Fall Ball Tournament

So today was the final weekend for fallball.  As much as I love baseball it has been going since Spring so I have to admit I am looking forward to a little break from it.  Of course I am sure that it will not mean any extra time for things that we have to get done, but maybe. 
We started the morning playing a team who only had six players.  One was from other team so they used two of our guys for their ddefense.e.  One also had to bat for them, but Danny chose not to bat for then nand let them take the out.   Making this choice meant he got to bat for his team and taht is what he wanted.  I do not blame hime at all.  Danny ended up hitting a triple in the last inning and won the game for his team....he was definitely batting for the right side.  I do not think the other team could have won anyway, but still it was nice to have the W. 
We immidiatly had to turn around and play another Trussville team.  We ended up losing this game, which sucked, but it also saved us from having an hour and a half break and then playing again.  They played so hard.  They went into three OverTime innings, which was wild to see.  It was a great game!

We left the ballpark and went to Argo where I was doing a smash cake session.  It was so pretty up  there.  I would have loved to have walked around and gotten some alphabet pictures taken. Maybe one day I will be back up that way.  Happy Birthday Luke! 

Sundays

As I seem to say every Sunday a day of rest is much needed, but today was not the day chosen for me to relax.

Danny had a baseball game.  Brandon said that he did great, but I did not get to see it.  I have 2 photo shoots and by the time I was done they had called the game.  Brandon said it was like 17-2, Danny's team being the 17.  YAY!  I was bummed because I thought that this was it, but they have a tournament next Sunday so I should be able to see him finish up the season.  I love baseball, and I was not happy about missing the last game.

My first shoot today was great, it ended up being 8 people and they were fun to photograph.  Watch the other blog for more on it. 

My second shoot never showed up, which is seriously frustrating!  When I go out of my way and spend my gas and my time to be somewhere it really should not be too much to ask that the client's do the same thing. 

A little Bit of Baseball in my Life

School was back in today and being the day back from a long weekend meant it was hard to get the boys moving, but it is a short week so they were not as tough as they tend to be  on Mondays.  It is the little things that mean the most.
I have a ton to get done so I headed home and got to work.  I am determined to make our office useable, but right now the office is kicking my tail.  I have things to be donated, things to be tossed, things for eBay, things for Ashley's lists, things to be filed, things to go in scrapbooks, books to be shelved, crafts, props, and Christmas gifts.  This does not even mention  the actual office stuff. I also have so much to edit.  One of these days I will get ahead and make progress that can be seen and heard!

Baseball game tonight, we hauled tail from Irondale to Trussville so that Danny would be on time.  We made it with about 15 minutes to spare, but the spare time is a whole lot of blessings.  Brandon met us at the park when he got off work, Fall ball has been a whole lot of tension that was not needed.  I just hope that it did not ruin baseball for my sweet baby. 

A little more Organization

I took the boys to school and I headed home to make some progress.  I had about 4 boxes of books to still go through so I broke them into piles, keep, toss, donate, and sell.  Then I put the bookshelf in Danny's room which was a task getting it down the hall, and I started bringing in the kids books.  This made it where I had some more room on the bookshelf in the office and Danny and John Michael can access their books a little more easily.  I think it looks pretty good too.  We still have some work to do but we are getting there.

The boys' had great days at school.  We ended up having to leave ASC a little early, so I will stay late tomorrow to make it up.  Danny had a game at 5:45, not really sure which brilliant person at Trussville decided that was a good time for weekday games, but who am I to second guess anyone.  I broke some land speed records I think, at least for a mini-van.  We made it though.  We were playing Springville, where we might be playing next year.  They handed us our rear ends and again my baby sat the bench or was in right field.  I do not understand what they think he is learning.  He is upset, he has never been one to cry over baseball but his sprirt is being beaten down and I am so not happy.  What is a mom to do...advice from anyone would be amazing!

