La Casa Chavez

Overdue

2011-12-15T13:52:00.010-06:00

Let's see. I'm only about 4 months overdue. Here's a monthly re-cap:

SEPTEMBER.

ACL Music Fest. Friends came in from Phoenix for a long weekend.

OCTOBER.

Gilbert & I's 8th anniversary dinner celebrated family style with margaritas at our favorite mexican food place in town.

Fall weather was perfect as we continued our days in the back yard. Carver riding his 4 wheeler, Savannah crawling off her blanket and throughout the back yard.

A few *professional pictures taken from our friend, Melissa, who was here for ACL fest.

How 'bout those eyes?

An afternoon at Freddy's Place.

Halloween. Sheriff Carver.

Highlight of October!! A visit from Ryan & Angela from South Carolina. They left all 4 kiddos and came in for a UT game and long weekend with old friends. It stung all our hearts when they left, but we made a pact we will see each other ATLEAST twice a year from here on out.

Random shot of father & son representing our beloved Rangers.

Back to Ryan & Angela. Love this picture, love them dearly, they rule a large part of my heart. Nothing like family. Of course UT lost.

To quote my mother, "A smile only your brother can bring out." Amen.

The next weekend mom and I met in Waco for Madeleine Chenot's wedding. Old family friends. Love Lisa bob.

Ladies night!

Dinner w/my girls. Minus Julie which always hurts.

Savannah turns 9 months -whoa!

Sweet Carver growing so tall and kinder every day.

NOVEMBER.

First weekend I fly to West Virginia to see Dad. To say I enjoyed a long weekend without the responsibility of meals, baths, beds or housework is an understatement.

Thanksgiving. Family tradition to stop at Cameron Park Zoo on way to DFW area for Chavez thanksgiving.

Very tricky figuring out the glass and fish on the other side.

No shame in this. Cleburne style baby. Just bust out the pack n' play and high chair in the front yard while the kids play basketball in the driveway.

A super content baby really helps.

Chavez thanksgiving. Aunt Margaret & Savannah.

Aunt Amiee and a very tired Savannah.

Uncle Mike has the loving touch.

Home for Thanksgiving. Our newest family tradition - the Turkey Trot in downtown Austin. Benefits local charity, family fun, beautiful start to Thanksgiving day.

20,000 Austinites running and walking the downtown streets.

Weekend after Thanksgiving, our Las Vegas Chavez friends come for a visit. Gilbert & Paul go to the UT/A&M game (muy painful ...for them atleast).

We have sitters and go out both nights. Maybe too much fun.

And here we are in December. Almost the end. I will document it post-Christmas.

For now I leave you with my 10 month old who is obviously ready to get going.

Get it, girlfriend!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Life in images

2011-07-27T17:10:00.007-05:00

Gilbert's parents were married approximately 20 years. They were then divorced for 17. This past weekend they re-married. Wow, what a story.

We were the lucky ones to witness the engagement...here is some documentation for that weekend they visited in Austin.

I love this picture. It speaks a thousand words.

And now we switch to my life in images...atleast the past couple months.

FYI. I'd be okay if another person or family member never commented how much my children look like Gilbert or the Chavez family. But..for the record...this here is a HORNISH SMILE my friends!

Already a lady just like her mama.

Sunny Florida

2011-06-18T11:50:00.008-05:00

Every May we are fortunate enough to shack up with the family and have our annual beach vacation. I love the Emerald Coastline & love it even more because I'm with family. Lee was able to come and meet Savannah for the first time as well which was an added bonus.

Days were spent building sandcastles..

throwing seaweed at Uncle Lee...

trying to get a smile out of baby girl on the deck since it was too HOT for her...

and lots of love from Gamma.

This view ain't too bad to wake up to and go to sleep to.

Carver looking picture perfect coloring during some down time...

and always silly enough to play with mommy...

Popsicles on the porch every afternoon (and occasionally in the morning)...

and more sandcastles with the KING of sandcastles...Uncle Lee...

but destroying them after all that hard work is even better.

Even at 3 1/2 the boy knows how to sit back and enjoy the sound and sight of the ocean.

One of my personal favorite pictures of Uncle Lee holding Savannah while she dozes off.

A visit to the beach club is always on the top of my list when we go.

Savannah took a dip in the pool for the first time and was her usual self - laid back and loving it. I just had to get that darling bathing suit on her.
Until next year, thank you mom for all the setting up and breaking down you do to accomodate our growing family. It's always home when I'm coming to you.

Gilbert's 40th & Mother's Day

2011-05-10T20:27:00.007-05:00

I surprised Gilbert in the best kind of way with a big trip to the DFW metroplex for a Rangers/Yankees game. But I stepped it up a notch, because after all...he does deserve it. We stayed in a suite, rode in a limo, and had a hotel room in Sundance Square. But the biggest surprise was me inviting secret surprise friends! The Macs and The Chavez flew in from Phoenix and Vegas as a surprise and boy we got him good. There really are too few surprises in life so it was pure joy for me to plan it all out.

You only turn 40 once, right?

Here we are bright eyed and ready for what lie ahead....except that Gilbert had no clue.

The surprise plan was executed pretty well except for Gilbert seeing Marc's head in the window when we were approaching the restaurant where they would meet us. I caught a few of these pics as soon as we walked in and he saw them.
Gilbert and Melissa.

Sandra and her crazy laugh at how Marc spoiled it, but not really b/c it was just seconds before we walked in.

Paul and Gilbert, friends since their college days.

Melissa, Sandra & I.

The limo company was awesome and upgraded us to the Excursion as a surprise. Bill, our driver was TOP NOTCH as well.

Walking into the suite...gotta love Richard's Rangers shirt.

Food, drinks, a great view and even better friends.

Apparently Gilbert was so comfortable he decided to go shoeless.

Things are starting to get a little rowdy!

The whole gang, minus Richard.

What a memory, we missed our friends the second they left...but until next time.

Got to come home for Mother's Day weekend to my sweet baby girl, Carver & MY BEST FRIEND, my mom.

Mom took such good care of Savannah while we were celebrating, and Carver has a sleepover at his Teta's house in Arlington. She even took him to Chucky Cheese, his favorite, so the kids had just as much fun as we did.

Carver showing Savannah how to do tummy time. Looks like someone might need their bangs trimmed, huh?

And after exerting practically no energy on Mother's Day (best gift ever), daddy gave Savannah her bath for bedtime. Unless she is tired, her face is always this sweet and happy.
Of course I'm already dreaming of my 40th birthday now!

Spring Happenings

2011-04-24T20:50:00.004-05:00

Spring is here, the baby is sleeping longer stretches, the grass is green and we got a visit from.....

JULIE! A.k.a, my bff or CAB or whatever you want to call her

Spring program at Bethany Preschool. Carver was not thrilled that I was there, but not sitting with him. I really wonder will he ever be less sensitive? Poor boy, tries so so so very hard to be a big boy but he basically sniffled through the whole program.

Notice the other children face forward. He stared at me the whole time and literally his lower lip quivered the whole time. He just can't take it.

Easter Sunday on our way to church.
AND anxious to see what the Easter Bunny left....

I think I might be lucky my kiddo loves candy but only eats a few pieces then is sensible and decides he should save some for later or not ruin his teeth. Actually that's just the pros to the sensitive side of him.

New family tradition. The eggs that Carver & Gilbert dipped and decorated became our Easter deviled eggs. I gotta give it to Gilbert, smart thinking! Apparently he says the dye won't hurt us??

My babies. I love Savannah's face in this one.

She is a smiley girl. You smile at her, guarantee she smiles back at ya.

2 months old

2011-04-09T10:48:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe I am saying 2 months old instead of 4 weeks or 6 weeks old. But that's how it goes.

This is a glimpse of how life has changed around here since Savannah joined us.

Happy 2 month birthday to my sweet, calm, smiley, crazy-haired little lovebug.

Oh how mommy, daddy & Carver love to love on you!

THE hair

2011-03-31T13:11:00.004-05:00

deserves its own post. you wouldn't believe the amount of the general public that stop me to comment on this hair. everywhere we go.

sweet savannah. (except in the wee hours)

see those hair tips? tinted like mommy's.

A Mother's Love

2011-02-22T13:30:00.003-06:00

I was blessed to have my sweet mother, a.k.a., my "bff" here for 2 weeks surrounding Savannah's birth. I wouldn't have had it any other way, except of course having her here longer.

