Homestead Hollow

So the boys have been asking and we finally went to Homestead Hollow.  We just went in with Brandon this morning and helped getting set up.  John Michael and I went on a rn for more tickets for the food so I guess there was a reason we went on and went.  It was nice to feel helpful.
When we got back we walked around and the boys pretty quickly spent the money taht they had.  John Michael got a plane and Danny got targets for his bow and arrows.  They both made candles and got tons of yummy goodies.  They seemed to have a blast and were pretty bummed when we had to leave.
When Brandon came home he surprised me with a strap for my camera.  It is prefect and exactly what I wanted.  I love it!  Who knows maybe I will make some myself and change them out for the seasons.

Working with the boys

So today I had a full dy of sessions and since Brandon is working at Home Stead Hollow and my mom is out of town it means the boys are coming with me.  I love it when they get to though, we always have a good time and since it is Saturday and we will be on Morris Avenue it means a trip to the Peanut Depot, which always makes it worth it to the boys! 
Uncle Kenny met me there and picked up Danny.  He was surprised to learn that he was going to the Auburn game.  He was super excited.  He loves going.  Thank you so much Uncle Kenny for taking him and making these vry special memories.  Auburn was playing Georgia and unfortunately they lost, bad.  Danny had a good time though.  This was his first all SEC game so it was special.
After my sessions John Michael and I went to lunch and we went to the Dollar Tree, it was his treat for being such a big help while I worked.
Danny got home about midnight and was exhausted.  He had a great time though.
It has been a great Saturday.

Veteran's Day Program

Today was a very special day at St. Francis Xavier school. 
First, they were able to wear jeans and their spirit shirts, which is always a plus for the boys. 
Second and most importantly today was the Veteran's Day Program.  It was a great program as it always is. 
Each grade sang a song, they did such an amazing job and I am definitely one proud momma!

The school does so many special things, but seeing them thank and respect the Veteran's past, present, and future is truly amazing.

The Veteran's always get up and say a few words and this is always so special. 

Brandon could not go because Homestead Hollow started today and he is working.  Teresa and Dale are doing the BBQ now and so he is pulling his weight.  I wish I could have helped, the extra money would have been nice, but missing the program is just not an option for me.

ASC was great, full of little blessings.  So many of these kids have stolen a little piece of my heart.  They are truly amazing. 

The final Soccer Game

Brandon had to work at Homestead Hollow so this morning the boys and I headed out to visit him and the rest of the family that was there. We got a new decoration for the yard and I am super excited. So ready to put everything out. I love Christmas! The boys also got puppets, which I have to say were the best toys I have ever purchased at Homestead Hollow. So much fun!

After a morning there we all headed to John Michael's final soccer game for the season. After having to miss the last 2 games I was super excited to be able to be there. While I never played soccer, it has been a fun learning experience. I enjoy all sports and this is one I will definitely be looking forward to every Fall, in the Spring we have baseball. John Michael has had a blast, and Danny wants to play next year.

We ended the day out with a photo session at the Rail Road Park. For more on this watch my website at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ As my business is continuing to grow I am truly enjoying every minute. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. It is amazing what you can learn from someone in such a little amount of time. The boys had a blast playing soccer and watching clouds while I had my session. It was nice having them there, especially since it was dark by the time that we left.

We came home for dinner, studying, homework, showers, and bed! I also had to clean and do some laundry but after the week that we all had I am not sure when I will catch up. Hopefully this week though as it is a requirement with Christmas decorations to get out and Thanksgiving to get ready for! I love the holiday season.

This has been a weekend full of blessings and I know that this week has many in store for us as well. Looking forward to seeing what they are. Watch out Monday, I am ready and looking forward to it! Praying for you all as I head to bed!

The First Saturday in November

Many things come with the first Saturday in November. Homestead Hollow is one. Brandon is working again with his mom and step-dad. He really enjoys the time with them, and the fact that there is a little money involved is definitely a plus, especially this time of the year.
I had several photo shoots today. I will be writing more about them all at www.monicaannephotography.com so keep your eyes checking that site. It seriously should be a favorite by now. I am also working on my alphabet project hard, I have all of the letters now, which is awesome! I cannot wait to see what those who recieve one for Christmas think. I know that Brandon loved his, and was super surprised! Seriously thinking about sending one to my favorite Auburn man...just because I have all of he letters. I even got a VERY cool staircase Z today. Love finding letters in the most unexpected places.
The boys spent the day with Nana so that I could work. They had a great time. They even took her to the grocery store, which was a treat for all of them.
So the LSU v. Alabama game was tonight and was pretty much all anyone in the South was talking about. After the general attitude of all the Alabama fans, even those I love at the National chapionship game I decided that I just cannot hope that they win. The green and yellow A's made me sick...so I have to admit that was a great game. I was so glad that LSU pulled off the win. The sad thing is all Alabama fans seem to have is excuses. Seriously except the L and get on with it. I love my Auburn Tigers and I love SEC football but there are many out there who are ruining it for me.
Sorry needed to do a little venting! So editing and homework are dominating my time. I have been slacking on my personal pictures for taking photographs for others. I will not stop blogging. Everyday is a blessing and most of all that is what this blog has proven to me. Hopefully next year I will make it with the blogging and the pictures everyday! I made it almost all year this go round!
Headed to bed. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Looking forward to the many blessings that I know Sunday will bring. An extra hour sleep, the last soccer game, a photo shoot, Homestead Hollow with my boys, and who knows what else! It is going to be a great day!

