Sheathing and Flooring

So today was amazing.

It started with Mass with my boys.  This is something that I seriously needed in the middle of the week.  So many goodbyes happening this week and so many endings.  I am hopeful for the new beginnings that are to come but the finality of so many things is a lot to handle at one time.

I was able to get a decent amount done at the house.  I was also able to get a good bit edited!  I have so much to get done that it is crazy, but it will all happen.  I love the fact that my job is so awesome!  Watch http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on all that I have been working on. 

One of my childhood friends has been admitted into the hospital and will be induced in the morning.  I cannot wait to see her sweet baby girl.  I know that she will be amazing as her mom is remarkable.  It seems wild that we are all married with children.  It does not seem like it was that long ago we were making art and lemonade to sell at the stand in our front yard. 

We went by the house this afternoon and we had sheathing (sp?) on the downstairs and they were putting the sub floor in upstairs so hopefully the walls upstairs will go up tomorrow.  It was great to walk through the house and know exactly what rooms were where.  The boys thought that it was awesome that they were building their floors as we were walking through.  I have to agree it was pretty neat.  I am getting more and more excited as each day passes and more nails are hammered, more lumber is cut, and more progress is made.

So I am determined to make the rest of the week productive.  I have a bit of an issue with Friday but it is more of a time issue.  I am hoping that I can get it all worked out.  We will see.  I am just saying a little prayer as I need the client to understand what is going on. 

Triumphant Thursday

So today we got up on time and everything went like clockwork, which makes me one happy momma! I love it when we are not rushing in the mornings, everyone is in a better mood. I even got to walk John Michael across the cross walk when we got to school. He thought he was too big for momma earlier this week, but I think he knows that sometimes it is okay to still hold my hand. Of course Danny would not even look at me, he did give me a morning hug and kiss before we got out of the van. They grow up way too fast, and that is all I can even say about that!

When I picked them up from school they proceeded to tell me about their great days! John Michael was even wearing a crown, that they made...because it begins with C. Of course this became a storage place for the smurfs that were in the van so that they could ride with John Michael. He is so silly.

Homework time was well, as always a struggle to say the least. John Michael did great, but Danny for some reason just does not want to do it and in third grade it has to be done and then some. We will get on a better routine next week with it. I hope anyway.

I was able to finish up the wedding that I have been working on, which made me feel great. I even started on the first of 2 baby showers. I feel like I made some real progress. My kitchen is done, which always makes me feel better and let me just tell you all if you don't have a Swiffer Vac you should seriously consider one! So worth it. I am going to get on for the lake, at least that is my plan!

Well, I am off. I hope that you all had something triumphant happen to you on this amazing day!

Easter

Today started early, but it was GREAT!

The boys were so excited when they woke up and the Easter bunny had been here. Typically he comes while we are at Mass, but since we were going out to eat instead of coming home to cook he came last night while we were sleeping. The boys were so excited about what he wrote on the eggs that they dyed, all of the candy that he brought, he also brought a few small toys and $10 gift cards. They were excited which makes my heart VERY happy!

We went to Mass at 8:30 we actually got there a little before 8 so I could get some pictures of my boys. I always love the Easter Mass. I hope to take the boys' to the Vigil Mass one year, but right now I am just concentrating on John Michael sitting still for an hour and that one is usually about 2.

We went to the church's Easter Egg Hunt right after Mass, and a quick change of clothes. The hunt was on the playground and since Danny was in his suit that he is wearing for his First Communion we did a quick clothing change.

We went to lunch at Logan's, and I have to say it was great. There was no fuss over cooking, cleaning, anything. I think we might have a new Easter tradition. We were there about 11:15 and there was no waiting, it was seriously great. Well the service today left something to be desired, but other than that it was great.

We came home so that we could all change clothes so we could work outside. Brandon finished up the front flower beds. He got the plants that we have been collecting for 2 months now planted. It looks great. Of course there is a lot to do, but it will take some time, and money. We figure a little each year and we will get there, and appreciate the new additions each year. Plus it is about the only way that we can even pretend to afford it. I also cleaned out the van, I still need to detail it, but other than baseball stuff there is nothing in there. We also had another egg hunt at the house! It was in the backyard, but a lot of fun.