Mom said several times how I was in love with Savannah and hurried to get her in the crib just as she did me, her own baby girl. It was quite a treat to share in having my daughter with my mom here since we are so close.

We tried to get a few pictures of the three generations and only 1 little bitty person wasn't so happy about that. Lucky for me..this is a rare face for her. SO FAR she only screams bloody murder when she is being changed or is overtired or needs to release a good burp. All reasonable problems. Unlike her brother as an infant, she remains pretty peaceful and chill. Let's hope it sticks.

Of course Carver got some lovin' from Grandma.

Atleast a few times a day he asks to kiss his sister's chubby cheeks.

How grateful I am to have shared the first moments with my mom, my best friend. Now I await the time she says she is coming back! Thank you, mom for all you did while here but most importantly for all you do in my day to day life. What a huge piece of my heart you fill!

xoxo

Life as we know it

2011-02-20T12:40:00.002-06:00

Savannah Chavez was born on Saturday, February 12th after a beautiful, short 4 hour labor. We figured it would be a long night but boy were we wrong. We were at the hospital at 6 o'clock and not a contraction (my water broke) until after 9pm and she was delivered just before midnight, at 11:56 p.m. What a doll she has proved to be. I am completely smitten. Diving into parenthood the first time around with Carver was such a shock to my system that in retrospect, I don't think I enjoyed this newborn stage. I stressed and opened the books every day desperate for answers, only to never find them. Now I am just in awe of all that a newborn represents. Sleep deprived and all.

She's a beauty. We're gonna keep her. She is 8 days old today and already I am saddened that time is lost. Time stops for nobody and as much as I look forward to our new family of 4 and all that we will experience together, it's quite a thought that every day moves ahead of us out of our control.

I'll spare you any more of my delirious, emotionally-charged thoughts.

Savannah Chavez, welcome to our family sweet baby girl.

And big brother, Carver, has shown no jealousy yet. Nothing but love.

But he remains busy as ever- digging and playing in the backyard with his daddy.

Week 2, here we come!

January 2011

2011-01-30T14:21:00.002-06:00

Not much to show for this month in pictures. But guess these capture just how random it's been as we slowly truck along, waiting for Savannah to join us.

Four weeks until my due date, but I'm already dilated 2cm so hopefully she'll come a little earlier than expected. I gotta feelin' about the 15th?

"Maryln" is his newest favorite pet to sleep with, given by our

elderly neighbor, Ms. Jo

Quick day trip to Salado for lunch with old friends

led to an hour of throwing rocks in Salado Creek...

and mommy always going for the extra snuggles.

If my next post were to be in February, then hopefully it'll be with pictures of a newborn.

Until then....

33 weeks and counting

2011-01-07T11:39:00.004-06:00

7 weeks until February 25th, my due date. I cannot believe it's that close as much as I can believe it. This pregnancy has not been quite as glamorous as the first, but the end is near. I am definitely at the beginning of the end. (tums, leg cramps, insomnia) However I am soaking up my evening rubbin' from my sweet loving husband, and all the special attention sweet Carver gives to me.

He has always been an uber-affectionate child (thanks to me) but I think I'm smothering him even more as the final days of just him & I grow near. Here's an example of a weekday morning that he doesn't have preschool and we (s)nuggle without any time constraints.

I will steal or gladly accept every last 2 minute kiss. He lays it on pretty heavy, ladies beware.

Lounging with Savannah.

...and talking to her.

..huh, go figure, sister gets a kiss too.

Let's hope this trend continues as he adjusts to life with a baby in the house.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-30T11:44:00.014-06:00

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with both sides of the family this year. We spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in Cleburne/Arlington with the Chavez side then flew to N.C. to see my side of the family.
BUT before all this, we jumpstarted the celebration with a trip to Chuck E Cheese for a birthday party. Carver reluctantly stood next to Chucky for a picture. He USE to be very frightened of him. It always amazes me how much these little ones change and grow in between visits to the same places.

Arlington bound for Teta's house with cousins Wil & Jonathon

We took Carver to the Ft. Worth Zoo for the first time on our way to

Cleburne to see the other side of the family.

Just a little ode to the baby girl in my belly...

I wonder if Savannah will get this many solo shots?

Last time we were at Seaworld, Carver freaked out in the bird feeding area and we had to

make a quick exit. That was just 4 months ago. Now look at him. Again reiterating how

much they grow both emotionally and physically so quickly.
My baaaaaby boy.

I really love this picture as we leave the zoo. His face is a reflection of the good time had by all!

Next up was a backyard Thanksgiving party with the Chavez family.
Games, lots of food & family.

The cousins again.

Carver adores these boys.

I know people have done it for ages before, but I feel bad for them if they didn't

have a portable DVD player for the airplane. Golden.

Thanksgiving 2: North Carolina

Wish I'd captured a picture of Carver's face on the zipline.
Priceless, entertained the kids on end but tiring for adults to lift.
It was really difficult for me from my chair. :)

Cousins Carver & Payne - 1 yr apart and very cute together.

Some things don't change.

No, this can of beer is not open.

Yes, she is teething and yes, Ryan needed a shower!

Payne, Blake, Carver

Mama of 4.
Sister in law, Angela with baby Mills and of course, my little Meryl.

Where else? The A.T.L. baby. Gotta love flying through there.
Got us some candy and a picture of big brother standing by

little sister's name on our way home.

Until Thanksgiving 2011!

Gone Fishin'

2010-11-12T13:04:00.003-06:00

Disclaimer: This occured without much of my knowledge and certainly none of my help. The age 3 1/2 is proving to be one with a-l-o-t of imagination and pretend play.

So take THAT!

WORLD SERIES!

2010-11-02T16:27:00.005-05:00

Gilbert and I were fortunate enough to go to Game 3 of the world series to support our (his) beloved Texas Rangers. We sure did pick the right game since it was the only one they won. Had a once in a lifetime experience and couldn't be more proud of the team.

Nosebleeds, yes, but we were still there!

CELEBRATION after the win

It was so loud leaving the game, the whole stadium and area was on FIRE.

Here's a shot of the Fox broadcasters down below.

We didn't win the World Series but we were there and what a season they had.
Ready to get back to the ballpark next year!

Park Ranger

2010-10-29T08:43:00.005-05:00

Carver was a park ranger for Halloween. The cutest one I might add! Here he is before his Halloween celebration parade at pre-school.

We have a name

2010-10-24T17:19:00.011-05:00

Since I am nesting big time and looooving preparing for a little girl to join our family, I decided to get crafty last week. I stole an idea from a friend to hang letters above the baby's crib. I bought wood letters, painted them brown, then did sponge circles on the letters in pink and blue. My bedding is brown, pink & taupe, but I have struggled with how to incorporate Carver's blue nursery chair. I tried slip cover, blanket, etc but didn't work. I decided to just make it work because I couldn't make sense of buying a new chair.

Sooooo...that's why I had to do blue on the letters. Time to start my project, but first...gotta get my little shadow set up with his own art table to keep busy while mama gets to work.

A few pieces of random wood from our shed, no problem
Give the boy some paint & he's set

Time for me to get started on painting my letters, in no particular order

Look who decided to forgo the paint brush and finger paint instead

First the blue dots, pink next. Any guesses on the name so far?

So typical for me. Notice the problem?

Atleast it could be corrected with a quick flip

Here comes the light pink...can you say GIRL?

When nature calls...

one of the bonuses of being a boy.
AND being mom to a boy. Never had to lift my paint brush to assist.

When boredom sets in, random outdoor objects are chosen

It's coming along. Do you know the name yet?

Oh great, now daddy's sprinkler is getting sponged

Perfect opportunity to wrap up the project & head inside.

Time to hang the letters...

__________ Chavez joining us in February...

IS...

Now a few pics of what I've done so far with the room.
Feel free to ignore from here on out, these are for the family (& Jules).

I am so excited that I, not really that crafty of a person, decided to use these 2 pictures that Carver painted last week. I realized the main colors were pink, blue and brown. I figured it was a good way to tie in the blue chair. I had old, unused frames in the house, and am beyond pleased with how great (I think, indulge me here) they look.

And let me tell you - Carver is proud to have his pictures hanging in baby sister's room.

View from hallway.

I'm just over the moon about the Strawberry Shortcake blanket (hanging over blue chair)
I bought the other day.

