Thirteen Acres

Music Monday Download on a Wednesday

2013-05-15T15:57:00.001-04:00

Saying Goodbye

2013-04-08T21:02:00.001-04:00

The past week has felt like a decade. I've gone though every emotion imaginable and relived a tragic loss over and over again. Last Sunday afternoon, I received a phone call that one of my closest, dearest, and oldest friends had tragically passed away. I was in shock. My body shook, no tears came, I was frozen, mute and unable to comprehend that someone who was such a integral part of my life for MOST of my life, was no longer on this earth. A person that was as close as a sister to me.

There are people that come into our lives that are there for a reason and that make an impact on our decisions, our personality, and our demeanor. Danielle was one of those people who impacted mine from the day she stepped into it. We became increasingly close after I graduated High School. I'd drive up to Baskin Robbins where she worked, and watch her decorate ice cream cakes while I vented to her about my problems. We hung out a lot and I spent a good deal of time with her family. She'd call her mom on our way home and tell her to get the "box" ready (her trundle bed) because I was staying the night. I spent MANY a night in that box. Seeking comfort from her when I was down or needed a friend. She was ALWAYS there to embrace me and help me through it.

From that point on, we were close. She introduced me to a group of people that have become some of my closest and best friends. Friends that I can call on at any time. People who come running when I need them. Girls that don't ask questions, they just get in the car come when they're needed. SHE is the reason I have these wonderful people in my life. I wouldn't be where I am today, be married to the man I'm married to, and be surrounded by the most loving community of people that anyone could know if it hadn't been for her. Her family is like my own. Her sister like my own sister, her mother and father like second parents to me.

Life will never been the same without her in it. Her laugh and huge smile were infectious. She could just laugh her silly, loud, booming laugh and it would immediately send me into hysterics. I still hear that laugh in my head. It was contagious to the point that I found myself laughing like her and Chad would say, "Ok, Danielle..." when I got really tickled and sounded like her. What I wouldn't give to hear that laugh just one more time!

I could write a novel the size of a phone book of all the good times and great memories I've had the pleasure of sharing over the years with her and her family. She was there for most every milestone I can think of. Weddings, baby showers, bachelorette parties, births, funerals.....through good times and bad. She was there the night Amanda Frick and I fell off the mechanical bull and I broke my nose. I was there the St. Patty's day when she ran into a cigarette with her eye and had to be rushed to the emergency room, then showed up at Monterrey's later with a patch---looking like One-eyed Willie. We had our own inside jokes. She was certain the cure for a hangover was a diet coke and a chicken biscuit. And she always loved surprising me! The day of my baby shower, she happened to "show up" when I thought she was in California. For Beckett's 2nd birthday, while he was opening gifts, she walked in, still donned in running gear when I didn't think she could make it because she was running a marathon in Savannah, apologizing that she couldn't fit a shower in, but she wanted to be there!

After her move back from California, I was thrilled she decided to buy a house very close to my office. She would call me for advice on home decor and I'd run by to see the latest pillows or rug she'd bought to spruce up the new abode. She and I were notorious returners and if I had something to run back to Marshall's or TJMaxx, I knew she'd most likely ride with me on my lunch break because we were both indecicive buyers. We kidded eachother about it all the time!

When I had a party a few months ago, she came and stayed with me the whole weekend. Vacuuming, scrubbing my house and even potting some plants to help me prepare. When Chad went on a ski trip to Aspen the beginning of March, I asked her if she'd like to come stay with me a night while he was gone. Not only did she keep me company, she cleaned my kitchen and reset all my clocks from the time change while I was putting Beckett to bed. I didn't know this was the last time I'd hug her and sit down to share a glass of wine and have a good talk. I only wished I'd have squeezed her tighter when she left for work the next morning.

I'm hurt. Hurt for so many reasons! Hurt that my friend who was so beautiful, in so many ways is gone. It's unfathomable to me. It's crushing. After a week of spending time with her family and an enormous group of friends, I know I'm not alone. We are all hurting and have so many questions. But after sharing stories and the fact that I know her so well, I realize more each day that this was inevitable. No one is at fault. No one to blame. We don't always understand God's plan, but through tragedy, some good will come. I've learned more than ever that life is entirely too short. People we love can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. From now on, my hugs linger a bit longer and I squeeze a bit tighter. I call more often and add "I love you" before hanging up. Danielle was always one of those friends that said "love you" before hanging up or walking out the door. That's only one of the long list of things that I will make sure I do with the ones I love.

