The Homework Room and Tiger Cubs

So today was a crazy Tuesday and the to get done list was just too long.  I am still trying to manage the boys' school, photography, After School Care, My school work, scouts, sports, and just being a wife and mom.  I know that I will get it down but sometimes I feel like I am drowning. 
Today I decided to call first grade into the homework room at After School Care.  Usually it is third and up and second if there is time.  First has a lot of homework though and I knew if we could get it out of the way before scouts that would make my night slightly easier and maybe some of the parents' too.  They were so funny and they got their work done.  They cannot come in with the whole group the little ones are a little too loud, but when we are down to just a few it works out almost perfectly.  Especially for mom.

We headed down to scouts at 6:00.  So straight from ASC.  John Michael was so excited to be able to make it to the meeting.  Brandon came and got Danny for baseball practice so everyone was able to make it where they were needed. 

The Tiger Cub meeting went great.  They went over the Bobcat requirements so they all should get that at the next pack meeting, which is really great.  They also played a great game which allowed them to get to know each other better as well as more about scout.  It was a game creating a spider web with yarn.  It was a lot of fun for the boys and when Larry (their leader) told them that he was a fireman and a pilot those boys were SO excited. 

Bible Bee vs. Den Meeting

Today started with Mass with the School which is always a great way to get through the week, for me it is my chance to regroup and refocus. I enjoy being there with the boys, their school, and Jesus. It is just a good time for me and I think that they enjoy me being there.
So today was the Bible Bee Study. At least I thought that it was so I cancled our Cub Scout den meeting. I picked up John Michael and then drove to the back of the parking lot. About fifteen minutes later I saw Mr. Wright and Danny walking across the parking lot. Evidentally it was the 6-8th graders week for the Bible Bee and they canceled so there was nothing. I was just glad I was not the only parent with the wrong week. Oh well, that is what I get for trying to get on a schedule.
Tonight the Kindergarten classes sent us dinner. It was delicious. It was Kabobs, rice, salad, and chocolate cake from Zoe's.

February Begins

February started out running late. We are all so exhausted that it is becoming the norm for us to be late. This is not something that I like to be known for. I have always been the one who was early and I would like to go back to that.
When we got to school, just three minutes late, we signed in and the boys' headed to class. Today was Mass Day so I stuck around and read for a little while and then headed into Church. I love this day, through the rain and everything it was great to spend time with my boys' and with Jesus.
After Mass I headed to the church office to pick up something for my mom. To St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and to The Diocese of Birmingham, thank you for helping my mom in this time of need. It means so much to all of us.
I came home to work on laundry, registering the boys for school, still putting up Christmas, and just trying to accomplish anything. I was not very successful, but it wasn't because I wasn't trying. Maybe tomorrow will be better. I doubt it though, like today I have too much to do. I need a serious system, if anyone can help with this I would be so appreciative.
We had cub scouts today after school. I decided that we would take the time and start to work on the scout closet. The boys helped a lot and then played Chess and Checkers. It was a good meeting overall. They seemed to have fun, which is what matters most to me.
So the boys still will not clean their rooms. I am so over trying to get them too. I have so much to worry about right now and I just do not know what to do. It will get better. Of course is someone could send me $5000 that would be great. Of course who wouldn't like a good deposit or who doesn't need it. Maybe one day finances will be on the bottom of my worry list. That day is not today though.
Katie Fleming made dinner for my family and it meant so much and tasted great. Thank you so much Katie for everything. You are a great cousin, and even better than that you are a great friend. You amaze me with all that you are able to accomplish and just what a genuinely good person you are. I am so thankful that are children are growing up together. Anyway, thank you. It was delicious and again meant a lot to us all.
Well I am off to bed. I have a feeling that I am going to break and I do not like it at all. Hoping some sleep will do me some good. Good night.

Christmas Season School Mass

So today was a great day, I got up early enough to enjoy a few minutes before waking the rest of the family up. They were excited to wake up to breakfast being ready. Well, it was ready when Brandon left, but when the boys got up. So it worked, the boys ate at the table and Brandon took his to work. It was a great morning.
Today was the school Mass, and it is the one school Mass during the Christmas season. I love the fact that they prepare for Christmas through Advent together and then are able to celebrate Christmas together. I am also very thankful that I was able to go to Mass and celebrate with them. This is my favorite day of the week, it is just a very personal time with Jesus and my boys.
After School we had Scouts, it was the den meeting so I took the 3rd grade boys to the scout room and we got to work. We had to discuss fire protection, water protection, and ice protection. We also played the card game Sorry Revenge and talked about the rocks and minerals found in Alabama. It was a productive meeting and I am so glad. We are on schedule to get all of the boys' their Bear Badges next month! This is what I wanted to happen, then we can focus on the elective the rest of the year.
We came home and I was about to start cooking when Danny informed me he wanted leftovers. John Michael wanted cereal so yeah, I decided their idea was much better than mine.
Well, I am off to bed, I hope anyway. The boys are in bed, homework is done and I have a lot I need to talk to God about. Know that you are all in my prayers.

