Just a Day

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

TGIF

This morning I took the boys to school and high tailed it to Morris Avenue for a couple of photo shoots.  The first was a family who was a blast to wor with.  They did candid and fun and there were even balloons!  It was a lot of fun.  The second was an precious boy who will be celebrating his fifth birthday in a week.  So exciting for a little man. 
The boys had a great day at school.  You can tell that they are ready for break though.  Homework is becoming a challange, and even just sitting down to read which they both usually like to do.
After school care was great too.  The kids were glad that it was Friday and since it was so pretty we stayed outside for a little while.  It was a much needed change in routine for everyone.  Of course it gets dark so early we cannot stay out long but still it helps time go by faster for the kids and adults alike. 
Just for the record I have still not seen the newest Twilight movie, that makes me a little sad. 
We are almost ready for the party tomorrow.  I cannot wait.  It is my favorite time of the year and I love kicking it off with just a have fun relaxed party. 

Happy Birthday Memaw

Today was a regular Wednesday except for the fact that it is a very special lady's birthday.  Happy birthday Memaw, we all love you so much!
The boys had a great day at school and after school care was interesting.  A few fights actually broke out which was quite shocking.  These boys especially and even the girls though need a vacation soon.  They are all getting a little antsy.  The problem is once we have Christmas break it is a long time till Spring Break!

Thursday

Thursdays are always a combination of awesomeness.  I am trying to get so much done and I know that I will.  The boys had a great day today and after school care was a joy.  So many of the children have my heart.  They are all so special.

He is slick

So today was  A photo shoot at Botanical Gardens again and a great day at After School care.  I love it when things just go the way that we all need them to go.  Today while the kids were eating snack and watching a movie John Michael and his new best friend Laiyla were sitting together when he got slick and put his arm around her.  Sneaking a picture was not easy.  They are so funny.  He says he cannot help it the girls love him and he loves the girsl.  He is too funny.  Danny says he is nuts and is going to get detition for kissing on the playground. 

Tired Pumpkins

Today was a crazy Friday for all of us.  Brandon and I took the boys' to school and then we started to run our errands.  We always seem to have more of those than we need. 
We did get a great flower and stand for the front yard.  I love it and  the best part is we can change the mums out and it will work all year. 
Brandon had a lot he wanted to do around the house so when I went to work  he did too, he just did not have to drive anywhere.  I have to admit I was a little jealous.  I was glad to get the time with the boys though.  ASC today was pretty mild, there is no homework on Fridays so they play.  Today there seemed to be fewer kids than we have had all week.  To make that even better was the fact that the last child was picked up at 5:30 so everyone got to sneak out a little early.  That is a rarity and I was pretty excited, even though that is my usual time off, it was nice to see everyone get an early start to the long weekend.  Sometimes those are needed. 
Brandon needed the boys and I to stop and get a can of spray paint on the way home.  We did and John Michael was having an anxiety attack to buy him a can.  Since spray paint is not something I want him to have especially when he does not need it I showed him the pumpkin lights, and we got a strand of those!  I love Halloween!

As soon as we got home John Michael wa ready to decorate.  We hung the lights above the front door and they look really great! 

Brandon was working on a shelf and the boys and I got dinner ready and then we headed to bed.  Well we sat down to watch a little TV after showers and John Michael decided that he was hungry.  I fixed him a small bowl of cereal.  He fell asleep while eating it, that my friends is how tired my babies are!

The Homework Room and Tiger Cubs

So today was a crazy Tuesday and the to get done list was just too long.  I am still trying to manage the boys' school, photography, After School Care, My school work, scouts, sports, and just being a wife and mom.  I know that I will get it down but sometimes I feel like I am drowning. 
Today I decided to call first grade into the homework room at After School Care.  Usually it is third and up and second if there is time.  First has a lot of homework though and I knew if we could get it out of the way before scouts that would make my night slightly easier and maybe some of the parents' too.  They were so funny and they got their work done.  They cannot come in with the whole group the little ones are a little too loud, but when we are down to just a few it works out almost perfectly.  Especially for mom.

We headed down to scouts at 6:00.  So straight from ASC.  John Michael was so excited to be able to make it to the meeting.  Brandon came and got Danny for baseball practice so everyone was able to make it where they were needed. 

The Tiger Cub meeting went great.  They went over the Bobcat requirements so they all should get that at the next pack meeting, which is really great.  They also played a great game which allowed them to get to know each other better as well as more about scout.  It was a game creating a spider web with yarn.  It was a lot of fun for the boys and when Larry (their leader) told them that he was a fireman and a pilot those boys were SO excited. 