I don't think she ever fathomed how many people loved her. How many people cared for her and wanted the best for her. Her great big smile would light up a room and caused her to never meet a stranger. I hope that I can be just a bit more like that. Smile a little more often, laugh a little more. Possibly take up walking, or jogging (since I've never ran in my life), maybe plant some flowers in the yard. Something she'd be proud of as a tribute to her.

This past week was extremely hard for me. I don't usually go more than about a week and a half without talking with her. It's about the time that we would plan a lunch date or get together for a drink after work since I'm wrapping up tax season. I'll always love her. Like many that loved her, I'll ask plenty of questions about WHY this happened. But, you know what? We'll all be okay. If she taught me anything, she taught me how to be a friend and how to lean on my friends for support. She was ALWAYS there when I needed her and by leaning on the Lord and leaning on those that I love, I'll make it through this.

I miss and love you terribly, my sweet friend! Until we meet again....

Perry "Danielle" Adkins

November 17, 1980 - March 31, 2013

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

XO,

New Favorites

2013-02-28T15:49:00.001-05:00

Want the rundown of what's currently on my it-list?

Read on....

I recently read an article about Clairol relaunching their line of Herbal Essences shampoos and conditioners. Good move, Clairol!!

By the time I made it to Walgreens, I ended up grabbing the last 2 bottles on the shelf. Evidently, I'm not the only one who wants my hair to smell the way it did in the late 90's!

And YES! YES! YES! it smells just like you remember!

West Elm jewelry tree

I am a jewelry FIEND!!!! I was having major issues with necklace tangles, so I put this item on my Christmas wish list.
It's not only pretty to look at, but it keeps my favorite baubles at arms reach so I can find them easily!

Revlon Photoready BB Cream

Revlon has always been my favorite when it comes to Drugstore finds.
The line of Photoready shades are great!
I've been using Maybelline BB Cream for the last few months, but when I saw that
Revlon had their own version, I decided to give it a whirl.
My verdict is that Maybelline is a bit more like a tinted moisturizer and
Revlon is more of a moisterizing tint. Make sense?
Soooo, I use the Maybelline daily under makeup and the Revlon on the
weekend or when I'm running errands and don't want to necessarily put on foundation .
Great formula, I was impressed!

Too Faced Snow Bunny

I hate when a brand or product is discontinued, don't you?
Sephora had a fantastic highlighting bronzer that I loved from their line, but when I finally got around
to making it to the mall to get some more......lo and behold---of course they've done away with it!
So, after milling around in Sephora for over an hour (which can set me into a huge spending spree, so I usually avoid actually walking INTO a Sephora....) I came out with Too Faced snow bunny.
I really like it! I use the highlighter white and bronze side on my temples and brow, and the pink on my cheeks, it's almost like having a bronzer and pretty pink blush all in one.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

After reading tons of glowing reviews about Urban Decay's Naked palette,
I decided to try out the Naked 2.
Oh.MY.word.
These colors are so pretty, I just can't contain myself.
A great mixture of shimmery nudes to blend together for day or night!
If your'e looking for a palette that does it all, this one is perfect!

Snake orb pendant necklace

Like I said, I'm a jewelry fiend!
This Stella and dot snake orb pendant was on my wish list this year and I was so
excited when my sister-in-law and brother-in-law gave me this for Christmas.
I LOVE it and wear it all the time.
It's a fantastic piece to wear everyday with just about anything and easily adds a punch to an outfit.
I've had loads of compliments on this since I got it!

Mossimo Pearce pumps

Need work shoes that aren't skyscraper high?

Look no further than Target, my friends.

These Pearce pumps are my go-to shoes for work.

They look chic and expensive but don't break the bank!

Renegade bracelet

Here's another great gift I got for Christmas from Stella and Dot.
My in-laws gave me the much-coveted renegade bracelet and I ADORE it!
It's funky meets chic when you pair this with a pretty watch!

Bond No. 9 Bleeker Street

Last, but not least is my new favorite scent!
On a shopping day out with friends, we ran in Pout!
I've seen the Bond brand before but never really paid much attention to stop and actually smell it.
After testing a few, I knew Bleeker Street had my name all over it!
The site's description reads:

Art, fashion, seduction, and dessert in liquid form. A warm and sensual aphrodisiac that glides from day into evening. Notes of Violet leaf, cassis, jasmine, cinnamon, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, caramel.

There's nothing better than a good perfume or scent to put you in a good mood!

Happy Thursday!

Missed you guys!!

XO,

Music Monday Download on Tuesday

2013-02-12T15:53:00.001-05:00

I'll be back soon, I promise.....

Happy Tuesday!

