A Full Day

This morning John Michael and I headed out for his soccer game.  Danny and Brandon were coming behind us.  I was going to have to leave early to get to work.  I have a full day of photo shoots. 

The thing about today is it is FREEZING! It only got colder as the day progressed.  The day went on and for the most part all of the clients were great.  They were definitely troopers as it was not easy being out there.  Watch for my photography blog to be updated soon.  I have had some amazing sessions lately and today there were even more. 

Brandon had to take John Michael to a birthday party for me.  He is not use to being the running around dad, but he did an amazing job!  The best part is Makenzie had a great party.  John Michael was just glad to be able to wear his costume...FINALLY!

We all got home about the same time and it was time to get us all costumed up as we were headed to Amanda's Halloween party.  We had a really great time and are already looking forward to next year. 

Boosterthon Fun Run

So today was CRAZY! It never seems to fail that on Run I am wild with things to do. 
I dropped the boys off and then headed to Morris Avenue.  A family in my neighborhood wanted some family pictures and some pictures of their youngest son who was one today!  Happy Birthday Luke. 
After this session I headed to Temple Beth-el to take some family pictures for a family whose middle son will be having his barmitzha tomorrow.  I am 31 and I do not guess I have ever been in a Jewish temple, but it was definitely my loss.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  There is so much tradition and history and beauty inside the doors.  This was definitely a blessing for me.

After this I hauled rear end to the school to get there before Danny's fun run.  He was running from 12:30 - 1:30 and John Michael was running after him from 1:30 - 2:30.  I made it!  I love the fun run, it is really a great time and I think that every parent should go at least one time. 

After the run I headed to the gym to get ready for ASC.  No sooner than I walked in the doors I got a call from the office.  Danny was sick.  Of course I found out that they ate 20 minutes later did the fun run and then had a pizza party.  I probably would have been sick too.  Non the less I went on and checked him and John Michael out and we went home to relax and hopefully feel better.

John Michael had to get ready for his soccer game at 7:30, which is really late.  They evidentally were having a festival, but there was no food left for the last games.  Go figure.  This whole BUSA experience has been a serious JOKE!!!!  John Michael did get the game ball, he was so excited and we were so proud of him!

Soccer and Popcorn

Today started early with John Michael's soccer game.  We had to park in the other parking lot again, which still sucks.  I really hope that St. Francis gets out of this league soon.  We were playing the other 1st grade St. Francis team.  They spanked us, but it is all good.  All of the boys had such a good time.  It was definitely the Iron Bowl of first grade because all of the boys have been doing some serious smack talking.  I am loving soccer, but again I will be glad we were are onto something else.  I think I am experiencing some serious burn out.  It will pass though and basketball will begin which I am super excited about.  I love basketball and so do the boys.

We came home to watch the Auburn Arkansas game.  Auburn was not the same team that came out against LSU.  I hate to see them having such a hard time coming together.  I love my Auburn Tigers and always will.  WAR EAGLE! 

We were able to sell popcorn at the Masses again this weekend which was awesome since we had so much still to get rid of.  We went to work Saturday night, which was nice but it was COLD!  We did not do as well as we did the first weekend back in September, but we did pretty good so no complaints, and really anything is better than nothing at all which is what we were up against.

Two Directions

To me one of the hardest things about being a mom is when you have to take one to do something and your husband has to take the other.  I do not like missing things that my children are involved in but sometimes it cannot be helped.
This morning John Michael, socky Monkey, and I headed to the soccer field.  John Michael wanted Sock Monkey to watch.  So I figured why not.

Again we were at Brookwood forrest, and again my opinion of BUSA has not changed.  We did use the parking lot that Craig and Liz told us about, but the fact that there are no refs is something that is VERY frustrating for me.  We were playing The Highlands, and let me tell you for a Church that so many people follow they teach these children to play ugly soccer, and there is no sportsmanship.  I guess they do not practice what they preach.  Anyway, we ended up finishing the game with a tie, which is great.  Our guys are playing there hardest and they are really learning a lot about soccer.

Danny and Brandon went to the Southern Flight Museum with the Scouts.  We had a pretty good turnout from what Brandon said and the boys had a lot of fun.  Danny made a Blue Angel plane, which was awesome.  He and Brandon also brought home some little planes and some bomb bags that look like they are going to be a lot of fun.  They had a great time and I was so glad.  They went to lunch when they were done, which was special for them and something that theyboth probably needed.  Danny wanted Jack's and then they surprised us all with milkshakes.

