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. 

Mondays

Mondays are always hectic and this one did not let me down.
I dropped the boys off at school and then high tailed it home.  I am trying to get a lot down on all sides of the fort, between school work, work, photography, money problems, small projects, sports, scouts, and a handful of everything else.  I need a way to get better organized and I am getting there but still have a ways to go. 
We did not have scouts tonight because Danny had baseball practice at 6 and I cannot bilocate, at least not yet.  Brandon met us at the park and he stayed with Brandon so I could get John Michael home and in bed. 

Thursdays

So today was a great day.  I managed to get some headway in the office.  For three houses the office has been the catchall and I really do not want that to be the case anymore.  I am looking forward to normalcy and organization.  With as much as we have going on we need all of the organizational skills that we can get.
Work was great as usual, I know that I should not have favorites but it is hard not too.  There are some really amazing children at St. Francis Xavier.
Danny had practice again tonght.  Since this is Brandon's night to work late John Michael and I hung out at the ballpark.  It is a good thing I love baseball or this would seriously be old!

A Little Bit of Practice

So today was Mass day which as I have said before is my favorite day of the week.  I need the balance in my life that I get from Mass.  I love spending the time with Jesus and with my boys.  It is a special day and my big man was singing in the choir again.  I am so proud of him. 
I am determined to get the massive list of things done that I have to.  It is all definitely a work in progress but I am getting there, one step at a time.
This afternoon both of the boys had practice.  John Michael had soccer practice and Danny baseball.  I had to work a little late since Mrs. Debbie was out and so John Michael's coach came and got him and took him to the soccer fields.  Brandon came and picked up Danny to head to the ballpark. 
To say that we stay busy is an understatement, but one day the boys will be grown and we will miss these days. 

Driveway and Toilets

So today was a busy one.  The boys and I headed to Aldridge Gardens for two photo shoots.  I am always worried when there is more than one with the boys.  They usually do pretty good, but I know that they get bored.  These were both great sessions and the boys were a huge help!  Stay tuned to http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ and I will update it as soon as possible with all of the amazing shoots I have been on lately.
Since the boys were so amazing I took them to Krispy Kreme as a treat.  They love going inside and watching them make the doughnuts.  We went inside and each had one, of course we had to bring some home.  We even surprised Brandon and Nick with some at work.  Every once in a while I try to do something nice.
We headed home to get some work done.  Even though we did not get as much done as I hoped we made some more progress.  Tomorrow I am hoping to get more pictures for eBay.  I almost have everything listed that I have taken pictures of so it is time to get more pictures. 
Brandon got home and we headed to the new house.  He was putting the thresholds down while we were there.  We had a driveway and a sidewalk, I was a little sad that we did not get to put our hands in it.  We are going to make something though.  They had also put in the toilets, which is always good to see happen.  The fixtures for the sinks, baths, and showers were all in too.  So so excited to see all of the progress.  Hoping that the landscapers do not try to screw us.  We will see.

Danny had practice, it was relatively short so we headed to the store and then home.  Well, I am ready for bed.  I am looking forward to getting there before tomorrow morning! 

Granite and Hardwoods

So today the boys and I worked hard on the house.  I pretty much have the kitchen packed up.  There are a few more things, and then obviously the things that I use everyday. 
We are almost ready to move the boys both into Danny's room.  Then we are going to completely pack John Michael's and use it to store boxes.  We are seriously hoping to bust our tails for the next few weeks so that we are ready and then some.
After Brandon got off we all headed to the house.  The granite countertops were down in the kitchen and they look so pretty.  Then the guys were there working on the floors.  The hardwoods look amazing.  I cannot wait to see them completed.  We still have a way to go but we are getting there.

Danny had practice tonight.  We missed 2 of our guys.  Hopefully everyone will make it tomorrow so we can really practice.  Practice went great though.  They practiced most of the time on hitting level ground balls. 

Well, it was a late night getting home which is why I am so late headed to bed.  Seriously I think I am seeing double already.  I hope that everyone has a great night.  Tuesday is packed for us and if the boys behave and have good attitiude tomorrow I have a surprise for them.  We will see.  Fingers croseed!

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!

Just Late

So today I was just late.  Everywhere and with everything.  It was crazy so I am about to head to bed, late as usual but actually a little eralier than yesterday.  Maybe tomorrow will be better.
So this morning I was up and moving, I started editing a little before time to get the boys up and I fell asleep at the computer.  Yep, that should tell me something.  I woke up with 10 minutes to get the boys ready and to VBS.  Well, they got up and moving fast which was nice.

We got to VBS about 30 minutes late, which meant they missed the puppets and were not happy with me.  Tomorrow we will be back on track.  They did have a great time and that is awesome!  I love seeing them having fun with friends and growing closer to Jesus.  It is just amazing.