XO,

Santa Came!!

2013-01-16T09:57:00.002-05:00

Santa brought lots of toys with LOTS of smaller pieces this year!! I'm told the older they get, the smaller the pieces become. We don't own a puzzle that's intact. Gotta work on that!

Beckett asked for a backhoe about 25 times. He really wanted a ride-on backhoe, but some friends of ours were ready to give theirs away, so I informed Santa to take that off the list. Instead, he brought him a toy backhoe.

He loves his grill!!! I'm so glad he got a grill since he had been cooking up a
storm for Gigi earlier in the week before Christmas.

Tailgate food I guess....

He also got a wheelbarrow!!
My mom has a very small one at her house that is entirely too small for him, but he loves
pushing it around. Now he can help his daddy in the yard!!

Happy Wednesday!
XO,

Making The Rounds

2013-01-15T08:18:00.001-05:00

We really had a busy holiday season this year. Every weekend was filled with something! Earlier in the season we enjoyed our local Christmas parade. Beckett had a BLAST--he was in heaven with all the firetrucks, horses, and TRACTORS!!! It was pretty frigid at the parade, which is out of the norm. It really felt like Christmas for a change.....and B got to wear his reindeer hat.

After the parade we went to my Aunt's to have Christmas with my family.
Nonna bought him a new hat!

Nonna and her favorite little boy!

Playing around with "Nanny"
My poor aunt still had a boot on her foot from surgery she had months ago.
Beckett gave her some hugs to make her feel better!!

Say CHEESE!
Beckett??
These are my cousin's children that I love dearly.
All three of these kids were in my wedding as flower girls and ring bearer.
It baffles mehow time flies and how old they are now, especially now that Kailey
is allowed behind a the wheel of a car!! Seriously, am I this old??

Ok, that's a bit better....

Took a few more shots at home of the tree before it got disassembled and
put away for the year.
I can't say that I regret purchasing the artificial tree this year.
Not one needle to clean up!!

Beckett enjoyed the Christmas season so much this year.
He examined every single ornament he could reach
(obviously, the breakable ones were hung much higher this year)

Here's one huge reason why I don't take as many pictures anymore....
"Mommy, can I hold it? Can I take a picture with your cam-er-a!"

Christmas eve night we went over to Nonna's to celebrate with my family.
He gets to color more at Nonna's than at mommy's.
Nonna doesn't value her rug and walls as much as I do.

Uncle Beau helped out

"Here Unka Beau, let's dump out the whole basket!"

Nonna and Poppa's tree

Beckett and his Nonna

Me and my baby B

Before I talk about what my brother gave Beckett, I need to give you a little bit more information....my brother is an enormous Carolina fan! Huge, huge, HUGE! Anyway, Beckett loves to tackle and act like he's playing football quite often. He even puts his bicycle helmet on at our house when we watch football on t.v. So, of course my brother wanted to get him a real football helmet for Christmas.

BUT, no ordinary youth helmet would do. Once it came in the mail, he wasn't happy with it. The shell of the helmet was ok, but the decals looked chintzy and cheap (they looked fine to me), but Beau wasn't happy with them.

So, my brother..... the ultimate USC fan AND Beckett fan that he is, got in touch with the equipment manager for the Gamecocks and scored the exact decals the team has! My 2 year old has the most authentic youth sized helmet available! Complete with the flag decals on the back!

I think this has to be the best Christmas present any of us received this year! I love my brother to death but he just amp'ed it up a notch with this one!

Here's what the helmet looked like when Beau got it in the mail.

Here's the helmet after "Unka Beau" did his Gamecock DIY to it!

Beau quotes from Christmas eve:
"If it's for Beckett, it has to be done RIGHT!"
"I wish I had an Uncle like me when I was his age..."

On Christmas night, we had Christmas with my stepdad's family.
Beckett was worn OUT from his full day, but he livened up a little to hang out with Finlee Ann.

Worn OUT!!!

We celebrated Christmas with my in-laws the Saturday after Christmas this year. Aunt Amy and Uncle Patrick came into town and Chad, Beckett and I rode to the lake for the day to spend time with them.

An early present to open before we ate lunch

Nothin' but NET!

Gigi helped Beckett open some more toys.

Beckett thinks that every party should have cake.
I agree, but I'm pretty sure he asked Gigi on the phone earlier in the week if there would be cake.
Of course, she made sure there was!

Having fun with Aunt Amy!

Does anyone else feel like this year was a blur? I really don't know where the time went!!

Happy Tuesday!!

