Good Bye January

January has been a very wet and dreary month.  I am so ready to put it behind us, hopefully February will be nicer.
Regardless the end of January gets me a little closer to Spring!  I am so over winter.  I am never someone who wishes for winter or cooler weather so when it is here I am just over it.  When it has been as wet as this month has been it just brings you down.

The creek down at the enterance to our neighborhood has had just about all of the rain that it can hold.
Come on February, be a little nicer to us than January was!

A Little Late

Due to the fact that there was some concern over the weather this morning school did not start until 11:00.  This worked for me and the boys.  We enjoyed our relaxing morning, even though we did not sleep too late it was nice just to hang back.  Of course the weather was horrible when it was time to leave so we ended up being about 11:20 getting there.  Fortunately there was no severe weather.

Thank You Parents

This morning even though the rain was soaking them to the bone the 8th grade was handing out thank you gifts to the parents of St. Francis Xavier students.  Since we did not have time for breakfast this morning it was even more appriciated.

Thank you to the students of St. Francis of Xavier for the great gift!  You sure know how to brighten a dreary morning.

Monday

Today was pretty much a normal day even though it was Catholic Schools week.  I think that the school could do a lot more making each day a little more memorable for the kids.  Today was just Monday, but there is a lot of concern over a building storm system this Wednesday and so it looks like Mass will be moved from Wednesday until Thursday, better to be safe than sorry is something I definitely agree with!

Catholic Schools Week Begins

Today marks the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun week for the students, parents, teachers, and everyone involved in Catholic Schools.
I had a photo shoot at the Botanical Gardens, which 2 very cute little girls who were celebrating their 2nd and 5th birthdays!  I have to say they were precious and their outfits were just tutu cute for words.  One day I will catch up on my other blog and I will go into so many details.
After the Gibbs girls photo shoot I did a quick shoot with the boys.  They were in their uniforms for Mass so I took advantage and got a few cute pictures of them.  They are not the easiest subjects to photograph.  They are way too accustomed to having a camera in their face.  Oh well, it is always fun and I got a few cute ones.

We headed to Mass after the photo shoot.  They were proud to be in their uniforms with so many of their classmates.  They are proud to go to Catholic School and I am proud to send them there.  I pray that we can continue it.

Basketball

Today we spent most of the day in the car.
Danny had a basketball game at Our Lady of Sorrows at 10:00.  They were playing St. Barnabas.  Considering I will always have a place for SBS in my heart it was great to see them.  Danny's team won and that was with less than half of the team there, Go Saints!!!

John Michael had a game at 3:00 at St. Francis. They were playing St. Aloyisios (sp?).  They did not win.  It is rough being the Kindergarten/1st grade team because you end up playing 1st/2nd grade teams.  Our guys have some great spirit though and I love watching the little guys give it their all.

Last Friday

I cannot believe that it is the last Friday in January.  The year is already moving too fast.
Both boys had basketball practice so it was a long day at school, but it was a great one so there is no complaining!

Thursdays

So today was just another day.  School, after school care, and classes for me.  It will all be worth it.  I am also soon to start the process of job hunting so if anyone knows of anything in springville let me know.

Wednesdays

Some weeks I just need Wednesday.
I love the School Mass and when I am there with Jesus and all of the children I just feel so close to Jesus.

3rd Quarter

So the third quarter is underway and tonight was the 3rd Home and School meeting.  I was working the child care so Brandon came and went to the meeting so that the boys' would get their out of uniform day, that is definitely a big deal to them.
Because the boys were out last week I did not get the registration forms to the school for the boys' to have dinner so Brandon stopped on his way and brought them Chick-Fil-A.  Which is what was offered to everyone.

Martin Luther King Day

Well, the boys' are out of school yet again.  At least this time it is because everyone is out and not because they are sick.
We enjoyed the day just trying to get some things done around the house.  We seem to be falling behind in so many ways.  I tell myself every year this will be the year I am organized and on top of it, yet I am still just organized chaos and about knee deep in it.
I hope that everyone who had a day off enjoyed it!

Talk About BIG!!!