Baseball

So today was supposed to start with a photoshoot but she forgot and so we had to cancel.  It is always frustrating but it happens.  I know that the money would have been nice, but what can you do?
So we had a nice easy morning and then headed to Danny's baseball game.  He was excited because Aunt B, Meme, Meemaw, and Aunt Paula all came to watch him play. Of course he did not get to do much of that which is really frustrating to me.  We played fallball so that he could learn how to catch in kid pitch and his gear has stayed in his bag.  He has been promised to learn 1st, 3rd, and pitching.  Yet none of these things have happened.  He is starting to hate baseball and I am seriously one unhappy mom.  I have never wanted to be that mom, but it is coming.  I can feel it in all that I am.  I am trying to stay calm, but each game I get more and more frustrated.

We headed home and Brandon worked in the garage some more and I tried to get some things done on the computer and around the house. 

Not My Day

So today we all slept late, probably too late, but we all neede it.  I was so thankful and thought well it is going to be a great day.  It is obvious I am not a fortune teller, because had I been I would have cimbed back into bed and not even left the house today.  Well, at least I would have canceled the photoshoot and not missed Danny's game. 
So I head to this photo shoot which I was told was going to be in one location where I have shot and I love.  Only to find out the address that she gave me is not in the neighborhood she said it was but another one.  Both in Hoover, both nice, but this one has nothing that the Preserves has when it comes to photography.  So I rang the doorbell for the 1:30 appointment at 1:25 to have the lady give me a lecture about how our time was 1:30 and that is why she is not ready and how she did not appreciate it.  Really?!?!  Please know I am biting my tounge about the fact that we are not in the Preserves where she said she lived.  Then she tells me to go on and set up.  The Living Social ad does not cover me bringing my lights, backdrops, and all that.  We have discussed all of this when she made the appointment.  Anyway, after she cusses and pitches a fit, like seriously a two year old I work with what I have.  She is rude and continues to call me lady.....which really makes me want to scream.  I love my jobs but clients like this drive me nuts.  Needless to say I was not happy, she was seriouslly rude, and I am sure she trashes me on my review, which sucks, but what can you do.  I could go on and on with the way she acted.  I continued to smile and snap my camera but I have never been more glad to leave a house. 
I hauled rear end to try to get to Danny's first fall ball game.  I parked and got out of the car to watch them shake hands with the other team.  I am always upset when I have to miss something of my children's but when I miss it and was treated the way I was it makes it even worse. 

Congratulations are in Order

So today has been crazy busy and that is putting it mildly. 
Brandon's Brother Brian got married today.  His wife Christen is a beautiful person inside and out and today she was truly radient.  The colors were so pretty.  Her dress was stunning.  Brian was handsome as ever.  Everyone looked great and the ceremony was truly beautiful.  They are an amazing couple and I cannot wait to see how amazing their life as husband and wife is.  It will be a great one.  We are very excited about Christen officially becomming a part of the family.  To you both we love you and are so happy for you.
Danny had a baseball game.  We are in the area tournament and we are playing in Corner.  Mom took the boys so that they did not have to miss the game and we could be at the wedding.  They played Hayden and they ended up losing.  Hopefully we will have it together tomorrow though and make it happen.  We have to come in 3rd to make it to State.  I know that we can we just have to play hard.  So tonight get some rest Cougars and be ready to work it tomorrow!  It is going to be hot....but guess what so is our team! 

Handrails

So today was a great day.  I had a canceled photo shoot but that happens and she had things come up with her children which is something I completely understand and then some. 
The boys and I worked hard around the house, we are determined to make this as easy of a move as possible.  We are getting there.  I have a new daily routine, checking craigslist for boxes. So if any of you have boxes I would greatly appreciate them!
The boys and I headed to the new house to see what had been done and there was a lot!  We have trim, which is awesome.  My favorite part was the fact that the stair treds were down and the handrails were up!  It was the first time I was able to head upstairs without feeling like I was going to fall!  YAY!!! 

Danny had a game at Springville.  They beat us, but we played pretty good.  We have to get the team acting like a team and we will be unstoppable. 

