Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Santa Came!!

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,

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Making The Rounds

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, 


Monday, January 14, 2013

Music Monday Download

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, 

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Beckett Chatter

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, 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Naughty or Nice?

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, 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Biscoff Crescents

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, 

Friday, January 4, 2013

Coming Soon!


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,