Out of The Way

So today there was a lot of things that we had to get done to be ready on our end to close.  We are ready and now if we can get the builder ready we will close Monday, but it looks like it may be Wednesday.  I am not too happy about the delay and when this is all over and done I will write DR Horton a long letter about the way that business is conducted, but today I am just going through the motions. 
We got all of the errands out of the way so other than the one photoshoot this week we are good to go and should be able to make some decent progress each day.  After being up until almost three with John Michael I was glad to be getting out today, I was moving slow so even though I did not get much done around the house I got the things done that had to be. 
Tomorrow I plan on making a HUGE dent in the house.  I am also going to have to get some work done on the scrapbooks I have to catch up on.  Brandon really does not want to move all of the extra stuff and to be completely honest I would rather move and be caught up then move and still be behind. 
The boys were playing extreme couponing, which is so funny to me.  I want to coupon and I try, but my savings are never as good as the people on TV and I am not even trying to by 100 bottles of ketchup, just one.  LOL!  Maybe when we get moved I will be able to make it happen.  I am definitely going to keep trying. 

We are watching the Homerun Derby, which is pretty cool, but also a little boring.  It makes me miss baseball season even more.  Come on fall ball I am so ready already!

Well I am going to get off here and try to go get some work done and maybe even a scrapbook, but most of all I want to go to bed early.  I am pretty tired. 

It's Over

So today was just a sad day.  We got up and had a quick breakfast and then got ready for the ballpark. 
We got there to find out that we were going to be facing Huffman.  They are a great team but so are we.  With dedication and consistency we could have won.  We had a player get hurt in the 3rd inning, where we had them 8-7.  With the player hurt our momementum and focus seemed to be lost.  I have to say this though.  Huffman is a class act team, with great parenets, boys, and coaches.  Thank you guys so much for being such a great team and I hope that you all go far this All Star season.  If we cannot I am so glad that it is a team with class and a team that leaves a positive impression on the ballfield!  We ended up heading home.  Which makes me sad.  I love baseball and this season has been so awesome.  I hate that it is over and now we head to 9-10 year old and kid pitch so fall ball here we come. 

We headed to the new house where we made a list of things that have to be fixed. What is so irritating is that some of this has needed to be fixed since the first week of May.  Anyway, it will all happen I hope sooner than later. 

We headed home and relaxed.  Moods were sour and so we did not do much at all.  We were all sad and in need of some relaxation.  Of course that is an area that I do not do well in.  I am so wound up that who knows when I will be able to relax.  Hopefully soon, but probably not.  Too many thoughts running through my head and too many decisions that have to be made, not to forget everything that has to be done. 

Bye Santa

So anyone who has driven by my house knows that as of this morning we were still ready for Christmas. Well, Brandon got all of the big stuff out of the yard. He still has the wreaths, and lights to go, but Santa and the reindeer are put up. I told him that made me pretty sad I liked Santa waving bye to me everyday and hello to me everyday. Now it is just boring.


Seriously, I am glad that we are making progress. We still have so much to do. It is always a task to get it all up especially because of basketball we seriously just do not stop. These rainy days are not helping us to have a few minutes to get it done either. It will all happen though. No rush.


So the weather today is weird. It has rained off and on all day, and tonight the wind is insane. I think all of the warnings and watches are to the north of us, but we will definitely be weather aware. I am thinking all weekend we will need to be.


I spent a lot of today editing. I have a lot to get done and I want to increase my production time a good bit this year. We will see if it happens. I think that it would help the business a lot. I am pretty timely now, but I want to get even quicker. And I want to get caught up and even ahead would be awesome. I will get done on the session I am working on now, this weekend.


Next week I have to be able to devote time to getting taxes ready. As soon as Brandon gets his W2 I want to be able to file. The sooner we get that done the sooner that we can get some of these medical bills paid. Not to mention the boys desperately need uniform shirts and tennis shoes and we are going to need to pay for baseball, the lake, and school. Sorry needed to vent for a few minutes. Over it now.


Well, games are early tomorrow. At least one of them. Good night and sweet dreams. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

A Day at Mount Laurel

So I have so many sessions before Christmas and Mount Laurel is my favorite place to go for them. Today all of my sessions were there. It was awesome. It was such a pretty day to be outside, especially if you are armed with a camera. Stay tuned to http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for blog updates there.

