An Amazing Weekend Ends on a Note...

Well this weekend was amazing. It started with the Grandparent's Reception Friday afternoon with Danny and his class. Then onto Meme's graduation. Then Danny's First Communion which was so special for so many reasons. Then a baseball game with John Michael followed by a lunch at mom's to celebrate Danny's First Communion. Then Sunday started with Mass, and John Michael was actually well behaved. Something we are working hard on. I caught my blog back up. Then came Sunday evening.

I am stressed and backloaded with school work so I work on it while Brandon takes the boys outside to throw the ball. This is where the weekend started to end. Danny got hit in the head with the ball which left a lovely knot, but he was okay. This just broke my heart though. I do not like it when my boys get hurt. So back inside they came and while I got my postings done my paper not so much.

I decided that I probably needed to balance my checkbook once I realized that I had spent over $200 in the past 7 days on gas. Yes, you read that right. Needless to say this made my day really take a nose dive. Now I get to stress until Friday, when Brandon gets paid, and really even after that because there will be nothing to pay bills. I will be so so glad when money is not something that I have to stress over on a daily basis. Especially when it is this bad. There is so much I want to do with my family this summer and well I am assuming all of that can just be tossed aside. I am praying that Brandon and I are able to start making some money with our company as that will definitely help.

I am sorry to vent I do not like to use my blog for this especially when it is so personal, but I figure you all know everything else about me. While I know that money cannot buy happiness it sure as hell can make it easier to find!

Before we went to bed Danny lost a tooth and the tooth fairy came. I also managed to get behind in my blog. I will do this one and the one for today today and should be good to go!

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!

Bike and Trike

Today I was very emotional. It was John Michael's Bike and Trike Day at school. While to many this seems like just another day to me it was the last Bike and Trike at Hilldale. I am very sad, because I love Hilldale and the teachers and this has always been such a fun and exciting day for my boys. In fact Danny was so funny begging to stay home so he could go to Bike and Trike. Don't worry he went to school. Anyway, the more I think about everything that is coming to an end within the next week the more emotional I become. As you follow my blog you will see what I am talking about.

Anyway, it was rather warm today but it was a lot of fun! I was glad to be at the school taking pictures of everyone having a really good time. Even with broken pedals, flipped handle bars, scrapped hands and knees, these kids had a BLAST! John Michael was so tired when we got home. I kept him awake in the car playing with my phone, and once we got home, but it was a challenge. Needless to say we had dinner, he got a shower and was asleep!

Today was Danny's school Mass. I really wanted to go, but I could not miss this day with John Michael. This would have been one of those days that bilocation would be a great ability. Anyway. This was his last Mass ever without receiving Communion. WOW! Well, I know I have said it for over a week, but seriously this is where words are lost because of my emotions taking over.

Well, I am not long for bed! I am exhausted and tomorrow is going to be a busy one. I have not heard from Danny's teacher to find out if I am helping in her class after school, so we will see if that gets tacked on to the to do list. Well, I am off to bed. I will remember all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Again please pray for this Saturday's First Communion class as they make this Sacrament.

On A Roll

So this morning I started to feel a little more like myself. I woke up with energy and did not drag for half of the day. In fact before 6:30 I had gotten in a small workout, done a load of laundry, unloaded and reloaded and started the dishwasher, and hand washed the dishes that needed that extra care. I was actually feeling pretty good all day.

Thank you so much for hearing and answering my prayers. That is about all I can say. I have needed a turn around and I am hoping that this is it.

Baseball games were back on the calendar tonight and looks like they will be every night for the next few. Lots of laundry is what that means for momma. John Michael's team lost, but these boys get better every game. They are the youngest team in the league and they are truly doing their best. I am proud of them! I have been on teams that won them all, lost them all, and fell in the middle. I do not think that any one was more enjoyable than the others. SERIOUSLY!

I do have a few things to vent about so parents listen up! I am talking to you! There are several parents complaining about the lack of practice. There are several reasons that we have not practiced. 1. We have other responsibilities and are not paid to coach. 2. When we have held practices 4-6 kids of 12 show up. 3. The weather has not been the best and has yielded several possible practices. Now, if you think you can do better, please sign up and do so next year. Know that we have only a few boys who have ever played, of those half have only played rag ball, which if you did not know is not even a preparation for baseball. We also have 4, 4 year olds. We only have 3, 6 year olds. Here is the thing. You take an average 6 year old and put them against even the best 4 year old they will be outplayed.

Now I am done with that vent. Again, sorry, but I needed to get it out! If you would like to discuss this with me please do so...not on the bleachers. Get real and grow up, PLEASE!

Danny's team played amazing and they won. It was close for a while, too close for a while, but in the end they won! They all did really well. Congrats to all of the Yankees!

Well, I am exhausted. The boys have had their showers and baths, and are asleep. I am about to head that way myself. I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please remember Danny's class as they continue getting ready for their First Communion this coming Saturday! I cannot believe he is so big. Tomorrow he has Mass at school and it is the last Mass that he will ever attend without receiving Communion. WOW! That about sums up my emotions.

