Fall Ball Tournament

So today was the final weekend for fallball.  As much as I love baseball it has been going since Spring so I have to admit I am looking forward to a little break from it.  Of course I am sure that it will not mean any extra time for things that we have to get done, but maybe. 
We started the morning playing a team who only had six players.  One was from other team so they used two of our guys for their ddefense.e.  One also had to bat for them, but Danny chose not to bat for then nand let them take the out.   Making this choice meant he got to bat for his team and taht is what he wanted.  I do not blame hime at all.  Danny ended up hitting a triple in the last inning and won the game for his team....he was definitely batting for the right side.  I do not think the other team could have won anyway, but still it was nice to have the W. 
We immidiatly had to turn around and play another Trussville team.  We ended up losing this game, which sucked, but it also saved us from having an hour and a half break and then playing again.  They played so hard.  They went into three OverTime innings, which was wild to see.  It was a great game!

We left the ballpark and went to Argo where I was doing a smash cake session.  It was so pretty up  there.  I would have loved to have walked around and gotten some alphabet pictures taken. Maybe one day I will be back up that way.  Happy Birthday Luke! 

Botanical Gardens

John Michael had a soccer game this morning, but I was going to have to miss it.  I have so many photoshoots.  This time of the year is always so busy and that does not change no matter what is going on. 
It was a great day at the Botanical Gardens, except it was their fall plant sale so it was packed!!!

Boosterthon Fun Run

So today was CRAZY! It never seems to fail that on Run I am wild with things to do. 
I dropped the boys off and then headed to Morris Avenue.  A family in my neighborhood wanted some family pictures and some pictures of their youngest son who was one today!  Happy Birthday Luke. 
After this session I headed to Temple Beth-el to take some family pictures for a family whose middle son will be having his barmitzha tomorrow.  I am 31 and I do not guess I have ever been in a Jewish temple, but it was definitely my loss.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  There is so much tradition and history and beauty inside the doors.  This was definitely a blessing for me.

After this I hauled rear end to the school to get there before Danny's fun run.  He was running from 12:30 - 1:30 and John Michael was running after him from 1:30 - 2:30.  I made it!  I love the fun run, it is really a great time and I think that every parent should go at least one time. 

After the run I headed to the gym to get ready for ASC.  No sooner than I walked in the doors I got a call from the office.  Danny was sick.  Of course I found out that they ate 20 minutes later did the fun run and then had a pizza party.  I probably would have been sick too.  Non the less I went on and checked him and John Michael out and we went home to relax and hopefully feel better.

John Michael had to get ready for his soccer game at 7:30, which is really late.  They evidentally were having a festival, but there was no food left for the last games.  Go figure.  This whole BUSA experience has been a serious JOKE!!!!  John Michael did get the game ball, he was so excited and we were so proud of him!

Just Another Day

This was a great Thursday, it was uneventful.  Which was needed. 

Working From Home

Today after I dropped the boys off I stopped by the workout room.  I have been trying to go every morning.  I cannot wait until they get in the rest of the equpiment.  Right now it is pretty much an eliptical and free weights, which is better than nothing in my opinion.  Then I headed home to get ready for Allee's one month session.  It is so nice to be able to work from home.  Somedays, like today, I just feel more creative and more like me when I am hom and not stressing over getting somewhere by a certain time.  It is just nice.  It is another reason why I love my new house, the old house never would have worked for having people come, and here it works perfectly. 
I left and headed to Liberty Park to get the things that we need for our pack meeting.  We are having our Halloween party, but it is complete with awards and several of the boys have  earned them.  Go boys!
When I was on my way to work I realized I forgot the boys costumes and they were supposed to dress up. I feel like such a doop.  Fortunately Amy saved me and made John Michael a zombie.  Danny was okay not dressed up, even though this morning there was a lot of yelling because of costumes.  At least he was okay and not mad at me, hopefully  not being dressed up will not scar him for life. 

The pack meeting was a lot of fun and all of the boys seemed to enjoy the snacks and just have an overall good time, which is what we want for them. 

Cancelations

I had pretty much blocked all of today off for a session, and they ended up needing to cancel.  I was looking forward to this session on one hand and not so much on the other.  It is rough to get excited about traveling so far when gas is so expensive.  I am so ready for some changes to be seen, starting with a new family living in the white house.  This was going to be a great day, but really ended up being a day for venting.  My phone is not working, nobody can hear me on it.  I am just frustrated.  It will get better though, it always does.

