A Little Help

So I have been feeling slightly overwhelmed and I needed a way to back up and regroup.  I was glad that it was Wednesday because that means Mass, and what better place then church to go for a little help.
Spending the morning with Jesus and the boys definitely put me in a better place.  While I do not feel 100% sure of what is happening I do feel more in control and that alone is a great feeling.  Maybe because I handed it over and actually put God in control.  That is something that is not as easy to do as it sounds, but I am learning. 

Being Pulled

So today started off rainy and I would have loved to have gotten even an extra 30 minutes in bed.  It was so peaceful with the rain and the wind.  Oh well.  Maybe next time....hahaha!
The Tiger Cubs were aving their first den meeting and working on their Bobcat Badges, which is awesome.  Of course Danny also had a game.  So I was torn in multiple directions, but since I had to miss Danny's game Sunday I knew where I needed to go.  Plus I am qualified to get John Michael ready for his Bobcat so that part will be easy enough to make up to him.  I do not like being pulled though, but it happens especially with more than one and both of them being involved.  And I am thankful that they are so involved.
Everything just sort of went chaotic for me for a few minutes while I was at work but I survived.  I really do love being at ASC but some days, like today everyone going home early would not have hurt my feelings at all.  I guess the rain and being inside all day had them out of sorts today.

Much Better

This morning I dropped the boys off for school and I headed to the Botanical Gardens for a shoot.  We were late by 4 minutes though and I blame it on the brake happy moron in front of me on 59.  Sir, we know traffic sucks, but people like you make it suck even more. 
It was a great day for a photo shoot and I was so glad that the experience was the exact opposite of what I had to deal with yesterday.  I am not sure I could have done 2 in a row like that.  Blair and her man made me remember why I love my job and my clients!
After the shoot it seemed crazy to go to the house since I had to be at the school at 1:30 so I went to Hamburger Heaven for me and Brandon and surprised him at work.  I do not go by there too much especially to stay so he was surprised.  It was nice to have a little quite time with him.  After we ate I headed back to the school and read until it was time for me to head to work.
Baseball practice again tonight.  It was not too bad, but I am exhausted and I really do hope that we have some type of break between baseball/Soccer and basketball.  Just a weekend (and weekday) or two off would be perfect, I do not need a lot just a few nights of a decent bedtime for us all then I can get rested and ready for basketball. 

Not My Day

So today we all slept late, probably too late, but we all neede it.  I was so thankful and thought well it is going to be a great day.  It is obvious I am not a fortune teller, because had I been I would have cimbed back into bed and not even left the house today.  Well, at least I would have canceled the photoshoot and not missed Danny's game. 
So I head to this photo shoot which I was told was going to be in one location where I have shot and I love.  Only to find out the address that she gave me is not in the neighborhood she said it was but another one.  Both in Hoover, both nice, but this one has nothing that the Preserves has when it comes to photography.  So I rang the doorbell for the 1:30 appointment at 1:25 to have the lady give me a lecture about how our time was 1:30 and that is why she is not ready and how she did not appreciate it.  Really?!?!  Please know I am biting my tounge about the fact that we are not in the Preserves where she said she lived.  Then she tells me to go on and set up.  The Living Social ad does not cover me bringing my lights, backdrops, and all that.  We have discussed all of this when she made the appointment.  Anyway, after she cusses and pitches a fit, like seriously a two year old I work with what I have.  She is rude and continues to call me lady.....which really makes me want to scream.  I love my jobs but clients like this drive me nuts.  Needless to say I was not happy, she was seriouslly rude, and I am sure she trashes me on my review, which sucks, but what can you do.  I could go on and on with the way she acted.  I continued to smile and snap my camera but I have never been more glad to leave a house. 
I hauled rear end to try to get to Danny's first fall ball game.  I parked and got out of the car to watch them shake hands with the other team.  I am always upset when I have to miss something of my children's but when I miss it and was treated the way I was it makes it even worse. 

