Mini Movie Night

So this morning we woke up late, but we had enough time to get to the school without being late. I felt bad though because Danny really wanted waffles this morning and that we did not have time to do. Aiming for that to happen tomorrow morning. We shall see.

Today was Danny's last Monday as a second grader. WOW! I know that I have said it before and I probably will say it several times this week. He got his yearbook today, it is great. They really do an amazing job putting it all together. Next year I guess it will be 2 so that each boy has one. Definitely worth it though. They each should be able to capture their memories. They got to have their friends and teacher's sign it this afternoon. Now it stays home.

After school it was time for homework. Only 2 things, so it did not take too long, but was still a fight. Then we went to meet one of the mom's from John Michael's baseball team so that I could take her baseball pictures. They were not able to make it to the last games so I needed to get them to her.

We came home and the boys wanted to watch their DVDs from school. Danny brought the DVD of his First Eucharist home and John Michael brought home the Q and U wedding DVD so we had a mini movie night. I cried when both of the events were live and I cried again first it was emotional and then physical pain.

I tickled Danny, which turned into Danny tickling me and john Michael and me tickling them. Well, it was fine at first then I told them it was time to chill but it was not that simple. It ended when John Michael's head came down on my nose. PAIN! That is the best that I can say. It is still killing me and this was hours ago. I have taken some meds and am hoping that it feels better tomorrow. Going to the doctor is not something I care to add to my to do list. It feels really weird on one side. We will see what tomorrow brings.

We finished watching the movies and then they went to sleep. Well, I am off to bed myself. I am hoping that the pain meds will kick in soon and let me get some sleep. I do not figure that the fact I can see my nose easily is a good thing. Praying it is better tomorrow.

Well, before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of you.

First Eucharist

Now onto Saturday!!!

So this was a day that I knew was going to be a little bittersweet for me. Each time the boys overcome another milestone in their lives it is always joyous but is also a little sad as it serves as a reminder that they are truly growing up by leaps and bounds.

This morning, we got up and headed to Mass, but it was not any Mass it was for Danny's First Eucharist. What a special Mass. Mass did not start until 10, but pictures were before. Kristin, with Future Memories, was taking pictures so I paid for her to do them, so that I could enjoy the day. Of course I still took some, well, a lot. She did individual pictures by the tabernacle from 8:30-9:30. I also used this time to take some pictures of Danny and all of his friends. I am so used to seeing them in uniform or at Mass in regular clothes that they looked so grown up in their dresses and suits. At 9:30 Kristin grouped them all together for the group shot. There were 53 children receiving Jesus through Communion for the first time today. It was so special.

After their group picture they went to the Parish Hall and we waited for the Mass to begin. They came in with flowers to put in vases to go at Mary's feet. The children's choir was singing at the Mass and they sang the Hail Mary which was gorgeous. I thought it was going to be Ave Maria, which would have meant sobbing from me instead of just the slow stream of tears. Then they took their places and Mass began.

Danny did one of the prayers for the faithful, and he did great. He spoke loudly and clearly and I was so proud of him. Every child had a part and they all did so well. I was such a proud momma, as I think we all were.

When they started to come to the Alter to receive Communion for the first time the tears were back but they were happy tears still. There is something that is so powerful about the Eucharist even to me now and to watch my child and all of these children receive Our Lord for the first time was just amazing, powerful, and so special.

There was a reception after the Mass in the Parish Hall that was done by the First Grade and their parents. Thank you all for that. My mom also had dinner for Danny at her house, but we had a baseball break before that.

Overall it was a day that was full of Faith. Holy Communion is something that Danny will always receive now and he will continue to grow in his love for Jesus. I am so proud! I thank you all who came today and showed Danny that you are a part of his life forever in his journey of Faith. I also thank you all who prayed for him during this time. Even if you could not be with him today the prayers that you said for him and this journey have meant the world to us. Thank you to all of the teachers, priests, volunteers, and more who were a part of making this day so memorable. We love you all!

Grandparents are Special

So I am still behind...this is for Friday!

Friday was the Grandparents Reception at St. Francis for the second graders. This gives them a chance to show off their class and their work before the Sacrament of First Eucahrist. Danny had to settle for me since my mom was sick and Brandon's mom had her graduation, but he liked showing off everything. Danny's Aunt Rita was their, Isabella is in his class so she came to be there for her, and she let Danny spend time with her. Which was fine with him. He loves Rita, as we all do! It was so nice. Mrs. Hayes and the students have been working hard getting ready for this day and for their First Eucharist. You could tell too. The parents all did an amazing job putting the reception together, especially Ashley Hill and Tonya Balducci. You two are amazing! I even got several ideas for upcoming showers and parties I am having!

After cleanup was over we rushed home to get Brandon and John Michael and head to Hanceville for Meme's (Brandon's Mom) Graduation. It was great to be there for her. It was a very nice ceremony and one that was full of stories that had me in tears. The boys were pretty well behaved, which is a plus because it is not easy to sit and wait for 2 hours, but they did it and I was so proud.

