Determination

Today we all woke up a little later than what we like, but we did okay on time. Nobody was late and that is pretty important! Uniforms really make getting ready so much easier, plus they are so cute! I love seeing my little men in uniforms! They make my day. Of course when we got to school John Michael almost forgot his bag, but we got it!

I had to run by the post office as I have had some stamps grow legs and leave me. I am thinking that the boys might know where they went but so far they are not telling me. Now that I have paid for more I am sure they will appear, isn't that the way that it works. I had to have them though. Bills are due and I do not think the companies will buy that they are paid, just not mailed yet.

I am determined to take back over the house and so far it is going as planned. I am having to work on editing pictures and homework all at the same time, but it is all progress being made! Laundry has been maintained so far and I am hoping to keep it up, one more lod today and I will stay caught up. I have done the colored clothes and towels now for the white clothes. Gotta keep the uniforms circulating! I also scrubbed the boys' bathroom, I swear it never fails...toothpaste everywhere and then just random stuff. I clean the bathrooms once a week at least, but this was a good old fashioned scrub down! I also worked on JT and Danielle's wedding pictures. They are almost done,which makes me feel so much better, but I also know that I still have a lot to get done! I will get there though. I do not think people realize that phtogaphy is not just clicking. I also went through my frames. I have several things that I need to frame so finding ones that would work was a task that had to be done.

Well, I am a day behind again, but mainly because last night I was tired! I will do better tonight!

Boy Baby...and Sleep

Well today was the first of two baby showers this weekend. I will detail more in my photography blog, but this one was for a friend of mine, Karen. She is expecting a boy in October. It was a great shower. Amy and I rode together, she was bringing the cake and I was bringing the camera. I was very glad that she was driving, I would have been a basket case with her cake in the van if I would have been driving. As always she made a beautiful cake, that she ended up cutting because nobody else wanted to.

The boys and Brandon seemed to have a good time while I was gone. The biggest thing was the boy were fighting ALL day! It was pretty nerve wrecking. In fact they pretty much were at odds till bed time. Which I did not think was every going to come. That is why tonight's picture are the two of them sleeping!

So I need a new computer, if anyone would care to donate to the fund that would be great. Just add it to everything else, and I am seriously stressed. One day I will not stress about money!

Well, I know that this is short, but I have so much to edit and get done around the house, that I have to get to bed. I am almost done with Danny's birthday, and then it will be Morgan's. Then maternity shots, a wedding, and 2 baby showers. I feel so blessed that business is picking up, remember if you or anyone you need could use a photographer call me. http://www.monicaannephotography.com/

Well, I am off to work and hopefully go to bed. You will all be in my prayers tonight. I am very glad to say that I am posting on shedule. Maybe I can keep it up for another day or so....the or so would be really awesome!!!

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.

April is Gone?!

It is really hard to believe that April has come and gone. I cannot believe that we have passed 4 months already in 2011. WOW is about all I can say.

I have decided to use my photography business to help the victims of the tornadoes that ripped through the state on April 27. I will be donating all my profits to these victims. I will also give a free session to all people who were affected. I wish that I could do more, but I have nothing extra to give monetarily, but I can give what I make to those who need it more than I do. Towns are gone and I hope that I can do something to help them rebuild.

We were going to take some of our cub scouts down to help tomorrow, but we will be waiting until next weekend when we can plan a little more at our upcoming meetings. I am not sure if we will take donations of items or if we will be taking donations of money and purchasing food to take to everyone. Hot dogs, or sandwiches, or something of that nature. Something that the boys could take down and pass out to help people. Stay tuned to my blog as I announce when and where we will collect and what we will be collecting.