A Regular Week

I have to admit I was glad to see Monday, we have had several crazy weekends and Mondays come with routine and sometimes that is exactly what I need. 

Sundays

As I seem to say every Sunday a day of rest is much needed, but today was not the day chosen for me to relax.

Danny had a baseball game.  Brandon said that he did great, but I did not get to see it.  I have 2 photo shoots and by the time I was done they had called the game.  Brandon said it was like 17-2, Danny's team being the 17.  YAY!  I was bummed because I thought that this was it, but they have a tournament next Sunday so I should be able to see him finish up the season.  I love baseball, and I was not happy about missing the last game.

My first shoot today was great, it ended up being 8 people and they were fun to photograph.  Watch the other blog for more on it. 

My second shoot never showed up, which is seriously frustrating!  When I go out of my way and spend my gas and my time to be somewhere it really should not be too much to ask that the client's do the same thing. 

Making Memories

Danny and Chandler went to bed somewhere around 4 this morning.  They were determined to stay up and they did it.  They were up by 6:00 and so was John Michael. I slept till about 7:00, thank you Brandon.  He took them to Jack's for breakfast and they felt special, I am so glad that he was willing to take them.

The boys played all day.  They rode bikes all around the neighborhood.  Played on the playground, played football, went fishing.  Our neighbors were having a yardsale so they went down there to check out their treasures.  Danny got John Michael a teddy bear, he was so proud.  Chandler also got a little stuffed animal for Emma and Cole.  Those boys are so sweet, and such good big brothers.

Chandler was going to spend the night again, but when it was time for showers he was ready to go home.  I really think that they were exhausted.  I hated to call Chastity, but considering Chandler fell asleep in the car in the driveway I knew that it was a good thing. 

Native American Festival

Today was the day that Danny and all 4th graders had been waiting on, the field trip to Moundville for the Native American Festival.  They have been learning about Native Americans, and just completed their projects and took their test and now it is time to celebrate and have fun with a field trip.

Brandon was off so he came on the field trip too, I definitely think that Danny was more excited about that than me, but I love going and spending time with my sweet boy. 

We all had a great time in Moundville.  The students at Alabama were actually doing a real archiological dig and the boys though that the archiologst was amazing.  They even had him autograph there cups.  We watched him get some things out, like pottery and part of a house, it was really awesome.  We learned more about the food that they ate, the tools and weapons that they used, the clothes that they wore, and how they lived. 

We ate lunch by the river and the view was seriously stunning.  I am thinking it is definitely the perfect spot for lunch, probably any day.

We left the school at 8:15 and got back at about 4:15.  It was an exhausting day but so much fun.  I went in to help at ASC and after a little while Debbie sent me home.  I tried to tell her  I was not going hom and was fine, but she insisted so we headed out.

Brandon, me, the boys plus one, Chandler is spending the night tonight.  We were going to the Mountain Brook vs. Trussville game to watch the Trussville band more than anything.  Anyway, we went to Dairy Queen and got an ice cream and just relaxed and then we went to the game that was anything but relaxing.

One of the Trussville players grandfather had a massive heart attack and dropped dead right there.  It was heartbreaking.  I do not know that I have ever cried that much for a stranger.  The fact that we had to explain it to the boys later was not much fun either.  They had the best time at the game though and they were so good!  I am so gald that we decided to go on an go.  It was great, I hate that Trussville lost though.

We came home and not too long into the night we were in bed, well except Danny and Chandler they were determined not to go to bed. 

Just Another Day

I have gotten behind on my blog and it is driving me nuts. 
After school today Danny had to get his room cleaned so that Chandler can come and spend the night tomorrow night.  They have been trying to get together since we moved and now it has boiled down to Danny's room being cleaned.  He made sure that it was.

Adding a Little Pep

This morning the boys were ready to go.  The Boosterthon is kicking off which makes for some very excited boys.  It also helps my life in the mornings when they are ready to go. 
I dropped them off and headed home to work some more.  I am making progress, just not fast enough.  I will get there though, at least that is what I keep telling myself.
I headed back to the school in time for the Boosterthon Pep Ralley.  I have to say these guys should make a pretty decent living as they really are great at what they do.  They are full of energy and have the boys ready to get pledges and run the funrun. 