Golden Flake

Today was a great day! I burned a serious amount of gas driving back and forth, but it was so worth it.

I went with the second graders to Golden Flake today. The boys riding with me were excellent. We were a small enough group that we did not have to be divided and we were able to go through the tour as one group. This was a nice surprise. One of the dad's in the class made the video for Golden Flake, and he was there today. His daughter was so proud and it was so awesome to watch her brag on her daddy to her friends.

The tour was really neat. I am surprised that I have never been. I am glad to know where it is though, being so involved with scouts we are always looking for places to take them. It was so interesting to see how these chips are made. It is really cool that they are made right down the street.

The tour lets you see how the potato chips are made from potato to ready for grocery stores. It was awesome to see how they recycle so much and how they use what is waste for other things. Like the starch from the potatoes. We were also able to taste a chip right out of the fryer, and I will say that there is something special about a HOT Golden Flake Potato chip! Thank you Golden Flake for the tour today!

I was really glad to be able to go and spend this extra time with Danny man and his friends. Thank you SFX for always letting the parents be involved, it means so much.

Well, now back to the photography projects that I am working on. This is a busy week and tomorrow is going to be dedicated to house work. At least that is the plan. Before I go to bed I will pray for all of my family and friends. The second graders at SFX will be making their First Communion on Saturday and I ask that you all remember them in your prayers as they prepare for this sacrament!

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!

Practice...

This morning was Danny's practice for his First Communion. I cannot believe that he is about to make his First Communion. It does not seem like it was that long ago that he was Baptised. He did not want me to stay for the practice because he wants me to be surprised by what he is doing. He is funny like that. He likes me being there and being involved but sometimes he just wants to surprise me.

While he was at practice Brandon and I took John Michael and got breakfast. Then we just hung out it in the parking lot. I finished my book, the new Jodi Picoultti (sp?), which was a great one. I love her books. She has such a unique writing style and I cannot wait for a new one. Right now I am caught up with hers. I have several other authors that I enjoy but if anyone has any recommendations I am an avid reader. Not picky on genre either!

We went to Pratt City today and saw the devastation. It was truly a sight that will never leave my eyes. It was heartbreaking and also promising. It is hard to explain. I have heard so many people talking about the war zones and that is a statement that probably describes it best. I cannot wait to help out. As I am sure you all know and please share with everyone I am doing all photography for these people across the state for free. When they are ready they can have any session or event that they need covered. I know that it will not replace what they have lost, but I do hope that it can help them start to rebuild. I will travel so all they have to do is call.

Tonight my boys took me to dinner. Brandon did not have to go to Homestead Hollow today, and is not sure about tomorrow, so we went out for Mother's Day tonight. We went to Munoz. I have to say that I love their margaritas. It was a great dinner. They then took me for doughnuts...BTW The Hot and Now Sign is always a guaranteed smile.

While we did not get to get everything done today that we wanted to we all had a great day. I hope that tomorrow is as good. We are planning on the 8:30 Mass and then we do not know. If Brandon does not have to go to Homestead Hollow we will hopefully make some progress where we did not today. If he does then hopefully the boys and myself can get something done. We shall see.

Well, I am off to bed. All of my friends and family are in my prayers. I hope that all of the Moms, Godmothers, Aunts, Grandmother's, etc. have an amazing Mother's Day tomorrow.

Cinco de Mayo

So today is Cinco de Mayo. Just in case you did not know.

It has been a hectic day, and one where I feel I spent more time in circles than I did anything. I am working on editing a lot of pictures from different things for different people and different reasons. I am making a dent though. My house is a complete disaster and I just cannot stay focused long enough to get anything done. I will get there though, there is just a lot happening, and this weekend is not looking any calmer. You would think no baseball would mean something, but that would be a big nope. It will all get done though, one way or another. I am trying to enjoy each day and not stress...baby steps! I have to say that this blog and making sure that I take a picture each day is helping.

I have Mrs. Hays' gift ready and in hand. Now to get it wrapped. It looks great and I am very pleased. I hope that she is too. Now to finish up Danny's Mrs. Hayes' gift but that will be next weekend as that is when they make their First Communion. I have a few things that I have to find to make it happen but I know that it will all come together.

Danny had a ball game tonight, John Michael did not, which meant we did not have to be at the ballpark from 5 until 10. Just kidding I really do like it. Anyway, they played the Tigers again, and tonight they won. My Dannyman had an amazing game. He is the catcher, for those of you who do not know, and he caught 2....2....foul pop flies! He hit every time he got up to bat! I was so so proud of him, especially for those catches. He has been working so hard to catch a foul, and tonight it paid off. YAY! The picture is part of the celebration after the catch!

Anyway, we are home they have had showers and baths and are now in bed. Now I am off to bed. Danny wants to be at school early in the morning because they are going to be doing something with the summer birthdays and he is pretty pumped. He has to be there by 7:40 so he wants to be in the parking lot by 7:20. I will make it happen. Please know that my prayers always include you all. There are so many things that I talk to God about every night and not once do I leave all of you out. We all have needs and wants and whether you have asked for them or not prayers are the one thing that I can and do give to you all.