A Day With Danny

Danny came with me today to do a newborn session in Gardendale.  Liam was the sweetest baby.  For more on this session watch the blog at www.monicaannephotography.com I cannot wait to show off these ADORABLE pictures.  I hope that his mom and dad like them as much as I do. 
After the session Danny and I headed to the school to pay for the book fees, the after school care fees, and the tuition.  Having that off my plate is HUGE!  Now we are really ready for heading back to school.  While we were there Danny got to see Miss Donaldson, which made his day.  He is really excited about fourth grade, almost as excited as John Michael is about first.
Danny and I decided to have lunch at Arby's.  It is one of his favorite places.  It was super packed, but it really was yummy. 
We went to Academy so he could take a tackle box back.  He thought that it was pretty neat to have to fill out the form and sign and print his name.  He did great and I was so proud of him.  I cannot believe how much he is growing up though.
Then Target was calling our name.  I needed a few small plastic bins and I also got him some under shirts.  He wanted a speaker dock for his new iPod so he used some of his birthday money to get one.  He has really loved that thing, and I am so proud of how well he is taking care of it. 

We headed to the store and then home.  We did stop and get John Michael a happy meal, which could have been gold bars as far as he was concerned.  I love it when the little things make him so happy!

We came home and since it was leftover night we went to work on more boxes and just enjoyed the day! 

Working Sundays

So his morning Brandon and Danny headed to Pell City.  Brandon had a Mass to video for a priest at Our Lady of the Lake.  I am so thankful for him having a few jobs coming in, they are definitely an answer to some prayers. 
John Michael and I got up and headed to Aldridge Gardens where I had a few photo shoots.  I love working out there and today there were no snakes.  There was proof that they were there, like snake skins,but I did not see any, which was a nice break from the norm.  We did see a lot of baby turtles, they were so cute!  It was also Art in the Gardnes. and I hatesd that I could not really look around but it is not like I could have gotten anything so what is the point. 
John Michael and I came home to get some work done.  Since I am seriously behind we got the laundry caught up which was a nice plus all by itself.  Being behind is not something that I enjoy even a little bit. 
Brandon and Danny headed to the lake to see his mom and Dale, and Danny stayed with them for a little while to swim.  They stopped at Bojangles on his way home, which really made his day.  He got to swim for a few minutes and that is something that he has missed.  Hopefully we will make it up there sooner than later. 
Well everyone was home and tucked in long before the rain, it thundered and lightening here horribly but no rain.  That did not come until we were all tucked in.

Tired

So today started with a photo shoot at the Botanical Gardens.  I love heading there, but HOT was the word for today, especially at 11:00.  The boys were EXCELLENT though and for that I am so so thankful.  We did see a bunny there, which I prefer VERY much over the snakes that have been appearing everywhere.  The shoot was great and I cannot wait to tell you all more about it!

We had a few more errands to run, the post office was high on that list.  I am so thankful for the fact that so much is selling on eBay.  I just need some time to get some more listed and some more ready to go to the Post Office.

We also packed a lot of things today.  We got most of the DVDs, and even most of the pictures off of the wall.  I cannot believe how empty the house looks.  It is sad, and exciting all at the same time.
Danny had practice tonight, which ended up just being batting practice, but it is what it is.  I am loving All Stars and I know that my baby is too which means so much to me.

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.

Back to Work

Since the tornadoes things have been crazy to say the very least and I have been behind in so many aspects of life. I am working on changing that fact about myself.
Today I had two photo shoots and they were so much fun. It was great to get back to work which lets me know that we are basically on track to normal or at least our new normal. My sessions were great stay tuned to the blog on www.monicaannephotography.com for more on them both.
Brandon had the boys for most of the day and they cleaned up which definitely made my day! I love coming home to a clean house, or at least cleaner than it was when I left. Starting tomorrow I am cleaning up and out. With the move coming up I do not want to take anything that we do not need or will not work at the new house. I figure starting now will make it much easier this summer.
We had homemade tacos tonight and they were so yummy!
Well, I have to go to bed. I wanted to be there by 10, but you know 11:30 is not that far off. Good night!