Is it just me or is Strawberry Shortcake not STILL so cute? It's the softest blanket ever

and I love that it's unique and reminds me of being a little girl myself.
No closeup but I'm sure you aren't too dissapointed.

My discount store purchase. The butterfly with blue marbles in it.

That's all she wrote!

I just have to fill up a few more spaces in the room.

I'll continue decorating and enjoying the magical feeling until she arrives,

and I'm sleep deprived and could care less!

Birdhouse

2010-10-19T11:00:00.006-05:00

Sweet face

A fun art project from Carver's preschool class

..that he likes to sit with and look at

Silly face with his little "mini-me"

Last weekend, Gilbert bought a bird house kit for them to build together.

Carver has been doing these little wooden kits almost every weekend recently.
He is a lucky boy to have such a good daddy that enjoys it as much as he does.

Getting all the pieces laid out and ready...

and wearing his Rangers shirt in preparation for our comeback in game 2!

Using his Handy Manny hammer to help

We created a monster. With dad's assitance, he practically mastered the drill.
And LOVES it..of course.

So far, so good.
Nice family Saturday with windows open and mom's view from the sofa as we all

cheered on the Rangers and they worked on the birdhouse.

Patient daddy as he uses the screwdriver to put on the top

Then distracted by the drill while dad wraps up the harder parts

Waalaaa!

What a great daddy.

The 2 loves of my life.

So good we had to celebrate with an apple!

Bubble Mess

2010-10-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

After digging in the garden dirt, of which Carver is not suppose to do, I sent him into his bathroom to wash the mud off his hands.

I kept hearing the water being turned on and off so went to check on him. This bottle of soap was full. He had excessively washed his hands.

I rinsed the sink out, and put the soap up on a shelf out of his reach.
Resumed loading the dishwasher in the kitchen.

Then I hear him yelling, "Mom, I made too many bubbles....Mom, help!"
Only to walk back and find this.

Well how on Earth could he have made so many bubbles when I already put away the soap?

Oh yes, I see....
Half a bottle of hand soap later...and about 1/2 a tube of Dora toothpaste later....that's how you can make so many bubbles.

It's a GIRL

2010-10-10T14:30:00.002-05:00

WE ARE ADDING A BABY GIRL TO LA FAMILIA IN FEBRUARY 2011!

Feeling very happy that she looks healthy as can be right now. She was so lady-like (just like her mom, right?) at my 20 week ultrasound, crossing her legs the whole time after showcasing her gender. And only mama caught her sticking her tongue out at us later. A hint at what's to come?
Possibly.

Carver is happy about "little sister" as well...for now atleast.

Thank you, Lord for a baby girl!

La Familia

2010-10-10T14:17:00.011-05:00

The fall-like weather that quickly came and left last week took us outside every day. The weekend before last we had a family day, walking and playing at one of my favorite trails/parks.

This cracks me up. Someone felt STUCK, can't you see the panic and fear on his face?

Aggressive ducks.

Wish you could see Carver's face up close. It is pure bliss.

A small creek runs alongside the trail. What's a hike without a walking stick?

Getting a lift after being a champ and already walking over 1 mile on his own.

Switching gears now...

This past weekend we took a road trip to the DFW area. We left on Friday & made our first stop in Cleburne to go to Aunt Margaret's house. We flagged down the ice cream bicyclist (not truck) so Carver (okay, and me) could get something sweet. Gotta love a $1 popsicle.

Of course the kind man repeatedly said "sientate, sientate" so Carver got to sit down on the bike. What 3 year old doesn't love that?
Aunt Margaret's stray cats mesmerized the boy.

I totally went way back to elementary days and splurged on a Bombpop - who remembers those?

After enjoying Margaret & Maria to ourselves, we headed to another aunt's house for a small bbq celebrating a cousin's last high school football game.

These cookies...well they are another story. Let's just say that this picture was taken right at the moment that Carver said, "look at these sunglass cookies!" That comment provoked big laughs.

Carver builds pretend trophies with his legos all the time. Aunt Gloria gave him her chichuahua's trophy (I know, it's too much) for "winning" all the backyard races while we were there. He raced the winning dog, his aunt, himself and a cat. Sweet boy sure does have an imagination and creative heart.

Oh no she didn't?! Oh yes she did. Smile, take your picture with the dog and your trophy!

After eating some good backyard bbq, we headed to Arlington to see Teta (Gilbert's mom) and spend the weekend there. Had to capture Carver's set up in our room - he loves to have a sleepover with mom and dad. Here he is resting after bathtime and watching a movie before settling down.

On Saturday morning, Carver was surprise with his first real bike from Gilbert's dad. Let me tell you - it's a beauty! A Schwinn low-rider with a bell and big sparkly chrome wheels, as well as a wood step on the back. I think I'm gonna hear that bell ringing in my sleep for days to come though.

Taking the new bike for a spin at the local park.

First bike = first fall.

Now it's time for mommy & daddy to head to the Rangers playoff game. A long-awaited treat for my Ranger loving husband. Too bad they lost both that game and the following one, but we have one more shot on Tuesday night in Tampa Bay. Come on, Rangers!

First time I've ever caught my boys in matching shirts.

No Rangers gear on for me. Just content to have a shirt long enough to cover my protruding belly.

The rest of the weekend consisted of playing, playing, playing with his cousins. The whole way home Carver said, "I want to go back." Oh how he loves his older cousins. They are so good to him too and we appreciate it since I know he can get on their nerves. They are in middle and high school after all! But they are great at including him and entertaining him.

Popo sitting in the shade watching Carver LOVING riding his bike.

Teta and her boys, minus Wil.
Since Gilbert's parents had all 3 boys for all of Saturday afternoon, they did some small building projects. Carver has been polishing these skills on Saturdays with his daddy at Home Depot workshops as I've blogged about before.
What boys do best. This is Carver's favorite part of being with his cousins. Horse play!

Jonathon and Carver.

Wil and Carver.

Great weekend for Carver to be with his beloved cousins. And big thanks to the grandparents for keeping them so we could go cheer on the Rangers!

School Days

2010-09-08T13:35:00.004-05:00

Bethany Preschool started this week. You are looking at a boy in the 3 year old class!

The first day of school coincided well with earning his last sticker on his reward chart. Here he is proudly displaying that fake smile and all his stickers filled up.

This earned him a trip to Target after school to pick out a new little treat.

Of course it's been pouring for a couple days now so raincoat was required on the 1st day.

Today when I picked him up, he was wearing his newest craft creation from his class - the bee hat. He is in Ms Cindi's bumblebee class.

He surprised me by not crying or showing much hesitation to go into class both days so far.
Here's to the continued excitement for the rest of the school year!

Kids' Workshop

2010-09-05T10:09:00.003-05:00

On the first Saturday of every month, Gilbert takes Carver to the Home Depot kids' workshop. This was his 2nd trip. This month they built a small wooden pedestal to hold a football. Carver loves all things that have to do with hammer, nails, glue and wood so he is truly in hog heaven...which is very evident by his facial expressions. Talk about concentration!

You will notice he now has earned 2 badges on his personalized Home Depot apron for attending 2 sessions. I have a feeling there will be many more to come.

Proudly showcasing the finished product.

Family of Four

2010-08-16T15:49:00.002-05:00

Well, well. Lookie here. The freaky 4D ultrasound showcasing our baby growing in my uterus. I know babies are miracles but sorry, these 4D ultrasounds are a bit weird to get use to.

I'm 3 months pregnant and happy to say I am finally starting to feel a little better. I was way more sick this time around then with Carver so it feels good to be on the "up."

All 3 of us are super excited at what's to come early next year. Stay tuned for week 16 when I can hopefully find out the sex. It's killing me!! I feel like the baby is playing game with me too hiding his/her eyes with their arms. A game of peek-a-boo perhaps?!

Stay snug and tight, baby Chavez. We look forward to meeting you in February 2011!

THREE YEARS OLD

2010-08-09T19:49:00.010-05:00

We had a last minute 3rd birthday party for Carver this past weekend after rescheduling a weekend trip out of town. We were fortunate to have his friends come play with Carver for an afternoon theme of Curious George, pizza & cookie cake. The highlight and one true request from the birthday boy was a pinata. He picked out the biggest tractor you could find & boy was there anticipation until he could whack it!

Blogger grouped these family photos together for some reason. The typical self portrait, pre-party family photos.

I took a picture of this only because this strawberry mint lemonade melts my heart.

It is so "succulent" as my dad would say and I could drink it every day.

