2010 Another Year in Review

Us at the beginning of 2010Each year, I do a family Christmas letter. Its just an update for our family and friends. This year, I didn't. Why? I guess with Facebook and this blog, I felt like everyone knew what had gone on in our lives this past year. Plus, after 2009, 2010 was fairly uneventful. (thanking God for that)

I went back and read our 2009 year in review. Wow, what a year.... But, it also reminded me why I keep this blog. I use it for MY memories, and for that reason I am doing another Year in Review, because one day I will actually get our scrapbooks together and this blog will jog my memory....

Our year started out with me on maternity leave, Hollister's 4th birthday and then Trevor's 40th birthday. That was quite an event. We had a huge party here for him. This was Trevor's first birthday party, ever. My fondest memory from that night was hearing so many people sing Happy Birthday to him and just being overjoyed at everyone being there for him on his special day.

Spring marked prom and GRADUATION. Another BIG party, this time for Kendrick's high school graduation.
In the fall, school started once again. CJ played tennis again and I continued my commute to Round Rock. This cool boy, well, he just stayed cool and has grown into quite an awesome big brother.

We celebrated a lot of first with Hamilton. His first foods, rolling over, taking a bottle, day care, crawling, waving, you name it, he did it! Finally, after his first birthday, he walked! Now, well, he's trying to run!
I have to admit that I don't feel 2010 flew by. I feel like we have had a long year. I can't say its been a bad one or my kids are growing up too fast. I just don't feel that way. I feel like we just keep living. We have good days, we have bad days. We have long days, we have short days. We spend a lot of time together, and sometimes we feel like there's never enough time for everything we want to do. But everyday, we're a family, no matter where we lay our head at night.

Us at the end of 2010 I'm excited to be starting a new year. 2011 is going to be a big for us and I for one am ready!

What's ahead for us.... Kendrick starts college, we'll be running a lot, literally running... I turn 40, CJ starts high school, Hollister starts kindergarten.... oh yea... 2011, BRING IT ON!!!

Gingerbread Houses 2010

Here we go again!

To refresh your memories: 2008 Houses and 2009 Houses

Materials: graham crackers, icing, and lots and lots of candy, cereal, sprinkles
most of all PATIENCE!!!!

If this is the first time reading about our family tradition of gingerbread houses,
read the above posts.
It will catch you up.

We don't buy kits. We do it the "hard" way. We get boxes of graham crackers and icing and see what we can do. We do not make it a competition because in our family everything is a competition anyway. Plus, we all know who wins, no matter what.
Its supposed to be fun; sometimes it is and sometimes its not.

If I had to rank this years experience,
I'd say it was probably the least stressful.
We are getting better at it...

Hollister was very excited this year. We had a larger structure for him since last year he was disappointed with such a small house. I have been saving a large goldfish box for months! He really wanted a backyard like his Daddy had last year. Once he got that built, he was raring to go. He wasn't really keen on any help and when left on his own, he really did a great job. He worked on it for HOURS, seriously. We were amazed at his patience and his creativity.

Not so amazed at his goofball faces though. Notice the tongue... this is serious work people. He choose his decorations and where they would be and by golly,
those things are NOT coming off that house. Again, with the silly face. He was so proud of his house though. The front, and yes, he did have some help from Daddy for his name...
Notice though, all the sprinkles by the side of his house...
he tried on his own and got mad when his name didn't "appear"

CJ has not been known for really being "into" this event. (see the above links)
This year though, he did MUCH better. His finished product. This is a hotel. I'd stay there.
Looks fun and I know its built well!
Plus this year, CJ did something he rarely does.
He asked for some help and pointers. And then, he actually listened to them! AMAZING!!!


Kendrick started his house, then had to go to work. When he got home later that night, Trevor was the only one still working. (I know, not shocking...) Anyway, it was hard for him to get back into it. So this is how his house stayed.

I am all about icing and color. This is my house right after I finished. This is my house after the first collapse. And this is my house after the second and final collapse.
I didn't build a sturdy structure, obviously.
But trust me, it was was a yummy house!

and finally....

We all know Trevor takes this event very seriously. So seriously, that we gave him his own table, actually his own room. We all worked in the dining room, he worked in the kitchen. He worked all day, and when I say all day, I mean, ALL day! he uses special icing, not like us common folk who use Betty Crocker, and he uses special tools as well. But his finished product shows it too... The front The back
Notice the logs, the pool (melted jolly ranchers)
and the rock wall behind the pool.
The Ariel view...
I would love to live here! Of course, we'll continue this tradition and Trevor will continue to amaze us.
I just hope to keep my structure up next year.
Oh and one more thing,
figure out how to keep my house clean throughout this process.
Red sprinkles? really???!!!

