Just Another Manic What Day?

No not Monday...Saturday!

The past few weeks we have been so busy on Saturdays that we do not know when they start and when they end....this week was no exception!

Only Danny had a game. 

Again it seems that on Saturday every single team should be playing at the ballpark.  I get that some teams might have to play twice, but that is okay.  They all should play.  We should be at the park from morning till dark.  Maybe the park will grow some and next year that will happen.  Maybe they will put me on the board so I can have a say.  I was elected 2 years ago but then they decided to go a different route and not have an elected board.  Mainly because the City wanted control.  Stupid, if you ask me.  Anyway enough about all that.

Danny's game went good.  There were some bad calls, but whatever.  They played a great team and they lost.  Maybe next time.  I do hope that they get at least one practice in this week.

The cub scouts were camping out todanight at Zamora so we were running back and forth until after we were done at the park to make sure that all was well.  It was so awesome to be at Zamora after so many years.  I have a lot of really awesome memories there!  The cub scouts made some today too!  They are working on getting the pool open, so swimming did not happen.  Well some managed to get in the lake.  LOL!  It is so great to see my boys making memories and having fun at the smae places where I spent so much time growing up.  They fished, they ate, they cooked smores, they played on the play ground, they all had a blast.  I hope that everyone really did so that we can do this more often.  It was so simple to work with the Shriner's and it was great to be there.  Anyway, I will work on getting feedback next week and I will make it all happen again soon I hope!

We missed Brian and Christen's couple shower, but they know (I hope) that we love them.  We wished that we could make it but circles is what we ran today!  We love you both!

Just add Cement....and Injuries!

So let me just say I love Fridays with Brandon!  They are awesome and they really mean a lot to me, we get to do all of the things that we need to do and never have time for.  Like getting new shoes.  I have not had new shoes in a few years and Brandon well he abuses his.  I want to start running so I wanted good shoes and so did he.  We went to Track Shak in Trussville and they were great!  I also want to say that I LOVE my new Brooks!  WOW!  I had no idea how bad my shoes felt until I felt the way that shoes should feel. 
We headed home and were going to get to work in the office and den when the school called.  Danny had hurt his wrist and it was swollen.  We headed to check him out and went on and got John Michael.  It ended up being a sprain, which is definitely something that we can all live with. 
We all headed up to the house to see if we had a foundation.  Guess what we did!  They were still working, but it was awesome to see our porches and our garage floor and the foundation for the house!  Now it will cure all weekend but I do not care, I am so glad that there is something happening there I do not know what to do.

After that we headed to the ballpark for family night.  Games were all canceled, which sucks.  I personally like the ballpark being active with games.  All the other stuff can go on too, but I like games!  In fact that is what we signed up for.  Anyway we were there for all of about ten minutes when Danny and another kid were throwing.  They decided to start pitching, well the other kid was pitching Danny was catching.  They were too close he threw a fast ball, which Danny is not used to anyway.  Also Danny was not in his gear.  Anyway, the ball centered Danny in his eye.  We ended up at the hospital and then home waking him up every couple of hours.  Poor guy is all I can say.  He is such a trooper and I know that it hurt. 

Photo Shoots and Practice

So I am definitely glad that Monday came, which is not something I would normally say, but it is truly how I feel. I have been so busy this weekend, and I just needed some normalcy. While I am not sure that it was normalcy it was much closer to my schedule which is extremely important.
The boys had great days at school. John Michael started off the week and the month with a green face! I hope that he keeps it up. Danny finished up his testing, which I think made him pretty happy. I cannot believe that in two months I will have a 1st grader and a 4th grader. Time is seriously flying by.
I had two photo shoots today. One was at Morris Avenue and the other was at the Civic Complex in Gardendale. They both went great and I cannot wait to get started on them. Keep an eye out on my blog at www.monicaannephotography.com
The boys both had practice today. They ended up practicing till almost 8:30. That is REALLY late for us. I have so much to do even when I get home. Plus they are done after about an hour and a half so two and a half they were really done. Then we still had to have showers and all that fun stuff.
I spoke to the City of Clay and to one of the board members at the park to let them know about the A$@ that runs the concession stand. I can assure you of this the concession stand will be getting no business from me nor will Deerfoot Cleaners. More on that when I am not falling asleep typing. It has been a long one.
Know that you are all amazing to me and I cannot wait to see and hear about all of the wonderful things that are happening with you all!

Opening Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hello 31

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

Marathon, Party & Snow!!

