dentist visit, take two

I have confession to make: I bribe my child.

A skittle for letting us clean out his ears, a starburst for cleaning up all his toys without whining, multiple skittles for scoring a goal at soccer... I have no shame.  And really, I don't feel bad about it.  Sometimes you just need a little incentive.

Yesterday we headed back to the dentist.  He was leery.  So was I.  But when I was there last week they had an opening and I just took it.  Dawn, my hygienist and mama of one of my school babies, suggested I talk to him and see if I could figure out exactly which part of the dentist he didn't like.

Of course, he had a list.  First up-- the chair.  Followed by the weird toothbrush and nasty toothpaste.  The toothbrush and toothpaste were an easy fix.  I just took his.  The chair I wasn't so sure of.

Long story short, yesterday went great.  He sat in my lap in the chair.  An easy fix for what he obviously feels is a giant issue.  {And by giant issue I mean he's asked about the chair forty eight times in the last two days.  What?  He gets his anxiety honestly.} After that it was smooth sailing.  He had his teeth counted, cleaned and flossed with no complaint.

And afterwards, he picked his reward.

Yogurt Mountain. Pink lemonade sorbet with a healthy dose of sprinkles and gummy bears.

magic morning

I've decided that there's nothing like Christmas with a four year old.  Nothing.

He just gets it.  And it's awesome.

His first words this morning when he walked into the living room and saw the twinkly lights illuminating Santa's loot?  Whoa, Mama! 

We've played with every single gift today.  And when he laid down for his nap he told me this was the best day ever.  

Merry Christmas.

heart broken

I worked all weekend on preparing my heart for going to work this morning. I was going to be tough.  We were going to revisit our safety plan and I was going to answer their third grade questions best I could.  Did I mention I was going to be tough?

That lasted all of five seconds before I dissolved into tears.

I'm always, always a mama first.  And my first thought Friday was of my own precious baby boy.  And the parents, who just like me, sent their kids to school on Friday with a kiss and a reminder to be sweet and do their best.  And now those same parents have Christmas trees with presents that will never be opened.

I know it's not really about presents.  But it is about all the milestones and memories that will never be made.

My second thought Friday was of my other twenty kids.  I love my school kids.  Like really love them.  I think the majority of teachers feel the same.  I didn't become a teacher for the money or the vacation days. I just really like hanging out with kids all day.  I like watching them learn and helping them become independent little people.  Just like Reese spends the majority of his day with his teachers, I spend the majority of my day with other people's children.  And I try, every day, to remember to treat my children like I would want Reese treated.  It's an enormous responsibility.  And to think of those teachers trying desperately to protect those precious children hurts my heart so deeply.

So, I, just like millions of other mamas out there am hugging my little one a little tighter.  Letting him spend a few extra minutes snuggling on the couch and staring at Christmas tree lights.  But I'm also hugging my school kids a little tighter, too.

seven

I thought I could never love Lofton more than I did on December 17, 2005.  But I do.

Every single day since then has been an adventure.  Some happy, some not so much.  But it's a journey we're taking together.

Marriage is hard.  Sometimes really hard. And sometimes we are the hardest on the ones we love the most. But marriage is also fun.  And Lofton makes me laugh-- sometimes with him, sometimes at him.

We went to dinner Saturday night, and after all these years, we still sit on the same side of the booth.  And we laugh and we talk and time passes too quickly.  And those are things that I'm thankful for because I know that not all marriages are like that.

happy anniversary, lofton.  i'm thankful for every hug after a bad day. i'm thankful that you clean the bathrooms without complaining. and i'm thankful that you love me so good.  

christmas comes to town

Finally, finally I'm done decorating for Christmas.

I started last weekend when Lofton was gone, but we waited until yesterday to get our tree.  Something about having the tree up makes everything feel special. Even if you bought your tree while wearing leggings and flip flops.  Why must it be so hot in December?

Decorating the tree gave me the perfect opportunity to practice picture taking, as well.  Without further adieu, Reese's special ornaments:

2012

2011

2010

2009

Still loving this new camera, by the way.  Obsessed.

Today, I addressed approximately one zillion Christmas cards.  Even licked all the envelopes.  Yuck.  Then we built a gingerbread house together. 

 Umm... why are those things so dang difficult to build?  Just when you think it's all glued with icing, it collapses.  

Again.

