2012 Reflections

So as I look back at the year 2012 there are no regrets.  Of course I was raised never to have regrets.  They are really a waste of time, you cannot change the past it is the past.  The future is not yet determined.  The present is just that a gift that is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.
So many memories were made in 2012, not all of them perfect, but yet I know that they served a purpose to bring us to what is now, what is today.
I will start my reflection with January.  January 23, 2012 was a day that I will never forget.  It started early that morning with tornado warnings.  My mom's home, the house where I was raised, was destroyed that morning.  While losing the House the Built Me was not an easy event it was one that really determined so much of the year to follow.















In February we started the hunt for the perfect house.  When we found it the journey began.  John Michael also turned 6.























In March we signed papers and started the building of our new home.  It would be for my mom and for us and we were all excited.

In April the house building finally began, but it was a month behind where is was supposed to be.

In May the boys finished their school year and Danny made All Stars.



















In June All Stars occupied most of our time.  With tournaments and practice we never seemed to stop, but we enjoyed it all.  Brian and Christen also got married, which means our family grew and we are so thankful to have Christen in our family officially now.

In July we moved into our new home and Danny celebrated his 9th birthday.

In August a new school year began and I went back to work part-time with St. Francis helping out in After School Care.


















In September we were finally on a solid routine.  We also renewed our car tags and driver's licenses and became even more thankful for St. Clair savings and the savings that came with that venture.

In October there was Halloween and celebrating in Legacy Springs with friends and family was by far the best.

In November we celebrated Thanksgiving.  It was special to be in the house, but poor Danny ended up sick that night.  We also started putting up our Christmas decorations and they are gorgeous at the new house.

In December we celebrated our first Christmas.  It was definitely a time full of so many blessings.

2012 was a year full of heart break, family, and friends.  It is amazing what will come from a tragedy and we learned more about who we are.  We grew together and our home has been strengthened through family and friends.   I cannot wait to celebrate 2013 with you all.

Sick

This morning Brandon just let me sleep.  He knew I did not sleep good all night and that I just felt bad.  It was nice to sleep in and the thing is even after I got up I ended up sleeping most of the day.  I slept outside in the chair, then inside on the couch.  It has just been a rough one.  When I was awake I was taking any cold medicine I could find.  Hopefully today is the worst day of them all and tomorrow I will be back to normal. 

Brandon spent most of the day working in the yard.  He got all but half of one of the flower beds done and that is because he ran out of pinestraw. 

I have a photo shoot at 9:00 in Hoover and then we have meet the teacher day. 

I also just had a prayer answered with a phone call.  I have been so worried about finances and having so far to go with the school and everything.  Debbie, the after school care coordinator called to offer me a job. I am definitely looking forward to it and I know that it is the answer to so many prayers.  We end up having hours to spare and I honestly had no idea how I was going to handle that.  This is a blessing and I am so thankful that it could work out with this as a part time job and then the photography still and the best part is that I would be able to maintain the same schedule as the boys have during the school year!
Definitely feeling blessed.  I need to call Mr. Wright tomorrow so I really hope that I am better because I sound so bad. 

Tuesday

Well my migraine is still there, but nothing in comparision.
John Michael has been on a yellow face kick this made three days in a row. I am pretty sad about that. I know that he can do better and hopefully he will.
Danny has a big Social Studies test, so we are studing hard to make sure that he does great. I know that he can he is a smart fellow.
Today was a rather mild day, we were thankful not to have much going on so we could actually be in bed early tonight. This was a HUGE blessing as we have been non stop for a while so one down day and night is just what was needed for all of us.

FRIDAY!!!