The boys and Brandon came with me today. They had a blast. They went to one of the parks there and they also went to one of the areas and played football, baseball, and I think soccer. They also found the basketball courts and cannot wait to go back to play there too. They were doing their lighting tonight and we thought about staying, but it is like a neighborhood block party and we were afraid that we would be intruding. We decided to come on home and just head back out there soon to see everything lit up.

I have to admit I was glad to come on home, as much as I would have loved to have seen it I am so tired and have so much work to do that I knew the best thing would be to come home. The boys have had their baths and showers. Everyone is about to eat dinner. I am editing now and plan to keep it up until I head off to bed, which I plan to be sooner than later tonight.

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! I hope that everyone's weekend has been as blessed as ours. I have learned that if you count all of your blessings you will never stop!

Pop Fly

So today was Monday. I thought that I would have some answers and be slightly more stable but still nothing. I am not at all good with hurry up and wait. I am scared, mad, happy, and sad all in the same second. I think they have put people in straight jackets for less.

Danny wanted to work on his pop flies this evening. We went outside and practiced. The way that he practices is so awesome. He gets on the ground and Brandon stands on the deck and throws them down. It is nerve wrecking and really cool all at once. He is doing so good and I am so proud of him. We did not do fall ball this year, mainly because of time, but he has been practicing. He is already ready for Spring.

Time goes by too quickly as it is for me so I am not going to wish it away. In fact I just cherish each moment. That is what we all should do. While I was thinking this a rainbow appeared. It really was pretty, I love rainbows though, they are just such a gorgeous gift.

Classes start back tomorrow so while I can get to bed early I am!

Go Barons!

Today we had our end of the season baseball party with Clay Recreation. It was at Region's Park. We spent the afternoon watching the Baron's play. It was a lot of fun and they won 4-1 which was even better. Danny caught a ball and was super pumped about that. Both boys got their trophies and were able to spend time with friends that they had made while playing ball. These friends can last a lifetime, I know I have some of those friends. We were able to spend time with some of the amazing people that we have come to know through baseball too.

Anyway the game was fun, the boys were great. Brandon and I had a good time. In fact I took John Michael to get a shaved ice and decided to get myself an adult slushie....mudslide to be exact and it was very good.

The boys cannot wait to go back and I cannot wait to take them back. Brandon is looking forward to it too, but hopes that it is a night game!

I really hope that the Baron's do not leave Region's Park! The City of Birmingham needs to learn that this is not a movie....just because you build it does not mean that they will come. Jefferson County has this same issue. Sad when reality is something that they do not have the ability to touch yet they were elected into office.

Brandon has been working on editing the Mass that he did Friday. I have been working on getting my pictures done. My personal ones were really behind, now I am up to today!

Well, the boys are exhausted so I am off to tuck them in. I do not plan on being very far behind them! I am glad to be caught up on my blog and my pictures, it takes a weight off especially with vacation coming up and there will be a lot of pictures, as always! Know that you are all in my prayers tonight. Whether you spent the day with the Barons, with family, with friends, or just by yourself enjoying some me time every second is truly precious! Enjoy them all!

Bittersweet Endings

Today was a great day and a little sad too. Definitely a bittersweet one.

It started this morning when I gathered the things that I needed to take John Michael to his last day of pre-school and his last day at Hilldale. I am so proud of how much he has grown and how amazing he truly is. I cannot believe that he is headed to Kindergarten though, it seems like only a few days ago I was dropping Danny off for his first day. Now Danny is in 2nd grade and my baby a kindergartner. WOW! Seeing Mrs. Hays this morning I knew that it would be a hard day, but I was determined to stay strong. We enjoyed a fun morning of field day type activities followed by popcorn and the snow cone truck. Then inside for hot dogs and chips and well then the goodbyes. I gave Mrs. Hays her gift from the class. This memory book is so much fun for me to do and it means a lot to me and to the teachers. Mrs. Hays also gives all of her students memory books, these are so heartfelt and meaningful. I am not sure that I can find enough words to describe how much they have meant to me through the years, but this one was even more special as it is my last. When John Michael and I came home I really looked at it and took the time to appreciate the work and care that she puts into them all.

We had to get Danny and then get homework completed before the second round began.

