Catholic Schools Week Begins

Today marks the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun week for the students, parents, teachers, and everyone involved in Catholic Schools.
I had a photo shoot at the Botanical Gardens, which 2 very cute little girls who were celebrating their 2nd and 5th birthdays!  I have to say they were precious and their outfits were just tutu cute for words.  One day I will catch up on my other blog and I will go into so many details.
After the Gibbs girls photo shoot I did a quick shoot with the boys.  They were in their uniforms for Mass so I took advantage and got a few cute pictures of them.  They are not the easiest subjects to photograph.  They are way too accustomed to having a camera in their face.  Oh well, it is always fun and I got a few cute ones.

We headed to Mass after the photo shoot.  They were proud to be in their uniforms with so many of their classmates.  They are proud to go to Catholic School and I am proud to send them there.  I pray that we can continue it.

Back to Normal

So today we all headed to work and to school. 
I dropped the boys off and headed to the Botanical Gardens.  I had a great photo shoot with a precious two year old little girl and her mom who is expecting twins in February.  They were both so fun to work with.  The pictures were great and I am hoping to stay on top of editing because it is about to get seriously busy.  While there I also was able to add to my alphabet which is always a good thing.  I love having a growing collection.

The boys had a great day at school and after school care was a lot of fun. 

Botanical Gardens

John Michael had a soccer game this morning, but I was going to have to miss it.  I have so many photoshoots.  This time of the year is always so busy and that does not change no matter what is going on. 
It was a great day at the Botanical Gardens, except it was their fall plant sale so it was packed!!!

Leader's Unite

So this morning was like every morning we were rushing out the door and down the mountain.  We made it to school though which is what is the goal every morning.
After I dropped the boys off I headed to the Botanical Gardens with Erica and her beautiful daughter.  The session was perfect, classic and unique all in one.  Stay tuned to my photography blog for more on this great session.
After the photo shoot I came home and got to work on homework and on getting things organized in the office.  There is still so much that needs a home and I just do not know what to do with it.  I am going to start taking pictures for eBay and Ashley's list soon and  maybe I can get these things to a good home and have a little extra money. 
Tonight was the leader's meeting for Cub Scouts.  We try to get together once a month to plan out the month and get things ready for the upcoming pack meeting.  This next one is going to be our Halloween party, which is always a lot of fun. 

Started with the Gardens

This morning Brandon and I took the boys to school and then we started our Friday to do list.  First things first.  I had a photo shoot with a beautiful family at the Botanical Gardens.  I cannot wait to get that blog caught up becuase the little boy in the shoot was absolutely gorgeous!  It helped having Brandon with me too because he loved a good game of peek-a-boo!
Brandon and I left there and headed to Sam's we had a few things we needed and mom had a few things she needed so we were going to get it out of the way.  I love Sam's but I hate it too. 
Once we had our running around done we headed home, and I pretty much had to turn around and go to work. 
We had a lazy night, but it was much needed.  We had batting practice, but then headed home and pretty much went to bed. 

Much Better

This morning I dropped the boys off for school and I headed to the Botanical Gardens for a shoot.  We were late by 4 minutes though and I blame it on the brake happy moron in front of me on 59.  Sir, we know traffic sucks, but people like you make it suck even more. 
It was a great day for a photo shoot and I was so glad that the experience was the exact opposite of what I had to deal with yesterday.  I am not sure I could have done 2 in a row like that.  Blair and her man made me remember why I love my job and my clients!
After the shoot it seemed crazy to go to the house since I had to be at the school at 1:30 so I went to Hamburger Heaven for me and Brandon and surprised him at work.  I do not go by there too much especially to stay so he was surprised.  It was nice to have a little quite time with him.  After we ate I headed back to the school and read until it was time for me to head to work.
Baseball practice again tonight.  It was not too bad, but I am exhausted and I really do hope that we have some type of break between baseball/Soccer and basketball.  Just a weekend (and weekday) or two off would be perfect, I do not need a lot just a few nights of a decent bedtime for us all then I can get rested and ready for basketball. 

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.

Never a Day for Rest

Sunday seems to be one of the busiest days of the week and this week was no exception. 

I had 2 shoots.  One on Morris Avenue and one at the Botanical Gardens.  I am hitting some serious brick walls with creativity and that is driving me insane.  I think it is because I am so stressed out and over whelmed.  I will get through this though, I know that I will. The boys came with me and even posed for a couple of pictures which was great and something that I needed for me. 

I have so much to think about and try to make decisions with.  I am just praying right now for a little guideance and a lot of support. 

Why I Love Science

So today was a pretty stressful one.