While they were at VBS I headed to Greystone for a photoshoot.  I love newborns, but boy do they give me baby fever.  It will pass though.  The shoot went great and if you keep up with my blog at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ you will be able to learn more about it very soon.

After VBS we headed home for a quick lunch and to change clothes and we headed to Deborah's to swim with Kimy and Morgan.  It was nice to get a few hours of relaxing and friends as hectic as this week and today have been.  The boys had a blast, which is what I love.  Doing fun things make the summer much more enjoyable for all of us.

We headed to the new house and they had sanded again.  The security system guys had been there, which is definitely a plus.  I am hoping that they are coming back though because the wires they left out are not too pretty.  The french doors for mom's sitting room and our bedroom had also been delivered.  They were in the garage, but at least they were there.  The door for the HVAC unit was also in the garage.  Progress no matter how small is progress.  Of course there is still a list of things to do, so we will see what happens there.  Hopefully July 16th is still going to happen.  I would love it even more if it was sooner.

After going to the house we headed to practice.  It was a long one, but a good one.  With the district tournament this weekend we need to be ready.  I am so ready and I hope that we win.  I would love to come in first but I definitely want us to continue on.  District, Region, State and World Series.  How awesome would that be!

Shelves

The boys went to Vacation Bible School again today and again today they had a blast.  Danny was so excited because he got to be a puppetteer.  I am so glad that he did too because he was hoping that he would.  He said he actually had control of 2 puppets!  Go my little man.  They also made necklaces, but again Danny wants me to be surprised at the end of the week.  John Michael showed his off though.

We had several errands to go do after I picked them up so we rushed around and got that out of the way, which was a definite plus.  We even went to Target and got Danny a canvas print for his room. 

We came home and worked some in the den, and then I got dinner ready so that as soon as Brandon got home we could eat and then head out. 

We went to go the new house where there were lots of little surprises.  We have closet shelves but not in mom's linen closet so we will have to find out what the deal is there. It is all good though I am going to write a list tomorrow of all the things that we have noticed that need to be fixed.  Preferably sooner than later, but I am learning that later seems to be what they understand. We also had up towel bars and holders and  toilet paper holders. So progress was definitely something that could be seen.  It is getting exciting but is also slightly frustrating.

Danny had practice and they did really well.  The whole team was there, and they were ready to go, which was nice!

Cabinets

So I have to say today was great!  Progress was happening everywhere.
The boys and I had to run a few errands, we needed some more packing tape.  This is not something that I recomend running out of when you are selling stuff on eBay and moving.  It makes things a little hectic.  We also went to Dairy Queen for a little summer treat.  We all need them from time to time.
I managed to get the ordering counter cleaned out, which means all of my baking stuff is packed away!  We also got a few of the desk drawers cleaned out.  Some things are packed up some things will be able to be seen on eBay soon.  I also got one of John Michael's dresser drawers cleaned out.  I am loving progress.
Brandon got home and we headed to the new house.  There was siding up, the brick was finally done, and a lot had been delivered.  It looked like all of the interior doors, the trim, and maybe even the stair tread.  What made my day though was walking in and there being kitchen cabinets!  The kitchen and the pantry look awesome!!!  They look so good and I am so so excited.  I am so ready to be able to call it home. 

After we left the house we headed to the ballpark for practice.  I dropped the boys off and headed to Tami's house.  Her and Kevin had some boxes.  I cannot thank them enough for these and I cannot wait to get them put to good use tomorrow.

It has been a wonderful day and I am so ready for bed.  I cannot wait to see what happens at the house tomorrow! 

May Comes to A Close

So I woke up this morning with a serious tummy ache.  In fact I am headed to bed with it.  I do not know what the deal is but I do know that I am so over it.
Brandon did not have to be at work until after 8:00 this morning so we decided that we would all go to Legend's for breakfast.  I was not in any place that made food look good but I did eat a piece of toast.  Maybe something is finally correcting itself with my body and soon I will start to lose weight again.  Who knows, and I am sure not about to get my hopes up, but just thinking of possibilities.  I guess I will have to go to the doctor at some point.  That requires time and money, neither of which is something I can spare at the moment. 

I had two photo shoots after breakfast so we headed to Morris Avenue and then to the RailRoad park.  Both shoots were great and I am looking forward to working on them.  In fact I am working on them now.  I love photography and I wish that there was a way that I could greate a larger profit margin and continue to do it full time, but the more I look and pray and think ithe more it appears that heading back to the daily grind is the best way for me to go.  If you have a few minutes say a prayer for me, I have started to apply to positions and I know that whatever is meant to happen will. 

We started a tournament at Moody tonight.  It was definitely not a good night for the Clay teams.  I am hoping that tomorrow night will be better.  I am also hoping that we can pack the stands with fans so if you are close come on out and cheer for the Clay Cougars.  It would mean a lot.  We did get to see a lot of people that we have not seen in a while.  We also got to see Danny's best buddy playing, which really made his night.