Danny is out of school tomorrow for Holy Monday, but John Michael has school so I think that he and I will vacuum and wash it and detail it. Well, we will see. Of course he is ready to spend these gift cards. I also think that we will work in the den. I have so much to do and still 2 sets of pictures to finish editing, not to mention the personal ones. I will get there though. We will just have to see how tomorrow goes to decide what we will do.

Well, I am off to bed! Before I go I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. Please remember a friend of mine whose husband lost his mom this morning. While it was expected it is never easy when it comes. Thanks everyone. I hope that you all had a blessed Easter!

Holy Saturday

Wow! What a Saturday is seriously all that I can say, it was definitely a productive one though, which always makes me feel better.

It started this morning. Brandon immediately got to work outside in an attempt to beat the heat. He is doing an amazing job with the flower beds. I am so proud of them and I appreciate all of the work that he has done and is still doing so much.

Danny had a game today at 11:30, which meant that we were at the park at 10:30. It was a great game, a bit of a nail biter, but they won. The final score was 17-16, if I remember right. John Michael was off today so it was just a one game Saturday, I have to admit I felt a little lost.

We came home and I got to work in the kitchen and the boys got to work in their rooms. That was an all day ordeal just because they would not do it. Seriously it was about an hour max worth of work, but it took about 5 hours. They did it though. I feel much better, now to get to the rest of the house. I am cleaning out and up again. I swear it never ends. I also have been catching up on laundry. There were 2 loads alone in Danny's room. A lot I think was clean and just on his closet floor for some reason, but none the less it was 2 extra loads. I wanted to get the big winter coats done, but so far that has not happened. There is always tomorrow though.

We also dyed Easter Eggs. The boys had a blast, I am horrible about fogetting to do them and I was glad that I remembered this year. After seeing how much fun they had, I will definitely remember from now on!

Brandon got all of the edging in around the beds, the tulip shrub planted and has started on adding mulch to it all. He plans on finishing tomorrow too. He also has several things other things to get planted. I think the goal is tomorrow for it all.

Tomorrow might be Easter but after Mass, and an Easter Egg Hunt and lunch we will be against a deadline at the house and we will all be pitching in. It should be a great family day though so I am not complaining. Any day that we get to spend together is a great one and holidays are extra special.

Well, I have to put up the spaghetti sauce and then the Easter Bunny will come. In the past years he comes while we are at Mass, but we always come home and are cooking for lunch/dinner here. Since we are going out it will be later so we figure he will come tonight. Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you have a very blessed Easter.

Good Friday

Today was Good Friday. It is a day that we stop and should remember that Jesus died for our sins.

Today was a busy day for all of us but it was a great day spent with my family and ended on a positive note being spent with my best friend.

John Michael and I got up this morning to run some errands. We went to find me something to wear for Easter and for Danny's First Communion. I really figured it would be a bust but it was definitely a success and I am glad I went on and went as I actually found a few outfits. Which is always good news for my closet especially. We also had to go to the grocery store. Danny wanted Chicken and Dumplins and tomorrow John Michael wants spaghetti and Brandon wants homemade bread. I also needed a few things for the week. I am glad to have this done.

While we went one way, Brandon and Danny headed to Home Depot to rent a tiller. They tilled the front and back flower beds so that we can plant the things that we have gotten. We plan to add to the yard each year, but this year we have done a lot, basically getting them ready. I cannot wait to see the finished product. So far everything looks great. Brandon even dug up my favorite daffodils so that we can replant them. They are definitely my favorite flowers, I just wish that they would bloom more than one time. Oh well, I enjoy them while they are here.

We have several trees that we planted this fall and I have been amazed with the peaches that are being produced on one of them. Obviously the peach tree. I did not know that one so young would produce.

When the tilling was done we all went to Sam's to get some more of the weed stop covering stuff. We also got drinks and a few things that we needed.

We got home and ate dinner. The Chicken and Dumplins were yummy. I love them, but do not make them often and usually not at all unless it is winter, but they are Danny's favorites! Then Brandon went back to the yard and I started cleaning the kitchen.

