The First Flood

This morning was the first school Mass that I missed. And while I wanted to and feel like I needed to go I also knew that I was needed at mom's and I know that God knows that. The boys' said that they would definitely thank Jesus for keeping so many people safe and to please continue to do so.

After I dropped the boys off I picked mom up. She was ready to go. We made our first venture down Old Springville Road since Sunday. This was a horrific sight and one that will forever be with me. Nothing is the same. The landscape has forever been changed. So many amazing memories, learning how to drive for one that all seemed to take place on Old Springville Road. While the road is still there it does not look the same.

Now to mom's.

So today we waited and waited on the insurance man. In the meantime we cleaned out the deep freezer and the refrigerator and freezer and took inventory so that she can get reimbursed for everything that she lost. This was the easy part of the day.

When we made our walk through for the morning and the rest of the ceiling in my old room had come down and was on the floor. This was unbelievable sight to see. She had her China and Crystal from when her and dad got married there and it was also on the ground. While there is a monetary value, the sentimental value for her cannot be matched.

Brandon headed to the attic to see what he could get out and down came my childhood or what was left of it. I guess when I was about 13 and wanted a "big girl's room" I packed up all of the things that I could not get rid of to save for when I had a little girl. Well, there was no saving them. While the value was all sentimental except for my Little Women Madam Alexander Dolls there is a lot to be said about watching it all come down.

When I started to really go through I had gotten the boys from school. There was actually a few things that they wanted so we boxed them up as they looked salvageable, just need some good cleaning. So many things went to the garbage. 6 bags of my childhood.

My first jewelry box. i remember dad buying it for me when I got my ears pierced. My Valentine teddy bear that daddy gave me when I was almost 8 years old. The baby doll that I had and played with so much that her head had to be reattached several times, even when I went to daycare for the first time and the wicked woman was so mad that I was up asking her that she locked me in a closet. My cheerleader uniforms from the days of cheering for the Huffman Raiders where I met some of the most amazing people that I am still in contact with. This list could go on for day, but that gives you an idea of where I was on memory lane all day. There were a few things that made me laugh, and that is what I chose for the picture today.

I would like to thank again all of the volunteers who have given of their time and talents to help. Thank you to Home Depot who took the time to come out and bring boxes full of things that will definitely be useful. Thank you to Chick-fil-A for the HOT chicken sandwhiches for lunch. Thank you to Shane Shirley who took the time out to get look at mom's house and give an opinion from a builder's perspective. Thank you to all of the people that I know I am forgetting. You have all done so much and it means so much! Thank you Mr. Ken and Lance for the boxes, they will definitely be useful as we start this packing process hard and heavy tomorrow.

Well, again a shower and the bed are calling my name. Until tomorrow!

Meet the Teacher

Well today we got to take the boys' school supplies to their classrooms. They were able to meet their teachers and see their desks, and all that fun stuff.

I have to admit I am a little sad tonight. One, I cannot believe that summer is over. I love summertime, and the fact that it has come to a close makes me a sad momma. I will miss the days with the boys. I am looking forward to getting everyone, including me on a schedule and the house in order. The other reason I am a little sad is that the boys are growing up. John Michael is headed into Kindergarten and Danny into third grade. WOW! Where the heck did the time go? Seems like they should still be babies.

I am so glad that they are excited. It makes me feel like I have done an okay job given the fact that they are happy and independent.

We also got school shoes today. Yes, the last minute is what works for me. What works for you? I really did not mean to wait quite this long, but there was the issue of money more than anything. Not that the issue is still not there, but time was out so now I am just praying! Deposit before clearing! ;)

Brandon has had a great offer for a job this weekend. We might end up in Mobile instead of at the lake. Either one will make me happy. However it is supposed to work out is how it will.

Well, I am off to bed. I am going to get their uniforms out and ready and get in bed at a decent hour. I do not want to start off the school year running behind! I will be in need of support tomorrow, so if you think you see me, check my face for the marks of tears! I am going to do my best to keep it in check until they are in the school. It bothers Danny when momma gets sad. They both were told that First Day of School pictures start in the morning and to be ready! Prayers going out to all of you tonight!

Do You Know What Time It Is?

So I am writing tonight for several reasons.

1. I am having the hardest time getting the boys in bed at a decent hour. We did great for a while, but we are so off and school starts next week. If you have some suggestions I am open to them. I am getting them up earlier each morning but it does not seem to matter. They do not nap so that is not it, and it does not matter what we do during the day. We can do nothing or we can swim all day and the end result is still the same. Again I need to be in bed earlier than this so I really need them in bed earlier.

2. I feel like time is seriously slipping away from me. Maybe I am walking down memory lane a lot or maybe it is just looking at my to do list that has me scared. I do not know what it is but I know that I feel like I am being left behind. My boys continue to grow each day. They teach me something new everyday too. I miss them laying in my arms on my chest and going to sleep. I miss them depending on me for everything. While I know that I must be doing something right because they are getting more and more independent, which is good, I still feel like time has just gone by too fast. The song Don't Blink means so much to me right now. I need to listen to it, and I will probably get a good cry out, which I could really use. Cry Therapy can be the best. I will save it for their first day of school though, when I know I will be a blubbering fool. Kindergarten and Third Grade are going to be here in a few days. I cannot believe it!

