Out of The Way

So today there was a lot of things that we had to get done to be ready on our end to close.  We are ready and now if we can get the builder ready we will close Monday, but it looks like it may be Wednesday.  I am not too happy about the delay and when this is all over and done I will write DR Horton a long letter about the way that business is conducted, but today I am just going through the motions. 
We got all of the errands out of the way so other than the one photoshoot this week we are good to go and should be able to make some decent progress each day.  After being up until almost three with John Michael I was glad to be getting out today, I was moving slow so even though I did not get much done around the house I got the things done that had to be. 
Tomorrow I plan on making a HUGE dent in the house.  I am also going to have to get some work done on the scrapbooks I have to catch up on.  Brandon really does not want to move all of the extra stuff and to be completely honest I would rather move and be caught up then move and still be behind. 
The boys were playing extreme couponing, which is so funny to me.  I want to coupon and I try, but my savings are never as good as the people on TV and I am not even trying to by 100 bottles of ketchup, just one.  LOL!  Maybe when we get moved I will be able to make it happen.  I am definitely going to keep trying. 

We are watching the Homerun Derby, which is pretty cool, but also a little boring.  It makes me miss baseball season even more.  Come on fall ball I am so ready already!

Well I am going to get off here and try to go get some work done and maybe even a scrapbook, but most of all I want to go to bed early.  I am pretty tired. 

Happy Birthday Chason

Today was crazy busy but so much fun.  The heat was soaring at 104 and I wished that I was outside by a pool, but I still have a few weeks to get there.  Maybe this week we can go visit friends and take a break, but this weekend we are working.
We spent the morning running errands and checking on the house.  We have a bloom on our rose bush!  I am so excited and like I have said I am just ready to go home.  I am hoping that they will correct the landscaping issues.  We shall see.  Right now I am pretty put out, but if they get it all done I will be extactic.  Nothing had really been done, but we are hoping to see some finishing progress this week.

We worked at the house for a while.  I did Danny's 3K scrapbook.  Yep, I am a little behind.  I am getting there though.  It has been hot upstairs so working downstairs has been nice.  Especially since we had places to be this afternoon.

We headed to Pump it Up for Chason's birthday!  Chason is an awesome kid and John Michael's very best buddy.  He has an awesome family and I am so glad that we met each other this year.  Who knew that Batman could seriously bring two families together.  It was a great party and we had a blast. Thank you so much for inviting us.

Before heading home from the party we went to pick up some boxes!  Thank you so much Lindsay and Josh, they are great! 

Well, we have so much to do but I feel like today was pretty good!  I hope that everyone has found ways to stay cool!  I have to be honest.  I prefer this heat to the cold anyday!!!

Grrrrrrr...................

Yep, that is about all I have to say right now.  Some days it feels like everything is going downhill.  Others I know that things are starting to turn around.
This morning the boys and I went out to get some boxes from Brandon's.  Danny's asthma seems like it is trying to flare up, of course mine is trying too.  I love the heat, but the dryness in the air is just not fun.  Needless to say we are trying to stay inside and take it easy the next few days.
I worked most of the day in the office.  Three garbage bags, two boxes for eBay, one bag for donations, and one scrapbook complete. 
Each scrapbook I finish is one box that Brandon does not have to move.  Plus I am not really sure where I would keep the stuff.  If I can be caught up when we move then maybe I will be able to stay that way.  Today I did the 2006 scrapbook.  I am seriously behind.  It was fun to do it and I laughed and cried as there was a lot of pictures of my dad.  It was great to step back for a little while.
When Brandon got home we headed to the new house where more landscaping was done, but a good bit of it looks like crap.  I am so frustrated.  Needless to say I will be sending lots of e-mails tonight.  We are not sure if the carpet padding is right, you can feel every joint in the floor upstairs, the window is still broken, the list just goes on and on and we have three weeks.  If they would have taken care of these things when we pointed them out then we might be ready to move in in about a week.  Seriously getting aggrivated and the worst part is the company just seems to be okay with putting their clients on the backburner.

I have decided that it is time for me to go back to work.  I actually decided this a while back and started looking but did not share the news.  Tonight I am sharing it because I am asking for prayers and directions.  If you know of anyone hiring in marketing let me know.  I have a lot of general office experience, but marketing is where my most recent experience is and where my degree is at.  I am really wanting to make some extra money for my family so we can afford to live normally.  You know maybe a vacation, maybe some savings, mnot stressing over grocercies of tuition.  Anyway, I would just really appeciate some prayers as I know it is hard to find something.  While I am not going to be hitting the pavement hard until after school starts back I am at least already hitting the pavement. 