Brandon and I headed up to the house, where they still have not done anything!  Needless to say between Brandon, my mom and myself we let Melanie (the Realtor), the Builder, and the Building Manager all have it.  Getting harassed and stepped on and stepped over and pushed around and forgotten about are not things that I like to have happen and yet, here we are.

The boys had a great day at school and then we all headed to the Botanical Gardens for a photo shoot.  We got there and I realized that the client was also my Science teacher at St. Barnabas.  Mrs. Katz.  She was just as amazing and she is the reason why I have always had an interest in science.  She had a way of bringing it to life.  She is also one of the reasons that I wish I would have stayed at St. Barnabas.  It was wonderful to see her and I hope to be able to catch up with her more. 

John Michael had a game at 6:00.  We had to haul it to Clay, but we made it...barely! 

Corner Forms

Brandon and I had a pretty full day today, which is pretty common because he is off so we try to cram everything into that one day.

We took the boys to school. We had to run in and take some popcorn for one of the scouts and Danny's lunch order form. Danny is testing again today and we are praying that John Michael gets a green face. He has been doing so good and then the last two days we have been at yellow.

Brandon and I ran to the mortgage company to sign papers. It is always stressful to sign your life away, but it is also most definitely a blessing. I am so thankful and cannot wait to be moving in! Hopefully time will go pretty fast. It should since we are pretty busy.

After the mortgage company we headed to Morris Avenue where I had a photo shoot. It was a great shoot and we had to work fast since the rain was trying to get to us. It sprinkled a few times, but we made it through which was a plus. After we picked up the boys we went to Botanical Gardens for another shoot but for this one I was not so lucky. It rained, and rained, and then rained some more. Still got some fun cute shots so I am not going to complain. It was definitely an experience and one I hope that Brooke and her family enjoyed and will look back on with smiles later.

BTW...John Michael got a green face and Danny has to continue testing through next week! They had great days though, which makes me happy!

We went to the house and were so excited to see that the corners were formed, more gravel was brought in, and there was a little dumpster looking thing on the lot! Progress makes me so happy! Maybe next week there will be even more. Fingers crossed.

Gorgeous Saturday

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day, I do not know if I could have hand picked a better one....well, maybe adding 5 - 10 degrees, but seriously it was gorgeous.

We went to the Botanical Gardens and I had a photo shoot with a beautiful family. Stay tuned to the blog on http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more details about this shoot.

After the family portraits were complete I took John Michael around and did a few 6 year old pictures. He was not really feeling it though. I also got some of the boys together. I love it when they will pretend to get along even if for a few seconds for a picture.

After a morning of photography we came home and started to work on the van. We had to clean it inside and out. While there is still a lot of work to do, the seats and all that need to be cleaned, but today was a start. Just another thing that we want to get done, that can stay done before we move.

The more organized and in control we are the better. I am super excited about our progress and know that we can keep it up.

We went to Mass tonight, and then to the spaghetti dinner. Mass was great as always. John Michael seemed to forget how to act, but he got it together before Mass was over. The spaghetti dinner was great, all of the work that has been put into it definitely shown. The boys ate with us then headed to child care, where they got to play in one of the Game Trucks, watch movies, and play in the gym. They had so much fun, in fact John Michael cried when we left. I tried to win a couple of things in the silent auction, but lost them both by just a few dollars Danny was pretty sad that I did not win, but I tried. I will try a different approach next year and we will see what happens.

Well, I am off to bed. We spring forward tonight, which means more hours of daylight tomorrow, which I am SO excited about. I am not SO excited about losing an hour of sleep especially when tomorrow is so busy. It will be another great one though!

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers tonight and every night.

Soccer Farewell

So today was very busy. We had a lot to do around the house and while we did not get as much done as I would have liked progress was made. We even managed to get the downstairs completely finished, and the indoor Christmas decoration boxes outside of the closet. Now there is no room downstairs, because of the boxes, but now I can start decorating. YAY! I was ready a month ago and now I can make it happen. Slowly but surely. Actually I have about 11 days to get it all done. Probably a little less because of all there is to do, but it will happen.
I had a great photo shoot at the Botanical Gardens. Children are so much fun and always bring so much character into a session. Watch www.monicaannephotography.com for more on this and all of the sessions that I have been working on this month.
John Michael's soccer party was this afternoon at McDonald's. It was definitely a great place for a soccer party. The kids had a blast. John Michael was so excited about his trophy and his picture. Coach Kristin was great all season, and the kids all learned so much. I know John Michael really grew in soccer and he loves it. We will be playing again next fall...spring is baseball.
Well, everyone is in bed and before tomorrow morning (which is in 30 minutes) I am headed there myself. I will be praying for you all tonight.