SFX vs. Mt. Brook

This morning started early with John Michel's first soccer game.  He was so excited.  The boys' both love sports, which makes me happy.  Even though we stay slammed all year,  I know the day we will come that they will be on their own and we will be bored.  so for today and until that day comes I am thankful for the craziness that is my life. 
The game was atBrookwood Forrest Elementary, which to us is about as convienent as sandpaper for toilet paper, but hey it is what is it is.  This is going to be a little rant about the new league that the school joined.  First, too much mass chaos at that field...13 games at one time.  Seriously.....too much going on.  Second, there are NO refs.  Third, there are NO bathrooms.  Fourth, the parking is horrible, it would be bad with two games going on with 13, cars are parked down South Brookwood Road, it is pathetic.  I am not really sure what the leauge uses the funds that they collect for since Refs are not provided.  Anyway, just irritating.  Now to the game.
The boys played great, they had a great time too.  The Mountain Brook team was rough and they lost, but they will get better and they had fun and in my opinion that is really what matters.  The kids are enjoying it and they are learning and that is what we all should want for our babies. 

We headed home after the game to watch Auburn and Louisianna Monroe.  It was a great game, and we finaly got a W under our belts, even though it was a field goal in OT.  I am so proud of the Auburn Tigers.  Of course I always am because they are playing hard.  It is all new this year so they have to find their groove. They will soon.  WAR EAGLE!!!

Craig, Liz, Lydia, and Mallechi came over to eat Brandon's hamburgers and hotdogs, and just hang out.  It was so great catching up with them and it not being at work or right at 8:00 in the morning when we are dropping the babies off at school.  It is nice to be able to enjoy the house and have guests, and not have to stress about how bad everything looks.  We laughed, and caught up and just had a good time.  After they left the boys passed out.  They had been going non stop and seriously I think they were asleep before Craig and Liz made it to the Interstate. 

Out of School!!!

So today was a day that we all needed.  Of course there was a to do list, but it was one that we could all handle.  The boys were out of school, the teacher's had a work day at John Carroll.  I was not complaining, it was nice to have a day off from the drive, from work, and my car's gas tank was also thankful. 
We went to the Butcher Shop and got some meat for the weekend.  Pop's butcher shop is definitely one of our favorite places for meat.  Maybe because of the fact that it is Pop's, but definitely because it is the BEST place for the BEST quality of meat that you can get.
Aunt Carol came in from Lousianna.  She brought me so many shirts, and I am so so thankful.  I just do not have the work clothes anymore.  I am working on it though and she just saved my tail.  Thank you so much Aunt Carol.  She got the house tour, which is so much fun to give.  It was great just sitting and visiting with her.  She said that she had a nice trip over, which is always good to hear.
Danny had practice again.  Their first game is Sunday and so the more they practice the better they will be, at least that is the hope that everyone has.  We will see. 
Overall it was a great Friday and I am very thankful for the time that we had together, even though it was busy and for the time that we had with Aunt Carol.  We love you and thank you again for the clothes!

Thursdays

So today was a great day.  I managed to get some headway in the office.  For three houses the office has been the catchall and I really do not want that to be the case anymore.  I am looking forward to normalcy and organization.  With as much as we have going on we need all of the organizational skills that we can get.
Work was great as usual, I know that I should not have favorites but it is hard not too.  There are some really amazing children at St. Francis Xavier.
Danny had practice again tonght.  Since this is Brandon's night to work late John Michael and I hung out at the ballpark.  It is a good thing I love baseball or this would seriously be old!

A Little Bit of Practice

So today was Mass day which as I have said before is my favorite day of the week.  I need the balance in my life that I get from Mass.  I love spending the time with Jesus and with my boys.  It is a special day and my big man was singing in the choir again.  I am so proud of him. 
I am determined to get the massive list of things done that I have to.  It is all definitely a work in progress but I am getting there, one step at a time.
This afternoon both of the boys had practice.  John Michael had soccer practice and Danny baseball.  I had to work a little late since Mrs. Debbie was out and so John Michael's coach came and got him and took him to the soccer fields.  Brandon came and picked up Danny to head to the ballpark. 
To say that we stay busy is an understatement, but one day the boys will be grown and we will miss these days. 

11 Years Later

So September 11, 2001 seems like it was yesterday on one hand but it seems like it was a lifetime ago on the other.  Today when we were on our way to school the boys and I talked about it a little, and we also talked about how amazing our Military is. 
I came home and was going to do some work in the office.  I was able to get a good bit done, but I was distracted with thoughts of the past.  Then in going through a box I found this newspaper, which my dad kept.  I could not believe that it was there and today of all days is when I came across it.  I need to find a way to frame it or something. 