Well, we were super late and I am glad that it looks like the severe weather is not coming a so I am headed to bed.  Good bye May I will see you again in 2013.  I cannot believe that it is June.  Everything seems to be moving in fast forward and I have to admit I would love to have a few more minutes to enjoy everything. 

Seriously?!

So today started off pretty good.  We were spending the day at home working on getting ready for the move.  We have so much to get done.
We worked pretty hard in Danny's room and were able to get all of his desk stuff packed up, which may not seem like much but it definitely was huge.  We also got a good bit thrown away, a good bit for donations and one thing to try to sell on eBay.  Maybe we will get his room done next week.
We also worked in mine and Brandon's room a good bit.  I was able to get the junk drawer cleaned out.  I was also able to get the dresser cleaned off which was great.  Just the little knick knack stuff that takes so much time.  We also packed a good bit of Brandon's clothes, at least his winter clothes. 
Progress was definitely something that was happening today and that is always something that I need to be able to say.
We had practice tonight.  They focused on fielding.  This is a great group of boys and I hope that they make some progress and get some wins under them.  I know that they can do it.  We have a tournament in Moody starting tomorrow and I would love to see them go far in the brackets. 
So the seriously is just about the crap that seems to keep popping up.  I am probably going to be headed back to work soon to try to eliminate at least the money portion of the problems.  I need more good news than anything else!  I love working fro myself but the increase in gas and printing has me barely breaking even and some photo shoots I am actuallu falling behind.  Just going to be spending some time concentrating on what needs to happen.

Tired

So today started with a photo shoot at the Botanical Gardens.  I love heading there, but HOT was the word for today, especially at 11:00.  The boys were EXCELLENT though and for that I am so so thankful.  We did see a bunny there, which I prefer VERY much over the snakes that have been appearing everywhere.  The shoot was great and I cannot wait to tell you all more about it!

We had a few more errands to run, the post office was high on that list.  I am so thankful for the fact that so much is selling on eBay.  I just need some time to get some more listed and some more ready to go to the Post Office.

We also packed a lot of things today.  We got most of the DVDs, and even most of the pictures off of the wall.  I cannot believe how empty the house looks.  It is sad, and exciting all at the same time.
Danny had practice tonight, which ended up just being batting practice, but it is what it is.  I am loving All Stars and I know that my baby is too which means so much to me.

He Made It

So today is the last Monday of school which is exciting and a little sad.  I just cannot believe how fast it has all gone by.  Today is also extremely busy, but again it will be great.
Danny's class had a field trip today.  I went with them to drive and help chaperone.  We went to the Planitarium at Sanford.  It was a lot of fun and very interesting.  I was so glad that I went. 
I hated that I did not get to clean the van before hand, in fact I was in the parking  lot of the school throwing stuff in the back and front.  Between the boxes and the props for shoots my van is way too full.  I am working on that though.  It is on my list of stuff I have to get done this summer. 
Anyway.  Danny also had Bible Bee practice after school so I got John Michael and then we headed to a parking spot until it was time to get Danny. 
After school was completely over we headed to Springville to see Aubrey and the beautiful Miss Willow.  She is gorgeous, and so full of personality.  She was not completely extactic about her pictures but it was still a lot of fun, and we got some really cute ones.  I cannot wait to see her and photograph her again.
We also went to the new house, they finished the roof which was great news.  They also put the electrical in  for the island but they put it in the wrong spot.  The boards that were molded are gone and replaced, the ones thar are cracked are still there.  Needless to say building a house has several headaches. 

We headed to the ball park when we left the house, Danny had a practice game.  It was for fun.  There were several kids who wanted to practice kid pitch.  They did pretty well too.  It was definitely fun.  Ihope that theydo it more.

So here is the big announcement...

DANNY MADE ALL STARS!!!  YAY, My little Catcher Boy!

Downstairs

So today was one hell of a day.

I managed to get some things organized that  needed to.  I also got some things posted on eBay so hopefully we will start to make some extra money.  We shall see.  I figure every little bit helps.  There are some things we will need for the new house not to mention the fact that I am hoping to get some things paid off ASAP.  Definitely hoping that the "one persons trash is another persons treasure" saying is all too true!

So I have to get this out and then I am done talking about it.  John Michael had practice today and so I talked to his coach about his behavior last night (see yesterday's blog).  Well, it was like talking to a child.  He was degrading and even questioned my parenting.  Anyway, I do not know if it did any good.  I know his wife and her cohorts made sure to talk about it and stare.  Guess what dude is not perfect and if you want to ask me about it ask me.  The thing is for people who think they are so untouchable, they need to wake up and realize that other than their very small group, most people cannot stand to be at the park with them!  Seriously I am so over this team and the way that some of the parents and the coaches act.  I will get through this though.  Three more weeks...I can do anything for three weeks!  Well almost anything!  As long as he does not leave John Michael out any more things will be fine. 