XO,

Music Monday Download

2013-01-14T11:37:00.001-05:00

Who's ready for a little walk down memory lane? This totally takes me back to middle school, permed hair, boy bands and the most awkward 3 years of my life!!! This video CRACKS me up! Two very funny things to notice in this video (and embarrassing on my part).

#1. Those flouncy M.C. Hammer style pants? And patent leather oxfords? Yeah, I had some.

#2 The "roger rabbit" dancing they do? Yeah, broke my arm trying that out in the 6th grade. No, I'm not kidding!

What else cracks me up are the rainbow assortment of silky shirts they are wearing in the dance scene.

They closely resemble some I recently purchased at Old Navy in about 3-4 colors. See folks, what goes around does come around .....however, I do hope there is plenty from this video that never gets rehashed into the fashion world ever again!!!

Happy Monday!

XO,

Beckett Chatter

2013-01-10T10:57:00.002-05:00

All I can say is, I'm working on getting video of the things he says. What comes out of his mouth is

halarious, but it's even funnier hearing it from his mouth!

Beckett: "What time is it?"
Chad: "I dunno..."
Beckett: "Time for you to get a watch."
________________________________________________

Getting ready to read a book with Chad
Beckett: "Here's the book" (as he hands it to Chad)
"and here's MEEEE!" (as he hops in Chad's lap)
________________________________________________

While taking a bath his tummy growls
Me: "What was THAT?"
Beckett: "There's an animal in my belly. RAWR!"
________________________________________________

On my recent trip to Asheville, NC, I brought him back a Curious George
stuffed animal.
Beckett: "Curious George, you need a diaper change!!"
Lays him on the coffee table and pretends to change his diaper.
Beckett: "Shew! Stiiiiiinky!" (as he holds his nose)
________________________________________________

Favorite new saying when he's grumpy:
Beckett: "Don't TALK to me!"
I've got to figure out how to make him stop saying this!!
________________________________________________

Christmas night I asked Beckett to cook me something on the grill he got from Santa.
He picks up a small firetruck, places it on the grill and slams the lid...
Beckett: "One firetruck.....coming up!!!"
________________________________________________

Tugging Chad's hand, he whispers to him...
Beckett: "I have an idea, I have a GOOD idea that we should go DOWNstairs"
(always stresses the 'down'---this is also where 90% of his toys are located.)
________________________________________________

Uncle Beau asks for a hug as Beckett and I are leaving. Beau reaches for him to hug him....
Beckett: "You can look, but you cannot TOUCH!!"
________________________________________________

Easy mac for dinner for Beckett, I'm stirring it up waiting on it to cool...
Beckett: "Whatcha doin', mommy?"
Me: "Cooling your mac and cheese, it's hot!" "See the steam?"
Beckett: "It's going UP!"
Beckett: "It came out of the microwave and it's hooooooot."
Beckett: "We cook ever-thing, in the microwave!"
Huge, HUGE sign it's time for me to use the stove more often!!
________________________________________________

Chad's leaving for work, leans down to give Beckett a hug and kiss goodbye. Chad makes it to the door....
Beckett: "STOP Daddy!!!"
Chad: "Why, what's wrong?"
Beckett: "You forgot to give MOM-my a hug and a kiss!"
_________________________________________________

I've recently noticed he's having a hard time pronouncing words with 'S' Sounds. I've been trying to make him say words properly and work with him on this, but you can't help but laugh when he pronounces things this way.

Spick 'n' Span = "Pick an Pan"
Stethoscope = "Kepo-cope"

Happy Thursday!

XO,

Naughty or Nice?

2013-01-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

Last year Beckett got to sit on Santa's lap twice! This year, we were lucky enough to get to meet St. Nick two times....AGAIN!!

The lady that keeps my child is truly heaven sent! She does more than I can ever believe for these children and we all adore her! Every year, she has an annual Christmas party. Everyone brings food, the kids get to do some Christmas crafts and they wrap up the party with a visit from Santa! The kids really enjoy themselves and it's always a great time. This year, she changed it up a bit and had breakfast with Santa. Everyone brought a breakfast food! I could kick myself for not getting a picture of the spread of food that was laid out. The selection rivaled the menu at Waffle House and IHOP!! My stomach is growling right now just thinking about it!

Some of Beckett's daycare buddies.
If you're wondering where he might be, just look behind the swing.
I think he was trying to swing everyone.

Love that he's got his legs crossed in this picture.

I just loved this picture of Beckett's buddy Maggie.
So precious!

Beckett and Georgia Nell.
They look like they are deep in conversation.

Already sweet talking the girls....