The boys have finally been fever free for a week so we headed to John Michael's basketball game.  It seems strange to be going on a Sunday, but it worked for us.  We went to Our Lady of Sorrows where we were met with boys who were HUGE!  Some of them were seriously more than twice the size of our guys.  Needless to say it was a rough game and they lost 22-0 and that would have been worse but the refs called the game in the third quarter.  Win or Lose I am not one to obsess but that was an unfair match up.  Oh well, Go Saints!

Plans Change

Since the boys were still down and out we missed the basketball game today.  Danny was not too happy, they were playing Our Lady of Sorrows, but he was glad to hear that they won.
The weather was rainy and gross so the photo shoot that I had planned was canceled.
It was a VERY rare calm Saturday for the Thach family.

Still Feverish

The boys still have a fever so we are still home.
The roads were clear this morning and Brandon had to go into work for a little while.

Three Inches

Well, the calling for snow was back and forth all week.  Where it was coming, when it was coming, and how much was coming seemed to be all anyone could think about or talk about.  It was definitely looking less promising, which was fine with my two still sick boys.  They both are still dealing with a pesky little fever that just will not break, which means we are still home.

When the snow came, it came and for the first time in a long time there was thundersnow which again was awesome.  I hated that the boys had to enjoy it from inside but I did not want them to get sicker.  Hopefully they will see some more this winter.  Of course I am also so ready for summer. So I am a little torn on that hope.

We thought that Brandon was going to be stuck at work, but he managed home later tonight when a lot of it was gone.  When it quit and the sun appeared for the first time in almost a week it helped get the roads clear and made it so that he could get home, which was great for us.
I did wonder what was more rare the snow or the sun, we have not seen much of either all winter.

Still Sick

The boys are still sick.  I know that they do not feel good when they don't fight and right now they are concentrating more on the couch and sleeping then anything else.  I hope my sweet babies get better soon.

To The Doctor We Go

Hi ho hi ho its to the doctor's office we go.
So the boys were both feeling down and out this morning so I decided we would go to the doctor to make sure that it was nothing serious.  Of course while we were there I was panicking about all of the crap we were being exposed to.
Danny has bronchitis and John Michael an ear infection and it looks like they will be out of school a few more days.
I called my boss and she told me to take care of them so I am going to do my very best.  When my babies are sick I am sad.  I like it when they are happy and healthy.  Hopefully this will be the case very soon for them both!

Sick Danny

Danny woke up this morning and did not feel good at all.  He was up and down with his asthma throughout the night so I let him go back to bed and I took John Michael to school.  Needless to say John Michael was not happy that Danny got to stay home, but he got over it.
I went to work and enjoyed the day with John Michael but I missed Danny and everyone asked where he was.
John Michael had basketball practice, which he had a great time.  They scrimmaged with our second grade team which is always a little more intense then it should be, but they all had fun and that is what matters most right?!

Sunday

We went to Mass this morning and then enjoyed a lazy Sunday, something that we are not able to do enough!

Basketball and Families

So today we had to split up to make it to all of the basketball games.
John Michael played at 9:00 at Our Lady of the Valley.  They ended up losing, but only by one point and that was because of a goal during the last minute of the game.

Danny played at St. Francis and they played great.  They won and had the best time.  There is a lot of talent on Danny's team and I know that Coach Adam is a great coach and has really helped Danny come a long way in basketball.

After basketball and some quiet time at home I had to go to Grayson Valley for a family photo shoot.  Danny wanted to come with me and be my helper which I always enjoy.  I love spending time with my boys even if it is while I am working.  The family shoot was great, and it was really great to see Kim and her family after a few years of simply keeping in touch on FaceBook.

Basketball Shoes

So Fridays are pretty jammed with basketball practice.
Today not only did we have practice the boys' both got their new basketball shoes which made for 2 very happy boys!  They had to wait and we missed having them before the first game but we have them now, which is a huge plus.
I love to see them smile and these shoes did just that.  They also made us smile as we realized just how long the boys' feet are!

WOW!  Of course with Brandon in a 12 and me in an 11 I guess large feet was just a matter of fact with them both!

Thursday

Thursdays are good because they are laid back.
There is school, there is work, and then we get to come home.
Sometimes I like Thursdays the best just because there is a little room to breath!

School Mass

Getting back to school was great, but being back to school with the first school mass of 2013 was really great.  It was nice to hear the Christmas songs from the Children.  I love this time of the year.