Both boys had games today. John Michael played Pinson at Clay and Danny played Pinson at Pinson. Now let the rant begin. John Michael's team lost, but Brandon said fielding they had down, but they could not hit. Hopefully we will get it all together soon and these boys can get a win under them. Danny's team lost, but it was such a crooked game. The umpires at Pinson are anything but fair. They obviously are in need of glasses and a reminder that they are paid to be fair. It was seriously nuts. The ballpark was about run down and it is sad since it is not that old...the bathroom well let's not even go there. The water was brown...seriously brown! Scary stuff. I was just glad to go home. Looking forward to playing at Clay next week. I hated that I had to miss John Michael he got a hit and made it to base! Anyway, sorry I needed to vent for a few minutes.

We came home and watered the plants and played outside for a while then came in and ate and then Brandon went to cut his hair. The boys decided that they wanted their hair cut too and well it is SHORT! Brandon did not change the guards. They like it an fortunately it will grow back. ;)

Now I am headed to bed! I am praying for all of my friends and family as well as the tornado victims. I heard tonight that 11 tornadoes have been confirmed to have hit down. One stayed on the ground from state line to state line. It is absolutely devastating.

First Day of Spring!!!

Well, the night before school goes back into session after Spring Break is also the first day of Spring. Something off in that equation, but what can you do? Anyway, at least it was a gorgeous week and we all return to real life tomorrow. The boys were out of school and I decided I was not going to clean, well minimal cleaning. The kitchens and the bathrooms and laundry can never be avoided, even when on vacation. Oh well. Tomorrow I will take the boys to school, hopefully we will not be late, then I have a few errands to run, then home to clean and get my act back in gear. Watch the post tomorrow night to see how that plays out.

I am most worried about the running late, it is 10 and the boys have just now fallen asleep. I am tired, and know I need to go to bed, but my mind is in overdrive. I have so much to edit, and so many ideas that I want to pan out. We shall see.

The store was on the agenda today so that I could get some spray for the wasps. I also plan to take back over my back deck this week, I love the sun and plan to be in it as much as possible this spring and summer. I am also ready for the beach and the lake. I do not think it is possible to spend too much time at either place. Maybe one day I will have the money to permanently reside at one of the two places or at least visit the beach more often. Really hoping for a trip to the beach just the four of us this year, but definitely need some jobs lined up.

I hope that everyone has a great night, I will be headed to bed shortly, but not sure where sleep falls into that category. Hopefully soon. Before I go to bed I will as always say a special prayer for all of my friends and family. I have a special request for my mother-in-law, who just needs to know what she means to all of us and how amazing we think that she is. Well, we know that she is.

The pictures from today are the boys making bouncy balls...they love this kit! I have already bought a few more for Christmas presents for others so watch out!!! Most of today has been about getting ready for tomorrow and working on the pictures that I have to get edited and the video that Brandon has to get ready! It was a great day though!

TOO COLD....

Well I have to start off by saying that I hope our spring like weather comes back soon. This wintry feeling was not very comfortable. I had to turn the heater back on and I miss my sunshine! I am hoping for a quick turn around!

This morning started off by being there while Morgan Makenzie was baptised at ClearBranch. It was such a sweet moment and one that I was glad to be there and to capture some photographs of for Kimy and Steven. We then went to get their house ready for a lunch and enjoy a few minutes with some great friends and family before returning home so that I could start on laundry and Brandon could go pick his baseball team.

So with the water heater mess I am so behind on laundry. If anyone cares what I am doing this week...LAUNDRY! I am hoping to get caught up tomorrow but only time will tell.

Brandon had the 5-6 year old draft which seems so funny, but I am glad to know that the ballpark is working on becoming the old Clay, that I was raised at and loved so much. He has his team, now just waiting on numbers and such so he can give them a call. It should be a great year.

Danny starts practicing on Tuesday and has a tournament this weekend. We also have a birthday party so hopefully they will not be at the same time. I will know more Tuesday.

So it is again after 10, but I am getting off of here to go to bed. Before I do I will say a special prayer for all of my friends and family. I also am asking for a special prayer for a friend...her brother's Sunday school class friend is an 11 year old girl battling cancer and is in need of some prayers. Thank you all.