Too Close

So today was the boys' last Friday of school.  WOW is all I know to say!  I cannot believe that in a weeks' time I will have a 1st grader and a 4th grader.  I seriously miss them being babies some days!
Brandon and I headed to the new house to meet the builder, the realtor, and the inspector.  It is frame walk time.  We pointed out some issues that we had, and the inspector found his own.  Hopefully the process of getting them back on track will be a smooth one.  I am so ready to be in the new house.  I need it for my own sanity.  Just a peace of mind that come with being at your own home.  I miss that security a lot. 
I had a photo shoot this afternoon with an amazing one year old.  This session was so much fun and I cannot wait to share it with everyone.  We will be waiting till after her party though.  Happy Birthday Ella Brooke!  Of course the snakes did appear for us. 
While I was at the photo shoot Brandon headed to the school to celebrate Spirit Day with the boys.  They were glad to see him and from what I gathered they all had a blast. 

John Michael had a game at 7:30 tonight.  It was definitely a game too.  We went all seven innings, which is a rarity in itself.  We went back and forth with ties.  We ended up winning 26-25.  Seriously it was a great game, and I was super proud of all of the boys.

Green Stuff

So today was a great day minus the fact that my tummy is just unsettled.  Hopefully it is nothing, definitely not how I want to spend Mother's Day weekend.

John Michael's class had a field trip to the McWayne Center!  It was so much fun.  Brandon experienced his first field trip, it is to be determined if he goes on another.  Just joking, he had a blast and looks forward to Friday field trips since those he can attend.  We spent several hours at McWayne.  Bubble, Dinosaurs, Sharks, IMAX, and so much more.  I think everyone had a blast.  After the field trip Bradon and I ran a few errands and then we were back at the school.  John Michael's best buddie Chason celebrated his Birthday at the end of the day today.  It was Batman, pizza, and cupcakes.  Needless to say Kindergarten had an amazing day. 

About twenty minutes before school was out Brandon and I passed out popsicles to the third and fourth grade for Mr. Wright.  It was great to see them just enjoying the end of the day. 

We headed out to check on the new house and they had treated the base with green stuff.  I am sure that it has a name, but I think it is to help prevent mold, weakening, and moisture from sinking in.  It looked cool, and the boys thought it was awesome.  It is great to see progress each day no matter how big or small, each step is a good one as long as it is forward.

John Michael had a game at 6:00 and it was a great one.  They won 17-16, but it was amazing!  I was super proud of them all.  John Michael was so excited because he had two balls hit to him and he stopped them and threw it in fast.   We even headed to Dairy Queen for a celebratory ice cream, well he had ice cream. 

Well, I am exhausted and there is so much to do I could cry.  It will all be great though, one way or another I will make it all happen.

Felt and A Fireplace

So today was crazy, but definitely productive.  While I did not get what I wanted to done, a lot of things that needed to get done were.  First, the washing machine no longer leaks all over the floor.  Thank you so much Shane and if anyone needs a plumber let me know.  He was great!  So looking forward to not having to wade to the van anymore.  I got a lot of boy scout things handled, and even some things for the end of the school year, so maybe just maybe I am back on some sort of track.  I also got the van ready for the field trip tomorrow, or at least as close to ready as it is going to get!

The boys had a great day at school.  Which always makes me a happy momma.

We went to go see the house this afternoon.  The roof is done, well to the felt anyway!  The fireplace was also in so I am thinking that the gas man was there.  Now for the electrician and the plumber and we willl be ready to do the framewalk and then from  there sheet rock and then finishing!  I am so so ready. 

So I have been thinking about something for a few days and after the way that things went with the last living social payment I am thinking I know my answer.  I am just going to keep praying and trying and we will see what happens.  I want to make sure that I make the best choice for me and my family and I want to do it right and just make it all work.  I am sure I sound crazy but more later!  Just say a special prayer please!  Thanks everyone.

Danny had a game tonight.  They did excellent.  They won, 15-13 I think.  I was so proud of my little catcher!  I wonder when we will know about All Stars.  He has a chance to make it, and man he REALLY wants to make it, but who knows.  There are a lot of great boys throughout the league. 

Partially Roofed

Today was a great day! 

The boys had a great day at school, which always makes for a happy momma.  I cannot believe that the school year is almost over.  While I am ready  for summer I cannot believe that my babies will be 1st and 4th graders.