Danny got ready for his last baseball game of the season and John Michael got ready to go sing at the 5K Graduation at Hilldale. This helped to maintain my tears, I knew that we were going back at least once. Brandon took Danny and John Micheal and I headed to Hilldale for the last time as a parent and student. When we go back it will just be as visitors. I loved the fact that they all matched, even the teachers! It was such a special Graduation ceremony for the 5K and First Grade they are ready for you. The K4 classes sang great and this is definitely one proud momma! Then the goodbyes came. I had to say goodbye to people that have been such a huge part of my family. I consider these people more than teachers, they are friends, they are a part of who my children will become and for that I am and always will be bonded to them. I told them that I want to get together and I mean it! This was not just talk it was from my heart. I also told them I would come up and photograph for them anytime that they need it! Just give me the dates and I will add it to my calender. There are parents who I have known and grown close to and I will miss. We will have to get our kids together so that they can play and stay in touch and so that we can stay close. This I also mean from the bottom of my heart!

We left the school, and once I regained composure I dropped John Michael off at my mom's because he really wanted to spend the night and I headed to Danny's game.

Danny's team won their game and they played great, at least the 2 and a half innings I saw. I cannot believe that baseball is over. I truly enjoy spending time at the park and getting to know other people. We will work with our catching, hitting and running and maybe next year we will make all stars and the season will continue even longer.

Well, Brandon is home and we are going to get Danny in the bed and then head to bed ourselves. I am exhausted. Today was definitely one with so many reasons to celebrate and many tears fell. Before I go to bed I will remember each of you in my prayers. Please do not ever take that moment that you have for granted or the people who are in that moment. While there are many to be had these are the memories and the people that we keep in our hearts forever!

Opening Day...

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowds!!! What a day for opening day! It was gorgeous and warm!!!

Danny team is the Yankee's, John Michael's is the Detroit Tigers! They looked great this morning all decked out and ready to play ball! I love this time of the year. It is hectic and busy and also wonderful and fun! The boys learn so much in just a few months. Plus we are all together and all outside! It is great.

Today the boys had their opening ceremony, which was really nice. Then they had pitching or batting competitions. Danny chose to pitch, and he won a silver medal. He was so excited and I was so happy for him. John Michael chose to go bounce, he did not really care about a medal, which was actually very surprising to me since all he wanted last night was a trophy. Anyway, today was for them and about them so bouncing it was.

John Michael's team was the first to play the lost their first game, but since the rain continued to interfere with practice this week they played the second game too. It gave them some more practice, since these were short fun games more than anything. They lost their second game too, but not as bad, which was definite plus.

Danny's team played as soon as John Michael's was done with the first one. The problem was we did not realize this so Danny was the second inning getting there. He did GREAT though and even though it was practice game too they won and he was super pumped!

Of course there had to be some drama, but hopefully that is all behind us and we can move on. This is for the boys and the adults should always be on their best behavior. Never good when the fits thrown on the fields are by the parents. Brandon did great in nipping it in the bud!

Both boys got their helmets airbrushed, and they were so excited about that! I will get some pictures up soon and show everyone. They also got their fill of shaved ice and funnel cakes! Danny did lose his catcher's mitt. He sat it down and went to get something and it was gone. I am sure someone has a nice new mitt, but remember KARMA is a b.... We went and got him another one in case it does not show up in the lost and found. He has to have one though. Other than that it was a perfect day!!!

Well the boys are finally asleep so I am headed there myself. I am so tired and we have a busy day tomorrow. Church, baseball, yard work, etc. Before I go to bed I will be praying for you all. I hope that everyone had a great Saturday and has a wonderful Sunday!

April Fools Day

So today started off great and ended great...I am just exhausted, but it is all good.

Today I got up on time! YAY! And took Danny to school. Since John Michael and Brandon were off today I left them here to sleep in a little. We rarely get a chance to sleep in without anyone having to rush around so I figured that they would enjoy it. And they did.

I came home and worked on laundry and some more editing of the pictures from the play. Then it was time to get ready to meet up with Terri and get ready for the wedding we were shooting today. It was the prettiest simple wedding. I was so touched, which I have to admit I am at all weddings, I just Love them. It was such a happy time and the bride and groom were totally consumed with each other, which is always magical. They were such a fun and easy going couple and I cannot wait to get started on their pictures. Thank you Terri for asking me along! It was a blast!

The crazy thing about the house where the wedding was is I actually think that it is a house thatmy mom grew up playing at (her uncles) small world! I will show her the pictures and we shall see.