John Michael also had soccer practice so we after ASC we headed to the soccer field.  The boys had a great time, Danny enjoys helping his coach and John Michael really enjoys soccer. 

We headed home after soccer and I have to admit it was nice getting home at a halfway decent hour.  It seems like no matter what route we go we are stuck out way to late so nobody gets to bed when they need to which makes everyone ill and I do not do well with attitude.

A little Bit of Baseball in my Life

School was back in today and being the day back from a long weekend meant it was hard to get the boys moving, but it is a short week so they were not as tough as they tend to be  on Mondays.  It is the little things that mean the most.
I have a ton to get done so I headed home and got to work.  I am determined to make our office useable, but right now the office is kicking my tail.  I have things to be donated, things to be tossed, things for eBay, things for Ashley's lists, things to be filed, things to go in scrapbooks, books to be shelved, crafts, props, and Christmas gifts.  This does not even mention  the actual office stuff. I also have so much to edit.  One of these days I will get ahead and make progress that can be seen and heard!

Baseball game tonight, we hauled tail from Irondale to Trussville so that Danny would be on time.  We made it with about 15 minutes to spare, but the spare time is a whole lot of blessings.  Brandon met us at the park when he got off work, Fall ball has been a whole lot of tension that was not needed.  I just hope that it did not ruin baseball for my sweet baby. 

Getting Ready to Go

The boys were out of school today, Happy Christopher Columbus Day.  I know I was out when I was little but this is the first time the boys were out and I have to admit it could not have had better timing.  The only thing I do wish is that it would not have been as cold and dreary out as it was.
We spent a good part of the day cleaning out the van and getting it ready for the field trip coming up on Friday.  Danny was eager to help, because he was looking forward to Brandon and I driving for this trip.

When I went to crank the van though so that I could pull it back in the garage the battery was dead.  The battery in my van has been replaced three times in four years.  I cannot afford a new one, even though I need one desperately.  Last time it was almost $200.  Seriously Dodge does anything hold together that you build?

When Brandon got home he charged the battery and then backed it in the garage incase it needs another charge tomorrow.  Praying.

Another Day

I know that God wants us to rest on Sundays, but lately they have been so busy that I am actually looking forward to Mondays.
Between Baseball, photo shoots, editing, the house, school work and having to worry about the weather because of photo shoots it just never seems to end anymore. 
I was hoping to go to the Indian Festival at Aldridge gardens but that just did not work out.  Maybe one of these days it will happen and I will be able to do something fun and different with the family.  That would definitely be nice. 

Soccer and Popcorn

Today started early with John Michael's soccer game.  We had to park in the other parking lot again, which still sucks.  I really hope that St. Francis gets out of this league soon.  We were playing the other 1st grade St. Francis team.  They spanked us, but it is all good.  All of the boys had such a good time.  It was definitely the Iron Bowl of first grade because all of the boys have been doing some serious smack talking.  I am loving soccer, but again I will be glad we were are onto something else.  I think I am experiencing some serious burn out.  It will pass though and basketball will begin which I am super excited about.  I love basketball and so do the boys.

We came home to watch the Auburn Arkansas game.  Auburn was not the same team that came out against LSU.  I hate to see them having such a hard time coming together.  I love my Auburn Tigers and always will.  WAR EAGLE! 

We were able to sell popcorn at the Masses again this weekend which was awesome since we had so much still to get rid of.  We went to work Saturday night, which was nice but it was COLD!  We did not do as well as we did the first weekend back in September, but we did pretty good so no complaints, and really anything is better than nothing at all which is what we were up against.

