Vacation's Over

The boys' went back to school today and I went back to work.  It was great to be around everyone again.  after being so sick before Christmas break I felt like I was missing a lot.  I love spending the extra time with the boys and all of the kids and other workers at After School Care.  It might not seem like much, but there is something very special that can be found working with children.
Of course the boys wanted me to let them stay home today and tomorrow, but I told them we could not start off 2013, and the 3rd quarter of school missing two days for no reason.

Brandon Goes Back

So after 19 days of vacation Brandon headed back to work today.  It was weird without him being at home.  I was definitely glad when he got home.
The boys and I got started on the inside decorations.  While a lot will stay up through the Epiphany, trying to get everything organized and into the right boxes is easier said than done.

Back to It

Brandon headed back to work today after being off last week for the move.  The week went by so quickly and to think that there is still so much to do. 
The boys and I busted tail and got their rooms completely cleaned and unboxed.  They were excited to hang a few things on the wall and just make it feel a little more like home.  We still have a lot to do to completely finish their rooms, but we are at least on the right track now. 
Brandon came home from work and got to work in the yard.  He wanted to get it cut and he did!  It looks so good, he was just glad that it only took a little over an hour.  A HUGE difference from the old house!

We headed to the pool and I decided to swim a few laps.  I have not done that in years and man could I feel it.  I hope that I can do this more often.  I love to swim and working out in any faucet is great and considering I still cannot put on tennis shoes the pool is pretty much what I am limited to right now.  I definitely plan to use it as much as possible until they close it.  If only they would heat it, maybe we can get a hot tub sooner than later, even though I cannot swim laps in it I would enjoy it so much!

Car Wash

Brandon was able to go into work a little later this morning mainly because he has to work late and OT is frowned upon.  Yet another reason I am looking for a job.  So if anyone knows of anything let me know.  It was nice we all had breakfast, he fried eggs and made toast.  Breakfast is his speciality!  I cleaned though.  Then he took the boys to Vacation Bible School on his way to work and I started to bust my rear end around the house.
All of the stuff I had piled up on the couch for eBay I got pictures of which means they are one step closer to eBay.  The box of books I had I got posted on eBay.  There are a lot more but one thing at a time.  I also got another box ready to come upstairs that has had pictures taken and I have a lot that needs pictures, but needless to say eBay and I are definitely working together right now.
I cleaned the den.  I did not worry about packing just about getting the stuff that I could donate bagged up before John Michael saw it all again.  I love my baby and I know that he loves his toys but we have so much and there is NO way that it can all come to the new house.  The funny thing is when they came home they did not even realize it so I think maybe I am in the clear.  I hope so anyway.  I know that I will find more, but this was definitely a start in the right direction.
After Vacation Bible School the boys helped me clean out the van.  I promised them that they could wash it by themselves if they helped me get everything out of it.  Considering most of the stuff was theirs I felt like I was being more than fair.  We have already packed most of the car washing stuff, but a water hose and a little Dawn go a LONG way with two boys!  They did a great job too and had so much fun.  I know I used to love washing the cars for my mom and dad so I thought that they would and they are getting older.  It was cute. 

W came in and rested and then headed to baseball practice. 

We went by the new house on the way to practice.  They were working and it was on the floors.  We had linoleum (sp?) in the laundry room and the tile in the bathrooms and kitchen.  They were still working on the grout upstairs, but it was happening.  I cannot tell you guys how much I love seeing progress. 

It wa cut short because of the lightening but the rain seemed to stay away.  At least from the house, I am not sure if it ever rained at the park or not.  Our tournament starts this weekend and hopefully we will continue on after this.  I would love to see the boys go to state, it would be really awesom t go further, but state would be amazing!  By the way if you want to come out and cheer on the 8 year old Clay Cougars come to Huffman ballpark at 7:30 tomorrow night!