Well, I made it home with just enough time to change and get the boys (Brandon got Danny from school today) and then head to Danny's basketball party. It was a lot of fun. The boys and the parents had a small basketball game and it was hilarious. Then there was pizza, a cake (because seriously no party is complete without cake) and trophies. The boys won the Toy Bowl and were super excited to get their first place trophies. Thank you Coach Adam for a great season! Until next year!

Then off to the ballpark to pick up uniforms for John Michael's team and get Danny's from his coach. We also helped (well Brandon did) get the bounce houses ready for tomorrow. Opening Day here we come.

Well, I am off to bed. We have to be at the park and I am exhausted. I have a thousand things to do, but it is just not working out for me right now. Too tired!!! Before I go to bed though I will remember to include all of you in my thoughts and prayers! I also am praying for a successful opening day. The park's new president and his wife have put in so much time and all they ask is for the kids to enjoy. You two are amazing and so will this season!

Late Night at the Batting Cages

So tonight we were supposed to have a practice game for John Michael's team to give them a little taste of what it will be like when they are out there with another team. This morning however we got a text that the fields were closed, so we were at the batting cages from 7-8 but it ended up being closer to 9 before we were done. I had a team mom meeting from 7-8 so it was all good, but I know that the boys were tired. Both of mine were done we came home they took a bath and passed out.

Today was somewhat productive for me. I am working on 2 things for John Michael's class and am waiting on money from 9 more parents. One thing is more pressing than the other but they are both important with so many things going on I am hoping to get these wrapped up tight and ready to go. We shall see what happens. One is the Q and U wedding, the other is a surprise for their amazing teacher!

I am also working on something for Danny's teacher and well, there are 24 children in the class and I have money from 3 so we still have a ways to go. That 3 includes Danny! I will be sending reminders though, like all of us I know that there is a lot going on.

I was able to start working on the Cub Scout scrapbook as well as the 2009 scrapbook. It is amazing what I can do when I get determined. I am so ready to have everything the way that I want it and I know that I can get it there with a little more work and focus.

Of course we were on our way home from ball tonight and the brakes started to squeal. That is an expense that I cannot really afford right now. We shall see. Brandon wants me to have the bearings (sp?) checked too and see if the unexplained noise that the dealership, aka crooks, swear is not there. I will NEVER buy a dodge again. I do plan on writing them a long detailed letter of disappointment soon. Maybe I will do that this week. We shall see. With gas at 3.49 a gallon I can barely afford to fill up and I know that affording this right now is impossible.

Today I wore my room mom, team mom, chef's, housekeeper, scrapbooking, mom, and wife hats. Tomorrow I am sure it will be more of the same. I also have to put on my scouting hat Wednesday and probably for a little while tomorrow. Sometimes I feel like I am running in circles, at least there are blessing all the way around.

Well, the picture is a rare one, it has me in it. It is such a rarity that both boys want to lay with momma for a little while, so it was a special moment for me.

For now I say good night to you all. I will be praying for my family and my friends. There is so much happening all over the world, and the least all of us can do is pray for all of those affected.

Really Tired...

So today I was definitely under the weather. I even took some extra vitamins but nothing seems to help. I am sure it is a combination of my allergies not liking the weather changing and my asthma never cares for storms that come through. I just fight through it.

I did not manage to get anything done that I wanted to except getting Danny's first grade scrapbook put together. While I have to still cut a few things with the Cricut and print a few pictures just like with John Michael's 3K it is primarily done. The next ones I will be working on are 2010 and 2009, then it will be time to start on 2nd grade and 4K as well as starting to work backwards with the years. I hate the feeling of being behind but I will get there. I am more or less stalling on the earlier books because I know that they will be the hardest.

The boys scrapbooked a little too and I took a picture of their pages for you to enjoy. I thought that they were too cute!

Brandon was able to get the play that he has been working on done, I still have the pictures to edit, but those will be the focus for this week. I am supposed to help with a wedding on Friday so I plan to get those done before that.

I also have a lot around the house to do, but that I will do one day at a time starting tomorrow. I have a goal date and that is the end of April, but baseball is about to get going in high gear and classes are getting more challenging.

I am considering a break, we shall see though. I know that I could use it. It would enable me more time to be able to concentrate on the business and without the added pressure of deadlines in class. Not to mention the baseball, cub scouts, and school for the boys schedules that are currently being juggled. I am not 100% yet on what I will do or when but a break is one option I am considering seriously at least for the time being. Any advice would be great.

