End of the School Week

This morning was the school Mass. As always I love going to Mass with my boys. Spending time with them and Jesus is a great way to reconnect with Christ. It is easy to get busy and not slow down, but this really helps me stay connected and on track.
I came home and got to work around the house and on editing. I am not behind but it would be easy to get there. I am trying to get completely caught up. We will see what happens. I almost have my kitchen back under control, which is nice. Now to get everything I need to on eBay. Who knows if or when it will happen, but I am doing my best. I also have a lot to get shipped, I am hoping tomorrow or Friday. Again we will see.
The weather took my photo shoot to the square in my calendar for next week. Better to be safe than get caught in a storm.
The boys had a great day and John Michael finished the week with all green faces. It was a three day week I know, but it is progress and that is what I love!

Photo Shoots and Practice

So I am definitely glad that Monday came, which is not something I would normally say, but it is truly how I feel. I have been so busy this weekend, and I just needed some normalcy. While I am not sure that it was normalcy it was much closer to my schedule which is extremely important.
The boys had great days at school. John Michael started off the week and the month with a green face! I hope that he keeps it up. Danny finished up his testing, which I think made him pretty happy. I cannot believe that in two months I will have a 1st grader and a 4th grader. Time is seriously flying by.
I had two photo shoots today. One was at Morris Avenue and the other was at the Civic Complex in Gardendale. They both went great and I cannot wait to get started on them. Keep an eye out on my blog at www.monicaannephotography.com
The boys both had practice today. They ended up practicing till almost 8:30. That is REALLY late for us. I have so much to do even when I get home. Plus they are done after about an hour and a half so two and a half they were really done. Then we still had to have showers and all that fun stuff.
I spoke to the City of Clay and to one of the board members at the park to let them know about the A$@ that runs the concession stand. I can assure you of this the concession stand will be getting no business from me nor will Deerfoot Cleaners. More on that when I am not falling asleep typing. It has been a long one.
Know that you are all amazing to me and I cannot wait to see and hear about all of the wonderful things that are happening with you all!

Corner Forms

Brandon and I had a pretty full day today, which is pretty common because he is off so we try to cram everything into that one day.

We took the boys to school. We had to run in and take some popcorn for one of the scouts and Danny's lunch order form. Danny is testing again today and we are praying that John Michael gets a green face. He has been doing so good and then the last two days we have been at yellow.

Brandon and I ran to the mortgage company to sign papers. It is always stressful to sign your life away, but it is also most definitely a blessing. I am so thankful and cannot wait to be moving in! Hopefully time will go pretty fast. It should since we are pretty busy.

After the mortgage company we headed to Morris Avenue where I had a photo shoot. It was a great shoot and we had to work fast since the rain was trying to get to us. It sprinkled a few times, but we made it through which was a plus. After we picked up the boys we went to Botanical Gardens for another shoot but for this one I was not so lucky. It rained, and rained, and then rained some more. Still got some fun cute shots so I am not going to complain. It was definitely an experience and one I hope that Brooke and her family enjoyed and will look back on with smiles later.

BTW...John Michael got a green face and Danny has to continue testing through next week! They had great days though, which makes me happy!

We went to the house and were so excited to see that the corners were formed, more gravel was brought in, and there was a little dumpster looking thing on the lot! Progress makes me so happy! Maybe next week there will be even more. Fingers crossed.

One Room at a Time

So yesterday it was the living room and today it was the dining room and I started in one of the hall closets. I am so glad that I can tell I am making progress. With bags to be donated and a small stack to sell, hopefully it will all get taken care of.
I started actually putting stuff on eBay today. Hopefully if I can do a little each day I will not get overwhelmed by it, which tends to happen. Hopefully by taking the pictures as I find the things, and then adding them each day I will be able to keep up and not feel like I am being pulled too much. Today got 4 things listed and I am super excited because one of them is already selling. Hopefully they all do! It would definitely be an added blessing.
The boys had great days at school, and I am proud to announce that we got another green face! YAY! Hopefully this will be the new normal.
We had family movie night tonight. The boys' got Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer from Santa on Blu Ray so tonight we watched it. It was really cute they laughed through it all which is my favorite sound in the world.
Well, I am off to bed. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Strange Happenings

