Thank You

The teachers and staff at Saint Francis Xavier are truly amazing.  They are one of the reasons that I feel so blessed to have my boys in school there.  Today was their appreciation snack from the first grade.  We sent mini cupcakes.  I was going to make cakeballs, but time got away from me and I never got to make them.  Oh well, at least there was something sweet in fact there was a lot of sweets! 

Home & School

Today was a great day.  The boys had a blast at school and progress was definitely happening for me.  I headed to the school for After School Care.  I got there a little early, mainly because I am leaving a little early.  I wish I could work and go to the meeting the extra money would really be nice.  Anyway.  The boys and I left at 5:00 to go grab something to eat and then head back to the school. 
This Home & School meeting we go to the classrooms and walk a day in our children's shoes, but we do their 7 hour day in just under an hour.  It is fun and always nice to get to know the parents a little better.  It is hard when they both want both of us in their rooms.  So we started with John Michael's and then went to Danny's.
While we were looking at the art work and the reasons that the first graders are strong in faith we came across John Michael's and just smiled, actually we laughed.  He is a pretty cool guy and eveidentally he wanted to write about Superheroes and the fact that he was one and this is what he decided to do since his first one was too long! 

Basketball

This morning we went to the 11 o'clock Mass. John Michael was so excited that we let him wear his basketball uniform to Mass. We had a game at 1:00 and had to be there at 12:30 so the timing was perfect and it made his Sunday morning. I love starting the mornings off at Mass with my amazing family. We get closer to Jesus and we do it together which is great.

John Michael's game was at 1:00. The boys were definitely more awake than they were Saturday. Of course so were all of us. Today we were playing St. Rose Academy. They won. The score was 4-2. I have never seen a group of boys more excited to win any sport. These guys have been the underdog and the win meant so much to them. They all played so good. They are getting to be pretty aggressive and are getting some of the technical things down too.

I had a photo shoot today at 2:30 at Aldridge gardens. I tried to get in touch with the lady all week because I knew it would be just generally nasty. Well, she never called or e-mailed me back so we rushed from Irondale to Hoover and she never showed up. Meaning I not only did not make anything, I lost money in gas today. That is the hard part about owning my own company. It is very disappointing when the people do not show up at all. We waited around but nothing so we headed home.

I have been working on homework and editing most of the evening. I have a lot to get done and this week I will make serious progress.

Well, I am headed to bed. Hoping to get a nap in before the weather gets bad. Everyone please be careful tonight. This weather makes me nervous. Praying for everyone to be safe tonight and in the morning as these storms pas through.

Basketball and Fundraisers

So this morning started with a lot of rain and a basketball game. At 8:00 in the morning we were at St. Francis, it was sort of like every other day. Except the boys were in red and white instead of navy and white. Looked just as handsome though.
John Michael played first. They ended up playing the same team from Our Lady of the Valley that we played last week. The end score was 10-0, not in our favor. The boys had a good time though, and they are definitely getting more aggressive. Maybe tomorrow will be our day. We play again tomorrow.
Since we had several hours before Danny's game we came on home and I tried to get some photographs edited and some homework done. It never ends, but it is all good. I actually got a good bit done and was super thankful for that.
Danny's game was at 2:00 at Our Lady of Sorrows. For the first time they lost. It was a tough game, a lot of rough playing, bad calls, and bad sportsmanship. They were ready for our guys. They had double coverage on two of our guys almost the whole game. It was a hard game. The boys played their hardest down to the last second literally. I am super proud of them. It was a sad day for them, but they should be proud, they played hard and next time they will be ready for them.
Well, we headed to Subway for dinner/lunch and then I rushed to get ready for the fundraiser I was photographing for The Independence Place. This is an amazing thing and while it is a small part I am so glad to be a part of something that is truly going to improve life for so many people.

