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.

Sick

This morning Brandon just let me sleep.  He knew I did not sleep good all night and that I just felt bad.  It was nice to sleep in and the thing is even after I got up I ended up sleeping most of the day.  I slept outside in the chair, then inside on the couch.  It has just been a rough one.  When I was awake I was taking any cold medicine I could find.  Hopefully today is the worst day of them all and tomorrow I will be back to normal. 

Brandon spent most of the day working in the yard.  He got all but half of one of the flower beds done and that is because he ran out of pinestraw. 

I have a photo shoot at 9:00 in Hoover and then we have meet the teacher day. 

I also just had a prayer answered with a phone call.  I have been so worried about finances and having so far to go with the school and everything.  Debbie, the after school care coordinator called to offer me a job. I am definitely looking forward to it and I know that it is the answer to so many prayers.  We end up having hours to spare and I honestly had no idea how I was going to handle that.  This is a blessing and I am so thankful that it could work out with this as a part time job and then the photography still and the best part is that I would be able to maintain the same schedule as the boys have during the school year!
Definitely feeling blessed.  I need to call Mr. Wright tomorrow so I really hope that I am better because I sound so bad. 

Busy Bees

This morning I had to be up and in Mountain Brook for a photo shoot.  The baby girl, Alice, was gorgeous, but not in the mood to finish up the shoot so I am going to go back and try again.  I did get some very cute shots, stay tuned to the blog at www.monicaannephotography.com for more on this shoot and so many others.
After the session I headed home.  Aunt B and John Michael had run to Trussville for Aunt Paula and Danny and Brandon were busy working in the yard.  There were some goofy areas that he basically turned into flower beds.  He got one of three done today, and the other two marked off so YAY for progress. 

When Brittany got back me and her and John Michael headed to WalMart and the Chopping Block.  We got almost everything we needed at Walmart, I forgot salt and milk.  Oh well.  We got hamburgers and pork chops at the chopping block.  If you have not been there for your meat you really should go, there is no better place to get your meat!  Now that we have a grill I plan to be there as often as the budget will allow.  If only we could get our refrigerator in maybe we would have a little room to store extra meat, this mini-fridge is insane!!!!

I started to feel pretty bad and basically could not keep my head up or my eyes open.  My allergies are really going nuts and it is not what I need right now.  I have way too much to do. 

Samantha and Mario came over and ate burgers with us.  Tami and Kevin and the boys were supposed to come over too but they got held up at football practice.  Poor Carter is also eaten up with poison ivy.  I hope that he feels better soon.  We missed you guys, but we will definitely make it happen soon. 

We all ended up sitting in the driveway until almost one watching the meteor shower.  It was so pretty and being up so high they looked so low.  It was gorgeous. 

My Daddy's Birthday

So today was a super hard day I am just glad that I was super busy.
Today was my daddy's birthday. I just want to have a day to spend with him. There is a country song about being able to visit heaven and I really wish it was possible. A day trip to see my dad and get one more hug or talk about absolutely nothing. He was such an amazing person and it break my heart that he is no longer here. God definitely showed me that He only takes the best when He decided to call my dad home. It seems so unfair that my children have to grow up without their Granddaddy who made them his life, I know that he would be so proud of them. I just wish that he could tell them that himself. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss my dad, but I also know that the best way I can honor him is to be the best person I can be and to raise my children the best that I know how and that is what I am definitely trying to do.
I had back to back photo shoots today starting at 9:00. Stay tuned to the blog on my website for the newest sessions. www.MonicaAnnePhotography.com.
While I was working the boys' worked at the house around the yard. It looks great and I appreciate all of the work that they did so much! It was nice to come home to cut grass!

Football and Popcorn

Today was a hectic day with an out of town photo shoot. I love each session and they are all great, but after driving two hours to find out that there was no session I was a little sad. I still had to drive home and there was a lot that I could have done with that time. Oh well, it gave me some me time and the mileage is a deductible so I will not complain. There was a blessing in there, I just have to find it.
Brandon got the yard cut and ready for the decorations. Front and back are done. He will probably do it one more time, but overall we are ready at least on the outside. YAY! While cleaning out the boys' garden they found a watermelon, actually 2 and a VERY small cucumber. The boys thought it was great. While I am not sure that they will be good to eat, the joy it brought them was great. Hopefully next time they will take better care of their garden.
We watch the Auburn game, which was not as good as I was hoping but I love screaming WAR EAGLE! The boys in orange and blue make me smile. They are a growing team, and growing pains are a fact of life. I am proud of what they have accomplished and know that there will be more.
We headed out and started the popcorn delivery today. We still have a good bit to go, but we are making progress which is all we can do. I hope to finish it up this week, but it could be next weekend. We shall see what the week brings.

Girl Baby and A Yard Again!!!

Today started off great. We went to Mass at 8:30 this morning, which is my favorite Mass. I am not sure why, but it always has been. I love starting Sundays off right! The boys' were excellent which is always nice!