Just a Day

Tuesdays right now are pretty uneventful and I am very thankful for them.  Both of my classes started back today so MBA here I come.  October I think is when I will be finished.  I am super excited.  I am worried that After School Care is starting to affect John Michael  and not in a good way.  He seems to be overly whiny and overly tired.  We will see how his grades look and then go from there. Praying that it is just my imagination.

Congratulations to the SEC

Tonight was the BCS National Championship Game.  Tonight it was Alabama vs. Notre Dame.

While I am an Auburn fan through and through I am not a hater, at least I try not to be.  I did wear the colors for the SEC.  I was raised your team is always first, then other teams in the state, and then the conference.  The thing is I tried to be a good SEC fan and I think I was.  I am proud of all of the boys at Alabama who worked hard to get to the game and then brought it back to the state for the 4th year and kept it in the SEC for the 7th year.  

Now that college football is over I am ready for 2013 college football to start.  War Eagle!

Epiphany Program

Today we worked on the inside of the house, there is so much to get done and I know that mom wants the house back to normal and Brandon wants to be back to parking in the garage.  Baby, it's cold outside!!!  I am very thankful for him keeping my spot in the garage open.  The van does not do well at all when it is cold, neither do I.
Tonight we went to the 5:00 Mass and then we watched the Epiphany program.  The boys were townspeople and did a great job.  Everyone did.  Mr. & Mrs. Roth do such an amazing job with this program every year.  Thank you both for allowing the boys to be a part of such a special thing.  It was beautiful.

Toy Bowl Season Begins

I love basketball season.  So do the boys.
Today, we started with a game at 8:00 so we were at the school at 7:30.  John Michael's team was playing Our Lady of the Valley.  Brandon was nervous since it was his first game to coach and the boys were pumped.  They won 8-5 and they had a blast which is the most important thing.  Brandon says he feels much better about coaching now that he made it through the first game.  With Devane as his assistant coach and Danny in control of the book it seems that all is going to go well.

We stuck around and watch a few other games before Danny's game at 12:00.  They were playing Our Lady of Sorrows.  They won 31-11.  Danny scored for the first time in a game.  I was super proud.  He has been trying so hard and he finally did it.

Brandon and Uncle Patrick had some things to do at storage, maybe one day we will get them cleaned out.  It is nuts how much is in them.  Especially when most of it can probably be gotten rid of in all honesty.  Maybe soon.
Danny is spending the night with Chandler and Cole is spending the bight with John Michael.  They are an excited group of boys!

What we Need

Moving last year has really made me take a look at what we need and what we want.  We all hold on to things for reasons that we cannot explain, but they are sentimental.  I am trying to take a deeper look into what I need and why I need it.
One of the things that I have held onto for almost 11 years was the bouquet that I made for our wedding rehearsal from the bows and ribbons that were on gifts at my shower.  It is a huge piece of old wrapping but to me it was important.  Today I took some pictures of it and am sending it to the recycle yard.  I have pictures of it and I will always have the memories from it.  It was fun to make and definitely served its purpose.

I want to declutter my house and my life and this was a HUGE step for me.

Vacation's Over

The boys' went back to school today and I went back to work.  It was great to be around everyone again.  after being so sick before Christmas break I felt like I was missing a lot.  I love spending the extra time with the boys and all of the kids and other workers at After School Care.  It might not seem like much, but there is something very special that can be found working with children.
Of course the boys wanted me to let them stay home today and tomorrow, but I told them we could not start off 2013, and the 3rd quarter of school missing two days for no reason.

Brandon Goes Back

So after 19 days of vacation Brandon headed back to work today.  It was weird without him being at home.  I was definitely glad when he got home.
The boys and I got started on the inside decorations.  While a lot will stay up through the Epiphany, trying to get everything organized and into the right boxes is easier said than done.

2013

Welcoming in the New Year is always exciting.  The boys love staying up till Midnight.  We shot fireworks with the neighbors and just enjoyed being home to start the new year.  There was something special about starting the new year at the new house with new neighbors.
I am looking forward to each day in 2013.  I have several resolutions, I am sure that we all do.  I also have several goals for 2013.  Each of these depends on the next, but most importantly they require me to be thankful for everything and taking the time that is needed to truly enjoy the year and live it to the fullest.  Cherishing my family and my friends are at the top of that list too!
I cannot believe that it is January 1st, it is unbelievable.  2012 seemed to fly by with a speed that could have broken records.
Today is a special day for another reason.  Today is Brittany's birthday.  Brittany is 18 today which is hard to believe.  She has grown into a beautiful young woman.  Love you B!