So today while the boys' were at school Brandon and I had decided that we would use some of the gift cards that I seem to have been collecting.
Well, it was fun, but I only used one and actually got one in return because we had to get razor blades at Target :) I love shopping and if I had the money I would do it so often. There was a lot that we found, but it was outside of the gift card budget.
We had a great time just looking around and spending time together. Definitely no complaints!
The boys had great days at school, which makes me super happy! John Michael finished out the week with all green faces. Danny finished out the week with a great job on his math test.
We had basketball practice tonight, well John Michael did. They did a scrimmage with the girl's team and even though they seemed to be dominated by the ladies they did really good. I am so excited about game time tomorrow.
Well, I am off to bed. Super busy day but I am so so excited! :0) I hope that everyone has a weekend full of many blessings.

Day After Shopping

Today we got up and got ready and headed out for our annual day of shopping together. While getting ready for Christmas there is a lot of shopping, but today we go together which is always a lot of fun. We go to get Christmas lights, decorations, and gifts for the next Christmas.
Today we started at Chick-fil-A for breakfast/lunch. It was a lot of fun and the boys especially John Michael enjoy it because they can eat and play.
Then we headed to Game Stop, where I was going to exchange John Michael's DS. His DS does not work and since I get the extended protection I was thinking even exchange. What I was not thinking was that there would not be any regular DSs so he ended up with a 3D DS. To say he was excited would be an understatement, he was thrilled and that makes me happy. Danny even gave him a game that he got 2 of so I bought Danny a new game, he picked NASCAR 3D.
I got several new K-Cups for my Kureg, which I cannot wait to try. I love this Christmas gift, it is perfect for me for so many reasons!
We did not find any lights, which was a disappointment. Well, we did not find the lights that we were looking for. I guess I will be watching next year for good deals. I am going to check online, but it seems that many places put their lights up for sale next year. We did get some cute things for the house though, which I cannot wait to get out. We also got a shelving unit for the office, so that I will have somewhere for props. I am pretty excited about that, especially since it was $50, and the cheapest that we have found it so far was $85. YAY for savings!
We also got a great start on gifts for 2012 Christmas, which is always a great feeling. I love progress and when I start making it this early I know that the blessings to come will be amazing.
Well, we had a wonderful day and I hated to see it come to an end. We did end it by going to Mount Laurel to see the lights in the town square that we had been photographing during the day for a month. It was great to see it at night, and it was gorgeous!

Work and Play

So today started off with me getting kicked out of the bed by John Michael. I do not know what his deal was, but he had a bad dream and came to our room. No big deal. Then he kicked me out of the bed not just once, but twice so I decided to come to the living room. I definitely do sleep on the couch as well as I do my bed. At least I was able to get some sleep though.
I had a photo shoot for a 5th birthday party today. I love events, and this one was a Princess party! Extremely cute. Watch www.monicaannephotography.com for more on the party.
After the party I came home to get Brandon and the boys and head to a Christmas party. This is our big family Christmas party and really is one of my favorite ones because I get to see family that I do not see often. It is more like a family reunion. I took my camera, but was so worn out I only took a few pictures. That made me pretty sad when we left, usually I am better than that.
We came home and Brandon and Terry fixed the downstairs shower. Even though we do not use it often, at least now we have the option again. Thank you Amy and Terry for helping out the Thach's yet again this weekend. We owe you.
Well, I am finally off to bed. I still have more I would like to do, but since I am seeing double I will go to bed. Photo shoot tomorrow morning, helping mom get her tree out, and then home to get laundry and yep...editing done. I hope that everyone is having a weekend full of many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great day for so many reasons.
We start the day every year by watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. One of these days we will go to New York and watch it in person. I have wanted to since I was a little girl and I really want to make it happen for my boys.
I usually am running on little to no sleep because I am up all night cooking and getting ready to have everyone over. I love it though.
This year was probably the last year that I do it though for a few. I am tired of people acting like it is such a horrible thing for me to have it at my house. Sorry just a little bitter. I will deal though, and it will all work out. Somehow what I try to make a tradition seems to be a tragedy for others. Oh well, one day it will all work out.
The food today was yummy and almost completely gone. Usually there are leftovers for days but these will be gone in no time.
I have so much to be thankful for.
My amazing husband
My wonderful baby boys (who are not really babies anymore)
My career as a photographer picking up rapidly
The amazing school and church that we are a part of.
Family, and Friends.
Every day is a blessing and I am thankful for all of the blessings that we receive daily.

