Three Inches

Well, the calling for snow was back and forth all week.  Where it was coming, when it was coming, and how much was coming seemed to be all anyone could think about or talk about.  It was definitely looking less promising, which was fine with my two still sick boys.  They both are still dealing with a pesky little fever that just will not break, which means we are still home.

When the snow came, it came and for the first time in a long time there was thundersnow which again was awesome.  I hated that the boys had to enjoy it from inside but I did not want them to get sicker.  Hopefully they will see some more this winter.  Of course I am also so ready for summer. So I am a little torn on that hope.

We thought that Brandon was going to be stuck at work, but he managed home later tonight when a lot of it was gone.  When it quit and the sun appeared for the first time in almost a week it helped get the roads clear and made it so that he could get home, which was great for us.
I did wonder what was more rare the snow or the sun, we have not seen much of either all winter.

Marathon, Party & Snow!!

So today started with the Kid's Mercedes Marathon. The boys had already run 25.2 miles at school, today they had to run one mile to complete the Kid's Marathon. It was so cold and the wind was horrible. We got there at 9:30 to meet up with the school for some pictures and a prayer. It was great to see everyone because as soon as we got to where the kids started it was chaos to say the least. When the 3rd graders left the starting line I headed to the finish line. John Michael and Brandon were still waiting for the Kindergarten to race. Danny and Chandler crossed the finish line together. I was so proud of him. I have to say it was hard to let him go in downtown by himself, I even cried a little, but he did so good. Brandon and John Michael also did great. Brandon ran with John Michael and we had to laugh because now he can say he ran in a Marathon. John Michael and Danny got a medal and were so excited.

We left the Marathon and the boys' wanted Sneaky Pete's of all places. While we were inside John Michael started talking about the snow that he was seeing. We looked outside and it was actually snowing. Seriously, it was 70 when the week started, now it was 12:00 in the afternoon, 30 degrees, and worst of all was that it was snowing. The only good news was that it was not supposed to amount to anything.

After lunch we headed to Clay to get the boys' signed up for baseball. I cannot believe that it is that time of the year already. We are still in basketball and we will literally go straight from one to the other, but it is all good. We are all excited about the season starting. It is always a super busy but definitely fun time of the year.

After registering we headed to Amy and Terry's house for Sasha's 9th birthday party. It was a great party. Amy had made cupcakes and the kids decorated their own, it was a great idea and everyone seemed to love it. The kids had a blast.

Needless to say today was a very busy day. I have to say I have never been as cold as I was today it was miserable.

Missing Summer

So I am definitely not someone who complains in the summertime. It is my favorite season. Late fall and especially winter are no where near my favorite. In fact I can definitely do without them. It has seriously rained all day and my vitamin D is important to me.
There is talk of snow...which is a bad word in my mouth. I think it is hilarious that schools are delaying opening already when there is nothing on the ground. There is definitely a lot more talk of snow than there actually is in Alabama.
Well, I have a ton of homework and pictures to work on. I am on overload and running out of gas fast!

Valentine's Party and Snow Fun

Today started early with fun in the snow. We got up and went out it was nice to spend some morning time having fun instead of rushing to get ready. Snow angels were made, snow balls were thrown, and of course pictures were taken. I really wanted a picture of the boys outside of their schools with the snow, but they did not want to stop long enough to make that happen.

Danny had a great day at school. Followed by a good time at basketball practice. They are getting ready to take on St. Rose's Saturday morning.

John Michael enjoyed a fun Thursday giving out and accepting Valentine's with all of his friends. Of course I was there with my camera, where else would I be? The kids all seemed to have a great time. They definitely got a lot of sugar, in fact John Michael is still going on his sugar high! Waiting for the crash so he will go to bed so that I can go to bed!

Danny has all of his Valentine's ready for next Monday. A friend of mine checked to see if we could have Valentine's delivered to the school, but it is not allowed. Oh well, we will just do it at home as always.

The Heating guy is supposed to come in the morning. Time for the service, and it is leaking again, which is just a pain in the hiney. Hopefully it is nothing and the water in the garage will stop seeping out. It is just a pain and makes for a lot of extra cleanup, plus because I where it is laundry has to be limited, so I am behind on that now.

Looking forward to a nice weekend, with much better temperatures. Even more excited about next week with highs in the sixties! YAY! James Spann said this morning on his e-forecast that the worst of 2010-2011 winter appeared to be behind us. This news had me smiling all day.

Well it is not before 9, but as soon as the boys fall asleep I am off to bed. Before I go I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I have a friend who has lost her mother and I ask that everyone please pray for her as I know that it is always difficult to lose a parent.