We finally got it secure enough to decorate.  Reese has moved on from it now, so if it falls apart we'll just toss it.  Memories made.  

Now if I could just get my shopping done.  Santa is really loving amazon.com this year... 

parade

I was a duck hunting widow this weekend.  

Lucky for me, my parents can be easily coerced into driving up to keep us company.  Thanks Buck and Emo!

They arrived just in time Friday afternoon.  I'd had a long day at work {full moon, Haley's last day, parent conference} and was just finishing up my glass of wine.  We went downtown for dinner and then came home to listen to the Opelika Bulldogs beat Carver.  Play for a state championship in Jordan Hare Stadium on Friday night?  I think we will.  

Saturday morning came early.  Actually it came every hour between midnight and five.  I willingly shared my bed with Reese.  Silly me, I thought he would sleep on Lofton's side of the bed.  No, no-- he slept on me. 

The parade was at ten, and although we haven't had much success in the past, we made a go of it.  It was an excellent opportunity for me to practice using my new camera {early birthday present courtesy of my parents & hubs}.

In case you're curious-- he's shielding himself from the Chick Fil A cow.  Between that and the horses that pooped right in front of us, he was overjoyed by the experience yet again.

And my favorite from the weekend:

Literally busting out of his Christmas jammies.  Oh well.

weekend adventures

How was your holiday?

Ours was delightful, minus the persistent wheezing of baby boy.  Such is life, I suppose.

Saturday we returned home around lunch and headed straight to run some errands.  The Iron Bowl {or the oh heck do we really have to do this bowl} was on mid-afternoon and even though losing was inevitable, we still like to watch.

We stopped at Jersey Mike's for a quick bite then headed back to the car for a Target run.   Except neither of us had keys which resulted in quite a few pleasantries being exchanged in the parking lot.  We walked to Target, happily discussing our options.  I was of the mindset that calling the lock person and having the car unlocked quickly was important.  Lofton had some manly plan to have someone pick him up and take him to our locked house where he was going to break in and find the spare key to the car.

Guess who's plan we chose?

Less than an hour later we were through with Target and on our way home.  {winner, winner!}

The washer and dryer greeted us from the hallway.  A persistent reminder that the laundry room is in shambles.  Now, for the record, I hate laundry.  But not being able to to do it at all is inconvenient.  That being said, Lofton had slaved over tiling last weekend.  And then Saturday he decided that his tile job wasn't quite up to snuff.  So he demoed it out.  Because that's what we do here-- tear stuff up.

A few hours {and one cut finger} later and the new tile was gone.  Yesterday, he tiled again.  And truthfully, it looks much better than his initial go-round.

He is currently working on the trim, because as I told you last weekend he's going duck hunting this weekend.

Man on mission, that guy. Love him so much.



 

stuffed

This post is not about turkey.  Although, I am ridiculously excited about eating my favorite meal at my favorite house in less than 24 hours.

My buddy is sick.  I told you, November is not kind to us.

We went to the doctor Monday, and this never happens, but Reese is actually sicker than I thought.  Usually I've already web-diagnosed him with the plague and then am told it's just a minor cold.  He's actually having some pretty yucky wheezing issues along with some serious congestion.

It's a double whammy when you're struggling to breath and also your nose is stopped up.  He's told me approximately twenty five times in the last day or so, "Mama I don't feel so good." That's then followed by, "Can I please sleep in your bed again?"  Duh, of course.

A side benefit of having to administer a breathing treatment mid-day yesterday was that Lofton got to join in on Reese's turkey day lunch at school.  He called to tell me that little man, our notoriously stubborn eater, cleaned his plate of turkey, green beans, and sweet potato casserole.  Oh yes, we caught you buddy.

Side note: A quick thank you to Pinterest for this awesome turkey cookie glyph that rocked the socks of my third grade babies yesterday.

Cookies? With frosting and candy?  Sign me up. This cookie belongs to an eight year old boy whose favorite thanksgiving food is turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving!

these dogs

Little man I came home to a mess Tuesday.

At first I couldn't figure out what happened and Reese yelled "Mama a chicken exploded in our yard!" That's when it dawned on me that those were, in fact, feathers.  From my porch pillows.  They are Ikea porch pillows, but still.  Yet another belonging destroyed by our dogs. My heart is weary and my attitude poor.  