The final Soccer Game

Brandon had to work at Homestead Hollow so this morning the boys and I headed out to visit him and the rest of the family that was there. We got a new decoration for the yard and I am super excited. So ready to put everything out. I love Christmas! The boys also got puppets, which I have to say were the best toys I have ever purchased at Homestead Hollow. So much fun!

After a morning there we all headed to John Michael's final soccer game for the season. After having to miss the last 2 games I was super excited to be able to be there. While I never played soccer, it has been a fun learning experience. I enjoy all sports and this is one I will definitely be looking forward to every Fall, in the Spring we have baseball. John Michael has had a blast, and Danny wants to play next year.

We ended the day out with a photo session at the Rail Road Park. For more on this watch my website at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ As my business is continuing to grow I am truly enjoying every minute. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. It is amazing what you can learn from someone in such a little amount of time. The boys had a blast playing soccer and watching clouds while I had my session. It was nice having them there, especially since it was dark by the time that we left.

We came home for dinner, studying, homework, showers, and bed! I also had to clean and do some laundry but after the week that we all had I am not sure when I will catch up. Hopefully this week though as it is a requirement with Christmas decorations to get out and Thanksgiving to get ready for! I love the holiday season.

This has been a weekend full of blessings and I know that this week has many in store for us as well. Looking forward to seeing what they are. Watch out Monday, I am ready and looking forward to it! Praying for you all as I head to bed!

The First Saturday in November

Many things come with the first Saturday in November. Homestead Hollow is one. Brandon is working again with his mom and step-dad. He really enjoys the time with them, and the fact that there is a little money involved is definitely a plus, especially this time of the year.
I had several photo shoots today. I will be writing more about them all at www.monicaannephotography.com so keep your eyes checking that site. It seriously should be a favorite by now. I am also working on my alphabet project hard, I have all of the letters now, which is awesome! I cannot wait to see what those who recieve one for Christmas think. I know that Brandon loved his, and was super surprised! Seriously thinking about sending one to my favorite Auburn man...just because I have all of he letters. I even got a VERY cool staircase Z today. Love finding letters in the most unexpected places.
The boys spent the day with Nana so that I could work. They had a great time. They even took her to the grocery store, which was a treat for all of them.
So the LSU v. Alabama game was tonight and was pretty much all anyone in the South was talking about. After the general attitude of all the Alabama fans, even those I love at the National chapionship game I decided that I just cannot hope that they win. The green and yellow A's made me sick...so I have to admit that was a great game. I was so glad that LSU pulled off the win. The sad thing is all Alabama fans seem to have is excuses. Seriously except the L and get on with it. I love my Auburn Tigers and I love SEC football but there are many out there who are ruining it for me.
Sorry needed to do a little venting! So editing and homework are dominating my time. I have been slacking on my personal pictures for taking photographs for others. I will not stop blogging. Everyday is a blessing and most of all that is what this blog has proven to me. Hopefully next year I will make it with the blogging and the pictures everyday! I made it almost all year this go round!
Headed to bed. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Looking forward to the many blessings that I know Sunday will bring. An extra hour sleep, the last soccer game, a photo shoot, Homestead Hollow with my boys, and who knows what else! It is going to be a great day!

Sneaky Fridays

So today Brandon and I got a good bit of running around done. Not much in the way of accomplishments, but it was a good day. I did get my "I DO" to Crystal, of Crystal's Creations, for you who do not know her work...you should!!! She coated them to give them a little umph....so I would not have to feel like I was carrying glass instead of wooden letters. YAY! I feel much better now. She also told me that "BOO" was on its way.

