Change of Plans

So the rain all night last night and this morning meant cancelations for photoshoots this morning.  It is never good when it happens, but I just cannot control the weather, trust me if I could I would.  I definitely have a preference for photo shoots and for days off.  I did take advantage of the day and spent a good bit of time editing.  I still have so much to do, but I am running on a close schedule. 
We took complete advantage of the cool rainy day.  After the rain was done, Brandon finished up the last flower bed.  It looks really good and as soon as we get some money to add flowers and bushes to it will look really amazing.  We are also going to get my hydrangea bush from the old house, which really makes me happy.  I love that bush so much and was super sad that it was going to stay.  Now if only I could convince him that the tulip bush should be moved.  Hmmm....I will work on that. 

The boys washed mom's van and Brandon's truck.  My van really needs it, but since it took two hours for those two mine will have to wait for next weekend.

I had a good bit of homework too so that took up a good bit of the day.  I would love not to have to stress and in about a year I will not know what to do with all of the extra time I have.  Maybe my doctorate?  Hmmm....again something to ponder.

Cookie Fun

So today started off slow. I feel horrible, my sinuses are just not adjusting well. Probably because a week ago it was freezing outside. Anyway, my whole face hurt. I did start to feel some better but really cannot wait to be 100% again. I have way too much to do.

The boys and I made cookies all day. They wanted to and I figured what's the harm. It gave us some time together and it was fun. Needless to say I am finishing the chocolate chip ones up now. We had to halt baking them so that I could use the oven for dinner. I did not get started back as early as I wanted so I am finishing them now.

The sugar cookies were the boys favorites, probably because I gave them icing and sprinkles and told them to go to town.

Well, I know that this is a short entry but it was a day that we spent just enjoying each other. I hope that all of you were able to do the same with you family today.

Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of you. Tomorrow starts Danny's last week as a second grader, which I cannot believe. I am looking forward to summer, but I cannot believe I almost have a third grader.

Just Another Manic Monday...

Come on sing with me! I know you want to.

So we were on our way to St. Francis this morning when Danny starts to have a horrible asthma attack. Of everything the baby got from me why was this the gene that was passed along. Anyway, I let him stay home because I know that it was miserable, plus it was a really bad one that ended in him throwing up. He laid around and is much better. Thanks to all his asthma meds. Come on weather stay warm and work with me!

John Michael went to school and had a great day. Today was his last full day of school. I did not realize how sad I was until he walked out with his bag full of all the end of the year stuff. The papers that they did not do and his towel, crayons, markers, etc.

He has been so funny tonight working on his "homework" as he has decided. I am just glad that he it finally at a place that he enjoys working hard.

Well, Danny is asleep and John Michael needs to be. While I know that this is short I also wanted to make certain that I made it back to being on schedule! YAY! I needed a definite positive. There is a lot that I plan to do this summer and getting organized is definitely one of them. This was a start!

I also have Mrs. Hayes (2nd grade) gift ready and I will send it to be printed tomorrow. I want to double check it tomorrow with fresh eyes!

Before I go to bed I will make sure to remember you all in my prayers. I will also be praying for the warmer temperatures to come on back. I am not looking forward to the ballpark with this chill in the air! Good night and sweet dreams to you all!

A little Late...

So we came home from the ballpark last night and got the boys ready for bed, and while getting them to sleep I also passed out, so I am a little late with the blog, but this is for Tuesday.

Both boys had ballgames tonight. John Michael's team lost, but they were playing much better by the end of the game. It had been a week since they had played and they were playing the best team. We have a mom on the team though, that is on my last nerve. She is all about winning and her son being amazing, well I am telling the world now, he is not! We spend more time calling his name and attempting to get him to behave. Of course when I tell his parents something they do not listen, so why it would be any different with him. Anyway, we have an amazing group of boys, who truly have FUN!

Danny and his team won. It was a great game and all of the boys seemed to be mark on. They have a boy on their team who has never played, and he did amazing!

Well, I know that this is short, but what can I say I am concerned about the weather. The picture is of one of our Hibiscus bushes. Amazing flowers that bloomed on Tuesday!

I prayed for all of you last night, as I do every night. Hopefully I will have power and be on top of the blog tonight!

Spring Break Tuesday

Tuesday of Spring Break has come and is almost gone. Sort of sad how quick this week always goes by. I wish that we would have had the money for a short trip, but it is what it is. Maybe later this year we will be able to do something.

John Michael's black eye is continuing to iprove. Poor little guy.

This morning the boys and I went to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens for a photo shoot that I had. It was a great shoot with two wonderful boys and even a few with mom and dad too! It is always nice to get the family in for a shoot or two! Watch the Photography blog for more on this great family and their session.