Well, I am off to bed. The boys just went to sleep. It is definitely a late night. Tomorrow we have baseball from 6-8 so it will not be easy getting in bed by 9, but I plan to try. Before I go to bed tonight I will be saying a prayer for all of my family and friends. I hope that you all had a memorable weekend and were safe through the storms.

Spring Break Friday

Today was the last official day of Spring Break, of course we have the weekend, but it has been a great week. Except that it is more than obvious I have completely neglected my daily chores of cleaning! I wanted to enjoy time with the boys, and while I could not stop with the laundry everything else went by the wayside, that is what next week is for right?!

Today was an exceptional lazy day. I was actually looking forward to laying out on the back deck. I want to shield as many as I can from me in a bathing suit. Anyway, when I went outside today I was run off by red wasps on a mission to destroy. I thought I had wasp spray so I could turn their mission into a suicide one, but I was wrong. I will be investing in some though as I love the sun and will not be kept away by some crazy creatures. On tomorrow's to do list.

We decided to take advantage of the day, and I scrapbooked almost all day and worked on pictures that needed to be edited. It was great to be able to get some things done that I have wanted to do and not had the time. Well, the pictures I have been working on, but scrapbooking is a different story. I have so much stuff to get into books that our office in unusable until I get it done. I actually completed one book...2008's year in review and moved onto the Christmas 2008 album. I love Christmas so it always gets a book to itself. I am still working on it. I completed the pictures of Morgan Makenzie's Baptism. Brandon completed the editing of the Baptism video and those are ready to be delivered. Hopefully I will be able to get in touch with Kimy and we can get them to her this weekend. Danny even helped me with scrapbooking which was a lot of fun for both of us.

Baseball practice was canceled tonight, which I have to admit I was okay with. I have been up their every night this week so a night off was a nice change.

Well, I am off to bed since it is almost tomorrow and I have a long day ahead of me. John Michael has practice, we have a Birthday party to go to, Danny has a practice game and then Brandon is videoing a play and I am doing photographs. It will be a great day with lots of pictures! Before I go to bed tonight I am saying a prayer for all of my friends and family. I am also saying a special prayer that this project is the beginning of many doors opening for Brandon and myself. We are ready for great changes!

A Much Needed Day of Rest

So time changed, and even though I remembered last night, I so forgot to change the clocks that I have to change. Usually we have the alarm on our phones set so we would have been okay, but not this morning. We slept late, REALLY late, but so did the boys and they really needed it. Praying that everyone gets back on schedule tomorrow. Even though it is Spring Break it is our only day with Daddy home so we are going to see Rango.

We really had a relaxing day, we just lounged around and enjoyed the day. We went in the back yard and threw the ball around for a little while. The boys had a blast and so did I. I think Brandon was glad to get his arm worked out after two days and three practices of throwing the ball. Playing made me really miss softball, but seriously, there is not any time for that. Maybe one day I will get on an adult team. For now I am going to enjoy being at the park for my boys!

Danny was really excited to drink an Auburn Coke!

John Michael's face is looking a little better as far as the swelling, but the bruise is starting to look worse. I know it is part of it getting better, but it breaks my heart.

We did try to find some knee savers this evening for our catcher boy Danny, but no such luck. Come on Academy we need these!!! We are going to check a few places tomorrow including online. You would think these would be as easy to find as catching gear...considering they go together. What do I know though.

So on the news tonight I saw that there is an average of $18,000 a year spent on every prisoner and an average of $3,800 a year spent on each student. Does anyone else see the problem here. This is why I want to get into politics. Something needs to be done about this. I am all for stale bread and water for their meals....why exactly do they deserve more? Hell, that is more than some American families live on. SAD SAD SAD!

So it is 11:30 and I am way past my bedtime! I am headed there as soon as I post this! Before I go to bed I want all of my friends and family to know that I am praying for them. I would also like to ask you all to pray for an old friend of mine Kim and her baby Jemma and who is in NICU at Children's, as well as their family. Thank you all so much. We all know that God has amazing hands and I just want this family to feel His presence and see His miracles!

Report Cards, Baseball and Busted Lips

Today was John Michael's last day of school before Spring Break. Needless to say he was excited. He was not thrilled that the beach was not in our plans. If we had the means though it would be! He is so much like me when it comes to the beach...LOVE IT!!!