I'm over it.  But then I remember that I love them.  Destruction and all.  And my little boy loves them, too.  Sigh.

Inside, work continues on the laundry room.  The drywall is complete and one coat of paint is done.  Now comes the tiling.  Tiling is slow.  It also involves removing the washer and dryer from the room.  Lofton washed everysingle item in our house yesterday morning while I ran errands with little man.  That husband. {it's virtually impossible to take a good picture of this windowless room-sorry!}

Husband has a duck hunting trip planned for the last weekend in November.  I've been promised a laundry room by then.  We shall see.

Today we will enjoy a lazy Sunday.  Little man was up coughing during the night and it has a distinct bark to it.  We'll be heading to the doctor tomorrow afternoon.  As I trapped us in the bathroom this morning for a little steam action, I looked in his medicine cabinet for some children's cough medicine.  His albeuterol box was siting there, and wouldn't you know, it's fill date was November 9, 2011.  Dang you, November. 

And so, on this week of thanksgiving, I shall be thankful for modern medicine, husbands that moonlight as contractors, and dogs.  Even those that destroy houses. 

lebron and santa

Flu be damned, Lofton and I headed up I-85 Friday toward Atlanta for a night away.

We went to Atlantic Station first to grab lunch and wander around.  It's always a little odd to be hanging out just us, but we made do.  After checking in to our hotel, we quickly got dolled up and had a few of these--

Before heading to Philips Arena to see this guy--

The King himself, Lebron James.  

Lofton loves basketball.  In fact, I have many memories of watching the NBA playoffs between the Lakers and the Pistons when we first started dating.  Lebron is his favorite player, hands down.  It's always been a dream of his to see Lebron play, and well, my mom is in the business of making dreams come true.

The game was great.  We were lucky to be surrounded by lots of other Heat fans, but really, who cheers for the Hawks?  No one from what we could tell.

The next morning, after a night of no sleep {am I seriously the only person in America who hates hotels?}, we had a yummy breakfast and booked it back to our little man.  He spent the night at home with Miss Haley {my intern}.  They ate chick-a-lay, watched Madagascar 3, painted a picture of Lightening McQueen, and played football at six in the morning.  I'd venture to say I wasn't missed at all.

While we're on the subject of dreams coming true, Reese has realized that Christmas time's a coming.  We've discussed, informally, some gift ideas.  Until today, his list consisted of fruit snacks and a watch. On our way to lunch, however, that evidently changed. 

"Mama, I think I'd like Santa to bring me a computer.  Like an I-Pad like Emo's.  And maybe a phone where I can touch the screen."  

My reply?  Oh okay, Reese.  You know what Mama wants Santa to bring her?  A four year old to replace the fourteen year old riding in my backseat.

And so it begins...

rocking the vote

I'm at home today.

With a touch of the flu.  No, I didn't get a flu shot.  And no, now isn't the time to tell me that I should have.

I must be well by Friday because Lofton and I are headed to ATL for a belated 30th birthday celebration.  I will feel better, I will...

Regardless, yesterday Reese and I headed to our neighborhood polling location so I could model citizenship in action.  I thought it was both fun and important to include him in such a big event.

Although he was a little confused and thought we were going to a boat.  He also told everyone that, "Mama is boating for Baromney!" His personal choice for president was the local high school football coach.  Or Batman.  It was a toss up for him.

And while we are on the subject of elections, today was the worst day ever to be at home.  The nastiness on both television and FB has been appalling.  No, my candidate didn't win.  However, being ugly about it isn't going to change the outcome. Or on the other side, convince me that your candidate is the best candidate.

Seriously.  Both these men are husbands and fathers.  Strong men who feel strongly convicted in their beliefs.  Welcome to America.

It seriously makes me want to use my teacher voice. And de-friend some people on facebook.

war eagle anyway

Saturday we took Reese to his first Auburn football game.

And while this season has been dismal, and Saturday's game was down right disheartening, we had the best time.

Pre game is where it's at for a four year old.  Reese loved the band, the eagle put on an amazing show, and there were fighter jets on hand to celebrate military appreciation day. He also inhaled a hot dog, part of a funnel cake, and some Sprite.

We only stayed through half time-- which is at least a quarter longer than the majority of the stadium-- because it was freezing cold and getting late for us 8:15 church goers.  The performance was pretty sad, too.  The team has lost it's sparkle.

