Model and Talent Expo.. Ricky is on his way to stardom!

• November 17-21
• The 2010 Fall Model & Talent EXPO
• Dallas, Texas
• By Invitation Only!
• The Model & Talent EXPO, presented by Mike Beaty, is the most exciting model and talent discovery event of the year. The world's top model and talent agents will be there to meet you. The EXPO offers you a world of opportunities all under one roof. The EXPO is a highly selective event where only the best are invited!
• The Model & Talent EXPO has successfully placed models, actors, singers and dancers with the top agencies and managers from around the world. EXPO participants can be seen in fashion shows, magazines, catalogs, national print campaigns, TV shows, sitcoms, soap operas, movies and Broadway. Many of the singers have received major recording contracts. You will meet the Who's Who in the modeling and talent industry at Mike Beaty's Model & Talent EXPO.
• The EXPO'S concept is to showcase the individual. Agents and Managers come to see you audition and can launch your careers

• http://www.modelandtalentexpo.com/mte/home.html

• Ricky has been invited to this! Of course it comes with a cost! If you would like to help him reach his chance at this amazing opportunity we are selling raffle tickets at the low cost of $10 a piece!  The prize is a cruise for two March 2011 (exact week yet to be determined) plus $500 spending money. We are selling them up until the day we leave for Dallas! The drawing will be held November 29th..
• Lots of great info is listed on the website above including success stories, scouts that will be there. This is a legit expo! Here is just a little bit more information on what Expo is. Ricky is competing in almost all areas from acting- monologue, cold-read, and 2 person scene, singing, guitar, songwriting, and modeling. 

Model and Talent Expo presented by Mike Beaty is an educational and career-building event like none other for people interested in the modeling and performing arts fields. The Expo is designed to allow aspiring models, actors, singers and o showcase their abilities in front of some of the world's most prominent agents, managers, casting directors, recording labels and clients. The Expo features workshops and seminars by industry professionals where one can learn about all aspects of the industry, such as: runway techniques, acting techniques, dance, audition styles, photography, film work, hair and makeup artistry, styling, and internships. During the four days of auditions, seminars and workshops, participants will gain insight into how they fit into these exciting fields. Since 1992, the Expo has brought models, actors and performers together with power house decision makers in the modeling and entertainment industries. The Expo has a proven track record of changing lives. The Expo is an exclusive event and only those selected from approved agencies or schools can attend. Whether participants move on to a career in front of or behind the camera, a discover a venue they didn't think possible, the Expo gives them valuable experience and knowledge, as well as a boosted self-esteem. In four fun-filled days, participants will get the chance to audition in runway, photography, monologues, cold read TV commercials, TV scenes, swimsuit, singing and dancing. In addition, they will attend educational seminars, one-on-one interviews with scouts, and an awards banquet. Come to the Expo and experience a world of opportunity all under one roof!

UT Bound? Time will tell!

Well not long ago I posted Marc's college status and having his mind set on staying as close to home as possible. I was beginning to wonder if he was really mine! Hahaha. He was very interested in attending UTSA or Texas State. You know his mind was set to being able to come home whenever he felt like it for home-cooked meals and more. Ricardo and I have been throwing out the idea of looking at other schools, UT being one that was mentioned frequently. Marc has mentioned that he's strongly thinking about a business degree. UT has one of the top 10 business programs in the nation. So yeah of course we were pushing UT. The tuition is not too bad AND we would get in-state price and it's fairly close to home. Ok maybe a little too close if you ask me! Hahaha. After all when I think of going away to college I mean farther away than 45 minutes-1hour, which is how far UT is.  Well I have a cousin who is a junior there and Marc made arrangements one weekend to hang out with him. Ever since that visit Marc has been dead set on attending UT and is determined to get in there somehow, someway. I just knew it! I knew that once he was given a real feel of what college is about, of what Austin is really like, etc. that Marc would really want to go there. I think I do know my child just a little and really felt that UT would be a good fit for him. If not UT, then the surrounding Austin colleges such as St Edwards and Huston-Tillotson. Since the visit there he has gotten very serious about the whole college thing such as what he needs to make on his SAT's to get in, financial aid and more.  Can you say we are happy that UT is now in the running for possible colleges? Oh YES! Hook Em Horns! Now, if he choses somewhere other than UT I will be content. I heard in someones speech back when Marc was in the 2nd grade that the question should not be are you going to college, but where are you going? That being said we are in the stages now of SAT prep, financial aid, scholarships, etc. It's an exciting time right now, yet so hard to believe that 18 yrs has flown by right before my eyes!