Soccer Begins and Alexa Arrives

Today was a crazy day. I am so piled up with school work and photographs to edit that I feel like I am neglecting the house again. I will get better, this class and the next one are killers but once I get through them I think I will be okay. The biggest thing is I have to get my office in operable order. My dining room serving as an office is old, not to mention that I like to have Thanksgiving at my house and without a dining room, that is not going to happen. Not even close. Of course without a new stove that might be harder that I would like anyway, but I will make due.

The boys had a great day at school today.

I have to say that Thursday's homework with Danny is not going to be much fun. They get Thursdays papers and they have to correct everything that is incorrect. I think that it is good that it gives them more determination to do better throughout the week. The thing is Danny did great on everything, but it was two and a half weeks worth of work so it was a lot to go through and make sure that everything was perfect. Needless to say it was a lot of fun.

John Michael had his very first soccer practice today. He absolutely loved it! It was HOT...102 in the shade, and there is obviously no shade on a soccer field. He went through 2 bottles of water and Danny and I went through 1, only because we did not have any more. Next week there will be a cooler with us! Especially if it is still over 100. It was great to see him out there with his friends learning all about soccer! He is so ready for a game it is cracking me up. Serious thanks to Kristin for coaching these guys! Of course anything that is needed I am always glad to help out.

Also today was a very important day and will be from now on. My cousin Amanda had her baby. Alexa Nicole's birthday is today and will be always be remembered because of her amazing birth. Mom and baby are doing well! Thank you everyone who has prayed for them!

Well, I of course managed to get behind again, so I am off to write about Friday! Thursday was amazing though!

Gearing Up

Today was sort of progressive for me but also has me a little more stressed out than I like to be. I am going to continue to pray for answers to what is needed and go from there.

I was able to get Amanda's second maternity session done, check out my blog at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on that. I was glad to get it done for her though as it looks like Alexa could arrive any day! It is just a waiting for now. Praying for a healthy and happy mom and baby!

The boys had a great day at school, which makes me feel really good. John Michael drew a self portrait and it was so cute! Danny had a lot of homework, but came home and got it done, which really made me feel good. John Michael ended up with a yellow face today, which meant he was in trouble when he came home. He was not happy about it, but did understand. This time it was for talking...no surprise there! At least it was not hitting someone with his lunchbox again. Tuesdays seem to be his yellow days which make mommy a little sad. Hopefully tomorrow we will be back to green smiley faces, those make us all happy. He did get his homework done with no problems. His favorite part of course is reading, which I love to do so that is always great. Today was Dr. Suess "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut." This is a great one! Of course I am a huge Dr. Suess fan, always have been!

I have to get my office cleaned out, but I am also having to focus on the fact that tomorrow night is Scout Night. Hoping for a lot of new guys to join us! Say a little pray for our pack to continue to grow!

John Michael is playing soccer at St. Francis! This is something he has been so ready to do and now is his turn. His first practice is Thursday. With Scout Night tomorrow night, we went tonight and got his shoes. He was so excited, Academy had the shoes, shin guards, and a ball all packaged together. He was so cute, and cannot wait to go to practice. I am really excited too! Probably because he is...soccer is not really my thing, but I can and will learn. He was so funny when we got home and he wanted to try it all on again, and then he wanted his regular socks and could not decide if he should wear them over or under his shin guards....funny guy!

Well, I am off hopefully to bed soon. Going to work on a few pictures and some homework and then get to bed. I have a super busy week on all levels so I am thinking sleep might have to be deprived. Know that you will all always be in my thoughts and prayers.

First Eucharist

Now onto Saturday!!!

So this was a day that I knew was going to be a little bittersweet for me. Each time the boys overcome another milestone in their lives it is always joyous but is also a little sad as it serves as a reminder that they are truly growing up by leaps and bounds.

