outtakes

My husband makes me laugh.  Almost everyday.

On Thanksgiving Day I laughed extra hard.  At him.  Because he drank an entire bottle of red wine.  

Alone.


Love you, hubs.

thanksgiving recap

I have fantastic news, my friends:  only three weeks until Christmas break.  Yippee!  Thanksgiving was wonderful, but it only serves as a vacation tease for my two weeks off at Christmas.  We enjoyed wonderful food, lots of laughs, and excellent company in the mountains.

There was a lot of pool playing:

With fake money…

Hammock swinging:

Some snuggling:

Oh, and a waterfall search:

The trip was lovely.  Well, the waterfall search was an ordeal.  I picked out a trail in our guide book that was marked “easy.”  Easy to find, easy to walk… yeah right.  It was not well marked so we drove FOREVER.  And the easy hike along the path lined with “rhododendron and wildflowers”?  Not so much.  We survived though and got some good exercise in the process.  Reese loved it.  Can’t you tell?

As is our luck, little Boo came down with a hacking cough on Thursday, which was followed by fever on Friday, and oozy ears on Saturday.  We made a stop at the pediatric clinic yesterday, and yes, we have a double ear infection.

Shoot.

This week we are unpacking, decorating for Christmas, and trying to get organized for gift shopping.  I have bought nothing at all.  Oh well.  Every year this happens, and every year I get it all done.  Somehow!

gobble, gobble

Whew!  It’s been a hectic few weeks.  


Casa Beasley has been a flurry of activity: finishing the bathroom, hunting in South Dakota, cooking in preparation for Thanksgiving, and toddler taming.  I’ve also had probably one of the worst sinus infections ever.  Multiple prescriptions, lots of fluids, and some hilarious medical exams from Reese have put me on the road to recovery.  I think.

All this to say: I’m sorry the blog has been lacking in new material.  I have lots planned--  a post on the new bathroom {took my first shower this morning}, Reese’s excitement over Christmas, five years of marriage on the horizon… but thus far my plans have fallen short. 

I’m looking forward to a restful and relaxing five day weekend::  full of lots of yummy food, lots of laughing with my family, and lots of football {War EaGLe!!}. 


Happy Turkey Day friends! 

being two

I've loved every stage of being Reese's mama.  The up all night stage where we cuddled for hours in the rocker, the first laugh stage, the starting to become mobile stage-- they each have their wonderful, sweet, wow-i-can't-believe-this-is-happening moments.  Being two has amped up motherhood to a whole new level, though.  This is without a doubt the most entertaining and challenging stage.


Recent events:

• I'm sick.  When I tell Reese I feel really yucky he says "Open mouth Mama.  Okay.  Now I check ears."  Do you think he goes to the doctor too often?
• For lunch Sunday Reese wanted "sgetteoes, pe-butter, and milkshake." Then he changed his mind mid-meal and wanted "cheese, nana, and chips."  Tonight for dinner he had a Lunchable and some corn, last night it was a cheeseburger and french fries.  So what if our diet has been a little devoid of nutrition since Lofton left? Don't judge.
• I wore a sequined shirt to work today. {Don't worry, I'm not going hooker on you, I had a cardigan sweater over it.}  As I was changing Reese's diaper this morning he said, "You sparky boobs!" while pointing to my chest.  We could have a future Hugh Hefner on our hands.  If he starts requesting to wear a robe to school, I'll let you know.
• And last, but not least, every time I take Reese's picture he asks says "me see!"  Well, just tonight he started saying "awwww!" when he looks at his own picture.  

And I'm sure there's more to come...

adventures in South Dakota, part one

The great pheasant hunter landed safely on South Dakota soil a little after seven last night.  So far he’s learned a few things about South Dakota he felt necessary to share:

• not that many people visit south dakota so the planes are really small
• it’s really, really cold
• there aren’t a lot of people in South Dakota so it’s not real developed

Piggybacking on bullet point three, I’d like to share my South Dakota experience thus far.  Keep in mind it was probably WAY funnier first-hand at 6:30 this morning. AND also, if you’re from SD, I apologize in advance.

Lofton and I last chatted around eight last night.  He had landed safely and was waiting on another member of his hunting party so they could grab the rental car and make their way towards the hotel, a mere 2 hour drive away.  We said our “I love you’s”, he reminded me {for the 3rd time} to feed the pups, and then I went to bed.  A sick girl needs her rest.

This morning I checked my phone at 5:30 for signs that the hunter had checked in once he arrived at his destination.  No dice.  I proceeded with my usual morning routine, which basically includes flying though hair and make-up, throwing all my crap and Reese’s into our respective bags, yanking him out bed, and then brushing our teeth while also combing his hair.  

After depositing him safely in Tracy’s arms, I hoped back in the car and saw that my favorite hunter had sent me a message, via Facebook.  Here’s what it said:

We are here I got here about 11:30 last night. The hotel if you can call it that is in the middle of no where. I do not have phone service but a am able to steal internet. My outlook will not connect though i don't know what the deal is. The name of the hotel is the dakota inn. I am positive it is the only one. Maybe you can find the phone number and call my room it is 208.
Love you

I immediately google “Dakota Inn” and this place appeared.  A real beauty if i do say so myself.  I called the number, spoke to someone who sounded like Rosanne Barr, and was connected to room 208.  Ring, ring--- no answer.  I then messaged Lofton back, via facebook:

Maybe you can use your Gmail. Tried to call your room but no answer. Little man is missing you. I love you.

Then feeling defeated and sad I drove to work.  When I got there I found this email:

Did you get my message on facebook?  I got my email working now.