Fridays are Always Full

So today Bradon and I took the boys to school.  I love the fact that he is off on Fridays and is able to spend some time with all of us.  At the end of last year we took advantages of these mornings and made them date days with breakfast at Legend's.  They are closed now, which is pretty dang sad, so today we ran through Bojangles, mainly because of the fact that they have Diet Mountain Dew.  Yes, we do allow drinks to determine where we eat.  Caffiene always trumps food inmy opinion.
I had a photo shoot so we headed to Hoover to visit the Aldridge Gardens.  It was a great shoot with an adorable little boy.  He had just turned one and it needed to be documented.  I love my job and the amazing people that I am blessed enough to work with each day! 
I did find out that Aldridge Gardens is going to start enforcing their Photographer's Guild, which means I have to come up with a spare $75.  That is definitely one of those things that is easier said than done.  I have so many sessions there this fall that I am going to have to make it happen.  I will be spending some time praying on this one.  I definitely did not need any extra stress.
Brandon and I headed home so that he could be there when the guys arrived to look at the cabinets in the kitchen that have been busted since before we closed.  Just add that whole deal to the experience.  Another negative bites the dust.  They were supposed to replace the cabinet and instead they placed a skin over it so that you cannot see it.  You know what butt holes....just because I cannot see it does not mean it is not there!!!!
Anyway.  The boys had great days at school and I had a great afternoon at After School Care.  We had planned to go outside, but with the supervisor our with pink eye inside was what happened.  Plus there were a lot of kids today.  Seems like more would be home early with it being a Friday, but that was definitely not the case. 
Since I am in charge when Mrs. Debbie cannot be there we had to stay at After School Care a little later than normal.  I took the boys for a Sonic Blast for a treat on our way home.  They were seriously thrilled!

We went swimming for a little while tonight.  I know that the pool will be closing soon and I wish that we could use it every day.  Next summer I plan to be there too much!  I love to swim and to get sun and I figure why not.  Great memories come from summers at the pool.  CAscade Plunge? Zamora Park? Memories coming in yet?

Running Late

So this morning was slightly hectic.  We slept in, but thanks to Brandon's help me and the boys made it out the door and to the school on time.  Again I am going to ask that those merging onto 59 at Chalkville Mountain Road take a how to merge lesson as soon as possible!  It would definitely make my mornings more enjoyable.
The boys had a great day at school and After School Care was great.  I really love those kids and getting to know them and their parents has really been an unexpected blessing for me this year.  Thank you so much for the opportunity.  I look forward to each day!
Mom had dinner ready when we got home, which was super awesome becase at least Danny and I were ready to eat. John Michael had not quit eating since ASC, he ate the snack then some and then some more and then the snacks that I keep in the car. 
I worked on a lot of school work and got a lot of photographs edited, which is good considering I have a weekend slammed with sessions starting tomorrow.  I love my job and I am so excited about the upcoming sessions.  Several are new clients which is always fun, now here's to hoping that the weather cooperates.
There is a lot of talk about a Tropical Storm headed this way.  We shall see what happens.  We will get some flashlights and stuff just to be on the safe side.  We will be watching the weather and following where Issac heads the nex few days,  guess the weekend will tell us most of what we need to know.
Well, I am off to bed, I need about 2 more hours a day but I do not think that will happen so I am just going to keep doing what I can each day and we will see where that leads us!

It's Time for Scouting

So it was another great morning, something I am so thankful for. 
After I dropped the boys off at school I ran a few errands for mom and then headed to the Aldridge Gardens for a photo shoot with a gorgeous family.  It was a great shoot, family and maternity combined into one.  For more watch www.monicaannephotography.com it is coming soon, or at least one day.  Speaking of my website if anyone wants to help me out with that I would appreciate it so much!  Not the blogging, but the actual website.
The boys had a great day at school and Danny was able to get all of his homework done at ASC which is great for me.  I worked in the homework room, which I really enjoy.  It is great to be able to help the children when they have a question.  I love both of my jobs so so very much.
After work we had a scout meeting for the leaders.  This is the first one for the year and we decided on a lot including when Scout Night would be, next week!  YAY!  Then we have our popcorn kick off, and we also have already set up a trip.  September is going to be a busy month for scouting so get ready!  I am so excited.  I am determined to be better about organizing everything this year and keeping it fun for the boys.  Did I mention the popcorn sales, that is correct I will be harassing everyone soon!  Please help us make this the best year for sales ever!  The more that we sale the more that the pack will be able to do.

We got home and the boys were exhausted for that matter so was I.  I had a few e-mails to get out and things to get in order, but it all got done!  Some days I am not sure that it will, but today was a day where productivity was in the air.