Regardless, we love our Auburn Tigers.  Fingers are crossed for a win this weekend!

the dog ate my laundry room

I've been holding out on you.  Mainly due to time restraints but also because this story is so darn unbelievable.

Jake, our yellow lab, is part wonder dog.  Wonder dog in a crazy, dogs can't really do the things he does and live kind of way. We've loved him-- one of us more than the other-- through all his antics these last eleven years.

Until I came home one Thursday and found this:

Ignoring the terrible phone photo, please focus on the shredded drywall, eaten insulation, and the hole. The shredded drywall goes all around the entire laundry room.  On the other side of the hole?

Just my bedroom.  

If I hadn't been running by the house to grab Motrin for Reese on my way to a doctor's appointment I would have killed him.  My sanity prevailed, though, and I went along my merry way. 

The next day was a Friday and off I went, credit card in hand, to Lowes.  I believe my text to Lofton was something along the lines of "I'm done with this and it's time I take my house back." What can I say?  I'm dramatic. I bought a wireless invisible fence and an extra collar.

I'm over the dog tearing up the walls.  He's already eaten through a door in this house, ripped his metal kennel to shreds, and scraped the vinyl tile {granted it was ugly} off the same laundry room floor. None of that includes the damage he caused to our other two houses.  He's crazy.

It's truly a wonder he's still alive. Because he literally eats the drywall and insulation.

Needless to say we are now planning and saving for a laundry room makeover.

Tile was our first purchase.  I wanted hex tile, but at almost five dollars per square foot I compromised on something with the same general aesthetic at a significantly lower price. The picture above is the store sample.  We are going to use a darker grout.

Lofton will be re-insulating and rehanging the drywall soon.  I've been pinning away on Pinterest trying to come up with some ideas for the space.  Truthfully, I don't anticipate spending copious amounts of time in there so we just need it to be functional with a hint of style.

I think we are going to build in a linen closet {it's currently in our bathroom but I want it gone} and a place for a drying rack.  Anyone have something in their laundry room they can't live without?

{side note: The fence works like a dream.  Jake has torn my shade garden to pieces and dug a few holes, but since the damage isn't actually inside the house, I can deal for now.}

patriotism

Election time is not my fave.  The back and forth insults, constant media analysis, and general ridiculousness just gets on my nerves.

But, my sweet boy is all about some patriotism this week.  And while he insists he learns "nothin" at school, he very clearly does--

Melt my heart into a little all-American puddle.

drive by

Just stopping in to say hi.

Soccer keeps our week flying.  We are all thankful for only 4 more games {ugh, two more weeks}. The luster has worn off for the kids and the coach.

And although we practice our "game face" before kickoff, Reese doesn't actually use it.  He is, for lack of a better term, non-competitive.  Our whole team is non-competitive, actually.  But it's been fun, and we've made new friends.  The point of it all, I guess.

Other than soccer, our life has been work, work, work.  Lofton's and mine.  Lofton is crazy busy, but being top salesman for the entire company TWO months in a row will keep you that way.  We are grateful for the increase in business, so we don't complain.  Much.

Last week we officially joined a church.  It was a long time in the making and we are thankful we have found a church home.  There are lots of kids, one of our main criteria, and Reese is slowly coming around.  We had a fall picnic Wednesday night and he actually left my side long enough to play for a bit.  He's a cautious one, this boy. 

In keeping with our efforts to have fun, sans child, Lofton took a Pure Barre class with me this afternoon.  It was entertaining.  I tried to give him some tips before class, but since he knows everything AND thought class was going to be a joke {he says I don't come home sweaty enough to have exercised} he didn't listen.  

Lesson learned. Score one for the wife.

I won't share the actual words he used, but we can now agree that Pure Barre is no joke.

And now the work week begins again. Here is to hoping this week flies.  We are headed home Friday for a little R&R.  Sometimes you just need to go home...

thirty!

Happy birthday to my handsome husband!

I'm so thankful you are my mine.

XOXO,
E

** PS.  Pinterest for the win.  The sprinkle cake is awesome. And no, there is no rhyme or reason to having eight candles on the cake.  It's just what was left over from Reese's cake last week.  Sorry hubs.  Another reason to be forever glad Reese wasn't born on his due date, October 9th. 

shots and stats

I put in for today as a personal day over a month ago.  Way before I knew Reese's shots would be yesterday.  It was meant to be, though, because he definitely wouldn't have made it through a whole day at school.  The whine factor alone would have prompted them to call us to pick him up.

