Shoes ON

So today was a great day.
The boys had a geat day at school.  Since it is Thursday it also meant Thursday papers for Danny and I have to say I was SO proud of him.  He has to correct anything that is less than a B and he had to correct nothing, in fact he only had one grade that was not an A.  Super proud of my big guy.
We started ASC on the playground.  There is an Arts and Craft show in the Gym tomorrow and Saturday so we were booted out.  It was a gorgeous day, HOT, but gorgeous so it was nice to go outside and let them seriously burn off their energy.  I think it was just nice to change it up a little too. 

After we got home I attempted socks and shoes again.  My toe is still tender.  I am worried that heading back to the doctor is going to be what happens.  Samantha and I went walking and the boys rode their bikes and sold popcorn.  They did not sell a lot but they sold some which is all I can ask for.  I love that they are so pumped about the sales again this year.  As soon as we got home the shoes and socks were off and I made sure to soak it, but I was so glad to have them on.  It was definitely the best news and one of the many blessings of the day!  I could not get on my Brooks, but I could get on my Sketchers.  Maybe the shape-ups will help my rear while walking!

Scout Night

The boys had a great day at school today!  Danny brought home his Thursday papers and to say that I am proud is a serious understatement.  He did so good and he was just as happy.  He takes school very seriously and I am glad that he has a lot of pride in his work.
After School care was great.  It was actually a really small group and since the pre-school had us pretty much confined to the gym it was probably a blessing.
The boys and I headed straight from the gym to the lunchroom for scout night.  We had four Tiger Cubs sign up and two more applications went to parents who could not make it.  We also got a Bear cub which is awesome.  The best part was one of the dad's for the Tiger cubs jumped right in and wants to be a leader, which is awesome.  I was prepared to do it if nobody wanted to, but it looks like he is really excited about it.  YAY!  Of course I will still be involved, but it will be nice not to have to stress about something.

It is never too late to sign up for scouts so if you have a 1st-5th grade boy and you want to sign up for scouting please let me know!

Strange Happenings

Well today started off pretty good. John Michael has been overly whiny but I really think that lack of sleep has a lot to do with it. We seem to go go go and I was looking at my schedule the other day and there is not one day that is empty. It is all good though.
Green faces came home so the tears must have stopped at least while at school. He got into the van and the dam broke. He lost it because of a paper that he was working on that he did not get to finish or bring home. I felt so bad for him.
Today was Thursday papers for both boys. I was very proud of them both. Danny did not do as amazing as he did last week, but he still did VERY good. I think/hope that soon the fact of "if you do it right the first time you do not have to do it again" will set in soon. It is a huge lesson written in bold it just needs something to snap and then viola they have it. We shall see how next weeks are.
Danny had basketball practice tonight, he did great. I am really proud of how much he is starting to grow and evolve as a ball player!
Well, I am off to bed, I am having some issues and I just need to sleep and pray on them.

Frames, Frames, and More Frames

John Michael is definitely going to be home for the week, which is sad because tomorrow was his firs field trip, that breaks my heart, but we want him to be better. Maybe we will be able to take him this weekend to the Pumpkin Patch and at least get some pictures and a Pumpkin.
Danny was at school for a whole day today. He said he had a great day. Because it is Thursday it meant Thursday papers, and he did very good. I am so proud of him. We are in the 2nd week of the 2nd quarter and he seems to be doing very well. Hopefully he keeps it up.
John Michael finished up all of the work that his teacher sent home for him that he was missing this week. He also has done all of him homework. YAY! At least we will not go back behind. A definite plus!
I worked in the office again and almost have two desks completely cleaned off. I have under them cleaned out.
I also have the seven large tubs of scrapbooking stuff sorted and ready to go in a scrapbook. I have no idea when I will have time to do anything with them, but at least I am getting there with having them ready to go, which can take be the longest part.
I have had several frames that I have bought over the years for Christmas gifts, and I have finally gotten them all together and figured out how many pictures I need to print so that I can get them given out this year for Christmas. I also have several I was given as gifts that needed pictures so that they could get hung and that has also been done. Now to figure out which pictures to use.
Well, I have a lot to edit and DirecTV is supposed to be here tomorrow so we are trying to clean off our DVR. Not sure if sleep will happen tonight or not.

Brakes...

