Sunday Swords

Well against our better judgement we let the boys buy swords when we left the beach. They had to use their own money and it was known that if they screw up with them then they are ours. These things will be the death of me. I did not think that they would buy them but they did.

I woke up sick this morning. Well, not really sick, but with serious sinus issues. Oh beach....how I miss thee! The thing is at the beach with the salt air and salt water I can breath so much better.

Brandon was going to the football registration with Clay, so that he could get preorders for the DVDs of the games. He arrived and there was nobody there. He called several people and hung around for an hour. No returned calls and nobody ever showed up. I wonder if they will have a football team. Surely they will not do registration this weekend it is a holiday weekend after all. We will see what happens, but without the sales he cannot go video. That is a lot of money and time on his behalf. Trussville is done with registration I think, and other than online Clay has not even started. The thing about their online registration is it is a joke. Just a paypal link. Really?! Not sure who is doing the web page but it is definitely not someone who knows what they are doing. A lot of flash too, which means not Mac friendly.

Brandon came home and we went and did some basic running around. We had to get the garage door opener from Chris, thank you again for feeding Charlie Brown and making sure our plants had water. We also had to go to the store, we had nothing in the house. Plus we knew that the diets were starting which meant we needed some things so we did not blow it on day one.

Well, I ended up a day behind, and I am hoping tonight I can get back on schedule!

A Great Day to Be on The Beach

This morning it was a litle overcast, so Brandon decided to make a pretty big breakfast. It ended up being perfect because by the time we were done eating the sun was coming out.

We spent the day on the beach, which in my opinion is all you should do while on the beach! I honestly do not think I would ever get tired of waking up each morning to the beach. One day it will happen. But for now I am making the most out of our vacation. The boys had a blast catching minnows with nets, I was surprised that they were really doing it!

I came up start cooking dinner for everone. This is not just 5 people, this means 26 people. Tacos was what I chose to cook, it is easy and usually everyone enjoys it. So I did. I made regulr taco meat with hamburger meat, chicken (Fajita style), chicken and steak strips (Fajita style without the veggies), Southwestern corn, salsa, rotel (2 kinds), beans, and then a variety of other toppings, salsa, sour cream, guacamoli (sp?), and the list goes on. My mom made banana pudding and Aunt Rita made peach cobbler for desert. It was all so yummy, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I have to say it is the way to go since there were almost no leftovers!!! I have to say I definitely think that along with everything else even food is better at th beach!

Well, after that we enjoyed a beautiful pink sunset on the bay. And then some time reading on the beach. I finished my third book and started my fourth. I am now working on James Patterson books. Love him!

Well, I did not blog last night because I was pretty tired and it seemed like a lot of work to get the computer out. It is out now so expect another post tonight!

Tornados At Bay...Seriously!

We woke up this morning and I was a little sad. The rain was coming down and the skies were rumbling. Fortunately it did not last long and we were on the beach!

The ocean was pretty rough again, with a serious pull, but it was great for boogie boarding. The boys had a blast. I am quite enjoying my time on the sand with my book, and in the ocean. I cannot wait for the day that I call the beach my home. It is where I truly feel at home. Anyway.

This afternoon I had a photo session on the beach. I so could do that everyday It was a lot of fun, and the family was wonderful. I cannot wait to get to work on the pictures. Stay tuned for a small sample on my other blog (which I need to catch up).

When I got back from the session Brandon came running in to tell me to get my camera and get outside. From our house you can see the bay and are on the beach. Talk about simply stunning. Anyway, I did as I was told and was amazed to see a tornado in the bay. This means it was a water spout and it did not come on land. I was hypnotised and had I had a few more minutes I would have driven to get closer to the bay. It was truly amazing to be so close yet at a safe distance away from this storm.

Not much later a storm did come up and while there was definitely nothing to worry about it was enough to have us inside for the night. I read to John Michael, played some games with Danny, and watch So You Think You Can Dance.

Well, tonight has definitely been a great one! I am definitely getting tired and will probably be in bed sooner than later. I will pray for all you. Know that whether the day is full of excitement or just a lazy day in the rain it can be as spectacular as you want it.

HUGE Sand Castles

So today was another gorgeous day on the beach. We spent most of the day on the sand and in the water, which makes me a VERY happy person.

