Happy Birthday Danny

So this is one of my favorite days of the year, it is Danny's birthday.  Today he is 9 years old, which I cannot believe.  Nine years ago I was so ready to meet and hold my little man.  Nine years ago I learned that it was possible to hold your heart in your hands.  Nine years ago I knew that every moment would be cherished.  Nine years ago I knew that being a mom was all I ever wanted.  I still cannot believe that it has been nine years, they have been amazing and I know that all of the years to come will be amazing too.  He is growing into such an unbelievable young man, and I thank God for him everyday. 
We surprised Danny this morning with a new bike!  He really needed one and he was so excited.  It is sharp and he is doing great with it.  We went on and got a mountain bike for him so he is still learning the gears, but he will get it and I am sure it will happen quickly like everything else seems to.

Danny has been waiting for his birthday to fall on a weekend so he can have his party on his birthday and this year he got it.  We had his party at the pool.  It was so nice.  I hated that invites had to go out via text and facebook, but it was short notice because I did not want to send them out in case something happened with the closing.  His party was great, he had a great  turn out with family, friends, ball team members, and school friends.  I was so happy for him and he seemed to have so much fun and that is what matters most.  It was hot today so I cannot think of a better place to be than a pool.  The kids and adults managed to fill up the pool and the kiddie pool, which was just awesome.  I love it when everyone has a good time.  There was no cake left thank you so much Amy, for the amazing cake that tasted as good as it looke (as always).

After the party we headed to the house to change, and Danny wanted to open his gifts.  We also hung out with our nephews and just had a good time.  Amy and Terry and the kids stayed for dinner.  Danny wante chicken and dumplings and since it is his birthday I was not going to argue.  After dinner we headed back to the pool to swim and make sure we had cleaned everything really well and all that.  It was a lot of fun.

10 Seconds to Garbage

I will explain the title soon.
So the boys had school today they of course were pumped to go for 2 reasons. First, after today there is a five day break. Second, today was the school Mass and since Brandon is off he was going to come with me.
As I have said Mass day is always my favorite day of the week. It seriously allows me to get centered. This Mass was no exception. The third grade is the choir for the second half of the second semester and my big man got up and sang a solo. Much braver (and more talented) than his momma ever has been. John Michael's class was going to do a little Thanksgiving thing after Mass and then sing two songs with the second and first graders. He did so good. I am definitely a beaming proud momma today.
Brandon and I headed home after Mass so he could get on the roof and hopefully get finished before the rain. While he was working and I was working in the kitchen we got a call that the school was closing at 1:30. The weather was supposed to get severe and they did not want to take chances. I left to get the boys and Brandon worked till the rain came and he had to get off the roof.
The boys were super pumped to be out of school early, it meant a few extra hours added to Thanksgiving break so they did not argue at all. Both were homework free other than reading so we were good to come home and get to work on the decorations. Fortunately there was no severe weather.
Since the rain had us stuck inside we put up the living room Christmas Tree. It is so pretty. While some people are very formal with their tree I am so the opposite. Our tree in the living room is decorated with all the ornaments that my boys have made through the years. I love it! It is unique and without a doubt ours. It just shows family, love, faith, so much in one area.
Danny and John Michael decided that they wanted to bake a cake by themselves. I was making dumplings for chicken and dumplings (dinner for tonight) and corn breads (1 for dinner, 2 for the stuffing). Anyway. I let them do their thing. Here is the ingredients that they chose to use.
Milk
Water
All-Purpose Flour
Corn Meal
Crushed Pecans
Halloween Sprinkles
Cocoa
An Egg (and probably a little shell)
I think that covers it all. They asked if I would bake it so I did, the oven was on anyway. Well, it was interesting looking. Looked like very light brownies sort of anyway. John Michael said that it tasted good for ten seconds and then it tasted like garbage. I had to laugh...and that is why it is my title. They had such a good time, and tomorrow I will help them bake a cake.

Good Friday

Today was Good Friday. It is a day that we stop and should remember that Jesus died for our sins.

Today was a busy day for all of us but it was a great day spent with my family and ended on a positive note being spent with my best friend.