Danny had a 6:00 game.  It was a great game, they won, which makes for a happy bunch of boys.

After the game we headed to the new house.  It was partially roofed and looked great.  It is  the first time I have seen it in the moonlight and I have to say, it is pretty!

Baseball, Barons, & Archways

So today started early and went late, but it was a great day. 
We started out with breakfast together at Legends.  I needed to go by there so we decided that we should just east there.  It was definitely a delicious breakfast.

We headed to the house where they were adding the archways to the inside!  I love seeing something new everyday!  We went by so early that even tomorrow should hold a surprise for us!  The pantry could easily be seen and so could the division between the kitchen and the living room.  YAY!!!

Danny had a game at South Eastern at 12.  We got there about 10:40, we had to be there by 11:00.  We pulled up and got a text they were moving the game to 1:00.  Either our schedule was wrong or their schedule was wrong, but either way we waited.  We watched the Green Clay team (Cain's team) beat them and then we stepped in and beat them again.  The boys all played so good.  Danny was on it today, he did not get any fouls but he was ready at home no matter what and he was killing the ball.  Super proud of him!

We were supposed to go to a birthday party.  It was a pool party, which sounded so good.  But with the change in game time and still having to get back we decided to meet them at the Baron's game instead of trying to get the party.  I forgot the gift, but I will bring it to BJ on Monday, we have a game.  The game was great.  The Baron's lost which was a bummer but it was nice just to be out with a group of people.  We all had a good time (at least I think we all did).  Great friends, for adults and kids and that is a combination that cannot go wrong.  Danny caught a ball the last inning, which made his night and then some.  Of course John Michael was not happy, but he will get his one day too!  Happy Birthday Brody!  We had a great time and hope that you did too!

Well, I am off to bed.  Tomorrow is another non stop kind of day.  It is all good though.   I did decide to grab a quick pick of the super moon!  While it is not the best picture it at least commemorates the occasion!

The Simplest Goodbyes Still Suck

So today was Monday and today Monday lived up to it's reputation.  At least for me. 

I miss my daddy so much every day.  Some days are easier than others and some days I wish I could just curl up and cry.  Today was definitely one of those tearful days.

We had to get rid of my daddy's boat.  It was not much but there were so many memories there and I found so much comfort driving by it in storage everytime we went to the lake.  Both of my boys had their very first ever boat ride on this boat.  I had so many memories.  Laughing moments from falling in at the pier when dad took Brandy and I out for a ride at Guntersville.  Horrifying moments of being caught in the worst storm while fishing with dad and Brandon at Guntersville.  Brandon's first ever bass was caught on this boat....granted it was the world's smallest large mouth bass, but it was his first and a great memory.  I remember working on the trailer with dad to get it ready.  So many small and large memories, but they are there.  I will always have the memories, and the pictures because you know I took a few over the years. For those I am thankful.  The years of just sitting had taken a toll on the boat though and it needed to go somewhere so that it could be used by others, even if only for parts.  Seriously I never knew that these small goodbyes could hurt, seems so trivial but it is what it is.  Thank you Brandon for the pictures, you know me so well!  I love you!

John Michael had a ball game tonight at Center Point.  They won and I was so proud of them for that.  I am a little shocked by the way that so many people acted at the game tonight though.  Seems like they should know these are kids....period.  I also did not know that John Michael had to do push ups but he did.  He says it was because he was last in the dugout if that is the case words will be shared sooner than later.  I just want to know what the deal is.  Then there was a time out called with the whole team except John Michael, which pissed me off.  He was hurt and that is not right.  Again, they are kids.  They shoud all feel as they are part of a team, and that was not the feeling that he had when he got in my van and cried all of the way home.  Needless to say I am not a happy momma and it was not the day to mess with me.  We have practice tomorrow so expect an update.  Not to mention that the ants found my toes again while we were there and I have over 40 ant bites from my ankles down.  Yes, down!  My feet are swollen and hurt and itch. 