Danny has tomorrow to go but did get a special out of uniform day for raising over $35 for Jump Rope for Heart. It was also 3rd quarter report cards. I was so proud of him. He is reading over 100 words a minute and had all A's and 2 B's. His Conduct and all that jazz was superb. All over the board a VERY happy momma and daddy! BTW...if he was in public school it would be all A's. Tougher scale in private school which is good.

Tonight was Danny's first baseball practice. It was great to be back on the fields with my boys. It would have been better had it not been so bitterly cold. Danny did great, and was really glad to be back out there. Tonight's was a basic practice just to get the boys back in the swing of things.

John Michael fell after practice and busted his lip. It is so swollen, and just breaks my heart. I hate it when the boys are hurt, and for him to have cried as long and as hard as he did I know that it hurt. It looks like there is a possible black eye too, but I guess we will have to see what the morning brings. I just hope that it does not hurt anymore. He has his first practice tomorrow night.

So it seems that there is some flooding taking place at the lake so after we drop Danny off at school we will be heading that way. If it is not here it is there. What can you do though?

Well it is after 10 again, and I am just now heading to bed but it is what it is. Maybe I should start aiming for 10 instead of 9....things to think about. Tomorrow is my last day in my 20's so I am planning on having a good day and am really looking forward to scrapbooking with Amy! It has been too long and I am so far behind! Anyway. I am off to bed. Before I go to bed I will be praying for all of my friends and family. I am also saying a special prayer for my friend Terri....she needs a "Hey I am ok."

The Mother of all Water Heaters

The Mother of all Water Heaters has been installed thanks to my amazing husband Brandon and help from an old friend Adam Abts. First, I cannot thank Adam enough for coming over and lending a hand. It meant a lot. Thank you too his wife too for letting him come over. This water heater is really cool, it is a Hybrid from GE. I am super excited, and will be even more excited if it truly cuts my electric bill some! I will let you all know the outcome for that.

This morning was baseball tryouts. I did not take my camera because of the rain, but it was a lot of fun. Brandon is coaching John Michael's team, and they will meet tomorrow to chose teams. I am excited to watch my little man grow. Danny's team was picked today, and he is on Cale Webb's team. It should be a lot of fun. Danny loves baseball and I know that he will grow so much this year. I am looking forward to watching all of his games too, hopefully they will not have games at the same time. Missing one or the other is not something that I want to ever have to do. They start practice this week so expect a lot of baseball pictures in the upcoming blogs, especially once games begin. But I do think that this is where we temporarily change our address to the ballpark. Great memories coming.

I had a photo session today for a first birthday and it was a lot of fun. It was an old friends little girl, Ashlyn, and she is a doll. Tomorrow a baptism. I am looking forward to working on all of these pictures. I love photography and when I am able to capture memories for others that I know will last a lifetime and more for them means everything to me. Watch the other blog for more on each of these amazing sessions.

Well it is after 10, but I am off to bed. I am worn out. Rainy days are the best for a nap, but that was not in the cards. It is all good though. Before I go to bed as always I will be remembering all of you in my prayers. I hope that this Saturday was full of fun, laughter and love for you all. I was very blessed to see two friends that I have not seen in years.

Family Movie Night

Tonight was Family Movie Night. We have very few nights when we are not running and tonight was one of those nights. The boys have been wanting to see Eclipse from the Twilight Saga so that was what we watched. Well, what we are watching. I love family movie night just because it means we are spending time together and enjoying each other.

We try to make sure we take one night a week and do nothing, but with Chess, basketball, baseball, choir, cub scouts, homework, and everything else that is jammed into one week that is getting harder and harder to do. We are staying determined to keep it up. This week is actually slower with basketball just ending and baseball not quite started yet. We actually have the rest of the week off until this weekend which is jammed with activities but they should all be great.

Danny gave it up early and was sound asleep. John Michael is still going. Hopefully he will go to sleep soon so that momma and daddy can go to bed. We want to get to bed early. It helps us all function better in the mornings.

Well it s before 9, but with John Michael still awake I cannot imagine when we will actually get into bed. I am hoping sooner than later, but we shall see what he is thinking. Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. Family is so precious and that is why I cherish mine. I hope that you all do as well.

The last Basketball Practice

Well today was definitely the day after a birthday at our house. Because we try to make the whole day special and about the boys the day after they are usually in wonderful moods! It is sort of like a college day hangover....only there is no alcohol involved. Maybe I should start consumption of it so that it does not seem so bad. JOKING for all of those who are following who do not know me!

