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.

Hello December

Wow!  December 1st is here already!!  Enoy the month everyone it is going to be seriously magical.
Today I had back to back photo shoots.  Sveryone wants a session before Christmas and I cannot say that I blame them.  I was downtown all day.  Splitting my time between Morris Avenue and RailRoad Park.  I was again able to add to my collection of alphabet letters, which is definitely a blessing since the orders for words has been pretty steady for Christmas gifts. 
Brandon and Danny worked around the house all day, they worked on the last few Christmas decorations.  They also started putting the boxes up. 
John Michael played with the neighbors granddaughter all day.  They play so great togther.  They both love to be outside. Today they made an art project in the lot between us.  It is going to be so sad when they build a house there.  If I had a spare 35K I would buy it and garden and give the boys a good place to play.  For now we will use it though, even though I hear it has been designated a spec house after the first of the year. 

It was a great Saturday even though it was slammed. 

The Trees

We have started to decorate in the house now, well downstairs.  We promised mom we would wait until after Thanksgiving and that is what we did.  We have so much stuff, I seriously have no idea how we ever got it all in the old house.  The good thing about this year is that next year everything will be in the boxes together where it should be instead of randomly spread throughout all of the boxes. 

Thanksgiving Preparations

We are all officially on our Thanksgiving vacation, which is a little misleading since we are not going anywhere and getting ready is a lot of work.  Oh well, here we are, and we are all looking forward to the first Thanksgiving in our new house.
We started to get some of the food prepared.  Even though we were only going to cook the ham and turkey getting the casseroles and desserts ready will make it even easier tomorrow so that most of the day can be spent enjoying everyone being over here.
Brandon is finishing up the lights outside while we are working on the food.  It is looking so good.  I am so proud of all the work that he has done.  It looks great.  So ready to turn them on, I think that is what I am looking most forward to tomorrow night. 
We got the turkey from The Chopping Block in Springville.  And the ham.  I love their meat.  I am slightly biased because it is Pop's but still it is amazing!  They brought it to us today since we have been so crazy busy. 
Brett, Mindy, Hunter, Hayden, and Hudson came over too.  Brett was willing to help Brandon finish up the lights, and some of the positions they had to put the ladder in, well it had me inside.  Thank you so much.  Also thank you Nick and Kiersten for coming up to help.  Decorating is risky business the way that we do it. 

Up On The House Top

Today was another full day of shoots.  I am very thankful for the work though. 
After work I came home and it was time for the yearly roof top photograph of the boys.  This year though they only went on the porch roof, the house roof is a little higher, and a lot steeper than the old house.

Both the boys did great until it was time to come down.  Danny was so scared, it broke my heart completely.  He just did not want to turn around.  I told him that is the reason I do not go up, I do not like getting off and back on the ladder.  It is plain scary in my opinion.  I hate to see my boy scared though.  He did it though and I was super proud, and spent a lot of time loving on him and assuring him it was all normal. 

Brandon has done an amazing job on the decorations.  He has been working his butt off from sun up to sun down, well close to it anyway.  We have been on a cup hook buying spree.  In fact we bought two Wal-Marts out of the brown ones in the size we need.  These make it a pain the first time, but the lights from here on out will be a breeze.  I cannot wait to see it completely done.  I know that it will be beautiful. 

Working it Out

So today was a full day of photo shoots on Morris Avenue.  It was a beautiful day for it.  I was even able to grab a couple of shots for me personally and the alphabet that I am always working on expanding.  Can you tell what letter it is?

Today  John Michael's last soccer game and missing it broke my heart, but he understands.  Momma has a job to do and she cannot let her clients down.  I just hope with all that I have in me that I did not let him down.  I never want to let my boys down in any way.

Brandon spent the day retrieving the Christmas decorations.  This was the only day that he could do it.  Danny stayed and helped him out.

Mom picked John Michael up and took him to a birthday party.  It was at Skate Station in Trussville and it has been a long time since my mom went to a skating party.  She was pooped, but it meant so much to me that she took him.  I know that it meant a lot to John Michael too and to Gracie.  Happy Birthday Gracie! 

