Way To Go Saints

Today was Danny's first basketball game. He is playing for Saint Francis and they won! They played Our Lady of Fatima and the score was 20-6. I was so happy for them as they took a few minutes to celebrate. This is his first year so when he hit the court for the first time he was confused, but he did very well. He is not quite Michael Jordan, but who knows where practice will take him. I was just so proud that he had such a good time. I remember the one year I played and I was so scared after that first game. Hints, why there was only one year. I was so proud of him when he told me it was a little confusing, but that he would get it andthat he had fun. Here's to hoping the boys can bring the Toy Bowl trophy to the school's trophy case.

We came home played a little basketball in the driveway and John Michael planted some popcorn kernals. He is a character. I wish I would have gotten pictures of that, but he has more kernals to plant, he knows that he will get a lot of popcorn from this! When we came in we had an awesome little magic show from Danny who is learning magic tricks and is having a blast!

Well it is the night before the big snow prediction. We will see. The boys are so excited I would be if I knew where the ice/snow line was going to be. Ice makes me nervous and I really do not want to lose power. I do not mind being stuck at home, but I do really pray for power. We rarely need the nebulizer, but it is here if I do. One day when we have some money I will be purchasing a generator, just for peace of mind. We did have to venture back to the store we were out of batteries for the flashlights, just in case. I would love a good snow with power! That is what I hope for.

With less than 48 hours to announcing the next National Championship winner I have to say WAR EAGLE!!!

As I head to bed tonight I am thankful for the wonderful family that God has blessed me with. I love my boys, all three of them and I know that while I might not have much in my bank account I am a very rich person. I pray for all of my friends and I hope that all of their needs and concerns are put in a box for God, He is bigger than we are!

2 Nights Before the Winter Weather in Alabama

Well, it was interesting to see the change in a possibility of snow to a probability of snow. Then from 2-4 inches to 4-8 inches. It is pretty excited in live in Birmingham and hear the words thundersnow. Something that I have not seen since my thirteenth birthday in 1993, and that was a blizzard in Birmingham. I wish that I had some pictures, I am sure I do at my mom's. I will definitely have pictures of this event if/when it occurs. I do hope for snow over ice, and no lose of power. I like my heat, plus with 2 asthmatics in the house power is a necessity of an attack comes on to be able to use the nebulizer. So when the power is out there is always some nerves that kick into high gear. There is also a football game on in three nights that I cannot miss. I waiting on the private jet from Gene but so far it has not arrived. The excitement in my boy's eyes is truly amazing! I remember those day that hope for a day out of school to play in the snow. As an adult I still get excited with the thought of a snow day with my boys but there is also the fear of safety that I experience now. I hope that this is a magical event and that the power remains on!

I had to venture to the store, not for milk and bread like everyone else in the area but for groceries so that I can prepare meals for my family. It was an absolute madhouse, but I saw a dear friend of the family so it was worth the craziness just for that. I had to go across the street and take a picture (not the best due to the angle, but it shows how crazy the place was at just 4:30).

We played some driveway basketball, had great homemade tacos, and then fed the aquasaurs. I keep telling the boys I am slightly nervous about dinosaurs living in the house with us. They think that is the funniest thing ever.

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!

The Baking of the Kings Cake

January 5, 2011

Well it is the 11th night of Christmas and this year I wanted to stick to some old traditions and create new ones for our family. This way the plan...bake a kings cake for us to have tomorrow on the 12th day of Cristmas, buy a King's cake for Danny's class to have tomorrow. This is how that all went down. I could not find the baby for the cake anywhere!!! I guess that is what happens when people contribut King's Cake to Fat Tuesdays in Birmingham. While this is also a tradition the reason it is a king's cake is it is in celebration of the three Kings arriving to Baby Jesus. So I did some research and found that you can use a coin in place of the baby. This was doable, thankfully I have several half dollars. So I start going to and calling bakeries and they do not make the cakes until closer to Mardi Gras...again that starts tomorrow, but they sell them for Fat Tuesday. So I decided I would just have to make the one for Danny's class. The one for here...I did it first in case it was a disaster basically fell apart after I baked it, so it is no longer a ring, but it smells great we will see how it tastes in the morning (that will be breakfast). So with the one for the class I baked it like a regular cake, not a round braid. It too smells good and hopefully the second graders at SFX will think it tastes good. Danny helped with the sugar and there might be a few too many, but it is pretty enough for a second ever Kings cake. I will be looking and researching for a year so that next year I am ready. Now to write a note explaining all of this to his teacher...including the coin instead of the baby. I am glad that new traditions for our home were started and as crazy as it was it truly was a lot of fun, as most family activities are.

As I head to bed tonight (if John Michael EVER goes to sleep) I pray for all of my friends and my family. I thank God for the amazing people that He has put in my life! So many times we are stuck with what is normal and do not try new traditions as we worry what others will think, but seriously if you are okay with it go for it. Traditions can be so much fun!

