Talk About BIG!!!

The boys have finally been fever free for a week so we headed to John Michael's basketball game.  It seems strange to be going on a Sunday, but it worked for us.  We went to Our Lady of Sorrows where we were met with boys who were HUGE!  Some of them were seriously more than twice the size of our guys.  Needless to say it was a rough game and they lost 22-0 and that would have been worse but the refs called the game in the third quarter.  Win or Lose I am not one to obsess but that was an unfair match up.  Oh well, Go Saints!

Plans Change

Since the boys were still down and out we missed the basketball game today.  Danny was not too happy, they were playing Our Lady of Sorrows, but he was glad to hear that they won.
The weather was rainy and gross so the photo shoot that I had planned was canceled.
It was a VERY rare calm Saturday for the Thach family.

Basketball and Families

So today we had to split up to make it to all of the basketball games.
John Michael played at 9:00 at Our Lady of the Valley.  They ended up losing, but only by one point and that was because of a goal during the last minute of the game.

Danny played at St. Francis and they played great.  They won and had the best time.  There is a lot of talent on Danny's team and I know that Coach Adam is a great coach and has really helped Danny come a long way in basketball.

After basketball and some quiet time at home I had to go to Grayson Valley for a family photo shoot.  Danny wanted to come with me and be my helper which I always enjoy.  I love spending time with my boys even if it is while I am working.  The family shoot was great, and it was really great to see Kim and her family after a few years of simply keeping in touch on FaceBook.

Toy Bowl Season Begins

I love basketball season.  So do the boys.
Today, we started with a game at 8:00 so we were at the school at 7:30.  John Michael's team was playing Our Lady of the Valley.  Brandon was nervous since it was his first game to coach and the boys were pumped.  They won 8-5 and they had a blast which is the most important thing.  Brandon says he feels much better about coaching now that he made it through the first game.  With Devane as his assistant coach and Danny in control of the book it seems that all is going to go well.

We stuck around and watch a few other games before Danny's game at 12:00.  They were playing Our Lady of Sorrows.  They won 31-11.  Danny scored for the first time in a game.  I was super proud.  He has been trying so hard and he finally did it.

Brandon and Uncle Patrick had some things to do at storage, maybe one day we will get them cleaned out.  It is nuts how much is in them.  Especially when most of it can probably be gotten rid of in all honesty.  Maybe soon.
Danny is spending the night with Chandler and Cole is spending the bight with John Michael.  They are an excited group of boys!

Regular Basketball Season Comes to an End

We knew that today was going to be a busy one. It started with basketball.

John Michael had a game at 10:00 at St. Francis. They played Our Lady of the Valley and even though they did not win they had a blast. They only lost by one point, and I do not even think most of them realized that they lost. I love the fact that they had such a good time. This whole season they have all gotten better, they have really turned into some aggressive players, which is so fun to watch. I hate that they ended the season with a loss, but they played great and as far as I am concerned that is a plus and the season ended on a high note. I am seriously going to miss basketball, already ready for next year and John Michael's first grade basketball season.

Danny's game was a 12:00 so we just hung out, which worked. We watched the girls 6-8th grade team play at 11, and let me just say WOW! Those girls are seriously amazing!

Danny's game was against Our Lady of Fatima and well, it was a good game even though not called 100% fairly. They had our guys shooting free throws from one line and their guys shooting from another. There did not seem to be a boundary line on the court for their team either. It was rough. They ended up losing too, which was a serious bummer, but all is good, they still were second in the Toy Bowl regular season! GO SAINTS!!! I was super proud of how well they played and how much sportsmanship they showed given what they were up against.

We then headed out to do things that John Michael wanted to do for his birthday since he was in school for his. We went to Toys R Us, where he spent his gift card from Santa. Then we headed to the Galleria. That is what he wanted for dinner. LOL! Seriously, he is a trip. We also went to Build A Bear where the boys both made an Alvin, then to eat and ride the carousel and then we went to the Lego store. While we were riding the carousel we saw our dearest friends the Hughes' family. I love running into Amy when I least expect it, it just makes so many things seem better. Plus I really missed her so it made seeing her even better. :0)

While we were at the Lego Store Danny had a bad nose bleed. It was crazy for a few minutes but we got it under control and headed home. It was a busy day but a really great one with my amazing family!

Birthday Party and Basketball

This morning was JT's 9th Birthday party, it was also his Birthday! His party was at the Trussville Playstation. They boys had a blast skating and I was so proud of them. I used to love to skate, but last time I tried I just could not make it work. It is definitely not like riding a bike. Maybe when this extra weight is gone it will be easier. We shall see.