Well, I am off to send my e-mails and go to bed.  There is a super long to do list for tommorrow so I need some Z's.

Saturday

Well today was just a Saturday. We all slept in a little, which was VERY nice. We did not have to be up to be anywhere. Then while the boys played Brandon and I watched a movie. We tried to get the boys to watch it too, but they were not interested. After lunch we got to work.

Brandon cut the front and back yard. He did not weedeat and edge, but it looks good anyway. I was just glad to have the grass and the weeds knocked down. Now I have to remember to water the plants this week so that all of his hard work from this Spring does not go to waste.

I did some laundry, dishes and editing of pictures. I finished up the wedding that I had been working on which was a huge relief. Especially since I have another coming up in a few weeks. I love weddings, there is so much about them that truly bring some magic into any day!

Tonight Amy, Terry and the kids came over. We had pizza and just hung out. We were going to scrapbook, but neither of us remembered to print the pictures that we need. Go figure. It was good just chatting and catching up though. We are contemplating a retreat in October. I think it would be a lot of fun. We are also talking about resuming Zumba since we both miss it. I am going to see what I can find out about times and locations and we will go from there. I hope that we can though, it was so much fun.

Well, it is late and I still have to get ready for the lake tomorrow. Up early for Mass then the Lake YAY! I am so excited, we did not get to go last year so we are ready to make it up this year!

Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for you all. I hope that Saturday was nice for you all.

Noses Know

Well, I did not know what a broken nose felt like, but I do now. After not sleeping last night, but tossing and turning I finally got up to see two black eyes. They are not bad, but definitely there. The throbbing is a lot of fun, but I will deal. Doctors are just not going to happen. I thought about it and talked to several people. Since it is not visibly crooked, and I can breathe the pain that would come from the doctors office is just not worth it to me.

Most of the day I was trying to stay focused and awake. I was just so tired, and still am. I am hoping that tomorrow is better. I have way too much to get done to feel this way.

After Brandon got home we got in the truck and headed to my mom's. John Michael started saying his tummy hurt and then he decided to throw up everywhere. We came home I brought him in and Danny and Brandon went to moms. I hated that we did not go, but honestly I did not feel like riding in the car. My head throbs from my nose and I am just yuck feeling. We will get by there this week though.

John Michael seems to be feeling better. After his bath he laid around while Brandon and Danny were gone. He has been and still is wild as he can be since they got home. In fact the picture is some of his silliness! Needless to say Brandon and Danny are asleep and I am up hoping that John Michael will be asleep soon. Nights like this I would normally put him in our bed, but he tosses so bad and with my nose that option just is not going to happen.

Danny started bringing home things from second grade. A few stories that he has done, the state stars, his Spanish folder, a few other things. It was kind of sad to know that it really is the end second grade. At least for a few years. I am sure that it will be here before I know it with John Michael.

Amy and I made a scrapbooking date for this weekend and I am super excited. The boys are just as excited because they said they are going to have a party in their room to celebrate summer. Works for me. This is scrapbooking month and it just seemed wrong not to actually scrapbook! Now to get a few pictures printed.

Well, I am off to bed, I hope! I will say a prayer for all of you before I go to sleep. I hope that you have a great night and that tomorrow is productive and full of amazing possibilities!

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.

Catching Up...

So I have one week off from class, that means one week to catch up on so much! I know that it will happen though, there is really no other option I am leaving open. I thought about calling to request an extra week. Hmmmm. We will see where I stand Thursday afternoon, and then I will make a decision. I wish I could take a break until baseball was over. Oh well, it is all good. One day I will be done.

So tomorrow's goals include laundry, the living room, the upstairs bathrooms, and the scrapbooking messes that I have. While I will not scrapbook, I am just going to try to make it organized chaos instead of just the chaos that it currently is. Progress report in tomorrow's blog. I am also hoping to catch up on editing pictures, both professional and personal. Today I was able to finish the April 1st wedding that I had the pleasure of helping shoot. Tomorrow I will be starting Q and U weddings, we will see how far I get. I know some teachers are waiting on them though. Again. Progress report tomorrow. I am excited about these though. Then I have product shots and a prom session to edit. Seriously hoping to get caught up this week. Of course the more I have to do the more business I am doing, which is a good thing, at least in my opinion! Com on you know you want some pictures?!?!

