Scout Photography

Today was a great day, I have made some progress in the office, which is definitely a good thing. I like Progress.
I started my day off going to Mass with the boys' school. I enjoy being a part of their day and spending it in Mass reminds me that there is not a better place for my boys to be. I enjoy spending the hour with them, with Jesus, and in prayer.
School uniforms are clean and ready to go for the rest of the week. I love the fact that I do not have to worry about what the boys will wear tomorrow. Uniforms are the best! Just another blessing I was counting today.
Homework is done and the boys both brought home basketball registration forms. I knew that Danny was going to play, but John Michael really wants to play too. I guess we will finish soccer and dive in head first to basketball. I am thankful that they are so involved and that they enjoy sports. While it keeps us busy it also is a lot of fun, and adds to the blessings count.
Not sure what to do about my brakes, I desperately need new front brakes and just do not have the money. Anyone out their feel like doing their good deed by doing my brakes? I could use it. I know that it will all work out, but I have no way to swing it, and with all that is going on from this weekend until Christmas having the ability to stop while driving will definitely come in handy.
So today was our second den meeting for October. We are closing the gap on getting the bear badge which makes me very proud. The boys are working hard. We will even be working at the pack meeting next week. This week, we played board games, learned some facts about Tennessee, and learned a little about photography. It was a lot of fun, and again productive. Now if I can find Danny's book so I can see where we are and what we still need that would be GREAT!!!
Well, the boys are in bed, and since it is now past 10:30 I guess I should head there myself. Prayers for you all tonight!

First Day of School

So school started today, and of course we started it off by running behind. We were not late by any means, but I did not get as much time with them and my camera before school. Oh well, they were on time and that is what matters. They were so ready this morning, and getting them ready was probably the easiest it will be all year. I am very thankful though. I will definitely take each good morning as it comes! I hope for more of them.

John Michael had no problem walking straight to his class. I was teary, but did okay. He is growing up so fast.

Danny was a little hesitant, but I told him not to let what other people say be his judge. He is his own person and should make his own decisions about 3rd grade.

Both of the boys looked so handsome this morning. They can definitely rock the St. Francis Uniform. Brandon and I were definitely the proud mom and dad.

When I came home I worked on getting the Cub Scout calendar together for the year. We are always scrambling and that is not going to be the case this year. My goal for this week is cub scouts, next week I will take the house back over. Today I was able to get the dates written out on paper, and while the den meeting dates may change due to sports the pack meetings will not. I have also started to get trips planned, guest speakers, and popcorn issues all worked out! It will be nice to have this together when the leaders meet up. It will also make it easier for us to meet via e-mail as most details will be worked out instead of going in blank.

The boys' got out at 1 today and I was so ready to pick them up. I could not wait to hear about their day. John Michael said that he loved ordering his lunch and that chicken dinosaurs are his new favorite. He also said that he wants to order more than once a week, that is doable, but will have to wait for next month. He told me all about his teacher, his rules, and his new friends. He also was very proud of the fact that he did his work, and yes it was coloring! Danny said that his day was great. He said that he was worried about nothing! He knows it is going to be a tough year, but also knows that it will be a fun one. Needless to say all good reports and huge smiles.

Brandon wanted us to drop by on our way home so he could be filled in so we did, but on our way I got them both a snack size McFlurry, which made their day! I am just glad I had some quarters in the door pocket so that I could do it for them.

We went swimming at Deborah's for a while. The boys were glad that Morgan Makenzie came out to swim with them, and John Michael told her all about his day! Thank you so much for letting us come over! It means a lot to us all. It was a great way for the boys to unwind.

We came home and homework was done, dinner was eaten, baths and showers were given, and the sweet dreams have started.

Overall it was a great day and night! Now I am off to bed so that we can do it again in the morning! Know that you will all be in my prayers as I go to bed.

Bilocation Abilities would be AMAZING!!

So today has been hectic to say the least, but we survived and will go at it again tomorrow! We did wake up on time and make it to Danny's school this morning, but then I had to run to Brandon's work and take him some things so we almost were late to John Michael's school. This would have been really bad since I ripped my jeans this morning right before I got in the van and if I had changed we would have been late. Oh well, I got to stay in the car so all worked out, and worse case scenario I had a long sweater in the van.