So I went today with the goal in mind of getting my brakes done, well I do not have the kind of money that I was told it was going to take. Praying that they will hold together for a few weeks and then hopefully I can get something done. I will be limiting my driving to school and photo shoots and on the weekends I guess we will be using Brandon's truck.
The boys' both had a great day today. Thursday papers were the center of attention for homework and I am so excited to say that this week they took less time than they have all school year. I think Danny is getting it...Do it right the first time then you do not have to redo it! John Michael had a green face and did great on his papers. We are definitely making progress in the right direction.
So if I was not already stressed about money and brakes I get home get the main and have 2 bills from the doctors. One for me and one for Danny together they total almost $500. Add that to the $600 deductible I will have to pay for John Michael come next Friday and I am not sure at all what the heck we will do. Praying for a break from the financial burdens. This too shall pass...this too shall pass...this too shall pass...said with the ruby slippers on and clicking together.
Soccer practice this afternoon was great. They really seemed to get it and hopefully the game this weekend will show their hard work at practice. Win or lose though they are having a good time and definitely learning. All of the kids on our team are rookies and I am super proud of them no matter what! Their coaches are also extremely patient, which is a trait I wish that I had.
Well, I am trying to get the boys in bed, and I hope to follow them there soon. I need to be in bed by 9...doubtful, but hopeful.

Rough Thursday

So today was even worse for me than yesterday was. I really hope that I feel better soon. I do not like to feel bad, especially to the point of not being able to function. Going on two days of this kind of pain is not good for me or for my family.
We did not even go to soccer practice because of it. I know that John Michael needs the practice, but there was just no way I could have stayed.
We came home and John Michael had a yellow face from his teacher today. Yellow faces make me sad. Hopefully this will be the last. He is grounded until tomorrow when he better come home with a green face. I told him that is what would make me happy. I need to figure out a reward system for his behavior, maybe that will be the incentive that he needs. Something to think about when I can think.
Danny had a good bit of homework, which is common on Thursdays. These papers were by far the best yet. I am super proud of how good he is doing so far in third grade.
Well, I am off to bed. Praying for all of you and for me that I can actually get some much needed sleep!

What a Thursday

So today did not turn out anything like I was hoping it would. It will all work out though and I know that. I know that I have the two best children, an amazing husband, and my Faith. We have gotten through larger things and this we will get through too.

The boys had a great day at school. Today was Thursday papers day, which meant a lot of homework for Danny. They both did very well on their papers, and I am very proud of them for that. Danny just needs to take some time and he would do even better.

John Michael had soccer practice. I took advantage and walked a few laps. I am determined to do more and more each day. He did great at practice and really seems to be enjoying soccer. I love the fact that the boys both enjoy sports so much. They did several drills to get ready for their game this Saturday. Danny has decided that he likes soccer now too so next Fall I am sure that they will both be playing.

After practice we headed to Remlap for a Maternity session. It was a lot of fun, and I cannot wait to get to work on the pictures. Keep an eye out on MonicaAnne Photography's blog for more on the session. I love the fact that I love what I do. It is truly an amazing feeling. I have always been told that true success comes with doing what you love, I know that there is a lot of truth to that.

When we got home John Michael played photographer for a while with my little camera. It was too cute, and that is the picture of the day today.

Well, I am off. I hope that you all have an amazing night. Know that everyone is in my thoughts and prayers.

M is for Muffin

So today is the boys' last day of school for the week. Tomorrow the teachers have some classes and the dad's will be working at the school. Kindergarten thru fifth grade are getting new desks so the dad's will be working to assemble them and have them ready for the school day on Monday!
Since today is the last day it was show and tell day for John Michael. Today they were supposed to bring something that begins with the letter M....John Michael decided that he wanted to bring muffins. He was so cute, we made them all last night. Mini peanut butter chocolate chip muffins, and regular sized strawberry muffins in case there were any allergies. He was so happy to announce that everyone loved them. I told him to take the extras to the office for the teachers but he brought them home.
Thursdays mean Thursday papers and a lot of homework for Danny man. He was able to get it all done, and wthout too much hassle.
Well, I am off to bed, it has been a stressful day. I am asking for prayers from everyone. I have a special intention and I will explain soon. I hope.

Welcome to September

Wow! So I woke up this morning still not believing that September is really here. WOW! Yep, that is about all I have to say. I am looking forward to this month though and all of the amazing blessings that I know it will be bringing.

The boys had a great day at school. Thursday papers came home, and I was super pleased. They both seem to be doing really well. I cannot believe that they have covered so much. Danny is rocking and rolling with 3rd grade, and John Michael is with Kindergarten.