When we all got home it was time to unload and find somewhere to put all of the decorations.  While we were not 100% successful we also know that in a few weeks it will be time to get it all out and turn our home into a Chirstmas wonderland!  I cannot wait. 

New Vans

So Fridays are always hectic and since we still do not have our Christmas decorations all up they seem to be even busier. Maybe everyone wants us to keep everything up as long as possible.
My mom got a new van so after I took the boys' to school I went by to check it out. I am so happy for her. Nobody deserves it more. I know that she has a hard time asking others for help and has constantly been apologetic for not having a car. While there is no reason for her to be, I enjoy helping out, I know that she has to feel like she has a little freedom and I know that means a lot to her.
After we got the boys from school Brandon and I took them by there so that Brandon and the boys could see her van. The boys were so excited and it was really cute.
John Michael had practice so we did not get to stay long, but it was nice having a quick visit.
other visit with her and Sybil.

Bye Santa

So anyone who has driven by my house knows that as of this morning we were still ready for Christmas. Well, Brandon got all of the big stuff out of the yard. He still has the wreaths, and lights to go, but Santa and the reindeer are put up. I told him that made me pretty sad I liked Santa waving bye to me everyday and hello to me everyday. Now it is just boring.


Seriously, I am glad that we are making progress. We still have so much to do. It is always a task to get it all up especially because of basketball we seriously just do not stop. These rainy days are not helping us to have a few minutes to get it done either. It will all happen though. No rush.


So the weather today is weird. It has rained off and on all day, and tonight the wind is insane. I think all of the warnings and watches are to the north of us, but we will definitely be weather aware. I am thinking all weekend we will need to be.


I spent a lot of today editing. I have a lot to get done and I want to increase my production time a good bit this year. We will see if it happens. I think that it would help the business a lot. I am pretty timely now, but I want to get even quicker. And I want to get caught up and even ahead would be awesome. I will get done on the session I am working on now, this weekend.


Next week I have to be able to devote time to getting taxes ready. As soon as Brandon gets his W2 I want to be able to file. The sooner we get that done the sooner that we can get some of these medical bills paid. Not to mention the boys desperately need uniform shirts and tennis shoes and we are going to need to pay for baseball, the lake, and school. Sorry needed to vent for a few minutes. Over it now.


Well, games are early tomorrow. At least one of them. Good night and sweet dreams. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Shopping and Lights

Mom picked me up to go shopping at 11:00 last night and we shopped until 10:00 this morning. It was definitely a long day. I did not get a lot of what I needed mainly because I thought I was getting more help than I did. Anyway, I am not going to vent about it right now as I am probably too mad and hurt, but it will be fine. It always is. I have very little left and I will get it done. Mom's friend came with us too, which is always nice. I love Mrs. Charlaine, and she probably is the only reason my mom and I speak to each other during this time.
So tonight is the Christmas Lighting Party. I am so tired. I think next year we will do it the weekend after Thanksgiving and just make it a Christmas Kick-Off event. I was really too tired to enjoy myself and I do not like feeling that way at all. I did not get to make several of the things that I wanted to and that bothers me. I really think moving it back a week will make huge difference.
The party was great, the kids all had a great time and lighting the house is beautiful. You should all take the time to drive by and check them out. They will definitely make you and especially your kids smile! Merry Christmas!!!

Almost Done

So it is 3:00 AM and I am just now writing my blog. Not because I am waking up, but probably not sleeping. I am having Thanksgiving at my house in the afternoon so in order for me to tell you about my Wednesday I figured I better get on with it.

I helped John Michael bake a cake this morning. Orange cake with white icing, that he colored. It ended up being pink and purple, even though he was aiming for blue, purple, and black. Oh well. This one we have not eaten yet as he wants us to have it for Thanksgiving, but it looks good and is actually cake so we should be good. He was super proud of himself and I was super proud of him.

He also helped me make all of the casseroles for tomorrow so that all we have to do is stick them in the fridge! YAY! So glad when things work out the way that they need to.

Danny spent most of the day with my mom helping her bake. I went and got him and the 2 pies that were ready around 5 so we could keep working at home.