We have a rising star in the house!

Not long ago Ricardo saw an ad about auditioning for some top agencies, including Nickelodeon, Disney and many others. Of course we mentioned this to Ricky and he was all for it! We weren’t really sure what to expect. I was actually thinking we might be auditioning that day at the meeting we were going to. Well we went an it turns out it was an information meeting at one of the local fashion and talent agencies here in town. This company was holding auditions and if they liked what they saw, your child would get an invite to this big Expo held in Dallas in November where the top agencies will be at. Ricky was really excited to show these people what he was all about. He was prepared to sing and maybe a do a little skit. He was given a short script/cold read part for a Pringles commercial and given a few minutes to go over his part. When it was his turn to go back he did his thing and then sang Billionaire. Well, needless to say when his turn was up we were called back and were told how great Ricky's natural raw talent was. We were given the invite and of course we said yes to that! We are really excited for this wonderful opportunity that Ricky has been given, which will ultimately be a life changing experience. Can I say we are hoping for a call back from Disney or Nickelodeon? You bet! More info on Expo in another post. 

School is back in session!

Ricky is in 6th. Justin is in 10th. Marc is in 12th! Hard to believe that in one year he will graduate and go onto college. I hear day after day that I am way to young looking to having kids in high school. Of course I’m not! Thats part of having kids right after high school. I’ll just soak up my youthful look as long as it lasts!

New York Trip

So all the boys were gone at the same time during the summer and I decided what better place to have a getaway than going to New York City. Luckily Ricardo was down for it so the planning started right away. We did so many fun things, and went to new places and tried new restaurants on this trip. 

Some of the highlights on this trip was going to Governor’s Island and hanging out at Taxi Beach there with Sara and her husband Efrain. 

We also went to see the Blue Man Group earlier in the day and that was awesome!  One morning Ricardo went golfing with Efrain while Sara and I went to the Botanical Gardens then went back to the clubhouse and hung out while the guys finished up their game. The only thing missing was our big poofy hats so we could really feel like trophy wives! Haha! 

We went to several comedy clubs on our visit. That of course is one of my favorite things to do- who doesn’t need and love a good laugh from time to time right! 

Ricardo and I saw the 4th of July fireworks and now I can happily check that off my list. I’m telling you it was a MADHOUSE! I don’t need to see them up close again, but happy we did just this one time. 

I saw The Heights with Norma, Devin, Sara and Bryant. I really enjoyed that show!  

One day while hanging out at the Blue Fin in Times Square, where I had lunch with Sara, there was a big event going on right in front of us. Turns out it was the big spectacle/ promoting the release of Madden 2011. The New Orleans Saints were there along with the cheerleaders. I decided to keep my window seat at the restaurant and take pics from the inside- since it was ridiculously hot outside! When I saw the team and cheerleaders were throwing out copies of the game and went out and tried my luck. Since I know ALL about football I yelled the magic words and was given a copy from one of the cheerleaders. That was cool! 

Last but not least, I was able to see Papa Duke’s one day (Norma, Sara, and Maddie’s Dad) He is hanging in there, and to say that he is Superman might be an understatement! What a fighter he is. 

Overall, this trip was so much fun and of course I want to go back asap! This may have been of the best trips I have had there. 

Best of Friends/Worst of Enemies

So it's on ongoing conversation about these two boys. One minute the are getting along great and the next minute they can't stand each other. There are many days they want to wrestle with each other- you know a friendly wrestling match. Well anytime that takes place, things get ugly in my house. Just one of the reasons why I don't enjoy these two wrestling with each other at all! People say oh they're boys! Deep down I know they are the best of friends and lucky to have each other, even though that can be the worst of enemies sometimes! 

Summer Thus Far...