This morning, we got up and headed to Mass, but it was not any Mass it was for Danny's First Eucharist. What a special Mass. Mass did not start until 10, but pictures were before. Kristin, with Future Memories, was taking pictures so I paid for her to do them, so that I could enjoy the day. Of course I still took some, well, a lot. She did individual pictures by the tabernacle from 8:30-9:30. I also used this time to take some pictures of Danny and all of his friends. I am so used to seeing them in uniform or at Mass in regular clothes that they looked so grown up in their dresses and suits. At 9:30 Kristin grouped them all together for the group shot. There were 53 children receiving Jesus through Communion for the first time today. It was so special.

After their group picture they went to the Parish Hall and we waited for the Mass to begin. They came in with flowers to put in vases to go at Mary's feet. The children's choir was singing at the Mass and they sang the Hail Mary which was gorgeous. I thought it was going to be Ave Maria, which would have meant sobbing from me instead of just the slow stream of tears. Then they took their places and Mass began.

Danny did one of the prayers for the faithful, and he did great. He spoke loudly and clearly and I was so proud of him. Every child had a part and they all did so well. I was such a proud momma, as I think we all were.

When they started to come to the Alter to receive Communion for the first time the tears were back but they were happy tears still. There is something that is so powerful about the Eucharist even to me now and to watch my child and all of these children receive Our Lord for the first time was just amazing, powerful, and so special.

There was a reception after the Mass in the Parish Hall that was done by the First Grade and their parents. Thank you all for that. My mom also had dinner for Danny at her house, but we had a baseball break before that.

Overall it was a day that was full of Faith. Holy Communion is something that Danny will always receive now and he will continue to grow in his love for Jesus. I am so proud! I thank you all who came today and showed Danny that you are a part of his life forever in his journey of Faith. I also thank you all who prayed for him during this time. Even if you could not be with him today the prayers that you said for him and this journey have meant the world to us. Thank you to all of the teachers, priests, volunteers, and more who were a part of making this day so memorable. We love you all!

Saints Win and a 30th Birthday Surprise

This morning started with our last basketball game of the season. We played Our Lady of the Valley this morning and won. The second graders from St. Francis Xavier are a great group of boys and this has been a fun season. It has been amazing to watch Danny grow in his knowledge and skill in this sport. I am so proud of him and of all the boys. They finished the season undefeated, today's victory was the closest at 15-10.

Then it was home for the fun to begin.

So I made it through today! It was a surprise party for Brandon. We are both going to be thirty him in less than 2 weeks, me in 2 weeks. I knew that I wanted to do something for him and so an 80's themed party seemed perfect. Everyone was asked to dress up, and let me just tell you I loved it when I was little in the 80's and as an adult it was even more fun. There was the issue of how to surprise Brandon, so since John Michael turned 5 on Wednesday I told him and Danny that I was having a surprise party for John Michael. The thing is John Michael's party is tomorrow. Talk about stressful, 2 parties in 2 days. BUSY, but FUN! Brandon took John Michael to the park to get him out of he house so we could get everything ready, when in fact I just needed him out so John Michael helped BIG TIME! Brandon came home expecting a party, but not for him! He was surprised, and seemed to have had a great time. We even danced off to Michael Jackson's Thriller, and everyone should know I won. I also beat our sixteen year old sister, which was great! I was glad that he had a good time, that was my whole point. He has been having a hard time with turning 30 and I wanted him to know that it would be great!

Well, since I am now 2 hours into tomorrow and we have church, the spaghetti dinner for the school and John Michael's Birthday party I am off to bed! Before I go to bed I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers. It has been an amazing day and dressing up, and just having a good time with family and friends has made today a really special day it has also made me realize just how important it is to get the most out of each day and truly enjoy it. Life should be a party, and should be enjoyed. Brandon and I are hitting milestones this year in the world of birthdays, but more importantly we are doing it together! We are living life, and enjoying it. It is not perfect and definitely not easy, but it is ours! Celebrate something everyday!

Basketball, Party, Basketball

Today was a great Saturday, as always it was busy, but it was a lot of fun. Any day that is spent with my men is a great day in my opinion and today was just that.

