What an ending to my 20's

Today was a wonderful day, even though it was crazy it was a lot of fun. I cannot believe that it is my last day of being in my 20's. Actually as I am writing this I am 30, well not technically until 5:37 am. I am actually looking forward to my 30's. I figure that all that I learned in my 20's will help guide me well. I know that there are wonderful blessings cooking for me and I am looking forward to them!

Brandon was off today, he reached his 40 last night so we had our to do list ready to go. We took Danny to school and headed to the lake to check on things. With the waters rising we needed to get some things moved up a little. It is always an interesting sight when the lake is flooded. There is something peaceful, yet sort of spooky. John Michael had a blast, even though we did not stay long at all.

John Michael did wake up this morning with a swollen lip and cheek. He says that it does not hurt, but as a momma I cannot help but worry a litte bit. I am hoping it looks better tomorrow.

The news this morning about the earthquake in Japan was heartbreaking and then it was finished off with a Tsunami. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone effected by these disasters that have effected not only Japan but many areas throughout the world including the US.

Tonight was John Michael's first baseball practice which was so much fun. The boys were tired being out there from 6 to 8 but it is an adjustment. They will be used to it soon. The fact that it was so cold was also hard to deal with. We all survived though. Tomorrow's practice is at 10 am so hopefully it will be warmer. Danny's practice is at 3 pm. Needless to say ballpark time has started.

My evening was made though when I saw Beth and Josie! It was definitely great to see them and I wish I was not going to be all over the place tomorrow so we could get together. It will happen soon.

I came home and had my scrapbooking night with Amy. The kids were great, and they played so good together! I am working on my 2008 Scrapbook right now, mainly because it was the first one that I came to, but I have so many to get done. You have to start somewhere though and that one was the winner. right now it is the "year in review" style album. Then I will do a Christmas specific one. I do have a lot of pictures to print, but I have the books waiting on them and in order. Well, almost still a lot to get through to be done, but I am making progress. I also got the Cricut out of the box and used it and I have to admit I am in love with it! I have a lot to learn about it, but I am so glad that I did not wait till I was 30. Amy even caught the moment with her camera. It is always great to spend time with Amy. Thank you so much for coming over tonight my friend, I had a wonderful time and am already ready to do it again!!! I love you!

Well, I am off to bed so I can enjoy my birthday later on this morning! Before I go to bed as always I will say a prayer for my family and my friends. I also will be saying and hope that you do also a prayer for all the victims and their families of today's disasters.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. I am interested to see how we all do with the things that we have chosen to give up. I am so proud of Danny and the choices that he has made. I hope that he can do well and I have told him that we will help him and encourage him. We went to the 9:00 Mass today, which is the school Mass. This enables us to be in Mass together, we missed Brandon but he could not get off work, and we understand that. Today was also the last Mass for the second grade to be the choir. I am a little sad about that, I love hearing them sing.

John Michael and I came home today to find that the garage had flooded, which was just a mess. I was planning on sweeping out the garage today, but it is what it is. John Michael had a blast out back in the water and in the mud while I got everything done. It was not ideal, but it is behind us now, with minimal damage.

Grocery shopping was done after dinner tonight, and I only forgot a few things. I have to get better with lists and I need couponing advice. Hopefully I will get it all figured out enough for use soon.

Today was also Brian's birthday. For those of you who do not know Brian is Brandon's baby brother. We all wish him the happiest of birthdays. I know that God has given him many blessings in the past years and we hope that they continue this year and all the years in the future. Brian is a wonderful person and I am so thankful that my children are blessed with an Uncle Brian.

Well, it is after 10, so definitely not before 9, but it is all good, I am headed to bed soon. I am a little sad that it is going to be colder tomorrow, but I am hoping that the sun is out at least. Before I go to bed I will remember all of my family and friends in my prayers. This Lenten season when I am craving the things that I have given up I plan to increase my time in prayer. I think that it will bring me closer to living the Gospel.

February ends with Storms...

This morning I knew that there was a chance of storms, and I will be the first to admit that I used to love a good tornado day. Dad and I would sit up watch the weather go outside and see if we could see, feel, or hear any changes. I had plans to be a storm chaser. Then something happened. A pregnancy test was positive. The May that I was expecting Danny there were 12 days straight of severe weather. That was the most nerve wrecking time of my life. I knew then that storm chasing would probably not happen. Maybe when the boys are older I can look back into that career. ;) Today ended up being really nice until about 3, when a horrible storm rolled up and flooded the back yard. There was about 2 inches of standing water, the creek was flowing, but fortunately not overflowing...been there done that. The water had started to come in the garage, but about the time that started the rain stopped so it was not bad, which is good since the pipe (or whatever) it is still seems to be flooding the bottom of the stairs inside. We have someone coming to look at it tomorrow, who knows what will be found. Brandon seems to think it is either a pipe in the wall or the hot water heater. I will update tomorrow and hopefully it will be good news! Stay tuned.

So I love this time of year. The flowers start to bloom, even the weeds that flower look so pretty. I love the purple that is found around clover. I do not know why, but I do. I remember pulling these so I could give friends and family flowers and now my boys do the same.

Well, the boys are asleep and yes it is only 8! YAY!! I am so heading to bed before 9! I am super excited. Before I go to bed I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers. I am also asking for you all to remember RJ in your prayers. This is a prayer request from a friend. RJ is a baby who was born prematurely. His parents were told today that he will undergo heart surgery tomorrow morning. Please pray for him, his family, his doctors, and nurses!