For some reason my nerves were on edge this evening. I do not like it when I feel like that. I took a few minutes to myself and was okay. I think it is just overwhelming.

Thanksgiving Thursday and the Friday is our Kickoff to Christmas Lighting Party. Come on by if you want to have a good time. It is a stress free party. No gifts, just food, and fun. Children are always welcome so seriously come on and kick off Christmas and watch us literally light the lights...I am SO READY NOW!

Brandon got completely done with the outside and it looks amazing. I do not feel like I will ever get done with the inside. Down to the hours now. Sleep or work that is the question.

10 Seconds to Garbage

I will explain the title soon.
So the boys had school today they of course were pumped to go for 2 reasons. First, after today there is a five day break. Second, today was the school Mass and since Brandon is off he was going to come with me.
As I have said Mass day is always my favorite day of the week. It seriously allows me to get centered. This Mass was no exception. The third grade is the choir for the second half of the second semester and my big man got up and sang a solo. Much braver (and more talented) than his momma ever has been. John Michael's class was going to do a little Thanksgiving thing after Mass and then sing two songs with the second and first graders. He did so good. I am definitely a beaming proud momma today.
Brandon and I headed home after Mass so he could get on the roof and hopefully get finished before the rain. While he was working and I was working in the kitchen we got a call that the school was closing at 1:30. The weather was supposed to get severe and they did not want to take chances. I left to get the boys and Brandon worked till the rain came and he had to get off the roof.
The boys were super pumped to be out of school early, it meant a few extra hours added to Thanksgiving break so they did not argue at all. Both were homework free other than reading so we were good to come home and get to work on the decorations. Fortunately there was no severe weather.
Since the rain had us stuck inside we put up the living room Christmas Tree. It is so pretty. While some people are very formal with their tree I am so the opposite. Our tree in the living room is decorated with all the ornaments that my boys have made through the years. I love it! It is unique and without a doubt ours. It just shows family, love, faith, so much in one area.
Danny and John Michael decided that they wanted to bake a cake by themselves. I was making dumplings for chicken and dumplings (dinner for tonight) and corn breads (1 for dinner, 2 for the stuffing). Anyway. I let them do their thing. Here is the ingredients that they chose to use.
Milk
Water
All-Purpose Flour
Corn Meal
Crushed Pecans
Halloween Sprinkles
Cocoa
An Egg (and probably a little shell)
I think that covers it all. They asked if I would bake it so I did, the oven was on anyway. Well, it was interesting looking. Looked like very light brownies sort of anyway. John Michael said that it tasted good for ten seconds and then it tasted like garbage. I had to laugh...and that is why it is my title. They had such a good time, and tomorrow I will help them bake a cake.

Monday can Definitely be a Funday!!!!

This morning started off with me getting up when I wanted to which meant a workout, some me time, bills taken care of, laundry started, breakfast cooked, and the boys up and ready and to school on time. YAY! Hoping tomorrow will work out just as well. I like it when I can finish a pot of coffee before 7:30 AM. It makes for a great day!

While the boys were at school Brandon worked on the lights outside. It is always an ordeal getting them ready and he is GREAT at it. I am super proud of all the work he got done. I finished the laundry that I am doing the day and then headed back out for photo shoots. This is going to be a busy week for me. As a mom, wife, daughter, chef, taxi driver, chaperon, decorator, photographer, and student to name a few I am relying on very little time. Stay tuned to http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on the photo sessions, some will be up soon, some not till after Christmas.

The boys had a great day at school. That is what I love to hear. Danny finished all of his homework in class and John Michael has a vacation from homework this week. So they were definitely in good moods. They came home and were super excited to help Brandon work on the lights. They love to help their Daddy and they love Christmas so getting help is never a problem. Such sweet boys.

