Time with Family

Sunday was an amazing day at the lake. I am writing in past tense because I am behind. When we got home Sunday night it was time for bed! But here is a recap of the day!

Brandon's Mom, more commonly known as Meme came to the lake today. Meemaw and Pop came with her. It was so great to spend the day with them all. We have all been so busy that getting together and just relaxing has not been easy. We hope to do it a lot more! he brought some delicious hamburgers to grill from the Chopping Block. If you have not been by the butcher shop in Springville, I would definitely head that way!

John Michael's floatie also managed to pop, so we have to make sure we remember his shark next time we venture to the lake! Hopefully soon, probably Labor Day weekend. If you want to join us let me know!

We had a wonderful time and we were glad to have Brittany Ann stop by and spend some time with us too! We have a date to get together next month, so hopefully it will work out. She is playing soccer again though so who knows. It is seriously that we are all that busy we have to plan out a date to get together.

Sunday was wonderful. The boys passed out before we even got to 231. I could not believe it. Needless to say we got home, put them in their beds and followed! I hope that you all had an amazing weekend!

Fun in the Sun

Today was a great day! Waking up on the water is always a nice feeling! Danny was up and ready to fish before 7 this morning. It was all good though. He fished while I cooked breakfast. Then we had a few errands to go run, so we got them all done and were back before 11, which left a lot of time for water fun and some relaxing time in the sun.

I spent most of the day fishing, swimming, and just having a good time with the three men in my life who make every morning more than a blessing.

John Michael had Batman swimming with him, at one point we had 2 Batmans and 1 Robin. 3 Batmans if you count him. It was great, I dubbed them the defenders of the pier, especially once he was done playing with them, but wanted them to watch him! He also was Captain Jack Sparrow for a while today, he loves Pirates! I was tickled when he kissed my cheek, and even posted to the world on FaceBook that I got a kiss on the cheek from Captain Jack Sparrow!

Nick and Elliott came to spend the afternoon and night with us. John Michael was so glad to have Elliott here with him, and Danny was super excited to have Uncle Nick to fish with!

Danny also finally lost his tooth. He pulled it himself. Come to find out that is all the hold up was, he did not want momma to pull it, he wanted to do it himself. Just a little more growing up :(

I started drinking my bottle of Riesling from Sam's this afternoon and it took me all day but I finished it! Of course now I am out of wine, and am back to sweet tea. It was nice just to enjoy the water, my family, and a good glass of wine! I joked with Brandon that I conquered the bottle.

Well, I know that this is short, but I am editing the wedding from last weekend and need to get back to work! I hope that you all have a great night.

Boat Captains

So today started off with a boat ride, which was nice. Especially since John Michael was determined not to go. I am glad that Brandon insisted, because I was going to be the one staying behind with him. While on the boat Danny and John Michael both had turns being the Captain with Uncle Bill. Danny drove most of the way, and really had a great time. He listened and asked questions and was just really into it. John Michael drove for about 5 minutes, but he still had a good time!

The rest of today was spent swimming and fishing. The boys did not catch anything but it was not for a lack of trying. The last day there is always cleaning day so all the laundry has to be done, and the floors vacuumed, swept and mopped. Lysol counters and all that fun stuff. It is no big deal, but it does cut into play time.

We got everything done and were headed home by about 7:30. It is nice to be home, but I have to admit, I could easily be spoiled waking up to the water every day. It will be about 3 weeks before we can go back, but we do hope to go a good bit even through the fall and winter. Seems sad not too, plus we have a lot of work we want to do when we go and that will be easier when the water is down, and it is a little cooler!

Well, I am off so I can edit and go to bed. First things first, I have to get the boys to sleep. You would think they would be out, but nope still going!

Know that you are all in my prayers. I hope that memories were mad by everyone this weekend. Even if not at the lake, or some other fun destination, a weekend at home can be stacked full of memories too!

Transformer Fish and Killer Splinters

Today has been a great day at the lake! Especially considering that we actually got a good night's sleep! YAY for a new bed! It is amazing what a small difference can make such a huge difference!

We went on a boat ride this morning with Uncle Bill and Aunt Peggy, we are looking forward to heading out early tomorrow morning for another one. Of course this means we need to be in bed earlier. We will see how that works out. I am working on pictures and Brandon and the boys are fishing and catching lightening bugs. Considering it is almost nine I hope that they are willing to put the wraps on it soon. Then they can get their showers while I work some more and then to bed we will go. At least I hope that all happens sooner than later!