So Danny's baseball game was moved to 6 this afternoon, which was kind of nice. The boys played great and it was a great game! They did lose though. It was a great one though, and in fact if we could have scored more than 7 runs in an inning we would have won, instead we tied it up. Coach Cale is a great coach and is really helping these boys turn into very good baseball players. Thanks for all that you do coach! Danny has gotten better every game and that just makes a momma very proud!

Well now I am off to bed. Before I go to bed as always I will be saying a prayer for all of my friends and family. You are all such amazing people. If anyone wants to come see the boys play I know that it would mean a lot to them. I will have to get the schedule posted for you soon or just call me and I will get it for you. They love a cheering section, seriously who doesn't!

Late Night at the Batting Cages

So tonight we were supposed to have a practice game for John Michael's team to give them a little taste of what it will be like when they are out there with another team. This morning however we got a text that the fields were closed, so we were at the batting cages from 7-8 but it ended up being closer to 9 before we were done. I had a team mom meeting from 7-8 so it was all good, but I know that the boys were tired. Both of mine were done we came home they took a bath and passed out.

Today was somewhat productive for me. I am working on 2 things for John Michael's class and am waiting on money from 9 more parents. One thing is more pressing than the other but they are both important with so many things going on I am hoping to get these wrapped up tight and ready to go. We shall see what happens. One is the Q and U wedding, the other is a surprise for their amazing teacher!

I am also working on something for Danny's teacher and well, there are 24 children in the class and I have money from 3 so we still have a ways to go. That 3 includes Danny! I will be sending reminders though, like all of us I know that there is a lot going on.

I was able to start working on the Cub Scout scrapbook as well as the 2009 scrapbook. It is amazing what I can do when I get determined. I am so ready to have everything the way that I want it and I know that I can get it there with a little more work and focus.

Of course we were on our way home from ball tonight and the brakes started to squeal. That is an expense that I cannot really afford right now. We shall see. Brandon wants me to have the bearings (sp?) checked too and see if the unexplained noise that the dealership, aka crooks, swear is not there. I will NEVER buy a dodge again. I do plan on writing them a long detailed letter of disappointment soon. Maybe I will do that this week. We shall see. With gas at 3.49 a gallon I can barely afford to fill up and I know that affording this right now is impossible.

Today I wore my room mom, team mom, chef's, housekeeper, scrapbooking, mom, and wife hats. Tomorrow I am sure it will be more of the same. I also have to put on my scouting hat Wednesday and probably for a little while tomorrow. Sometimes I feel like I am running in circles, at least there are blessing all the way around.

Well, the picture is a rare one, it has me in it. It is such a rarity that both boys want to lay with momma for a little while, so it was a special moment for me.

For now I say good night to you all. I will be praying for my family and my friends. There is so much happening all over the world, and the least all of us can do is pray for all of those affected.

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.

Baseball, Storms and Scrapbooking!

Definitely a great Saturday! I have to admit I am exhausted especially after the on and off rain throughout the day and then the storms tonight, but it was truly an amazing day.

Both boys had practice today. John Michael at 11 and Danny at 2 so most of the day was spent at the ballpark. It was interesting with the rain coming and going, but they had a good time. Of course we came home and showers were a definite must along with some dry clothes. Danny was not too happy about a shower before dinner, but when we explained to him it was about a shower before the storms he stopped dragging his feet and did what we said. You know every once in a while mom and dad are pretty smart. Although it seems to be a rarity.

Did you know if your children have paper, pictures, a glue stick, and a cutter they will play for hours. My best friend for seriously ever came over tonight. Our husbands talk electronics while we worked on our scrapbooks. We have a lot to catch up on but thanks to the cricut it is all coming together nicely. I was able to get John Michael's K3 book done, with the exception of some pictures that I need to print and some more cutting that I need to do with the cricut. I will get that done this week though. Then onto Danny's first grade book. Then I might go on and do his 3K book so that other than the current school years we are up to date, well at least with that. Back to the original statement. Our children decided that they too needed to scrapbook and they did great. They had a blast and that is what I love. Plus they are adding to their creativity, which is always a good thing.

