A little more Organization

I took the boys to school and I headed home to make some progress.  I had about 4 boxes of books to still go through so I broke them into piles, keep, toss, donate, and sell.  Then I put the bookshelf in Danny's room which was a task getting it down the hall, and I started bringing in the kids books.  This made it where I had some more room on the bookshelf in the office and Danny and John Michael can access their books a little more easily.  I think it looks pretty good too.  We still have some work to do but we are getting there.

The boys' had great days at school.  We ended up having to leave ASC a little early, so I will stay late tomorrow to make it up.  Danny had a game at 5:45, not really sure which brilliant person at Trussville decided that was a good time for weekday games, but who am I to second guess anyone.  I broke some land speed records I think, at least for a mini-van.  We made it though.  We were playing Springville, where we might be playing next year.  They handed us our rear ends and again my baby sat the bench or was in right field.  I do not understand what they think he is learning.  He is upset, he has never been one to cry over baseball but his sprirt is being beaten down and I am so not happy.  What is a mom to do...advice from anyone would be amazing!

A Great Day to Be on The Beach

This morning it was a litle overcast, so Brandon decided to make a pretty big breakfast. It ended up being perfect because by the time we were done eating the sun was coming out.

We spent the day on the beach, which in my opinion is all you should do while on the beach! I honestly do not think I would ever get tired of waking up each morning to the beach. One day it will happen. But for now I am making the most out of our vacation. The boys had a blast catching minnows with nets, I was surprised that they were really doing it!

I came up start cooking dinner for everone. This is not just 5 people, this means 26 people. Tacos was what I chose to cook, it is easy and usually everyone enjoys it. So I did. I made regulr taco meat with hamburger meat, chicken (Fajita style), chicken and steak strips (Fajita style without the veggies), Southwestern corn, salsa, rotel (2 kinds), beans, and then a variety of other toppings, salsa, sour cream, guacamoli (sp?), and the list goes on. My mom made banana pudding and Aunt Rita made peach cobbler for desert. It was all so yummy, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I have to say it is the way to go since there were almost no leftovers!!! I have to say I definitely think that along with everything else even food is better at th beach!

Well, after that we enjoyed a beautiful pink sunset on the bay. And then some time reading on the beach. I finished my third book and started my fourth. I am now working on James Patterson books. Love him!

Well, I did not blog last night because I was pretty tired and it seemed like a lot of work to get the computer out. It is out now so expect another post tonight!

Tornados At Bay...Seriously!

We woke up this morning and I was a little sad. The rain was coming down and the skies were rumbling. Fortunately it did not last long and we were on the beach!

The ocean was pretty rough again, with a serious pull, but it was great for boogie boarding. The boys had a blast. I am quite enjoying my time on the sand with my book, and in the ocean. I cannot wait for the day that I call the beach my home. It is where I truly feel at home. Anyway.

This afternoon I had a photo session on the beach. I so could do that everyday It was a lot of fun, and the family was wonderful. I cannot wait to get to work on the pictures. Stay tuned for a small sample on my other blog (which I need to catch up).

When I got back from the session Brandon came running in to tell me to get my camera and get outside. From our house you can see the bay and are on the beach. Talk about simply stunning. Anyway, I did as I was told and was amazed to see a tornado in the bay. This means it was a water spout and it did not come on land. I was hypnotised and had I had a few more minutes I would have driven to get closer to the bay. It was truly amazing to be so close yet at a safe distance away from this storm.

Not much later a storm did come up and while there was definitely nothing to worry about it was enough to have us inside for the night. I read to John Michael, played some games with Danny, and watch So You Think You Can Dance.

Well, tonight has definitely been a great one! I am definitely getting tired and will probably be in bed sooner than later. I will pray for all you. Know that whether the day is full of excitement or just a lazy day in the rain it can be as spectacular as you want it.

Waking Up to The lake

It is so peaceful to wake up and walk outside and see the lake. There is seriously something amazing about the sight and while there I always feel like I can take on anything. I am hoping to do several photo shoots this summer while we are at the lake. We will see if it all pans out. If anyone is interested let me know!

Anyway, we woke up and Brandon being the amazing person that he is cooked cinnamon rolls for breakfast. They were yummy!

Then we pretty much played outside, it was hot so there was a lot of swimming taking place. Just a week ago the water was still cold, not anymore, in fact we were combing the area looking for cool spots. It was like being at the lake in August. Oh well, the water allowed us not to feel like we were melting.

I went in at lunch time and cooked hot dogs for everyone. The kids ate and ate and then ate some more. After I cleaned up I made a yummy desert that my aunt made last weekend. She shared her recipe and it was a hit. Of course nobody liked having to wait until after dinner, but everyone did. I ended up doubling the recipe and it was perfect! Even had some left...maybe for later ;)

After some more serious swimming and laying out. I read a little, but not much, seriously too dang hot. Anyway. Brandon had to sleep off a headache and then he got up to cook dinner. Grilled pork chops and they were delicious. We had baked beans and mac and cheese to go with them. Definitely a yummy super, followed by the very delicious desert. It was a great night that I topped off with a glass of wine.

Again, I did not blog, but I did not forget about anyone in my prayers!

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!