What do Weddings and Baseball have in Common?

Monica, Danny and John Michael is the correct answer!

This morning started early and with little arguing from the boys about having to get up. Only because John Michael was so excited about Q and U finally getting married. Danny was excited about checking out to go to see the wedding.

I stayed the day with John Michael and the 4K classes to take pictures and help everyone get ready for the big day. They were some very excited boys and girls! They have worked so hard and today it was all going to pay off.

The wedding was perfect! The boys and girls did great and I will be adding a Q and U wedding to my photography portfolio, which in itself is unique! I am very excited about getting to work on these pictures! They are so cute! The girls looked beautiful, the boys handsome! I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of the day for John Michael and for the teachers who have worked so hard. Stay tuned for a lot of pictures people, they are coming!

After the wedding we came home and started on homework and getting ready for baseball. Both boys played, one at 6 the other at 7:3o.

John Michael's game was at 6 and since Brandon had to work late I was the coach and I have to admit it was a lot of fun. For 6 innings we were 1 and 1, we went into one OT inning, the 7th and ended up losing 2-3, but the boys did great! I was so proud of them all!

Danny's game was at 7:30 and they all did great too. They did lose though, which broke Danny's heart he wanted to be undefeated, but I assured him that was something that was easier said that done. He was a good sport and said that they would just have to play better next time, which is Saturday!

All this said I am just now getting to bed and I am pooped to say the very least. Tomorrow morning I have a product shots photo shoot, then to get Danny, and then a prom photo shoot. I am very excited. I love the fact that my career has become something that I truly love doing!

Before I go to sleep I will say a prayer for all of my friends and family. You are all amazing people and I hope that you know that. So many times as I have learned we are so busy with everything that we do not enjoy anything. This is something I am not doing anymore. I am truly going to love life and everyday that I am blessed with. I am loving living life and I hope that you are too!

9 Years Ago Today....

9 Years Ago today I married my best friend, the one that I laugh with, live for and LOVE! I cannot believe that it has been9 years it does not feel like that much time has passed. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was one of the greatest days in my life.

The two pics are pictures of pictures...I will have to get a lot of things scanned since I am in the process of cleaning out again! Wedding pics are a must!

Each day our love has continued to grow, we stand next to each other. Neither of us are in front of or behind the other we are always next to each other, a truly united pair.

I met Brandon in January of 1995. We were 14 almost 15 and the people that we were dating were friends and decided a double date to the circus would be fun. We did have a great time, and ironically Brandon and I hit it off from the beginning. We were instant friends, we continued to meet up at the ballpark where our brothers played. We exchanged phone numbers one night, even though we were both still dating other people, but we were truly friends. It grew into something more very quickly and I knew before I was 16 that I would have spent my entire life with him. All I wanted was to make him happy and to be with him. He did break my heart and for a few months we barely spoke. We started to become friends again and would date off an on, but that was it. I was terrified of being hurt. Years later when we were out of high school and actually both engaged, we were 20 he called and in no time we were best friends again. We called off our engagements. In November of 2001 we were engaged and in April of 2002 we were married. While the details go deeper and I could write about our love for hours that is the short story. It is our fairy tale and he is definitely prince charming! We truly went from strangers to friends to forever!

Today he came home, much earlier than I expected. He surprised me with gorgeous flowers and 2 cards. We had cub scouts so we headed out for that, had dinner at Pasquale's which was very good and then onto the store to get the things for the Q & U Wedding! Now we are home and exhausted. One more note the boys' plants have started to bloom!

Before I go to bed I will remember you all in my thoughts and prayers. I also pray that everyone has the opportunity to feel a love like the love that Brandon and I share. It is magical and rooted in our faith in God.

"So Faith, Hope and Love Remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

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!

Stormy Nights

So today was John Michael's picture day and he did great, that is what his teacher told me. He even gave me a glimpse of that million dollar smile. It made my day! He looked so handsome too!

We were supposed to have Danny's first real game tonight, but the weather won and we stayed home. I am glad that they called the games though, I would have hated to be out there when it all started. That alone was quite the blessing.

Brandon had to visit the dentist today. He had a filling come out, needless to say he had to get a crown, temporary for now. Just another $300.

My little man (Danny) today did get stung by a wasp, I guess it was their revenge for yesterdays slayings, but in return my little man proceeded to stomp him to death! He is such a trooper. No tears. It broke my heart though, I hate it when my babies are hurting at all. I did have to laugh when he was supposed to be going to bed and was playing my phone.

So let me tell you what I learned about my van today and why my letter to Dodge is getting more and more detailed. Everything but the power train warranty was up at 36,000 miles. Now granted the power train is covered for the lifetime of the vehicle, but it is already nickle and diming me to death. Not sure what the letter will accomplish, or who all will get a copy but it will be mailed by the end of the week.

The last picture is of my new azaleas!

The storms are still coming even as I type this so I am trying to hurry. Sorry I know I am all over the place. The boys are all in bed and I am soon to follow. Before I go to bed I will as always remember all of my family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. Please continue to pray for my mom, as soon as she wants this to be public knowledge I will let you know what the prayers are for, but for now they are for health! Thanks 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!

Opening Day...

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowds!!! What a day for opening day! It was gorgeous and warm!!!

Danny team is the Yankee's, John Michael's is the Detroit Tigers! They looked great this morning all decked out and ready to play ball! I love this time of the year. It is hectic and busy and also wonderful and fun! The boys learn so much in just a few months. Plus we are all together and all outside! It is great.

Today the boys had their opening ceremony, which was really nice. Then they had pitching or batting competitions. Danny chose to pitch, and he won a silver medal. He was so excited and I was so happy for him. John Michael chose to go bounce, he did not really care about a medal, which was actually very surprising to me since all he wanted last night was a trophy. Anyway, today was for them and about them so bouncing it was.

John Michael's team was the first to play the lost their first game, but since the rain continued to interfere with practice this week they played the second game too. It gave them some more practice, since these were short fun games more than anything. They lost their second game too, but not as bad, which was definite plus.

Danny's team played as soon as John Michael's was done with the first one. The problem was we did not realize this so Danny was the second inning getting there. He did GREAT though and even though it was practice game too they won and he was super pumped!

Of course there had to be some drama, but hopefully that is all behind us and we can move on. This is for the boys and the adults should always be on their best behavior. Never good when the fits thrown on the fields are by the parents. Brandon did great in nipping it in the bud!

Both boys got their helmets airbrushed, and they were so excited about that! I will get some pictures up soon and show everyone. They also got their fill of shaved ice and funnel cakes! Danny did lose his catcher's mitt. He sat it down and went to get something and it was gone. I am sure someone has a nice new mitt, but remember KARMA is a b.... We went and got him another one in case it does not show up in the lost and found. He has to have one though. Other than that it was a perfect day!!!

Well the boys are finally asleep so I am headed there myself. I am so tired and we have a busy day tomorrow. Church, baseball, yard work, etc. Before I go to bed I will be praying for you all. I hope that everyone had a great Saturday and has a wonderful Sunday!

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!