We came home and I started to get everything ready for Amanda's Baby shower. We are finally getting a girl in the family, it has been a long time. Amanda is a pretty pregnant, and I know that she is ready, but she really does have that mommy glow. The shower was pink and lime green. I cannot wait to get to work on the pictures.

Of course there are a few session in front of hers, but I will get there. I plan to work my tail off to get caught back up! Of course I am very thankful to be so busy though, and I am hoping that it stays that way. I love what I do and I am loving every minute of working, which is a wonderful feeling.

Amanda got a lot of really nice things, all the pink was so great to see! Alexa is not going to want for anything that is a definite. I cannot wait to take some newborn pictures. My aunt made a cake and cupcakes, and while I could not eat the strawberry cake, the cupcakes were delicious. She also made the fondant and it was very good! Seriously like eating marshmallows, and that you cannot go wrong with.

I came home and Brandon had been working in the yard, in fact you could tell that we had a yard again. He has been able to cut it, but not weed eat so some areas were tough to handle. He did not cut today, but got all of the weed eating done and now he can cut when in the afternoons when he gets home. It looked great and I was super appreciative.

Well, I am off to bed. I finished editing one birthday party's photographs and started on the next today so hopefully I can wrap it up tomorrow night. Not holding my breath though, there is a lot to do to get ready for school, and tomorrow is doctor day for both boys and John Michael's meeting with the Kindergarten teachers. Hopefully it will be a no waiting kind of day though, that is the worst part about the doctor's office!

Know that you are all in my prayers tonight. I hope that there were many blessings for each of you this weekend. If you live close the rain tonight, was a definite needed blessing for us all!

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!

Welcoming in May

So May is here, WOW! I know I said it yesterday about April being gone but I am saying it again about May being here. I can remember thinking how crazy adults were thinking that time flew by when it seemed to crawl, but now I am right there and I understand. I do not know if it is because of the right now lives that we all live or if it is just a part of growing up, but regardless I understand.

Today Brandon and the boys cut the front yard and got the riding lawn mower almost ready for the back yard, which will be nice as it is a lot taller than I like! I am looking forward to it being done, maybe tomorrow? We shall see, expect an update sooner than later!

I kicked off May with a wedding, with Terri Melvin. We had a great time and I think captured the day for the bride and groom. I hope that the day for them was everything that they had hoped and more. The wedding was at Aldridge Gardens in Hover. It was very pretty. I am including a picture of the grounds for my blog, but it is raw. Edited pictures will follow in my other blog. Sooner than later I hope. I have some product shots and prom pictures to get finished up! Needless to say I know what I will be doing this week!

Well, I am off to bed tonight. I am exhausted. I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers! I hope that as time flies and things may seem dark that you are able to enjoy life and find the silver lining that I have been told is always there!

Easter

Today started early, but it was GREAT!

The boys were so excited when they woke up and the Easter bunny had been here. Typically he comes while we are at Mass, but since we were going out to eat instead of coming home to cook he came last night while we were sleeping. The boys were so excited about what he wrote on the eggs that they dyed, all of the candy that he brought, he also brought a few small toys and $10 gift cards. They were excited which makes my heart VERY happy!

We went to Mass at 8:30 we actually got there a little before 8 so I could get some pictures of my boys. I always love the Easter Mass. I hope to take the boys' to the Vigil Mass one year, but right now I am just concentrating on John Michael sitting still for an hour and that one is usually about 2.

We went to the church's Easter Egg Hunt right after Mass, and a quick change of clothes. The hunt was on the playground and since Danny was in his suit that he is wearing for his First Communion we did a quick clothing change.

We went to lunch at Logan's, and I have to say it was great. There was no fuss over cooking, cleaning, anything. I think we might have a new Easter tradition. We were there about 11:15 and there was no waiting, it was seriously great. Well the service today left something to be desired, but other than that it was great.

We came home so that we could all change clothes so we could work outside. Brandon finished up the front flower beds. He got the plants that we have been collecting for 2 months now planted. It looks great. Of course there is a lot to do, but it will take some time, and money. We figure a little each year and we will get there, and appreciate the new additions each year. Plus it is about the only way that we can even pretend to afford it. I also cleaned out the van, I still need to detail it, but other than baseball stuff there is nothing in there. We also had another egg hunt at the house! It was in the backyard, but a lot of fun.

Danny is out of school tomorrow for Holy Monday, but John Michael has school so I think that he and I will vacuum and wash it and detail it. Well, we will see. Of course he is ready to spend these gift cards. I also think that we will work in the den. I have so much to do and still 2 sets of pictures to finish editing, not to mention the personal ones. I will get there though. We will just have to see how tomorrow goes to decide what we will do.

Well, I am off to bed! Before I go I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. Please remember a friend of mine whose husband lost his mom this morning. While it was expected it is never easy when it comes. Thanks everyone. I hope that you all had a blessed Easter!

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.

Running Around

So today was Sunday, which is never a day of rest. I am hoping that one day it will be, but the important thing is that it was a great day.

