Halloweenie 2011

So this was the first year that we went Trick or Treating around our neighborhood. Trevor's first was at my mom/dad's in Austin; year 2 (age1) was in Houston as was year 3 and 4. This year with Halloween falling on Monday - we couldn't quite make the trip to Houston.

So we debated on where we would go and who with. But when it came down to crunch time - we just headed to a popular neighboring neighborhood. Our neighborhood had for YEARS done a Fall carnival and never really had trick or treating. So we weren't sure if our crazy neighborhood would have enough participants to make Trevor's night feel successful.

Well first - he had to decide on a costume.... His original costume was Bumblebee from Transformers; then during a visit to my parents for my dad's 60th bday Trevor got a "Chinese outfit." So all that weekend he said that was what he was gonna wear to T-O-T. Well down to the wire ---- he chose Bumblebee!

So we put on the costume and headed out to see Papa and Ms Judy/Uncle Tom; then headed over to the Bluffs. HE was fearless going up to the "spooky" houses and quickly got the courage to head up to any and every house we pointed to! At one house they had a huge screen with Thriller playing. Of course we walked up right when Micheal Jackson was changing into the werewolf and Trevor (still staring at the screen) decides "Maybe I can't watch anymore." lol We were telling him it was pretend and that it would play music in a minute. But he started to walk off (again still staring). A little bit down the street he asked if it was playing the music yet.... about 4 houses later --- there it went!

Yep I was doing Thriller in the street!!! lol I can't remember that I knew parts of it!!! Trevor was laughing at me!! But hey - one house gave out ritas to adults!!! even better than Thriller!!!

What was interesting was how many people from our neighborhood were in this neighborhood!!! If only we did T-O-T in our neighborhood eh!?!? Maybe next year. I have stated that it will be my mission next year to bring it back!! we'll see!

So Trevor finished up the night hitting the last of some houses in our neighborhood with some friends who joined in late! He had a blast and came home with a FULL pumpkin! BTW - his favorite candy is "the one with the S" (snickers!!! who knew!?!?!?)

Hope your was spooktacular!

Some of my Favorite Boutiques, Model Pages and more

If you are interested in putting your cutie in modeling...here are some of my favorite places.

Boutiques

MODA Clothing Co
http://www.facebook.com/ModaClothingCo
We have been booked twice by Moda and LOVE their stuff! They specialize in Boys apparel and accessories; plus it has a great "edge" to it!

The Knotty Corner
http://www.facebook.com/TheKnottyCorner
We haven't modeled for them but she has adorable hand made hats! super cute!

4Them Creations
http://www.facebook.com/pages/4Them-Creations/104117122963119
We got 2 of her shirts! LOVED them.  They were applique with embroidery.  Super cute scarecrow and T for Trevor ornament. 

REmington's Rad Designs
http://www.facebook.com/remingtonsraddesigns?ref=ts
We got booked to model some Big Bro shirts for her! They were super cute and great quality!

The Chunky Monkey
http://www.facebook.com/pages/the-chunky-monkey/145400188807507?ref=ts
We ordered a "turkey" shirt form her.  It turned out super cute and great quality! We even got some great pics in it for Fall!!

Fashion crochet Creations by Ira Rott
http://www.facebook.com/Ira.Rott.Design
We haven't gotten the pleasure of having a model request from this place, but I hear nothing but great things and the photos of modeled items jsut showcase her products so fabulously! One day we will have an Ira Rott original!

Modeling Pages

Well of course I am going to list the ones that Trevor is listed with.....

Boutique Beauties
http://www.boutiquebeauties.com/
We have gotten 5 bookings from this place! We love the website and how easy it is to talk with Boutiques

Ellie Kate Models
http://elliekatemodels.weebly.com/

Boutique Models & Simply Blessed Models

but there is one I would LOVE to list with, but can't ever afford it really....and that's Little Diamond Models
http://www.facebook.com/littlediamondmodels

Other Modeling fun!
We love to look for contests, magazines and websites to help increase our viewing of Trevor and his "talent!"