In the past 11 years so many amazing things have happened and so many things have changed and changed who I am today. 

I remember learning about President Kennedy and asking my parents where they were when it happened.  I never thought that this Nation would have another day that forever would be etched in our minds.  I was at work at Great Barrier Insulation and was dreading the day ahead because they were typically dull and the people were not very kind. 

This was a day of heartbreak, and terror, but more than that it was a day where ordinary people became heros, made history, and stood together as the United States of America.  It is a day where people took time out for family, friends, and just being together because nobody knew what would happen next.  It was a day where everything stood still and together this country came through. 

In 11 years so many things have happened.

I became a wife and a mom, these two jobs are a blessing and  I love them more than I have ever loved a job.  It gives me purpose to be there for my husband and our children.

My dad beat prostate cancer, but lost his battle with leukemia.  Losing my dad was the hardest thing I have done to date.  He was and always will be my hero.  He taught me so much, and him being gone left a hole that will never be filled.  If you knew him you know how awesome he was, if you didn't well you loss he was remarkabl.

My children grew, passed milestone after milestone, started and finished pre-school, learned to read, to ride a bike, became independent, started sports, and so much more.  They went from babies to little men. 

I moved four times in the past 11 years, hopefully this last one was it.  At least as far a permanent addresses go.

It is really an amazingly long list that will continue, but overall so much has grown and changed in 11 years, and I cannot imagine what the next 11 will mean.

What I do know is that as an American I will NEVER forget what happen on that September day and I hope that you do not either.

New Week

So while Mondays are not always the perfect day they are the beginning of a new week and I am determined to make the most of mine from now on.  They are after all full of blessings, though some of them disguise themselves better than others I know that they are there.
Today I was on the phone for a good bit of the day trying to get my weekend booked with somewhere to sell popcorn.  So far no luck but I am determined.  I do not like the word no anymore now than I did when I was a child.  I guess in reality we never outgrow wanting our way. 
Work was great and as I get to know each of the children more and more I have to admit I love them more and more.  They are all there with stories to share and they definitely have snuck into my life.  We did decide to go outside for a few minutes to let them run off some steam. 

Popcorn Sales

This morning started early.  We headed to Church so that the boys could sell popcorn after the 8:30 and the 11:00 Masses.  All of the Cub Scouts who wanted to participate were welcome to come.  We had a pretty good turnout of scouts and sold a good bit of popcorn.  We also got a good bit of donations. 

The problem is that we barely made a dent in what we have to sell.  We were supposed to be able to set up at all of the weekend Masses for this month and now we only have this weekend.  We need some show and sell locations, so please help me if you can.

Also if you want popcorn here is what we have.  Some can be delivered now, some will be delivered in november.  If you do not like popcorn do not worry you can make a donation and send popcorn to our troops overseas.

Military Donations are available in $30 and $50 amounts.

Double Caramel Crunch Popcorn (with a hint of Chedder) $30

White Chocolatey Pretzels in a tin $25

Chocolatey Triple Delight $20

Caramel Corn with Almonds and Pecans $20

Butter ToffeeCaramel Corn $20

Chedder Cheese Corn $15

Caramel Corn $10

Kettle Corn $25

Unbelievable Butter $20

Butter Light $20

Cheese Lovers Collection $30

Sweet & Savory Collection $40

Chocolate Lover's Collection $55

Premium Chocolate Lover's Collection (in tin) $75

My boys want to be the top sellers this year and we need to get rid of some of our stock, so please help!

Very Sleepy

So today the yard crew was supposed to be here to fix the issues we are having out back at 8:00.  I got up at 6:00 and got my shower and got ready for the day.  Well they NEVER showed.  The thing is sleeping late late is not something I have the luxury of being able to do, but sleeping till 8 or 8:30 is my favorite part about Saturdays and I did not get to do it.

I do not know if that is what it was, the crazy weather, or if my iron or something is low, but I could not stay away the rest of the day.  Coffee....nothing.....more coffee nothing.  It was super frustrating.  I do not like to sleep or to be sleepy, so when I have days like today where seriously nothing gets done then the mood ampliflies.

