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. 

Out of School!!!

So today was a day that we all needed.  Of course there was a to do list, but it was one that we could all handle.  The boys were out of school, the teacher's had a work day at John Carroll.  I was not complaining, it was nice to have a day off from the drive, from work, and my car's gas tank was also thankful. 
We went to the Butcher Shop and got some meat for the weekend.  Pop's butcher shop is definitely one of our favorite places for meat.  Maybe because of the fact that it is Pop's, but definitely because it is the BEST place for the BEST quality of meat that you can get.
Aunt Carol came in from Lousianna.  She brought me so many shirts, and I am so so thankful.  I just do not have the work clothes anymore.  I am working on it though and she just saved my tail.  Thank you so much Aunt Carol.  She got the house tour, which is so much fun to give.  It was great just sitting and visiting with her.  She said that she had a nice trip over, which is always good to hear.
Danny had practice again.  Their first game is Sunday and so the more they practice the better they will be, at least that is the hope that everyone has.  We will see. 
Overall it was a great Friday and I am very thankful for the time that we had together, even though it was busy and for the time that we had with Aunt Carol.  We love you and thank you again for the clothes!

Good Bye August

So I cannot believe that it is the last day of August.  Seriously 2012 has been full of ups and downs and all arounds, but it has flown by.
I am definitely excited that this weekend is a long one.  I need a day with the family and I am hoping we can sort of have a lazy long weekend.  We have things to do this weekend, but they should all be fun. 
The boys had a great day at school today.  Danny had an Alabama History project due and he picked Springville to do it on, which I thought was pretty awesome.  He talked about our house, the drive we have, the city itself and most importantly his pop's butcher shop and the king!  For those of you who do not know who the king is please go by The Choppin' block and Springville and find out. 

Work was great, the kids were definitely ready for the weekend.  It has been a long few weeks for them I think and the general anticipation of the weekend.

Tonight there was a blue moon, basically the second full moon of the month.  Mom says I am living up to the reputation of the full moon.  I was trying to learn how to howl.  Why not add another skill to the resume.  Plus I am pretty bumbed.  I found out I am waiting three more weeks for a paycheck.  Things are just tight and seem to be getting tighter.  I keep telling myself that this too shall pass, but I also know that I really need to find either another part time job, get more sessions booked, or find a full time job.  I am hoping that I can get some more sessions booked with fall coming up and I have several different specials coming out too.  Prayers that they all drive in some more business.

Well, I am off too bed.  I am super glad that the blog is now caught up, I still have to catch up the other one, but I will get there.  One thing at a time.  I am determined not to stress anymore, and just do what I can as I can.  It all always seems to get done anyway. 

So excited about tomorrow!!!

Busy Bees

This morning I had to be up and in Mountain Brook for a photo shoot.  The baby girl, Alice, was gorgeous, but not in the mood to finish up the shoot so I am going to go back and try again.  I did get some very cute shots, stay tuned to the blog at www.monicaannephotography.com for more on this shoot and so many others.
After the session I headed home.  Aunt B and John Michael had run to Trussville for Aunt Paula and Danny and Brandon were busy working in the yard.  There were some goofy areas that he basically turned into flower beds.  He got one of three done today, and the other two marked off so YAY for progress. 

When Brittany got back me and her and John Michael headed to WalMart and the Chopping Block.  We got almost everything we needed at Walmart, I forgot salt and milk.  Oh well.  We got hamburgers and pork chops at the chopping block.  If you have not been there for your meat you really should go, there is no better place to get your meat!  Now that we have a grill I plan to be there as often as the budget will allow.  If only we could get our refrigerator in maybe we would have a little room to store extra meat, this mini-fridge is insane!!!!

I started to feel pretty bad and basically could not keep my head up or my eyes open.  My allergies are really going nuts and it is not what I need right now.  I have way too much to do. 

Samantha and Mario came over and ate burgers with us.  Tami and Kevin and the boys were supposed to come over too but they got held up at football practice.  Poor Carter is also eaten up with poison ivy.  I hope that he feels better soon.  We missed you guys, but we will definitely make it happen soon. 

We all ended up sitting in the driveway until almost one watching the meteor shower.  It was so pretty and being up so high they looked so low.  It was gorgeous. 