With the storms and us needing to watch the weather, we hooked the Wii up in John Michael's room. Well you know that they loved that so they literally would scrapbook and then play the Wii. It was too funny. I am already ready to do it again! Let's make a date!

Anyway, I made chicken and dumplings for dinner, they were yummy if I do so say myself.

Well, I am off to bed. Tomorrow is Mass, then cleaning, cooking, laundry and I am hoping a little scrapbooking, but I also need to be editing, so we will have to see how it all works out. Watch the blog tomorrow for updates on our Sunday! Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. I am so thankful that in reading my friend's blog baby Jemma is definitely making great strides. Keep the prayers up everyone!

Anything Else???

Wow! so I have realized that everyday is not a matter or making miles it is just making something happen. So that is all I intend to do. I want to do it all, but as each day has more and more responsibilities it is getting harder to keep them all. Letting others down is never in my agenda so I just do one thing at a time.

Today my dad would have been 63. Each year I think about how unfair it is that I cannot even call him and say "happy birthday" or "I love you." I told him, but it just was not the same not getting a response. It has not been in several years. I miss him so much.

Danny had school today and fortunately Brandon was off because I woke up a 4:20 with a blinding migraine! Not the way that I wanted to start the day, but he let me sleep while he took Danny to school and then even a few minutes after he got home. I was able to wake up (after some medicine) feeling much better.

I was determined to get one of the photography sessions that I had last week finished up and I am glad to announce that I did. Well, just now, but regardless it is done which is like a HUGE weight off my back. Now for the session from last weekend and I will be almost caught up. I do not like feeling like I am behind.

I was also able to finish Danny's 4K scrapbook. I went downstairs to get another box (2010) and started sorting it leaving nice piles in my living room. I have Danny's first grade stuff, John Michael's 3K and then all of our adventures from last year. I am trying to decide now whether to start with these or go through the rest of the boxes so that it is just a matter of picking a pile and getting it done! Decisions. Amy is coming over tomorrow night and we plan to play with the Cricut some more so we will see where that leads. Expect updates.

The crazy thing about Danny's 4K scrapbook is the last thing that my dad did with his school was go to the Pumpkin Patch with us. It was October 2007, and he dies December 2007. I have all of these pictures of the boys with my daddy, and it was hard to look at them and see him smiling and so happy to be with his boys. The last year that he was here with us he taught me so much about life and love and family and these are things I will never take for granted. Life is way too short!

I have decided that I will do Easter here again, I seriously like to entertain so it is right up my alley. But that means my house has to be in working order within a month's time. We shall see. I guess we need to let the mom's know that they do not have to worry about it and come up with a menu so we can tell everyone what to bring. This too could change, but we have the best yard for an Easter Egg Hunt so I doubt that it does. Plus I love doing it!

Baseball practice went great, just batting so it did not last too long. I saw an old friend and she is expecting. She is due in three weeks, but needs and extra 4 days so I hope that she gets it so she can finish up her student teaching! She looks great.

So we will be at the ballpark all day tomorrow. Contemplating a cooler full of beer? Hmmmm...

I am not long for bed, but before I go I want to wish you all a wonderful nights rest. I will say a prayer for everyone and I hope that you all do the same. We are joined in a lot of ways by what we pray for and it is the easiest most powerful thing that any of us can do.

The Wedding has Been Announced!

So to say that today started off rocky would be an understatement. We were on our way to school when Danny said he did not feel good grabbed a bag and decided to get sick. Needless to say I called the school and turned around heading to John Michael's school.

We got to John Michael's school and I told him to put on his shoes to which he responds "they are in Daddy's truck." Guess what we turned around went home got the shoes and headed back. Fortunately we were really early because of not taking Danny. The down side is gas is 3.45 a gallon and I wasted a lot today.

I took him to school, and delivered Morgan Makenzie's Baptism photo CD and video DVDs to her momma! It is always great to see them in the mornings.

Danny was much better by lunchtime, if it did not take me 30 minutes to get him to school he definitely would have been checked in. It is all good though. I did not get much done on the house, but I did finish the Christmas 2008 scrapbook. Still so many more to do though. I will get there.

We went to get John Michael from school and he had a great day. He told me all about being the one who goes down the isle at the wedding ringing the bell. I asked him who was getting married (of course this is information that I already have) and he said "Miss Q and Mister U." He was so excited that his best friend Sam is going to hold U and that his current girlfriend (this changes more often than I care to admit) Shanna is holding Q. He is so excited and I have to admit I am getting there too.