Today was soccer day so after I got them in the car we parked, worked on homework, changed John Michael, and then headed to practice. It was another hot one. I was going to walk while he practiced but the mederal dose pack I am on has the heat really beating me down. I love the heat and summer, but those two are not mixing well. hopefully next week will be better. He did great at practice. He is really into soccer and is doing really well considering he has never played. I just love knowing that they are having fun.

After practice we had a quick photo shoot for Poshy Tots and an outfit that they needed done. Thank you Ashlyn for being such a great model.

PS....City of Clay you need to do something about the small playground!!!

On a serious note, I am asking that you all pray for a special child. Cali is her name and her parents had to make the decision that would only be possible with Faith and love from God. Cali has been on life support and it will be turned off tomorrow. It has been a long hard fight and in her short five months Cali has moved so many people and touched so many lives. It breaks my heart that she will be leaving this earth, but she has done so much in such a short period of time. While I do not know her personally, but through a mutual friend. Her story has touched me in ways that I cannot express. Please pray for Cali as she goes to play with the angels tomorrow. Also pray for her family.

Well, I am off to bed. It has been a long day and one that has drained at my heart. I love my time with my family and it is moments like this I want to cuddle with them all and never let go.

Soccer Begins and Alexa Arrives

Today was a crazy day. I am so piled up with school work and photographs to edit that I feel like I am neglecting the house again. I will get better, this class and the next one are killers but once I get through them I think I will be okay. The biggest thing is I have to get my office in operable order. My dining room serving as an office is old, not to mention that I like to have Thanksgiving at my house and without a dining room, that is not going to happen. Not even close. Of course without a new stove that might be harder that I would like anyway, but I will make due.

The boys had a great day at school today.

I have to say that Thursday's homework with Danny is not going to be much fun. They get Thursdays papers and they have to correct everything that is incorrect. I think that it is good that it gives them more determination to do better throughout the week. The thing is Danny did great on everything, but it was two and a half weeks worth of work so it was a lot to go through and make sure that everything was perfect. Needless to say it was a lot of fun.

John Michael had his very first soccer practice today. He absolutely loved it! It was HOT...102 in the shade, and there is obviously no shade on a soccer field. He went through 2 bottles of water and Danny and I went through 1, only because we did not have any more. Next week there will be a cooler with us! Especially if it is still over 100. It was great to see him out there with his friends learning all about soccer! He is so ready for a game it is cracking me up. Serious thanks to Kristin for coaching these guys! Of course anything that is needed I am always glad to help out.

Also today was a very important day and will be from now on. My cousin Amanda had her baby. Alexa Nicole's birthday is today and will be always be remembered because of her amazing birth. Mom and baby are doing well! Thank you everyone who has prayed for them!

Well, I of course managed to get behind again, so I am off to write about Friday! Thursday was amazing though!

The last day to be four

Well, John Michael woke up this morning in the best of moods. When I told him good morning, he said "Guess What Momma, it is my last day of being four." I cuddled with him for a few minutes and then the normal morning rituals began. I cannot believe that when we wake up in the morning he will be five. He is so excited and so am I, but I am also very sad. It does not seem like it has been five years. I took some pictures of him just being silly, he said well that is that for silly four year old pictures, tomorrow it will be silly five year old pictures.

We always spend the day with the boys doing fun things for their birthdays. Danny usually has a whole day from breakfast until bedtime with us, John Michael has school so Brandon is taking off early so we can spend the afternoon with him. Right now he wants Cici's for dinner and then Logan's for dessert. We will see what happens with that. He has Batman cupcakes for school tomorrow, and Danny has one that he is going to take for his snack so he can celebrate too. He is such a sweet big brother.

Danny's big day was today, he had choir, and then basketball after a full day of school. He came home and after writing wrinkle three times finally got it. I think he was just tired though. Test tomorrow so we will see. Stay tuned for Thursday papers when we know how he did!

You learn something new everyday. I thought it was 15 minutes after seeing lightening that it was safe to go outside, but it is 30 minutes after hearing thunder. Good to know since the storm season is upon us.

Well, I cannot make it by nine 2 nights in a row, but I will try again tomorrow. Before I go to bed I will pray for all of my friends and family. It is amazing how quickly time can pass us all by. There is so much that we tend to overlook because of our always hectic schedules, but remember you will not get it back. If it was worth a second look or a second thought it was worth the memory!