The Lake and Location Scouting

Today we went to the lake for the first time in about year, unless you count the couch we took up there last year, but since we took it and turned around it does not seem right to count it. Man I have missed it and no matter what we are going to take the time to get up there more this year. We did not stay long today, only about 2 hours, but the boys got to fish and they had a great time. We will have to get up there in the next few weekend to get the leaves taken care of, but other than that we are good to go, well and the wall that Brandon has to fix in our room. So ready!

We also went to scout a few locations for the photography. Remember I am always open to suggestions. We drove around Pell City for a little while, but spent most of our time in Springville looking for the perfect curve for a motorcycle shoot and I think I found it. We will just have to see how the owner feels about taking a hairpin curve. It will make for a great picture though. Well, I think.

We came home and played some backyard ball and then just hung out. The boys are in bed and I will be there soon myself!

Before I go to bed I will remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. You are all amazing people and I hope that you all realize that. I know how hard life can be, but our attitudes about it determine everything and we have truly been living it to the fullest and my prayer for you all is that you do as well. When the negativity is nonexistent then the positive starts to flow through more hardily.

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!!!

Pancakes, Practice, Pictures...and More

So I seriously cannot believe that it is February. Part of the reason behind this blog is so that I remember to treasure each day. It is the present, because it is a gift. I am determined to smell more roses and stress less. This is helping, but it is definitely not slowing down time at all.

Well today started with taking both boys to school in just a little drizzle like rain. Then back to Danny's school to help with the pancake breakfast for the Kindergarten, First and Second Grades. It was a great breakfast, and the children all really seemed to enjoy it. I was glad to be there for Danny man. It was also Parent's appreciation and during morning drop of the children were clapping for us and they brought of a bag full of little goodies. It was so sweet. My children getting the best education and a Catholic foundation is so important to Brandon and me.

After getting the boys from school, Danny had Choir practice, then he practiced his reading for Mass next Sunday, and then Basketball pictures, and then basketball practice and followed it up with our Cub Scout Den Meeting. It was definitely a wild Tuesday. We have to finish his Hat Book Report tomorrow night, but there is not much left to do, so it should not be problem.

Tomorrow the second grade is doing the Mass, and I am so excited. I have not decided if I am going to take John Michael in late or if I am going to let him stay home. Time will tell!

Well, before 9 was not an option tonight, maybe tomorrow night. Before I go to bed I will be remembering you all in my thoughts and prayers. Time is precious! Enjoy it but cherish it.

Home and School

Tonight was the 3rd Home and School meeting at Saint Francis Xavier. It was a really great meeting. Fr. Bob and Fr. Bill were the guests of honor and they shared some of their personal memories from their school days at St. Francis. It was entertaining, educational, and something that I am glad I did not miss. Danny's class closed with a song, and it was so sweet and they did so good! Mrs. Hayes, Danny's teacher, is amazing and when she gets them together for something they truly are able to rock the house!

I was so grateful for the snow being removed from the forecast for tonight. While tonight is not over the chances are gone (at least I think).

Well, I am off to bed, again not before 9. Trying again tomorrow night! I will be praying for all of my friends and family. You all mean so much to me and I am so grateful for all of you! I miss some of you so much and would love to see you more. Please pray for my photography journey as I am working on several new projects and am really excited about the possibilities.

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!

Lions, Tigers, and LEGOS Oh My!!

Today was a nice Friday, typical with Brandon and John Michael home. We spent most of the morning playing with legos. It was fun! When Danny got out of school we all went to pick him up and had a really nice afternoon and evening.

I have been trying to declutter and came across a lot of CDs. Most of them have pictures on them from when Danny was a baby. I have definitely dried a lot of tears as I was able to see so many pictures of my dad and many of them were from my dad. I miss him so much and while I have had to keep living I often wonder how different things would be if he were here. I know that he is healthy now though and that he is with God, and while that makes me smile, it also hurts. I figure it always will.