We were fortunate to be featured in a magazine last season on the BACK Cover!!
So check out His Life Magazine.  Cute kiddos, good boutique ads and it's faith based!!!
http://www.facebook.com/hislifemag

and last but least the one who got us into it all!!!!!!

Sweet lovable Kinsleigh! Thanks to her mommy we dove into this world and are loving our time in it -especially when Trevor and Kinsleigh can model together!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kinsleighs-Modeling-Page/205918189445834

New "Words of Wisdom"

Here's a few more to add to my "Words of Wisdom" book I am creating for Trevor.  I think I'll want to print it at age 5.  Again I got this idea from another blogger. You can check her out if you like - she is from Austin.  Baby Makin(g) Machine is the name of her blog!  Feel free to tell me what you think!

My son's new love......

"A date is when you go out with somebody and kiss a girl."

That phrase was just told to me by my 4 year old.  Where did he learn this?  He claims Daddy taught him, but I don't know.

He has had a growing infatuation for girls in their swimsuits since before I can remember.  I think he was like 18 months old when he discovered Ashlee Tisdale inside a health magazine.  She was in her bikini talking about being in shape.  He turned to the page, stopped and smiled.  Every time we would close the book - he would open it back up to the page she was on.  I knew then that I had a little monster on my hands.

Well his "love" has grown to any fetching lady in their skiivies.  He constantly points them out at the checkout lanes when he sees a magazine.  He gets a bit bashful and says "Look momma.  Pretty girl."  

2 years later - he is obsessed I think!  Can a 4 year old already be sexual?  I guess Freud would say YES!!  But WOW! Months ago - he visited my sister's place - who has an OBSESSION with Brooke Burke.  He got out all her magazines and calendars and searched for the pictures he liked best.  Then months later he asked to see them again during a recent visit.  Just last month I caught Trevor sitting at the calendar stand staring at the Sports Illustrated Calendar.  I giggled, pointed it out to the Hubs, and asked Trevor what was he looking it?  He got "embarrassed" and was like "nothing!"  So I knew I would buy him the calendar.

I mentioned getting it for him and some people giggled, some seemed reserved...like I shouldn't condone this behavior.  Should I?

I mean it's totally natural for boys to be interested in girls.  But IS this too young?  I don't want him to feel ashamed of his natural urges.  We already discuss his body parts with correct vernacular and that no one should touch them but him.  We discuss momma's body parts and that he shouldn't touch those areas, because they are my areas.  I want to be able to openly talk about "sexual" topics so that he understands and feels comfortable.  He knows that babies are made by Mommies and Daddies and grow inside Mommies tummies.  He knows that he grew in Mommy's tummy and her tummy was cut so they could take him out to be born.  I change in front of him and use the restroom in front of him......we even talk about some things being Private.

Is this wrong? I think soon I won't do many of those things in front of him, but I hope to continually be honest.  We giggle at times to his references of kissing, dating and girlfriends.  He doesn't like when mommy and daddy kiss or when he sees kissing on the tv.  Have I exposed him to too much too soon!??!

I just keep telling the hubby that he needs to always stress how to treat a woman with respect and kindness! I don't want my boy breaking girls hearts - well intentionally!

Resolutions...what are those?

So this is the time of year when people create these things called Resolutions.  I typically have the generic ones - get healthier (eating and exercising)

- finish uncompleted things

- spend more time with family........blah blah blah

That's all fine but I never and I mean NEVER seem to follow through.  I read another blog today that inspired me to be more focused and write them down (so I can look back and see if I accomplished them!)  So here it goes......

Exercise more! (duh!)

Take a Family walk/picnic/night once a week!

Finish the kitchen

Learn how to use my camera (with a deeper and better knowledge)

Be a great Mommy (atleast 90% of the time lol) and Wife

Try a new (healthy) recipe once a month

Teach my husband more patience with his son (and me)

Have date night with my husband once a month

Be crafty (more than scrapbooking)

Visit Family I rarely see..... and Friends

Ok so there's my list.  It's a bit longer than I wished but I have all of you (8 followers! lol) to help me follow through with it!