Back to School...and Basketball....and Scouts

January 4, 2011.

Like everything else vacations must come to an end. The last two and half weeks with my three men has been wonderful, but it was nice to do some laundry (and that is something I never thought I would say) without the baskets filling up with mach speed as the boys changed clothes 3 times a day it seemed throughout the vacation.

Brandon had a good day back at work, even though it was busy, but it is a proven fact time goes by much faster when you are not just watching the clock. Danny had a great day back in second grade. One of their friends from last year who left early because his dad was deployed and him and his mom moved closer to family started classes with them again today. It was a nice surprise for Danny. John Michael said his day was okay, but he was sad his teacher was not there. We continue to think about and pray for her and hope that she returns soon. I had a great day not quite as productive as I would have liked, but again laundry is caught up and that was a proud task to conquer. Now to keep it up.

Of course the afternoons and this evening were back to the regular hecticness of Tuesdays. Basketball practice followed by our cub scouts den meeting. We combined our Wolf Cubs with the Tiger Cubs for a quick lesson on the food pyramid. So it was a nice night, but busy. Today's picture is of Danny's team practicing and getting ready for the game on Saturday!

As I head to bed, I have a list to do tomorrow, but have to admit I am most excited about the babysitting and the photo shoot tomorrow morning! I do say a prayer for all of my friends and family and my Auburn Tigers who are in Glendale. I hope that they win and that all of the fans who are there are safe and have an amazing time! I wish I was their physically, but my heart is there!

Twas the Last Day of Christmas Vacation

January 3, 2011.

Twas the last day of Christmas vacation and we were determined to make it special. All through the house little projects were happening. The school bags were ready and sitting by the door in the hopes that the alarm clocks would be heard in the morning. The children are restless refusing to go to bed not understanding that the mornings are not something I want to dread. While Brandon and I are ready to sleep but not yet because of the pitter patter of all the little feet.

In all seriousness today was a lot of fun. Brandon and the boys put together John Michael's soccer/hockey goal that he got from Meme, Pop, and Aunt B. The boys had a blast playing outside, well we all did, but I have to admit I enjoyed taking pictures more than anything.

We had a few errands to run, which is just normal. I did find some great buys on a few more gifts for Christmas. I am determined to be ready for December! Yes, I know it is 11 months away, but I also know how quickly it will get here! This makes it so I am not ready for shock and awe when it does. Brandon also got us a new shower curtain rod, which is sort of exciting! Gift cards and sales make shopping a lot of fun! I also got a new calendar just for the business and for that I am super excited and thankful. I love using my iPhone, but I also like to have it written down too! Now to fill it up with photoshoots and just fun!

I loved spending these last 2 weeks with my boys. We enjoyed each other every day and did not take the time for granted. We played, we went to Auburn, we just had a good time. Tomorrow it is back to the everyday schedule, of work and school, but we will enjoy it. We will make time for each other no matter what the situation. There are 24 hours in every day and I play to make sure that they are all used to the fullest.

As I say good night and get ready to tuck in the boys (I hope). I say a special prayer for my dear friend whose husband she said goodbye to today as he gets ready to leave for Afganistan. Her husband, herself, and their son are three of the true American Heros.

Christmas Ends on Sweet 16 Note

January 2, 2011

What a day! Is it possible that Christmas is over. The epiphany was celebrated at Mass, a little earlie than normal, but still a very special day. The 6th is just a few days away and the boys will be back in school by then and Brandon back at work. It is amazing how everything goes from holiday celebrations to the normal hustle and bustle. I plan to keep the treasure in each day! It is the present, and that means it is a gift.

My sweet sister in law is sixteen and we celebrated her Sweet 16 today with family and friends. It was a surprise and I think she was surprised to see everyone. However a few of the cars might have given it away. Oh well, she enjoyed herself and all of her gifts, and most of all I think she was thankful for the people being there who love her. Tomorrow she goes for her license and we will be praying for a pass. So be careful on the roads...just kidding, she is a good driver.

We followed he party with our Christmas party. It was great to see our family. Brandon's brothers live in GA and FL so it takes some skill for everyone to be together, but when we are it is always special. While gifts were exchanged so of course the kids were excited, the greatest gift was all being together to celebrate.

It is amazing how easy it is to take for granted getting together for dinner, or lunch, or any occassion, but so easily it goes from being with people almost daily to catching up only at weddings and funerals. This is something I do not want to see happen with our family, they truly are a blessing.

There is a family picture that captures us all, I have not edited any of these so you will see people looking away from camera, eyes closed, etc. I am sure. The thing is this is family, not determined by DNA, but by love! Love is truly the most amazing gift that God gave to us.

We came home and enjoyed a few minutes of lego fun with the boys for a few minutes before getting ready for bed.

While tonight comes to a close and we get ready to say our prayers, they will continue to be for my friends and my family, and most importantly that everyone remembers family should be treasured!