Checking My List Off

This morning again I did not wake up as early as I wanted to but again we were great on time so I am definitely not complaining.
While the boys were at school I busted rear end downstairs. Getting the den cleaned out was a task, but I did it. I did have to hide a few books from view until I can get a bigger book shelf. There are already 2 down there, 3 if you include the one in the office, but they are full. We love to read, what can I say? The office is clean, the den is clean and the donation centers have been here once a week for the past few weeks and I need them again. Since it is supposed to rain tomorrow I will probably hold off till next week.
After I was done I needed a mid day shower. I had to get ready to get the boys and then head straight to a photo shoot. I sure did not need to look as lovely as I did when I was done downstairs.
The boys had a great day at school. They are getting ready for their veteran's day program so they are busy practicing. John Michael was also glad that he learned how to say 100 in Spanish.
I had a photo shoot at 3:30 at the Botanical Gardens. It was a great shoot and I had a great time. Four beautiful children. For more though you will have to watch out for it on www.monicaannephotography.com It will be coming soon.
For dinner tonight we had beef strogenoff that I cooked in the crock pot. It was pretty good and I am not a huge fan of strogenoff. The boys loved it and that is what matters the most. Tomorrow night is leftover night, we have a lot of excess in the fridge!
Well, I am off to bed. I have done some editing, have one more thing I am working on for tonight. Homework is done and the boys are in bed. It is 10 now and I will be in bed by 10:30. One way or the other. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Running on Sunday

Sunday was definitely a fun day for us! The Thach family had an amazing day and I am so thankful for the wonderful blessings that we encountered.

While we were down a car, we still managed to get where we needed to go and on time, which is always a plus. I like to be 5 minutes early, Brandon likes to be 5 minutes late, so it is sometimes difficult. We make it work though. Brandon and I work well like that! With the boys and having to get in and out as much as we did today I was super shocked that we did it though.

I had a maternity session with an absolutely gorgeous mom and dad to be. Watch http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on them. It was at the Botanical Gardens and was just a really good time.

John Michael had a soccer game, and while they did not win they had the best time and scored a few goals which was great for their moral. Even John Michael got some kicks in. They had fun though and that is what matters most to me. Meme and Meemaw came to watch the game, I hated that we could not hang out, but it was a back to back day for us.

I had a photo session with Sophia this afternoon. This was for Halloween. Sophia is in Danny's class and is such a pretty girl. She is going to be a peacock and is definitely the prettiest peacock I have ever seen. Her costume was truly fabulous. This session was at the Botanical Gardens as well. She was a great subject and I cannot wait to get to work on her photographs.

While we were at the Botanical Gardens we saw several of the teachers from Hilldale. It was great to see them. While I love St. Francis and am so thankful to have my boys at the same school, seeing Mrs. Sanchez, Mrs. Hayes, and Mrs. Morrison was a great bonus to our day.

Well, it was a busy day, but a great one with my family. The boys are in bed, I have done homework and edited until my eyes burn and now I am off to bed. I hope that everyone had a great weekend. Praying for you all to have a great week.

Spring Break Tuesday

Tuesday of Spring Break has come and is almost gone. Sort of sad how quick this week always goes by. I wish that we would have had the money for a short trip, but it is what it is. Maybe later this year we will be able to do something.

John Michael's black eye is continuing to iprove. Poor little guy.

This morning the boys and I went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a photo shoot that I had. It was a great shoot with two wonderful boys and even a few with mom and dad too! It is always nice to get the family in for a shoot or two! Watch the Photography blog for more on this great family and their session.

This was the first time the boys had been to the gardens, with the exception of for a wedding. They really seemed to have a good time. I cannot wait to take them back once everything is in bloom and colorful. The tuplis were gorgeous though. They seemed to be pretty excited about going back as well. We shall see how that plays out.

Well, we came home and I got dinner ready, a load of laundry done, and then Brandon came home we ate and headed out for the ballpark. John Michael had practice tonight. It went well. He seems to be having a blast and so does Brandon. Tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday Danny has practice and then Saturday John Michael has practice and Danny has a practice game.

Today was Elliott's birthday and we hope that he had an amazing day. We cannot wait to be at his party on Saturday. I hate that we are not going to be able to stay long, but that is the law of the ballpark these days! We are excited to celebrate the big 5 with him!

NOT happy with the local weather man. He just decided to talk about a cold snap in early April...all I can say is NO!!!!!!!

Well, I am so tired. I am hoping that I can get to sleep soon instead of running 1000 things through my min as soon as my head hits the pillow. We shall see. Before I go to bed I will say a special prayer for all of my family and friends. I am also praying for all of those traveling during Spring Break. We are staying around the house, and I am hoping that I can make the week special for the boys. Till tomorrow!