Well today started off pretty good. John Michael has been overly whiny but I really think that lack of sleep has a lot to do with it. We seem to go go go and I was looking at my schedule the other day and there is not one day that is empty. It is all good though.
Green faces came home so the tears must have stopped at least while at school. He got into the van and the dam broke. He lost it because of a paper that he was working on that he did not get to finish or bring home. I felt so bad for him.
Today was Thursday papers for both boys. I was very proud of them both. Danny did not do as amazing as he did last week, but he still did VERY good. I think/hope that soon the fact of "if you do it right the first time you do not have to do it again" will set in soon. It is a huge lesson written in bold it just needs something to snap and then viola they have it. We shall see how next weeks are.
Danny had basketball practice tonight, he did great. I am really proud of how much he is starting to grow and evolve as a ball player!
Well, I am off to bed, I am having some issues and I just need to sleep and pray on them.

FRIDAY!!!

So today while the boys' were at school Brandon and I had decided that we would use some of the gift cards that I seem to have been collecting.
Well, it was fun, but I only used one and actually got one in return because we had to get razor blades at Target :) I love shopping and if I had the money I would do it so often. There was a lot that we found, but it was outside of the gift card budget.
We had a great time just looking around and spending time together. Definitely no complaints!
The boys had great days at school, which makes me super happy! John Michael finished out the week with all green faces. Danny finished out the week with a great job on his math test.
We had basketball practice tonight, well John Michael did. They did a scrimmage with the girl's team and even though they seemed to be dominated by the ladies they did really good. I am so excited about game time tomorrow.
Well, I am off to bed. Super busy day but I am so so excited! :0) I hope that everyone has a weekend full of many blessings.

Back to a Routine

So this morning we slept a little later than we wanted, but everyone was on time, which is a definite plus to day one.
I got home and could not believe how quite my house was. There is so much to do and yet I found myself trying to catch up on the little nit picky stuff. At least I feel as if I accomplished something, not sure that it is visible to anyone else though. Tomorrow I will work on the more noticeable things, like getting the games back downstairs and in the game closet.
The boys had a great day at school. John Michael is so excited about some new things that they are doing in class to learn more about money. He also came home with a green face :0) Danny was excited because he was able to finish watching a movie that they started before Christmas. My favorite movie, A Miracle on 34th Street. He said that he liked it too.
Homework was minimal, but it was there! We managed to knock it out for both boys in about 30 minutes which was good for all of us.
As soon as we were done with homework it was time to change and head to basketball practice. They both had practice so it was 2 hours at the gym. It was fun though. Games start this weekend and I am SO SO SO excited! So am I. I am also glad that they are not at the same time so for this week anyway, we both get to go to both games :0) That is always great news.
Brandon came home after work and hopefully fixed the problem with the drain for the washing machine. We will see in the morning when I do laundry. I could not today, because of the problem. Praying that all goes well.
Well, I am off to bed, it is 11, and I was hoping for 9 or 10, but I got 10 yesterday and was after 11 before going to sleep. LOL! Maybe tonight I will just sleep!

Happy Birthday Meemaw!

This morning I was definitely on a roll. I was up on time which means a mini workout happened and breakfast was cooked. This is how I like to start the week. Hopefully I can keep it up.
I had a session today, but I arrived to find that she could not get off work so I headed home to take advantage of the extra editing time. It was definitely time well spent as I have managed to get back on a good schedule, now to keep it up!
The boys' had great days at school. Danny is getting really good about not giving me what is in his folder which is very frustrating. I hate to start doing him like I do John Michael and going through everything, but maybe it will teach him to be more responsible. John Michael got a green face, but we forgot to put his folder back in his bag so he got a sticker.
After homework was done the boys got the den clean and I got a paper finished and a few more pictures edited. Now for transfer number two so that Brandon can start burning for me. Then for the delivery. I have been so busy with sessions that the mail is about the best way for me to make a delivery happen in a timely manner. I will probably transfer tomorrow.
When Brandon got home we headed to Meme and Pop's for dinner and cake for Meemaw's Birthday. The boys' were glad to get out of the house and always enjoy going to visit Meme, Pop, Meemaw and Aunt B. Aunt Kelli, Uncle Blake, and Aunt Pat were there too which made it even more of a treat for everyone. While we wished we could have stayed longer we stayed as long as we could. We headed home about 8:30, which is bedtime.
Needless to say the night was a little longer than I wanted as far as getting in the bed, but it was an overall great night so no complaints.