John Michael and I got up this morning to run some errands. We went to find me something to wear for Easter and for Danny's First Communion. I really figured it would be a bust but it was definitely a success and I am glad I went on and went as I actually found a few outfits. Which is always good news for my closet especially. We also had to go to the grocery store. Danny wanted Chicken and Dumplins and tomorrow John Michael wants spaghetti and Brandon wants homemade bread. I also needed a few things for the week. I am glad to have this done.

While we went one way, Brandon and Danny headed to Home Depot to rent a tiller. They tilled the front and back flower beds so that we can plant the things that we have gotten. We plan to add to the yard each year, but this year we have done a lot, basically getting them ready. I cannot wait to see the finished product. So far everything looks great. Brandon even dug up my favorite daffodils so that we can replant them. They are definitely my favorite flowers, I just wish that they would bloom more than one time. Oh well, I enjoy them while they are here.

We have several trees that we planted this fall and I have been amazed with the peaches that are being produced on one of them. Obviously the peach tree. I did not know that one so young would produce.

When the tilling was done we all went to Sam's to get some more of the weed stop covering stuff. We also got drinks and a few things that we needed.

We got home and ate dinner. The Chicken and Dumplins were yummy. I love them, but do not make them often and usually not at all unless it is winter, but they are Danny's favorites! Then Brandon went back to the yard and I started cleaning the kitchen.

My best friend Amy came over to scrapbook. I have overwhelmed myself with the back log that I have and the things that I have collected for them over the years. I am getting there though, it will all come together soon. I need to bring all of mine upstairs and make a list of what I have and what I need. Progress is being made though. I think that tonight we talked more than actually worked, but it was great. Just spending time together and letting our kids wear each other out! No matter what I have going on I hope that Amy knows I am always here for her! We have been friends since high school and no matter how much time goes by between us talking we always pick right back up. I am glad that we are getting better at spending time together though!

So I have to go by Jellybeans first thing in the morning and boil eggs for dying tomorrow afternoon. Then we have a ballgame. John Michael has an off day but Danny plays and then home for more housework and yardwork. It is going to be busy day, but will also be a productive one! I am looking forward to a family day!

Headed to bed now, well after I put up the leftover food. I will be praying for all of my friends and family as always before going to sleep. I hope that this Lenten season has been blessed for all of you.

Baseball, Storms and Scrapbooking!

Definitely a great Saturday! I have to admit I am exhausted especially after the on and off rain throughout the day and then the storms tonight, but it was truly an amazing day.

Both boys had practice today. John Michael at 11 and Danny at 2 so most of the day was spent at the ballpark. It was interesting with the rain coming and going, but they had a good time. Of course we came home and showers were a definite must along with some dry clothes. Danny was not too happy about a shower before dinner, but when we explained to him it was about a shower before the storms he stopped dragging his feet and did what we said. You know every once in a while mom and dad are pretty smart. Although it seems to be a rarity.

Did you know if your children have paper, pictures, a glue stick, and a cutter they will play for hours. My best friend for seriously ever came over tonight. Our husbands talk electronics while we worked on our scrapbooks. We have a lot to catch up on but thanks to the cricut it is all coming together nicely. I was able to get John Michael's K3 book done, with the exception of some pictures that I need to print and some more cutting that I need to do with the cricut. I will get that done this week though. Then onto Danny's first grade book. Then I might go on and do his 3K book so that other than the current school years we are up to date, well at least with that. Back to the original statement. Our children decided that they too needed to scrapbook and they did great. They had a blast and that is what I love. Plus they are adding to their creativity, which is always a good thing.

With the storms and us needing to watch the weather, we hooked the Wii up in John Michael's room. Well you know that they loved that so they literally would scrapbook and then play the Wii. It was too funny. I am already ready to do it again! Let's make a date!

Anyway, I made chicken and dumplings for dinner, they were yummy if I do so say myself.

Well, I am off to bed. Tomorrow is Mass, then cleaning, cooking, laundry and I am hoping a little scrapbooking, but I also need to be editing, so we will have to see how it all works out. Watch the blog tomorrow for updates on our Sunday! Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. I am so thankful that in reading my friend's blog baby Jemma is definitely making great strides. Keep the prayers up everyone!