Mom is at the beach celebrating Steven and Brennah's wedding.  I am so happy for these two.  Steven has always been a great cousin, and he has needed someone like Brennah in his life for a while.  It was funny when he first told me about her on the phone I knew that there was something special about this girl.  When he first introduced us it was confirmed.  She is gorgeous (that may even be an understatement) on the outside and on the inside.  You can tell that they truly fit each other, it is prety great.  Congratulations too you  both, I wish that I coul have made it.  Hopefully we will all catch up soon.  Love you guys and I hope that the Honeymoon is amazing (slightly jealous).

Well, Auburn played.  They were against Mississippi State and they just could not get it together.  Even though I was dozing off and on through it I could not believe it.  We will be strong, we just have to find that leadership in the team and they have to find their sense of family.  Being an Auburn fan is not about winning or losing, it is not about coming or going.  It is pride, love, faith, strength, security, and so much more.  Either you are ALL IN or you are not!  War Eagle everyday, not just on game day. 

A Little Bit of Popcorn in My Life

So today we had a to do list to get checked off.
We started with taking the boys to school.  When we take Brandon's truck  it always seems to be a fiasco but this morning it was not too bad.
After we dropped them off we headed to the Scout offices.  We are doing show and sells for the popcorn this year in hopes of increasing what we sell.  We have pre-ordered $7500 worth of popcorn!  We are praying that we sell out as it would be so great for the boys and we would be able to do a lot more as a pack without asking the parents for a lot of extra money everytime that they turn around.  Being a parent I know that it is difficult.

After we picked up the popcorn we headed to the school to load it all in the Scout closet so that it would be available for the weekend Mass sales.

As Brandon and I were leaving the school the church secretary called and seriously blew me away.  She was asking what weekend we were selling popcorn.  When I told her Fr. Bob had approved every weekend she said that had changed and we could sell this weekend and that was it.  Now I am mad, upset, confused, and overwhelmed.  If anyone has any suggestions for places we can set up to sell popcorn please let me know. 

We had a mandantory fall ball meeting tonight.  So after school, and ASC, we headed to the ballpark.  We are so excited about FallBall, but also a little worried about the ability to juggle everything that is on the schedule for the next few months, and by that I mean until summer. 

Mom has gone to the beach for a wedding so it is just the four of us for the weekend.  The biggest change is the fact that it is dark at night, mom likes to have on a light.  LOL!  I just hope that she has a great time, she made it down there safely so now FUN is what she needs!

Shoes ON

So today was a great day.
The boys had a geat day at school.  Since it is Thursday it also meant Thursday papers for Danny and I have to say I was SO proud of him.  He has to correct anything that is less than a B and he had to correct nothing, in fact he only had one grade that was not an A.  Super proud of my big guy.
We started ASC on the playground.  There is an Arts and Craft show in the Gym tomorrow and Saturday so we were booted out.  It was a gorgeous day, HOT, but gorgeous so it was nice to go outside and let them seriously burn off their energy.  I think it was just nice to change it up a little too. 

After we got home I attempted socks and shoes again.  My toe is still tender.  I am worried that heading back to the doctor is going to be what happens.  Samantha and I went walking and the boys rode their bikes and sold popcorn.  They did not sell a lot but they sold some which is all I can ask for.  I love that they are so pumped about the sales again this year.  As soon as we got home the shoes and socks were off and I made sure to soak it, but I was so glad to have them on.  It was definitely the best news and one of the many blessings of the day!  I could not get on my Brooks, but I could get on my Sketchers.  Maybe the shape-ups will help my rear while walking!

Shut Your Pie Hole

So today was a day that I felt like was a spiral of crazy.  I am so thankful that it started with Mass with the boys.  I love school Masses and am so glad that they are back to my weekly schedule.  It just helps me to be centered.  There is always chaos in my life and while Mass does not eliminate that it allows me to refocus and regroup.  An hour in the middle of the week spent with Jesus and my boys is just what I need.

It was a nice surprise this morning to find that thr 4th grade will be the choir for this first quarter.  Well they are splitting it with the 5th grade but still, I love to see my baby boy up there. 