We set up the bounce house outside...

and hung the pinata high in the tree until it was ready to be lowered....

and mommy forced more self portraits on me..

I decided to do my pout face here.

Then time for my silly monkey face..

But I can smile big when I want.

The proud mom & dad

This face is just too much sometimes.

Precious.

More silly moves as we await our guests.

Everyone got here and mingled.

This is the no talking men-zone staying cool in the misters on the porch.

And we ordered too many pizzas.

Then it was time for the monster truck cookie cake and a

birthday song for the birthday boy.

His friends all sat together with the birthday king in his own recliner.

And then it was Lightnin' McQueen slip n' slide time

Carver was his cautious self, just sortof jogging the length of it, the only real

slide was an accidental "slip." Our careful little man, he's something else.

Since this was spontaneous, the girls were in their undies

PINATA TIME!!

Each child got a turn....

Ending with the guest of honor....

But of course it took Daddy to break the floodgates open..

FREE FOR ALL!

It was a small, perfect little celebration for the perfect little man.

Mommy, Daddy & Carver. Our family of 3.

(about to be 4)

Next up: The actual birthday celebration of Build-A-Bear, a train ride & lunch with daddy.

To be continued....

we like to celebrate birthdays all week long 'round these parts.

feliz cumpleanos, mijo!

In my absence

2010-08-04T12:39:00.004-05:00

In my 3 day absence of sitting on sofas, eating every dinner out & leisure reading, my son was treated my his ABOVE AVERAGE, 5 StAR father to a half day hiking trip at Pedernales State Park. When Gilbert sent me this 1st picture, I literally couldn't take it. Too much. Too freaking cute. Just too CuTe. My big boy (3 next week) all geared out in his hiking vest & park ranger hat. Even sporting his walking "tick." They spent almost 4 hours navigating the trails, going down to the falls & throwing rocks in, having a picnic and getting wet. What a lucky boy to have such a special daddy making memories like these.

We've got a future park ranger on hand too. He has already told us this just might be his Halloween costume.

North Carolina Reprieve

2010-08-04T12:10:00.005-05:00

This past weekend I took a last minute, quick trip to visit my parents in North Carolina ALL BY MYSELF. Yep, I flew alone with nothing but a carry-on backpack, no DVD player or goldfish in tow. Just me, a backpack & a very heavy novel.

Just love the guest room (suite) as I savored sleeping & waking on my own time

Still daddy's little girl no matter how old I get!

Marlyn sending us off for our foggy, misty boat ride to lunch
(and no, I am not complaining about the 70 degree temps!)

And some ducks to greet us as well

I just can't get over the size of mom & dad's next door neighbor's house...

and I somehow skipped downloading the view of mom & dad's from the lake

Mom practicing her driving skills

Never tire of this view

We boated to the country club to eat lunch.

I haven't driven the whole course but as you can see from this hole, it's truly beautiful.

This is our view sitting on the porch eating lunch.

We sat here and the flowers everywhere are so bright & alive!

Not to mention the size of a typical hydrangea bush in these parts..

Most my time was spent on this very sofa...

Missing mom & dad already!

Thank you for such a wonderful trip & always welcoming me,

"home" is truly where you are.

El Sombrero

2010-07-15T15:15:00.003-05:00

Holiday Wrap-Up

2010-07-07T10:19:00.014-05:00

We decided last minute to book a 4th of July weekend trip to San Antonio. We stayed at the awesome Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch Resort, but first we took Carver to Seaworld as it's become our annual tradition. Plus he is still "free" there so gotta love that $50 saver.

As soon as we enter their gates, we always head straight to the dolphin encounter. Carver excitedly asks to feed the dolphins, but it's always Gilbert & I who end up throwing the dead fish in their mouths b/c, well...our little timid guy just isn't quite ready for that close of an encounter.

Carver has a new "silly" move (stance) that he does a few times a day. Of course it cracks Gilbert & I up. This is basically what it looks like - contort his face turn to the side with legs stretched out and put his hands up somewhere in the vicinity of his face. Maybe point his fingers. I know, it's awfully strange. Atleast Dad goes is right there with him, with his own version.

Gilbert's favorite part of Seaworld this year - feeding the birds.

That's it for Seaworld. I decided to not take the same annual pictures of Shamu. However, Gilbert did catch some very unflattering pics of yours truly on the Shamu Rollercoaster with Carver. I'm glad at the end of the day, I'm in control of what gets posted atleast!

We were more than ready after a good 5 hours there to head to the resort and see what was in store. First we got all set up and took naps.

Then we immediately headed to their famous lazy river. Here's a view from my chaise lounge in our waterside cabana. Very luxurious indeed! Not to mention there was no crowd by the time we got there the first day, we so basically had it all to ourselves. I really should have captured a pic of Carver in his floaties just moving along with the current. He loved every bit of it.

Of course Gilbert was in hog heaven with the hammock.

What makes this resort so unique is that it isn't hotel rooms, they are like apartments. All 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condos. It's all about the families and kiddos. I had to document the living quarters so please excuse the mess. I'm really not this messy at home but for some reason let it slide elsewhere.

The fully stocked kitchen....

View of our living & dining area...

Carver enjoying his banana on the sofa...

Our room set-up. Carver's toddler aero-bed fit perfect in the corner. We could've had him in the living room on pull-out bed but it was so nice to sit in living room and watch TV or relax after he was in bed.

Huge bathroom with 2 entries from hall and bedroom. Separate tub/shower. If you know me, you know this is high on my list of "extras."

My tour guide debuting the balcony which also had 2 separate entries - from bedroom and living area.

Another shot of the boys...

Only a mother could love her kid's tootsies as much as I. I don't know what's with me, but I just adore them.

A little strange, I know...

Then we hear the boom and thud of fireworks - they were so loud it seemed they were in our parking lot. How lucky were we, right across the street the Hyatt Hill Country Resort put on a seriously great show.

Daddy gave Carver a lift for better viewing...

The man I married...the 1 sock wonder....doubt he even knew he was missing 1.

We were able to catch a couple shows...one from inside as well.

Of course pictures do no justice, but let me tell you folks - these fireworks were perfect for us. We were in our pajamas, no crowds, just us stepping 1 foot outside our door. Perfection!

There's gotta be more???

Nope...no more, it's bedtime, son.

The next day we did go to El Mercado in San Antone for some music, great food and the typical cultural experience. Nothing to catch on film. But then we packed up, ready to head home and made a pit stop at Wonder World in San Marcos. It helped us extend our mini family vacation just a little longer.

Well, there it is. The pose again as we arrive at Wonder World...

First thing we did on our guide was go into their cave system. Lots of central texas history behind that dating back to the 1800's but I'll spare you.

Climbing so many steps requires some rest now and then..

Carver was treated to their souvenir cup, the dinosaur bobble head with an Icee inside. What a treat for a special boy!

Next up: hop on a train and feed the deer.

Finish the tour up with some popcorn of course.

Then home sweet home! No place like home. That's for sure.

We also got to come home with only a 1 day countdown til Carver's summer school program that goes through the whole month of July. Can I get a halleluiah?

First day right after the holiday weekend...

Even got a new backpack & lunchsack to kick off summer school. Never seen so much enthusiasm to wear something.

We're on day 2 & I don't know who is happier - mom or Carver!

My boy

2010-06-19T19:39:00.004-05:00

My term of endearment for Carver has become "sugs" - pronounced shuugs. Just love this little boy despite his new favorite word .."NO."

Destined to work the land someday

I have never thought cotton candy is a good idea at a 10am birthday party

Followed this lizard for about an hour

YO YO DOOOOG

Sweet sweet boy

Getting good at this "cheeeese" thing

Summer days together...

looking forward to each new one.

Love you, sugs!

THE beach

2010-05-27T19:59:00.006-05:00

One month ago today I was packing for our annual trip to Florida panhandle to see my mom & dad. This year proved to have near perfect weather for us and fortunately, we were able to enjoy the pristine shoreline before any of BP's carelessness ruined it. And still crossing our fingers about that!
Thanks to mom and dad, we get to take a *free* family vacation each year to this little piece of Heaven on Earth. What a time we had!

First feel of sand on the toes 2010

It really stinks to have to share this beach with so many people, huh?

Sunset which is also dubbed as "cocktail hour"

Love this pic of my mama and Carver

With daddy's help, this is possible..

Made time for some rides at Pier Park

Spent every evening on the porch listening to oldies.