Snow and Valentine's Preparations

John Michael's Valentine's party is tomorrow so we finally went to Target and got some Valentine's and the bag of candy that I was supposed to bring the other day. Better late than never....and it is not really late, just really cutting it close. Well, we went on and got Danny's and then I got a few things that I needed to get I was out of Ziploc bags...craziness.

Well, we had a visit from our favorite Aunt B today. The boys adore her and so do Brandon and I. It is always great to spend some time with her.

School's are already delayed 2 hours tomorrow morning because of the snow threat that is now here. The snow is so pretty though, I almost forgot how pretty it was since we have pretty much only seen ice this winter. We plan on getting up in the morning like a regular day so we can have a little bit of time in the morning before school to play. As pretty as it is a day at home would really not hurt my feelings, I like to play in the snow...and take pictures ;) with my men. I am hoping that Brandon is at least delayed too that we we can have some family fun before the day starts.

Today on Monica vs. The House John Michael's room was the headline. Monica won! Closet cleaned out, drawers cleaned out, under the bed cleaned out. I have three bags and two boxes of clothes to get rid of and added to the special clothes that I have from the boys. One day I will make a quilt or something from it so that they are actually used. We shall see I know how to use my sewing machine now but quilting is a whole different monster. I will definitely try will just regular material before I take the scissors to the clothes, blankets, and bibs that I am just too attached to. There will be no episode tomorrow if there is school since I will be there taking pictures at the Valentine's party.

Well, it is after 10, so not before 9. I am going to keep trying though! Before I go to bed tonight I will as always pray for all of my family and friends. I have a special intention that I would love prayers from you all for. Thanks in advance.

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.

Some Days Bed Time is the Best Time

Well since December 2010 my boys have not been at school for an entire week! Now this is exhausting to momma! I love being home with them, and I love being able to be at the school when I am needed, but I also need to be able to take care of my house and for a month it has been seriously neglected. Now this might be a short week, but I am determined to kick serious house butt this week. I will keep everyone updated via the blog!

John Michael did wake up in an amazing mood and wanted to make his daddy some cheese toast. It was so so sweet!

Today the boys were wild. I kept sending them outside, but some fight would break out and they would come in screaming. I even went out for a little while, but it did not help. I am ready for Spring, we are definitely more adapt to warm weather. This cold winter is starting to get the best of us all. And the s word is back in the forecast...seriously?!?!

We had a wonderful dinner at Logan's with my mom. She is leaving for California with three of her best friends in the morning and she wanted to see us before she left. They should have a wonderful time and I am so happy for them! Had I taken any of my cameras that probably would have been included in the pictures. Oh well...next time!

Tonight my blessings came in the form of bedtime. The boys had their showers and John Michael went straight to bed, and after watching Sarah Pallin's Alaska on the DVR from last weekend Danny headed to bed. John Michael fell straight to sleep, but Danny wanted his picture taken first. Sometimes a few minutes of quiet is a blessing! I consider every second with the boys a blessing and I love the rowdiness that one day I will miss but today my nerves are rattled and I just looked forward to bedtime.

Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of my friends and family in my prayers. Especially those who like me are so ready for Spring and even better Summer. This year I plan to be in a place where we can enjoy the lake house that we have. More on that another day!

2010 National Champions WAR EAGLE!

So I am a little after midnight, but it was due to lack of oxygen due to holding my breath during the 2010 National Championship game! It was an amazing game. In fact it was AUsome! I love the Auburn Tigers, the fans, the coaches, the player, the school. It is great to be an Auburn Tiger tonight as they defeat the Oregon Ducks 22-19. We all sat around and watched the game, and there was not a dull moment! It was unbelievable and came down to the last few seconds! I would have loved to have been in Glendale Arizona tonight to celebrate with everyone, but my home in Birmingham Alabama was full of excitement too. The Magical Elves and Aubie the reindeer even came back to watch the game with us. You know Santa is an Auburn fan too!

Had I been in Arizona though I would have missed the fun in the snow/ice with the boys. It was definitely more ice than anything, but we pulled out the boogy boards for the beach and used them to sled down the driveway. It was a lot of fun even though it was freezing outside! We bundled up, and had a blast. It continued to mist freezing rain throughout the day so again the schools are closed all day tomorrow and Brandon's work is until at least noon, opening a noon will depend on the roads, which are currently closed. There is no getting out of our driveway at least not now, we will see what tomorrow brings.

Well, it is late and after a day in the ice and a night watching an amazing football game I am ready for bed! Before I go as always I say a prayer for all of my friends and family. You all mean the world to me! I also say a prayer for anyone traveling that they make it to their destinations safely. And for the Auburn nation I am Proud to be an Auburn Tiger! WAR EAGLE!!!

