Epiphany Program

Today we worked on the inside of the house, there is so much to get done and I know that mom wants the house back to normal and Brandon wants to be back to parking in the garage.  Baby, it's cold outside!!!  I am very thankful for him keeping my spot in the garage open.  The van does not do well at all when it is cold, neither do I.
Tonight we went to the 5:00 Mass and then we watched the Epiphany program.  The boys were townspeople and did a great job.  Everyone did.  Mr. & Mrs. Roth do such an amazing job with this program every year.  Thank you both for allowing the boys to be a part of such a special thing.  It was beautiful.

HOA

This morning started off with a photoshoot.  It was a beautiful couple and this is for their engagement session so that they can get out a few save the date cards.  We met on Morris Avenue and it was perfect.  It started to get warm pretty fast, but we were also able to get through the session without much glistening.  I will be working on it soon so watch www.facebook.com/monicaannephotography for more on this session and to Monique and Mark congratulations again and best wishes for an extremely perfect future.
The boys and Bradon ventured with me so that after the session we could head to Mass.  It was nice to be back to some sort of normal routine and be back at church with my family and Jesus.

We headed home so that mom could watch the boys while Brandon and I headed to the HOA meeting.  It is the first one since we closed so I was looking forward to it.  It was actually pretty dull.  We did get to meet the new VP and he seems super nice.  The new President had an emergency so he was not there, which is understandable.  It was nice to put faces with names and meet a few neighbors.  I put an emphasis on a few, as not many people were there.

Overall it was a great day and a great weekend.  I do wish that it was longer, but that is what next weekend is for!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing women that I know who are blessed to be moms, aunts, grandmothers, and godmothers.  You are all amazing! 
To my mom, Roselle.  I love you!  While our journey has not always been easy, it has been amazing.  We both survived me being a teenager and here we are today.  I love you so much.  Happy Mother's Day.
My boys are my world.  They are what make me go on even on the hardest of days and I thank God everyday that I am able to call myself a mom.  I love even the little things that make being a mom so special.  The magical healing power of a kiss, the gourmet abilities with my peanut butter sandwhiches, the joy from a smile, and so many other things.  I love my boys and they are the best Mother's Day present I could ask for.
This morning I woke up to pancakes and bacon and even coffee being delivered to bed.  It was awesome but I decided to come eat with my family because spending the day with them is what I love about Mother's Day every year. 

We visited the house today so that we could check the studs and see if there were any that needed to be replaced.  There were a few and some other minor things that need to be addressed.  We made a list and ran it by the agent.  It would be great if they got to that before the walk through on Friday morning, but we will see what happens.

We headed to Mass and it was great.  I love Mass especially when it is with my family.  There is something so bonding about family time with Jesus.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

Gorgeous Saturday

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day, I do not know if I could have hand picked a better one....well, maybe adding 5 - 10 degrees, but seriously it was gorgeous.

We went to the Botanical Gardens and I had a photo shoot with a beautiful family. Stay tuned to the blog on http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more details about this shoot.

After the family portraits were complete I took John Michael around and did a few 6 year old pictures. He was not really feeling it though. I also got some of the boys together. I love it when they will pretend to get along even if for a few seconds for a picture.

After a morning of photography we came home and started to work on the van. We had to clean it inside and out. While there is still a lot of work to do, the seats and all that need to be cleaned, but today was a start. Just another thing that we want to get done, that can stay done before we move.

The more organized and in control we are the better. I am super excited about our progress and know that we can keep it up.

We went to Mass tonight, and then to the spaghetti dinner. Mass was great as always. John Michael seemed to forget how to act, but he got it together before Mass was over. The spaghetti dinner was great, all of the work that has been put into it definitely shown. The boys ate with us then headed to child care, where they got to play in one of the Game Trucks, watch movies, and play in the gym. They had so much fun, in fact John Michael cried when we left. I tried to win a couple of things in the silent auction, but lost them both by just a few dollars Danny was pretty sad that I did not win, but I tried. I will try a different approach next year and we will see what happens.

Well, I am off to bed. We spring forward tonight, which means more hours of daylight tomorrow, which I am SO excited about. I am not SO excited about losing an hour of sleep especially when tomorrow is so busy. It will be another great one though!

Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers tonight and every night.

A Soldier, A King, and An Inns Keeper's Child

Sunday started slow for all of us. We were able to sleep in a little which was definitely a nice change for all of us.

We went to the 5:00 Mass tonight, which was a nice change and surprisingly John Michael was great. We usually go to the 8:30 Mass because that is when he seems to be at his best, but he is growing up and that is so bittersweet to me.

At 6:30 was the Epiphany pageant, and in my opinion there is no better way to end the Christmas season.