I did cook a ham in the crock pot and it was pretty yummy.  I was proud of that as I am always looking for new ways to cook in the crock pot.  I love easy meals that pretty much take care of themselves.

Brandon went by the new house on his way home and the lumber was delivered.  They started working on laying out 2 sidewalls and had all of the interior walls drawn out on the concrete!  YAY!  I love progress and needed it today at least somewhere. 

So the boat was the first goodbye this week.   Not to mention tomorrow is May.  So goodbye to April as well. There is more to come so I am sure my emotions will be out of check all week.   please know that before you decide that messing with me or my children is a good idea.  Thanks!  Love you all!

Just Another Manic What Day?

No not Monday...Saturday!

The past few weeks we have been so busy on Saturdays that we do not know when they start and when they end....this week was no exception!

Only Danny had a game. 

Again it seems that on Saturday every single team should be playing at the ballpark.  I get that some teams might have to play twice, but that is okay.  They all should play.  We should be at the park from morning till dark.  Maybe the park will grow some and next year that will happen.  Maybe they will put me on the board so I can have a say.  I was elected 2 years ago but then they decided to go a different route and not have an elected board.  Mainly because the City wanted control.  Stupid, if you ask me.  Anyway enough about all that.

Danny's game went good.  There were some bad calls, but whatever.  They played a great team and they lost.  Maybe next time.  I do hope that they get at least one practice in this week.

The cub scouts were camping out todanight at Zamora so we were running back and forth until after we were done at the park to make sure that all was well.  It was so awesome to be at Zamora after so many years.  I have a lot of really awesome memories there!  The cub scouts made some today too!  They are working on getting the pool open, so swimming did not happen.  Well some managed to get in the lake.  LOL!  It is so great to see my boys making memories and having fun at the smae places where I spent so much time growing up.  They fished, they ate, they cooked smores, they played on the play ground, they all had a blast.  I hope that everyone really did so that we can do this more often.  It was so simple to work with the Shriner's and it was great to be there.  Anyway, I will work on getting feedback next week and I will make it all happen again soon I hope!

We missed Brian and Christen's couple shower, but they know (I hope) that we love them.  We wished that we could make it but circles is what we ran today!  We love you both!

Progess Makes Me Happy

So building a house is definitely frustrating but being able to go by there every day and see progress is awesome.  We all went as soon as Brandon got off and before Danny's game.  They are getting ready for the cement.  They had the gravel down and the plastic and mesh and all that jazz down and ready.  So so excited.  It is really cool to be able to walk through and know where everything will go....wall wise anyway! 

Danny's game tonight was great.  John Michael decided that he wanted to do the scoreboard, so I ended up helping with that and doing the book.  It was a great game and I was so proud of the boys.  They got another W and those are not easy to gain for the 7 and 8 year old teams. 

Thursday Baseball

Well, I managed to get a day behind again on my blog. Sorry about that but I will catch up! Here is my yesterday.

It was John Michael's last Thursday at school. He was very excited because that meant the last treasure day and he got to eat his candy in class. He is such a funny boy.

Both boys had baseball games. John Michael's team played great, they did not win, but they played so well. The score was 15--6. I was so proud of them all. We had one little boy get hurt, and I hope he is okay. I know his little thumb is black and blue. I do not like it when they get hurt.

Danny's team won. The coach let the mom's coach which was a lot of fun. Me and one other mom switched coaching first. Cale still pitched! YAY! I was really proud of all the boys. Danny has become a wall out there at the cather's position and I am so proud of him.

Well, I know that this is short, but I am behind and so tired.

Check Up Time

From Yesterday...

John Michael had his 5 year old check up and he did great. When the nurse pricked his finger not even a tear. He loved going teetee in the cup, he loves talking to Dr. Lytle, but when Dr. Lytle left and we did not he knew what was coming next. The nurse with the shots. He was over it. I felt like mom of the year when he was begging to leave and I told him we couldn't. I told him to morph into one of the many superheroes that he becomes, but he said he couldn't. It took me and the nurse to hold him down, but the shots were given and he was ok, once we left the office and he knew that was it.