My best friend Amy came over to scrapbook. I have overwhelmed myself with the back log that I have and the things that I have collected for them over the years. I am getting there though, it will all come together soon. I need to bring all of mine upstairs and make a list of what I have and what I need. Progress is being made though. I think that tonight we talked more than actually worked, but it was great. Just spending time together and letting our kids wear each other out! No matter what I have going on I hope that Amy knows I am always here for her! We have been friends since high school and no matter how much time goes by between us talking we always pick right back up. I am glad that we are getting better at spending time together though!

So I have to go by Jellybeans first thing in the morning and boil eggs for dying tomorrow afternoon. Then we have a ballgame. John Michael has an off day but Danny plays and then home for more housework and yardwork. It is going to be busy day, but will also be a productive one! I am looking forward to a family day!

Headed to bed now, well after I put up the leftover food. I will be praying for all of my friends and family as always before going to sleep. I hope that this Lenten season has been blessed for all of you.

Headed Toward Bears

Progress Report for the house... All but one load of laundry done! Bathrooms cleaned except for being swept and mopped and that is just because I want to do all floors at the same time. Living Room cleaned all bust vacuuming. I did not get to the scrapbook chaos but I will get there.

Progress Report for Photography...I was able to start editing the Q and U wedding pictures. Got all of the boys, prewedding anyway and started on the girls. YAY!

I am very happy to have completed so much today and I hope that tomorrow is just as productive. It is my deadline for deciding what to do about class, we shall see how the dice roll.

I had promised the boys a root beer after school. Actually I promised them I would have it when I picked them up. On my way to make my afternoon school pick up circle I stopped at the gas station and was so excited to find a 1 liter diet mountain dew! I love me some diet dew and was super pumped to have found these in the cooler might I add. I might have to get a stock pile going. Hmmm...A 1 liter and a cup of ball park ice would make a very happy momma!

John Michael had practice tonight but I could not be there. Danny's cub scouts also had a den meeting so I went with him and was the den leader tonight since that is typically Brandon's job. It was fun. We signed off 3 more pages and only have 2 to make it to Bear cubs, so that is definitely a plus! Tonight was game night, and we talked about cooperation. Next week is the pack meeting and we will be having an Easter Egg Hunt, it should be a lot of fun. I am pretty excited about that one! Then May is our last month as Wolf Cubs, we will be Bear Cubs. WOW! I seriously cannot believe that we have been scouting for 2 years, it just does not seem right.

Well, I am off to bed. I am really tired and it is going to be a busy day tomorrow. Hoping that we all get up on time maybe even a little early so the day can get off to the right start! Before I go to bed I will be saying a prayer for all of my friends and family. We all have so much going on, but it has been a nice reminder to myself that Mother Teresa accomplished all that she did in the same 24 hours that I have. I have been working hard on staying positive and this is one of those little thoughts that is definitely a big help!

Really Tired...

So today I was definitely under the weather. I even took some extra vitamins but nothing seems to help. I am sure it is a combination of my allergies not liking the weather changing and my asthma never cares for storms that come through. I just fight through it.

I did not manage to get anything done that I wanted to except getting Danny's first grade scrapbook put together. While I have to still cut a few things with the Cricut and print a few pictures just like with John Michael's 3K it is primarily done. The next ones I will be working on are 2010 and 2009, then it will be time to start on 2nd grade and 4K as well as starting to work backwards with the years. I hate the feeling of being behind but I will get there. I am more or less stalling on the earlier books because I know that they will be the hardest.

The boys scrapbooked a little too and I took a picture of their pages for you to enjoy. I thought that they were too cute!

Brandon was able to get the play that he has been working on done, I still have the pictures to edit, but those will be the focus for this week. I am supposed to help with a wedding on Friday so I plan to get those done before that.

I also have a lot around the house to do, but that I will do one day at a time starting tomorrow. I have a goal date and that is the end of April, but baseball is about to get going in high gear and classes are getting more challenging.