I also scouted a new location for session, and let me tell you guys I am in LOVE!!! I cannot wait to do a session there, it is going to be amazing. If I could move there I would be there tomorrow. It was seriously Mayberry! I am so in love, but it will be ok. It would be a great place to raise a family for so many reasons! Anyway, it will definitely be my new favorite location for photo shoots! I cannot wait to do some there. The sooner the better.

So I guess today was pretty productive, I wish I could have gotten more done at home, but hey that is what next week will be for....to try again. No promises though!

The boys had great days today at school. They loved it and the best part was they had minimal homework for the weekend, reading is the most important thing and that we do every night. I love to read and have always wanted that for the boys. We have been reading every night since Danny was born and that will not change anytime soon.

Danny really wanted Sneaky Pete's for dinner. He has been asking for it for a while, so tonight we made an exception and went out to eat. I really wanted Munoz and tried to change their minds, but Danny's was set and John Michael is not much for mexican, yep he is that kiddo who gets a corn dog. Gotta love it though. I have to admit that Sneaky Pete's was good and the HUGE Diet Coke that I was able to get was great!!!

Well, the boys are in bed and we have a very special first birthday party to get to tomorrow so I am headed there myself. Good night everyone, and know that you are all in my prayers. I hope that this weekend is full of many blessings, expected and unexpected.

The Grocery Store

While many of you may not understand all of you mom's should. Summer grocery shopping is difficult because no matter who well organized I try to be, with 4 extra arms helping me shop I always forget what I came for, yes even with a list, and get more than what I needed. While the boys went back to school last week, I also had to get some things ready for Cub Scouts so today I started working on our house. The first step was the grocery store! Yes, I went alone. I got everything I needed, few things that we can always use that were on sale, and still spent less than I did all summer. It was great. While I love to be able to take my boys places, the grocery store is just one of those things I enjoy doing myself! I was very thankful to be able to today! It was definitely a blessing.

Small confession...before going to the store I went a got a pedicure, and decided to get a manicure as well. I am really going to try to do this for myself at least once a month, I always feel so much better after the fact. We shall see how that goes.

The boys had another great day at school, which makes my heart super happy! I am hoping that all of my friends who had their kiddos start school today had wonderful days! They all deserve it! Mommas and kiddos alike!

Homework time was sort of wild, you would think Danny would be all for the routine, but he was the one making it difficult! John Michael has homework everyday too, but he thinks it is awesome, something Danny has never thought. It all finally got done, but it was not an easy task. Third grade is a tough year, and I plan to stay all over him, I even raised the amount he will get for straight A's on a report card. Let's see if we can keep it up. For those of you who do not know Catholic school has much tougher scale than public school so it is money well earned if he keeps it up!

Well, I am off! Prayers are with you all!

Water Guns

Today was a pretty laid back day. We did some work around the house, and I had to go to the Post Office, but other than that not much. I have not felt good and I needed a down day.

I am taking some meds and about to go to bed, now that the boys are finally asleep. Again, even later than last night. I do not know what to do. Still seeking advice so if you have some that would be awesome. We are planning on getting them up at 6 in the morning and one way or another I do not plan on letting them stop going.

I cooked dinner and had it ready when Brandon got home from work. Then he headed to the ballpark. He is going to video the football games for Clay Recreation Youth Football if there are enough orders. If so it would be a great blessing, if not it means that an even better blessing is waiting. I have faith that it will work out the way that it should. He bid a job for Clay Chalkville High School and it would have been amazing, but we have not heard so I am going to assume that they decided not to go the professional video route.

The boys played outside a good bit this afternoon. Water guns and bikes were the main features for today. We will see what tomorrow brings.

I am doing a quick maternity shoot in Trussville and I am very excited about that. My cousin Amanda is having a baby girl, and we are having her baby shower Sunday and for something I want to do for her I need a maternity picture. I hope that she is as excited as I am. Stay tuned for pictures and more details in the blog that features MonicaAnne Photography and all that I am doing.