"Santa, I want a Backhoe!"

No tears on Santa's lap this year!! So proud of my big boy!

The next day, we went to Fort Motte for a Christmas get-together that our friends' have every year.
You can see pics from last year HERE and HERE

Yet again, he requested a backhoe!

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Biscoff Crescents

2013-01-08T08:32:00.003-05:00

I saw on Pinterest the recipe for Nutella Crescents. Basically, crescent rolls with a dollup of Nutella, rolled in sugar and cinnamon and baked. My original plan was to make these Christmas morning, but lo and behold, I walked right out of the grocery store without the Nutella.

My mom had a jar of Biscoff Spread in her pantry, and thought I should try it instead. I'd never tried it before so I dipped my spoon in for a taste.....and ohmygoodnessgracious......this stuff is just about one of the best things I've ever tasted! I can't even begin to describe it. It's like a spread of gingerbread!

So, Instead of using the nutella, I used the Biscoff spread instead and they were really good!
Basically, I just placed a spoonful of the spread in the crescent, rolled them in sugar and
cinnamon, and baked according to the package.

VERY sweet....and very easy.
Happy Tuesday!
XO,

Music Monday Download

2013-01-07T09:43:00.001-05:00

XO,

Coming Soon!

2013-01-04T14:49:00.002-05:00

Hello strangers! It's been a while since the 'ole blog got an update. Sorry for the absence, but we have been BUSSSSSSSY these last few weeks! I promise I'll be back with some more posts VERY soon, once I dig myself out from underneath the holiday heap that's piled on top of me!!

Here's a little spoiler of what you can expect to see on Thirteen Acres in the upcoming weeks ahead, once I get pictures edited and uploaded.

Here's a List of Upcoming Blog Posts:

Beckett Chatter

Lots more from the mouth of my child! I can't keep up with his one liners these days.

Decorating Downstairs!

I posted our Christmas decor in our den, but I'll give you glimpse of how we adorn the bonus room.

(Much to my dismay, I was hoping to get this post published DURING the holiday season, not after....)

Naughty or Nice

Beckett got to sit on Santa's lap twice again this year! Also pictures from his daycare Christmas breakfast.

Making the Rounds

Spending time with family during the holiday season.

Santa Came!!

Bright smiles on Christmas morning after we discovered Santa had paid us a visit!

Beautiful Bride

I recently shot my first bridal photo shoot. I can't wait to share some of my favorite shots of the gorgeous Kristen!

New Calligraphy Service

I've been addressing envelopes for years for brides-to-be; stay tuned for the post on the new service I'll be providing in addition to my addressing service!

Ringing in the New Year

How we said goodbye to 2012!

Hits and Misses

More product reviews from yours truly

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Items I received for Christmas I just can't get enough of!!

Posh Addict

I've recently seen a few friends join the shopping community (Poshmark) that I've been addicted to the last month. After some research and earning over $450 in extra moolah, I'll break down the app and the best ways to get your stuff SOLD!

Curl It Up!

How I get curls and waves (a picture tutorial).

WHEW---a little bit of everything!! See you all VERY soon!

Happy Weekend!

XO,

Merry Christmas

2012-12-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

From our family to yours!

Asheville Weekend

2012-12-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

I never get a chance to get away and relax. Lauren's sister had her bachelorette party in Asheville this past weekend, and I was lucky enough to tag along.

Here's the crew!
Lauren and I have been good friends since High School and I've known some of these ladies since
THEY were in middle school. It's hard to believe most of them are married and that Lauren and I used to chauffeur some of them around back in the day.
I think it's so great that these beautiful ladies have stayed friends since they were little and continue
to be close after so many years!

We stayed at a cabin in Candler that was ON the mountain.
I was a little scared that Lauren's Honda wouldn't make it up the winding road to the house, but
the view from the porch was great!
Friday when we arrived, the girls had decorated the house and had appetizers ready.
We had a little shower for Kristen, and Liz made gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that were to.DIE.for!
{By the way, Liz, need those recipes...}

Have you ever spoken with my husband on the phone?
He's not very good at wrapping up a conversation.....

At lunch on Saturday

Fuzzy picture due to low light.
Now that we both are mommies, it's even harder to find time
to spend with friends!
We both had a great time, but were reminded just how OLD we are!!

Meanwhile.....in Manning....
Chad and Mr. B took a weekend trip to hang out with Gigi and Doc.
Beckett had a great time making the rounds catching up.
Chad sent me this picture on Saturday of Beckett and Landry hanging out.
How precious are they?!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday we ventured out for a little shopping in downtown Asheville. Kress Emporium is an art gallery. Lots of beautiful ornaments for Christmas, artwork and original pieces. Downstairs from Kress is a home decor store that I believe was called "Adorn?' Anyone remember?