I love a nice ride around the lake, hopefully one day we will own a boat. I will barter photographer services for a boat that floats and runs...Just in case you know someone, please pass the word along.

We pulled out Danny's bumper boat from a few years ago, in fact about 4 years ago, maybe even 5. Anyway, the batteries still worked and I know it has been about 3 since we put batteries in it. We will bring some more for our next venture up here, but for today and tomorrow they served the purpose and John Michael had a blast on it. Danny has gotten a little big, but that is life.

The boys of course perfected some of their jumps, well worked on perfecting them. John Michael worked on several jumps, Danny worked on his dive. I am so proud of the boys! They are doing so well in the water this year. I hate that it will be at least 2 weeks before we come back, but that is life.

John Michael and Danny decided that it was time to fish. Danny caught a baby fish...it was a tiny little brim. John Michael finally caught his first fish. It was a small bass. He decided that it was a brim, and that it changed into a bass. Then as they threw it back into the water it changed yet again into a sword fish. He decided that his fish was most definitely a tansformer fish, which made it way cooler than most fish. He was petrified of the fish and would not even hold the line so that I could get a picture so Brandon and Danny each held the line while he held the rod. The fish was after him because it was mad that it was caught.

John Michael got a splinter today while on the pier and so far has not let us get it out. I am thinking this will have to be done while he sleeps. No need for an infection. He decided that this would make it impossible for him to walk, and with the splinter it was hard enough. No matter how much we assured him that if he would let us get the splinter his foot would feel better he was determined that we were wrong. No experience with splinters here. I know that it hurts and it makes me sad that he is hurting but I also know if he would listen he would feel better.

Well, I am off. Hopefully the men will head up soon! Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I hope that everyone is making a few more summer memories, at it is quickly coming to a close, which makes me pretty sad.

Happy 4th of July

The 4th of July began with the Sunrise! Amy and I decided since it was about 5:30 we should just stay up for the night. If I get an hour of sleep I would be worse than if I got no sleep. It has been a while since I watched the sunrise because I did not go to sleep. It was really pretty too, once it finally happened. There was a point we wondered if it was a hoax and was not really going to rise just pop over the trees. We even contemplated trying to push the earth forward just a little to see if we could make it hurry up.

The kids were up at 8:30, which was really late considering we assumed they would be up at 6:30 at least Connor and John Michael. Well, we were wrong. It was ok though, I was able to pretty much have breakfast ready when they got up. Biscuits and cinnamon rolls, they were very happy with the choices. Of course they were ready to eat and jump in the water. Amy and I got the men out of the beds so that we would have some assistance watching them since they had some rest and we did not. Not to mention I had a paper to write.

Writing the paper was torture. It was something I typically could have done in a few minutes and instead it took a couple of hours. I got it posted, but have yet to read it again. I am sort of scared of what I wrote considering my state at that time. It was not good.

The kids played until the thunder started. Brandon and Terry went to grill when they got out of the water. We had pork chops, which again were very good! Brandon is becoming a grill master very quickly. Even the kids ate good, which is always good considering how hard they played.

When it was time to go I am always a little sad. I appreciate so much Amy helping me get the trailer cleaned. Thank you again. We had a goal on the road to stay awake and we did. We both ended up coming home though to neighbors still shooting fireworks. It is not New Year's no reason to wait till midnight, I wanted to go kick my neighbor's in the teeth, but I did not. I behaved. The boys passed out on the way home, and when we got home they went right back to sleep. I got in the shower and then the bed.

It was a great4th of July. It was complete with frogs, red mushrooms, guns with guys, toupeed (sp?) squirels, turtle stick fish, and best of all family and friends!

Fireworks on the Lake

So I am behind....big surprise I know, but I am catching up. This would be for Sunday, July 3rd.

We had some friends to the lake today to swim, eat, and watch fireworks. Our neighbors up there put on a show like no other, at least in my opinion. It lasts longer than the big City ones and it is a little more enjoyable since you are with friends and family instead of friends, family, and 10,000 others. While I love people, a lot leaving the same place at one time tend to make me a little nervous. Especially now that I have kids.

We had a great time with everyone. Our kids all play so well together and with a lake to wear themselves out in it was great. They swam until the sun was starting its descend too!

Brandon grilled some very good hamburgers and hotdogs. I made the oreo/chocolate chip pie thing. And of course there was beer, wine, and best of all was Nick's margaritta's! Those are always the best! Thanks again for making them!