Well, I am off to bed. Know that you are all in my prayers.

Orange Garnish

Today was pretty uneventful, I was not sure if we were headed to the lake tonight or tomorrow so once I had that question answered it was time to get some things done.

Homework, editing pictures, laundry, cleaning house, well those are routine. At least for the next 5 weeks, then I get a one week break from homework at least! It is definitely the small things that matter the most sometimes. I am trying to break up computer time so my children do not think I live on this thing. It will be a little easier to do when school starts. I can get most of my stuff done while they are in school and then the nights will be for the family.

John Michael has become fascinated with fruit and drinks. So today he asked if I could put an orange on his cup. At first I was confused, but then I was with him. Orange Kool-Aid, sliced oranges, all topped off with an orange garnish. He was a happy little man. He even shared his orange with Danny, which is rare.

Well, it has been another late one, but at least I am on time with the blog, well sort of it is after midnight. Anyway. I will see how it all works out tomorrow.

Good night everyone! I hope that you all have an amazing Friday! Know that my prayers are said for all of you each night. Find your blessings and count them each day...they truly are priceless and everywhere. Who would have known that today one of my joys was an orange!

Happy Mother's Day

I know that I am blessed because I am a mom! I love my boys and can honestly say that they have made me whole. When I was impatiently waiting for Danny to be born I had so many expectations about being a mom. I was also terrified. I admit that I am still terrified, there are so many times when I feel I do not measure up to what I should be as a wife and as a mom. The minute that Danny was born and I held him in my arms I knew right then that I was holding my heart. I never knew that it was possible until that minute. When he opened his eyes and looked at me I knew then that I would spend the rest of my life trying to be as amazing as he thought that I was. My experience was no different with John Michael. My heart grew even larger, my fears were more intense, and everyday these emotions and feelings continue to grow.

Brandon is my soul mate and my other half. He is who completes me. He is who gave me my children. He is the reason that our family is complete. While we all have our bad days, we grow together in our faith, in our love for each other, and in knowledge every day.

I love being a wife and a mom. I truly feel that these are two things that I am good at and I love to do them. They are the reasons that I get up and am determined that each day will be special (even when they are frustrating). They are the reason that I am always working on making myself better. There are so many things about be a mom that are special and personal and truly make me feel like I can do anything.

While today my children were not on their best behavior it was a day that we all spent together and for the most part it was fun. We went to Mass this morning and the boys presented flowers to our Blessed Mother Mary. Then after Children's Church they carried the donation basket up with the gifts. This made John Michael feel like such a big boy. I was so proud of them both. St. Francis gave all of us moms a carnation after Mass. I love carnations and truly appreciated this act. Today's Mass for me was also a little sad as it Danny's last Sunday Mass without receiving Communion. I cannot believe that my little boy has grown up so quickly.

After Mass it was home and a pretty normal routine. I am working on several photography projects and I did that instead of laundry, but I will have to double up tomorrow because of it. Oh well, I got a good bit accomplished.

Then we went to Homestead Hollow to take Brandon's mom some more hamburger meat and buns. It was so slow it was sad. I did get my cousin's baby something. I cannot wait for her baby shower (which I am having for her) and this was just a meant to have it thing. I love it and I hope that she does too!

Then it was home again for some more work. I do not think there is such thing as a day off, but it was a good day. Danny had gotten a coupon from Zaxby's and really wanted to take me there for dinner. It worked for me because it meant I did not have to cook. At least that much was a break. We went there and then came home again to get some more work done and showers and bed time.

While it has not been a slow day it has been a good one. Danny gave me a bracelet and John Michael have me a picture that they made and a card. I love them all. Anything from my boys means so much to me and this was no exception. A hug and kiss and a happy Mother's Day first thing this morning made my day!