Tired Pumpkins

Today was a crazy Friday for all of us.  Brandon and I took the boys' to school and then we started to run our errands.  We always seem to have more of those than we need. 
We did get a great flower and stand for the front yard.  I love it and  the best part is we can change the mums out and it will work all year. 
Brandon had a lot he wanted to do around the house so when I went to work  he did too, he just did not have to drive anywhere.  I have to admit I was a little jealous.  I was glad to get the time with the boys though.  ASC today was pretty mild, there is no homework on Fridays so they play.  Today there seemed to be fewer kids than we have had all week.  To make that even better was the fact that the last child was picked up at 5:30 so everyone got to sneak out a little early.  That is a rarity and I was pretty excited, even though that is my usual time off, it was nice to see everyone get an early start to the long weekend.  Sometimes those are needed. 
Brandon needed the boys and I to stop and get a can of spray paint on the way home.  We did and John Michael was having an anxiety attack to buy him a can.  Since spray paint is not something I want him to have especially when he does not need it I showed him the pumpkin lights, and we got a strand of those!  I love Halloween!

As soon as we got home John Michael wa ready to decorate.  We hung the lights above the front door and they look really great! 

Brandon was working on a shelf and the boys and I got dinner ready and then we headed to bed.  Well we sat down to watch a little TV after showers and John Michael decided that he was hungry.  I fixed him a small bowl of cereal.  He fell asleep while eating it, that my friends is how tired my babies are!

A Late Night

So I love being busy and all but I would also love to be home at a decent hour some days! 
Today we have baseball practice, which I know that they need but it is hard to keep going when Danny is not really learning anything and is very frustrated.  I am praying that his love of baseball does not waver because of th pathetic efforts that have been seen from the coaches to teach these boys who are new to kid pitch.  The thing is we played fallball so that this Spring Danny would be ready.  We will be going into Spring like every other 9 year old.

Foggy Mountain

This morning the view coming off the mountain was beautiful.  I am not a fan of driving through the fog, but once we hit the bottom of the mountain it had slacked off a lot.  I even had Danny take a quick picture because I thought it was so pretty.  Such a view.

Today was Mass day which was much needed again for me this week I enjoy spending this time with Jesus and with the boys. There is really something that is motivational about spending time with Jesus surrounded by children.  It also reminds me that no matter what I have to continue to find a way to pay for tuition, it is so worth it!

The Homework Room and Tiger Cubs

So today was a crazy Tuesday and the to get done list was just too long.  I am still trying to manage the boys' school, photography, After School Care, My school work, scouts, sports, and just being a wife and mom.  I know that I will get it down but sometimes I feel like I am drowning. 
Today I decided to call first grade into the homework room at After School Care.  Usually it is third and up and second if there is time.  First has a lot of homework though and I knew if we could get it out of the way before scouts that would make my night slightly easier and maybe some of the parents' too.  They were so funny and they got their work done.  They cannot come in with the whole group the little ones are a little too loud, but when we are down to just a few it works out almost perfectly.  Especially for mom.

We headed down to scouts at 6:00.  So straight from ASC.  John Michael was so excited to be able to make it to the meeting.  Brandon came and got Danny for baseball practice so everyone was able to make it where they were needed. 

The Tiger Cub meeting went great.  They went over the Bobcat requirements so they all should get that at the next pack meeting, which is really great.  They also played a great game which allowed them to get to know each other better as well as more about scout.  It was a game creating a spider web with yarn.  It was a lot of fun for the boys and when Larry (their leader) told them that he was a fireman and a pilot those boys were SO excited. 

October Arrives on a Wet Note

I do wonder if October rain brings anything with it?  I guess we shall see.
A rainy Monday morning meant we were running behind, five minutes, and considering the traffic on 59 S through Trussville that 5 minutes is important.  Somehow we made it, I am going wilth literally on a prayer.
John Michael decided that his batman umberalla would be a companion for this rainy day and I am sure that it was.  When we got to ASC though there seemed to be a need to make this a toy....which meant it became mine.  I think he bent it pretty good, but I am not sure.  I will have to check it when he is not around just in case it has to become trash.  Of course then I will be on an umbrella hunt so fingers crossed that it is okay.

We ad our first Webelos meeting tonight.  I thought that Danny would have to miss it for baseball practice, but the fields were too wet so they canceled it.  I have to admit I was glad and so was Danny.  Just pretty much over it to be really honest. The meeting went great, the boys worked on exercises and played football while I talked to the parents about what we would be working on this year.

Goodbye September

I cannot believe that September has come and gone.  2012 seems to be moving faster and faster.  I am glad to know that even though I feel like the yeaar is going to eat me alive from time to time, it does look like I will make it  out alive. 
Today was a seriously rainy and just gross day.  Danny was supposed to have a game so we drove to Trussville to sit and wait and have the umpires finally call it. 
We headed back home and got back to work.  I started to list on eBay and am praying that a little extra money will come and that it will go a long way!