Using Your Head

John Michael's baseball game was top priority this morning.  We had to be there by 8:30.  There is a lot on the to do list for today.  John Michael and I headed out with a quick stop by McDonald's, his favorite place.  Danny and Brandon headed to Clay to get Uncle Patrick and then they came to the game.
I will say that the 8:30 game time means better parking. Of course the absence of bathrooms at Brookwood Forrest Elementary is still a pain and the absence of Refs leaves me with the question of what does BUSA Soccer do with all that money? 
John Michael's tem played another Mountain Brooke team but this time we won.  They had a great time and John Michael blocked a ball with his head while he was playing goalie.  We had to laugh because it was an accident, but as he told the story throughout the day, it got better and better. 

After the game the boys and I headed home.  We had to get the garage ready for Brandon's work benches and what not from the old house.  Storing them was just no longer an option and Uncle Patrick helped him get them.  Then they headed to get a couch for mom's sitting room.  Of course that was a nightmare of  different color.  It is over now and in the room, where it looks okay.  Hopefully now we can get the daybed sold, it would be nice to have a little extra money, even though it will go straight to bills and whatnot. 

While today was busy we accomplished a lot and got a little more stress off our backs! 

The final Soccer Game

Brandon had to work at Homestead Hollow so this morning the boys and I headed out to visit him and the rest of the family that was there. We got a new decoration for the yard and I am super excited. So ready to put everything out. I love Christmas! The boys also got puppets, which I have to say were the best toys I have ever purchased at Homestead Hollow. So much fun!

After a morning there we all headed to John Michael's final soccer game for the season. After having to miss the last 2 games I was super excited to be able to be there. While I never played soccer, it has been a fun learning experience. I enjoy all sports and this is one I will definitely be looking forward to every Fall, in the Spring we have baseball. John Michael has had a blast, and Danny wants to play next year.

We ended the day out with a photo session at the Rail Road Park. For more on this watch my website at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ As my business is continuing to grow I am truly enjoying every minute. I love meeting new people and getting to know them. It is amazing what you can learn from someone in such a little amount of time. The boys had a blast playing soccer and watching clouds while I had my session. It was nice having them there, especially since it was dark by the time that we left.

We came home for dinner, studying, homework, showers, and bed! I also had to clean and do some laundry but after the week that we all had I am not sure when I will catch up. Hopefully this week though as it is a requirement with Christmas decorations to get out and Thanksgiving to get ready for! I love the holiday season.

This has been a weekend full of blessings and I know that this week has many in store for us as well. Looking forward to seeing what they are. Watch out Monday, I am ready and looking forward to it! Praying for you all as I head to bed!

The First Saturday in November

Many things come with the first Saturday in November. Homestead Hollow is one. Brandon is working again with his mom and step-dad. He really enjoys the time with them, and the fact that there is a little money involved is definitely a plus, especially this time of the year.
I had several photo shoots today. I will be writing more about them all at www.monicaannephotography.com so keep your eyes checking that site. It seriously should be a favorite by now. I am also working on my alphabet project hard, I have all of the letters now, which is awesome! I cannot wait to see what those who recieve one for Christmas think. I know that Brandon loved his, and was super surprised! Seriously thinking about sending one to my favorite Auburn man...just because I have all of he letters. I even got a VERY cool staircase Z today. Love finding letters in the most unexpected places.
The boys spent the day with Nana so that I could work. They had a great time. They even took her to the grocery store, which was a treat for all of them.
So the LSU v. Alabama game was tonight and was pretty much all anyone in the South was talking about. After the general attitude of all the Alabama fans, even those I love at the National chapionship game I decided that I just cannot hope that they win. The green and yellow A's made me sick...so I have to admit that was a great game. I was so glad that LSU pulled off the win. The sad thing is all Alabama fans seem to have is excuses. Seriously except the L and get on with it. I love my Auburn Tigers and I love SEC football but there are many out there who are ruining it for me.
Sorry needed to do a little venting! So editing and homework are dominating my time. I have been slacking on my personal pictures for taking photographs for others. I will not stop blogging. Everyday is a blessing and most of all that is what this blog has proven to me. Hopefully next year I will make it with the blogging and the pictures everyday! I made it almost all year this go round!
Headed to bed. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! Looking forward to the many blessings that I know Sunday will bring. An extra hour sleep, the last soccer game, a photo shoot, Homestead Hollow with my boys, and who knows what else! It is going to be a great day!