We had our four year old check up yesterday.  Everything checked out great, and Dr. Glaze pacified my list of concerns.  I was SO glad Daddy-O tagged along, though, because the shots put me over the edge.  It was bad.  I've never heard Reese yell that way.

Lofton said later, "At least now we know what it will sound like if someone is trying to kill him.  If we EVER hear that sound coming from him again, we should run to him.  Quickly."

Five shots total-- four in his legs, one in his right arm.  His arm doesn't seem to be bothering him, but his leg is already bruising.  Poor buddy.

Regardless, we've enjoyed our day.  Chai tea {my new favorite beverage} and yogurt {for Reese} in bed, a trip to Target for more children's Motrin and Cinderella {you should have heard me trying to sell a movie with a princess on the front}, and the only thing I really wanted to do today-- a pedicure.  Buddy was an angel.  He sat in the chair with me and was perfectly content to play with his cars and place Super WHY on my phone.

His stats---

Weight: 43 pounds {91 %}
Height: 46 1/2 inches {97%)

What can I say?  He's big.  Although his weight seems to be slowing.  Slightly.

happy birthday to my favorite thing

Happy birthday, sweet boy!  Truthfully it pains me to call you a little boy.  In my mama heart you are forever my baby.  I can't dare tell you that though.  It makes you mad.

As your daddy carried you to bed a few nights ago, and I followed dutifully behind {you like us both to take you to bed}, I asked you how long you thought it would be before we could stop carrying yo around.  {Yes, you are probably the only fifty pound child who still gets carried everywhere.  Except maybe Suri Cruise!} You told me maybe when you are eight! We laughed very hard.  You love for us to cart you around, and we love to do so, so we don't complain much.

It blows my mind that you are four.

What a glorious four years we've had together.  I remember holding you in my arms on that late Thursday night and marveling at so many things... your nose, your little fingers, your bright blue eyes. My heart was so full that I don't think I could have fathomed loving you any more than I did in that moment.  But I do.  My heart just continues to grow.  Every single day.

You are my shadow in so many ways.  Recently another Mama told me she and her daughter were like oil and water.  You and I are the complete opposite.  We are two peas in a pod.  There is no one else {except for your Daddy} that I'd rather spend my day with.  I fully believe your confidence and strong will come from us-- your daddy and I-- and the abundance of love and attention we give you.  You can light up a room with your spirit and joy.

As you turn four, there are some things I want you to know.  You are smart.  People tell us all the time you talk like an adult.  You remember every little thing, whether we want you to or not.  You love to sing along with the radio.  Your favorite foods are grapes, yogurt, and easy mac.  You still will not let the dentist near your teeth.  You love books, and race cars, and building with your blocks.  You would play outside for hours upon hours if we would let you.  Football and soccer are your favorite sports.  Orange is your favorite color.  You say your prayers every night.  You are a grateful child.  You sleep with three stuffed animals in your bed; Leo the Lion, Mr. Rabbit, and Po the Panda.  Emo gave them all to you.  You have sweet, sweet friends.  Thayer, Ella and Rankin are your best friends.  I'm already sad that you'll be going to school without them next year.  You can write your name and most of your letters.

I want you to know more than anything how proud you make your Daddy and I! We could never have imagined the joy you would bring us.  Although parenting is hard work, we are so blessed by you.

Happy birthday to my favorite thing! I love you, all my heart.

party rockin'

My baby boy turns four Tuesday-- a whole weepy post of it's own- and we celebrated yesterday with a small family party.

My handsome husband came through in a clutch, helping me wrap gifts and decorate a "race car" cake. Seriously, Lofton's talents know no end.  He could wrap gifts professionally, no question.

The cake was a source of much stress and anxiety.  Reese requested the race car and the colors.  He seemed delighted with what we came up with, which I guess is all that matters.  I also made cupcakes that were supposed to have race car toppers.  Supposed to being the key words there.  I accidentally threw them in the trash during my mad cleaning spree Thursday night.  

Our sweet Augusta family made the trek, as well. Even with a five month old, Cassie was my decorator extraordinaire.  Hugh was a welcome addition.  He usually has important doctor things to do and is unable to come.  By far, he is Reese's favorite playmate.  Lofton was thrilled to have him here, too, as they spent eight hours putting together the massive play set.  {no pictures, it's raining} Penelope was my weekend snuggle buddy.  Reese even got in on some holding action.  I think he's in love.

