Someone turned 5!

Who can't believe that 5 years have already passed? um this mom!  Where did the time go?  One minute I am soothing a crying baby, then watching him learn to walk, and now getting ready to send him off to Kindergarten. 

So to begin the festivities we headed off to Seaworld for our annual trip.  This time we went with dear friends, again spending 2 days.  Aquatica was open and boy was it fun!  We splashed, watched shows, fed/petted dolphins, fed sea lions, touched stingrays, swam, laughed and had a blast! Trevor just reaffirms his new amibition of becoming "someone who helps animals."  He just loves learning about new animals and seeing his favorite ones in action.

 For his birthday we did Kung Fu Panda (Asian inspired theme.)  I attempted a few Pinterest creations (some bombed others succeeded!)  My dad even attempted to teach 15  2years - 8 year olds some kung fu moves.  lol He realized quickly that my job as a teacher wasn't easy peasy every moment!  Trevor had a ton of fun showing off his moves and spending some time with his best pals. 

My attempt at Nutella/Jam "sushi rolls"

Bamboo from the road!

Goody bags inside!

California........knows how to party!

For our first Summer adventure we went to California.  We were blessed to get some airline tickets to wherever we wanted but decided to spend them visiting family!

So we jumped on a plane and headed to San Diego, CA to visit Justin's paternal grandma and grandfather.  We visited about 3 years ago and did all the local theme parks, so this year we had a few different things we wanted to see and some repeat ones!  Mostly we wanted to enjoy some quality time as a family.

Some of the sites and sounds we participated in was..... of course Seaworld!

Trevor admiring "Shamu"

 San Diego Zoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Momma and baby Hippo

Birch Aquarium

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Pier

USS Midway (air craft carrier)

Trevor loved doing the audio tour and climbing in the jets, helicopters and more!

Whale Watching (our attempt to ..... we only saw dolphins and sea lions)

Newport Beach Whale Watching tour....

Beaches, beaches and more beaches!

Carlsbad beach

Newport Beach

Coronado Beach

But mostly we spent time with Grandma Gail, Grandpa Jim and Flash the dog!  Went on a walk around the neighborhood, Putt Putt, home cooked dinners, and quiet (lol) chats on the patio!  We are so blessed to have such caring and loving family.  I hope that Trevor treasures his family and the opportunities to spend time with those that love him to pieces. 

It was super nice to get away for a while but I will admit coming back took me a bit longer to adjust this time!  But Trevor didn't skip a beat, ready to head back to Summer school.  I dove into party planning mode for his birthday.  So be ready for that next adventure.........

Party Hearty!

What a beautiful day for a celebration!  June 2 flew in and out but not without some fun by all!
We spent most of the week outside getting the yard in tip top shape, plus ensuring that the "redneck swimming pool" was ready for action!  Justin busily raked leaves, mulched flowerbeds and got rid of junk.  All while I scrubbed the house, created the decorations and prepped the food!  It really was a nice little bash if I do say so myself!  If you missed out -- so sorry :( 

But here are some pictures of the decor and activities.......
I made Seuss like signs welcoming people to the house! We called the water play area "Horton's Water Hole" -- Green Eggs and Ham Cafe was where the food was being served.  The Grinch Grotto was for the parents who didn't want to be soaked with water and "Poo-ville" well I hope I don't have to explain that one! lol

 I got so many ideas from Pinterest!  It was my saving grace! lol  From the Pom pom deco to the bookmark favors..... I even found a great printable quote from the book that I framed! 

 Trevor loved having his friends over to play and swim.  They got to slip and slide, throw water balloons, squirt water cannons and swim.  I think the parents had fun too!!!  For cake, we sang "For he's a jolly good fellow" and announced that Trevor had gotten his transfer request approved.  He will be continuing at Barton Creek Elementary instead of going to his home school.  We were so excited to make the announcement I think some people might have thought we were crazy!

 It was so nice to have a few of Trevor's Preschool teachers join us for the festivities.  MaryLou was his 3rd year teachers, Ms. B was this past year and Ms Vera was his very first teacher, at 6 months until he was 18 months.  We were said some of his other teachers couldn't make it, but thankfully each year I have had them sign a special note in the book "Oh the Places you'll go" by Dr. Seuss.  What a treasure!  We even had the guests write down a special dream or wish for Trevor as his grows.  It will go in a memory box that he will get when he gets a bit older.

 I love these flowers I found that totally matched his colors!  What a day...... I am so blessed to have great family and friends who have supported us these last 5 years with Trevor and his school!  It eases a working mommy's heart to know that he is loved by so many!!!!!  Now it's off to Summer!!! More school, some vacation and lots of loving!  Cuz sure enough the months will fly by and I'll be walking him into school as a Kindergartner!