This was the first time the boys had been to the gardens, with the exception of for a wedding. They really seemed to have a good time. I cannot wait to take them back once everything is in bloom and colorful. The tuplis were gorgeous though. They seemed to be pretty excited about going back as well. We shall see how that plays out.

Well, we came home and I got dinner ready, a load of laundry done, and then Brandon came home we ate and headed out for the ballpark. John Michael had practice tonight. It went well. He seems to be having a blast and so does Brandon. Tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday Danny has practice and then Saturday John Michael has practice and Danny has a practice game.

Today was Elliott's birthday and we hope that he had an amazing day. We cannot wait to be at his party on Saturday. I hate that we are not going to be able to stay long, but that is the law of the ballpark these days! We are excited to celebrate the big 5 with him!

NOT happy with the local weather man. He just decided to talk about a cold snap in early April...all I can say is NO!!!!!!!

Well, I am so tired. I am hoping that I can get to sleep soon instead of running 1000 things through my min as soon as my head hits the pillow. We shall see. Before I go to bed I will say a special prayer for all of my family and friends. I am also praying for all of those traveling during Spring Break. We are staying around the house, and I am hoping that I can make the week special for the boys. Till tomorrow!

Catholic Schools Week

Today is the beginning of Catholic Schools week, which is always a fun and exciting week for the students, parents, teachers, faculty, and everyone involved in Catholic schools.

This students were asked to wear their uniforms to school. The 11:00 Mass they also sang in the choir, and did the readings. It was really great and I have to admit to getting a little emotional during Mass. There is something almost magical about the children singing. Danny is in the Children's choir and he did very well, they all did. I was and am still a proud momma.

There was also a great display in the vestibule this morning that had a picture of all the Saint Francis students. It was really nice.

The banner that the youth from SFX took to the Walk for Life in Washington DC was also on display and it was great.

Next week is the food drive so hopefully I will rememer. I seem to be on a role and I have to get more organized. This morning was the First Eucharist parent's meetings and I had no idea. I feel like such a horrile person. I was assured by one of the mom's that it was no big deal. As I am decluttering my home hopefully I will be able to keep up with it all. Next year it will be an amazing blessing to have them in the same school! I think that alone will help. I currently drive 132 miles a day!!! That is enough to drive anyone crazy...right?

Everyone seemed to be shocked by John Michael's hair, but they also seemed to like it. It is a shock, he has always had a lot of hair and even though he has had several hair cuts, we have always kept it a little longer. Now he looks like a big kid! I guess it had to happen sometime.

Well, it is definitely after 9, but tomorrow is a new day! I will try again. On my way to bed I will remember everyone in my prayers. I will also be praying that the alarm will wake us up in the morning, I need Monday to start well this week! I hope that everyone enjoyed the nice weekend as it looks like now we will have rain followed by really cold weather!

Basketball...Haircuts...GREAT WEATHER!!!!

Well, today was quite a day! We had a lot to do and a lot going on, but it was a great one!

First, I want to sing praises for the amazing weather. I could not have drawn a better January Saturday! If only it would stay, there is a lot more winter. Hopefully not a lot more winter weather though! I was able to get the van cleaned, inside and out and that alone made me feel wonderful! I have been trying to get it done and today I just did it, with the help of the family!

Danny had another basketball game. This one was against the other OLS team and the SFX Saints won again. The final score was 23-2. These boys play so well together and have a great time. Danny played well especially considering that his finger was jammed after throwing the football around Friday night with Brandon. Brandon felt horrible, but it is doing better. Still sore and black and blue, but it is better. I felt horrible because I forgot my camera. They only have a few more games so I cannot do it again. The thing was we were running late, and when I remembered it was afraid if we turned around we would be even later, it worked out that we were 10 minutes early. Go figure. Oh well, there are reasons for everything.

Tomorrow morning the children's choir is singing at Mass so it should be great! I will remember my camera. Maybe I will put it in the van tonight.

We came home tonight and Brandon wanted to cut his hair, Danny wanted him to cut his, and then my rock star John Michael wanted his cut too! Well, they all have matching haircuts now! It is so sweet and I do like it, but he looks so much older now. They grow up so fast! Prior to matching haircuts, they got matching head lights today and were super excited!!! Check out the before and after pics for John Michael!!!

Well, still not before 9 but it will happen! SOON! Before I head to bed as always I will be praying for all of my family and friends. I love you all. I hope that you have all been able to enjoy this weekend and that it continues to be great for all of us and all of you!

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!