Boosterthon Kick Off

Today was a great day, still not up when I wanted to be, but again we were on time which is what I care about the most. While I might not be ahead at least I am not behind.
This morning was Mass with the boys which is my favorite day of the school week. Yes, it means I do not get as much done at the house, but what it does means cannot be outdone. Getting to spend an hour with my boys and Jesus in the middle of the week is jut amazing. It is a day that allows me to regroup, and remember what is important and why. It allows me to look at my many blessings and be thankful.
At 2:00 there was a pep rally at the school. This year our fundraiser is the boosterthon fun run and today was the kick off. It was great. Those guys are truly great with kids and have a great energy about them. You can tell that they truly enjoy what they do. The boys are definitely pumped about this and are ready to get sponsors. If you are interested let me know ;)
After school today was our cub scout den meeting. This is the one that I run with the 3rd grade boys. Usually we go outside and run some energy off but with the rain we were inside but the energy was still there. The meeting started off great, but by the end of the meeting the boys were wild. It ended in me telling them that I did not have to do this and would not continue if they could not show me some respect. We will see how the December meetings go.
After the meeting there was popcorn to be sorted. Brandon left work and went to get it and Tonya came back to help me get it all sorted out. So thankful for her help and her organizational skills. She is great! Now we have to get it all delivered and the money collected. Hopefully we will get a start on it this weekend. Maybe we will make some real progress with getting it done.
Well, I am off to bed. Posting pictures tomorrow. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Bear Cubs on the Court

Mass was this morning. I love starting my Wednesday mornings with my boys in Mass. It is such a special time and allows me some time to reflect and pray, which was much needed today.
The boys' had great days today. Again, this is music to a momma's ears. I love knowing that they are happy and that they are learning. They are great boys and I know that the education and attention that they are able to receive at St. Francis is second to none.
The Bear Cubs had our second den meeting of the year today. It was fun. We started the meeting off with the Pledge and then we set some ground rules with the Wolves and the Bears. I took the Bears out to get to work on their badge. Today Basketball. After going over the rules and some drills, they played each other in a quick game and then to the playground to run off some energy. There is a lot to do to get your Bear badge and I hope that we are able to do this. February is our goal. Now to turn my attention to the pack meeting next week...Popcorn time. Should be fun.
Well, homework is finally done, and now for bath time and bedtime. I am hoping for an early bedtime. I am seriously exhausted!
Good night all my friends! Pictures to come tomorrow. I am tired today :)

Pancakes, Practice, Pictures...and More

So I seriously cannot believe that it is February. Part of the reason behind this blog is so that I remember to treasure each day. It is the present, because it is a gift. I am determined to smell more roses and stress less. This is helping, but it is definitely not slowing down time at all.

Well today started with taking both boys to school in just a little drizzle like rain. Then back to Danny's school to help with the pancake breakfast for the Kindergarten, First and Second Grades. It was a great breakfast, and the children all really seemed to enjoy it. I was glad to be there for Danny man. It was also Parent's appreciation and during morning drop of the children were clapping for us and they brought of a bag full of little goodies. It was so sweet. My children getting the best education and a Catholic foundation is so important to Brandon and me.

After getting the boys from school, Danny had Choir practice, then he practiced his reading for Mass next Sunday, and then Basketball pictures, and then basketball practice and followed it up with our Cub Scout Den Meeting. It was definitely a wild Tuesday. We have to finish his Hat Book Report tomorrow night, but there is not much left to do, so it should not be problem.

Tomorrow the second grade is doing the Mass, and I am so excited. I have not decided if I am going to take John Michael in late or if I am going to let him stay home. Time will tell!

Well, before 9 was not an option tonight, maybe tomorrow night. Before I go to bed I will be remembering you all in my thoughts and prayers. Time is precious! Enjoy it but cherish it.