I have a lot to get done this weekend and it does not look like going to Auburn is in the cards. That is slightly upsetting, as I wish we could be there. I love my Auburn Tigers and while I will not be there physically, my heart is always with them! Plus we really do not need to spend the money on the gas at this point. Maybe if it would warm up a little I would be able to get some photo shoots in.

So, I am watching the news and am concerned about the words significant and snow being used together. Does anyone know where Al Gore is these days? I would love to discuss global warming with him, but I would like for him to spend the night in Alabama (Grayson Valley) outside in his underwear.

Danny has his third basketball game in the morning and I am very excited about it, and he is too! He really loves it and I am so glad. Baseball will be starting soon, so I am going to change my address to the Clay Ballpark. Both boys are playing so hectic will be a key word!

Well, I am headed to bed guys....still not making that 9:00 deadline. I will keep trying though! I will be saying a prayer for all of my friends and family tonight. For everyone going to Auburn, have a wonderful time and take some pictures for me! Also be safe! I hope that everyone has an amazing weekend! See you all Saturday!

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.

Twas the Last Day of Christmas Vacation

January 3, 2011.

Twas the last day of Christmas vacation and we were determined to make it special. All through the house little projects were happening. The school bags were ready and sitting by the door in the hopes that the alarm clocks would be heard in the morning. The children are restless refusing to go to bed not understanding that the mornings are not something I want to dread. While Brandon and I are ready to sleep but not yet because of the pitter patter of all the little feet.

In all seriousness today was a lot of fun. Brandon and the boys put together John Michael's soccer/hockey goal that he got from Meme, Pop, and Aunt B. The boys had a blast playing outside, well we all did, but I have to admit I enjoyed taking pictures more than anything.

We had a few errands to run, which is just normal. I did find some great buys on a few more gifts for Christmas. I am determined to be ready for December! Yes, I know it is 11 months away, but I also know how quickly it will get here! This makes it so I am not ready for shock and awe when it does. Brandon also got us a new shower curtain rod, which is sort of exciting! Gift cards and sales make shopping a lot of fun! I also got a new calendar just for the business and for that I am super excited and thankful. I love using my iPhone, but I also like to have it written down too! Now to fill it up with photoshoots and just fun!

I loved spending these last 2 weeks with my boys. We enjoyed each other every day and did not take the time for granted. We played, we went to Auburn, we just had a good time. Tomorrow it is back to the everyday schedule, of work and school, but we will enjoy it. We will make time for each other no matter what the situation. There are 24 hours in every day and I play to make sure that they are all used to the fullest.

As I say good night and get ready to tuck in the boys (I hope). I say a special prayer for my dear friend whose husband she said goodbye to today as he gets ready to leave for Afganistan. Her husband, herself, and their son are three of the true American Heros.

Counting the Blessings

Hard to believe that 2010 is over. Here is to looking forward!

We have all been told that life is short, that we should live for the day, etc. While many of us might agree we often take the words for granted. I have decided that this year that will not be the case and I intend to not only be thankful each day for the blessing that I have been given, but I will also photograph these moments each day! At the end of the year I will be able to create an amazing keepsake with just a few pictures from each day that tell such amazing stories.

With the blog I hope to show people that each day truly is a blessing and should be enjoyed.

Family time can be done doing anything as long as you do it together. Today we put Danny's Aquasaurs kit together and are looking forward to watching these little guys grow (hopefully). We also played some bedroom basketball with John Michael. The priceless moment for me was Danny asking to play with my phone and John Michael curling up with him! It was the sweetest moment and one that is not seen too often with a seven year old ad a four year old. It truly melted my heart and was the perfect end to January 1, 2011.

Until tomorrow, goodnigt!

No matter how simple or how major the time is remember it is precious and should be enjoyed.