After I got home I was going to work around the house, and I did to an extent, but trying to get things ready for tonight and my e-mails sorted and all of the other things I had going on done, well, I was not near as productive as I needed to be, even though I did get some things done, which is always a plus. Tomorrow I will accomplish more, it is not optional as I will not be home Thursday...there is a wedding happening and I am super excited!

So John Michael had his first game at 6:00 tonight, Danny also had his first real game at 7:30. Danny also had a Home and School meeting (well that is just for the parents but it was at his school and means no uniform Friday) at 6:00 tonight. I wanted to do it all, but it was just not possible. The home and school meeting was the last for the year so I went and mingled and listened. It was really nice, but I was glad to make it to see the last inning of John Michael's game as well as Danny's. I did get to make it to everything, but not the whole thing, which makes me a little sad. I knew that it was bound to happen sooner or later, but still, I would love to be able to bi locate and do it all! That is just one super power I missed out on. I am very thankful that no speeding tickets were involved tonight, because I might have been driving a little faster than normal. I tried to control that urge to really fly reminding myself that a ticket would be horrible, and an accident even worse, but still I was very thankful for no police men tonight! Thanks guys for radaring the other areas of the roads and not mine. ;) I did find out that we were supposed to sign out and my one track mind had me missing that part so hopefully it will not effect Danny wearing his uniform on Friday. Otherwise I will have one unhappy child. I will call the principal tomorrow and see what he says. Or maybe I should just beg forgiveness if they say something to Danny. I was there so I am sure it will not be a problem.

Oh yeah, John Michael lost his game, but they definitely played better tonight and Danny won his game! Go Tigers and Yankees! I love you boys!

The bat fiasco is still happening and Dizzy Dean is definitely getting a letter. This is seriously nutty! Anyway, I am off to bed. Cub Scouts tomorrow night and unless Brandon gets off in time I am the den leader. Hopefully all will go well. I still have to figure out what we have to do.

Before I go to bed I will be remembering all of my family and friends in my prayers! Thanks for always being there and loving me for who I am and standing beside us at all times it means a lot. I also am asking that you all remember each moment is special and that somehow in the end it all gets done!

April Fools Day

So today started off great and ended great...I am just exhausted, but it is all good.

Today I got up on time! YAY! And took Danny to school. Since John Michael and Brandon were off today I left them here to sleep in a little. We rarely get a chance to sleep in without anyone having to rush around so I figured that they would enjoy it. And they did.

I came home and worked on laundry and some more editing of the pictures from the play. Then it was time to get ready to meet up with Terri and get ready for the wedding we were shooting today. It was the prettiest simple wedding. I was so touched, which I have to admit I am at all weddings, I just Love them. It was such a happy time and the bride and groom were totally consumed with each other, which is always magical. They were such a fun and easy going couple and I cannot wait to get started on their pictures. Thank you Terri for asking me along! It was a blast!

The crazy thing about the house where the wedding was is I actually think that it is a house thatmy mom grew up playing at (her uncles) small world! I will show her the pictures and we shall see.

Well, I made it home with just enough time to change and get the boys (Brandon got Danny from school today) and then head to Danny's basketball party. It was a lot of fun. The boys and the parents had a small basketball game and it was hilarious. Then there was pizza, a cake (because seriously no party is complete without cake) and trophies. The boys won the Toy Bowl and were super excited to get their first place trophies. Thank you Coach Adam for a great season! Until next year!

Then off to the ballpark to pick up uniforms for John Michael's team and get Danny's from his coach. We also helped (well Brandon did) get the bounce houses ready for tomorrow. Opening Day here we come.

Well, I am off to bed. We have to be at the park and I am exhausted. I have a thousand things to do, but it is just not working out for me right now. Too tired!!! Before I go to bed though I will remember to include all of you in my thoughts and prayers! I also am praying for a successful opening day. The park's new president and his wife have put in so much time and all they ask is for the kids to enjoy. You two are amazing and so will this season!

The day that started with a backpack!!!