Two Directions

To me one of the hardest things about being a mom is when you have to take one to do something and your husband has to take the other.  I do not like missing things that my children are involved in but sometimes it cannot be helped.
This morning John Michael, socky Monkey, and I headed to the soccer field.  John Michael wanted Sock Monkey to watch.  So I figured why not.

Again we were at Brookwood forrest, and again my opinion of BUSA has not changed.  We did use the parking lot that Craig and Liz told us about, but the fact that there are no refs is something that is VERY frustrating for me.  We were playing The Highlands, and let me tell you for a Church that so many people follow they teach these children to play ugly soccer, and there is no sportsmanship.  I guess they do not practice what they preach.  Anyway, we ended up finishing the game with a tie, which is great.  Our guys are playing there hardest and they are really learning a lot about soccer.

Danny and Brandon went to the Southern Flight Museum with the Scouts.  We had a pretty good turnout from what Brandon said and the boys had a lot of fun.  Danny made a Blue Angel plane, which was awesome.  He and Brandon also brought home some little planes and some bomb bags that look like they are going to be a lot of fun.  They had a great time and I was so glad.  They went to lunch when they were done, which was special for them and something that theyboth probably needed.  Danny wanted Jack's and then they surprised us all with milkshakes.

A little bit of Halloween

We took the boys to school and got started on our long to do list. 
We had to go get our tags, and new licenses.  We have waited on the address change to the lisenses until we were getting our tags.  I was dreading the last day of the month but it was not even close to bad, it was actually a very easy pleasant experience.  We were in and out of there in about 30 minutes.  It was super easy and the workers were so nice.  St. Clair county and Jefferson county are definitely night and day.  I am so thankful we moved to St. Clair county.  The fact that both of our tags together cost less than just mine did last year was definitely another blessing. 
We headed to the Sherrif's office next to apply for our pistol permits.  There are several reasons that we wanted to go on and get them.  We will not know  for 3-7 days if we were approved but I cannot imagine why they would not approve us.  I would be seriously upset. 

We also got a wreath for the front door for Halloween.  I love to decorate and this wreath is just me.  It is what I like when it comes to decorations, it makes me smile! 

A little more Organization

I took the boys to school and I headed home to make some progress.  I had about 4 boxes of books to still go through so I broke them into piles, keep, toss, donate, and sell.  Then I put the bookshelf in Danny's room which was a task getting it down the hall, and I started bringing in the kids books.  This made it where I had some more room on the bookshelf in the office and Danny and John Michael can access their books a little more easily.  I think it looks pretty good too.  We still have some work to do but we are getting there.

The boys' had great days at school.  We ended up having to leave ASC a little early, so I will stay late tomorrow to make it up.  Danny had a game at 5:45, not really sure which brilliant person at Trussville decided that was a good time for weekday games, but who am I to second guess anyone.  I broke some land speed records I think, at least for a mini-van.  We made it though.  We were playing Springville, where we might be playing next year.  They handed us our rear ends and again my baby sat the bench or was in right field.  I do not understand what they think he is learning.  He is upset, he has never been one to cry over baseball but his sprirt is being beaten down and I am so not happy.  What is a mom to do...advice from anyone would be amazing!

Plus One

Today was the School Mass, and Brandon was my plus one!  The boys were so glad that he came.  With the 4th grade in the choir and today Danny was bringing in the gifts as well.  Such a special time.  Thank you Brandon for coming with me, it meant a lot to all of us.  I wish he could come every Wednesday, but I know that he cannot.  So when he does it is nice for all of us especially the boys.
At after school care I had a lot of questions about who I was with at Mass, I thought more of them had met Brandon but I guess the few times he has come by s many of them are already gone. 
John Michael had soccer practice today and they did really good.  I am so glad that he likes soccer so much, the running and the fresh air are great.  I do wish the ants were not as bad up there and I could really get some good walking time in.  Maybe once it cools off some it will be better. 