The boys both had practice from 3-5. I did not go so that I could get some errands done that I cannot do with the boys and do not know that I will have time to do this week. I am proud to announce that it was a success. It is all done! After visiting 6 stores, I can say now I can relax a little, well about that part anyway.

I do still have to find the boys something to wear for Easter. My plan is to find Danny a suit, I have a lead but the store is closed till Tuesday, thanks Tonya! Danny can wear this for Easter and his First Communion. For John Michael some plaid shorts and a nice shirt, or maybe even a sweater vest. We shall see what this week brings about while shopping. I also have to find them shoes. It will all happen though. This is going to be my goal for Tuesday after I drop them off at school. So expect an update then.

Brandon came home and said that only 5 boys showed up for John Michael's team practice and of course the one that Brandon really needed there was a no show. Of course I forget according to his parents he is an excellent ball player. Seriously...he is great at running across the field and fighting over the ball, but then he just stands there with it. That is what they were going to work on today. John Michael said that they got to run a little with Danny's team and he thought that was pretty cool. I think they had the same issue with a few no shows. Heck I know that my boys need practice and as long as we can be there we will be!

Anyway. We also went and got a Hibiscus plant for the front of the house, well 2, one for each corner. Hopefully we will get all of these new plants in the ground soon.

So I have changed our Easter plans. I think we are going to go out to lunch. I am just not in the mood for stressing over cooking, and entertaining. This way we can go to Mass, go out (and someone else cleans up), and then enjoy the day together. I did tell Brandon I would still bake a ham and he seemed happy because it means that we can work in the yard. If it is sunny that works for me, I love getting natural vitamin D.

So I am headed to bed. Tomorrow is craft day with John Michael's class so it will be a busy Monday. Before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. I hope that this Easter week brings many blessings to you all.

More Yard Work Sunday

From the looks of things it appears that Sunday will be our yard work day. The boys' plants have been overtaking my kitchen so today Brandon built them a raised garden to plant in. He also fenced in the whole corner where it is so that they can plant flowers, and some of the more winding plants behind the fence but not in their garden. They were pretty excited as they started taking their plants from the little buckets to the big garden. I hope that they all make it! I want my boys' to enjoy gardening. I love to do it, but am just not talented so I watch. I try to convince everyone that I am supervising, but usually enjoying a good book and vitamin D.

It was a great day, and is going to end with a short blog. Mainly because I am tired and ready for bed. I have been working outside, editing pictures, trying to clean, and working on homework! It is just a typical day for momma! Oh well, I love my typical so it was nice!

Before I go to bed I will be saying a prayer for all of my friends and family. My mom is going to have 2 tests tomorrow to check a mass on her kidney. Please pray for great results! Thank you everyone!

Good Bye Forest....Hello Yard

So today we knew without a doubt that Brandon would have some yard work to do. Between the rain and the ballpark it has gone unattended. It was the yard that people had to think as they drove by, Do they still live there? Well, now they know that we do!

The plan was for me to take the boys to the baseball fields for a player's clinic but neither were feeling great so I opted to let them stay home. Hopefully everyone understands why we made the call. I think that they were seriously exhausted, because they were both in bed early.

I did want to spend some time outside so we played out back a little, and then after a trip to Home Depot where the Mulch was 1.12 a bag, we got the boys some seeds and the little starter greenhouses and we came home to plant. Brandon even got me 2 of the larger azalea bushes. I think that azaleas are so pretty but I am very glad that we have the larger ones, those are my favorite! Now to get some roses!

The wasps were trying to form an army today, but I was also armed with my new favorite spray to kill them. I have to say I found it satisfying to watch them die. Mess with my family or our space and watch out. The boys, especially Danny thought that it was great to study one of them who landed on the back of one of our deck benches...never to land anywhere else again! Sorry I am so not a fan of insect...and YES insects were harmed!

So I have been adding up what I need to get through these last 2 months of school. Why is it that the end of the year is so much more than the beginning? I am determined not to let finances get me down, but they are definitely trying. I have a lot to get ready this week because there is a lot going on.

Danny is supposed to have a game tomorrow night, but I guess that will be decided by Mother Nature. With the weather as questionable as it is who knows. I just hope that we are home when it starts. All of us, I do not like it when we have to be on the roads and the weather is bad. I am definitely praying that the weather holds off till we get home.

John Michael found a leaf that looked like Batman...he had to add eye holes, but it is really crazy the similarities. I wonder if I could have sold it on e-Bay like those who find Mary in toast? Hmmm...The thing is I was lucky to get a picture. Batman the leaf had a run in with metal man...who by the way is rubber. John Michael is definitely a trip! You have to stay alert or you will fall behind.

Well, everyone is in bed. I am still working on homework and pictures, but I do not think I can go anymore. I am off to bed myself. I will be of no use if I get sick. Well, as we all know mom's never get sick. Anyway, before I go to bed I will say a prayer for all of my family and friends. I am also asking for a prayer for my mom, she is not wanting specifics out there but know that she needs some prayers. Thanks everyone. Until tomorrow, which is picture day for John Michael!