What are some of your New Year's Resolutions?!?!

2011 Best of the Year

Here are some of our TOP events of 2011.... they are not specifically in order as to the best but just listed (per my decision! lol)

Not quite the Top Ten but still "news worthy":

  * Hook'em the Cat "runs away" - we found an abandoned cat in our boat around October 2010; nursed him to health and early 2011 he "ran away"  Trevor still thinks of him and wants another pet!!! he caused some chaos in our house but he was a lovable lil guy!
  * Taipa (Great Grandma comes to visit!) 10/2011 - Trevor got to hang out with his Great Grandma on my dad's side and Great Aunt Yvonne for a few days as we celebrated my dad's 60th birthday.  He still knows his Chinese name - San Di Fok (aka Big Money Hill)
  * Trevor's LAST year in Preschool - this is his LAST year with the BCE CDC.  It has been his home away from home for the last 4 and a half years! I trust these ladies with him explicitly! He LOVES school and his friends and teachers.  I miss that I cannot be there as much but it eases my heart to know he is learning and is loved!

10. Trevor turns 4 - RockStar Party and Seaworld

We celebrated Trevor's 4th birthday by rocking out at the pool and clubhouse in our neighborhood! I'll admit that I can go to extremes with collaborating matching bowls, plates, deco, etc.... Heck I made VIP passes as the invitation.  I worry that I will end up wanting to out do each party and be featured on some crazy reality show! lol We also took Trevor and Klayton to Seaworld - one of his all time favorite places to go!  It was 2 days of fun in the sun with Whales, dolphins and water - oh my!!!!

He LOVES Shamu!

9.Visit to Colorado - First Road trip

We decided this year to save some money and travel to CO to see Justin's grandparents at their cabin in Lake City.  It would Trevor's FIRST road trip (besides driving to Houston!)  We rented a car and drove up Texas, through a bit of New Mexico and then into Colorado! We had lots of fun fishing; exploring the mountainside, mines and trails; mini-golfing; and more.  On the way back home we even stopped at the Alligator Farm and Cadillac Ranch!

Grandpa Jim, Grandma Gail, Daddy and Trevor in Lake City, CO

8. Meet Trevor the Model

After some investigating and with my LOVE for photography we jumped into the world of Facebook Modeling!  Trevor is currently listed with 4 placement pages, but gets most of his work with Boutique Beauties (www.boutiquebeauties.com/trevor) We have had sooo much fun modeling hats, ties and shirts!  Check out his modeling page on Facebook www.facebook.com/trevorsmodelingpage.

Modeling for Moda Clothing Co.

7. New Job for me - just call me "CDS!"

February 2011 brought a new adventure in the work place. I left Eanes ISD after over 5 years of blood, sweat, tears and jubilations (and my second FAMILY!) to try something new and different!  There are moments I missed, people I miss and babies I no longer get to snuggle and love, but I wouldn't trade this decision.  It has been a fast 9 months and I have made some great new friends! I truly LOVE my job!
6. Trevor sleeps in his bed (with Simons help!)  June 18, 11
So a goal I had for Trevor since birth was to sleep in his bed (by himself!) but instead we fell into a co-sleeping habit.  This was a decision that I struggled with.  I personally didn't mind most nights and still yearn for the snuggle time and closeness it brought.  I knew one day he would just decide to do it and he did.  We weren't sure if Simon helped him get over the initial fear or not, but from that night on he slept in his bed! 

Simon the Guinea Pig helped Trevor!

5. Kitchen remodel begins...not finished!

So the kitchen has been ready to be remodeled since before Trevor was born with the gift of FREE cabinets and a dishwasher!  But it didn't actually happen until February 2011.  It was a slow start, going section by section, obstacle by obstacle.

Before

 But soon it came along and became functional, my only true request at the time!  Now I just want it finished before we move onto another home project!!! Just some minor details before the flooring can be done....until then I will keep dreaming of having a finished kitchen!