I really loved this pottery by Julie Miller Gootman at Kress.

How cool are these windows/doors hung to divide a space?

Beautiful striped pillows......with quite a hefty price tag attached!

Are you aware of just HOW much antlers are in style.....still?
If you've got a husband or boyfriend who likes to hunt, you might just be in luck right now.
I didn't get the price on these in this centerpiece display but I can almost guarantee
they were outrageous!

Beautiful bed set-up.
Love the quatrefoil design in the head and footboard.

Lauren and I drove home through Charlotte so we could do a little shopping at one of my favorite places on earth!

If only Columbia had a Nordstrom!!!
....and a J.Crew
.....and Potterbarn
....and Gap Kids
....and Aldo
.....and a Belk that even held a candle to the one at South Park!

A girl can only dream I guess!

Thanks girls for the fun weekend!!!

Happy Tuesday!
XO,

Music Monday Download

2012-12-10T13:43:00.001-05:00

Cleaning Out My Closets

2012-12-04T08:30:00.000-05:00

Most of you that know me personally (and even through my blog and Instagram) know that I'm a clothing and accessories junky! I recently stumbled across a great iphone app which allows you to sell clothing and accessories very easily. I've already sold one pair of shades and received payment via direct deposit so I'm going to give this app a chance and see what else I can clean out!

You pick the list price and receive 80% of the sale. Shipping is included. There's no charge for listing either. It's so easy! You take a photo with your phone, upload it, pick your price and when it sells, they email you the shipping label.

I don't mess with ebay. I don't have time to upload pics, answer questions and do research on every item and it's common selling price. This takes the guess work out of it. The consignment shop I've been using only gives you 40% of the sale price. Which means if you pay $200 for a pair of jeans, they most likely will price them at $45. You only get 40% of that price, which is NOTHING!!

If you've got anything you want to sell (especially designer duds) this is a great way to list it and possibly make a bit of extra moolah for the holiday season!

C'mon and try it!!

If you're interested in what I'm selling, click HERE for the link!

Happy Shopping....and SELLING!

XO,

Decking the Halls 2012

2012-12-03T09:10:00.001-05:00

We just did something this year I never thought we would do! We purchased a fake Christmas tree.....not only a fake one....but a 12 FOOT fake one.......that weighs as much as I do!

We never let my mom get a fake tree when we were little. We refused! We loved going to pick it out, finding just the right one, and smelling that wonderful frasier fir smell the weeks until Christmas. I never EVER thought I would be excited about a fake tree.....until last year. Last year it took me three days to get the remnants of needles and sap out of our house and I swore I'd never do it again. So, this year we decided to make it a bit easier on ourselves and get a prelit tree that was the right size and shape for our house. When Beckett gets a bit older and has an opinion on it, we'll probably buy a small real tree for him to decorate, but for now, I'm enjoying the fact that my broom hasn't swept up one needle and I didn't have to string one light!

Here's a view from the balcony looking down.
Very easy to apply the bow on top at least.

Last year I highlighted some of my favorite ornaments.
I'll showcase some more when I post our decorations
from the tree downstairs, but here are two more I love that are new this year.
Mom got me these after Christmas last year.
They are massive and fit well on the massive tree.

New heel from my mother-in-law and sister-in-law's recent trip to London.
They know me pretty well....

I love this burlap wired ribbon I found at Carolina pottery.
It blends so well with the decor in our living room.
Our great room decor is so neutral, I can't go with the traditional red and
green Christamas colors.

Tis the season for candles.
In lieu of having a real tree and that wonderful
tree smell, I have a candle burning almost daily.
These smell fantastic and are my favorites:
WoodWick Mistletoe Magic
WoodWick Frasier Fir
and Thymes Frasier Fir

Since most of the remainder of my Christmas decorations are similar to last year, I won't show you around the house again. However, if you missed my Christmas decor post from 2011, click HERE to see how I decked the halls last year!

Happy Monday!

XO,

Photoshoot Teaser

2012-11-29T08:28:00.000-05:00

Here are two of my favorite shots from Saturday with Molly Catherine and Elizabeth Shay at the farm.

Cuteness overload!!!

Happy Thursday!

This week is flying by.....probably because my to-do list is as big as Texas!

XO,

Beckett Chatter

2012-11-28T09:08:00.001-05:00

Here's the latest installment of what comes out of my child's mouth.