So today started with the Kid's Mercedes Marathon. The boys had already run 25.2 miles at school, today they had to run one mile to complete the Kid's Marathon. It was so cold and the wind was horrible. We got there at 9:30 to meet up with the school for some pictures and a prayer. It was great to see everyone because as soon as we got to where the kids started it was chaos to say the least. When the 3rd graders left the starting line I headed to the finish line. John Michael and Brandon were still waiting for the Kindergarten to race. Danny and Chandler crossed the finish line together. I was so proud of him. I have to say it was hard to let him go in downtown by himself, I even cried a little, but he did so good. Brandon and John Michael also did great. Brandon ran with John Michael and we had to laugh because now he can say he ran in a Marathon. John Michael and Danny got a medal and were so excited.

We left the Marathon and the boys' wanted Sneaky Pete's of all places. While we were inside John Michael started talking about the snow that he was seeing. We looked outside and it was actually snowing. Seriously, it was 70 when the week started, now it was 12:00 in the afternoon, 30 degrees, and worst of all was that it was snowing. The only good news was that it was not supposed to amount to anything.

After lunch we headed to Clay to get the boys' signed up for baseball. I cannot believe that it is that time of the year already. We are still in basketball and we will literally go straight from one to the other, but it is all good. We are all excited about the season starting. It is always a super busy but definitely fun time of the year.

After registering we headed to Amy and Terry's house for Sasha's 9th birthday party. It was a great party. Amy had made cupcakes and the kids decorated their own, it was a great idea and everyone seemed to love it. The kids had a blast.

Needless to say today was a very busy day. I have to say I have never been as cold as I was today it was miserable.

Water Guns

Today was a pretty laid back day. We did some work around the house, and I had to go to the Post Office, but other than that not much. I have not felt good and I needed a down day.

I am taking some meds and about to go to bed, now that the boys are finally asleep. Again, even later than last night. I do not know what to do. Still seeking advice so if you have some that would be awesome. We are planning on getting them up at 6 in the morning and one way or another I do not plan on letting them stop going.

I cooked dinner and had it ready when Brandon got home from work. Then he headed to the ballpark. He is going to video the football games for Clay Recreation Youth Football if there are enough orders. If so it would be a great blessing, if not it means that an even better blessing is waiting. I have faith that it will work out the way that it should. He bid a job for Clay Chalkville High School and it would have been amazing, but we have not heard so I am going to assume that they decided not to go the professional video route.

The boys played outside a good bit this afternoon. Water guns and bikes were the main features for today. We will see what tomorrow brings.

I am doing a quick maternity shoot in Trussville and I am very excited about that. My cousin Amanda is having a baby girl, and we are having her baby shower Sunday and for something I want to do for her I need a maternity picture. I hope that she is as excited as I am. Stay tuned for pictures and more details in the blog that features MonicaAnne Photography and all that I am doing.

Well, I am off to bed. Know that you are all in my prayers.

Home and Back to Work

Well, we had to come home early this morning. Brandon had to go to Clay Rec for the youth football sign ups, and I had (still have) so many pictures to work on. Not to mention school work.

I do feel like I made progress today, but in some areas I fell backwards too! I am going to bust it in all areas this week to see what I can accomplish! I have so much I need to do.

Danny's invitations are almost done, I have a stack of DVDs going out for photography clients. I ordered the cutest thing for Amanda's baby shower. She will be able to use it at the hospital, and at her house after Alexa gets here. I hope that she likes it. I know I love it, and would have loved one for the boys. They are a little old now. Anyway. As soon as it is completed I will let you all know. Probably with Pictures!

Anyway. I have so much to do but with all the bill paying and invitation addressing that has been taking place I figured this was a great time to use my address book for my picture. Plus I was in overdrive and well, it seemed like the best thing to take a picture of as it is controlling my life right now.

We did not do much else today. John Michael was sick, his hernia was giving him issues. It was a busy but not really fun Sunday. I do not like it when my babies are sick. I am sure all of you mom's out there know what i mean. Even as they get older, I feel helpless.

Well, I am off. Know that prayers will be said!

My Little Chef

Today was a very good day. We went to my mom's who has been in Oregon and did a few things around her house before she got home. She is home safe, sound, and exhausted. I talked to her for a little while, but told her to call me tomorrow that I was not going to call and wake her up. I am glad that she had a good time and was about to spend some time with family that we do not get to see nearly enough.

I also was able to get a lot accomplished with editing the photographs. Beach session is completed and blogged about, go check it out! Working on the wedding now. YAY for a busy growing business! I love what I do and am so thankful for all of the support that I have received.