Preschool Graduate

The day is arriving..... countdown begins.  In 7 short days my baby boy will be a Preschool Graduate. (wipe the tear from the cheek)

Many people may think - what's the big deal....it's not like Kindergarten or High school.... but to a working mommy this is a HUGE milestone.  Not only will I be getting an enormous pay raise (hahahha - minimal child care expenses!) but I will be losing a dear "family".

A dear friend always tells me "Close friends NEVER leave your heart."  Well the phenomenal ladies that have taught, loved, hugged, supervised, giggled, tickled, played with and cherished my son are just that.... Close friends.  Like family!  I hope these ladies never leave my heart or my son's.  For 4 1/2 years Trevor has entered the CDC building with a joy and love for learning and being there.  For 4 of those years I called that place my home too.  His first teachers were a blessing in disguise.  I remember walking in one day with very little sleep, scattered to get to work on time, guilty and embarrassed that Trevor was still in his pjs and apologizing for just needing to go.  When the teacher touched my arm and said "don't worry, it's alright"  I broke down into tears.... not just from the exhaustion of having a 7 month old and working full time, but because in my heart I knew "it was alright."  He was at a place just as close to being home.

That next year I got to be at his school watching him grow and learn.   What a pleasure and blessing that was each day.  Again I LOVED his teachers... their kindness and warmth melted away any guilt a working mom like me had.  When he turned 2 he got a teacher I "picked" -- I mean how lucky was I to have gotten to interview and "choose" my child's teacher!!!! lol  She was a gem..... she's a dear friend to this day and I LOVE her enthusiasm, smile and playfulness she brought to Trevor's life.  IT was a rough year that year for his teachers but Trevor never showed an ounce of doubt, fear or anxiety.... I think because he's had such a good base.  Age 3 he got an awesome duo..... full of learning and creative fun!  The BEST dramatic play centers ever in that classroom.... from the "beach" to a castle to full on tools/workbench and so much more!  Trevor never asked to NOT go to school! 

This past year I didn't get to be a part of the "family" -- I had embarked on a new job adventure and though I was loving it I did miss having that connection to Trevor and the school.  Trevor still didn't skip a beat.  He jumped right into the class and had another exciting, fun filled year.  His teachers again, phenomenal!  I could see days where he soaked up their wit, modeling of manners and teaching!

Though his year won't end in the traditional "dog and pony show" of graduation ceremonies; there were no cap and gowns ordered; no little performances to cry and video tape.....we are still feeling the bitter-sweetness of it all.  In 7 short days I will enter the CDC for the last time as a parent.  I will say good morning and have a good day for the last time to my son (and my) second family.  I sign in and sign up for lunch no more.  I will become a "past parent."  Trevor will be at the "big school."  In short I will be saying goodbye to strong, inspiring, loving teachers, friends and "family"..... tearing up just even writing this!! I'm gonna be a basket case  next Friday!!! lol

So thanks... for all the memories, the art projects, the boo-boo reports, the emails, the laughs, the tears, the hugs, the smiles, the reassuring glances and mostly the undying LOVE you gave my child (and me!)  I will never forget you and I will do everything in my power to remind Trevor where and who he got his roots of learning from........

Saturday June 2 we will celebrate this milestone with dear family and friends and hopefully some of these wonderful ladies!  Pics to come! <3

Oh "happy" day!

So the day started off great.  We had a plan and was going to do everything each of us wanted to.....
1) go to the bank to straighten out the accounts
2) go to the Livestock Show/Rodeo/Carnival (meet up with some friends)
3) eat lunch/take Justin to the Music Festival
4) pick up nephew from bball photos/ eat dinner
5) take nephew to bball game and enjoy!
6) pick Justin up from Music Fest and take nephew home

Sounded great right!!! And go me -- I had a plan, so as to not consume too much gas with back and forth driving!!  Well here's how my day went~

