Santa, Spaghetti, and A Cup Castle

This morning we got up and got ready to go see Santa. The Santa at Brookwood is my favorite, he takes so much time with the kids and really makes them light up. The boys were so excited and we even brought Jake, Owen, and Aubie along for the ride. I always buy their picture and a snow globe, I love my little collection. I also always take my own pictures, this year however I left my camera at home. I had my small one with me, but it just is not the same. Maybe we will make it back, I doubt it but maybe.



While we were at the mall we had lunch. The boys love food courts so that was a great treat for them. John Michael chose Chick-Fil-A and Danny chose Charlie's subs.



We came home and I made spaghetti. It was the first time to make it on the new stove and I am definitely patting my own back. It was yummy. I also made Jim-N-Nicks' cheese biscuits. While they were not quite as good as they would have been from Jim N Nick's they were a close second. Chris came over for dinner, a little thank you for his help installing the stove Saturday.



We have almost gotten the kitchen and dining room back in working order which is great.

The boys were able to open a Christmas gift tonight. It was from Aunt E. They both got watches and were super excited.

After dinner John Michael and Danny, and then Brandon helped to finish it up, made a HUGE cup castle. It was quite funny, but definitely something that they love to do. Maybe Red Solo Cups are our friends for years before we even know how great they can be! Maybe Santa should bring them each a pack of them. I wonder if it is too late to add them to the list.



Well, I am off to bed, I almost made it before 12, but not so much. Almost though. I will try again. There always seems to be so much happening. Everyone stay weather aware as the weather looks kind of nasty for tomorrow. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Holy Saturday

Wow! What a Saturday is seriously all that I can say, it was definitely a productive one though, which always makes me feel better.

It started this morning. Brandon immediately got to work outside in an attempt to beat the heat. He is doing an amazing job with the flower beds. I am so proud of them and I appreciate all of the work that he has done and is still doing so much.

Danny had a game today at 11:30, which meant that we were at the park at 10:30. It was a great game, a bit of a nail biter, but they won. The final score was 17-16, if I remember right. John Michael was off today so it was just a one game Saturday, I have to admit I felt a little lost.

We came home and I got to work in the kitchen and the boys got to work in their rooms. That was an all day ordeal just because they would not do it. Seriously it was about an hour max worth of work, but it took about 5 hours. They did it though. I feel much better, now to get to the rest of the house. I am cleaning out and up again. I swear it never ends. I also have been catching up on laundry. There were 2 loads alone in Danny's room. A lot I think was clean and just on his closet floor for some reason, but none the less it was 2 extra loads. I wanted to get the big winter coats done, but so far that has not happened. There is always tomorrow though.

We also dyed Easter Eggs. The boys had a blast, I am horrible about fogetting to do them and I was glad that I remembered this year. After seeing how much fun they had, I will definitely remember from now on!

Brandon got all of the edging in around the beds, the tulip shrub planted and has started on adding mulch to it all. He plans on finishing tomorrow too. He also has several things other things to get planted. I think the goal is tomorrow for it all.

Tomorrow might be Easter but after Mass, and an Easter Egg Hunt and lunch we will be against a deadline at the house and we will all be pitching in. It should be a great family day though so I am not complaining. Any day that we get to spend together is a great one and holidays are extra special.

Well, I have to put up the spaghetti sauce and then the Easter Bunny will come. In the past years he comes while we are at Mass, but we always come home and are cooking for lunch/dinner here. Since we are going out it will be later so we figure he will come tonight. Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you have a very blessed Easter.

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.