2010 National Champions WAR EAGLE!

So I am a little after midnight, but it was due to lack of oxygen due to holding my breath during the 2010 National Championship game! It was an amazing game. In fact it was AUsome! I love the Auburn Tigers, the fans, the coaches, the player, the school. It is great to be an Auburn Tiger tonight as they defeat the Oregon Ducks 22-19. We all sat around and watched the game, and there was not a dull moment! It was unbelievable and came down to the last few seconds! I would have loved to have been in Glendale Arizona tonight to celebrate with everyone, but my home in Birmingham Alabama was full of excitement too. The Magical Elves and Aubie the reindeer even came back to watch the game with us. You know Santa is an Auburn fan too!

Had I been in Arizona though I would have missed the fun in the snow/ice with the boys. It was definitely more ice than anything, but we pulled out the boogy boards for the beach and used them to sled down the driveway. It was a lot of fun even though it was freezing outside! We bundled up, and had a blast. It continued to mist freezing rain throughout the day so again the schools are closed all day tomorrow and Brandon's work is until at least noon, opening a noon will depend on the roads, which are currently closed. There is no getting out of our driveway at least not now, we will see what tomorrow brings.

Well, it is late and after a day in the ice and a night watching an amazing football game I am ready for bed! Before I go as always I say a prayer for all of my friends and family. You all mean the world to me! I also say a prayer for anyone traveling that they make it to their destinations safely. And for the Auburn nation I am Proud to be an Auburn Tiger! WAR EAGLE!!!

Winter Storm 2011

What a crazy day it has been and I do not just mean the weather. We got up and went to Mass, the boys were excellent. Danny always is getting John Michael to sit still and be quiet is a task that I have yet to master. We were on our way home and John Michael got sick. The thing is he has a hernia and because of that reflux, yet the medicine for reflux makes him sick. When he starts it can be a task to get it to stop. Well so far he has held down a couple of Popsicles, but that is about it and that is a feat with him.

This incident made me go from wanting to keep power for heat, hot water, and of course the Auburn game to needing to keep it for all of these reasons and also so that I can clean and do all the extra laundry that accumulated and be able to give warm baths. We are prepared if we lose power but some things will be almost impossible and if this is a virus I do not want it to spread. Praying for power to stay on!

Now to the crazy weather. It was almost 70 after the white Christmas, and again toward the end of the week but as I sit here it is snowing and sleeting outside. It started as heavy sleet, then moved on to some HUGE snow flakes, then back to ice, and now a mix. I much prefer snow over ice plus I think it will be better on my above mentioned power concern. It seems backwards to watch outside and see the streets covered and white and the yards just starting to get that way. Usually it works opposite in Birmingham. We shall see what tomorrow brings!

I am hoping that my husband's work leaves a message soon letting him know that they will not open tomorrow. Getting out in this weather is insane and the fact that they are not discussing closing yet is a concern. They are a Christian organization, so they should care the most for the welfare of their employees. Hoping that the message comes about soon.

Now as we head to bed I pray for the safety of anyone on the roads for any reason. I also pray for a victory tomorrow night. I pray for snow as the boys are really excited, and that they are healthy so that they can play in it. I pray for power. I also pray for all of my friends and family and for their needs whether they are head aloud or deep within. I love you all and am here for you!

Epiphany

We had a King's Cake for breakfast and other than the fact it fell apart and did not look pretty it was yummy. Brandon got the lucky piece! I took the one to Danny's class and it was a big hit, which is always a nice thing to hear. They had a great day and the new student is who got lucky in class. Danny was a little disapponted, but now that the tradition has been started I let him know that their is always next year.

Basketball and homework pretty much have been the story since we got out of school. I do not know what makes homework time so difficult but it is always nice to know that I am not the only one. I dread the day they both have homework. Thursdays are Brandon's late night at work so I will be glad when he gets home. It is nice to have some reinforcement and the way that the night is going it is possible we will still be working. I spend a lot of time taking deep breaths while we do homework.

I do have to say that I am sad that the Epiphany is here, I love Christmas and all that it brings. We will start taking everything down tomorrow and work on it throughout the weekend, it is a lot so it takes a while. I love it though and am excited about the additional items we purcased to put up and out next year.

John Michael has just fallen asleep on my shoulder and the sweetest sounds of laughter keep making me smile. I love knowing that he is having sweet dreams. Now to keep him asleep when I take him to bed.

Before I head to bed I will be praying that everyday can be a little more like Christmas. There is a joy and a peace in the air, and I will miss it. I will also add that if it is going to be winter precipitation on Sunday night, I hope for snow not ice!