Brandon went by the new house before coming to practice.  We have walls downstairs.  At least the lumber!  It is so exciting.  I cannot believe how much has happened in a week and I cannot wait to see how it continues to progress!  So so excited!

Something about Wednesday

So today was the school Mass.  This is a great day for me as it allows me to reconnect with Jesus with my boys and all of the children at St. Francis. 
After Mass I had a photo shoot with the beautiful Ella Brooke.  She is 11 months old today!  She is so precious and we had a blast on Morris Avenue.  We even managed a few pictures of big brother Jacob!
After school Danny had Bible Bee with Mr. McCormick.  He loves Bible Bee days and I am so glad that they mean so much to him.
We headed to Aldridge Gardens as soon as he was done for another photo shoot.  This one is with the beautiful Andee, who was celebrating her first birthday!  The boys even posed for a quick picture, which is a rare occurrence!

After the photo shoot we hauled tail to Clay for John Michael's practice.  It was a great practice. 

The Snakes Return

Today I had several shoots at Aldridge Gardens. I love shooting here but all of the snakes are starting to put me on edge. Today I got to see a lot of them, they were under rocks, on the grass, and swimming around. It was not at all how I wanted to spend the day. Seriously slightly freaked out. Who knew that such a beautiful place could have so many seriously nasty creatures. I was definitely glad when the sessions were done and I headed out.

Danny is still testing and is doing great! I am so proud of him. He has been working hard to get in bed early and get up early enough to eat and relax a little.

Both boys had practice today, which is rough because it is me and the two of them and I hate to leave either of them alone. I left Danny with his team, since he is a little older. He still managed to get a little lost. He knew that I was at the park, but could not find me. Thank you so much Jill for helping him. I felt so so bad. I wish that there was a way for me to be in two places at one. More and more I am thinking it is almost time for a cell phone for my baby. We will see what happens.

Back to School

I have to admit I am sad that Spring Break is over. I love the extra time with my boys. Many people may take that for granted, but for me I am just thankful when I have it. Lately I do not feel like I have any time with them, so when we have a little extra it is nice.
I had a photo shoot this morning on Morris Avenue. It was a great shoot. More candid than anything else, which is always a lot of fun. For more on this please stay tuned to the blog on my website at www.monicaannephotography.com.
The boys had a great day back at school, which definitely made me happy. Danny is pretty nervous about his testing that starts tomorrow but I have assured him that he will do fine. He is such a smart cookie, but he worries a lot and that worries me. I want to make sure that his childhood is the best, which means I want him to relax and have fun.
Both boys had baseball practice tonight. They did great. I am so proud of how much they have both grown in baseball. I am so so proud of them.

Photo Shoots and Practice Games

So today was super hectic for me. MonicaAnne Photography blog will be going to exciting places very soon so keep your eyes peeled at www.monicaannephotography.com All of the business lately has me feeling very blessed, I cannot express my appreciation in words.
The downside is what I am missing. Today I missed Danny's baseball practice and John Michael's first practice game. It is not easy to miss out on things, but I know that they understand. I went and got a picture of John Michael on the field and then I headed out.
We missed one birthday party this afternoon, but made it to one tonight so I guess it all evens out. I hate to miss things, but I can only do what I can do and everyone knows that I love them. At least I hope that they do. I definitely told them.
The birthday party was great, we got t catch up with some friends we have not seen in years! I love catching up and as we all grow up I hope that we can remain close. I am not having people over until we move but when we do it is on. I am looking forward to having people over and catching up more, especially during the summer when we can catch up by the pool!

The Last Day of Winter

So I have admitted several times and will continue to do so, I do not like Winter at all! I loved the fact that today was the last day of Winter and was 87 degrees! Now that is a winter I can handle. I also will openly admit that I hope the temperatures remain high....no need to back down now!!!
I was supposed to have a shoot this morning and the lady had to cancel. No big deal, I understand all to well that stuff happens. I just hope that they were able to get everything taken care of I know how stressful some situations can be.
Today was Spring Break Monday and the boys and I decided to take the stuff that I needed to back to Academy and get them pants and shoes that fit. Pants were too big, shoes were too small. Go figure, I tried to get it done, but it decided to bite me. Oh well, we managed to get it all taken care of. Danny had to get Adult Cleats. I cannot believe how big my little man is getting.
They both had practice tonight and both did very well! I was definitely a proud momma. Some of the chatter on the teams is seriously on my nerves. I am not sure who is behind it all, but I do have to say....seriously people Grow Up!
Well, good night! My Spring Break starts Tuesday and I will be able to enjoy time off school, not work with my little men!