Home and School

So this morning we were running late. I do not like starting off the day running behind. I am not sure if it was the rain that had me all cozy this morning or the fact that John Michael came in our room last night and is such a cuddle bug. We were all late though, which is just not something I need on my agenda right now. I know that there must have been a reason for it though, so I am not going to stress myself out about it.
While the boys were in school I took care of their bedrooms. I was so tired of asking and threatening, and so today I threw a lot of junk out. We have to get up the Christmas stuff and that is just not possible the way that their rooms looks. I also got some more laundry done, but I also got more piled up as I found more clothes scattered around their rooms and I did not know if they were clean or dirty so I am taking the safer bet. I also got a good bit of editing done. Right now I am a little ahead of the 2 weeks I shoot for with a regular session, but I have to get them all delivered which is a little easier said than done. I am hoping to mail a good bit of them because I have so many to get out and with the sessions that I have I am not sure where I can squeeze in delivery times too. It will all work out.
The boys' had great days at school today. They both had homework that we had to get done pretty fast so that we could get back to school for the Home & School meeting tonight.
The Home & School meeting was very nice. It was a brief introduction and then break away sessions. Brandon went to the K-2 session and I stayed for the 3-5 session. I enjoy being a part of the school and like knowing what is happening with the boys. Another plus to St. Francis is how close the parents, faculty, and students really are.
We came home and I had school work, and editing to work on and Brandon worked on burning and labeling discs for me. He is awesome!
Well, the boys are in bed and since it is not 10 minutes until midnight I guess I will go to bed. One day soon I will be in bed early! I will, I will, I will!

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.

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!

Make-Up and Cucumbers

Odd combinations? Just wait!

So today was productive. I got a lot done with editing and even some laundry. I got the school work that I had to get done completed. I still have a lot to do but at least progress is being made!

Today I had a very fun session with Jane, a Mary Kay consultant. I went to her Monday night meeting and she turned it into Mother Daughter night, where I took pictures of them after they were made up and even more beautiful than before. I had a blast and cannot wait to get to work on these photographs. While there I even got my eyebrows done, which made me a VERY happy woman! The little things that matter so much when we are mommas. More on the session in my other blog. Stay tuned!

While I was gone Brandon cut the back yard and helped Danny in his little garden. When I got home there were these 2 HUGE cucumbers on the counter. Yep, my baby boy grew them. He was so excited and I was shocked. I cannot wait to see how they taste! I wonder if it is a record for a 7 year old farmer?! Maybe I will actually weigh and measure them tomorrow.

I am looking forward to some swim time with Amy tomorrow night. We are going to do some excercises in the pool while the kids play! I am VERY excited! More on that tomorrow.

Well, I am pooped. I have to go put the towels in the dryer and then I am off to bed! I hope that you all had an amazing Monday! You will be in my prayers tonight!

VBS Day 2

Today was the second day of Vacation Bible School at St. Francis and again the boys had a blast. Danny says that it seems more like 30 minutes than 3 hours! This is a good thing, and I am so glad that they are having a good time.

Today we came home and I made tacos. Definitely one of my favorite dinners! It was yummy too. Now to clean it all up, which is not near as much fun. I have also emptied three boxes from when we moved of my wine glasses (and other glasses that I have collected). Of course that meant a lot of hand washing as they have accumulated some serious dust. Even though they were boxed up. Oh well. I am making progress and my curio cabinet is looking better and better now that it is getting something in it! I will take a picture when I am through. I think there are 3 more boxes in the garage.

After dinner we headed to the park in Leeds for a photo session with Josie. She is 9 months old now. WOW! That is about all that I can say. We had a blast and her pictures are great. I am going to start editing them now! My goal is to finish this week. We shall see how it all works out.