This morning started with Danny's basketball game. The St. Francis Xavier Saints went to St. Rose Academy for basketball this morning and came out on top. The score was 20-11. This was the closest game that the boys have had to date. I was so glad that they won and have maintained the undefeated season. One more game and then they can claim the Toy Bowl trophy. We shall see how it all happens. They have a break next weekend and then they go to Our Lady of the Valley for their final game.

When we came home Danny and I got to work in his room. He cleaned off his desk, dresser and nightstand while I tackled his closet and his drawers. I still have the closet floor and the shelf in the top of it to completely be done in there. We still have a lot to do in his room, but we made a HUGE dent today. I also have the three drawers in his bed. Since we are not going to the morning Mass but to the 4:30 PM Mass I am hoping that we can finish it up in the morning. It would be a GREAT Valentine's Day present to me!

We had a birthday party and the boys had a blast. They always have a good time with Sasha and Conner and with even more kids added to the mix the good times were even more in abundance. Of course Sasha's birthday just reminds me that my babies birthday is around the corner. These kiddos are growing up so fast. I remember when Amy and I were waddling around Wal-Mart trying to go into labor.

We finished up tonight with a trip to the UAB game. UAB vs. Rice. It was a great game and we were glad to see the Blazers come out on top. This was a cub scout trip and those boys got a kick out of being called out by the announcer! Pack 357, had a great time at the game! I am going to see about getting some patches made for them, we will see what I can come up with. I don't think I will have it for the Pack meeting this month, but hopefully the blue and gold.

Well, it is definitely not before 9, but I knew that was not going to happen today. Before I go to bed, which will be in a moment, I pray for all of my family and friends. You guys are amazing!

Pancakes, Practice, Pictures...and More

So I seriously cannot believe that it is February. Part of the reason behind this blog is so that I remember to treasure each day. It is the present, because it is a gift. I am determined to smell more roses and stress less. This is helping, but it is definitely not slowing down time at all.

Well today started with taking both boys to school in just a little drizzle like rain. Then back to Danny's school to help with the pancake breakfast for the Kindergarten, First and Second Grades. It was a great breakfast, and the children all really seemed to enjoy it. I was glad to be there for Danny man. It was also Parent's appreciation and during morning drop of the children were clapping for us and they brought of a bag full of little goodies. It was so sweet. My children getting the best education and a Catholic foundation is so important to Brandon and me.

After getting the boys from school, Danny had Choir practice, then he practiced his reading for Mass next Sunday, and then Basketball pictures, and then basketball practice and followed it up with our Cub Scout Den Meeting. It was definitely a wild Tuesday. We have to finish his Hat Book Report tomorrow night, but there is not much left to do, so it should not be problem.

Tomorrow the second grade is doing the Mass, and I am so excited. I have not decided if I am going to take John Michael in late or if I am going to let him stay home. Time will tell!

Well, before 9 was not an option tonight, maybe tomorrow night. Before I go to bed I will be remembering you all in my thoughts and prayers. Time is precious! Enjoy it but cherish it.

Catholic Schools Week

Today is the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun and exciting week for the students, parents, teachers, faculty, and everyone involved in Catholic schools.

This students were asked to wear their uniforms to school. The 11:00 Mass they also sang in the choir, and did the readings. It was really great and I have to admit to getting a little emotional during Mass. There is something almost magical about the children singing. Danny is in the Children's choir and he did very well, they all did. I was and am still a proud momma.

There was also a great display in the vestibule this morning that had a picture of all the Saint Francis students. It was really nice.

The banner that the youth from SFX took to the Walk for Life in Washington DC was also on display and it was great.

Next week is the food drive so hopefully I will rememer. I seem to be on a role and I have to get more organized. This morning was the First Eucharist parent's meetings and I had no idea. I feel like such a horrile person. I was assured by one of the mom's that it was no big deal. As I am decluttering my home hopefully I will be able to keep up with it all. Next year it will be an amazing blessing to have them in the same school! I think that alone will help. I currently drive 132 miles a day!!! That is enough to drive anyone crazy...right?