After Mass I started running around like a crazy woman.  I had a lot to do before 2:30 when I had to be at school to get set up for After School Care. 

I headed to the Scout Shop to get the awards that I needed for the Scouts who went to Summer Camp, I also got Danny and John Michael their books for this year.  The man at the scout shop was so helpful and we really great with showing me some way to save and make thinsgs for the pack go a lot further.  I love nice people who are willing to help others and go out of their way to do more than just a job.

Then I headed to the trophy shop to check on the trophies for the 2011 popcorn sales winners.  I ended up having to get one of the other scout leaders Meghan to  pick them up as they were not ready.  Thank you Meghan and thank you Quality Trophy in Trussville.  Everything worked out and the trophies looked SO good.
Then to the dollar store to get what I needed for our Popcorn Kickoff with scouts.  They had some cute popcorn bowls and things that were perfect for the party.  I was also able to get the pie pans that we need for the meeting.  I did end up having to go to Winn Dixie for the whipped cream to fill them. 

The boys had a great day at school today, which is always good news for momma.  They are learning so much and are loving it which means so much to me.  I love hearing about their days and what they liked best, what they did not like as much, and what was funny about the day. 

This was our last day in the gym this week since there is a craft show that will be taking place.  It is all good though, but it would be nice if we could wear shorts. 

John Michael had his first soccer practice tonight.  He did good and seemed to really have a great time.  His team is awesome and he is looking forward to his first game.  I do think that we need more practice time but the fields are jammed at SFX so once a week looks like all we can get, at least for now. 

Right after soccer was the first pack meeting of the year!  I love SCOUTS!  This year we are starting off with our popcorn kickoff.  This is a great fundraiser for the scouts so if you like popcorn let me know I have some to sell you.  To get the boys pumped we had the top sellers from last year throw a pie in Brandon's face.  He is the cubmaster and this was one of the prizes for selling over $500.  I was going to demonstrate how to do this, but I let John Michael.  Amy made us some super yummy cupcakes!  Thank you so much!  

We came home and mom had dinner ready and waiting.  We ate and seriously crashed.  It was non-stop but productive and fun. 

Space Jam

Today was another very dreary day.  I would love a day full of sunshine.  I seriously need some Vitamin D.  One or two dreary days is one thing, and I am usually miserable by then, but over a week and I am seriously not a happy woman, or a very awake one.
I did manage to get a few things on eBay and on Ashley's list, which is definitely a plus.  I also got a few pictures taken so that I can hopefully get some more things listed tomorrow.  I am having to take it one box at a time.  The sooner I get rid of this stuff the sooner I can get on with it.  I am tired of seeing boxes and I know that Brandon is too, I am working on it though.  Still need that cabinet and/or book shelf so if you have one you do not need let me know. 
The boys' had a great day at school today.  John Michael came home with 5 books and wanted to read them all.  If only there was that kind of time when we got home. 

At after school care we watched Space Jam.  I only got to see bits and pieces, but I forgot just how cute and good that movie really is.  I think I need to try to find it for BluRay or DVD.  A good one to have in the collection.  At least I think so. 

I got to see Amy and Clyde's baby girl today and let me just tell you all she is absolutely adorable.  She is so sweet and Amy looks amazing!  So happy for the whole family!

Well I am headed to bed, hoping that tomorrow goes smoothly, there is so much to do and the time to get it done is very limited. 

Labor Day

Yep, that is a pretty accurate term for what all we accomplished today.
First, I got the letters to DR Horton written.  I will be getting some envelopes and I hope to get them in the mail tomorrow.  Some people feel better after screaming for me I get a huge release when I put it all on paper.  I doubt that it will mean anything actually gts accomplished but at least it is out there and people know how I feel.  Maybe it will make a difference down the road. 
Then we started to work on mom's boxes again today.  Well, we got them all out of the garage.  We have about 10 to still go through, but they are in the right rooms and so we know we are closer to being done.  This also means that maybe now we can focus on getting the rest of the stuff out of our old house and out of storage.  Paying for all of the added storage is something that we definitely cannot keep doing. 
The rain today made it hard to stay motivated but somehow or another we got it all completed.  I am hoping that means the rest of the week will be just as productive.