Well, now I am off to bed. Tomorrow is going to be fun and busy! I cannot wait! I will say a prayer for all of my friends and family. For all of you who are moms I hope that today and everyday is full of blessings! There is a lot about being a mom that is hard, in fact more is hard than is easy, but it is all a blessing and all amazing!

Easter

Today started early, but it was GREAT!

The boys were so excited when they woke up and the Easter bunny had been here. Typically he comes while we are at Mass, but since we were going out to eat instead of coming home to cook he came last night while we were sleeping. The boys were so excited about what he wrote on the eggs that they dyed, all of the candy that he brought, he also brought a few small toys and $10 gift cards. They were excited which makes my heart VERY happy!

We went to Mass at 8:30 we actually got there a little before 8 so I could get some pictures of my boys. I always love the Easter Mass. I hope to take the boys' to the Vigil Mass one year, but right now I am just concentrating on John Michael sitting still for an hour and that one is usually about 2.

We went to the church's Easter Egg Hunt right after Mass, and a quick change of clothes. The hunt was on the playground and since Danny was in his suit that he is wearing for his First Communion we did a quick clothing change.

We went to lunch at Logan's, and I have to say it was great. There was no fuss over cooking, cleaning, anything. I think we might have a new Easter tradition. We were there about 11:15 and there was no waiting, it was seriously great. Well the service today left something to be desired, but other than that it was great.

We came home so that we could all change clothes so we could work outside. Brandon finished up the front flower beds. He got the plants that we have been collecting for 2 months now planted. It looks great. Of course there is a lot to do, but it will take some time, and money. We figure a little each year and we will get there, and appreciate the new additions each year. Plus it is about the only way that we can even pretend to afford it. I also cleaned out the van, I still need to detail it, but other than baseball stuff there is nothing in there. We also had another egg hunt at the house! It was in the backyard, but a lot of fun.

Danny is out of school tomorrow for Holy Monday, but John Michael has school so I think that he and I will vacuum and wash it and detail it. Well, we will see. Of course he is ready to spend these gift cards. I also think that we will work in the den. I have so much to do and still 2 sets of pictures to finish editing, not to mention the personal ones. I will get there though. We will just have to see how tomorrow goes to decide what we will do.

Well, I am off to bed! Before I go I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. Please remember a friend of mine whose husband lost his mom this morning. While it was expected it is never easy when it comes. Thanks everyone. I hope that you all had a blessed Easter!

Running Around

So today was Sunday, which is never a day of rest. I am hoping that one day it will be, but the important thing is that it was a great day.

The boys both had practice from 3-5. I did not go so that I could get some errands done that I cannot do with the boys and do not know that I will have time to do this week. I am proud to announce that it was a success. It is all done! After visiting 6 stores, I can say now I can relax a little, well about that part anyway.

I do still have to find the boys something to wear for Easter. My plan is to find Danny a suit, I have a lead but the store is closed till Tuesday, thanks Tonya! Danny can wear this for Easter and his First Communion. For John Michael some plaid shorts and a nice shirt, or maybe even a sweater vest. We shall see what this week brings about while shopping. I also have to find them shoes. It will all happen though. This is going to be my goal for Tuesday after I drop them off at school. So expect an update then.

Brandon came home and said that only 5 boys showed up for John Michael's team practice and of course the one that Brandon really needed there was a no show. Of course I forget according to his parents he is an excellent ball player. Seriously...he is great at running across the field and fighting over the ball, but then he just stands there with it. That is what they were going to work on today. John Michael said that they got to run a little with Danny's team and he thought that was pretty cool. I think they had the same issue with a few no shows. Heck I know that my boys need practice and as long as we can be there we will be!

Anyway. We also went and got a Hibiscus plant for the front of the house, well 2, one for each corner. Hopefully we will get all of these new plants in the ground soon.