We are beyond blessed by these three.  {side note-- I do have a left arm, contrary to how it appears in this photo}

Reese was spoiled rotten by toys galore, new clothes, and the massive play set.  Lofton and I gave him the batman house he's been coveting since July, some new shirts, and a coat.  We also have a present hiding in the basement for his actual birthday, Tuesday.  

All I wanted was for Reese to have a day of being celebrated by the people who love him the most.  It was the perfect day.  

grateful for this day

Work of late has been difficult.

It's hard to explain my feelings about it {although my mama and husband have listened to the brunt}, but let's just say I'm overwhelmed and frustrated.  And not by the parts that are related to my students. Which is even more frustrating.

I've also had what can only be described as 'the crud' for the last two weeks.  Part cold, part allergies, part general yuckiness.  For a working mama who gets up at five and goes full speed until bed, feeling yucky just won't do.

I headed to urgent care yesterday afternoon because Mimi had scooped up Reese from school for a date.  After explaining to my non-English speaking doctor that I realize everyone says they don't have time to be sick, but I REALLY don't have time... I got a steroid shot and a an antibiotic shot.  Awesome.

Upon arrival home, I found my baby lying on the couch.  I could tell by looking at him he didn't feel well.  As soon as Mimi left I grabbed the thermometer, a toasty 102.7.  Off to the pediatric clinic we went.  Poor buddy wouldn't even pick his head up.  On the car ride there he didn't once complain about the bumpy road {don't even ask} and he said in his most pitiful voice, "mama i'm sorry but i don't want to sing with the radio today."  Bless him.

Lots of tests run, but a diagnosis of virus.  I've been pumping fluids like a mad woman.

He slept in our bed last night, so I could easily tell when he needed more medicine... and maybe just because I love a good snuggle.  His fever is still running high.  

Today we are still in bed.  I've got laundry going and I've picked up a little, but my little buddy is firmly camped in my bed watching cartoons and drinking his water with mio.

And I'm grateful for this time.  Even though he's puny, I needed this day.  To catch my breath a little. To snuggle.  To drink an extra cup of coffee.  To take care of just Reese.  And to be honest, I haven't really worried about my class.  I'm thankful to have an intern who is fairly capable of keeping things together.  And really, as important as I think I am, one day without me won't kill them.

{sidenote: I have a post about soccer coming, but truthfully, Tuesday night was a bit of disaster.  Looking back, I'm pretty sure buddy wasn't feeling so hot even then. Coach Beasley is going to head to practice without us tonight.}

boss lady

We have a bit of an ongoing debate around here about who's in charge.  Reese spends about 90% of his life thinking it's him.  Not in a toddler drama spoiled brat way.  Just in a only child who is really smart and adorable way.

Last week, though, mama boss lady stepped in.

As everyone knows, I usually reserve my teacher persona for school.  I try to stay far away from injecting my thoughts and opinions into Reese's schooling.  I, for the most part, trust his teachers.

But, then sassy pants started coming home from school with artwork and papers signed with the name Erese, or Eesre, or sometimes Rseee.  Seriously?  The kid knows how to spell his name!  One night last week I questioned him on it.  The convo went a little something like this:

Me {holding the aforementioned papers}: Buddy, what is going on here? You're spelling your name wrong...
Reese:  Uh huh.  I know.  I spell my name R-E-E-S-E.  
Me: Then why are you putting the letters on the paper incorrectly?
Reese {complete with hands on hips}: It not matter Mama. All the letters are there!

Oh okay, because all the letters are there you've decided to take some creative freedom with the arrangement.  How clever of you, almost four year old.

So I had to step in.  And call his teacher.  And make her lay down my law.  He is to re-write his name if he spells it incorrectly.  Every time, no matter what.

When I picked him up from school Thursday he did not bound across the playground into my arms.  Instead he stomped toward me, hands again on hips.  He evidently had to miss some outside fun time to re-write his name a few times.  And he knew it was because I called his teacher.

But he's now spelling his name correctly.

Stinker.

my husband is really great

Yesterday, Lofton coached Reese's very first soccer practice.  It was an adorable moment.  I took pictures, my heart swelled, I almost got teary.