2012 Reflections

So as I look back at the year 2012 there are no regrets.  Of course I was raised never to have regrets.  They are really a waste of time, you cannot change the past it is the past.  The future is not yet determined.  The present is just that a gift that is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.
So many memories were made in 2012, not all of them perfect, but yet I know that they served a purpose to bring us to what is now, what is today.
I will start my reflection with January.  January 23, 2012 was a day that I will never forget.  It started early that morning with tornado warnings.  My mom's home, the house where I was raised, was destroyed that morning.  While losing the House the Built Me was not an easy event it was one that really determined so much of the year to follow.















In February we started the hunt for the perfect house.  When we found it the journey began.  John Michael also turned 6.























In March we signed papers and started the building of our new home.  It would be for my mom and for us and we were all excited.

In April the house building finally began, but it was a month behind where is was supposed to be.

In May the boys finished their school year and Danny made All Stars.



















In June All Stars occupied most of our time.  With tournaments and practice we never seemed to stop, but we enjoyed it all.  Brian and Christen also got married, which means our family grew and we are so thankful to have Christen in our family officially now.

In July we moved into our new home and Danny celebrated his 9th birthday.

In August a new school year began and I went back to work part-time with St. Francis helping out in After School Care.


















In September we were finally on a solid routine.  We also renewed our car tags and driver's licenses and became even more thankful for St. Clair savings and the savings that came with that venture.

In October there was Halloween and celebrating in Legacy Springs with friends and family was by far the best.

In November we celebrated Thanksgiving.  It was special to be in the house, but poor Danny ended up sick that night.  We also started putting up our Christmas decorations and they are gorgeous at the new house.

In December we celebrated our first Christmas.  It was definitely a time full of so many blessings.

2012 was a year full of heart break, family, and friends.  It is amazing what will come from a tragedy and we learned more about who we are.  We grew together and our home has been strengthened through family and friends.   I cannot wait to celebrate 2013 with you all.

The Outside Comes In

So we have to have our decorations down by the 1st, which is sad considering we always leave them up until the Epiphany, but we knew that this was one of those things we could live with in the neighborhood covenants.  We will leave the inside stuff up, but the outside came down today.
The boys posed for their yearly picture on the roof.  Danny did not want to get on so he stayed on the ladder, but still a great picture so I am not complaining at all.

Looking for Furniture

We went on a quest for furniture today.  We desperately need a kitchen table and mom needs some stuff for her sitting room.  She and Sybil were out and so I called to see if they wanted to go look and they were about to call and ask us the same thing.
Momma T watched the boys for us, they love spending time with Meme, so that was easy.  They even got to play football with Uncle Brian for a little while.  Danny thought it was awesome they were playing with an Auburn football.  Have I said War Eagle lately?
We found the perfect table and chairs at Haverty's.  Brandon and I already knew that we liked it because it is exactly like Aunt Paula's.  Mom fell in love with it too.  YAY!
Then we headed to Alabama Furniture Mart in Calera where mom found a great couch and chair for her sitting room.  YAY again!
When we left mom and Sybil went to Cracker Barrel and Brandon and I headed to Steak N Shake.  Yep that is one of those places, I wish I would have never tried. It was amazing.  Truly the best burger and shake I have ever had.  So glad it is in Alabaster, considering I am trying to get rid of weight having one of those close by would be BAD!!!
We headed to get the boys and then home.  It is hard to believe that December is almost over.

Christmas Party

Today we had the last Christmas party for the year, which is always sad, I wish it could last a little longer.  The good thing is the Christmas season is still here and we will continue to celebrate.

Today we headed to celebrate with Momma T, Pop, Memaw, and everyone!  It was a lot of fun.  It is always nice to see Brian and Christen and Brett, Mindy, and the boys.  Well it is nice to see everyone, but we see them the least.
Everyone had a great time (at least it seemed that way to me).  Spending time together, just catching up and enjoying each other's company.  The boys loved their presents.  So did Brandon and I, but they were so excited it is always so great to see them truly appreciative of what they receive.