The kids built a HUGE sand castle. They used the bucket that we have for the beach toys as the foundation. Of course they did not realize how heavy it would be so Brandon had to tump it over for them.

The hole and river that they have been working on since Sunday actually had some water in it. The tide came in pretty high and helped them make some serious progress.

The waves were pretty big, some of the biggest I have ever seen at Fort Morgan. This was ideal for some serious boogie boarding. The boys and this means even the big ones had fun playing with the boogie boards.

We decided to go out to eat. We went to the Shrimp Basket for some seafood, which is another plus for the beach. While you can eat seafood at several places at home it is NEVER as good as it is on the beach. Brandon had fried shrimp, fish, and stuffed crabs. I had grilled fish and shrimp. Danny had popcorn shrimp. John Michael had chicken fingers. He did not want Shrimp or fish. Silly boy!

After dinner we were going to the Trak to let the boys ride go carts, but it started lightening so they shut it down. This also meant Putt-putt was shut down. Go figure every year we try to go to do something like that the rain and storms roll in. What can you do though.

We decided to go for ice cream. We went to Scoops, which is really the best Ice cream EVER. Brandon and I had a sundae. Mine was pretty traditional, just minus nuts. Brandon's was with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Danny had a waffle cone with mint chocolate chip. John Michael had one of the double cones and got mint chocolate chip and bubble gum, what he really had was a HUGE mess.

Well, we got home later than I thought and I was exhausted so I did not blog, but I am caught up now. I hope that everyone made a memory!

Waterproof Camera was in Full Use Today

The boys and I were up at 7:30 again this morning. This is a good thing as it means that I had my coffee before 8! I was also watching the waves before 8. When these two things are put together it was some serious bliss!

The waterproof camera, which I got out yesterday and it died after about 10 minutes, was fully charged and in high demand today. I love my professional camera. I use it non stop at the beach but having it all day by the water makes me nervous, this camera is the perfect solution. We went and got a new floaty strap for it yesterday since mine was nowhere to be found. This was a great added bonus, as I do not have to worry about dropping it either.

So there are these huge shrimping like boats out and they just run back and fourth. Last year these were used for the oil. Well they have not stopped since we have been here and I am thinking they are there to keep the oil from reaching the coastline. I am not 100% but that would be my guess since I have never known them to shrimp right there. When Brandon and I go to Tacky Jacks we will have to see what we can find out since that is where the fishermen are always. I am seriously wanting some seafood so I hope that we go sooner than later.

The boogie boards were used all day today, from 8:30 (that's about when we got down there) until 5. It was great. The kids are also working on a little pool reserve, but they are trying to get the main hole deeper and the river dredged out. They are cracking me up with their imaginations. Danny and Michael played baseball while Isabella and John Michael made baseballs with sand and then threw them down the beach. It has been so rewarding watching all of these kids have such a good time together.

Brandon shocked me today. He is always under the tent and he told me to turn around, I am always in front of the tent in the sun. When I did he had backed up and was in the sun. While he was not fully comited his feet were still in the shade I was amazed. I did not know that he had it in him.

Tonight's dinner was some seriously delicious veggies. We had corn, peas, potatoes, okra, onion, tomatoes, and even some BBQ. It was delicious. The kids continued to play after dinner. We got John Michael in about 8 for shower. Danny and Michael watched Kicking and Screaming. Danny is actually headed to bed right now. Momma is not long behind him. I am ready to get up in the morning and spend another day on the beach.

Know that tonight you are all in my prayers! Even if you are not on vacation know that everyday can be full of new adventures and so many blessings. Peace Out!

Happy Father's Day

Brandon had it made, Father's Day at the beach! Definitely a great day. The boys were up at 7:30 this morning. We did not even get in bed until 3. They were ready to hit the sand...so was their momma so it was all good. I cooked breakfast and after they ate I got us ready and we ventured to the sand!

It was rough today in the water, but it was a lot of fun. The boys had a blast on their boogy boards, snorkeling, and just watching the water. We had a school of dolphins swimming about 30 feet from us while we were in the water. Of course it was after the waterproof camera had died and I was in the water and it I knew I could never get to the house, get the big camera and them still be there. So we enjoyed them. The boys thought it was great to be so close to them. I really hope that they come back tomorrow.