John Michael had practice tonight and since Brandon had to work late (normal for Thursday) Coach Tim took charge. It was a great practice and the boys had a blast.

We had to stop by Walgreens so I could pick up some pictures that I had printed. These are from when Danny was in 4K. I have started working on this book and actually have it done except the pictures. Anyway. As I was working on this and going through Danny's old work, John Michael was getting a kick out of the work that was the same. Well, we came across a picture of a bear and a matching page that Danny had done and it was the same page in John Michael's folder from today. They thought that this was great and I have to admit I got a kick out of it too. It is so amazing how different they are, yet how similar. In fact I was putting the class picture in the book and asked John Michael to see if he knew the teacher...he said "that's my Mrs. Hays" then I asked him if I could find Danny. He looked and looked and then said "no, but I think I found me, or a kid that looks like me." I asked him which one and he pointed to Danny. When I told him he just laughed and said that it was silly.

Well, I am not long for bed. Before I go to bed tonight I am praying for all of my friends and family. New and old I love you all. Please pray for baby Jemma tonight as she had a stint put in her head today, I am waiting news from her mom. Thank you all!

Spring Break Friday

Today was the last official day of Spring Break, of course we have the weekend, but it has been a great week. Except that it is more than obvious I have completely neglected my daily chores of cleaning! I wanted to enjoy time with the boys, and while I could not stop with the laundry everything else went by the wayside, that is what next week is for right?!

Today was an exceptional lazy day. I was actually looking forward to laying out on the back deck. I want to shield as many as I can from me in a bathing suit. Anyway, when I went outside today I was run off by red wasps on a mission to destroy. I thought I had wasp spray so I could turn their mission into a suicide one, but I was wrong. I will be investing in some though as I love the sun and will not be kept away by some crazy creatures. On tomorrow's to do list.

We decided to take advantage of the day, and I scrapbooked almost all day and worked on pictures that needed to be edited. It was great to be able to get some things done that I have wanted to do and not had the time. Well, the pictures I have been working on, but scrapbooking is a different story. I have so much stuff to get into books that our office in unusable until I get it done. I actually completed one book...2008's year in review and moved onto the Christmas 2008 album. I love Christmas so it always gets a book to itself. I am still working on it. I completed the pictures of Morgan Makenzie's Baptism. Brandon completed the editing of the Baptism video and those are ready to be delivered. Hopefully I will be able to get in touch with Kimy and we can get them to her this weekend. Danny even helped me with scrapbooking which was a lot of fun for both of us.

Baseball practice was canceled tonight, which I have to admit I was okay with. I have been up their every night this week so a night off was a nice change.

Well, I am off to bed since it is almost tomorrow and I have a long day ahead of me. John Michael has practice, we have a Birthday party to go to, Danny has a practice game and then Brandon is videoing a play and I am doing photographs. It will be a great day with lots of pictures! Before I go to bed tonight I am saying a prayer for all of my friends and family. I am also saying a special prayer that this project is the beginning of many doors opening for Brandon and myself. We are ready for great changes!

What an ending to my 20's

Today was a wonderful day, even though it was crazy it was a lot of fun. I cannot believe that it is my last day of being in my 20's. Actually as I am writing this I am 30, well not technically until 5:37 am. I am actually looking forward to my 30's. I figure that all that I learned in my 20's will help guide me well. I know that there are wonderful blessings cooking for me and I am looking forward to them!

Brandon was off today, he reached his 40 last night so we had our to do list ready to go. We took Danny to school and headed to the lake to check on things. With the waters rising we needed to get some things moved up a little. It is always an interesting sight when the lake is flooded. There is something peaceful, yet sort of spooky. John Michael had a blast, even though we did not stay long at all.

John Michael did wake up this morning with a swollen lip and cheek. He says that it does not hurt, but as a momma I cannot help but worry a litte bit. I am hoping it looks better tomorrow.

The news this morning about the earthquake in Japan was heartbreaking and then it was finished off with a Tsunami. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone effected by these disasters that have effected not only Japan but many areas throughout the world including the US.