We went to the bank, got that new account opened, changed Trevor's to a Young Savers and began the journey to the Travis County Expo Center.  The Rodeo was fun.  We met up with a friend of mine and her family, watched the swine races, let the kiddos ride a few (expensive) carni rides, looked at the winning show animals and ate carni food!!!  Then it was off to drop off Justin (across town) to the Goat Roast Music Festival off 1826 at Camp Ben McCollough.  That went fine too - grabbed some lunch on the way.  I made it early to the elementary school that my nephew Klayton was taking photos at so I let Trevor run around and play on the playground while we were there!  #1 fiasco.............. Trevor had to go potty.  Well no big deal for a boy right?!?  He said "just pee pee."  So with the school being locked I walked him over to a far away tree and allowed him to pee there. (luckily this place had tons of trees and such!)  Well about 5 minutes later, he says "I gotta go poop." cringe......how we going to that????  It's not like there was a place close by - we'd have to get in the car, drive down the road(round the corner)....I'd for sure have an accident on my hands by then!  So quick thinking I grabbed wipes, napkins and our "lunch bag of trash" from the car.  We walked to the other end of the parking lot/playground area where no one was; only to have one guy walking around on the phone out there and a parent with their kid pull up just as wiping occurred!!! I had Trevor sit over the "bridge" part of the sidewalk, butt hanging off the edge.  Picked up the poop with the napkin, placed in the lunch bag and threw it away!!! Thank God I had all these supplies with me (along with hand sani).  So despite a lil peep show and pooping on school grounds I though "great!"   hahahahahahaha ---- not 10 minutes later he needed to go again!!!!!! I cringed a little because this could only mean the poop would not be as "solid" this time!!! ugh.....i still had a few napkins and some wipes left but no bag to dispose in.  As I walked to the OTHER end of the playground to hide behind some portables, I found a plastic baggie laying around and grabbed it.  This time we sat near a portable and hung his little tush off a sidewalk again.  NOTE to any moms out there....making sure the penis is hanging off (tucked off) is important when pooping for boys!!!  Luckily I remembered this or else we would have had a pee fiasco! lol   So we cleaned that area and finally was able to play without interruptions!  Grabbed the nephew and went to his choice of venue for dinner - Jack in the Box.  It was a nice little meal - as the boys talked about models, books, and hidden pennies! 
We arrived at the game with a bit of time for Klay to do batting practice and Trevor to run around and play.  I should have known more fiascoes would come when Trevor knocked over my FULL 44 oz drink.  Then a neighboring drink! oy.............  After the first inning the coach comes over and says "Are you Klayton's aunt?"  "Yes?"  He then proceeds to tell me how he isn't feeling good, is over to the side, gave him water, blah blah blah....thinks he might need a "poor baby" from me.  So he comes over to the bleachers and sits. I can see that he doesn't feel well - so I am offering TLC, Tums, or something else to help ease his tummy.  At this point we decide to leave the game and go home.  I ask him to grab his stuff and as he tries to stand he PUKES...... all in front of the bleachers.  When he stops I take him to the nearest trashcan to finish up.  I then proceed to attempt to "wash" the puke away with the 16oz cup of water in my hand.  FAIL......so after seeing PUKE out the nose... I go for the bathroom (telling Trevor "stay here with Klay")-- thinking napkins and tons of them!  I refill the water cup realizing that it was his drinking water, grab the broom (I'll sweep away the puke) and a roll of toilet paper (for his nose and mouth and clothes).  He is still at the trashcan, with new water now! The dads are all helping at this point, one proceeds to throw water on the puke I was about to attempt to clean up, while the other had gotten him some 7up, another a new water and another getting Klay's equipment for me.  I gather my stuff together and proceed to the car. 
Well that was a little kink in the plans but we'll make it work.  My sister is at the rodeo and has taken a limo to get there.  Not easy to get back home at this point, but that's ok we stay at the house and watch Klay until we have to leave.  I stay a bit a longer than originally desired but I didn't want to leave Klay alone too long before his mom got there.  Luckily he would just be hanging out in bed, alarm set and he's almost 12!  We head to pick up Justin, who when I call I can tell has "enjoyed himself" and the bottle of whiskey he brought to the festival.  Joy................................  It wouldn't have been too bad if he was looking for me when I arrived. Instead we sit (Trevor passed out asleep as it's like 11 am) for like 5 minutes in one spot, then I drive to the other side and sit for a few minutes.  Then proceed to get out of the car and walk around the festival looking for him.  Why didn't I call??? Oh I did, numerous times, texted too.  All to no response.  Luckily I found a friend who helped me look around.  She had just seen him at his uncle's truck with Matt (his bro) but Matt was in the "mosh pit." So wonderful...... we go back to the truck area for the 2nd time, and there he was -- IN THE TRUCK.  Um hello I parked RIGHT NEXT TO YOU!!!!!!!!! He probably even saw me walking around like an idiot! I swear a few young ones looked at me like "Oh shit someone's mom is pissed!"  So all I yell at him is something to the effect of "Really! I'm right next to you. WTF - Come on let's go!"  I forget to thank the friend (so thank you Lisa if you are reading) and jump into the car and WAIT............................... a few minutes later he joins me and says the typical drunk line "If you're gonna be a b* about it I can just stay."  Um H--- NO I drove my butt all the way out here - you are coming home with me!  I don't say it out loud  per se because it will only heat this matter up!  We proceed down the road and head for home.
It was a nice quiet 35 minute ride .... 2 sleeping boys in the car as I drive in the dark (which I hate and gives me a horrid headache) but we make it to the turn onto Cuernavaca.  I vaguely hear Justin say something just before and looked over to find him clutching his mouth to puke...... OMG.  Because the car is in drive the doors are locked and drunk boy and tired mom are scrambling to figure out how to open the door in time.  Finally I realize put it in PARK!!!!  As he hangs out the door and pukes, of course a car comes up behind us to turn as well.   So I frantically put the car back in drive and proceed to the side of the road, where Justin proceeds to puke some more - thank God I still had that roll of toilet paper!  We finally make it home. I get both into bed and now I can finally get some rest!

