The BEST of 2012

Last year I did this and thought it turned out pretty cute -- so I would continue it!  We had a lot of fun and events this year -- so it's always hard to pick the favorites or to even list in an order!!!  So I will again, list them in no particular order.......

Modeling Anniversary

Modeling for Sparkle Galz Boutique

Trevor has been boutique modeling thru Facebook for over a year now!  We have really enjoyed most of our shoots and I would like to say that my photography has improved and we've gotten more creative with our shoots!!  I think by next summer we will be done completely though, as it gets slim in the offers for boys as they get older.  It has been fun yet frustrating but I always love that it gave me reason to capture the slow growth of my baby boy!

Trevor turns 5!!!!

This is always a fun and exciting event in our lives each year.  As tradition -- we went to Seaworld for his birthday and had a fun party!  This year we went to Seaworld with Kathy and her family (Tom and Patrick).  It was highlighted with lost glasses, hurt foot, hotel and ticket fiascoes and lots of laughs!!! Trevor of course loved his trip and has reassured us that he will grow up to be someone who helps animals (works at Seaworld!)  For his party we went Kung Fu style!  Trevor loves Kung Fu Panda and karate so what a perfect way to infuse it all.  I got a lot of my ideas off Pinterest and even wrangled my Dad into "teaching" the kids a few moves!!!  I stressed myself out about it all but in the end it was just fine!!





California visit

In June we decided to not go to Cabo, but visit Grandma Gail and Grandpa Jim in California again!  This time around we hit Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, USS Midway and a few other spots we enjoyed last time.  Trevor really enjoyed the ocean this time around and ran around all over!  We also managed to see a "real Transformer" Bumble bee car!!! Trevor was in awe and was so enamored we had to "hurry and take (a pic) before he had to go!"  It was a great trip and so nice to catch up with Grandma and Jim!

Oh the Places he'll go!!! (Prek Grad --> Starts Kindergarten)

Trevor officially graduated from PreK in June 2012 and we celebrated with a fun party at home!  I again used Pinterest as my idea generator as I created a "Oh the Places You'll Go!" party theme.  It was nice to have a few of Trevor's teachers there to celebrate this milestone!  I will admit it got me all misty eyed to say an official good bye to the ladies I called "my other family" but they will always be in our hearts!  August brought Trevor's FIRST day of Kindergarten!  We were very excited to be able to stay at Barton Creek as an in-district transfer and then to get the Teacher of the Year as his teacher!!! He has had a good first semester and seems to be doing well - socially and cognitively!  He really does love school (something he got from me!!!) so we hope this continues to be his thoughts as the years pass on!!!

Travels afar -- Hong Kong!

I feel like this is one of our biggest events this year! It truly was a special one.....again THANK YOU to Mom and Dad for expensing this trip for Trevor and I!!! I will always honor it as a cherished memory and ensure that Trevor does as well!  We got to visit numerous family members and Trevor had so much fun with his cousins!  The sites we saw and the yummy food are only half of what I will cherish!  I love embracing my "culture" and sharing it with Trevor!  We had fun creating a trip journal and sharing pics and memoirs with his class when he returned to school!  Although we blemished his "perfect attendance" I think it was well worth it! (read my blog for more pictures and info!)

Jobs are steady
Last year I talked about a big change in my job!  So that means I lasted a YEAR!!! well now it'll almost be 2 years!  I have made a great "third family!" there and feel so blessed that I can go to work doing something I love and feel little stress (well sometimes it's stressful but.....so different!) plus have so much fun (ie. Sally, PIC and the Dolla Family!)  Justin is also still at his job and seems to really like it - working alongside his brother.  I know he is worn out most days (especially in the summer heat!) but it is nice to have steady work, insurance and low work stress in our lives! The property is really coming along and healing from the fires of last year.  Justin is finally finished "clearing" out the rubble and now working on progress - plus a horse has joined the fun!!!

Go Aeros!!!

Trevor did Fall Ball again - this time with the Oak Hill Youth Sports Assoc (OHYSA) team Aeros!  We loved being with this team and really felt the slight competitive spirit this league brings!  Trevor seemed to have fun and got to play some key spots in defense (pitcher, SS and 2nd base!)  His coaches were a hoot and so great with the kiddos!! We hope to have them next season!

Spooky Fun!
Trevor and I hosted our FIRST (possibly annual?!?!) Spooky Party!  He started creating his own invitations one day and I just couldn't deny him this after that!!! So again I looked to Pinterest for quick, easy (and cheap) ways to throw together a party in like 2 weeks!  It turned out pretty good (if I say so myself!!)  Trevor had a lot of fun and even got to have a dear friend he hadn't seen in a long time accompany him to the neighborhood carnival!  We had crafts, games and yummy food with a twinge of DAP spookiness!  Plus it gave me a reason to amp up my Halloween decor!!! lol

Photography is more than a hobby!

Trevor modeling for Doll Baby Accessories

My love for photography and capturing special moments is slowly blooming!  I learn more and more with each shoot and each article I read.  I am no expert and don't claim to be..... just a hobbyist who loves to experiment and learn.  I have a few friends (and family!) who have nurtured this in me and got me to do my first "paid" shoot!  I had a lot of fun planning, shooting and editing!  Bonus is I think everyone REALLY enjoyed their photos!  It really all began with trying to make myself look more "legit" in the boutique modeling "world" (long story short - I decided to create a facebook page to showcase my fun; thus it needed a name) so Shuggabug (like shutterbug but shugga - like  sugar but with a more southern twang to it!) became reality!  Feel free to check me out and pass on to your friends! I love to experiment -- so I am "cheap!"  ShuggabugPhotography

Last but not least........ (not sure if this falls in 2012 or 2013!) my little(est) sister got engaged!  Nick popped the question January 1 while they ran the trail at Lady Bird Lake (where their first "date" was).  Nick's stepmom, Jo, took photos from the bushes!  Best thing is we all knew it was coming and had a little surprise brunch for them afterwards!! So happy for her!  Welcome to our crazy family Nick.....lol  Now to get fit so I can look cute at the wedding!

Nick pops the question (Capone knows something's up!)

So that's 2012 in a nutshell for us!!! Lots of fun and laughter! I hope that 2013 brings even more --- to us and everyone as well!  Stay tuned to my blog for all of our updates and events..... some will surely bring a smile or two -- if not a laugh!