Tonight was John Michael's first baseball practice which was so much fun. The boys were tired being out there from 6 to 8 but it is an adjustment. They will be used to it soon. The fact that it was so cold was also hard to deal with. We all survived though. Tomorrow's practice is at 10 am so hopefully it will be warmer. Danny's practice is at 3 pm. Needless to say ballpark time has started.

My evening was made though when I saw Beth and Josie! It was definitely great to see them and I wish I was not going to be all over the place tomorrow so we could get together. It will happen soon.

I came home and had my scrapbooking night with Amy. The kids were great, and they played so good together! I am working on my 2008 Scrapbook right now, mainly because it was the first one that I came to, but I have so many to get done. You have to start somewhere though and that one was the winner. right now it is the "year in review" style album. Then I will do a Christmas specific one. I do have a lot of pictures to print, but I have the books waiting on them and in order. Well, almost still a lot to get through to be done, but I am making progress. I also got the Cricut out of the box and used it and I have to admit I am in love with it! I have a lot to learn about it, but I am so glad that I did not wait till I was 30. Amy even caught the moment with her camera. It is always great to spend time with Amy. Thank you so much for coming over tonight my friend, I had a wonderful time and am already ready to do it again!!! I love you!

Well, I am off to bed so I can enjoy my birthday later on this morning! Before I go to bed as always I will say a prayer for my family and my friends. I also will be saying and hope that you do also a prayer for all the victims and their families of today's disasters.

Report Cards, Baseball and Busted Lips

Today was John Michael's last day of school before Spring Break. Needless to say he was excited. He was not thrilled that the beach was not in our plans. If we had the means though it would be! He is so much like me when it comes to the beach...LOVE IT!!!

Danny has tomorrow to go but did get a special out of uniform day for raising over $35 for Jump Rope for Heart. It was also 3rd quarter report cards. I was so proud of him. He is reading over 100 words a minute and had all A's and 2 B's. His Conduct and all that jazz was superb. All over the board a VERY happy momma and daddy! BTW...if he was in public school it would be all A's. Tougher scale in private school which is good.

Tonight was Danny's first baseball practice. It was great to be back on the fields with my boys. It would have been better had it not been so bitterly cold. Danny did great, and was really glad to be back out there. Tonight's was a basic practice just to get the boys back in the swing of things.

John Michael fell after practice and busted his lip. It is so swollen, and just breaks my heart. I hate it when the boys are hurt, and for him to have cried as long and as hard as he did I know that it hurt. It looks like there is a possible black eye too, but I guess we will have to see what the morning brings. I just hope that it does not hurt anymore. He has his first practice tomorrow night.

So it seems that there is some flooding taking place at the lake so after we drop Danny off at school we will be heading that way. If it is not here it is there. What can you do though?

Well it is after 10 again, and I am just now heading to bed but it is what it is. Maybe I should start aiming for 10 instead of 9....things to think about. Tomorrow is my last day in my 20's so I am planning on having a good day and am really looking forward to scrapbooking with Amy! It has been too long and I am so far behind! Anyway. I am off to bed. Before I go to bed I will be praying for all of my friends and family. I am also saying a special prayer for my friend Terri....she needs a "Hey I am ok."

Mario, Batman and Auburn

Mario, Batman, and Auburn...what do these three have in common? Well it is the theme for John Michael's 5th Birthday party. He just could not make up his mind so he decided he wanted them all. We had his party at Pump It Up in Trussville and while I have been to a lot of parties there this is the first time that I had one and I have to tell you, it was wonderful. I will definitely be having other parties there. The kids all had a great time, even the parents had a blast! Thank you all so much for coming and celebrating John Michael turning 5....he is so proud to be one whole hand now!

We left the party and he wanted to go to Game Stop, he got money for games and could not wait to spend it.

Well, I have to say a weekend full of birthday parties has worn me out. If the boys would go to sleep, they are in bed, but still going. As soon as they go on to sleep I am right behind them. It has been a great weekend. Friends, family and fun! I have to admit I am looking forward to a week with some down time and I think this is it....so maybe a scrapbooking night should be planned! An email we be going out soon ;)

Before I go to bed, I will remember everyone in my thoughts and prayers. This weekend has been exhausting but fun and I can seriously feel the stress leaving my neck and shoulders. At least it was all good stress! We all experience some form of stress, but how we deal with it is so important. I have tried to convert it into creativity or productiveness, and I have to say it works. Whatever stressors that you have in your life you should enjoy them or get rid of them!