Danny could not wait to get his to his room and he found a place to put them quickly when we did get home.  John Michael was excited to get his home too.  They have had a great Christmas and we thank everyone for thinking of them.

We really hated to leave, but everyone (especially Pop) was ready for bed.  Plus Bear had gotten sick and we knew that they needed to be able to tend to him and keep him calm.  Nothing kills a party quicker than a sick puppy dog.

A Little Down Time

So we are halfway through Christmas break, which is pretty sad, I could definitely use a little more time.  We had a few errands to run but spent most of the day just relaxing and cleaning up a little.

I Love You Daddy

So my favorite day is followed by my least favorite day every year.

5 Years Ago today I lost the greatest man I have ever known.  He was so much more than just a father, he was a daddy.  On his chest was the most comfortable place that I have ever shed tears.  He had the perfect ear for listening, and knew when and what to say about anything.  He spoke the best advice about things that I would ask him about and about life in general.  He was a friend when I needed one.  He was a parent first and always.  He was a protector, as a Marine he protected our great country, and as a dad he always protected me.  He was a provider, I never needed or wanted for anything.  He was a teacher, he taught me about life and math.  He set the bar high for the man that I would marry, and Brandon does an amazing job of filling those shoes.  He was a granddaddy, and an amazing one.  He stopped everything for his grandchildren.  He was my daddy, and he was the best.
I miss him today and everyday, but I promised him that I would live life and I have tried.  I hope that he is proud of me.  More than that I hope that he proud of his grandchildren and the amazing little boys that they are.
This morning we saw a little snow and I truly believe it was him saying hello.

Daddy I love you and I miss you everyday!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy Birthday to Jesus!
This is another one of my favorite days of the year.  There is so much magic and peace and hope as so many people come together to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

The boys were up at 3:00 this morning ready to see if Santa came and what he left for them.  He had been here and they had a great variety.
Danny's favorite gift was his new laptop.  He also got a watch which he was excited that Santa had set for him.
John Michael's favorite was his new 3DS XL.  Hopefully he will keep up with this one.  He got a 3DS last year and since the move we have not been able to find it anywhere.  I am sure it will appear now.  I really think he left it somewhere.
We also got some great board games for the family.  I love family game night and I am thinking Santa must have known that.  Hungry Hungry Hippos is my personal favorite, so many fun memories with that game.  It also is the game that woke mom up, but we did manage to hold off until 5:30.

After mom got up we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and then opened the gifts under the tree.

Dale, Teresa, Memaw, and Aunt B came over around lunch time and spent a few hours with us.

It was a very nice, relaxing Christmas.  It was great to celebrate Jesus' birth with family and just enjoy each other.

Christmas Eve

I love this day, it is one of my favorite all year.  There is so much magic in the air and peace and joy seem to be radiating from all corners of the world.
Today we took it easy. 
We started the morning off making egg nog cookies for Santa.  They also are Daddy's and Aunt B's favorites so it is a win win win when we make them.  Plus the boys have a blast which is always a win for momma!
The boys and I headed to Walmart to pick up the Happy Birthday Jesus cookie cake.  I think next year I am going to try to make it myself, we will see.  While we were there John Michael asked for dohgnuts, and since it is Christmastime well I went with it.  He really wanted the ones with mistletoe (Holly) on them.  So that is what we got. 

We came home and picked up Brandon and mom and headed to Mass.  The boys are singing in the choir again this year.  I love the Children's choir all year, but on Christmas Eve it is so amazing.  It is truly like listening to angels sing.  I guess this is another reason why they say Children are as close to Jesus as you can get.  Mary Morgan sang a solo and the girl gave  me chills.  Liz, I know that you have to be so very proud of her.  Her voice is truly a gift that she was given and I am glad that she is brave enough to share it, that was a gift.

The Church was decorated beautiful.  I love seeing the transformation from Advent to Christmas.  Again just a little more magic (and a lot of hard work) to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Uncle Kenny and Uncle Patrick came to Mass, which was nice.  Thank you both, it is always nice to be with family this time of the year.  Well, all year, but this time especially.

After Mass we went to look at Christmas lights and then headed home.  We were all tired and needed to get in bed before Santa flew over.



Merry Christmas Everyone!