I am considering a break, we shall see though. I know that I could use it. It would enable me more time to be able to concentrate on the business and without the added pressure of deadlines in class. Not to mention the baseball, cub scouts, and school for the boys schedules that are currently being juggled. I am not 100% yet on what I will do or when but a break is one option I am considering seriously at least for the time being. Any advice would be great.

Well, I am off to bed. The boys just went to sleep. It is definitely a late night. Tomorrow we have baseball from 6-8 so it will not be easy getting in bed by 9, but I plan to try. Before I go to bed tonight I will be saying a prayer for all of my family and friends. I hope that you all had a memorable weekend and were safe through the storms.

Back to School...and Homework....and Baseball

Spring Break was great while it lasted, even though we did not venture out of Birmingham, which is pretty sad. We knew that it had to come to an end and now the countdown for summer officially begins! I love summer and unlike Spring Break I will not neglect the duties I have at home. I am working on making up for that, but more later.

The boys were no fun waking up this morning, even Brandon and I slept later than the norm for a Monday. All I know is we were on time though and that was the goal. We did get them out of bed and ready for school finally, with pop-tarts being toted to the van for breakfast. Yes, I know I should have made breakfast, but there was no time. That is the goal for tomorrow.

Well, I had a few errands to go run and then it was home to work. 2 loads of laundry done, dishes done, the living room is almost back to pre-Spring Break condition. I also had to finish up a paper for school, and work on some pictures. There was also a letter for baseball that had to be reviewed and 2 for cubscouts to be sent. Dinner had to be cooked, I had it ready before I left to pick up the boys and finished it up when I got home so that we could eat and get to the ballpark.

Brandon got Danny for me, he had Chess today so he stays a little later than normal. They got home, that homework got done and we ate, changed clothes and headed out. Watch out ballpark we are on our way! Danny had practice today and the boys did great, it was a shorter practice than normal but they worked. I am so proud of the progress that he has made already this year. Opening Day is April 2 and we cannot wait. It should be a fun day and then we will spend probably more time at the park, but it will be a blast as my Yankee and Tiger go to the fields on game days. As we were leaving the ballpark the sky was truly amazing, and I was glad to snap a shot or 2 for the blog.

Well, we are home, baths have been given, the boys are finally asleep and I am headed there myself. I am tired and 4:30 comes early. Hopefully I will get up on time without any problems. I am asking all of you to continue to pray for Baby Jemma, she is making great daily strides. Also, please say a prayer for my mom whose birthday is tomorrow. I want her to have a great one! Before I go to bed I will be praying for all of my friends and family. I hope that all of your wants and needs are met and then some!

I was thinking today that there is so much we do that we stress about. I know that I am guilty, but as I have started to make sure I embrace the things that normally stress me out, I am able to feel more relaxed and truly enjoy life. We can only do what we can do.

Homework Time with 2

So a lot was happening today while the boys were in school. I have been in a combat battle with the house. So far it is too close to determine a winner. I am trying to get some extra meals cooked and in the freezer. Things are so busy and in order to stay out of the drive thru lines I am determined to keep things in the freezer that are healthy and easy. Today I cooked 4 meals, 1 for tonight and 3 for the freezer. At least I know that progress is being made. I am also completely overhauling the house. Everything, closets, drawers, cabinets, shelves....if it s in this house it could find itself in need of a new home! I have always been sort of scattered when doing this, and this time I am doing one room at a time. This way I know when I am done I am done!!!

The boys bot had homework tonight. It is so great to see John Michael starting to read. He has always loved to be read to so now I am making a huge deal about him reading to me. This is what I always did with Danny and even now he even loves to read. I hope that this is something that stays with them for their whole lives. I love to read and just for a fun fact...7 minutes of reading releases chemicals in your brain to help you relax. So it is good for you!

Well, It is already past nine, but I am actually not long for bed, so maybe at least before 10. Maybe tomorrow! I will keep trying to it happens! I will as always remember all of my friends and family in my prayers tonight. I love you more than you understand. I am still working on these new photography ideas and so prayers are greatly appreciated. I will be saying a special prayer for my brother in law who is having his wisdom teeth cut out in the morning. I hope that he does well and recovers very quickly!