We were doing dinner tonight. For those who do not know we are down here with family, and there are several families so we all take a night and do dinner for everyone. It works out great and saves a lot of money. Anyway. Mom needed some things from the store and also the chicken from KFC. Since it was Father's Day and Brandon has really been wanting some new sunglasses, and conveniently forgot his for this trip we offered to go.

We went to shades in Orange Beach and Brandon and I both got a pair of Costa's. I LOVE mine! I was not going to get a pair but when I saw them and tried them on I was hooked. Brandon has wanted a pair for several years and since we both had a few jobs right before vacation we splurged a little on ourselves. Something that we never do.

We bought all of the chicken that KFC had cooked, so if you went to the Foley KFC and had to wait while they cooked some more chicken. Well I am sorry. I never knew that it was possible, or that it would be me who did it, but we did! We had some left over, which works we will have some lunch options for the week.

Father's Day is such a special day for all of the great Father's out there. I missed my dad a lot today, I would have loved to have him here with us, or even just have a number to call to talk to him. Sometimes I truly feel him with me and when I am on the beach looking out at the magnificence that can only be a creation of God I know that he is close to me. He loved the beach, which is probably part of the reason I always have. I know that he is with our Heavenly Father and I am sure there is quite the Father's Day celebration there, but sometimes the selfish part of me wants to wish him back. I love you and miss you everyday daddy!

Brandon is an amazing husband and father, he is more than a father he is a Daddy! His boys look up to him and want to be like him. In so many ways they already are, which makes me one proud momma!

Well, I am off to bed. Four hours of sleep has caught up with me. I plan to be on the beach early in the morning so bed it is for me. Know that you are all in my prayers tonight. To all of the dads out there, you are the cornerstone of families. God is the foundation. Know that you are special everyday not just today, and know that all of us mom's appreciate and love you all for what you do.

Toes in the Sand

Alarm set...check

Packed...check

Van Loaded ... Check

Guess where we were headed!!! The beach! The countdown is over and the time arrived and we are here. We got on the road about 6:30 this afternoon. It was a pretty easy ride, had to stop a few times, but overall a great trip to Fort Morgan.

We are here and I have unpacked it all and am ready to sit back and enjoy the rest of the week. Hopefully I will have a few sessions this week, but we will see. I also have to figure out what we will do for our annual familiy pictures. I am thinking multi-colors, or maybe black, or maybe the classic white. Who knows. We shall see what creative nerve is hit.

I had a wedding to do this afternoon and it was beauiful. The bride was gorgeous! I cannot wait to start working on the pictures. Congratulations to Catherine and Ken, you will have a wonderful life. I hope that everyone can say a prayer for their happiness when they read this.

Well, I am off to bed. The sooner I get there the sooner the sun comes up and I can enjoy the beach. Know that you are all in my prayers. I know that it is short tonight, but pooped does not even describe it tonight! Peace out till tomorrow folks.

SFX Spirit Day

Today was an exciting day for Danny and I am sure all of the students at Saint Francis. Today was their Spirit Day. That meant spirit shirts and whatever shorts they wanted to wear, or pants. Danny being Danny chose his orange basketball shorts. He loves those things. Not my favorite, because they are so long, but he loves them and I know that they are comfortable.

He said that he had a great time. He came home with 2 face paintings. Thank you Mrs. Dunn. He had a baseball with the Auburn sign on one cheek and the New York Yankees sign on the other. Now I have told him that he has to wash it off while he is in the shower. He is there now and I hope that he does it. I really do not want to fight him to scrub his cheeks down but I will.

I started working some more in the house. I hope that this weekend we can get a lot knocked out. We have so much to do. It looks like we have not been home in months. Silly me, we have not been home in months.

I do not want to start the summer out with the house destroyed so I have asked for family assistance. We have a Birthday party, Chess Tournament, and Mass this weekend, but I think that is all so hopefully we can find some time to accomplish some other things too. Not to mention that the yard needs to be cut. Hinting to the hubbie now! It will all work out and I know that I am just ready for it to happen.

Working on ways to save money. Think I might finally have that part figured out a little. Heck even if I can never do as well as some anything is better than nothing. We will see how that all works out.

Well, I am headed off the computer. The goal for tonight is to get in bed early! Fingers crossed and will be praying! I will say a prayer for all of you before I go to sleep. I hope that you all have an amazing Friday.

BTW Countdown to the beach...30 days.

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."