Everyone seemed to be shocked by John Michael's hair, but they also seemed to like it. It is a shock, he has always had a lot of hair and even though he has had several hair cuts, we have always kept it a little longer. Now he looks like a big kid! I guess it had to happen sometime.

Well, it is definitely after 9, but tomorrow is a new day! I will try again. On my way to bed I will remember everyone in my prayers. I will also be praying that the alarm will wake us up in the morning, I need Monday to start well this week! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nice weekend as it looks like now we will have rain followed by really cold weather!

Basketball...Haircuts...GREAT WEATHER!!!!

Well, today was quite a day! We had a lot to do and a lot going on, but it was a great one!

First, I want to sing praises for the amazing weather. I could not have drawn a better January Saturday! If only it would stay, there is a lot more winter. Hopefully not a lot more winter weather though! I was able to get the van cleaned, inside and out and that alone made me feel wonderful! I have been trying to get it done and today I just did it, with the help of the family!

Danny had another basketball game. This one was against the other OLS team and the SFX Saints won again. The final score was 23-2. These boys play so well together and have a great time. Danny played well especially considering that his finger was jammed after throwing the football around Friday night with Brandon. Brandon felt horrible, but it is doing better. Still sore and black and blue, but it is better. I felt horrible because I forgot my camera. They only have a few more games so I cannot do it again. The thing was we were running late, and when I remembered it was afraid if we turned around we would be even later, it worked out that we were 10 minutes early. Go figure. Oh well, there are reasons for everything.

Tomorrow morning the children's choir is singing at Mass so it should be great! I will remember my camera. Maybe I will put it in the van tonight.

We came home tonight and Brandon wanted to cut his hair, Danny wanted him to cut his, and then my rock star John Michael wanted his cut too! Well, they all have matching haircuts now! It is so sweet and I do like it, but he looks so much older now. They grow up so fast! Prior to matching haircuts, they got matching head lights today and were super excited!!! Check out the before and after pics for John Michael!!!

Well, still not before 9 but it will happen! SOON! Before I head to bed as always I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I love you all. I hope that you have all been able to enjoy this weekend and that it continues to be great for all of us and all of you!

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!!!

Way To Go Saints

Today was Danny's first basketball game. He is playing for Saint Francis and they won! They played Our Lady of Fatima and the score was 20-6. I was so happy for them as they took a few minutes to celebrate. This is his first year so when he hit the court for the first time he was confused, but he did very well. He is not quite Michael Jordan, but who knows where practice will take him. I was just so proud that he had such a good time. I remember the one year I played and I was so scared after that first game. Hints, why there was only one year. I was so proud of him when he told me it was a little confusing, but that he would get it andthat he had fun. Here's to hoping the boys can bring the Toy Bowl trophy to the school's trophy case.

We came home played a little basketball in the driveway and John Michael planted some popcorn kernals. He is a character. I wish I would have gotten pictures of that, but he has more kernals to plant, he knows that he will get a lot of popcorn from this! When we came in we had an awesome little magic show from Danny who is learning magic tricks and is having a blast!

Well it is the night before the big snow prediction. We will see. The boys are so excited I would be if I knew where the ice/snow line was going to be. Ice makes me nervous and I really do not want to lose power. I do not mind being stuck at home, but I do really pray for power. We rarely need the nebulizer, but it is here if I do. One day when we have some money I will be purchasing a generator, just for peace of mind. We did have to venture back to the store we were out of batteries for the flashlights, just in case. I would love a good snow with power! That is what I hope for.

With less than 48 hours to announcing the next National Championship winner I have to say WAR EAGLE!!!

As I head to bed tonight I am thankful for the wonderful family that God has blessed me with. I love my boys, all three of them and I know that while I might not have much in my bank account I am a very rich person. I pray for all of my friends and I hope that all of their needs and concerns are put in a box for God, He is bigger than we are!