He wanted to stay home so I let him but before we went home I had to go to the store. Milk is one of those needed things, especially with Brandon in the house. Anyway, while we were there he wanted a prize since his leg was hurting. Of course I am a sucker and I said ok. He ended up with some crazy candy making kit that was WAY too expensive, but it made him happy. So we came home and made suckers and hard candy.

Danny had a make up game so we went to the ballpark at 6:30 and froze. Craziness. I DO NOT like the cold weather and in May it should be over, but I was so wrong. They ended up losing, but Danny hit a dang rocket! I was so proud of him. He was tickled too.

Anyway, hopefully I will be back on schedule with the blog tonight, but again we will be at the park and it will just depend on if I pass out getting the boys to sleep again. :)

Holy Saturday

Wow! What a Saturday is seriously all that I can say, it was definitely a productive one though, which always makes me feel better.

It started this morning. Brandon immediately got to work outside in an attempt to beat the heat. He is doing an amazing job with the flower beds. I am so proud of them and I appreciate all of the work that he has done and is still doing so much.

Danny had a game today at 11:30, which meant that we were at the park at 10:30. It was a great game, a bit of a nail biter, but they won. The final score was 17-16, if I remember right. John Michael was off today so it was just a one game Saturday, I have to admit I felt a little lost.

We came home and I got to work in the kitchen and the boys got to work in their rooms. That was an all day ordeal just because they would not do it. Seriously it was about an hour max worth of work, but it took about 5 hours. They did it though. I feel much better, now to get to the rest of the house. I am cleaning out and up again. I swear it never ends. I also have been catching up on laundry. There were 2 loads alone in Danny's room. A lot I think was clean and just on his closet floor for some reason, but none the less it was 2 extra loads. I wanted to get the big winter coats done, but so far that has not happened. There is always tomorrow though.

We also dyed Easter Eggs. The boys had a blast, I am horrible about fogetting to do them and I was glad that I remembered this year. After seeing how much fun they had, I will definitely remember from now on!

Brandon got all of the edging in around the beds, the tulip shrub planted and has started on adding mulch to it all. He plans on finishing tomorrow too. He also has several things other things to get planted. I think the goal is tomorrow for it all.

Tomorrow might be Easter but after Mass, and an Easter Egg Hunt and lunch we will be against a deadline at the house and we will all be pitching in. It should be a great family day though so I am not complaining. Any day that we get to spend together is a great one and holidays are extra special.

Well, I have to put up the spaghetti sauce and then the Easter Bunny will come. In the past years he comes while we are at Mass, but we always come home and are cooking for lunch/dinner here. Since we are going out it will be later so we figure he will come tonight. Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you have a very blessed Easter.

Progress Reports and Baseball

House Work Progress Report...Laundry is caught up. Of course I now have everything from today and since there was baseball to be played I feel like I am right back where I was. Started on Danny's room.

Photography Progress Report...Still working on Q and U wedding. I will get them all done sooner than later I hope. Keep an eye out they are so cute! Nothing like a wedding done with all 4K students!

So Danny also came home with his progress report, which means we are halfway through with the 4th quarter of school. Seriously I cannot believe it. He has all A's! Hopefully it will stay that way. He works hard and is really learning a lot. Holding on for the last few weeks of him being a second grader.

John Michael was so excited because 3 of their chicks at school hatched! Now to get ready for all of the Easter celebrations next week. Craft day and party day! Fun stuff and definitely good times!

Tonight we had a baseball game. John Michael played, we played at home against Pinson. I have to stay on the side of the dugout to help the dugout coach, and so that I can keep the book and take pictures. The most important thing is it keeps me away from one of the mom's who seriously has crawled my last nerve. As an adult I typically let things roll off my back, but she talks bad about my child, and that is a game I will not play! She does not even know my child! I am much better off being away from her! It was a great game. We ended up losing 5-4, but it was still a lot of fun. John Michael was so upset that he did not get to bat one last time that we ended up at the batting cages for a little bit.

Needless to say it has been a fun day and night and now I am READY for bed. I hope that everyone has sweet dreams! Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for everyone as always. I hope that the storms tomorrow hold off until everyone is home and safe!