After

4. Snow hits Austin - 2/4/11

We awoke one morning to snow all over our house, yard and street! How fun to have a true "snow day" in Austin.  Trevor had a blast making snowballs, throwing them at us and creating snow angels!  It will be a fun family day that none of us will forget!

"Snow" much fun! 2/4/11

3. Fires in Spicewood (Steiner Ranch, Pflugerville, Cedar Park and Bastrop)

The Labor Day Fires will always be memorable to many in this area.  Almost everyone knew someone affected in some way by ones of the 5 fires that raged thru the local areas!  Justin's job site was demolished!  It was a somber sight to see neighboring homes burnt to the ground, as people rummaged thru the debris for something that made it through.  They are still cleaning up the pieces from this fire that raged Spicewood.  We are grateful for Justin to still have a  job! His boss has helped many of the locals around them as well!

Daddy's Work Building 9/5/11

2. Car woes and Yahoos!

Wow this year brought on some woes for my "green machine" BMW.  We bought the car just before Trevor was born in 2007 and this past year has cost us the most.  At the beginning of the year I was stranded on 360 with a broken catalytic converter/pipe.  The AC quite working just around August 2011.  Then I blew a tire, messing up the front passenger side on the tollroad --> 2 new tires; then the car wouldn't turn off resulting in another visit to the mechanic which in turn lead to a horrible fiasco with Firestone and being out of a car for a month's time!  Then November 2011 my parents offered to help us out with a more reliable ride!  We bought my mom's CRV2008 from them.  What a relief to have a reliable car!  The green machine is still going and we'll drive to the ground!!! too much money in it now to turn back!

1. Trevor starts T-ball

We were so excited to get Trevor into T-ball this past Fall season! We decided to try out the South Austin League - due to his age/birthdate.  We met some great kids/families and Trevor just had a fun time!  His team was the Thunder, ironically the same name as Klayton's team that season!! We plan on doing Spring ball as well - but will be moving onto Oak Hill's league.  

Team Thunder Rocks!

Upcoming 2012.....
So this new year will bring many other life events!  Some to look forward to hearing about in this blog (as they happen)....... Visit to Hong Kong; Trevor starts Kindergarten (aka Mommy's heart breaks!); Summer Vacation to California and Cabo; and who knows what else this year will bring!!!! Stay tuned!

Holidays are here again

So here it is... Holiday time again. Another year has seemed to speed by in a whirlwind of excitement! 2012 is right around the corner and will be here before I blink!

We have been so fortunate to spend our Holidays with family. This year everyone is here at my parent's in Houston. We have drunk hot apple cider, played games, and will go look at Christmas lights soon! I just love this time of year.

It's also the time of year when I miss my Grandma the most! I dreamt about her last night, we were looking for a place for her to live and she was so healthy and happy. I wish that Trevor got to know her better. I tell him stories and show him pictures but it will never replace the real and living person!

Trevor will undoubtedly be spoiled with gifts tomorrow. He asked Santa for 3 things specifically although his gift grew and grew each visit to a store he made. He will get them all (what he asked Santa for!) plus a few re-gifts of items from when Klayton was little. He'll never know the difference. He has been spending the past couple of days with my parents and has been showing everyone his new persona!

Lately he has been either whiny with this baby voice talk OR very demanding and authoritative. He told my mom the other night that "he did not call on her to answer the question he asked." Then when she raised her hand, he stated "I did not ask anyone to raise their hands!" WOW! I think school and my personality has been rubbing off on him! lol

His favorite song lately is "I'm sexy and I know it" by LMFAO. He jams to it with the cutest body rock movements! It's sad that I expose my child to this music but he loves it so!!! Anything with a good beat he is on!!! His vocabulary is amazing - picking up a word just within a few uses. His desire for knowledge is astounding - asking "what does that mean?" or "Why is it like that?"

The year was full of great things. I think my next and LAST 2011 post will be a count down of the BEST of 2011 for us!

Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy your families and the time together. Cherish what you have. May the new year bring all you hope and dream! LOVES!!!!