Happy Memorial Day

While Memorial Day is always a day that I like to spend outdoors and with my family there is a serious side to it that we often forget about.
So many people have died fighting for the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.  Many people are fighting now and many more will fight.  These people are amazing and the true heros that make America something more.  Men and women give their time and some ultimately their lives for their families and the millions of families who they will never meet.  They do this not because they have to but because they love their country and have chosen to.  To each of you, I wish I could do more, byt thank you. 
We headed out to check on the new house to see that they were bricking it still.  Of course they still have not corrected the back, but hopefully they will before they pull out.  Some parts of building are on my nerves.  It will be great when it gets done. 
After we left the house we headed to the Chopping Block.  This is the best butcher shop!  We were going to hang out with friends and we thought that we would take another smoked butt!  BBQ is a must for Memorial Day and since the other one was so good we shared!  If you want quality meat head to the Chopping Block, you will not be dissappointed. 

We headed to Tami and Kevin's to spend the day.  It was great.  Beer, friends, the pool, the sun, BBQ, family, laughs ...yep absolutely perfect day!  Thank you so much guys for a great Memorial Day.  It was perfect!  You guys are great and I am so so glad that we met this year! 

We headed home since everyone is back to normal tomorrow, the boys fell asleep in the van which was no surprise, Brandon was only about five minutes behind the garage door closing. 

Well, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day! 

Play Ball

So today was the tournament at Morris ballpark.  The boys all played great and I was so proud of them all.  They did not win, but it was not for a lack of trying.  Who knows what the outcome would have been had it been fair baseball.  These umpires were a serious joke to the profession.  I do like anyone who is willing to cheat children.  Danny had a great time though and that is what matters most. 
After his game we headed home to get ready for John Michael's team party at Tami and Kevin's.  It was great.  It was nice to just relax and hang out.  The kids had a great time.  Their trophies were awesome and I cannot wait till we get to the new house so that we can display it.  He also got a medal for being the most improved.  All of the boys this year grew so much in the sport so that was really great especially for John Michael who was thrilled.  As always thank you Kevin and Tami for a great day!  Thank you to everyone for a great ball season!  The friends that I have made I will cherish forever!

We headed to the butcher shop to get a smoked butt!  I have really been looking foward to some BBQ so this is awesome.  Thank you Chopping Block!
We headed to the new house and the mud was on the sheetrock.  Roughly 45 days, of course we need it in about 35 so we will see what happens.  I plan on having words sooner than later!

Sports Saturday

This morning started out with a trip to Fultondale for John Michael's soccer game. They did not win, but they had a great time and that is what matters the most to me. He really loves soccer and when he is paying attention is pretty good, especially for year one. I am super proud that he is loving it and having a good time. Danny went off with JT during the game, they found ice cream and seemed to have a good time. I guess watching little brother is just not any fun.
I went by Hewitt High School to scout for a potential photography location. I am thinking we might have to try it out. I love finding new locations so if you have any ideas let me know. I will go check it out! I have a few in mind, but I need more time to scout.
We headed to The Chopping Block to get some meat to grill. We were going to do it tonight but decided that tomorrow night would be better. The Chopping Block is on Hwy 11 in Springville, if you want the best meat available you will go by there and try them out.
Of course we had to go to the grocery store. Not my favorite family trip place to go. We got what we needed a lot that we did not and then headed home.
Football, football, football. We came home to watch Alabama take on Arkansas. I did not make it through the first quarter. I was so tired and what I meant to be a twenty minute nap turned into almost four hours. Go figure, I guess I needed it though. I woke up in time to see my Auburn Tigers take on Florida Atlantic. I was glad to see my boys in orange and blue on the field. I hope that Lutzenkirchen is back in next week though, I missed him a lot. There is something about him that just makes me happy! WAR EAGLE baby! 30-14.
Well, homework and pictures are calling my name so I am out so I can get to work. I am also ready for bed. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am looking forward to Mass in the morning. I need some time with Jesus after this week.

Auburn's Season Starts

Well, today was a great day. It is supposed to be the end of our very long dry streak. We need some rain so I hope that this tropical system in the Gulf sends it to us.

The best part about today was the fact that SEC football resumed! Auburn played at 11. They played Utah, it was a game that was too close. I love my boys in Orange and Blue no matter what, but I am very glad that they won their season opener. It seemed to be a good day overall for the SEC. I do not understand those who truly hate Auburn it makes no sense to me. The funny thing is the most obnoxious of fans are not even ones who went to the schools. Most of the time they are uneducated morons who ruin the fun for everyone. I am a football fan, yes I always want Auburn to win, but I do not spend my time hoping for others to lose. I like it when all SEC teams win (except of course when they are playing Auburn). This used to be how football was.

Anyway, after the game we went to visit Pop at the butcher shop. For anyone who has not been to visit The Chopping Block in Springville, you definitely should. Brandon and the boys grilled hamburgers for dinner, and they were delicious. I love it when the men cook.

Well, it was a great Saturday and I am hoping that Sunday comes with rain...lots of rain!