To which I replied: Yes.  I called your room but you didn't answer.
To which he replied: Try room 210.  My key says 208 but the phone says 210
Me: Sorry Babe.  Can't get anyone at the front desk to answer the phone.  I called six times. Is there a direct number on your room phone?
Lofton: 487-7404 room 210

{It was at this point that I realized there is more than one Dakota Inn.  Lofton is actually staying in these fine digs. I'd like to note it's billed as "luxury for less."}

Me: This is getting comical.  You aren't in room 210.  The guy that answered in 210 called me an asshole.  Twice.
Lofton: I am in room 208, but the phone says 210 asshole.

And finally, finally we were connected.  

I’m currently reading “Little House in the Big Woods” to my class and I’m envisioning South Dakota as being similar. Except with Lofton in place of Laura.

over the river

Lofton packed up this morning and headed to South Dakota.  Evidently hunting pheasant for five days was a more appealing offer than listening to me hack up my lungs all night long.  Pray for safe travels and minimal snow, will you?  

Reese and I have been doing what we do best:  a little book reading, some laundry, making a Thanksgiving grocery shopping list, and napping {him, not me}.  We also went to our favorite store on Earth, Target.  I'm out of tissue and soup, plus little man felt like he needed a new race car.  Do you think he has me wrapped around his racy-car loving finger?  Maybe.  But I also feel like death and am not in the mood to battle with a toddler.

Target was slam packed with holiday shoppers.  Can I confess I haven't bought a single present yet?  And I'm just not that concerned either...  We are headed to the mountains for Thanksgiving with my parents, aunt & uncle, and cousins.  I'm stoked.  I need a break and I love my parents.  What more could a girl want?  That and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I love the decorating part of Christmas, but nothing tops the food of Thanksgiving.  We've divided the menu and I'm responsible for-- two desserts {white chocolate bread pudding with a rum caramel sauce and something pumpkin}, roasted edamame and corn succotash, and sweet potato casserole.    

We're a little sad Daddy-o left, but after today the week will fly. It's spirit week at Reese's school so he's due for lots of fun and festivities.  Tomorrow is pajama day, Tuesday he can wear his favorite hat, and Wednesday is Auburn/Alabama day.  The cheerleaders and Aubie will be visiting and you better believe this mama will be in attendance too.  I heart Aubie.  Thursday and Friday have themes too, but I've lost the list.  Shoot.

Happy Monday Eve!  

under the weather

Sweet boy and I are enjoying our day off.  We took a minute this morning to pray for our troops and thank our Veteran's, cause that's what this day is all about.


We also took some time to go to the doctor, because this weather plus my sinuses just doesn't mix.  I woke up this morning feeling like my head was going to erupt.  Three prescriptions later I'm on my way to feeling better.  Maybe.


While getting my meds filled at Target {and yes, I'm on a first name basis with ALL three pharmacists}, I came across these Christmas jammies and had to scoop Reese up a pair.  They are the perfect toddler jammers:

The joys of parenting a two year old.  Some moments he's hugs and kisses, others he's the exact opposite.  


This morning when we left the doctor I told him we had to go to Target to get Mama some medicine.  His reply, " Get racy car, feel better."


You just have to smile.  He's really THAT cute.

soul train 2010

I have high hopes for Reese's future.  Doctor, professor, architect... I'm not picky.  After this weekend, however, I'm a little concerned he's going to live out his father's dream of being a dancer.

You see, Lofton really feels like he missed his calling.  He should have been a performer on Soul Train, or maybe a dancer on So You Think You Can Dance.  The hubs has moves and he's not afraid to show them off.

Reese clearly inherited this skill, as well.  Last night he performed a freestyle break dancing piece for us.  It was highly entertaining to say the least.  There were flips, spins, some rolling on the floor, and jumps.

Wish you could have been here.

the spinning

drop it low

flips

practicing his stage look

And in case you aren't entirely convinced that fame is in his future, I have big news.  Reese was photographed on Friday to be part of his school's new print advertisements.  He'll be in their new print ads with the directors' children.  Yep, full blown celebrity!

I could TOTALLY be a stage mom.

little stinker

Little man had a friend over to play last night so Daddy-o and I could have a date.  I know this is the story of parenting, but Lofton and I always enjoy date night so much, say we are going to do it more often, and then let six months pass by.... I digress.  


Reese's friend was not actually a peer, it was Holland.  She has fully recovered from having her tonsils out and I am oh-so-happy.  Reese loves her and we 100% trust her.  Such a nice feeling.


I gave Holland specific instructions before I left on how to bathe Reese because that's not usually I job I leave her to do.  I have irrational fears about him drowning in two inches of water.


We got home about eight and Reese was sound asleep.  She recapped playing in the tent, reading a zillion books, and dancing to the guitar.  She is seriously a toddler's dream girlfriend.


This morning I woke Reese up from a deep slumber and plopped him on the changing table.  {I detest the smell of morning tinkle by the way.  It is toxic to my senses.}  While lying on the table we had a little conversation and it went something like this:


Me:  Did you have fun with Holland last night?
Reese:  Uh huh good.
Me:  Did you play?
Reese:  Uh huh.  And hair in bath.
Me:  Oh she washed your hair in the bathtub!  Did you splash her?
Reese:  Uh huh.  And I poop in tub.


Hold up..... you what????


Unfortunately when I got to school I was confronted with the embarrassing truth.  My son did, in fact, poop in the tub last night.  Holland called Janet to see what she should do.  It was actually a good thing she didn't call me because he's NEVER done that to me before.  Ever.  Sweet girl scooped it out with a disposable cup, then cloroxed the tub.  


Have I mentioned I love her?  I do.  Teen angst and all.  And this child of mine?  I mean I have laughed out loud ALL DAY at how he confessed on the changing table this morning.  He is the perfect mix of sass and humor.  


Little stinker.