Mom & Carver had an impromptu dance party.

As the sun went down, a family game of Bocce on the beach.

Again, all those pesky tourists really getting to us!

Back to building sandcastles the following day..

One of my favorite mantras.

Date night by the seaside

First swim in the ocean

Really love this pic of my boys

Gampa & Carver

Until next year!

Beale Street Blues

2010-05-27T08:35:00.004-05:00

We spent last week in a place called Heaven on Earth. The beach. Destin area to be exact. With my parents who now live there. I'm posting 2 blogs in reverse order. We missed our connection in Memphis due to delays so had 6 hours to burn with an almost 3 year old. I'm happy to report we turned our frowns upside down and made lemondade out of lemons.

We took a cab from the airport to Beale Street. Decided we might as well eat some of that Memphis style BBQ & hear some blues. We went to BB King's Blues Bar and ate some darn good pulled pork and ribs. Carver danced his little heart out which was exactly what we hoped for. Burn some energy, boy! And an 89 year old, 2 toothed man played the blues so sweetly. I felt special just being in his presence and watching him.

If we miss our connection next time, we know where we'll go!

Surgery Day

2010-05-12T12:36:00.006-05:00

Carver had ear tubes put in at 18 months old. Since then, we've managed to avoid one single ear infection, however he's battled continous ear problems. So finally, after a little push from our ENT doc, we went back to the surgery center. They put him under general anesthesia, flushed his ears out and were able to finally see his ear drum and if any fluid was behind it. Alas, all is clear and well now. The tubes are gone, there is not crusted wax blocking his ear drum and hopefully we are clear from further ENT visits. We'll still be going back for a 2 week follow-up and hearing test.

We had to be at Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center (which is awesome by the way if you live in Austin) at 6:45am for his 7:45am procedure.

In the waiting room with "Ducky"

In the pre-op room getting vitals checked

Precious in his hospital gown
Sweet daddy offering reassurance

All ready for the anesthesiologist.

He kept saying "when my turn?"

Oh I love this picture so much.

My sweet baby boy still waiting, but ready to get this show on the road.

FINALLY, my turn.

He had to go back alone and never hesitated for one second.

Proud mama.

This procedure is very quick. He spent the same amount of room in the OR as he did in recovery, coming out of anesthesia. When he had his tubes put in at a younger age, he came out so disoriented, crying, inconsolable. I was told to expect the same, if not worse, but he didn't even whimper. They gave him a popsicle right away and he ate it faster than he's ever eaten any popsicle in his life. Then he downed 2 ice cold apple juices the nurses gave him.

THEN he threw up. In the car. So no picture obviously and I know you are glad. He drank the liquids entirely too fast and couldn't hold it down. I was warned about this.

But once home and after about 10 Ritz crackers, he had a sudden burst of energy and became playful.

"Moooom, find me, find me!"

Humm....where's Carver?

Is that your tiny face I see?

There you are silly, boy.

Playing with your flashlight in your hut.

Then he threw up. Again. And again. So weird how a child can be so normal one second and sick the next. Atleast that's how he is. Poor thing, tried to run to the bathroom and got sick in the hallway instead. Then the sofa. He wanted so badly to keep something down.
After home-cooked Ramen noodles (HA) from yours truly, he was able to eat about 6 or 7 bites.

He had one final false alarm. I actually believe this was just a touch of drama.

But isn't still a pathetic picture, poor little man.

He eagerily climbed in bed for naptime.

I'm praying he'll get much needed rest and wake a new man. Let's hope.

From the garden to the table

2010-05-10T13:52:00.003-05:00

I admit it's a bit embarassing that I'm writing so much about food on my blog. But it's more about the garden. About how we are growing our own food. The process of.....but I will admit, it tastes mighty fine too.

Remember the first picked zuchinni?

How about stuffed zuchinni as a side dish?

To go along with these beautiful beef kabobs nonetheless..

The squash on these kabobs are also from the garden. Apparently I was so excited about the zuchinni coming off first that I neglected to give the squash their own spotlight.

Here makes a (somewhat) healthy & hearty meal.

From our garden to our table!

Stuffed zuchinni

(Makes 4 servings)

Boil 2 zuchinnis for 10 minutes in a pot of water.
Let cool. Slice each zuchinni lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the inside of the zuchinni, creating a shell. Mix in a large bowl with bread crumbs, shredded mozarella cheese, diced bell pepper, a little butter. Scoop the stuffing mix back into each zuchinni. Top with more shredded cheese and broil until cheese is melted.
DELISH!

First pick

2010-05-08T13:49:00.002-05:00

First pick off the garden. Look at these beautiful zuchinnis. As a side dish on tonight's menu, I'll be making my mom's stuffed zuchinni. They are yielding so quickly that I'm going to be making all kinds of zuchinni related dishes. Any suggestions, friends?

It's a very rewarding feeling to eat the food you grow. I'm loving it.

El Jardin

2010-05-03T13:37:00.004-05:00

Remember those squash, zuchinni, tomato, pepper & corn plants a couple weeks ago?

Look at them N.O.W.!

Tomatoes ripening....I can already taste the fresh salsa.

The corn is almost as tall as Carver.

Gilbert removed some of the overgrown corn & we now have 3 strawberry plants.

Perfect for Carver & I, we are quite the berry lovers!

Can you spot the lone pepper?

While the flower first catches your eye, don't forget it is atop a zuchinni.

Look at that baby!

Stay tuned for a late May follow-up...

Gilbert's 39th

2010-05-03T12:40:00.011-05:00

Heaven forbid I take pictures of an actual birthday "party." There were 2 homemade signs from Carver & I wishing Gilbert the happiest of 39th birthdays, his favorite carrot cake from Central Market, a few gifts & of course a happy birthday song. After the family sized "party," we did what the birthday boy really wished for....headed to the hill country. We went to Pedernales Falls State Park. Packed a bag with Carver's spiderman fishing rod, a few sandwiches, and plenty of water.
Carver loved every second of our "hike" - envision 1mph walking speed so we can stop and pick up e.v.e.r.y single rock along the way. We then made the trek down to the river and what a sight it was. Best time of year in Texas. The flowers were blooming, the water was flowing. It was a perfect half day at the park, followed by a picnic lunch.

First feel of water on his feet

Daddy sharing the skills of casting the rod

"I got a big one, it's a real big fish!" (verbatim)

Just like his mama, loves to dig his tootsies in the sand.
Daddy enjoying the peace & quiet of the river

I'll hold this fake smile as long as you hurry to take the picture..

All that walking called for a snack.
Love to look at those skinny little legs in his undies...

I didn't think it was time for his swim trunks yet but the boy was ready...

Walking back up the trail

View of the flowers with river in background

After falling asleep on the way home, I carried him to bed.

How peaceful is he?

Happy birthday to my "big" boy, Gilberto!

xoxoxo

Movin' On Up

2010-04-16T14:52:00.006-05:00

There is a big boy who resides in our house. No longer a baby. He is moving on up to a big boy room and plans are underway. Here's a sneak peek.....

Enter at your own risk...

View from the doorway

Yes this is a very bright blue...I think I should've spent a little more time on the color

Trains, trains, trains...

Testing out the side rail

Curtains are up...every boy must be in darkness for naptime

Oh what fun mommy is having shopping for this big boy room..

and this is no cliche, this boy can hit a ball!

Bookshelf awaiting its occupents

Now it's just time to do a little more shopping (poor me), hang some stuff on the walls then..

move in...tentative date scheduled for next weekend...more to come.

On another note, the Paci Fairy unexpectadely visited our house 2 days ago. After buying the book, Carver jumped up and wanted to collect all paci's in the house and leave for the Fairy..in exchange for a toy of course. Mommy was not mentally prepared for this day at all..I always envisioned I would plan it a month in advance, heck I already had that month picked out. But I went with it. I was scared. Nervous. Anxious. Okay, I was an emotional wreck for my baby boy!

Night 1 was brutal. I felt I was comforting an addict in withdrawal as I rubbed his back, sang to him & denied him his paci's...the fairy had already taken them to the babies in the world after all. I think we slept about 3 hours all night long. No nap that day either.

Day 2: A little whiney, not noticeable. Looked for paci 1 time and never mentioned it again. Slept ALL night long last night - no problems. Took his 2 hour, typical nap today - no problem. Are you kidding me? For 3 years this has been a fundamental part of his existence..or so I thought?