Well, I hope that you all have an amazing night tonight. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It is time to look at the clock and take control of it. I am going to do better and be better!

Seven is Almost a Thing of the Past...

Well, today was a bittersweet type of day. It is my baby's last day to be seven. He is so excited and I have to admit that I am excited, but also sad. I swear it goes by so fast and each year it seems to increase in speed and passes by me before I realize it. That is why this year I have been determined to smell the roses, count the blessings, and enjoy life. Not to say that it is perfect but my attitude towards it is definitely positive, which makes such a huge difference. Staying away from so many negatives aspects that life throws at us has opened up so many doors and windows to positive, exciting, experiences.

There was nothing amazing about most of the day. The highlight was definitely when Kimy texted to see if I wanted to bring the boys swimming. What a great way to end being seven, a trip to the pool. Thank you Deborah, Tony, Kimy,and Miss Morgan Makenzie for a great day! We love you all. BTW, Deborah if you are reading this, mom is supposed to call you about coming with us to Outback tomorrow night! I hope that you will! Danny was really excited that you wanted to come, and mom seemed glad that someone was willing to ride with her. Love you!

The boys had a blast at the pool. Danny had fun working on his dives off of an actual diving board, and also diving for torpedoes. It made his day! John Michael was just proud that he was not scared of the diving board anymore. John Michael also let me work with him for a little while without his floaties. I am definitely a proud momma. Many blessings, and more proof that my boys are growing up.

Bedtime was actually much easier than I thought that it would be. Usually it is harder for Danny, like any kid, to go to sleep when they are excited. He must have been tired, because he laid down next to me on the couch and was out.

Well, I am off myself. Tomorrow is my baby's special day and while I do not know what all we are doing, I do know that he wants to be out all day! It should be a lot of fun, and I am just excited to spend the day with my three men. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please say a special prayer for my little man that he has a great day tomorrow!

My Little Fire Man

So Danny used to always think that he was a fireman. He had plans to graduate 5K and head straight for fireman school. When he saw how close it was to our house, it was even more of a definite. Of course like all little boys they change who they will be when they grow up 100+ times over the years. Now it is a professional baseball player, or a doctor, or maybe even a teacher. He also wants to be in the military. We shall see what the years bring to him.

I plan to encourage him to reach for the stars always. I also plan to give him the best education. This is why we do not attend public school. Though it would be cheaper, the lasting foundation of an education is something that nobody will ever be able to take away from him.

Today Danny and John Michael were playing and he came running in here in his fireman suit. This was a Christmas gift to him in 2008. Wow! That is about all I could say. Needless to say a picture was a definite requirement. I am glad he posed for me. He can be a cutie.

My boys amaze me every single day. And I learn from them something new. Many times it is just that I can get enough patience to get to bedtime.

Well, I am off to bed for now. I have had a long one and I am going to go on and assume that tomorrow will be too! Prayers for you all!

All By Himself

So again, I fall a day behind, but today I rectify that, for good I hope! I have just been so tired at night. I think I am going to start getting to this earlier. We shall see.

So today we had to take John Michael to the doctor so that Dr. Lytle could recheck his ears. At his 5 year old check up there was fluid behind them. Well, there still is. Not from swimming, but from sinuses. Needless to say this will probably mean tubes again and possibly adenoids out. We shall see what happens. We are going to see Dr. Hill after we get back from the beach so watch for an update.

When it was time for lunch I was going to make sandwiches. Well, John Michael decided that he could do this all by himself. Needless to say it was another bittersweet moment in the life of being a mom. I am always so proud when they learn to do a little more without, but at the same time I am also always a little sad. I was so proud of him, he did need some help with the lid, but other than that he did great!

Well, I am off to write tonight's blog. Know that nobody was left out of my prayers last night!

Basketball, Party, Basketball

Today was a great Saturday, as always it was busy, but it was a lot of fun. Any day that is spent with my men is a great day in my opinion and today was just that.

This morning started with Danny's basketball game. The St. Francis Xavier Saints went to St. Rose Academy for basketball this morning and came out on top. The score was 20-11. This was the closest game that the boys have had to date. I was so glad that they won and have maintained the undefeated season. One more game and then they can claim the Toy Bowl trophy. We shall see how it all happens. They have a break next weekend and then they go to Our Lady of the Valley for their final game.

When we came home Danny and I got to work in his room. He cleaned off his desk, dresser and nightstand while I tackled his closet and his drawers. I still have the closet floor and the shelf in the top of it to completely be done in there. We still have a lot to do in his room, but we made a HUGE dent today. I also have the three drawers in his bed. Since we are not going to the morning Mass but to the 4:30 PM Mass I am hoping that we can finish it up in the morning. It would be a GREAT Valentine's Day present to me!

We had a birthday party and the boys had a blast. They always have a good time with Sasha and Conner and with even more kids added to the mix the good times were even more in abundance. Of course Sasha's birthday just reminds me that my babies birthday is around the corner. These kiddos are growing up so fast. I remember when Amy and I were waddling around Wal-Mart trying to go into labor.