Happy Birthday and Happy Halloween

John Michael had to miss his soccer game today, but at least it is not the last one. We will be back in full soccer gear next week. Then onto basketball. I love sports and am so glad that my boys play more than one. I do not want them to get burned out on one sport and I have heard that playing only one and playing it more than once a year means that they are more apt for injuries.
Today was Kimy's birthday! She is 6 months older than her and is one of those friends that I can honestly say I have had for as long as I remember and longer. I am glad that we have always remained friends. Tonight was her birthday/Halloween party. We went but did not stay long. I knew that the boys would want to run around and I wanted John Michael to get to bed. He gets so tired so quickly and that is when he fever goes up, which is not good for anyone. It was a great party though and I was glad that we were able to go even though it was not for long. Thank you as always for having us.
Auburn played Ole' Miss tonight. We recorded it on the DVR and watched it when we got home. It was a great game, I was pretty partial to the second half. WAR EAGLE!
So I am off to bed. I am so tired. Did I mention that I have the office done! I have to get some things out for Hannah Home, but they are coming Tuesday! Seriously pumped!!! Love and prayers to you all. One last shout out...Happy Birthday Kimy!

Running on Sunday

Sunday was definitely a fun day for us! The Thach family had an amazing day and I am so thankful for the wonderful blessings that we encountered.

While we were down a car, we still managed to get where we needed to go and on time, which is always a plus. I like to be 5 minutes early, Brandon likes to be 5 minutes late, so it is sometimes difficult. We make it work though. Brandon and I work well like that! With the boys and having to get in and out as much as we did today I was super shocked that we did it though.

I had a maternity session with an absolutely gorgeous mom and dad to be. Watch http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on them. It was at the Botanical Gardens and was just a really good time.

John Michael had a soccer game, and while they did not win they had the best time and scored a few goals which was great for their moral. Even John Michael got some kicks in. They had fun though and that is what matters most to me. Meme and Meemaw came to watch the game, I hated that we could not hang out, but it was a back to back day for us.

I had a photo session with Sophia this afternoon. This was for Halloween. Sophia is in Danny's class and is such a pretty girl. She is going to be a peacock and is definitely the prettiest peacock I have ever seen. Her costume was truly fabulous. This session was at the Botanical Gardens as well. She was a great subject and I cannot wait to get to work on her photographs.

While we were at the Botanical Gardens we saw several of the teachers from Hilldale. It was great to see them. While I love St. Francis and am so thankful to have my boys at the same school, seeing Mrs. Sanchez, Mrs. Hayes, and Mrs. Morrison was a great bonus to our day.

Well, it was a busy day, but a great one with my family. The boys are in bed, I have done homework and edited until my eyes burn and now I am off to bed. I hope that everyone had a great weekend. Praying for you all to have a great week.

Soccer Game and Living Social

So today was the first day of the Living Social ad for my Photography. I was super excited and I cannot believe that as of right now 51 have sold! I am very thankful for the increased e-mails and phone calls that have flooded me today. I am truly hopeful that it is the beginning of something amazing.
I had a session with Miss Josie today. Seeing her always makes my day brighter. We decided to go to Hewitt Trussville High School, since there was no school and their campus is gorgeous, we took advantage of it. It was great.
John Michael had a soccer game this afternoon after school. They definitely were not feeling soccer at 4:15. They get out at 2:00 on Mondays so by 4:15 they were completely done. I love watching them though, it is so much fun. Aunt B came to watch him play, he was super excited that she came. Of course she decided to venture the most dangerous way to SFX, it is all good though. She listens to her GPS like Brandon, even though he probably will not admit it. Even though they lost their game, they had a good time and I really do not think that they even care about the score.
Well, homework and editing are consuming my nights right now, but soon everything will even out. I am counting only my step forward and I hope that all of you are doing the same. Know that my prayers are with you all.