So I have changed our Easter plans. I think we are going to go out to lunch. I am just not in the mood for stressing over cooking, and entertaining. This way we can go to Mass, go out (and someone else cleans up), and then enjoy the day together. I did tell Brandon I would still bake a ham and he seemed happy because it means that we can work in the yard. If it is sunny that works for me, I love getting natural vitamin D.

So I am headed to bed. Tomorrow is craft day with John Michael's class so it will be a busy Monday. Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. I hope that this Easter week brings many blessings to you all.

Bilocation Abilities would be AMAZING!!

So today has been hectic to say the least, but we survived and will go at it again tomorrow! We did wake up on time and make it to Danny's school this morning, but then I had to run to Brandon's work and take him some things so we almost were late to John Michael's school. This would have been really bad since I ripped my jeans this morning right before I got in the van and if I had changed we would have been late. Oh well, I got to stay in the car so all worked out, and worse case scenario I had a long sweater in the van.

After I got home I was going to work around the house, and I did to an extent, but trying to get things ready for tonight and my e-mails sorted and all of the other things I had going on done, well, I was not near as productive as I needed to be, even though I did get some things done, which is always a plus. Tomorrow I will accomplish more, it is not optional as I will not be home Thursday...there is a wedding happening and I am super excited!

So John Michael had his first game at 6:00 tonight, Danny also had his first real game at 7:30. Danny also had a Home and School meeting (well that is just for the parents but it was at his school and means no uniform Friday) at 6:00 tonight. I wanted to do it all, but it was just not possible. The home and school meeting was the last for the year so I went and mingled and listened. It was really nice, but I was glad to make it to see the last inning of John Michael's game as well as Danny's. I did get to make it to everything, but not the whole thing, which makes me a little sad. I knew that it was bound to happen sooner or later, but still, I would love to be able to bi locate and do it all! That is just one super power I missed out on. I am very thankful that no speeding tickets were involved tonight, because I might have been driving a little faster than normal. I tried to control that urge to really fly reminding myself that a ticket would be horrible, and an accident even worse, but still I was very thankful for no police men tonight! Thanks guys for radaring the other areas of the roads and not mine. ;) I did find out that we were supposed to sign out and my one track mind had me missing that part so hopefully it will not effect Danny wearing his uniform on Friday. Otherwise I will have one unhappy child. I will call the principal tomorrow and see what he says. Or maybe I should just beg forgiveness if they say something to Danny. I was there so I am sure it will not be a problem.

Oh yeah, John Michael lost his game, but they definitely played better tonight and Danny won his game! Go Tigers and Yankees! I love you boys!

The bat fiasco is still happening and Dizzy Dean is definitely getting a letter. This is seriously nutty! Anyway, I am off to bed. Cub Scouts tomorrow night and unless Brandon gets off in time I am the den leader. Hopefully all will go well. I still have to figure out what we have to do.

Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of my family and friends in my prayers! Thanks for always being there and loving me for who I am and standing beside us at all times it means a lot. I also am asking that you all remember each moment is special and that somehow in the end it all gets done!

P is for Pajama

John Michael's class is working on the letter P and guess what it is for Pajamas...so today was pajama day! He loves to get up and get ready in pajamas. He looked so cute in his batman PJ's. The only problem I had was they are shorts, and it was cool today, but I knew that they would be inside since it was such a nasty day so I did not fight with him about it! He was being too sweet and we were running too late for me to argue!

Danny had Mass today so he was all decked out in his tie! I love the fact that they dress up for Mass. I have to find him something super nice...like a suit for his first Communion.

Not to mention I still have to get them both something for Easter. They do not mind dressing up, but the shoes they do not care for at all. Oh well, time to go shopping! If only I had the money to do a lot of it. One day it will happen though.

Well, we had our cub scout pack planning meeting tonight. Easter Egg Hunt, Blue and Gold (yes, I know that we are behind schedule), Summer Camp, Summer Camp Out, Barons Game, etc.... It is going to be busy but it is most definitely all going to be fun!