A Normal Week

This morning was a great morning, and like I always say, I hope that they keep it up.  I love mornings where things just go like they should.  Don't we all.
This is a normal school week, so out at 2 today and 3 the rest of the week.  I am really looking forward to it, I know that it will be a great week for the boys, and even for me at ASC.  It will probably seem too fast though.
The boys did have a great day and finally they had some homework to go along with it.  Seriously back to normal.  One of the best things about ASC is the homework room.  It gives all of the students a chance to do their homework which is great.  I am hoping to be able to read tothe little guys and gals so that they can mark that off of their assignment pads too.  I love to read to my boys, but I know that there are a lot of parents who do not have the time and so this would help them and their kids too, and that is always great. 
We came home and mom had dinner ready, which again was so nice.  I love the fact that I am not having to stress over dinner.  I also love the fact that not every meal is from the crock pot.  While I love a good crock pot meal, especially in the winter, I do not love every meal from them. 

We took the boys to swim for about 45 minutes.  They were shocked that we were not getting in but seriously it was too cold!!!!  They had fun though and that is what matters most to me.  Hopefully we can go several more times before it is closed. 

Podiatrists?!?!?!

So this morning started out pretty good, we made it to school without incident.  I have to find a way to get to bed earlier though so I can get up and get moving so I am not so tired driving in.  That is a long drive to not be able to hold my head up.  Thank goodness for sweet boys who will sing and dance with me. 
After I dropped them off I high tailed it to Morris Ave.  A fourteen  year old boy and his mom were meeting me there for a photo shoot.  It was great, and he has some seriously great hair!  Watch my blog at www.monicaannephotography.com for more on this shoot.  One of these days I will definitely get that updated!  I hope anyway. 
After the session I high tailed it to Trussville to see Dr. Waldrup about my toe.  I called him and Dr. Guasteferro and he could see me first so I went.  It was not horrible, but it was not any fun.  He took the whole toenail off and so now I have to wait.  The good thing is it did not bleed much, but when the numbing medicine wore off it BURNED!!!

I left the doctor's office got the prescription he gave me filled and headed to the school.  I was trying to make it to meet with Mrs. Battles to go over my paperwork, but I was lucky to be there by 12:30 when I was scheduled to start.  The boys had a great day at school and we all had a great time at After School Care.  I will say that is where the feeling started coming back in my toe and that was not any fun at all. 

When the boys and I got home we ate and pretty much got ready for bed.  They did not want to go to bed though until Brandon got home from work.  Since it was his late night they wanted to see him.  He got home and we got a text from Samantha that they were on their way home and had something for the boys.  The boys stayed up and talk about surprised.  Danny got a new fishing rod with tackle, and John Michael got a new bike. Since it was late I did not get pictures but they are coming.  I told them that they did not have to do that and Mario said that it was for Christmas and their birthdays since they missed them.  So so sweet and definitely made the boys' day, week, heck month and year.  It meant a lot to me too.  Samantha and Mario are wonderful and we are so glad that they are our neighbors.  Thank you both again, it was so sweet and thoughtful of you.

First Mass

This morning was definitely not as easy as yesterday.  The newness of school had already worn out and since today was the first school Mass it also meant that there were more clothes to put on and get all straightened out.  John Michael decided that he needed McDonald's and even paid for it because it is like I told him, we just do not have the money.  I guess he really wanted it.  As soon as I can I will have to give him that back, I do not like him paying for food, even though there was food here that he could have eaten and tomorrow he will eat. 

We made it to the school and I am seriously thankful.  Because we had gotten up a little late there was no caffiene for momma and I was not going to use John Michael's money to buy some so I was groggy to say the least.  I just prayed and sang!  Music always helps get the juices flowing.

After a quick pose for pictures since it was the first Mass day the boys headed into class and I headed to the office to fill out the new hire packet, which took almost an hour.  There was a lot.  Tomorrow we will go through it all, hopefully I got it done. 

I headed to Mass with the boys.  I love going to the school Masses and today was a Holy Day of Obligation.  It is so awesome to be around so many children who are growing in their faith daily and to be with Jesus.  It is one reason why Wednesday is my favorite weekday.

After Mass I headed to Lakeshore for the drug test that I needed to take for the Diocese.  I will say this was a very humbling experience.  Glad that it is done.  I had to giggle at the girl in there who would not leave without her results and was shocked that I was not waiting for mine.  I  told her that there was nothing to wait on I know that the results will be fine, unless Dayquil shows up.  The sad part about this is she had two children with her.  I hope that whatever she is on she can get some help.

Then it was time to high tail it back to the school to show them where I had been there and to get to work.  It was another great day at work.  I really love it.  Being with the kids is so much fun!  Today we played kickball and basketball and a whole mess of other things.  The boys had great days at school and wore themselves out at after school care.

Mom had dinner ready when we got home, that is so nice!  Tonight was meatloaf, corn, turnip greens, and corn bread.  After dinner the boys were in the shower and in their beds, they were tired.  I have to admit I am looking forward to bed myself.  I am going to edit for a little while and then head that way.