While the boys were at VBS I went and got my toes done. I was in dire need of a pedicure and myself and my feet feel so much better now. I am hoping to get a manicure Friday. Hair gets done Thursday! I should be good to go by the weekend.

I also started packing this afternoon. Not much but a little. Like bathing suits. I do not think we will need them before we leave. There is just no time. I wish that there was I could definitely use a good swim, plus it is pretty hot out there. Even this evening at the park. Humid is definitely the name of the game the weather is playing now.

Well, I am off to edit. I will say a prayer for all of you before I head to bed. I am also praying for some amazing beach weather while we are there next week. For tonight peace out!

What do Weddings and Baseball have in Common?

Monica, Danny and John Michael is the correct answer!

This morning started early and with little arguing from the boys about having to get up. Only because John Michael was so excited about Q and U finally getting married. Danny was excited about checking out to go to see the wedding.

I stayed the day with John Michael and the 4K classes to take pictures and help everyone get ready for the big day. They were some very excited boys and girls! They have worked so hard and today it was all going to pay off.

The wedding was perfect! The boys and girls did great and I will be adding a Q and U wedding to my photography portfolio, which in itself is unique! I am very excited about getting to work on these pictures! They are so cute! The girls looked beautiful, the boys handsome! I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of the day for John Michael and for the teachers who have worked so hard. Stay tuned for a lot of pictures people, they are coming!

After the wedding we came home and started on homework and getting ready for baseball. Both boys played, one at 6 the other at 7:3o.

John Michael's game was at 6 and since Brandon had to work late I was the coach and I have to admit it was a lot of fun. For 6 innings we were 1 and 1, we went into one OT inning, the 7th and ended up losing 2-3, but the boys did great! I was so proud of them all!

Danny's game was at 7:30 and they all did great too. They did lose though, which broke Danny's heart he wanted to be undefeated, but I assured him that was something that was easier said that done. He was a good sport and said that they would just have to play better next time, which is Saturday!

All this said I am just now getting to bed and I am pooped to say the very least. Tomorrow morning I have a product shots photo shoot, then to get Danny, and then a prom photo shoot. I am very excited. I love the fact that my career has become something that I truly love doing!

Before I go to sleep I will say a prayer for all of my friends and family. You are all amazing people and I hope that you know that. So many times as I have learned we are so busy with everything that we do not enjoy anything. This is something I am not doing anymore. I am truly going to love life and everyday that I am blessed with. I am loving living life and I hope that you are too!

Parks, Parties, and Cinnamon Rolls

Today was a gorgeous day and one that I was thankful to spend so much of it outside and all of it with my amazing family.

We started early this morning, with a photo shoot at Rail Road Park. The family came so after the shoot we hung out and the boys enjoyed some ice cream. It was so nice today and with the water running again at the park it was so pretty. I was glad to be there with my family, and make some special memories.

After the park we drove around Birmingham scoping out possible photo shoot locations for the future. The boys were not in the mood to pose so we just ventured around town. I cannot wait to take advantage of some of these locations. We came home and fixed lunch, and I uploaded my photos from today so that the editing and posting can begin.

We had a birthday party for one of Danny's friends. Happy 8th Birthday again JT. The party was great and the boys had a blast. Even Brandon and I had a good time. Thanks Tonya.

After the party we talked about going to Mass, but again the boys were in some funky moods so we went to the Galleria to quench Brandon's craving for Cindy's Cinnamon Rolls. We walked around and even grabbed dinner. The boys love food courts, I think it is because everyone can get whatever they want and we only have to go to one place. It was a treat for them usually it is whatever I cook they eat or they can have a bowl of cereal. We rode the carousel and then on our way out the door we went to Cindy's.

Now everyone is tucked in. Well the boys are and Brandon and I are pretty tired. Tomorrow we are going to start the day with an early Mass and then we are going to the lake. We want to make a list of what we need to do because this year we are going to enjoy it.

Before I go to bed I will remember you all in my prayers. There are so many little things that might seem like nothing today, but tomorrow they will be everything. Enjoy every minute!!!