I even made a dent in the laundry. Still have a ways to go to be done, but hopefully tomorrow I can round it all out.

Brandon and the boys like this weird concoction of food. Me, not so much, but I do make it for them. We were talking about the strangeness of it this past weekend so I decided to make it for them tonight. Danny wanted to learn how so I let him help. He is getting so big so fast.

Brandon went straight from the Network to the Ballpark to work on getting orders for this ball season. I am hoping that some more come in. Sunday is the last day for football registration and I hope that the orders come in for him. He is giving everyone through the first week of practice to order the package deal at an amazing discount!

While Brandon was there and after the boys ate we went to Amy and Terry's for a little swim time. Amy and I did some exercises while the kids played. It was a lot of fun! I hope that we can do it more. It was also just a nice way to relax at the end of the day! Thanks you guys! Danny and Sasha were hilarious with the waterproof camera and their skits!

Well, if John Michael is asleep I am headed there myself. We have a lot to do tomorrow, especially if the lake is in our future for this weekend?! Fingers crossed! I will be praying for all of you and I hope that you all have a day full of many blessings tomorrow. Who knew something as small as Danny helping with dinner could mean so much!

Meetings and Friends

So today started late. I slept much later than I wanted or needed to but I guess my body had different plans. Oh well, it was still a productive day so I have no complaints.

Brandon had to go to Clay Recreation to be there for football registration. He will be video taping all of the football games, as long as enough people purchase the discs. I really hope that they do. I will go one Saturday with him to get some photographs, but this will be his fall baby. The boys had to go with him today, because I had to meet with a couple about a wedding. He said that the boys were great and as always Danny got a kick out of helping. There were no orders today, but several fliers went home. Come on everyone, it is a great deal! Praying that more orders will start to come in. Also praying that more people sign up, right now I think registration is pretty low.

The couple that I met with today was amazing. They are so sweet and are going to be stunning to photograph. I am looking forward to August 5th when I am able to be a part of their very special day. TC and Danielle I know that you two will be very happy! They are very easy going, which is always nice.

After Brandon and I got home from our business for the day everyone changed and we headed to Amy and Terry's for dinner and swimming. It was great spending time with them and Terri. The kids all had a blast. Between the pool, hot dogs, and the Wii I am not sure what they enjoyed the best. After dinner the moms all got into the pool and it was a lot of fun! Thanks again for having us over.

Well, everyone is home and it was not long at all and the boys (all three of them) were passed out. I love it when they play themselves to bed. Tomorrow is going to be busy, laundry, cleaning errands and a photo session are just a glimpse into what it will bring.

So I am going to join everyone else in dreamland. I am pretty beat. I am so thankful for good friends and a growing business, all of which were the highlights of the weekend. Praying for everyone!

Sunday Swords

Well against our better judgement we let the boys buy swords when we left the beach. They had to use their own money and it was known that if they screw up with them then they are ours. These things will be the death of me. I did not think that they would buy them but they did.

I woke up sick this morning. Well, not really sick, but with serious sinus issues. Oh beach....how I miss thee! The thing is at the beach with the salt air and salt water I can breath so much better.

Brandon was going to the football registration with Clay, so that he could get preorders for the DVDs of the games. He arrived and there was nobody there. He called several people and hung around for an hour. No returned calls and nobody ever showed up. I wonder if they will have a football team. Surely they will not do registration this weekend it is a holiday weekend after all. We will see what happens, but without the sales he cannot go video. That is a lot of money and time on his behalf. Trussville is done with registration I think, and other than online Clay has not even started. The thing about their online registration is it is a joke. Just a paypal link. Really?! Not sure who is doing the web page but it is definitely not someone who knows what they are doing. A lot of flash too, which means not Mac friendly.

Brandon came home and we went and did some basic running around. We had to get the garage door opener from Chris, thank you again for feeding Charlie Brown and making sure our plants had water. We also had to go to the store, we had nothing in the house. Plus we knew that the diets were starting which meant we needed some things so we did not blow it on day one.

Well, I ended up a day behind, and I am hoping tonight I can get back on schedule!

Opening Day...

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowds!!! What a day for opening day! It was gorgeous and warm!!!

Danny team is the Yankee's, John Michael's is the Detroit Tigers! They looked great this morning all decked out and ready to play ball! I love this time of the year. It is hectic and busy and also wonderful and fun! The boys learn so much in just a few months. Plus we are all together and all outside! It is great.