It was great watching so many of the third graders learning to skate together. They all did great. While some could really move, most were just trying to stay upright. I wish I would have had my camera, it would have been so much fun to get them all out on the rink.

John Michael had a basketball game at St. Rose so we headed to SouthSide. Coach Chris has the flu so Clyde and Brandon were coaching. I am so proud to say that they are officially undefeated, not the team but those two as basketball coaches. I think they are glad that is not their full time gig. We had a boy on our team shoot at the last second and that ball went in nothing but net. It was gorgeous! It seriously was like out of a movie. We won 6-2. They were some super happy boys!

The rest of the day was pretty lazy. It was raining and just not great, but it was still a great Saturday with the family.

Basketball

So this morning started out simple. We tried to move slow and just enjoy the morning. I made cinnamon rolls this morning, and the boys' helped. They are a great help, and that means a lot. Just the extra time with them means so much to me.
John Michael's team was off this week. They probably need the off week especially after the way that they were at practice this week.
Danny's team was definitely on. They played Prince of Peace Catholic School at St. Francis. Home games are always nice. Mom's head was still hurting so she stayed home. Uncle Kenny and Uncle Patrick came though, which was nice. The boys' always like to have an audience and I cannot blame them. It is always nice to have people cheering you on. They won, 26-20 I think. Super proud of them.
Chandler came home with us after the game to play. Danny, Chandler, and John Michael played kickball, baseball, and of course basketball. They had a blast. I cooked a few frozen pizzas and they ate them quick. While they played I cleaned out the van. Now to wash it and really clean it. Brandon worked on the decorations outside. He is almost there, which I know makes him feel better. The hard part is getting it all down, not putting it all up.
I also tried to knock out a good bit of laundry today, with the washing machine still leaking it is never easy, but while it was not raining and we were all outside I just left the door open and swept out what I could when it came. Almost there.
After Chandler's dad picked him up Danny and I went to the store. I have needed to go and just have not had five spare minutes. I am glad that I was able to get it done. I did forget a lot, so I guess tomorrow I will be headed back. It never stops, but I am definitely working on it.
Dinner was delicious if I do toot my own horn. It was easy and something I will probably be doing a lot more. We shall see, especially since mom and the boys liked it and it went a long way and still have some leftovers for Brandon a lunch next week. Another positive.
Well, I am trying to get back to normal, or our new normal. I am giving myself this month to do that. It has not been easy, but I know that there are reasons far beyond what I understand (or think I do anyway) and I am not questioning I am just going with it and trying to do the best for everyone.
Good night all. I am determined to get some good sleep and maybe just maybe make it to Mass at 8:00, otherwise it will 11:00 or 5:00. I like having options, but I do not like not knowing when I am headed where.

Helping Hands

Saturday was moving day. The boy's decided to miss their basketball games and help at Nana's. This was a decision that they made on their own and made me so proud. They are growing up to be truly amazing children. I cannot explain in the blog how proud I was of them.
So many people showed up to help pack up mom's house. We knew that the upstairs we could get but the basement was going to be a challenge. So many memories and so much stuff. I have a list of thank yous I know that I will leave people out but to everyone, all I can say is you have no idea what it meant to me, Brandon, my mom, and even my boys to have your help physically and mentally.
We took one load to storage, well Brandon and the men did. Metro was amazing to work with and I recommend them to everyone who needs a truck or a storage unit. They helped us in so many ways and they were so understanding and patient. Thanks to everyone at Metro.
There was so much to go through in the basement and I hate to think about everything that was destroyed. It is just sad, a lot of memories, will soon be a pile of rubble.

Basketball

This morning we went to the 11 o'clock Mass. John Michael was so excited that we let him wear his basketball uniform to Mass. We had a game at 1:00 and had to be there at 12:30 so the timing was perfect and it made his Sunday morning. I love starting the mornings off at Mass with my amazing family. We get closer to Jesus and we do it together which is great.

John Michael's game was at 1:00. The boys were definitely more awake than they were Saturday. Of course so were all of us. Today we were playing St. Rose Academy. They won. The score was 4-2. I have never seen a group of boys more excited to win any sport. These guys have been the underdog and the win meant so much to them. They all played so good. They are getting to be pretty aggressive and are getting some of the technical things down too.

I had a photo shoot today at 2:30 at Aldridge gardens. I tried to get in touch with the lady all week because I knew it would be just generally nasty. Well, she never called or e-mailed me back so we rushed from Irondale to Hoover and she never showed up. Meaning I not only did not make anything, I lost money in gas today. That is the hard part about owning my own company. It is very disappointing when the people do not show up at all. We waited around but nothing so we headed home.