Leader's Unite

So this morning was like every morning we were rushing out the door and down the mountain.  We made it to school though which is what is the goal every morning.
After I dropped the boys off I headed to the Botanical Gardens with Erica and her beautiful daughter.  The session was perfect, classic and unique all in one.  Stay tuned to my photography blog for more on this great session.
After the photo shoot I came home and got to work on homework and on getting things organized in the office.  There is still so much that needs a home and I just do not know what to do with it.  I am going to start taking pictures for eBay and Ashley's list soon and  maybe I can get these things to a good home and have a little extra money. 
Tonight was the leader's meeting for Cub Scouts.  We try to get together once a month to plan out the month and get things ready for the upcoming pack meeting.  This next one is going to be our Halloween party, which is always a lot of fun. 

Mondays

Mondays are always hectic and this one did not let me down.
I dropped the boys off at school and then high tailed it home.  I am trying to get a lot down on all sides of the fort, between school work, work, photography, money problems, small projects, sports, scouts, and a handful of everything else.  I need a way to get better organized and I am getting there but still have a ways to go. 
We did not have scouts tonight because Danny had baseball practice at 6 and I cannot bilocate, at least not yet.  Brandon met us at the park and he stayed with Brandon so I could get John Michael home and in bed. 

Baseball

So today was supposed to start with a photoshoot but she forgot and so we had to cancel.  It is always frustrating but it happens.  I know that the money would have been nice, but what can you do?
So we had a nice easy morning and then headed to Danny's baseball game.  He was excited because Aunt B, Meme, Meemaw, and Aunt Paula all came to watch him play. Of course he did not get to do much of that which is really frustrating to me.  We played fallball so that he could learn how to catch in kid pitch and his gear has stayed in his bag.  He has been promised to learn 1st, 3rd, and pitching.  Yet none of these things have happened.  He is starting to hate baseball and I am seriously one unhappy mom.  I have never wanted to be that mom, but it is coming.  I can feel it in all that I am.  I am trying to stay calm, but each game I get more and more frustrated.

We headed home and Brandon worked in the garage some more and I tried to get some things done on the computer and around the house. 

Using Your Head

John Michael's baseball game was top priority this morning.  We had to be there by 8:30.  There is a lot on the to do list for today.  John Michael and I headed out with a quick stop by McDonald's, his favorite place.  Danny and Brandon headed to Clay to get Uncle Patrick and then they came to the game.
I will say that the 8:30 game time means better parking. Of course the absence of bathrooms at Brookwood Forrest Elementary is still a pain and the absence of Refs leaves me with the question of what does BUSA Soccer do with all that money? 
John Michael's tem played another Mountain Brooke team but this time we won.  They had a great time and John Michael blocked a ball with his head while he was playing goalie.  We had to laugh because it was an accident, but as he told the story throughout the day, it got better and better. 

After the game the boys and I headed home.  We had to get the garage ready for Brandon's work benches and what not from the old house.  Storing them was just no longer an option and Uncle Patrick helped him get them.  Then they headed to get a couch for mom's sitting room.  Of course that was a nightmare of  different color.  It is over now and in the room, where it looks okay.  Hopefully now we can get the daybed sold, it would be nice to have a little extra money, even though it will go straight to bills and whatnot. 

While today was busy we accomplished a lot and got a little more stress off our backs! 

Started with the Gardens

This morning Brandon and I took the boys to school and then we started our Friday to do list.  First things first.  I had a photo shoot with a beautiful family at the Botanical Gardens.  I cannot wait to get that blog caught up becuase the little boy in the shoot was absolutely gorgeous!  It helped having Brandon with me too because he loved a good game of peek-a-boo!
Brandon and I left there and headed to Sam's we had a few things we needed and mom had a few things she needed so we were going to get it out of the way.  I love Sam's but I hate it too. 
Once we had our running around done we headed home, and I pretty much had to turn around and go to work. 
We had a lazy night, but it was much needed.  We had batting practice, but then headed home and pretty much went to bed. 

So Much....So Little

So trying to balance all of the sides of my life is so not easy.  I continue to find myself with the drowning sensation, which I do not like at all.  I think I am on my way out, or up or whatever only to find that the road simply disappears.  I have tried to just hand it over but that is a task I simply have not been able to master yet.  I know that I will get there though.  Each trial has a lesson to be learned and I am working on giving Him the wheel.