I'm not making this stuff up, I promise.

Beckett: "The monster gonna eat your purse"
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Beckett: "The crock-o-dile gonna eat my seatbelt"
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Beckett: "I want to 'fy' on an 'air-pane'"
Chad: "Where do you want to go?"
Beckett: {without hesitation} "New Jersey"
___________________________________________________________
Beckett: "I like your shirt, mommy"
next day
Beckett: "I like your boots, mommy!"
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Me: "What would you like for Santa Claus to bring you this year?"
Beckett: "TOYS!!!"
Me: "Well, I figured as much, but what kind of toys?"
Beckett: "A backhoe" (yeah, Chad's child!)
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Beckett: "Nonna, you want 'sumpin' to drink?"
Nonna: "huh?"
(Beckett walks over to mini fridge, pulls out a Natural Light and hands it to my mother)
Nonna: "I have to drive home in a minute, bud, no thank you"
(NOBODY taught him this, I SWEAR!!)
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Chad unhooked the DVD player in the bonus room and I've been asking him to fix it. After 30 minutes of attempting to hook it back up properly this is mine and B's convo...
Beckett: "What are you doing mommy?"
Me: "I'm trying to fix the dvd player, bud"
Beckett: "Why?"
Me: "Because your daddy broke it"
Beckett: "I have an idea" (look of concern on his face, pauses with finger on his chin as he's thinking). YOU fix it mommy!
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After his bath...
Beckett: "Mommy?"
Me: "Yes?"
Beckett: "You're my favorite girl!"
Melt.my.HEART!!!!
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Beckett: "Mommy.....hey MOMMY!...do you want a green bean, Mommy?
Me: "No thank you, I have a salad, buddy"
Beckett: "Trrrryyyyyy it, you'll liiiiiiike it...."
Me: "No thanks, bud"
Beckett: It's got BUTTER on it!"
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Last night
Beckett: "Daddy, will you come sit on the couch with me?"
Chad: "Sure, B!"
Beckett: "I missed you OHH so much!"
__________________________________________________________

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

Country Boy

2012-11-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday night before the beatdown USC gave to Clemson, we headed out to Fort Motte to hang out with friends. I did a mini photoshoot with Molly Catherine and Elizabeth Shay, so Beckett and Chad met up with Mr. Darby to ride on the tractor. Beckett was in heaven!

I didn't necessarily intend on dressing him like Marty McFly. I promise.
I just love a puffer vest, I can't help it.

Marty McFly? Back to the Future?
Look familiar?

Evidently it runs in the family.
This is my brother, early 80's

That's a LOT of pink on a big John Deere tractor.
They were right at home though!

Forget about getting him to look at the camera when there is a giant tractor within eyesight.

There go the girls and their daddy.

He did NOT want to see the tractor go!

Do you see those big crocodile tears welling up in his eyes?
I NEVER in a million years thought I would be hauling my child to the country to see his
face light up when he saw farm equipment.
NEVER!
Whatever makes this boy happy!

He plays so well with these girls! After we took photos and rode tractors, we headed back to the
lodge to watch the game and let the kids run around and play.

What FUN!!
At half time Beckett was ready to take it to the house, so we got in our time machine, and
drove 88 mph (only kidding--Back to the Future humor)
home to watch the rest of game.

I'll have a few pics from the girls photoshoot to share soon.

Happy Tuesday!
XO,

Kickoff to the Christmas Season

2012-11-26T14:37:00.003-05:00

How was your Thanksgiving weekend? Whew! We were buuuuuuusy. Sick kid, sick daddy, sick mommy, traveling to Manning and back, 2 year old well visit, put up the monstrosity of a Christmas tree, did a tiny bit of shopping, cleaning, a photo shoot, photo editing, and watching USC beat Clemson....AGAIN! GOOOOOO COCKS!!!!!!

I'm beat and December hasn't even arrived yet. Every weekend there's something plannned, so bear with me. I'm trying to wrap up the rest of the Christmas decor so I can do a post soon!

We have a new visitor at our house this year. Beckett has yet to come up with a name for him.

He keeps wanting to call him "Dino Dan" but I told him that's just weird.....we're still thinking on it though.

Back to the old grind today!

Happy Monday.

XO,

Beckett's Birthday Weekend

2012-11-16T08:19:00.000-05:00

Good gracious! Has it already been a year since Beckett's big first birthday bash? This year was a tad stressful when it came to October/November festivities. Beckett caught a stomach bug the weekend before his birthday and kept it for 5 days, so a small wrench was thrown in my party planning. This year we kept it smaller. Just a little bit of 'boy decor' here and there, a few close friends and family and of course lots of cake and ice cream.