We finished up tonight with a trip to the UAB game. UAB vs. Rice. It was a great game and we were glad to see the Blazers come out on top. This was a cub scout trip and those boys got a kick out of being called out by the announcer! Pack 357, had a great time at the game! I am going to see about getting some patches made for them, we will see what I can come up with. I don't think I will have it for the Pack meeting this month, but hopefully the blue and gold.

Well, it is definitely not before 9, but I knew that was not going to happen today. Before I go to bed, which will be in a moment, I pray for all of my family and friends. You guys are amazing!

Basketball...Haircuts...GREAT WEATHER!!!!

Well, today was quite a day! We had a lot to do and a lot going on, but it was a great one!

First, I want to sing praises for the amazing weather. I could not have drawn a better January Saturday! If only it would stay, there is a lot more winter. Hopefully not a lot more winter weather though! I was able to get the van cleaned, inside and out and that alone made me feel wonderful! I have been trying to get it done and today I just did it, with the help of the family!

Danny had another basketball game. This one was against the other OLS team and the SFX Saints won again. The final score was 23-2. These boys play so well together and have a great time. Danny played well especially considering that his finger was jammed after throwing the football around Friday night with Brandon. Brandon felt horrible, but it is doing better. Still sore and black and blue, but it is better. I felt horrible because I forgot my camera. They only have a few more games so I cannot do it again. The thing was we were running late, and when I remembered it was afraid if we turned around we would be even later, it worked out that we were 10 minutes early. Go figure. Oh well, there are reasons for everything.

Tomorrow morning the children's choir is singing at Mass so it should be great! I will remember my camera. Maybe I will put it in the van tonight.

We came home tonight and Brandon wanted to cut his hair, Danny wanted him to cut his, and then my rock star John Michael wanted his cut too! Well, they all have matching haircuts now! It is so sweet and I do like it, but he looks so much older now. They grow up so fast! Prior to matching haircuts, they got matching head lights today and were super excited!!! Check out the before and after pics for John Michael!!!

Well, still not before 9 but it will happen! SOON! Before I head to bed as always I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I love you all. I hope that you have all been able to enjoy this weekend and that it continues to be great for all of us and all of you!

Paw Prints

So over the past few days I have noticed more and more how much my little babies are turning into little men. They have always had such amazing personalities. They are truly growing by leaps and bounds. I was told that time flies, but lately that has a whole new meaning to me. I am determined to give my children the best of everything that I can. I know that I want them to be happy and healthy and I want them to love life and most importantly I want them to live it.

So many times I look back and think about the things that I should have done differently when I was very young. While I truly think that my childhood was perfect, I also know how much one relatives mistakes totally took over my life and changed everything. I try not to look at it as a negative, but even as I am older there are so many more negatives than positives when referring to this situation. I want my boys to be exposed to the positives and I want to keep them away from the negatives. While I know that I cannot shelter them, I also know that I can protect them from certain things.

I was sitting here with Danny and he was holding my hand and I knew that was my picture for today! He is almost eight and it does not seem like it has been that long ago that he was just coming home from the hospital.

Well, I am obviously still not in bed before 9:00, maybe one night this week, but I doubt it since this was the calmest night that we had for the week. There is so much going on this week, but it will all be a lot of fun! I cannot wait to see how amazing this week turns out.

Before I go to bed I remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. I also ask you all to remember we all have people in our past and there are usually reasons they are not in our present. Stay positive and stay with positive people, they will take you the furthest in life. I do ask for a prayer from all of you. I am working on a pretty big quote for my photography business and I really want and need this opportunity! Thank you all!

WOW! That is all I have to say

So here it is folks. I am really trying to be positive, but seriously some good news and positive feedback would be a great assistance. I am just continuing to pray. Sometimes I am the needle and trying to get out of the haystack is just not easy.

So I did have some blessings. I was able to see my Danny man practice basketball, and spend some time with my boys. I love having time with them. They both snuggled with me before they fell asleep and then I tucked them in. That is a rarity, as more often then not they think they are too big to snuggle with mom.

Children growing up is the most bittersweet thing that I think I have been a part of. One day they are so small, sweet, fragile, and completely dependant on mom and dad, then you turn around and they are walking and talking, and then they are too big for kisses in front of their friends or a cuddle on the couch. Anytime I am around a younger child or a friend who is expecting I simply tell them to hang on and enjoy the ride. This is really part of what really drove me to make a career out of photography. I love being a part of the special moments and catching them and better than that preserving them for many generations. While I have my memories and they come flooding back a lot I love taking a trip through the past via pictures.

So today has ended on a note with the newest profanity that has been added to my vocabulary....the S word...snow. And this is my picture for today's blog. I hope that you can see it and if you feel like I do, I am sure it has your head pounding! And yes, that is still the Christmas decorations. Maybe they will be gone this weekend, maybe not.

Before I go to bed as always I say a prayer for all of my friends and my family. Time is truly an amazing gift that we all have and should never take for granted! Treasure all of it.