But for all his amazingness as a dad, that isn't actually what this post is about.

The air is broken in my classroom.  In a nutshell, the unit on the roof needs to be completely taken apart.  However, due to our building being ancient, it can't be taken apart until our ENTIRE school transfers from AC to heat.  You know, in November sometime.

To say it's been hot is an understatement.  Twenty kids, two adults, and a confined space are not a fabulous match.

After two weeks of battling this I called Lofton today in tears.  My intern was attempting to teach science, my children were dripping in sweat, I have three kids with health problems severe enough that the nurse and I are basically BFF {and their asthma is being exacerbated by the muggy heat}, and it was HOT.

I was at my breaking point.

And my husband left work and went and bought us a fan.

Because he's amazing.

pink eye and other happenings

What a beautiful day it is!  Finally, we can walk outside without immediately needing to bathe.

This weather comes just in time... Soccer starts Tuesday night.  Our team name is, "The Rugrats." Lofton is charged with coaching five three year old's {six including his own}.  It should be worth watching.  Reese has already made it clear that he needs no coaching.  Awesomeness ahead. I'm sure my husband would appreciate your prayers.

In other highlights, Lofton has spent the week with pink eye.  Cringe, it's okay, I did.  It's been gross for this germaphob.  Not to mention challenging to be kind.  I can do about two days of husband sickness before my niceness wears off.  Monday and Tuesday were pretty nerve wracking, what with his eye swollen completely shut. Once the third doctor assured Lofton it was in fact pink eye, I was ready to move on.  Take your drops, use your ointment, pop some ibuprofen, but also go back to work and get off the couch.  That was my pep up speech Wednesday afternoon.

We are gearing up for a pretty big birthday at the beasley house. I get a little weepy just thinking about my baby boy turning four.  We decided on not doing a big party this year. Just grandparents and a few close friends.  Reese is fine with no party, and instead I'm going to take cupcakes to school.  Emo and Mimi have plans to surprise Reese with a pretty big gift.  One that requires fourteen hours to assemble.  Stay tuned for that adventure...

On a totally unrelated note, school is settling in.  I'm still exhausted, but grateful for an intern who is eager to help.  She's been a saving grace to a school year that has started at rocket speed.  Wednesday, I was working at the computer while she sat on the other side of the room.  The kids were at PE.  Evidently I was talking to myself because she got the giggles.  When I looked up to see what she was laughing about I realized it was me.  She said that she used to listen really intently, thinking I was going to tell her something important, but then she realized that I was just talking to myself.  And answering my own questions.  Surely I'm not the only one who does that?

And with that, it's the middle of September.

I'll be back with a soccer report later in the week.  Stay tuned...

our lately

This child of mine is going to send me to an early grave.  My heart and anxiety level just cannot take motherhood and the pains that come along with it.  For real.

Let's start with last Wednesday. It was a really awful day.

I took Reese took the doctor because he's started having very frequent accidents over the past few weeks.  I was pretty sure it was something minor, but wanted to confer with our pediatrician just to make sure.

After confirming that my little boy had grown a not so little two and a half inches in the last two months we did a simple urine test.  Can I tell you how exciting Reese found it to tinkle in a cup? Unfortunately that excitement was quickly ruined by the dreaded finger stick.  Even worse?  The really high reading of Reese's blood sugar level. Especially considering he hadn't had anything to eat or drink in over two hours.

Not good news, people. Also not good?  When your favorite doctor looks really concerned and perplexed.  I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach.

I actually held it together really well on the drive home.  I called Lofton, my mom, and my favorite friend and shared the news that we would have to fast all night and then return to the doctor in the morning to repeat the test. Then we got home and Reese asked in a really pitiful voice if he could please have some skittles for being so brave.  And then I fell apart like a cheap suit.  {And duh, totally let the dentist hating kid have a heap of skittles. Fasting didn't start until ten.}

Lofton agreed to a family slumber party without hesitation so I know he was worried, too.

Luckily, everything is fine.  Reese's second blood sugar reading was on the high end of average, but within a normal range, so we'll just keep an eye on it.

The fix for his bathroom issue is a simple one and we are happy to move on.

To today.  As I was putting him the car at daycare I noticed his right arm {specifically his hand up through his wrist and lower arm} was giant.  Like so swollen that his skin was hot and hard.

Awesome.