While we did not get finished, we did end up at Lowe's for a few more extension chords. Brandon said as long as the rain holds off tomorrow he will be finished in a few hours. Then he will be able to help me. I am nowhere near a few hours away from being done. We still have three trees to get up and decorate. Not to mention everything else. It will happen though! There is really no other option so I am staying positive :0)

Well, I am off to bed, I was aiming for 11:30 at the latest but definitely did not make it. Will work on that tomorrow night. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Photo Shoots and Christmas Decorations :)

So today was a great day! I could have handled a little more sun but overall seriously nothing but blessings.
The day started with breakfast with my three men. Even though it was simply cereal it was great to all be together for the first meal of the day, it is after all the most important.
After breakfast I headed out to start a day full of photo shoots. Houses, Parks, Gardens, and more. It was truly a day of blessings for my business as well. I also delivered some disks which is great, because it means right now I am still on schedule! Definitely another blessing. For more on these sessions please watch the blog at www.monicaannephotography.com
When I got home the progress that had been made with the decorations outside was a sight to see. I am so excited about Christmas and we are very quickly making the progress towards having it all ready. I cannot believe that it is time already, but I am also very thankful that it is. Christmas is my favorite time of the year and when the house is ready it definitely shows.
We had to run to get some more extension chords, it would not be Christmas without new ones. Because we add more each year we have to have a way to get them lit...hints more extension chords. I think I will start buying one for Brandon each year for Christmas then he will have it the next year. It would just be a fun little gift that most people would not understand. Well, if they read this they will. While getting the chords, one ended up being five. Seriously! We ran into the Hughes family. It always does my day good to see or talk to Amy. Super glad for that little surprise tonight!
Well, the boys are in bed. I am going to edit and work on homework a few more minutes then I am going to go off to bed myself. I need my sleep plus the boys have school tomorrow and we cannot be late. Coffee is made and ready to brew in the morning!

War Eagle

So today was Danny's day with Uncle Kenny. He was going to the Auburn game, even though he has gone with him before this would be the first time that he was really into football. Last time we were actually in Auburn and he called us to come and get him, of course he was only about three. This time he stayed and had the best time. Kenny said that he was great, which makes me feel really good. He even got a shaker for John Michael, which made John Michael's day. I cannot believe that my baby is growing up but I am so glad that he is able to do things that he loves. WAR EAGLE!!!
Brandon, John Michael and I worked around the house while Danny was gone. I got the bathroom decorations almost all up, the kitchen started, the beds all changed to the Christmas comforters, a few things up in the living room. All in all about 5 Christmas boxes were cleaned out and reloaded with everyday stuff. Definite progress, which is always nice.
After Danny got home we all went to dinner. The boys really wanted Chinese so that is where we went.
Then we headed to the grocery store. With Thanksgiving on Thursday there was a lot to get, and I had to get my mom the stuff to make the pies. I carefully planned the trip to make sure I used the coupons I had as well as got what I could on sale. While it was still over $200 I saved over $100, which made me feel great! I plan to get better with coupons and sales, but this was my first serious attempt and I was pretty happy about the turnout. YAY!
We took mom her stuff and then came home to unload and put up our stuff. I have to go to Sam's tomorrow after the photo shoots that I have to get a few things, but then I am good to get started. I am hoping to have all casseroles made no later than Tuesday night so that Thursday all I have to do is cook them! That is the plan, hopefully it works.
Well, I am off to bed. Good night all and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Soccer Farewell

So today was very busy. We had a lot to do around the house and while we did not get as much done as I would have liked progress was made. We even managed to get the downstairs completely finished, and the indoor Christmas decoration boxes outside of the closet. Now there is no room downstairs, because of the boxes, but now I can start decorating. YAY! I was ready a month ago and now I can make it happen. Slowly but surely. Actually I have about 11 days to get it all done. Probably a little less because of all there is to do, but it will happen.
I had a great photo shoot at the Botanical Gardens. Children are so much fun and always bring so much character into a session. Watch www.monicaannephotography.com for more on this and all of the sessions that I have been working on this month.
John Michael's soccer party was this afternoon at McDonald's. It was definitely a great place for a soccer party. The kids had a blast. John Michael was so excited about his trophy and his picture. Coach Kristin was great all season, and the kids all learned so much. I know John Michael really grew in soccer and he loves it. We will be playing again next fall...spring is baseball.
Well, everyone is in bed and before tomorrow morning (which is in 30 minutes) I am headed there myself. I will be praying for you all tonight.

