Remember When...

So today has been interesting. My nose still hurts and has started to itch like mad. Hopefully tomorrow it will even be better. I did at least feel human today and managed to make some progress in our office. John Michael seems to feel a little bit better, still not 100% but hopefully a good nights sleep will make all the difference.

So did you have those little colored pegs that you put on the plastic sleeve and then ironed to make shapes and what not. Well, the boys found one it is Spongebob and they decided to get it out today. It was so funny to watch them make a crabby patty with these colored pegs and then I ironed it for them. They were excited when it was done and could not believe it. It brought back a lot of fun memories for me too.

Danny came home from school, his last Wednesday by the way, and did his homework. No fighting, no arguing just did it and was done by 4. It was great, he even said so. Why did it take him to the last day to get it figured out? Hopefully he will remember it for 3rd grade. Heck hopefully he will remember it tomorrow.

I have worked on pictures on and off all day and still have a ton to do but I am getting there! Hopefully soon I will have even more done. We shall see.

Well, I am off to bed, I hope that you all have sweet dreams. I will say a prayer for each of you. Remembering back when things were simple seems so hard to do but then a silly activity can bring it all back. Memories are great and should be cherished, they are even better when you combine a good memorywith the present to make more!

Mini Movie Night

So this morning we woke up late, but we had enough time to get to the school without being late. I felt bad though because Danny really wanted waffles this morning and that we did not have time to do. Aiming for that to happen tomorrow morning. We shall see.

Today was Danny's last Monday as a second grader. WOW! I know that I have said it before and I probably will say it several times this week. He got his yearbook today, it is great. They really do an amazing job putting it all together. Next year I guess it will be 2 so that each boy has one. Definitely worth it though. They each should be able to capture their memories. They got to have their friends and teacher's sign it this afternoon. Now it stays home.

After school it was time for homework. Only 2 things, so it did not take too long, but was still a fight. Then we went to meet one of the mom's from John Michael's baseball team so that I could take her baseball pictures. They were not able to make it to the last games so I needed to get them to her.

We came home and the boys wanted to watch their DVDs from school. Danny brought the DVD of his First Eucharist home and John Michael brought home the Q and U wedding DVD so we had a mini movie night. I cried when both of the events were live and I cried again first it was emotional and then physical pain.

I tickled Danny, which turned into Danny tickling me and john Michael and me tickling them. Well, it was fine at first then I told them it was time to chill but it was not that simple. It ended when John Michael's head came down on my nose. PAIN! That is the best that I can say. It is still killing me and this was hours ago. I have taken some meds and am hoping that it feels better tomorrow. Going to the doctor is not something I care to add to my to do list. It feels really weird on one side. We will see what tomorrow brings.

We finished watching the movies and then they went to sleep. Well, I am off to bed myself. I am hoping that the pain meds will kick in soon and let me get some sleep. I do not figure that the fact I can see my nose easily is a good thing. Praying it is better tomorrow.

Well, before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of you.

First Eucharist

Now onto Saturday!!!

So this was a day that I knew was going to be a little bittersweet for me. Each time the boys overcome another milestone in their lives it is always joyous but is also a little sad as it serves as a reminder that they are truly growing up by leaps and bounds.

This morning, we got up and headed to Mass, but it was not any Mass it was for Danny's First Eucharist. What a special Mass. Mass did not start until 10, but pictures were before. Kristin, with Future Memories, was taking pictures so I paid for her to do them, so that I could enjoy the day. Of course I still took some, well, a lot. She did individual pictures by the tabernacle from 8:30-9:30. I also used this time to take some pictures of Danny and all of his friends. I am so used to seeing them in uniform or at Mass in regular clothes that they looked so grown up in their dresses and suits. At 9:30 Kristin grouped them all together for the group shot. There were 53 children receiving Jesus through Communion for the first time today. It was so special.

After their group picture they went to the Parish Hall and we waited for the Mass to begin. They came in with flowers to put in vases to go at Mary's feet. The children's choir was singing at the Mass and they sang the Hail Mary which was gorgeous. I thought it was going to be Ave Maria, which would have meant sobbing from me instead of just the slow stream of tears. Then they took their places and Mass began.

Danny did one of the prayers for the faithful, and he did great. He spoke loudly and clearly and I was so proud of him. Every child had a part and they all did so well. I was such a proud momma, as I think we all were.

When they started to come to the Alter to receive Communion for the first time the tears were back but they were happy tears still. There is something that is so powerful about the Eucharist even to me now and to watch my child and all of these children receive Our Lord for the first time was just amazing, powerful, and so special.

There was a reception after the Mass in the Parish Hall that was done by the First Grade and their parents. Thank you all for that. My mom also had dinner for Danny at her house, but we had a baseball break before that.

Overall it was a day that was full of Faith. Holy Communion is something that Danny will always receive now and he will continue to grow in his love for Jesus. I am so proud! I thank you all who came today and showed Danny that you are a part of his life forever in his journey of Faith. I also thank you all who prayed for him during this time. Even if you could not be with him today the prayers that you said for him and this journey have meant the world to us. Thank you to all of the teachers, priests, volunteers, and more who were a part of making this day so memorable. We love you all!

Second Grade Mass

Today was Groundhog's Day. From what I understand the groundhogs are not in agreeance this year. None the less 6 more weeks of winter seems pretty imminent. The sun in Birmingham actually appeared just long enough for Birmingham Bill to see his shadow.

Catholic School's Week school Mass was done by the second graders. They did an amazing job. I was so proud of all of them. Whether singing, reading, carrying gifts, or speaking afterwards to the school. I was glad that I was able to be there and see them all. Catholic Schools week is always so special, and this year has been no exception. Mr. Wight spoke to the children after Mass and it was great to see them all together. I appreciate all that he has done for the school.

Danny had to finish up his book report tonight. He is very excited about his Diary of a Wimpy Kid hat. He did a great job, and I am so proud of him and how much he enjoys reading.

John Michael got to play hookie today. I wanted him to be at Mass with us for Danny and by the time that we were done at the school it was 10:30. He and I had a great time today though.

Well, it is definitely after nine, but that is ok. I am headed to snuggle with my boys! They want momma and that is rare. Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of you in my prayers. Time is precious and there are so many special moments that we miss if we do not slow down!

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.