Back into school we went.  After multiple attempts to figure out what happened, we were stumped.  Reese wasn't much help and there wasn't a visible insect bite.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to the doctor we go!

Our favorite doctor wasn't working today so we saw a newbie.  He was actually really great, which is saying a lot considering my history with doctors.  He poked and prodded, moved around and wriggled fingers.  He got Reese to squeeze his hand and rotate his wrist; both things Reese did pretty well considering the swelling.  We decided that meant nothing was broken.  

Reese was given a giant dose of oral steroids {and a prescription to continue them for four days}.  The doctor said maybe once the swelling goes down we'll be able to locate an actual bite.  Either way, my mama nerves are shot.

Sweet boy has also had a prescription dose of Benadryl, so he's currently sound asleep snuggled up on his Daddy-O.  I'm thinking we'll both agree to just leave him there for tonight.

celebrating

Eleven years ago tonight I met the handsome boy who stole my heart.

summer 2004

He had on a blue shirt.  I had on something entirely inappropriate that attracted his attention.  

Our once upon a time story is a lengthy one, but at the end of the day he alone is my Sunday morning full of grace.  

L-- All my heart, forever. 

weary

I am tired.

I have hugged familiar faces, greeted my new nuggets {side note: my intern calls the kids nuggets and it cracks me up}, and planned for hours straight.  My face hurts from smiling, my brain is overworked, my back is aching.

But I'm eager to begin.  I know once these first few weeks are past us, we'll settle into a routine, and these new faces will be the familiar ones.

Right now it's all so new. I don't do new well.  And this year I'm faced with some unique challenges that I've never experienced before.

I told my intern today that lesson one is the most important: Teaching isn't the hard part, learning to get along with everyone involved in the teaching process is.  My principal and I later talked about the exact thing.  This job of educating little people is challenging, and after six years I still feel like a novice every August.

Monday's a big day.

just stopping in

Hi.

Life is crazy right now.  Lofton and I are both swamped with work, and our sweet boy is just tagging along for the ride.

His first week in his new class is going great.  That makes my mama heart feel much better about the work/school situation.  I don't worry one bit that he's being loved all day, even if I'm not doing the loving.

Tomorrow I meet my TWENTY ONE new lovelies.  Yes, that's twenty one.  I've shifted furniture, moved in new desks, and prayed.  Maybe you should pray, too?  What a blessing that my intern is a doll.  She's going to get a crash course in classroom management come Monday morning.

My room is ready, but I'm not sure if I am...

I'll be back!

not so awful

We have emerged from our first two days back in the real world of school and work unscathed.  My sweet boy did great!
 

It was a little tough to rouse him at six Thursday morning, but Friday morning he was up at 5:15.

Oh, you thought he might forget Friday equals Chick Fil A on the way to school?  Umm no.

I did okay, too.  It's an adjustment, an adjustments take time.  Adjustments are also an excuse for cheer up Starbucks.

Friday, Buck and Emo surprised Reese at school around lunch and then came to visit me.  We celebrated Buck's birthday in grand fashion: dinner out Friday night, an all day fire pit barbecue Saturday, and a from scratch birthday cake.
 

The cake was superb.  I offered him three options {chocolate, caramel, or strawberry} and he picked caramel.  It was a great choice.  My cakes aren't going to win any awards for beauty, but they make up for it in taste.

Also on Saturday was an entertaining side adventure courtesy of my mother.  After a little downtown shopping, we headed home to check on the boys.  In route we came across a chihuahua in the road.  Being the animal rescuers we are {NOT!}, we stopped.  Mama went door to door looking for the owners, but had no luck.

Home came the dog:

After about an hour of trying to figure out what in the world we should do, we headed back out to take her to the humane society for a microchip scan.  The humane society had already told me they were at full capacity, so I knew we couldn't leave her there.  Just for kicks, I rode through the area where we had originally found the dog.  Low and behold there was a man looking!  Tiki was reunited with her owner.  Thank you, Lord.

And finally, three of my favorite people stopped by on their way home to Augusta this afternoon.

The Beasley family is pretty smitten with this little lady.  Reese was also beyond excited that Uncle Hugh brought him a Batman toy.  That Hugh, he's big on bribing people to like him best.  And it totally works.

And now it's Monday eve, my least favorite time.  Raise your hand if you think Lofton should buy me a present to make re-adjusting to work easier?