The final Soccer Game

Brandon had to work at Homestead Hollow so this morning the boys and I headed out to visit him and the rest of the family that was there. We got a new decoration for the yard and I am super excited. So ready to put everything out. I love Christmas! The boys also got puppets, which I have to say were the best toys I have ever purchased at Homestead Hollow. So much fun!

After a morning there we all headed to John Michael's final soccer game for the season. After having to miss the last 2 games I was super excited to be able to be there. While I never played soccer, it has been a fun learning experience. I enjoy all sports and this is one I will definitely be looking forward to every Fall, in the Spring we have baseball. John Michael has had a blast, and Danny wants to play next year.

We ended the day out with a photo session at the Rail Road Park. For more on this watch my website at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ As my business is continuing to grow I am truly enjoying every minute. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. It is amazing what you can learn from someone in such a little amount of time. The boys had a blast playing soccer and watching clouds while I had my session. It was nice having them there, especially since it was dark by the time that we left.

We came home for dinner, studying, homework, showers, and bed! I also had to clean and do some laundry but after the week that we all had I am not sure when I will catch up. Hopefully this week though as it is a requirement with Christmas decorations to get out and Thanksgiving to get ready for! I love the holiday season.

This has been a weekend full of blessings and I know that this week has many in store for us as well. Looking forward to seeing what they are. Watch out Monday, I am ready and looking forward to it! Praying for you all as I head to bed!

Christmas is Coming....in October?

So today I have a lot to get done, with the way that my sessions are taking off thanks to the Living Social Families special I am going to have very little time especially on the weekends. I am excited though as I know that it will mean wonderful things for my family.
I have been working tirelessly on getting the office done, but that meant getting the Christmas presents I already had wrapped. Today I finished those up, except for a few for the boys that I will do tomorrow. I am super excited about the progress that has been made for Christmas. Once I get some photographs finished, I will be even closer to complete. I love finishing early! Less stress is always a blessing.
While going through I have found several decorations that we purchased for the house. I have nowhere to put it up for the next few weeks so I decided to go on and start putting it out. We have 2 mirrors decorated and a few candles out. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Brandon could come home to a winter wonderland. I figure the more I get done now the less we have to do next month. We shall see how it all works out. Praying for positively.
The boys had great days at school today, which is always great to hear. We came home and knocked out homework and studying for tests. So far 2 days for 2 days of Green faces, hoping that John Michael will keep it up I know that he can.
Well, I am going back to editing and homework and I am hoping bed...soon. It is 8:15 now and I would LOVE to b there in 45 minutes but I do not think it will happen since the boys are still up. Maybe though. Praying for all of you.

They are Up

So today was not as fun as I had hoped. Both boys ended up grounded due to some serious attitudes and in turn we missed a birthday party and Danny's Chess tournament. I really hated to do it, but I also knew if we did not stick to the punishments that it would be a long summer. The boys were both excellent so it must have worked.

We spent the day cleaning, working on the business stuff, doing Handwriting homework, and just being together. It was pretty nice.

Back in January when we were putting our Christmas stuff up it would not work. The closet where we always put it just would not hold it all. Brandon finally gave up and we stuck the boxes in the bathroom downstairs. The tornadoes that ripped through the state on April 27th had us pulling the boxes that were in there out so that we could get in. This closet is under our steps and we knew that it was the safest place to be. The tornado that damaged Tuscaloosa and so many other areas of the state came directly over our house, but it had lifted up and we were okay. Today Brandon decided to put what he could in the closet. It all fit. We figure that God knew that it would have taken us much longer to clean out this closet if it was all in there, and by not letting it fit we were able to get it emptied out and us in it very easily. While it was frustrating in January it all made sense. Now all of the Christmas stuff is where it belongs.

This simple Little act reminded me that there truly is a reason for everything and while we usually do not understand it right away the answers sometimes come later.

Well, I managed to get a day behind on my blog so there will be another one tonight! I hope that you all have had a great weekend so far. Enjoy the last few hours.

Aren't Sundays supposed to be for rest?

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

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

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

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

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

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

SFX Saints go 3-0

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

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

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

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

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

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