December....Here we Go!

So I got up this morning in complete disbelief that it was December. Even Danny has talked about how fast this year has gone by. It seems like yesterday we were getting ready for the first day of school and now we are halfway done with the school year. WOW! Yep, it is what I say each month and I mean it each time.
This morning was not as smooth as I prefer it, but we were on time so I am most definitely not complaining. I do wish it was warmer though. This cold mornings make we want to stay in bed. Super excited that the sun was out all day though.
Danny had a field trip today, to Samford to see White Christmas. I was so glad to be able to go with the class to see this. I love being home for this reason more than any other. I love to be able to truly be a part of my boys' lives. They have so much going on and while it might be hard to keep up sometimes I also know that sooner than later they will be grown. I treasure each venture with them. Now for the play, it was excellent. If you have a chance this weekend it is definitely worth it to head out to Lakeshore and check it out. Very talented performers and just an all around great show. It seemed to me that all of the kids had a great time. They were also very excited that they got to ride a bus to the show. It is the small things that mean so much. I am just so thankful that they enjoyed themselves and that I was able to be a small part of their day. It was great!
John Michael ended up with another yellow face. Tonight we wrote a note to Miss Ghossein. Starting today this is the new practice when he gets anything other than a green face. We shall see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully green will be what comes home.
Danny had basketball practice tonight. They did great. It is amazing the difference between 5-6 year old basketball and 8-9 year old basketball.
Well, the boys are in bed I am trying to get this session edited. It has been a long week with so much to do. I have been busting it though. Will keep it up! Peace out and prayers to you all.

Haunted Cubs

So today was a pretty good day, while I was nowhere near as productive as I would have liked, it was all good though.

It started with the school Mass with the boys. Today's mass focused on listening to the many voices of God and how He sends us messages in many ways. It was a great message and I was super proud of the boys and the fact that they were able to tell me what Fr. Bob said.

As surgery day is getting closer John Michael is starting to get scared. It breaks my heart. I just keep reassuring him that his ear doctor is great and that Mom and Dad will be right there. It was so much easier when he did not realize what was happening. My sweet baby boy.

John Michael ended the day with a green face, which made me so proud. He is such a sweet boy and just has to learn that he cannot always have it his way.

So I have decided that I will learn how to coupon. I do not know that I will ever been an extreme couponer, but I have to be able to save money and to be able to help others would be nice. First step, remembering to get a Sunday paper.

So tonight was the Cub Scout Pack meeting, which was a Halloween party. We wanted the boys' to have a good time and get to wear their costumes. It was a great meeting. We made goody bags for all of the kids, and I want to thank the parents for all bringing candy to add to them. It is always nice to know that everyone helped out. The bags were full!! Thanks to everyone who helped me get them stuffed too! I had done what I could at home, but getting them finished up was concerning me. Thanks to the amazing parents that we have it was done without any problems.

Well, I am off to bed. Know that you are all in my prayers. Brandon is taking the boys' to school in the morning so hopefully I will be VERY productive.