Well if it was not enough that we started this morning late.... I was so proud we all slept late, and somehow managed to get in the van and into Irondale with time to spare this morning. That was until Danny asked where his backpack was. The very backpack that I told him to get on his way downstairs. So we turned around came home got the backpack and took John Michael to school. On the way into John Michael's school I noticed Danny was not wearing his belt, which is a uniform essential. So we came back to the house so he could get his belt and then finally off to his school again!

Monica vs. the House got off to a late start because of the backpack adventure, but still in today's episode Danny's room was the target and I got a bulls eye. I even got a head start on tomorrow which is the den. This is the room that I am scared of. Seriously! Today alone two bags to the trash and two to donations. I have been tossing bags from my Christmas 2011 shopping in there so now it is time to get them somewhere until time to wrap and give. I am proud to report that currently Monica is defeating the house.

Well, it is almost 9 and unless a miracle occurs and Danny's goes to bed (his bedtime is 8) then I will not make it in bed before. Oh well, I will not give up. Before I go to bed as always I will remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. While today was super hectic and definitely not my ideal morning, it was a great day and it was productive! Remember even when things do not go what we perceive as right does not mean that they are wrong just that we have to make it work. I was very irritated this morning and then a few deep breaths and I figure that there was a reason, maybe it was just for the few extra minutes with Danny. Whatever this morning was meant to do it did not ruin my day! Enjoy each day and the blessings that it holds.

Rainy Mondays

This morning I got up did my workout, got in the shower, got ready, got the boys up and then laid back down and wanted to go back to bed...that is what a rainy Monday will do to you. I had to get the office task started though so I took the boys to school, came home and got to work. Fortunately I got everything that I needed together, so now it is just a matter of getting everything compiled. There is a lot going on at the schools the next two weeks so I will be busy, but it will all be good.

Today was the only day that Danny will wear his regular uniform to school. Tomorrow it is the scout uniform, Wednesday mass uniform, Thursday he has on out of uniform day, and Friday is his spirit uniform. Wow! Hopefully I can keep it all straight in the morning. I actually plan to lay out his scout uniform tonight so that should help...hopefully!

We laughed at John Michael tonight he did not like what we were having for dinner so he opted for his lunchable. The thing is I only buy them when they are on sale or when I have a coupon, and I never get the one with a drink. Anyway, he has one for tomorrow and then it is sandwiches. He made a "sandwich" that was too big too pick up. He proceeded to break it down and then he dunked it in his milk. It was pretty gross, but he liked it and I used it as a photo opportunity.

Well I am headed to bed! It is a little after 9, but I am getting closer. Before I go to bed i continue to remember all of my friends and family in my prayers. You are all so amazing and I am thankful to have you in my life. I am also praying for all Catholic schools as Catholic Schools week continue!

Out of Uniform!!!

It is always an exciting day when the uniform is traded in for jeans and today was no exception. Danny was so excited when he remembered that he could wear whatever he wanted today. He chose to sport the 2010 National Championship shirt and jeans. He looked so cute! Of course he has worn it all before but not to school! So he was excited to say War Eagle in Orange and Blue! He said he had a great day and that is what is most important to me.

We picked up John Michael from Nana's and he of course had a great time too.

The boys were exhausted and it was no better for mom and dad. We accomplished the dining room and the living room so that is done. Monica vs. the House and right now Monica (and family) are kicking the booty! Next week will be the bedrooms, den and office! I might have to hit the office first since I need to get everything ready for taxes! We shall see how it all works out, especially considering that next week will be hectic as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week.

We were able to get outside for a while after homework was done and that was nice. I am so excited about this weekend. The temps are supposed to be in the upper 60's. Now next week is not looking so nice, but one day at a time! We plan to enjoy the weekend and all of the things that we have to do and want to do. It will be busy, but fun and best of all a lot of it will be outside, thanks to the great weather!

Well, still not in bed by 9, but one day it will happen and it will probably be the title for the day's blog!

I will be remembering you all in my thoughts and my prayers! You know it is amazing how some people do not believe that Catholics are Christians or that we do not pray, or that we do not pray right, but being Catholic means being a Christian and as I am watching my children grow in their faith I know that it true. It is a blessing to be as close to God as we are, and I am thankful that my parents (even though my dad was not Catholic) ensured that the basis of my beliefs were Catholic, pro-life, and blessed!