Today the boys had their opening ceremony, which was really nice. Then they had pitching or batting competitions. Danny chose to pitch, and he won a silver medal. He was so excited and I was so happy for him. John Michael chose to go bounce, he did not really care about a medal, which was actually very surprising to me since all he wanted last night was a trophy. Anyway, today was for them and about them so bouncing it was.

John Michael's team was the first to play the lost their first game, but since the rain continued to interfere with practice this week they played the second game too. It gave them some more practice, since these were short fun games more than anything. They lost their second game too, but not as bad, which was definite plus.

Danny's team played as soon as John Michael's was done with the first one. The problem was we did not realize this so Danny was the second inning getting there. He did GREAT though and even though it was practice game too they won and he was super pumped!

Of course there had to be some drama, but hopefully that is all behind us and we can move on. This is for the boys and the adults should always be on their best behavior. Never good when the fits thrown on the fields are by the parents. Brandon did great in nipping it in the bud!

Both boys got their helmets airbrushed, and they were so excited about that! I will get some pictures up soon and show everyone. They also got their fill of shaved ice and funnel cakes! Danny did lose his catcher's mitt. He sat it down and went to get something and it was gone. I am sure someone has a nice new mitt, but remember KARMA is a b.... We went and got him another one in case it does not show up in the lost and found. He has to have one though. Other than that it was a perfect day!!!

Well the boys are finally asleep so I am headed there myself. I am so tired and we have a busy day tomorrow. Church, baseball, yard work, etc. Before I go to bed I will be praying for you all. I hope that everyone had a great Saturday and has a wonderful Sunday!

P is for Pajama

John Michael's class is working on the letter P and guess what it is for Pajamas...so today was pajama day! He loves to get up and get ready in pajamas. He looked so cute in his batman PJ's. The only problem I had was they are shorts, and it was cool today, but I knew that they would be inside since it was such a nasty day so I did not fight with him about it! He was being too sweet and we were running too late for me to argue!

Danny had Mass today so he was all decked out in his tie! I love the fact that they dress up for Mass. I have to find him something super nice...like a suit for his first Communion.

Not to mention I still have to get them both something for Easter. They do not mind dressing up, but the shoes they do not care for at all. Oh well, time to go shopping! If only I had the money to do a lot of it. One day it will happen though.

Well, we had our cub scout pack planning meeting tonight. Easter Egg Hunt, Blue and Gold (yes, I know that we are behind schedule), Summer Camp, Summer Camp Out, Barons Game, etc.... It is going to be busy but it is most definitely all going to be fun!

We got Danny's baseball schedule today so hopefully John Michael's will arrive in our inbox by tomorrow. Needless to say please send all correspondence to me care of Clay Ball Park. I really do love the sport, I just wish that it would not rain every other day and that it would warm up. I always enjoy more activities when it is warm!

Well, I am off to bed. It is not before 9, but not too bad considering it is not 10 yet! Getting closer! Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of our family and friends. There are so many blessings that we ignore through the rush of life, but being able to just enjoy each day through this blog has made me more aware of each part of the day and while I am no where near where I want to be in many areas in so many areas I have made amazing progress. 365 Days of blessings has definitely been a blessing for me!

The last Basketball Practice

Well today was definitely the day after a birthday at our house. Because we try to make the whole day special and about the boys the day after they are usually in wonderful moods! It is sort of like a college day hangover....only there is no alcohol involved. Maybe I should start consumption of it so that it does not seem so bad. JOKING for all of those who are following who do not know me!

Today was the last practice for Danny's basketball team. I have to admit I am a little sad. I will miss watching these boys really give it their all. This was a team scrimmage and it was very entertaining and close. I cannot believe that I left my camera, but I will have it for the last game Saturday, at least that is the plan. It has been a quick season, but I guess they always are when time is flying by.

Baseball should take us to the end of school. If you have not signed up Clay Recreation is adding one last weekend for signing up, which is great! I love sports and I am so glad that the boys do too.

We came home and had to rush through dinner, then shower for John Michael and homework followed by a shower for Danny. They are passed out now and even though it is not before 9, which figures I am headed there myself soon.

Storms are a possibility tonight, but it is all good. I am looking forward to rainy sleep, which is always the best. I am hoping that the severe weather radio stays quiet.

Well, before I go to bed tonight as always I will be remembering all of my friends and family in my prayers. Whether or not you have voiced your request or it is an internal desire it is remember ever night by me. There is so much that we all leave unspoken out of embarrassment or just because we feel it is too private to share, but know that I am praying for you!

Remember that we all harness an amazing gift from God but we must use it!

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!