Well, it was a great fireworks show. The kids had a blast watching them, and playin with sparklers. Even our neighbor's kids came to play with the sparklers. I am all about the more the merrier so it was great. I was glad to meet the neighbors. They are really great. Hopefully we will see them up there more, as again Brandon and I are determined to get up there more this year and make the most out of every weekend. Of course it will be like 2 at least before we go again, but it is all for good reasons! Weddings and Football!!!

Before the night was over there was an incident. I will not go into details for the person's privacy, but I do ask that you all say a prayer for a dear friend of mine. She suffers from disautonomia (sp?) and just needs some prayers. Thanks guys, you are great!

Saturdays at the Lake

There is nothing better than a holiday weekend at the lake....well except a holiday weekend at the beach! Even if my toes are not in sand, there is water, which always makes things more enjoyable!

We were at the water most of the day today, which is great for several reasons. We are making memories Danny and John Michael will have forever, not to mention Brandon and myself. They also get VERY tired, which means bedtime is usually not a HUGE fight. It also seriously helps my mood to relax and my mind to be more open.

Tonight several of the neighbors started to test out their fireworks. It was great to get some mini shows. Tomorrow night seems to be the night that everyone is shooting so we will also be shooting ours. Most of them anyway, we will probably save some for the 4th. I hope that we will anyway. I love fireworks, but seriously who doesn't?

Danny fished for a while today, but had no luck. He was not very happy. I tried to explain to him that the heat of the day was not ideal for fishing off a pier, especially in an area that can get as busy as ours with sea-doos and boats. Hopefully he will have better luck before the weekend is over. If not there is always the next trip, but that will be in a few weeks. This is seriously been a non stop summer. We plan to come up though even after school starts, pick the boys up on Friday and head East on 20.

Well, I have been working on more pictures. I will have them done this week, but I will feel better when they are done. I do not like having to ask people to wait on me. Of course they know that it is worth it. Hopefully the facebook posts are at least giving them an idea of what to expect. Speaking of that I have a few copyright releases to get out! Sorry for the delay if you are waiting on one!

Well, I am off to bed shortly. I am about to the halfway point on my paper and then I am calling it quits, at least for now. Rest does me a lot of good. Looking forward to spending tomorrow with my family and friends! Know that you are all in my prayers as always! I hope that you are having a great 4th of July weekend!

July?!!!!

So I am super pumped that it is July 4th weekend, but I am a little shocked that July is here! I know I say it every month but WOW!

So we came to the lake today to spend the weekend here! Brandon cut the grass before we left, well the front yard. So by the time we got on the road it was early afternoon. The yard looks great though, and I really appreciate him getting that done, now for backyard, but he can ride it and it does not take any time.

We got here and unloaded, got the air on, and then headed out. We went to the Shops at Grand River, which excited John Michael because he got to play on the Turtle, he even convinced Danny to come play with him. It was too cute, and I am glad that the boys really can get along when they want to anyway.

When we left the Mall we went to TNT, which was the best thing ever as far as the boys were concerned. We got a little, well in comparison to our lake neighbors we got a little, for us we got a good bit! I am super excited about trying out some sparkler photography. Good thing my guinea pigs are with me!

After TNT it was to the grocery store. It was super wild at the store and I was pretty sad that there was no Diet Cherry Coke. I have a love for that and Coke does not seem to feel it necessary to stock it in Birmingham anymore. So sad. Hopefully I will find some before we leave.

Well, the boys are in bed and I am working on editing some more photographs and some homework. The best part about doing it tonight is I am lakefront. It is amazing what kind of motivation a little water can add!

Well, I better get back to it! I hope that you all have had an amazing start to July, I know that I have! Know that I will say a prayer for all of you tonight! While everyday might not be perfect it can be positive and sometimes that little change in thinking can bring on so many amazing things!

Weekend is Over

Well today we woke up again to the amazing sights, smells, sounds, etc of the lake. It was great. Brandon cooked breakfast again. I think his desire to cook while we are there is another reason that I like it so much ;)

We spent the rest of the morning and into the afternoon swimming and soaking up some serious sun. Margie made us a great little flower bed around one of our trees. I love it! Thank you thank you thank you Margie. We had some hosta that the previous owners had in a pot (that was broken) and it has just been hanging out. She asked if we cared if she planted it. Of course we did not. Now to get some easy to maintain flowers and add them and we are well on our way to having a nice yard to go with our lake view.