Danny started as Caesar's soldier, then a quick costume change and he was a king. He did great and was so proud that he was able to do both parts, since nobody else had 2 parts.

John Michael was one of the Inn Keeper's children. He did a great job, and Patsy did a great job as his momma. He has a little crush on Miss Patsy, which he developed while getting ready for the Christmas Eve Mass. It is so sweet.

Meme, Aunt B, Meemaw, Aunt Paula, and Sydney came to watch the boys which meant a lot to them and to Brandon and myself.

Silly Face Sunday

So today started out great. Well sort of. I think that the boys can tell that I am stressed so they are being a little more difficult than what I like. Hopefully that will pass soon. This morning it was just about getting ready. There seemed to be something very difficult about that task.
Once everyone was ready we went to Mass. I prefer the 8:30 Mass and we made it we were even early despite the minimal drama.
After Mass, we went to iHop for brunch. It was Danny's idea and it was a pretty good one. It was really good and the boys ate good which is not always an easy task where John Michael is concerned. He had one of the Silly Face Create your Own Pancakes and that was all it took.
We came home and started working in the office and den as a family. We are still not done, but progress can be seen. We took 8 bags to Hannah Home and several larger items that were just sitting in the office taking up serious space. There are some more things I am hoping to get rid off sooner than later, but that is going to require working on the husband some.
Well, I am off. I will upload pictures tomorrow and add them to my previous posts. I do not like being behind. I will do better!

Girl Baby and A Yard Again!!!

Today started off great. We went to Mass at 8:30 this morning, which is my favorite Mass. I am not sure why, but it always has been. I love starting Sundays off right! The boys' were excellent which is always nice!

We came home and I started to get everything ready for Amanda's Baby shower. We are finally getting a girl in the family, it has been a long time. Amanda is a pretty pregnant, and I know that she is ready, but she really does have that mommy glow. The shower was pink and lime green. I cannot wait to get to work on the pictures.

Of course there are a few session in front of hers, but I will get there. I plan to work my tail off to get caught back up! Of course I am very thankful to be so busy though, and I am hoping that it stays that way. I love what I do and I am loving every minute of working, which is a wonderful feeling.

Amanda got a lot of really nice things, all the pink was so great to see! Alexa is not going to want for anything that is a definite. I cannot wait to take some newborn pictures. My aunt made a cake and cupcakes, and while I could not eat the strawberry cake, the cupcakes were delicious. She also made the fondant and it was very good! Seriously like eating marshmallows, and that you cannot go wrong with.

I came home and Brandon had been working in the yard, in fact you could tell that we had a yard again. He has been able to cut it, but not weed eat so some areas were tough to handle. He did not cut today, but got all of the weed eating done and now he can cut when in the afternoons when he gets home. It looked great and I was super appreciative.

Well, I am off to bed. I finished editing one birthday party's photographs and started on the next today so hopefully I can wrap it up tomorrow night. Not holding my breath though, there is a lot to do to get ready for school, and tomorrow is doctor day for both boys and John Michael's meeting with the Kindergarten teachers. Hopefully it will be a no waiting kind of day though, that is the worst part about the doctor's office!

Know that you are all in my prayers tonight. I hope that there were many blessings for each of you this weekend. If you live close the rain tonight, was a definite needed blessing for us all!

An Amazing Weekend Ends on a Note...

Well this weekend was amazing. It started with the Grandparent's Reception Friday afternoon with Danny and his class. Then onto Meme's graduation. Then Danny's First Communion which was so special for so many reasons. Then a baseball game with John Michael followed by a lunch at mom's to celebrate Danny's First Communion. Then Sunday started with Mass, and John Michael was actually well behaved. Something we are working hard on. I caught my blog back up. Then came Sunday evening.

I am stressed and backloaded with school work so I work on it while Brandon takes the boys outside to throw the ball. This is where the weekend started to end. Danny got hit in the head with the ball which left a lovely knot, but he was okay. This just broke my heart though. I do not like it when my boys get hurt. So back inside they came and while I got my postings done my paper not so much.

I decided that I probably needed to balance my checkbook once I realized that I had spent over $200 in the past 7 days on gas. Yes, you read that right. Needless to say this made my day really take a nose dive. Now I get to stress until Friday, when Brandon gets paid, and really even after that because there will be nothing to pay bills. I will be so so glad when money is not something that I have to stress over on a daily basis. Especially when it is this bad. There is so much I want to do with my family this summer and well I am assuming all of that can just be tossed aside. I am praying that Brandon and I are able to start making some money with our company as that will definitely help.