Today was the last practice for Danny's basketball team. I have to admit I am a little sad. I will miss watching these boys really give it their all. This was a team scrimmage and it was very entertaining and close. I cannot believe that I left my camera, but I will have it for the last game Saturday, at least that is the plan. It has been a quick season, but I guess they always are when time is flying by.

Baseball should take us to the end of school. If you have not signed up Clay Recreation is adding one last weekend for signing up, which is great! I love sports and I am so glad that the boys do too.

We came home and had to rush through dinner, then shower for John Michael and homework followed by a shower for Danny. They are passed out now and even though it is not before 9, which figures I am headed there myself soon.

Storms are a possibility tonight, but it is all good. I am looking forward to rainy sleep, which is always the best. I am hoping that the severe weather radio stays quiet.

Well, before I go to bed tonight as always I will be remembering all of my friends and family in my prayers. Whether or not you have voiced your request or it is an internal desire it is remember ever night by me. There is so much that we all leave unspoken out of embarrassment or just because we feel it is too private to share, but know that I am praying for you!

Remember that we all harness an amazing gift from God but we must use it!

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!

Interviews with the Grandparents!!!

Well today was a blessing in itself that the sun was shining all day! I absolutely loved it!!!! I miss the sun and the warmth that it brings. Come on summer and spring!

Today we had to finish up Danny's interviews with all the grandparents. It was a lot of fun. I had to do my dad's because unfortunately I cannot find a number for heaven. If I could I would be more than happy to pay long distance just for a few minutes with him and his voice. It was really great though because thinking back to the stories he used to tell was amazing! Danny talked to Nana, Meme and Pop. I wrote the answers because I figured being able to speed write and read it would be important. Danny has nice handwriting but not when he does it quickly. I am not sure what they are doing with these interviews, but I know that it will be special. I need to let his teacher know I can help her with the typing if she needs it.

Basketball practice was a lot of fun and Danny is ready for his game Saturday morning. He is really loving basketball. I am considering a baseball or maybe a basketball camp for him this summer. Auburn has several. We will just have to see if we can do it monetarily. Maybe there will be one closer or cheaper.

John Michael is spending the night with Nana. He was really excited, as long as he got pizza. He is a trip. I am sure that they are having a great time and I miss him as always. We will pick him up tomorrow before we get Danny from school.

Well, it is 9:04 so I still did not make it to bed before 9, but as soon as I can get Danny there, I am headed there. I am pooped. I have decided to take back my house and control it instead of my house controlling me. Today the kitchen is done. Cleaned, cleaned out, organized, the whole nine yards. I also got another dinner in the freezer. Tomorrow it will be Monica vs. the Dining Room and since Brandon is home I am hoping it can be Monica & Brandon vs. the Dining & Living Rooms! We shall see.

Tonight I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I love you all! I hope that everything is wonderful for everyone and that the sun shines down on us all! My deadline for one of my projects is tomorrow so please say a prayer that it all works out.

Aren't Sundays supposed to be for rest?

Well for the living the time to rest is limited. I think that the most important thing that we all have to do is enjoy the day and forget the resting but definitely make sure that we are living it!

Today was hectic but fun. Both the boys are now signed up to play baseball which should be a lot of fun. I am excited about Clay park, especially after everything that they seemed to have changed. Taking control of the ballpark away from the city is probably a positive, it always ran just fine without them, and then it got rocky, so hopefully they got it back on track and things will start to change positively for the park and all of us who have amazing memories from the past and are looking forward to making them in the present and in the future.

We were able to get the Christmas stuff in the den down so now it is just a few odd and end things left. The problem is the closet under the stairs where we keep it all seems to have shrunk. The office might have to catch the overflow, at least until we floor the attic and make use of all that space!

The picture is of Danny finishing up the sandwich that he and John Michael made! They found the recipe online and they really wanted to make it! It was so sweet!

Tomorrow I plan to cook meals at least for this week. I really want to do the once a month cooking but I have to get a little more organized before that can happen. Maybe I can work on that next week. I do want to get at least enough for this week done tomorrow and then I can focus on getting our taxes ready the rest of the week.

Before I head to bed I will be praying for all of my friends and family. I love you all and hope that all of your dreams and desires are positively answered. I hope that you all enjoy each day and live it to the best potential!