Thank God this was a rare day in my life -- but so full of interesting "adventures." 

Lesson learned:  ALWAYS carry toilet paper, a plastic baggie (or 2), wipes, and hand sani in the car.  You never know when you'll need it - once or twice or 4 times! lol

I'll add some Rodeo pics soon!

He's got the whole world.....

So on our way to do a photo shoot for a faith-based magazine, my son asked me a question that initially left me speechless.
The car is quiet, we are listening to the radio and Trevor busts out with " Mom, who made the world?"

First thought - where'd he think of that?
Second thought - my son is so bright and insightful....
Third thought - how do I explain that?

I answered "Well God did."
He rebuttals "So is that one person or 2 persons?"
I think about it - wondering if I am figuring Jesus into this conversation and decide no.  "That's one person.  God lives up in heaven and made the world in 7 days a loooooooooong time ago."  (secretly I am regretting saying that because now my guilt comes in... I have NO idea the order God created things.)  Hoping he doesn't ask any more details I begin to explain that each day God made something different - the land, water, animals, and then last people.  "God made 2 people - one boy and one girl. They are Adam and Eve."  He asks "Who's Eve?"  I say "the girl is Eve."  Then I state something about how from there more people were made and then those people made buildings and cars and TVs, and toys.  "so really one person made Earth and we have helped make the world."  Trevor goes to say "Hey Adam is like....................... (oh dear please don't bring up Adam on Young and the Restless - a soap opera we watch and he knows - is all I am thinking) ................ on He-man!!!" He took the information for what it was...nothing more. Didn't question it or try to disprove it. 

So my heart ached a bit.  I felt bad that I didn't know the scripture well enough to educate my son.  Soon school will fill him with "Science based" evolution - which is fine; it's valid.  But I really want my son to have a faith based evolution theory as well.  Immediately I think about "how can I add more faith and religion/scripture to our days and lives?"  I have been meaning to enroll him in some C.E. classes.  Perhaps I can pull that Children's Bible Stories book out and read one at least once a week!??!

Have I done my child a dis justice here?? Those of you who aren't spiritual (more like religious) may not understand.  Perhaps I should pray in front of my child instead of by myself.....either way this convo was more than insightful for my son, it was insightful to me. 

Stranger DAnger

So on our car ride to school this morning we were listening to the Bobby Bones Show and he mentioned Stranger Danger.  Perfect timing to ask Trevor if he knew what to do when/ if a stranger tried to get him. 
He didn't really.  He asked what a stranger is.  I told him that it was someone he, nor I nor Daddy knew.  We talked about how we stay away from them even if they say they have animals or candy. 

Then we talked about what to do if the stranger grabs him.  I told him he should kick and hit and scream.  I yelled "stranger danger. Stranger Danger." in the car at him, "just like that" I said.  He giggled a bit but I think he knew I was serious.  Because quickly he asked questions "Where would they take me?"  "Can I kick him in the tummy?"  We talk about how the stranger would hide him from me and daddy and we would look and look and be so sad to not find him.  I told him YES kick the stranger wherever he wanted, bite him, scratch or pinch.  I told him to fight and wiggle, wiggle wiggle.  I even talked about that this was for people trying to take him without permission for fear he would now go and do this to anyone he just didn't know or a friend that tried to pull him somewhere at school.  Then I talked about even people Mommy and Daddy know (our friends) - that even then if they ask him to go with them he has to get permission from me or dad first.   I could tell he was getting a little worried.  I reiterate to him, this is why we tell you to stay where we can see him - like at the park or in a store.  Then bless his heart he tells me "I can just tell the stranger with my words 'i cant go with you. I have to stay with my mommy.'"  my heart melts....of course a child would think why would anyone really do this -- I'll just tell him I can't!  I told him that it was a nice thought and he could say that but the stranger probably isn't going to listen to him so he'll need to fight and run.  Then he asked if he would run like this or that (demonstrating his different ways of running)...... by this time I knew I had "lost" him in this story/ PSA.  Perhaps it became too scary to him to think about.

But if I can say anything....use moments like that to talk with your children about serious issues.  Be proactive and not reactive.  Crazy to say that this particular radio show sparks family moments but in a way it did for us!