Also, in advance, thank you to my sister in law for bringing her camera and letting me load her pictures so that I had more! I'm not very good with making sure I get all the pictures that I want these days!

I love a mantle banner. If you go through my archives, I seem to have a mantle banner for every occasion.
This is what you call LAST minute decorating.
Beckett loves any type of vehicle so I threw this together.

67 cent wooden cutouts from Hobby Lobby.
I looped a small ribbon and hot glued it to the back of the cars (and trucks)
to make a small hanger, then strung them on a larger grosgrain ribbon.
I may do a small Christmas tree this year for him so these will
play double duty as ornaments once I add a small hook.

Ice cream cone zone.

My aunt (the cake genius) fell and suffered major damage to her achillies tendon
on Friday afternoon before the party.
As you can see, she STILL came through though!

Beckett had his own cake mini cake too.

He loves trucks and tractors, so the dump trucks served as a serving station

Chocolate 'rocks'

The cake table centerpiece

Underneath the Easter grass I had decorative river rocks holding the balloons in place.
But I was worried that kids (or even adults) would mistake the river
rocks as chocolate like the ones I had in the truck above,
so I raided my Easter stash for some grass to cover up the rocks.

Aunt Amy and Uncle Pat came on Friday night to stay for the weekend.
Beckett got to open up his gift from them early Saturday morning.

"Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" is definitely a new favorite book.
He's already memorized the first two pages and reads it to us!

He made Uncle Pat read it too.

Uncle Beau came a bit early to give him his present.
The tricycle turns from a "rocking bike" to a push bike and,
eventually, the back piece comes off so he can peddle on his own.
He LOVED it!

Weston wanted to try it out too.
Hope these two will be friends in the future like their mamas!

Playing cornhole with Doc

He had to show off his skills on his pedal-less bike for everyone too.

Cutie Weston

Me and Amanda
Old friends are the best kind.

The cake is here!!

Waiting patiently on cake.

Forget the fork!
Weeks before his party I would ask him what he wanted for his birthday and
his answer was always simple.
CAKE!!

Finger lickin' good!

Nonna sneaking him some more.....

Nonna and Poppa gave him a Cars laptop.

Oh my dear baby boy, you sure aren't a baby anymore! I can't believe you're already 2!

Happy Birthday Beckett!!!

XO,

Arrrrrgh, Mateys! Happy Halloween

2012-11-15T09:02:00.001-05:00

Check out our little pirate! We had a blast again this year at his daycare Halloween party even though he had fought the stomach bug the same week.

Halloween Quote of the day:
Chad: "Beckett, say 'Shiver me timbers'"
Chad: "Shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers, shiver me timbers...."
Me: "Chad, could you please stop saying "shiver me timbers? It's getting on my nerves when you say it repeatedly."
(5 minutes later.....)
Chad: "Beckett, you're all dressed up like a pirate, now say "Shiverrrrr me timberrrrs!"
Beckett: "No daddy, I not say "shiver me timber....it makes mommy sad!"
(sweet boy looking out for his mommy ;)

Ahoy!!!!!

Tried to get a pic with mommy....

Again, doesn't want his picture taken. Stubborn little pirate!

Cutest little pirate I've EVER seen!!!

XO,

October Beach Trip

2012-11-14T08:42:00.000-05:00

One weekend last month, we took a Friday off of work and headed to Garden City for a long weekend with friends. By Saturday night we had a house full 'o youngins! 7 kids! Thank goodness this was a large house with plenty of space for them to run, play and have fun!

We arrived on Thursday night, got the kids to bed and enjoyed a night on the porch catching up.
The weather was unbelievable.
October in South Carolina is anyone's guess.
You're either bundled up and freezing or it feels like a nice late spring day.
This year was the latter. Be-YOO-tiful!
Here's a panoramic shot (thanks iphone update) of the view from the porch.

Let's get a group shot!

4 kids plus the words "group shot?"
Nah, forget it!
These were actually the best two of about 45 that I took.

Chad dug a big tunnel on the beach on Saturday for the kids to crawl through.

October.....on the beach!
Fabulous weather and a great way to bid the beach a fond farewell for the 2012 year.

Such great times with great friends!

Happy Wednesday!

XO,

This Is 40

2012-11-13T18:54:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the trailer for "This is 40?" I CANNOT wait to see this movie. I loved "Knocked Up" but I think the real reason I loved it so much was because of these two and I think Paul Rudd is just halarious!