Milk and Cookies

Each year, we host a holiday dessert party. It has officially become a "tradition". Well, this year, I decided to shake it up and make it a themed, "Milk and Cookies" party. Several of my neighbors were a bit ticked because they already had their "dessert" in mind that they were bringing. Apparently, changing things up in this neighborhood is a no-no.

Trevor made lots of cookies and decorated them. As you know, he does nothing simple. They are beautiful and they tasted great too!

Last year, a few days after Christmas our HEB had their holiday stuff marked down and we stocked up on plates for this very party. I was thrilled when I found them. Funny thing though. Not one single plate was used. I guess for cookies, you just grab and eat. Since the theme was milk and cookies, we had lots to choose from. We also chilled these cool jars for everyone to have ice cold milk or egg nog if they chose.
Guess how much milk was drank? NONE
Guess how many jars were used? NONE The guests brought treats too! We had lots to choose from. This party was more about just hanging out and drinking some wine and stuff. Wine and cookies should have been the theme. After 3 years, you'd think I'd be better at taking pictures, but I get into the visiting and "wine" too... But here's a few... Notice, everyone has a drink in their hand, not one jar though... oh and only our pregnant friend has a cookie in her hand. Hmm... I did make everyone take a "treat bag" home filled with cookies though. This girl is on a diet and training for a 1/2 marathon so cookies are not allowed to be hanging around this house!

A holiday first

This is Hollister's 5th Christmas. He was 11 and 3/4 months for his first one and when we took him to see Santa that first year, he wanted nothing to do with him. That has been his stance for the past four years and he is serious about it. He loves Santa, but from a distance. Last year, we tried everything, but no, it wasn't happening. Thank goodness Hamilton was an infant (he was about 4 weeks old) so he didn't have a say, and I have a cute picture of him and Santa.

Well, a few weeks ago, his good friend Jack sat on Santa's lap and his mommy posted it on Facebook. I showed it to Hollister and told him what a big boy Jack was and how he sat on Santa's lap and didn't cry or get scared. Oh yes, it was total peer pressure and I make no apology's for it. Having a picture of your kid on Santa's lap is a big deal to moms, hands down in the top 10 list of pictures you gotta have.

Well, it worked and Hollister started talking about how he wanted to sit on Santa's lap and we ran with it. We tried last Sunday, but who in their right mind goes to the mall on Sunday and waits in a line for Santa? What were we thinking?

We tried again on Monday afternoon. Make a note, see Santa on a Monday afternoon. There is NO line!

I was so impressed with Hollister and shocked at how "big"he was. While in line, he was so excited. He couldn't wait to sit on his lap. Of course we had Hamilton too and Trevor and I had decided that we would try to sit him on Santa's lap, if he cried, we'd pull him and let Hollister do it alone. (if you don't know, Hamilton is quite the Mommy and Daddy's boy and doesn't let people just hold him)

When it was our turn, my big 4 3/4 year old, climbed right up on Santa's lap and smiled. I was SHOCKED!!! You can not imagine the drama we have been through the past 4 Decembers..... And Hamilton, HOLY MOLY, that little guy, just sat there and even smiled. I was impressed with them both! Hollister was so cute.

He asked Santa, "what do I do?" before getting on his lap. I just knew Hamilton would cry at this point,
but nope, not one tear or even a peep.
This Santa was AWESOME!
This is my favorite picture. I know the quality isn't great. But, after the professional picture was taken, Santa asked Hollister what he wanted for Christmas. Hollister looks sad, but he is just EXTREMELY shy and only whispered what he wanted. But Santa heard him and said, " Wow, you must really like Scooby Doo" (which is does by the way.... ) Now I have the pictures I need. If neither boy never sits on his lap again, who cares? My Christmas wish came true!

A Special Visitor

Mimi came to visit for a week. It was a really nice treat. I wish I had more photos of her with the boys, but we did have some photo ops... enjoy!

See, Hamilton says "Mimi's #1"

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this pic!!!
Mimi has a reputation for the tightest,
longest hugs on earth. She gets a hold of you and doesn't let go!
Hamilton wasn't the friendliest to Mimi this week, until she shared her ice cream and then oh yea, she was a hit!!! Ya know, a way to man's heart is through his stomach is true for babies too!
We already miss you Mimi, hurry back soon!

Wagon Fun

This post will prove how different Dads and Moms play with their kids. I would NEVER have attempted this, or even thought of it. My husband though, sees nothing wrong with this. In his defense, he did buckle BOTH boys!

Just hanging out in his wagon. Oh, hold on! Wheeee... this is fun! Brother couldn't miss out on the fun. Wheeeeee... Keep your hands, arms, and feet in the ride at all times. Say cheese Hamilton Whoa... look how high that is!