Homestead Hollow Comes to a Close

So October's Homestead Hollow is over, and I am not sure that there is anyone within 100 miles who did not make it. It was packed. The boys got a bunch of stuff while we were there. I got a couple of Christmas ornaments, and one Christmas gift. It was a lot of fun though. Danny got to help at the Hamburger Stand for a little while so he thought he was big stuff. Brandon was glad to get home and off his feet though. I am not sure that he will want to grill for a while, I know that Hamburger's will not make it to the dinner menu for a while.
Well, I was not very productive at all. Which I cannot stand. I had way too much to do and now it is all pushed back and this week leaves very little room for anything. It will all work out though.
Well, my entry is short but that is because I am beat. I am headed for a HOT shower, and then bed. Really hope that tomorrow is super productive and fun. So ready to see Beth and Miss Josie!
Know that you are all in my prayers. This is going to be a busy week, but I know that the blessings will be abundant!

Spread Thin

I love Saturdays, but they also mean that there is a lot to do and with Brandon at Homestead Hollow there really is just one of me.
I am very thankful that he is working because we desperately need the extra money, so I am not complaining. There is so much to cover and not so much to cover it with each month and with Christmas approaching way too quickly I do not think that this will change much anytime soon. Hopefully they will stay busy and he will make some decent money. They should put out a tip jar and split it between all of the workers....Hmmm? Maybe in November they can try that.
We had two birthday parties, but they were at the same time so we could only make it to one. Connor is 6, which is hard for me to believe. It means John Michael will be 6 all too soon. Connor's party was great it was at Fox's Pizza in Argo. The boys had a blast. Danny was really glad that Chandler got to come with him. They all had so much fun.
By the way the boys passed out at 2:00 this morning, and were up at 6:30. I cannot believe it. I worked all day on channeling their energy, but never got it.
Well, the Auburn game started off great, but the end left a lot to be desired. Win or Lose I love the boys in orange and blue, but I did hate to lose tonight. Another W would have been great on the esteem of these new boys. I know that they will improve though. No matter what I love to watch them and I hope that we can manage to get to Auburn for at least one game.
Well, I am off, 4 hours of sleep is nowhere near enough for me!

Extra One

So today was a pretty crazy day for me while the boys were at school, I worked on some more Christmas presents. I have to get these things done. Then I cleaned out, washed and vacuumed the van! I am super glad that it is done, now I am not so embarrassed when I go through the car pool line. I wonder how long it will stay this way.
Danny had a friend come home with him today. He and Chandler are determined to stay up all night. If John Michael would go to bed, I would go there myself, but with him up I am up too! Hopefully I can be productive. Working on pictures right now.
Brandon sent me to the store to get some junk food for the boys, I knew that it was a requirement for a girl's spend the night party but was unaware it was the same theory for the boys! Now I know.
Brandon worked at Homestead Hollow so I have sent him on to bed. Hopefully I will not be far behind.
The boys are having a blast and maybe...just maybe I will be able to accomplish something while they are playing Jackpot...sounds like they are tearing walls down.
Out for now!

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.

A Friday to Forget

So today is Friday, this is the obvious. Usually Friday is a good day, laid back and just fun. Today I thought was going to be great. This was my first mistake, I should know better than to predetermine my day.

Danny wanted to be at school at 7:20, he did not want to go in until closer to 7:40, but he wanted to make sure that he was there. The class that does the PodCast was going to do something special for the summer birthdays. This is how I knew it would be a good day. Well, we woke up a little late, not too bad, but it just meant we had to hurry to get out the door in time to get to the parking lot by 7:20. He fought the whole morning. This has gone on all week. I am not sure if he is overtired or what, but it is OLD!

Brandon got paid today so I was going to pay some bills, but seriously with he cost of gas our bills are getting harder and harder to pay. I am working as hard as I can to get things paid off, but seriously a break would be nice. So pay day was here and gone well before lunch time. Oh well, I am thankful that he has a job.

I picked up Danny and asked him about the birthday announcement. He filled me in and was super excited. Then I asked him about homework. I told him when we got home to go on and get it done. This lead to him yelling at me, and pitching a fit something I will not put up with. So he ende up grounded and will remain that way until his homework is done, and his room is clean. I am so tired of the same fights EVERY single day. He knows the rules, you would think he would just go with it. Maybe one day. Hopefully sooner than later.

Brandon is working Homestead Hollow with his mom. He enjoys cooking with Dale and spending time with his mom and I am glad that he was able to do this. Tomorrow and Sunday they will play by ear though mainl because it was so slow. I love him being home with us and we have a lot to do this weekend, but I hope that it picks up and that they need him as we could really use some extra money to get us through this rocky time. We shall see.

I am hoping that tomorrow is a better day. We have Danny's First Communion practice, and we also have a birthday party, the fishing rodeo and possibly Mass. I have not decided whether Saturday night or Sunday morning would be better. We shall see what tomorrow brings. I am hoping to get Danny's teachers present as ready as possible so that I can wrap it up and get it printed and shipped after next weekend. We will see.

Well, I am off to bed. Actually I have to fold all of the laundry that I have done today that I just piled on our bed so that we can go to bed. Oh well, it is all good. I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends tonight. I hope that you all have an amazing weekend!