I have been working on homework and editing most of the evening. I have a lot to get done and this week I will make serious progress.

Well, I am headed to bed. Hoping to get a nap in before the weather gets bad. Everyone please be careful tonight. This weather makes me nervous. Praying for everyone to be safe tonight and in the morning as these storms pas through.

Basketball and Fundraisers

So this morning started with a lot of rain and a basketball game. At 8:00 in the morning we were at St. Francis, it was sort of like every other day. Except the boys were in red and white instead of navy and white. Looked just as handsome though.
John Michael played first. They ended up playing the same team from Our Lady of the Valley that we played last week. The end score was 10-0, not in our favor. The boys had a good time though, and they are definitely getting more aggressive. Maybe tomorrow will be our day. We play again tomorrow.
Since we had several hours before Danny's game we came on home and I tried to get some photographs edited and some homework done. It never ends, but it is all good. I actually got a good bit done and was super thankful for that.
Danny's game was at 2:00 at Our Lady of Sorrows. For the first time they lost. It was a tough game, a lot of rough playing, bad calls, and bad sportsmanship. They were ready for our guys. They had double coverage on two of our guys almost the whole game. It was a hard game. The boys played their hardest down to the last second literally. I am super proud of them. It was a sad day for them, but they should be proud, they played hard and next time they will be ready for them.
Well, we headed to Subway for dinner/lunch and then I rushed to get ready for the fundraiser I was photographing for The Independence Place. This is an amazing thing and while it is a small part I am so glad to be a part of something that is truly going to improve life for so many people.

Toy Bowl Week 2

So I have to say I love a Saturday of Basketball with my boys. I love watching them play any sport, but I am seriously starting to enjoy basketball the most. The toy bowl is the tournament that the Catholic Schools play and it is definitely a big deal.

John Michael's game was first, he played at Our Lady of the Valley at 9:00. They all played great and were so improved from last week. They lost, 10-6, but they had a great time. John Michael made his VERY first goal ever! It was during warm ups, so I did not have out my camera yet which made me a little sad, but I was so excited! Definitely a proud momma moment!

Danny's game was at 1:00 at St. Rose Academy. We had a little time to kill so we went to Cost Plus World Market on 280. Very dangerous, had I had more money I could have spent a lot. I loved their furniture and they had some GREAT props for pictures. I had a gift card that I had had for several years so we used that. The boys each got a surprise and then I got some Christmas gifts! I also got 2 valentine's champagne flutes. They are so pretty and will look great in my glass collection. Then we headed to Subway for lunch.

Danny's game time finally arrived and the boys were ready, and that is putting it mildly. They did great. Danny even got his hands on the ball during the game. He usually sets up a pick but is not aggressive otherwise. I was glad to see him getting in the mess. They won 30-16.

GO SAINTS! That is for both of my boys and their teams!

I had a session at 3:00 at Miss Kelley's Dance Studio in Trussville. It went great. For more on it watch the blog at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/

And the Toy Bowl Begins

I love Basketball season. With both boys now playing it means that most Saturdays will be spent in the car but they will be so much fun.

Danny's game was first today at Prince of Peace. His game was at 12, which means be in Hoover at 11:30. No problem. His team won 21-13. It was a great game and I was so proud of how well all of the boys' did. I know that they were glad to get their first game out of the way.

We decided to go eat lunch with Teresa, Aunt Paula, and B since they came to Danny's game and were going to follow us to John Michael's. It was nice spending some time with them this afternoon.

John Michael's game was at 3:00 at Our Lady of Sorrows. Even though Brandon and the turns into OLS seemed to be at odds we made it. John Michael's team is almost entirely Kindergarten and First graders, I think there are 2 Second Graders. The OLS team that we played was 6 Second Graders and 5 First Graders. We had them until the last minute though, the final score was 6-7 OLS. It was a great game. I saw several old friends there from our days at St. Barnabas. Well, I know I saw one because I talked to her, I am pretty sure I saw another one but by the time I could get out the door she was gone. It is always nice to run into old friends.

Amy, Terry and the kids came over tonight so we could let the kids exchange presents, yes it is still Christmas :0) It was a great night, we had a good time with everyone just hanging out and talking. We all tend to be so slammed through the holidays we do not get to just chat. It was a lot of fun.

Today was a GREAT Saturday. And for the record I pulled the flip flops back out! I need a pedicure!!!

Back to a Routine

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