Hello October

So I am super excited about October being here. It is my favorite month of the year. Mainly because it is just about fun. I love to be able to enjoy life and while October seems to be getting busier with each passing day it is just a fun month.
I have given Brandon his reminder about getting the Halloween stuff out. I love when it is out. When it gets put up the Christmas stuff comes out, which is even better.
John Michael had a soccer game this morning. They did not win, but he had a great time, which matters the most to me. He loves soccer and did really good today. Brandon worked the concession stand this morning, we all have to do it once, so we got our turn out of the way. I know that he was glad to be in there since it was about 45 degrees and he was wearing shorts.
John Michael has broken out in the most bizarre rash. I do not know what to do. I have talked to the doctor, they said Benadryl every 6 hours. So that is what we are doing, but I am thinking we will be at the doctor either tomorrow or Monday at the latest. I will keep you updated. I am hoping that it is nothing, but I am worried. Being a mom is definitely the hardest job, but the best!
Spaghetti and meatballs were for dinner. Danny was super excited, he loves meatballs but since I make them from scratch I do not make them very often. I will get better with that. At least I will try. The good thing is we have some leftover so we will be able to have it again this week. This makes me happy because it is one day that I do not have to cook and since I need to go to the store that is always a plus.
With John Michael's rash he and I stayed home while Brandon and Danny went to Steven's birthday party to watch the Alabama game. They stayed till about half time and then came home so that I could get some help with out itchy little man. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
I will say we watched the Auburn game and while I wanted to throw something most of the time it was a great game! WAR EAGLE!!! It was so close, but sitting on the edge of the seat is somewhere I have a butt print on the couch from last year, might as well make it more indented. Weagle Weagle WDE Baby! It was a great game. As always I love seeing the boys in orange and blue take the field but when they leave with a W it is definitely even sweeter.
On that note I am off to bed. Hoping for a good night's sleep, especially for John Michael. Praying for all of my family and friends and even those I do not know.

Sports Saturday

This morning started out with a trip to Fultondale for John Michael's soccer game. They did not win, but they had a great time and that is what matters the most to me. He really loves soccer and when he is paying attention is pretty good, especially for year one. I am super proud that he is loving it and having a good time. Danny went off with JT during the game, they found ice cream and seemed to have a good time. I guess watching little brother is just not any fun.
I went by Hewitt High School to scout for a potential photography location. I am thinking we might have to try it out. I love finding new locations so if you have any ideas let me know. I will go check it out! I have a few in mind, but I need more time to scout.
We headed to The Chopping Block to get some meat to grill. We were going to do it tonight but decided that tomorrow night would be better. The Chopping Block is on Hwy 11 in Springville, if you want the best meat available you will go by there and try them out.
Of course we had to go to the grocery store. Not my favorite family trip place to go. We got what we needed a lot that we did not and then headed home.
Football, football, football. We came home to watch Alabama take on Arkansas. I did not make it through the first quarter. I was so tired and what I meant to be a twenty minute nap turned into almost four hours. Go figure, I guess I needed it though. I woke up in time to see my Auburn Tigers take on Florida Atlantic. I was glad to see my boys in orange and blue on the field. I hope that Lutzenkirchen is back in next week though, I missed him a lot. There is something about him that just makes me happy! WAR EAGLE baby! 30-14.
Well, homework and pictures are calling my name so I am out so I can get to work. I am also ready for bed. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am looking forward to Mass in the morning. I need some time with Jesus after this week.

First Soccer Game

Know that pictures will be added soon. I am just behind on uploading. I will be caught up soon!
We got up this morning and headed to the school for John Michael's first soccer game. He was so excited, and I have to admit so was I. He looked so cute in his uniform. We did not get the shirts until this morning, and it is a good thing, because we owned one red shirt and it was more spider man than red. He was super glad to see it too, mainly because he was worried about not having a number. Of course I was the woman on the field with the camera. I stood at the goal for one half and then the sidelines for the second half. They did not win, but they had a blast and that is what I care about the most. They truly had a really good time.
We left the game and came home. Well, Brandon dropped me and the boys off and he headed to help Kimy, Steven, and Deborah close the pool. I cannot believe that summer is over. It is so sad. It does not seem like it was long enough at all.
When he got home we got down to watching Football. Watching Auburn play just makes me happy. Today's game was the end of a 17 game winning streak. That is a little sad, but I also know that there is a lot of talent that is very fresh right now. Win or Lose I am an Auburn Fan, it is in my blood and I love and am so proud of the Tigers. So many people forget that these guys are kids, seriously, just support them. There is no reason at all to hate kids. WAR EAGLE!
Well, I am off to bed, please pray for the special intention that I have mentioned. I know that it is hard not knowing details, but trust me God knows them. I just need the gates stormed right now.