Live Laugh Love

So today was a day of getting things done.  It started with me trying to figure out finances, that may be highly overrated.  It will all come together one day. 
I had to get some things straightened out for the business too.  That took about an hour, but all seems to be on the road to right now which makes me feel much better.  I love photography and I love that it is my job, but some days things start to feel a little overwhelming.  Now that I am almost completely caught up on some things that have been on the back burner I feel much better.
We worked a little in the office, but until I get some shelves or a cabinet I am pretty much at a dead end.  I also need to get my scrapbooking stuff from the old house so I can get those caught up and get some more things out of the way.  I have to be careful what I do with what because I have those to complete.  I have so many crafts to do with the boys, and I am thinking of taking a few to do with After School Care, but we will have to see how I can work that out.  I was thinking we could make a wreath for Mrs. Debbie, and maybe a few teachers, but I do not know how that would work out.  I might take them to do with scouts or I might just try to get rid of them.  We will see.
We worked in the family room upstairs for a while and actually got it to where we can use it, which is a definite plus in my book.  We got some pictures hung, and it is going to all revolve around Live, Laugh, Love which is my favorite saying.  Now I just need a fee shadow boxes or something to fil in some spots that look barer than bare.  Most of the frames we hang though are missing pictures, but that is something I can correct, getting them actually on the walls for the first time is beyond my ability. 
I got some pictures taken for Ashley's list and for eBay so hopefully I can start getting some things listed there as well.  Any extra money will definitely be nice.  I might even use Craigslist for some.  We will see how it goes and what I think I need to do.
Doug, Charlaine, Jillian, and Evan came over tonight to see the house and to spend some time out here.  It was so great to see them.  I love you guys!  I hope that you guys come out again soon and we can play Dominos.  The boys had a blast playing with Evan.  I am sure he loved playing with them, but he is such boy and it realy meant a lot to do. 

Well I am off to bed.  It is late and even though tomorrow is a day off, there is no such thing in real life! 

Happy Birthday Josie and Kiersten

This morning started off pretty nice.  We worked together to get the house cleaned, it was not bad just needed to be swept and all that downstairs.  We knocked it our pretty fast which was nice.  I love the new house, but it is large so it takes everyone to keep it nice. If anyone has any tips on cleaning granite and marble let me know these are things I have never had so cleaning them is new to me.

We headed out to go to Miss Josie's second birthday party.  I cannot believe that she is two, I remember the phone call and the messaged pic letting me know that Josie was here and now she is telling me all about Minnie and Mickey Mouse and the fact that she is 2.  I cannot wait to get to work on her pitures, she is so so grown up now.  Watch my facebook page for more www.facebook.com/monicaannephotography I will hopefully be working on them soon.  I know that they will make me smile.

We left Josie's and headed to WalMart and to the Choppin' Block.  We did not need much but we needed some so I was glad to get it out of the way today and maybe we can avoid the stores the rest of the week.  We should have enough to get by.  I am praying that we do, especially since I have three weeks until I get paid.  The frustrations of being a grown up sometimes really get me down. 

To the lady at WalWart who pushed my 6 year old because he was carrying and Auburn cake I hope that someone beats you down before I do.  Seriously that was her reasoning she hates Auburn...LADY he is 6, screw you and the elephant that you ride in on, it is people like you who ensure that my loyalty will never waiver to the other side, which is dark and twisted. 

We left there and headed to the house where we put our stuff up and grabbed Kiersten's gift and headed down the street to wish her a happy 8th Birthday.  We only stayed a little bit, but the party was over.  We hate that we missed it, but Saturday's for the Thach family are anything but boring.

John Michael got a balloon and he draw a funny face on it when we  got home.  His sense of imagination is truly amazing. He can make anything spectacular.  He had a super special surprise when his friend Chason stopped by for a few minutes tonight.  It was just what the doctor ordered for my sweet boy who has been missing his friend so very much since school started. 

We headed home to watch some Auburn football.  They were playing Clemson in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game.  The game was a good one even though we lost. It was truly back and forth until the very end.  I love my Auburn Tigers and always will.  They are a pretty young team, and they will get there, it i just going to take work.  Remember Auburn we are more than a team we are family!  I believe in Auburn and love it! WAR EAGLE!