I guess it was harder for me to let go.....

I'm so stinkin' proud of this boy. Words can't express. Amazing.

I think I want to do this, right?

Hurry, mom, I want a toy from the Paci Fairy!

"OH MY gosh, mom...it's the biggest truck I ever seen."

-Carver Chavez

YOU DID IT BIG BOY!

Seeds of Change

2010-04-08T09:35:00.007-05:00

About 1 month ago..

seeds in place..

we wait.....

Hello, corn, squash & zuchinni....

As of yesterday...
look how you've grown!

Crossing our fingers the birds won't eat
our tomatoes like they did last year

Are those flowers I see on the zuchinni?

We wait for peppers....Gilbert's homemade salsa anyone?

Oh, corn...sweet, succulent summer corn...

Who is so happy about the garden? JUMP FOR JOY, BIG BOY!

Actually this pose is in response to mommy's question,

"How much does mommy love you??"

THIS MUCH.

Snapdragons I brought back from Waco when mom & dad still lived there.

Asparagus fern coming back to life.....

Does it get any better? 70 degrees on a Texas spring day...

Oh my favorite little sprout - my how you are growing so fast...

You are what makes spring so dern good.

La Familia

2010-04-07T12:16:00.009-05:00

What an action packed Easter weekend. It was quite memorable. We started our road trip with a stop at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco. (I am fond of you, Waco, I actually miss you)

We packed a picnic lunch after touring the zoo then we were back on the road heading northbound to Arlington. We spent the weekend at Teta's house and even took Carver to his first Rangers game. The weekend was filled with several egg hunts, lots of food, quality time with Carver's cousins, a washer tournament, and even a little time in the country. Heck I even rode a 4 wheeler! It doesn't get much better. Happy belated Easter to all.

First real zoo experience

Mommy loves to be silly with me

Finally with my cousins,

whom I greatly idolize

Impromptu egg hunt..but this egg won't fit in my basket?

First Rangers game (exhibition)

Easter Festival at Teta's church

Playing ball with cousin Julian at Chavez celebration

Sweet, sweet boy

Mira! What form Popo has tossing washers!

Patiently waiting to start the egg hunt

Wow I found an egg with $5 AND candy!

Now here comes the fun part - cascarones!

Had to get Daddy with the help of Aunt Margaret

Oh Kelsey girl - Carver's favorite cousin...I don't know if I feel worse for Kelsey or Kelly, her mom, who has to tediously comb all the glitter & confetti out of her curly, curly, thick hair!

He loved when Uncle Robbie would play chase

Now I'll chase you, Kelsey...wait for me...

Whew, that's tiring, better take a rest with Kelsey and Aunt Gloria. Look at this hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours truly after getting eliminated from washers tournie

Ha ha, Omar & Robbie show up in the same shirt. They got alot of hell for it, deservedly so.

Jonathon's not too big to sit on mom's lap, good boy!

Carver still hanging with Kelsey, he doesn't leave her side too often

Carver with one of his favorite people - Richard

We decided to finally go see Amiee & Robbie's land they will eventually build and live on. For now it houses alot of great "toys" so to speak & their camper. ALOT OF FUN.

If only his legs could reach the pedals...

Don't you just love to look at all this space? You can see Wil riding the 4-wheeler off in the distance if you look closely.

Much to our disbelief, Carver jumped at the opportunity to ride this go-cart with Kelsey. He is very timid, but this just validates how much he loves Kelsey and trusts her. Buckle up, boy!

It was a bumpy ride..

What can I find next? Oh let's see...thanks Uncle Robbie for the kid's club.

I think I'll hit a few balls out here.

The crew that headed to the land

Amiee & Robbie posing in front of their camper

Thanks to all for a wonderful trip & the Chavez hospitality. Nothing like family.

The Sand Box

2010-03-23T14:18:00.003-05:00

After several attempts to finish uploading many more pics in chronological order (being built, sand being poured in, Carver putting toys in there, etc, etc.), my patience is worn. So this is it. After Gilbert took on the garden, he was ambitious enough to use the extra wood to make a little sandbox in the opposite corner of our yard. We are so grateful for our big ole' spacious back yard.

The Garden

2010-03-23T13:43:00.001-05:00

Gilbert carefully drew, planned and built this little vegetable garden in the corner of our back yard. Watch them slowly sprout & grow as we do too. Soon enough, we'll be pulling corn, zuchinni, squash, tomatoes and peppers from our own garden. What a lucky gal I am to live with such a green thumb!

"Moneys"

2010-03-11T13:47:00.006-06:00

You know how you start saying a word like your child does instead of the correct way? Well, maybe you can't relate. I realize I should pronounce the word correctly but instead I find myself saying patsy, moneys, and teptool instead of paci, money and stepstool. I limit this to just our conversations in order to spare my husband & friends.

Moving on...Carver has a coin sock whose "face" fell off due to the amount of coins weighing it down. That sparked a fun little project for him & I - to collect all the change around the house, add it to the coin sock & take his first trip into the bank to trade coins for dollars. I still get that nervous excitement waiting for the teller to come back and tell us what magical number we hit. We were somewhere around $50 and of course mommy kept half (is that bad?) and gave Carver his own crisp $20 bill. Do remember, folks, this was all mommy and daddy's change in the first place. $20 is plenty to add to this piggy bank for a 2 1/2 yr old. Not to mention the kid has quite a few big bills already in "Mr. Piggy."

Here's a photographic trip down memory lane......It's always the simplist of things that occupy our days and bring the greatest joy to both of us. I love this child.

For starters, he had to use his shopping cart to transport the coins around the house.

They are heavy afterall! Don't miss out on his Walmart red slippers.
Julie - check out his mouth, wide open as he focuses on the task at-hand. Remind you of anyone?

Wait, mommy, quick pitstop....I noticed a piece of dirt & need to sweep it up, just like you.

No pictures at the bank so the last one is him putting that dirty $20 bill on top of his mouth.

All in a day's work!

Burger Thursdays

2010-03-11T13:33:00.002-06:00

Every Thursday Carver gets out of "school" an hour early at lunchtime. We eat lunch together that day instead of me packing his. Thursdays have become Burger Thursdays. Let me tell you - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - the kid loves a burger. So we now have an official day for it.

This past week has been so beautiful here in the lonestar state. Spring is in the air and the sun is shining so warmly. Today was our 2nd picnic of the week - well, most picnics are sandwiches and fruit but today's was a burger. I quickly (uh, you could figure that out for yourself) snapped these pics at his school while we ate today. I love how he is wearing these pants. I did not send him off to school in those. I immediately thought he had an accident at school but nope, Ms. Amy said he just had poor aim when using the potty....thus had to change his outfit since he soaked his jeans. That's my boy. He's getting so big. My heart aches with love for him more every single day. I daydream about our family's future & all to come. I really can't believe I have what I have. I'm so grateful.

Friends in Low Places

2010-02-15T11:44:00.006-06:00

Vegas, Vegas, Vegas. It's going to take me a full 7 days to recover this time around. Garth summed it all up for me, "I'm much too young to feel this damn old."

Gilbert & I flew to Vegas on Friday for a 2 night stay centered around seeing the other Chavez - Paul & Sandra, our old and dear friends. Marc & Melissa, our Mexico buddies, drove in from Phoenix to add a little more trouble to the mix. All of us were kid free which left us no other choice but to take full advantage. As the pictures show, we did things a little out of the ordinary with a limo, a little bull riding, and Fremont Street action followed by a delicious dinner. The main reason we booked our trip was b/c we saw Garth Brooks' "coming out of retirement" show at the Wynn on Saturday night. Re-living my past while forging it with the future. Oh, Garth...how I've never forsaken thee. That deep and true voice in an intimate 1,500 seat theatre, all acoustic show. None other than his lovely wife, Trisha Yearwood, surprised everyone and came on stage to sing along w/him as well as a few of her classics. Yep, you guessed it..."She's in Love with the Boy." My favorite part of the show was ALL of it - he talked to the audience the whole time, revealed tidbits of his experiences and influeces throughout his life. Actually sang and played some of his own personal favorites - everything from Elton John to James Taylor. Very impressive, very diverse. He had us guess what his favorite song of his is - and much to my surprise, it was none other than The Dance. Aaah, that song is so good, always will be. Yep, he sang Shameless too. The list goes on. Almost took this Waco girl to my knees.
Unfortunately they were very strict on not allowing cameras or cell phones in the theatre so the only pictures to share from our trip are a little rambunctious. They speak for themselves.
Looks like we're heading back to Vegas for Paul's 40th in December. I need to get a lot of sleep between now and then!