After the ceremony we had to head home because we needed to get the boys ready for bed. First Eucharist is in the morning and I did not want a fight getting ready. We hated to miss going to dinner, but we needed to get home.

It was a great Friday!

New Clothes and Baseball

No, I did not get new clothes, but it would be nice to have some in my closet. Oh well. Danny got his First Communion/Easter outfit, and let me just tell you my baby boy looks good in it! The first feat was finding one and the second was it fitting. SCORE! John Michael also got an Easter outfit. It is so cute and again it fit! TWO! They also got dress shoes. John Michael's fit, Danny's did not so I will be taking those back tomorrow and hoping that they have another pair that will work. He is at such a strange size! Now I still have to tell you I have no idea what Brandon and I will wear, but we will make something in our closets work.

Both boys had games tonight. John Michael's team lost, but the boys seemed to have a good time out there which is what matters. We are hoping to have a mandatory practice next Monday, but we will see if the fields are available. BTW, John Michael was catching and he actually seemed to do much better tonight. I guess he is following in his big brothers footsteps!

Danny's team won and it was an awesome game!

Well, we are home. Easter party with John Michael's class tomorrow so expect an update soon! I am headed to bed very soon. I am exhausted and these boys have to get to sleep or it is going to be a rough morning tomorrow. I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers tonight. Please pray for one of my mom's best friends, and a woman who I love dearly, she lost her brother this morning. Thank you all!

Busy but Definitely Great Saturday

This morning Brandon and I each took a boy and started the day. We met up shortly before lunch and then the rest of the day was spent together.

Brandon took John Michael and they headed to the ballpark. Brandon had to be at the park for Danny's team pictures since he is an assistant coach, and then they went to breakfast and headed back to the park for John Michael's team pictures, where Brandon is the head coach.

Danny had his First Communion workshop this morning. He missed his team pictures, but it is all good his momma is a photographer so she will get one before the season is over. We also missed the first half of his game but we made it for the last two innings. He said that he really enjoyed the workshop and wanted to know if the wine would taste better when it was turned into the blood of Jesus. I had to be honest with him. He was not too thrilled about that but that was it. He said that he is excited about this Sacrament and cannot wait to make it. Three more weeks. Danny's team won their game, it was a great game from what I saw of it anyway. I am just so glad that they won and I know that they are too. They will practice tomorrow from 3-5.

John Michael's team had yet another loss. The boys are getting frustrated and it is getting to Brandon. They are getting better every game and most of them could care less if they win as long as they hit the ball or catch the ball. Hopefully we will win one soon. I know that they deserve it. They are doing great though and I am proud of all of them. By the way John Michael hit a double! We are hoping to have practice tomorrow for these guys too!

After the park we came home and got ready and went to the movies. We went to the Edge in Irondale. The last time I was there was with Brandon and we saw Titanic...that was a long time ago! We saw Hop tonight and it was so cute. Definitely not a disappointment. The theater looks great and we all had a great time!

Well, now we are all exhausted and headed to bed. We have only been home about 10 minutes. It was a great family day! Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. I also have a prayer request for my brother in law. He is going out of the country tomorrow for a few weeks and I am asking everyone to pray for his wife and three boys while he is gone and for his safety while away and for a safe return. Thanks everyone.

Catholic Schools Week

Today is the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun and exciting week for the students, parents, teachers, faculty, and everyone involved in Catholic schools.

This students were asked to wear their uniforms to school. The 11:00 Mass they also sang in the choir, and did the readings. It was really great and I have to admit to getting a little emotional during Mass. There is something almost magical about the children singing. Danny is in the Children's choir and he did very well, they all did. I was and am still a proud momma.

There was also a great display in the vestibule this morning that had a picture of all the Saint Francis students. It was really nice.

The banner that the youth from SFX took to the Walk for Life in Washington DC was also on display and it was great.

Next week is the food drive so hopefully I will rememer. I seem to be on a role and I have to get more organized. This morning was the First Eucharist parent's meetings and I had no idea. I feel like such a horrile person. I was assured by one of the mom's that it was no big deal. As I am decluttering my home hopefully I will be able to keep up with it all. Next year it will be an amazing blessing to have them in the same school! I think that alone will help. I currently drive 132 miles a day!!! That is enough to drive anyone crazy...right?

Everyone seemed to be shocked by John Michael's hair, but they also seemed to like it. It is a shock, he has always had a lot of hair and even though he has had several hair cuts, we have always kept it a little longer. Now he looks like a big kid! I guess it had to happen sometime.

Well, it is definitely after 9, but tomorrow is a new day! I will try again. On my way to bed I will remember everyone in my prayers. I will also be praying that the alarm will wake us up in the morning, I need Monday to start well this week! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nice weekend as it looks like now we will have rain followed by really cold weather!