I HATE BUGS

So this morning started off great. We were up on time, I did a little yoga, drank a little coffee, got a shower, got ready, and got the boys ready and to school. Yes, it was a great morning. I even started dinner, and laundry before we headed out!
I went to the store to get the things that Danny needed to make the snack that he wanted to make for the pack meeting tomorrow night. While I was getting the groceries out of the van I heard something. I looked up and there was a locust in the garage. So anyone who knows anything about me knows that I am terrified of all bugs and those nasty creatures. So I ran inside shaking. I finally made it back in the garage, got the van windows up and outside just in case he was in there and left the garage doors open the rest of the morning. I never saw him again, hopefully he left and will never come back. I am seriously terrified when it comes to bugs. Needless to say even though I parked in the garage tonight, my windows are up. Still feeling a little shaky, the thought of that thing being in the garage seriously petrifies me.
The boys had great days at school. Danny has learned to say a decade of the Rosary in German for the International Rosary on Thursday. It is gorgeous listening to him. I cannot wait to listen to the whole school when they do the Rosary in multiple languages.
John Michael got a green face which meant he was out of trouble. I know that he can do it, and am so proud of him when he does I just wish he would start doing it every day.
We had soccer practice today but we also had soccer pictures. His coach is also a photographer, she owns Future Memories and does great work. John Michael actually looked at the camera and at her so I was super happy as he is not the easiest to photograph. Soccer practice was great, they even got to scrimmage a little with the other under 6 team.
We came home and had dinner and then it was time for John Michael to get his hair trimmed....well, that is what it was supposed to be, he ended up with a hair cut. I was not too happy, but I keep telling myself it will grow back. Brandon keeps telling me that too.
Well, I am hoping to get a little work done and then head to bed. Hoping that tomorrow starts out like today and just gets better and is not interrupted by a killer locust.

Frantic Friday

This morning started out with everything running smoothly. We were all up and out the door in time and with nobody crying or arguing. We made it to school with everything that we needed for the day and the boys were all smiles. I met the Tiger Cub leader and got the candy that her parent's had brought for the goody bags for next week.

Brandon and I headed to KMart to get the grill that we had put on layaway out so we could take it to the lake. This is where the snag in our plans happened. Layaway does not open until 10, we were hoping to be headed home from the lake by 10.

We came home and I looked into some things that I wanted for my photography company. While I could not find what I was looking for I did find something perfect. As soon as they arrive MonicaAnne Photography will offer gift certificates. I also plan to give these as gifts to those who I have done sessions for. I am excited. We also got a few things together for Brian. Hopefully he will find them useful.

We left home headed to drop off a disc from a photo session. Then headed to KMart. Where again there was a problem. One of our payments did not post to our layaway. Fortuately I had all of the receipts so they made it right, but not before having us stand around for an hour. We ran by the Clay Post office so I could mail some other discs from a wedding and then to drop some stuff off for Brian, then to the lake. We stopped by the courthouse so I could get the tag for the lake, but I need my cousin's drivers licence too. I swear if something could be easy that would be wonderful!

We made it to the lake put the grill in the shed and high tailed it to Irondale to get the boys! I am happy to report that they had great days and that John Michael got a green face, which made it a week off all green. We promised him Dairy Queen if he did it and he did so we did. Super proud.

I have every Christmas present that I had already gotten wrapped and ready for the trees! This is a great accomplishment. All of the women (almost) and all of the girl children that we buy for are done! We still have the boys and men. We also have the boys' bigger gifts, but that will come soon enough. Layaways will be started as soon as I have a little extra. It would be even nicer just to go get it and be done with it. We shall see which way it works out. I also have some pictures to print and get in frames and then get those wrapped, but then I am done! All great news.

We took some change that we had to the store to cash it in. We had been trying to wait and use it on vacation but with all we have going on this week we know that we will probably need it. This weekend will be spent in the truck, and on the go, but it is all good and I am looking forward to it.

Extra battery is charging for the camera for tomorrow, boys are in bed, and I am headed there myself. I hope that everyone has a great weekend. Keep an eye on http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for all of the sessions that are coming up. It is going to be great! Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Christmas is Coming....in October?

So today I have a lot to get done, with the way that my sessions are taking off thanks to the Living Social Families special I am going to have very little time especially on the weekends. I am excited though as I know that it will mean wonderful things for my family.
I have been working tirelessly on getting the office done, but that meant getting the Christmas presents I already had wrapped. Today I finished those up, except for a few for the boys that I will do tomorrow. I am super excited about the progress that has been made for Christmas. Once I get some photographs finished, I will be even closer to complete. I love finishing early! Less stress is always a blessing.
While going through I have found several decorations that we purchased for the house. I have nowhere to put it up for the next few weeks so I decided to go on and start putting it out. We have 2 mirrors decorated and a few candles out. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. Brandon could come home to a winter wonderland. I figure the more I get done now the less we have to do next month. We shall see how it all works out. Praying for positively.
The boys had great days at school today, which is always great to hear. We came home and knocked out homework and studying for tests. So far 2 days for 2 days of Green faces, hoping that John Michael will keep it up I know that he can.
Well, I am going back to editing and homework and I am hoping bed...soon. It is 8:15 now and I would LOVE to b there in 45 minutes but I do not think it will happen since the boys are still up. Maybe though. Praying for all of you.