Fremont Street

On an escalator upstairs to country bar?

Fremont Street

Giggly about the limo

Ooooold friends - Gilbert, Paul & Marc (being silly)

Dinner

Already closing my eyes

Sandra, me & Melissa

My hunk & Sandra

Gilbert & I about 12 hours before the night ended!

Our room - Encore at The Wynn

Coming to town.....

2010-02-09T15:21:00.002-06:00

Two of my all-time favorite people are coming to town....tomorrow...and the fridge is stocked, food is made, the house is clean, now all I need are these 2 people to hug and love on live in person.

Can't wait to see you, mom & dad!!

Keeping up with Carver

2010-01-31T12:41:00.004-06:00

Though the weather around these parts has been either warm with a hint of spring, or too cold to play outside, we've managed to do a little of both. Trips to the mall in the afternoon for "rides" when it's too cold and riding his new John Deere tractor and trike when the sun is out. I will have to video Carver on his tractor because the boy is now a pro at driving it. Just like his mama behind the wheel! Here's a sneak peak at Carver's stressful life.

Tooling around the deck on his tricycle

Mommy's favorite new picture
Gotta love the mall on those chilly afternoons
Kiddie Acres - Austin's best and cheapest way to spend a Wednesday!
Loves riding the horse at Kiddie Acres
Brush those teeth good, boy!
Weekly playdate with his girlfriend, Anneke.

They were not pleased I interrupted them during Dora for this picture.

FAB & CAB

2010-01-14T15:32:00.005-06:00

Okay so this post is a bit late, but worthy nonetheless. Can someone say BFF time? Since Julie is thousands of miles away, it's not our norm to have pictures of us with our kids since both becoming mothers. Over their Christmas break, they graced us with their presence. So good to have Julie, CJ & precious Liam under our roof and in sight.
We already look forward to ya'lls next visit when you can stay longer.

Ladies Night

2010-01-14T14:28:00.001-06:00

A night to not be forgotten. How comforting it is to have old and *new* (within the last 10 years) friends as close as these. Only problem? Julie is absent. We missed you, Jules.

Happy ladies night to us.
Cheers!

Gingerbread House

2009-12-24T15:32:00.002-06:00

Here's a peek at Daddy and Carver's Gingerbread House project this morning. Turned out quite perrty if you ask me. Surprised to see how much candy made it on the house considering what went into Carver's mouth. It turned into a breakfast of candy and a very giddy little boy on this Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas!

Carver Christmas 2009

2009-12-22T20:39:00.003-06:00

Typical mom- put Carver in a preppy Christmas sweater then make him say "cheeeese" in front of the tree and label it as "Carver Christmas 2009." Had to share, you can just see for yourself how handsome he is!

Zilker Park Trail of Lights

2009-12-22T20:22:00.005-06:00

Gilbert & I took Carver to see the infamous Zilker Park Trail of Lights for his first time. He was his typical self - the observer - but did love the lights and displays that can only be found in our own funky town of Austin. The flash on my camera and all the lights made for what appears to be a bunch of psychadelic photos but hey - some of them are pretty cool. Here's a small taste of our trip...

I can never get enough kisses from my boy

The Zilker Tree from afar
A trio playing Christmas songs on the side of the street, to which Carver not only asked for "moneys" to put in their guitar case, but also danced.

A dinosaur display

Under the tree looking hundreds of feet up at the star

"Snow Day"

2009-12-05T21:14:00.004-06:00

Teeeny, tiny flurries of snow hit central Texas and what do ya know? So small that I couldn't even catch them on my camera. Unlike Houston where I saw pictures of snow covering streets. So on our Texas "snow day," Carver & I played outside just before the flurries began. He went down for a nap and then they started...of course.
But I enjoyed feeling like a kid and having that moment to myself. I watched the flurries fall from the window while he slept & I snuggled on the sofa under a blanket. Life's pretty darn good.

Christmas a la casa Chavez

2009-12-01T21:55:00.005-06:00

Did I mention just how much I love Christmas??
Wait til I post the pics of the outside lights!

FAMILY

2009-12-01T21:50:00.003-06:00

Didn't occur to me to include this picture in the previous post. Here we are. Hornishs. Farriors. Reedys. Chavez. Hills. Wish we weren't missing the Carvers.

What a memorable Thanksgiving 2009.

Cousins

2009-12-01T21:32:00.007-06:00

This post is all about the cousins. We just got back from our annual Thanksgiving in N.C. with my family as well as my aunt, uncle & cousins. It's the one guaranteed time of the year that I will see my extended family and for that, it makes it quite memorable! Anyone who knows me knows how close I am to my siblings and parents. I am as close as it gets to my cousins as well. And I can't begin to say how special and warm it is to see your child play with your sibling's children. It's as if they instinctively know they are of the same blood and family line. It's awfully special and unique. So here are pictures of me with my cousins as well as Carver w/his cousins. I figure it was also a good way to show off our hike we did to Schoolhouse Falls one afternoon. Gilbert & I actually did it twice over the week and it 's oh so so beautiful.
Like most of us, we are overwhelmed by our blessings.

Cousin Todd, Ashly, Paige with her 2 boys & Gilbert

Cousins Ashly, Paige & Jenny

Sweet Meryl (Mimi) and Carver
Mimi is known as my "mini-me"

I told them to say "I love Aunt Jenny" at this moment and sweet Carver even repeated it

Mimi, Carver, Payne & Blake

Cousin Payne, Carver & Mimi

Oh the age of innocent wonder!

Mimi always ready for the camera

Happy belated Thanksgiving!

Washington, D.C.

2009-11-04T20:17:00.006-06:00

Amen to a direct flight! Because Gilbert & I just jetted to the east coast for a quickie 2 night stay. Boy did we make the most of it. My favorite - the pic taken above - a pit stop in front of the White House after the best crab cake dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, and in route to the Hay Adams Hotel for an after dinner drink. (every President has stayed there before moving into the White House)

Let me brag on my husband real quick - it's the sole reason we went to D.C. Gilbert was nominated and received the "Commissioner's Award for Oustanding Performance." (from the Office of Child Support Enforcement....he works for Office of Attorney General here in Child Support Division). Yes, that is a federal award, my friends and I was very proud to be a witness to his recognition at the awards luncheon. Congratulations again, honey.

Gilbert was in a conference the first day so I had a wonderful day alone hussling around downtown to and from my top pics of places I wanted to see. I'll just say that my favorite was the Holocaust Memorial Museum. Can't begin to explain how emotional and truly moving that was. In general, I just love lacing up my shoes and huffing it around a new city, breathing it in and all the people and sights, stopping for a Starbucks every 3 corners if necessary. I was also surprised at the giddy and patriotic feeling being in our nation's capital gave me. To walk past the FBI headquarters, EPA, Dept. of Justice and the list goes on and on...but the architecture of these buildings are phenomenal. They all seem so intricate, old and special. A taste of true fall didn't hurt either.
So here are just a few of my favorite pics from our stay. I already look forward to going back so I can check the rest of my favorites off my list.

Amtrak is the way to go from Baltimore!

Took me 1 hr just to get from hotel to the Mall on foot

Reflecting Pool with Lincoln Memorial at the end. Lincoln Memorial probably my least favorite only b/c of the truckloads of junior high kids on school trip.

What a beautiful walk I had...

Halloween Parade

2009-10-29T13:21:00.003-05:00

Today was Carver's Halloween Parade at Mother's Day Out. He was 1 of 4 Thomas the Train's as that is his newest, most exciting toy collection. I now understand all the Thomas the Train hype that came long before Carver. I guess Thomas never really gets old since every boy between the age of 2 and 3 first discovers trains after tiring of cars and trucks.
Of course I think he looked absolutely precious as he's at the age where he kindof "gets it." We're already practicing our trick or treats for Saturday.
Here are some pics of my special boy. His facial expressions crack me up- he was puzzled why I was snapping pics of him and why so many other "kids" (as he says calls them) weren't wearing regular clothes.
Happy Halloween!

Being paraded around the sanctuary by Ms. Snow White

" Mom, is that you?"

Happy boy, even on the potty

"Not in front of the rose bush and with my matching backpack, Mom!"

Choooo- choooo

Is it possible?