Brandon came up and grilled hamburgers again. Again him and the cooking work miracles for my feelings of the lake. When we came up to eat we also started to get ready to leave. We gave the kids about an hour to play and I started on the last of the laundry, the washing of the dishes from lunch and just random picking up. Then before we left I cleaned all the counters, swept, vacuumed and mopped. Not to forget the toilets and sinks! I love coming back to a clean place. If only we were coming back soon, but it will probably be about three weekends. We have to get ready for the beach and then go, so I do not mind.

We hitched up the trailer and headed home. Then to unhitch, unload, eat dinner, showers, baths, bedtime!!! Now that everyone else is in bed I am headed there myself. I have a lot to get done this week and next week. I am ready though. The Vitamin D this weekend was very motivational! Before I head to bed I will say a prayer for you all. I have to admit I am looking forward to sleeping in my bed!

Waking Up to The lake

It is so peaceful to wake up and walk outside and see the lake. There is seriously something amazing about the sight and while there I always feel like I can take on anything. I am hoping to do several photo shoots this summer while we are at the lake. We will see if it all pans out. If anyone is interested let me know!

Anyway, we woke up and Brandon being the amazing person that he is cooked cinnamon rolls for breakfast. They were yummy!

Then we pretty much played outside, it was hot so there was a lot of swimming taking place. Just a week ago the water was still cold, not anymore, in fact we were combing the area looking for cool spots. It was like being at the lake in August. Oh well, the water allowed us not to feel like we were melting.

I went in at lunch time and cooked hot dogs for everyone. The kids ate and ate and then ate some more. After I cleaned up I made a yummy desert that my aunt made last weekend. She shared her recipe and it was a hit. Of course nobody liked having to wait until after dinner, but everyone did. I ended up doubling the recipe and it was perfect! Even had some left...maybe for later ;)

After some more serious swimming and laying out. I read a little, but not much, seriously too dang hot. Anyway. Brandon had to sleep off a headache and then he got up to cook dinner. Grilled pork chops and they were delicious. We had baked beans and mac and cheese to go with them. Definitely a yummy super, followed by the very delicious desert. It was a great night that I topped off with a glass of wine.

Again, I did not blog, but I did not forget about anyone in my prayers!

Walkie Talkies

So the boys have really been into walkie talkies. Today they got a new set in the mail, they were so exited. Anyway, they were just a free set that I had registered for. Well, they ended up being pretty nice, and they had a blast with them. They like to play FBI with them. It is pretty funny to watch.

I got the kitchen done, except for the box to go to Amy. That is just because I have no boxes. I will get one next week though and finis that up. Then I can move on to the next room.

We were going to head up to the lake tonight, but Brandon ended up working later than what he was supposed to so we will leave in the morning. I am not complaining though, while it was not much it was a little overtime and that is always better than nothing. At least in my books.

I also got laundry completely caught up, so that was a definite plus. As long as I can keep it that way I will be a very happy person!

Well, I know that this is short but we have to be up early to head to the lake. I am super excited! I will say a prayer for you all before I go to bed! Enjoy the weekend!

THE LAKE!!!!

So we are finally at the lake for more than a quick check on things visit. We slept later than we meant to this morning and missed Mass so we came straight on to the lake. I hated missing Mass, but I needed a little getaway, I think that we all did. The boys have worked so hard in school and Brandon has been working hard at work and we just needed a little rest and fun, and so here we are.

I have to admit there is something serene about the lake. Especially at night when everything has calmed down on the water. Even though I had schoolwork, I did it while watching the water. That makes everything better.

The downside to a lake place is that there is work that has to be done, cleaning, laundry, etc. It is all good though, like I said everything is better at the lake. Not quite as good as it is at the beach but second.

The boys got in some serious swim time, and I got some sun. Well I laid out, I am not sure how much if any sun I actually got. I have to get some color happening soon though. I even took a nap today, mainly because I had a blinding headache, but it went away.

The boys were able to do some fishing. I have to say that John Michael was as still as I have ever seen him for about fifteen minutes. While he was trying to catch his first fish ever, and with his Batman fishing rod Danny proceeded to catch three. The boy would drop a worm in the water and come up with a fish. John Michael finally asked Brandon to catch him a fish and just tell everyone he did it. Still o fish on the batman rod. Danny went back down to the pier and caught 2 more fish. The boy is a natural.

Well, everyone is in bed now and I am headed there myself. Looking forward to tomorrow. Friends, family and the water! YAY! I will say a prayer for you all tonight! I hope that Memorial Day is special for you all no matter how you spend it. Remember to thank those who fight for our freedoms everyday and say a prayer of thanks to those who have sacrificed it all for us. It is truly amazing to be an American. God Bless the USA and the men and women who fight to protect us daily. You are always in my prayers!