Basketball Pratice x's 2

Tuesday was day 2 devoted to laundry. I really need a plumber who wants to donate some time at my house. This leaking washing machine is about to be the end of my sanity. I cannot get caught up much less ahead which is slowing down the Christmas stuff coming down drastically.
The boys had a great day at school, which is great for mommy! We had homework but it was definitely bareable. We still ended up being about 10 minutes late to practice.
John Michael had practice at 5:30 and Danny at 6:3o. They both did pretty good. I am glad to see them improving. That is what matters the most to Brandon and I. They do not have to be stars, but to see them doing their best and their best getting better is truly amazing. There is something about watching a child grow in the many faucets of life.
We came home and I rushed around the kitchen making chicken and dumplings. I already had the chicken done and just needed to make the dumplings. I have never made such a small amount or made them so quickly, but it was really good and definitely hit the spot.

Date Night with my Boys

So today, even though WAY too cold, was great.
Today the third grade did the teacher appreciation for the staff at St. Francis Xavier. I was responsible for plates, napkins, and forks. Definitely easy enough. I always just tell those in charge to let me know what is needed and that is my job. I do not mind doing anything to help out and most people know that. I love being involved with my boys' school lives.
It started with Mass with the boys for school. It was said by Bishop Foley, which is always nice.
After Mass and a quick hug from my boys I headed for a photo shoot with a gorgeous newborn and a great family, I managed some candid shots while I was there too. It is always nice to get children in their element. I really like this family, and I know that I have made a new friend for life. Which is always a nice feeling. I truly love my job and feel so blessed. Watch for more on this photo shoot at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/
Today was the 99th day of school which is a HUGE deal for Kindergarten. We finished up John Michael's hat and got it ready for the 100th day of school.
Brandon had a training tonight so he was gone so the boys and I made a date at Arby's. They love it and Brandon not so much. It was a nice treat for the family and I was very thankful to be able to do it for them. They ate great and even when I met a client there they were on their best behavior. My babies are growing up so so fast.
Well, I am off to bed. I hope that Brandon makes it home soon. I miss him like crazy, and he was home this morning, and will be home tonight. Yep, that is how much I love him! I do know that he is on his way. YAY!!! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that all of your dreams come true. I know that I am making mine happen!

John Michael is 5

So today my baby boy turned 5 years old. I cannot believe it! It does not seem like five years has gone by since that sweet newborn cry surged through the house in the middle of the night, since I changed those tiny diapers. It seems like yesterday I was convinced he would be headed to high school in diapers because he did not want to use a potty. I thought the pacifier was going to be stashed in his pillow case for college, because he loved it. The waddle walk does not seem like years ago, yet now he can run as fast as lightening. He is almost done with pre-school and is headed to kindergarten this fall. He plays baseball and cannot wait to add soccer and chess to his after school activities. Five years seems like a long time, but in all honesty if you blink it is gone and all I have is amazing memories and some great pictures!

We had a great day. This morning he woke up in the best of the moods. He wanted Cheese Whiz and Chicken Biscuit Crackers for breakfast so that is what the boys had. I do not think I could stomach that before 7 am. Brandon took a half a day at work so was able to surprise him when we picked him up from school. He is so used to it just being mom. He took blue and yellow batman cupcakes to school, and he was blue after school. I love icing dye. It was so cute. Danny took a blue one for snack and he even had a blue mouth after school. He was quite surprised to have mom and dad there on a Wednesday too! We went to Party City to get goody bags and just random party supplies for this weekend. Books-A-Million was added to the stops and he got a Super Mario Brothers Yahtzee game and Danny got a new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. Dinner at Cici's was the next stop where the boys spent abut $15 in the games. He wanted desert at Logan's with a Yee-Haw and he got it. He even had a surprise visitor, his Aunt B and her friend Katie! He loved it. They even brought him a few surprises, including a balloon which he loves! Now if we could get him to sleep. He has had a bath and yet he will not give it up, and momma and daddy are ready to go to bed! I guess the sugar high is still in effect. I am just thankful for an amazing day with my family. I am also very thankful that John Michael had "the best birthday day ever." It made my day when he told me that!

Well, it is definitely not before 9, in fact we are creeping up on 11, but a day like today was well worth a late night! Before I go to bed I will remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. I hope that you remember what a gift each day is that is why we refer to it as the present. Cherish the little things and always hold onto all of the memories!