We got Danny's baseball schedule today so hopefully John Michael's will arrive in our inbox by tomorrow. Needless to say please send all correspondence to me care of Clay Ball Park. I really do love the sport, I just wish that it would not rain every other day and that it would warm up. I always enjoy more activities when it is warm!

Well, I am off to bed. It is not before 9, but not too bad considering it is not 10 yet! Getting closer! Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of our family and friends. There are so many blessings that we ignore through the rush of life, but being able to just enjoy each day through this blog has made me more aware of each part of the day and while I am no where near where I want to be in many areas in so many areas I have made amazing progress. 365 Days of blessings has definitely been a blessing for me!

Happy 30th To the Love of My Life

Today my amazing husband turned 30 years old. It is amazing when I think about the fact that we have known each other for over half of our lives and I have loved him for half of mine. We met when we were 14 years old. The first time we dated we were 15 years old and I knew then that he was my heart, my better half, the person who truly completed me. Well, he needed a little more time than me to figure that out so we went our separate ways. We stayed in touch on and off through the next few years and then we were on and within a few months engaged and then married. Brandon has made my 20's amazing. At 20 - He proposed. At 21 - We were married. At 22 - We had Danny. At 25 - We had John Michael. Each year has been so important and there have also been some hard times that I know I would have never made it through without him. I cannot wait to see how remarkable our 30's will be. I will join him Saturday in the 30's for now I plan to enjoy my last days in my 20's.

I thank God everyday for the many blessings that He has given to me. Each day is a new blessing and I know that He is responsible for everything that is good in our lives. I cannot wait to discover each blessing that comes in our 30's and beyond. I have grown closer to God and am more comfortable with my faith and I know that it is because of having such an amazing husband.

This morning we sang happy birthday to Brandon and then tonight I surprised him with one of Amy's famous peanut butter cakes (thank you so much Amy and as always it was delicious). The boys also had to give him birthday spankings which was too funny!

Well, it is after 9, but not too late. I am headed to bed since both boys are finally asleep. Before I do I will be praying for all of my friends and family just as I do every night. If you are blessed enough to have your significant other with you make sure you say I love you to them tonight and everyday!

Many Friday Blessings

Today was a day of many blessings ... after I got over the lack of sleep due to Freddie Kruger nightmares. Seriously it was wild and the thing is these movies never really scared me but these nightmares were seriously crazy. Oh well, what can I say we all have a crazy night every now and again.

This morning Brandon and I managed to get the den finished finally. It was a week long project that I am so glad is in the past. Now to keep it that way. We filled up another garbage with stuff that was either broken or missing pieces and then the back of Brandon's truck with stuff for the donation bins. It was bittersweet to get rid of so much, but there is still so much stuff. Sometimes I wonder where the heck it all came from. It was great to watch them be able to really use the den and they were so grateful to have it cleaned and organized. The funny thing is that they have not even noticed what is missing! So obviously I made the right choices when deciding what to keep and what to get rid of.

John Michael absolutely cracked us up. He was playing with the play-doh, which he loves. He made a play-doh friend and named him Daniel. It was so cute! He misses Danny when he is at school. Super sweet moment in my heart. Of course as soon as they are together they are fighting usually, but I guess it is part of being brothers. I hope that it gets better soon. I like the fun moments the most.

I taught the boys how to play Trouble tonight. I was super proud we had a good thirty minutes of no fighting fun! We plan more family game nights.

We had a great dinner, seafood and chicken box, with some great friends. Thank you Nick, J, Kiersten and Elliott for a nice Friday night! The boys were exhausted and passed out probably before they were off the street. Brandon and I also had a nice time, it is always nice to have and enjoy company.

Well, it is definitely not before 9, but tomorrow is a new day. Before I go to bed I will as always say a prayer for all of my friends and family. Consider your spoken and unspoken request prayed for. I also pray for a successful photo shoot in the morning. I love photography and thank God for allowing me to do what I love.