Christmas and Soccer

So what do these two things have in common? My day!

I dropped the boys off this morning and came home to start wrapping. I am going to get ahead of the stuff and this is definitely the first step. I am seriously not sure how we ended up with so much. I feel like I am on an episode of hoarders. I actually got a lot done and feel a little more accomplished.

The boys' had a great day today. We had another green face. After school was soccer, which is always a lot of fun. The boys get to run off energy and I have a few minutes to just relax, walk, talk, and enjoy the day.

The boys' were super excited to find out that their Halloween costumes had arrived. They are too cute too. Danny is Captain Jack Sparrow and John Michael is Batman. They tried them on and while we were close to having to send them back they should work. They look great in them.

Well, I am off. It has been a busy day and there is a lot to do tomorrow. Cleaning out the van is one step in the day, the one that scares me the most to be honest. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Frisbee Fun

So today was sort of productive. We woke up and were in no rush until Danny's tie went missing. Fortunately it was found and we were on time, but it had us pushing it a little closer than what I like.
I was glad to be able to go to Mass with the School today. School Masses are so special and I have to admit that one activity alone makes me never question the tuition. Spending time with my boys and Jesus is very special. Today a second grader was baptised. It was such a special moment and I was glad to be there.
John Michael got a green face today so that was super awesome! I am so proud of him and decided to reward him. I talked to his teacher to let her know that we are doing all that we know how to do. I know that he can do this. He is a sweet boy, just can be overly excited sometimes.
Today was the den meeting with the Bear Cubs. We started with some serious Frisbee. It allowed them to burn some energy, which is usually good. It also helped us move closer to the badges. We also talked about Famous Americans that are also Scouts. We also decided which two folklore stories we will be telling at the den meeting. Next week we will practice. Big Foot and Ichabod Crane watch out...you are headed to the cub scout pack meeting. It should be a lot of fun.
I have been working steadily in the office but trying to go through these Christmas presents is not as easy as it sounds. I have started to wrap them to hopefully get a handle on what we have and what we need. This is probably what I will be doing tomorrow too. Christmas in October is a common theme. The good thing is when we put the trees up there will be gifts to go under them.
Editing is the other focus of my days. I have a good bit to get done and time is not cutting me any slack. I will make it happen though.
Well, I am off to bed, still not 9:00 but it is 9:40! Getting there. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Halloween Decorations

This morning started off with a mad rush to get ready and the boys to school on time. We slept in and I do not like to start any day behind, much less the whole week. We did make it to the school on time so that was a nice change of pace.

Dinner was started pretty much as soon as I got home. That is the great thing about chili. Throw it in the crock pot and forget about it, which is something I usually need.

I worked on getting some pictures edited but I still have so much to do. Watch my photography blog at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on the newest sessions that I have done. I am hoping to get caught up completely by the end of the week. We shall see what happens.

The boys had a good day at school today, which is always great for me.

Danny got his First in Math user name and password and could not wait to get home and get started on his points for this year. He loves this site and I love the fact that it is an educational site.

John Michael got a green face which meant he was ungrounded. He was super excited. Here is to hoping he keeps it up all week.

After homework was done we got to work on the Halloween decorations. Brandon got the boxes out last night before we went to bed! I was super surprised when I found them this morning. The only thing is he did not get all of the boxes. Instead of making him go through all of the boxes in the closet I will just wait and when we pull out the Christmas decorations next month and I will get them all straightened out. So they will not all be used this year, but they will be next year. The downside is my Halloween shirts are in one of those boxes. Oh well, I guess I will have to go buy that cute one I saw the other day.

Well, I am off to bed. I am super exhausted. I hope that everyone had a great Monday. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please say a prayer for a friend of mine Cassandra. She is in critical condition and prayers are what she needs right now.