets me know that we are basically on track to normal or at least our new normal. My sessions were great stay tuned to the blog on www.monicaannephotography.com for more on them both.
Brandon had the boys for most of the day and they cleaned up which definitely made my day! I love coming home to a clean house, or at least cleaner than it was when I left. Starting tomorrow I am cleaning up and out. With the move coming up I do not want to take anything that we do not need or will not work at the new house. I figure starting now will make it much easier this summer.
We had homemade tacos tonight and they were so yummy!
Well, I have to go to bed. I wanted to be there by 10, but you know 11:30 is not that far off. Good night!

Baseball and Party Time

I was supposed to start today with a photo shoot but because of how wet it was the client decided to reschedule for next weekend, which works for me. Hopefully the weather will be a little nicer.

Since plans changed we headed over to Grandma's. Brandon was getting the stove out of mom's and taking it there so that after the house is built we can put that stove in here and take our new stove to the house. He helped them with some wires and then we headed home to get ready for baseball practice.

John Michael had practice at 2:00 and Danny at 3:00. John Michael's practice went pretty well and as soon as we could he and I had to run. We had to finish getting the goody bags for his party together and we had to get ready for his birthday party. Brandon stayed with Danny and said that he did pretty good. We do have some questionable things but we will see how this week goes before we go to the park with it. What is baseball season without a little drama!

John Michael's party was at Fox's Pizza in Argo at 6:00. He had a great turnout, I was worried because for most people in his class it is on the other side of town. He had a great time. The pizza was yummy, at least that is what I was told. Amy outdid herself with the cake it was a Batman, Mario, Auburn, Lightening McQueen, Lego, Angry Bird cake. Yep, she did it and it looked great and tasted so so yummy, I had a small piece of it! Everyone seemed to have a great time, and I hope that they did. Thank you all so much for coming and celebrating my little man's 6th birthday!

Well, the boys have had a shower and I am headed there soon myself and the to bed. Right now I am still waiting for John Michael to go to bed. He is still on a sugar high!

Well, I hope that everyone had a great Saturday! I have to say I hope hat it warms back up soon, it was way too dang cold today! Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

It's Happening

So today is the day I have been waiting for all week and it arrived and was awesome!

We are building a house! It has been back and forth for a while on where we were going and what we were going to do and now it is happening. This is going to be great for us and for my mom. Brandon and I found a house a fell in love, we had no idea what mom would think and she loved it too. Today we picked out a lot and signed the papers! It is official and we could not be happier!

After school, which was at 1:00 because of the weather, we took the boys to see the house that is like the one that we are going to build. They loved it and then we told them we were going to build one just like it with mom and I have to say I do not know if I have ever seen them more excited. We showed them the lot and they cannot wait. I am so ready to see progress starting. Stay tuned to here for more as it happens!

My dad wanted us and mom to move in together after he died. We told him okay but it never happened. Neither house was what we all needed and we could not find another one that would work. We even looked at land to build but there was nothing that was what we needed. After the tornado in January we were not sure what was going to happen and then this house, which is perfect in a neighborhood that is perfect just sort of appeared. I am so excited and I do not think that I can say it enough. I also think that my daddy is happy which makes happy.

We came home and hunkered down for the storms. While it was rough we were all safe and with all of the crazy weather that happened throughout the country we were thankful to say the least.

Welcome to March

So I cannot believe that March is really here. So many things happening this month it is going to be an amazing one!!!

John Michael got a red face today, which made me pretty sad. He knows how to act, yet he is just acting like he has no clue. He is in so much trouble, which is not something that I enjoy at all.

Danny had a great day!

Well, I am off. It is short, but tomorrow is going to be a BUSY day!