Winter Storm 2011

What a crazy day it has been and I do not just mean the weather. We got up and went to Mass, the boys were excellent. Danny always is getting John Michael to sit still and be quiet is a task that I have yet to master. We were on our way home and John Michael got sick. The thing is he has a hernia and because of that reflux, yet the medicine for reflux makes him sick. When he starts it can be a task to get it to stop. Well so far he has held down a couple of Popsicles, but that is about it and that is a feat with him.

This incident made me go from wanting to keep power for heat, hot water, and of course the Auburn game to needing to keep it for all of these reasons and also so that I can clean and do all the extra laundry that accumulated and be able to give warm baths. We are prepared if we lose power but some things will be almost impossible and if this is a virus I do not want it to spread. Praying for power to stay on!

Now to the crazy weather. It was almost 70 after the white Christmas, and again toward the end of the week but as I sit here it is snowing and sleeting outside. It started as heavy sleet, then moved on to some HUGE snow flakes, then back to ice, and now a mix. I much prefer snow over ice plus I think it will be better on my above mentioned power concern. It seems backwards to watch outside and see the streets covered and white and the yards just starting to get that way. Usually it works opposite in Birmingham. We shall see what tomorrow brings!

I am hoping that my husband's work leaves a message soon letting him know that they will not open tomorrow. Getting out in this weather is insane and the fact that they are not discussing closing yet is a concern. They are a Christian organization, so they should care the most for the welfare of their employees. Hoping that the message comes about soon.

Now as we head to bed I pray for the safety of anyone on the roads for any reason. I also pray for a victory tomorrow night. I pray for snow as the boys are really excited, and that they are healthy so that they can play in it. I pray for power. I also pray for all of my friends and family and for their needs whether they are head aloud or deep within. I love you all and am here for you!

Way To Go Saints

Today was Danny's first basketball game. He is playing for Saint Francis and they won! They played Our Lady of Fatima and the score was 20-6. I was so happy for them as they took a few minutes to celebrate. This is his first year so when he hit the court for the first time he was confused, but he did very well. He is not quite Michael Jordan, but who knows where practice will take him. I was just so proud that he had such a good time. I remember the one year I played and I was so scared after that first game. Hints, why there was only one year. I was so proud of him when he told me it was a little confusing, but that he would get it andthat he had fun. Here's to hoping the boys can bring the Toy Bowl trophy to the school's trophy case.

We came home played a little basketball in the driveway and John Michael planted some popcorn kernals. He is a character. I wish I would have gotten pictures of that, but he has more kernals to plant, he knows that he will get a lot of popcorn from this! When we came in we had an awesome little magic show from Danny who is learning magic tricks and is having a blast!

Well it is the night before the big snow prediction. We will see. The boys are so excited I would be if I knew where the ice/snow line was going to be. Ice makes me nervous and I really do not want to lose power. I do not mind being stuck at home, but I do really pray for power. We rarely need the nebulizer, but it is here if I do. One day when we have some money I will be purchasing a generator, just for peace of mind. We did have to venture back to the store we were out of batteries for the flashlights, just in case. I would love a good snow with power! That is what I hope for.

With less than 48 hours to announcing the next National Championship winner I have to say WAR EAGLE!!!

As I head to bed tonight I am thankful for the wonderful family that God has blessed me with. I love my boys, all three of them and I know that while I might not have much in my bank account I am a very rich person. I pray for all of my friends and I hope that all of their needs and concerns are put in a box for God, He is bigger than we are!

Epiphany

We had a King's Cake for breakfast and other than the fact it fell apart and did not look pretty it was yummy. Brandon got the lucky piece! I took the one to Danny's class and it was a big hit, which is always a nice thing to hear. They had a great day and the new student is who got lucky in class. Danny was a little disapponted, but now that the tradition has been started I let him know that their is always next year.

Basketball and homework pretty much have been the story since we got out of school. I do not know what makes homework time so difficult but it is always nice to know that I am not the only one. I dread the day they both have homework. Thursdays are Brandon's late night at work so I will be glad when he gets home. It is nice to have some reinforcement and the way that the night is going it is possible we will still be working. I spend a lot of time taking deep breaths while we do homework.

I do have to say that I am sad that the Epiphany is here, I love Christmas and all that it brings. We will start taking everything down tomorrow and work on it throughout the weekend, it is a lot so it takes a while. I love it though and am excited about the additional items we purcased to put up and out next year.

John Michael has just fallen asleep on my shoulder and the sweetest sounds of laughter keep making me smile. I love knowing that he is having sweet dreams. Now to keep him asleep when I take him to bed.

Before I head to bed I will be praying that everyday can be a little more like Christmas. There is a joy and a peace in the air, and I will miss it. I will also add that if it is going to be winter precipitation on Sunday night, I hope for snow not ice!