Back to a Routine Sort Of

Brandon headed back to work, the boys to school, and me, well laundry was on the to do list and then some. Of course there was so much going on that I did not even get half of what I wanted to get done but it is okay. Mom and I were able to get some things done that had to be done and that is definitely the most important thing right now as she starts rebuilding her life.
Brandon said that it was a long day, and I definitely believe that. He said everyone asked about mom, and all of us, which is so appreciated. I wish that they would have given him the time off with pay and without having to use his PTO, but I am very thankful that he had it.
Catholic Schools week is this week and my name was mud with John Michael because today was hat day and I had no idea. He never brought his bag upstairs, and I never thought to check his folder because of everything that was going on. Hopefully I will do better.
I will get my list of stuff done as soon a possible, and it will all work out. Nancy, thank you so much for dinner, it was delicious and enjoyed by everyone. Again the outpouring of support from so many people has been so touching, I honestly cannot even begin to truly explain.
I cannot believe that it has been one week since the tornados changed so many things for me. I will get into this soon.

Back to a Routine

So this morning we slept a little later than we wanted, but everyone was on time, which is a definite plus to day one.
I got home and could not believe how quite my house was. There is so much to do and yet I found myself trying to catch up on the little nit picky stuff. At least I feel as if I accomplished something, not sure that it is visible to anyone else though. Tomorrow I will work on the more noticeable things, like getting the games back downstairs and in the game closet.
The boys had a great day at school. John Michael is so excited about some new things that they are doing in class to learn more about money. He also came home with a green face :0) Danny was excited because he was able to finish watching a movie that they started before Christmas. My favorite movie, A Miracle on 34th Street. He said that he liked it too.
Homework was minimal, but it was there! We managed to knock it out for both boys in about 30 minutes which was good for all of us.
As soon as we were done with homework it was time to change and head to basketball practice. They both had practice so it was 2 hours at the gym. It was fun though. Games start this weekend and I am SO SO SO excited! So am I. I am also glad that they are not at the same time so for this week anyway, we both get to go to both games :0) That is always great news.
Brandon came home after work and hopefully fixed the problem with the drain for the washing machine. We will see in the morning when I do laundry. I could not today, because of the problem. Praying that all goes well.
Well, I am off to bed, it is 11, and I was hoping for 9 or 10, but I got 10 yesterday and was after 11 before going to sleep. LOL! Maybe tonight I will just sleep!

Last Day of Vacation

I cannot believe that the boys go back to school tomorrow and Brandon goes back to work. We got up early this morning, even though everyone was late going to bed. This translates to it is 9:30 and the boys are asleep and as soon as I put this load of laundry in the dryer I will be headed there too!

I will miss them all so much tomorrow though. I am sure I will get more done in the house than I have been able to since Christmas, but still it will be sad with them all gone.

This morning I fixed everyone waffles for breakfast, and then we went to run some errands including going to the store. There is always something to do. Then we came home and the boys played football, I tried to stand out there, but it was too dang cold. Brandon had fun though. John Michael ended up playing Ghost busters, which was so funny. He even rewrote the song so that it was his "ring tone." Such a good day with fun memories.

Danny finally finished off the antibiotic for his spider bite. There is still a little bump there, and we will keep soaking it and watching it very closely. The good thing is the cellulitis seems to be gone. He was glad to be done with the medicine. I am just glad that we do not have to fight about him taking it anymore.

I started taking pictures of stuff for e-Bay. While I have gone back and forth I have to get some financial release and I am hoping that this will help. Maybe between this and the photography we will be okay. I was unsure until I walked downstairs and there was WATER everywhere coming from the washing machine. Brandon worked on it for a while, but we are worried we will have to call a plumber...which means more money. It will all work out, while I doubt I make enough to pay for a plumber right away if I can just make enough to help get the debt down we will be okay, I know that we can do it.

While there is the plumbing issue, hopefully it will work itself out sooner than later. I am going to try something tomorrow. Pray for good results :) Today was a great day with spending time with each other and just enjoying the day.