2009-10-22T21:00:00.006-05:00

Seriously..is it possible I can love this boy Carver so very much? I can go from "how will I ever have another baby again" after weeks of 5:07 or 5:32 am wakeups then get into the daily groove so quickly and that is long forgotton. I kiss his upper and lower lips, I even like to kiss his front teeth, I just love to kiss and hug and snuggle him all up. I'm so lucky, my "baby" loves to snuggle me just as much. "Anuder hug mama?" I get to hear this several times a day.

It's cliche, it is redundant with alot of mothers, but seriously....I am so blessed.

This post tonight comes from a very pure, primal place. Love like no other. This post also stems from an experience at the park this afternoon. While heading there in a regular, ho-hum, this is my not so exciting life kinda mood with buckets and shovels and sippy cup (straw, thank you very much) in tow, we arrive and start the be careful, use both hands while climbing kinda talk and weeeeeeeeee, I swing tall from Carver. All is fun and easy in our every day life once I spot a father with his special-needs toddler maintaining a jogging pace just to keep up with him and prohibit the boy from hurting himself or anyone else. Suddenly it was pure chaos. The child was humming to himself, racing back and forth across the park on his tipey-toes, to and from slide to slide. Manic. His dad with a look of constant focus, just trying to keep close behind him, re-direct him. Over and over. And over again. This was just 30 minutes of their day might I add. It exhausted me, a bystander.

I am no doctor, I would never pretend to be. I'm pretty sure he showed signs of autism at the least. I don't diagnosis. Please let that be my disclosure. No judgement here, just in awe and ever so grateful to be so quickly thrust out of myself and into the mind of what it must be like...to raise a child with a disability of any kind. What a different meaning having a "healthy child" means once you have one...or don't.

I even use to work at an agency that provided services to children w/disablities, but I only now realize that I didn't "get it" then ... I wasn't a mother. My job ended at 5pm.

When I close my eyes tonight and turn my light off after dropping my book a few times to let me know that I am, indeed, ready to go to bed, you can bet my prayer will be one of gratitude. How embarassing, how foolish of me to feel so entitled ever in this lifetime. I only hope I can remember this every day. Sweet dreams, sweet boy. Mama loves you more than you can ever know.

Aunt Jenny

2009-10-20T21:13:00.003-05:00

I'm on a roll here. Per usual, I'm a feast or famine even when it comes to blogging.

Today I found out the sex of my brother's 4th child. My brother/best bud, Ryan, and my sister in law, Angela, are having a GIRL!!! I'm so excited for them. Their kids are Blake, Meryl, Payne and next up is a baby girl due in early March. I'm so happy that Meryl will experience a little sister and the boys will have the brother bond as well. I figure if you are crazy enough to have 4 kids (just kidding...well, not really) then what beats boy-girl-boy-girl?
Congratulations, Ry and Angela. You guys never cease to amaze!
Here they are with my mom and dad in their hometown of Greenville, South Carolina watching the local baseball team. Great pic, just wish I could have been there too.

I'm back

2009-10-20T20:57:00.003-05:00

One reason I haven't blogged recently..maybe b/c I always format the pictures and text bassackwards?? Too tired tonight to fix it. First catch up on pics then blog is below.

Well, apparently I'm not good at maintaining a blog. I still go through and read the rest of your blogs. Usually you all make me inspired, enlightened or inadequate depending on my mood.

So I figured I gotta keep up with this. I mean, I love to write and rant and talk to myself anyways, and it's just an added bonus if someone else is interested. Examples of blogs that could have been in the past 2 months..."Pumpkin patch"... "Rainy days playing in puddles" .... "A week of sleepless nights and 5:30 wakeups" ......

So maybe I spared you afterall?

Obviously this post was me pumping myself up to re-enter the blogging world. Stay tuned for my next post, hyping up my quickie 2 night trip to D.C. with my hubbie in 2 weeks. KID FREE!

One leg up & ice cream pie

2009-08-20T20:29:00.003-05:00

This is gonna be short and sweet, literally. Here are a few pics of Carver showing off his latest achievement - holding one leg in the air. He finds this to be very amusing and at this point, so do I. It is something to be proud of after all, he's practicing yoga at the ripe age of 2. No, he isn't wearing shorts (or a diaper for that matter), he rarely does around the house. It helps with all those potty visits. But that's another post for another time.

On another note, check out the caramel & cookie ice cream pie I made tonight. It may not be the prettiest picture, but it's a better reflection of the real image compared to my hamburger patty chocolate cookies from last week.

The baker in me

2009-08-13T20:28:00.003-05:00

So I'm really into baking all the sudden. Don't know if it's just a creative outlet or something to do as I am a list-type person, but either way, I have found baking to be easier for me than cooking. That's weird, too b/c everyone tells me baking is harder. How? Follow the directions to a "T" and there you have it. With cooking, you gotta put a lil' of this spice and dash of that and blah blah blah. My chicken always comes out tasteless unless it calls for a couple cups of cheese.
Sooooooooooooo....I'm into the cookies and bread thing so far. Don't get me wrong - I haven't experimented much AT ALL, but I'm about to be big time. Tonight, Carver and I made a cookie recipe I found online called something like "best chocolate cookies ever." I don't know about all that, but they were dang good. I patted myself on the back after my husband, the household cook who thinks crab stuffed lobster is a regular weekly dish, ate 2 cookies and said how good they were. So here are some pics - oh and don't you know in the flash of the camera they just look like miniature burger patties, but I promise they were prettier in person and even more importantly- tasted delicioso! Check it out for yourself.

Um, seriously, these look like ground beef but I promise it's not

Getting a little playful

Say "cheeeeese"

Can I have one yet, mom?

2nd batch coming out

Oh, beautiful Carolina

2009-08-12T20:51:00.007-05:00

As most of you know, I am a Carolina girl second to Texas. Born in the North and spent my summers in the South of the Carolinas. My family is spread out in the two states and now my parents are spending half of the year in a small community west of Asheville...the mountains..the cooler air.. and this beautiful lake. Here are a few pics from time well spent (always) with my mom and dad. Still the best company I could ask for.

No boats yet, mom?

Mom kayaking on the lake in the early morning.

My mom...or "BF" as we call each other.

Carver's 2nd Birthday

2009-08-12T11:24:00.005-05:00

I'm overdoing it a bit on my first blogging day, but I gotta show off pictures from my boy's 2nd birthday party this weekend. It is official - I have a 2 year old. Really am wondering what life was like before. Well, I remember. I slept better and had way more down time. But I was living in ignorant bliss of the purest joy life had in store for me.
On to the birthday party.....it was at Kiddie Acres's Amusement Park, and old Austin favorite (and I mean 40 years old, seriously). This place caters to toddlers and I can't tell you how perfect it was for Carver and his buddies. Check out the kids enjoying rides on the airplanes, boat, cars and even a real horse. I had a big, fat tear well up in my eye when I caught sight of Carver riding the horse. No fear for my timid boy, just smiles and in awe. I had a *moment.* Enjoy the pics.

Here I Am

2009-08-12T07:48:00.002-05:00

Okay, okay, here I am. Posted a query on Facebook of whether or not I should blog and to my surprise, I found that many o' "friends" had opinions on it. Overall, everyone says "blog, blog!" So here I am. Nothing special or funny to post this morning, except that my coffee tastes good (thank you fat and sugar free hazelnut creamer) and I'm watching an episode of Max & Ruby that I've seen a jillion times. Why am I not watching the Today show or something for my own entertainment? Because then I wouldn't be able to type on my laptop without interruptions as Max & Ruby mesmerizes my son, regardless of how many times he has seen the same episodes. Geeeez, we even own the DVD with these same episodes and watch them in the car. I am growing a little tired of Max.
Well, I suppose in hindsight this blog did have hearty subject matter. Max & Ruby, Ruby & Max....daa...daa...daa. You parents are getting this, right? Uh - big news alert. We're on Disney channel now doing the hot dog dance with Mickey.

Another shot at blogging

2009-08-11T20:24:00.003-05:00

So here I am on my 5th (??) attempt to maintain a blog. I'm mostly discouraged because I don't think people will be that interested in my day to day life but I guess I'll find out soon enough....

I'm saving my first post full of pictures and special memories for something significant- well, positive- because this week has only brought a staph infection to our household which has led to clorox, lysol, and bleach. Disinfecting. That's what this week has been about. Let's see what next week brings.