I am sorry to vent I do not like to use my blog for this especially when it is so personal, but I figure you all know everything else about me. While I know that money cannot buy happiness it sure as hell can make it easier to find!

Before we went to bed Danny lost a tooth and the tooth fairy came. I also managed to get behind in my blog. I will do this one and the one for today today and should be good to go!

Bike and Trike

Today I was very emotional. It was John Michael's Bike and Trike Day at school. While to many this seems like just another day to me it was the last Bike and Trike at Hilldale. I am very sad, because I love Hilldale and the teachers and this has always been such a fun and exciting day for my boys. In fact Danny was so funny begging to stay home so he could go to Bike and Trike. Don't worry he went to school. Anyway, the more I think about everything that is coming to an end within the next week the more emotional I become. As you follow my blog you will see what I am talking about.

Anyway, it was rather warm today but it was a lot of fun! I was glad to be at the school taking pictures of everyone having a really good time. Even with broken pedals, flipped handle bars, scrapped hands and knees, these kids had a BLAST! John Michael was so tired when we got home. I kept him awake in the car playing with my phone, and once we got home, but it was a challenge. Needless to say we had dinner, he got a shower and was asleep!

Today was Danny's school Mass. I really wanted to go, but I could not miss this day with John Michael. This would have been one of those days that bilocation would be a great ability. Anyway. This was his last Mass ever without receiving Communion. WOW! Well, I know I have said it for over a week, but seriously this is where words are lost because of my emotions taking over.

Well, I am not long for bed! I am exhausted and tomorrow is going to be a busy one. I have not heard from Danny's teacher to find out if I am helping in her class after school, so we will see if that gets tacked on to the to do list. Well, I am off to bed. I will remember all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Again please pray for this Saturday's First Communion class as they make this Sacrament.

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!

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.

Twas the Night BeforeValentine's

Twas the night before Valentine's and all through our house the boys were wild even Mass couldn't calm John Michael's mouth.

We went to the late Mass today. It was nice but John Michael was wild. It is not something that we do often usually we prefer 8:30 as he is usually too tired to be such a wild child. Tonight Brandon took him out once, and then I took him out. Nothing like walking out with a wild one during Mass, the thing is he knows how to act, but the last few Sundays has done everything including stand on his head. Maybe next week will be the week he remembers how to act for an hour at least.

We did not get Danny's room done, but mainly because I did not feel good at all. In fact, I still don't. I was really hoping for early bed tonight, but considering it is eleven o-clock I don't think that happened. Oh well, hopefully I will feel better soon. I really think that I am breaking out in hives again which is not a good thing since I get them when my stress gets high and that is something I am working hard on.

I still have to get the boy's Valentine's out and ready. Brandon will get his tomorrow while he is at work. I hope that he likes it. I will mention what it was tomorrow, since he follows my blog! No reason to give it away tonight.

Well, tomorrow is Danny's party at school. He is really excited. I am just glad that I am going to be able to go and be a part of the festivities! I love being there with him.

Well, I am off to bed. Good night everyone and I hope that you all have the sweetest of dreams. Before I go to bed know that I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. You are all amazing people and I pray that Valentine's Day 2011 is special for you all.

Catholic Schools Week

Today is the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun and exciting week for the students, parents, teachers, faculty, and everyone involved in Catholic schools.

This students were asked to wear their uniforms to school. The 11:00 Mass they also sang in the choir, and did the readings. It was really great and I have to admit to getting a little emotional during Mass. There is something almost magical about the children singing. Danny is in the Children's choir and he did very well, they all did. I was and am still a proud momma.

There was also a great display in the vestibule this morning that had a picture of all the Saint Francis students. It was really nice.

The banner that the youth from SFX took to the Walk for Life in Washington DC was also on display and it was great.

Next week is the food drive so hopefully I will rememer. I seem to be on a role and I have to get more organized. This morning was the First Eucharist parent's meetings and I had no idea. I feel like such a horrile person. I was assured by one of the mom's that it was no big deal. As I am decluttering my home hopefully I will be able to keep up with it all. Next year it will be an amazing blessing to have them in the same school! I think that alone will help. I currently drive 132 miles a day!!! That is enough to drive anyone crazy...right?

Everyone seemed to be shocked by John Michael's hair, but they also seemed to like it. It is a shock, he has always had a lot of hair and even though he has had several hair cuts, we have always kept it a little longer. Now he looks like a big kid! I guess it had to happen sometime.

Well, it is definitely after 9, but tomorrow is a new day! I will try again. On my way to bed I will remember everyone in my prayers. I will also be praying that the alarm will wake us up in the morning, I need Monday to start well this week! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nice weekend as it looks like now we will have rain followed by really cold weather!

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!