Well here's a quick recap on the Garcia'a family happenings for summer 2010.. I did make a blog before summer started of what I  thought the boys had in mind.. Hey what do I know?! Marc figured out he didnt want to waste his whole summer working and Justin wanting to spend it training and playing football...
Soooo let's see...

Marc- He mainly "chilled out" for most of the summer... He went to Ohio for a week this summer. He's been wanting to visit there ever since we left so I am glad he finally had the chance..  I think Marc figured out that Texas "AINT" all that bad! He did finally manage to get a summer job.. Not sure if it was due to all the nagging, and nagging some more that I wouldn't be giving him gas money, but nevertheless he is out the door for a few hours a day doing something productive....He is still doing his MMA (mixed martial arts) which is good if you don't ask for details! I keep asking myself why did I ever pay to let him do this dangerous sport?! Who enjoys being punched until you see stars? Not me!
He's still pursuing Texas State, UTSA, and a few other local colleges. He is still considering UT.. which is good. Hey its top 10 for business schools in the U.S.

Justin-
He really did want to work at Schlitterbahn this summer but it just didnt pan out.. They finally call him when he is getting ready to take off for a 2 week vacation with his best friend! He had a wonderful time being away but was eager to come home and get to training.. He has some goals in mind I guess- to get big and buff and ready for the 2010 high school football year. Justin did a week at the University of Texas football camp and really enjoyed it. He most enjoyed the positive feedback he received from the coaches.. Now whether he goes to UT or not I know these camps have really helped my son grow as an athlete. He tells me so.
The other night we were talking about college and his possibilities.. He is going to explore other options besides UT.. I mean wherever he can pay football is where I think he will go.. He expressed to me in our little chat that U of H (University of Houston) is a big option for him.. and then majoring in Sports Medicine.. I have no doubt that "Jittle" as everyone calls him around here will go into something sports related..  He has a true passion for sports..

Little Ricky-
He started out his summer with attending an acting camp.. The theme was Harry Met Percy (Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson) Ricky landed the role of Harry Potter and did and awesome job! I am still working on uploading those videos..
He took off to Aunt Meli, Uncle Kevin and Cousin Henry the first week of July.. For a good while his highlight was seeing "Lil Henry." He loved seeing him at the Easter party and couldn't wait to see him again.. Ricky said he was the most fun baby to be around and "He was such a happy baby" So yeah Ameli and Kevin- I'll still come sit for you guys if you want to get away for the weekend.  Anyways.. Ricky came back from that trip and immediately headed off to his YMCA camp for two weeks.. He insisted on going two weeks.. He was having and awesome time there until one week and one day into the camp the dining hall burned to the ground :((( He only had 4 days left to go! While it was a sad way to end the camp I got to see my boy a lil early.. We missed each other soooooo much!!

We did have our family reunion just a few short weeks ago.. OMG it was the hottest it has been in all the summers in our attendance at Lake Murray.. I guess we forgot to put in our order of the breeze! Everyone missed Ricky and his dancing/Michael Jackson moves. He is sure a good source of entertainment! No doubt it will be there next year and if not it may be a sign to change our reunions to the a cooler time of the year.. Maybe fall?

Thats's about it for now.. I will update you all if anything exciting occurs in our life.. well anything that is worth sharing.. Love to all!

School's (almost) out for summer!

Whew! What a year this has been! Is it June 4th yet? I'm ready to put this school year to rest and get on with summer already! Overall this year has been a struggle for ALL the boys in some way or another. Well heck, it was a struggle for all of us really! Some due to  laziness in some way or another- not turning in homework, teacher conflicts, etc..
Marc and Justin surely mastered the social side of high school.. LOTS of changes will be made for the upcoming school year- not sure any of us will be happy about laying down the rules when that time comes and frankly I'm taking a break from thinking about that till the time comes..
There is NO break for me when it comes to school- can't complain though. So for all that wonder- are you still in school? When will you be done?  Believe me I'll let you know when that time comes ok!

Summer plans for the CRAZY house are:

Ricky- attending acting camp the first two weeks school gets out.. The theme is When Harry Met Percy. Should be fun! There is another session he has in mind during the summer- Making a Movie.. That's a possibility..
Attending Camp Cullen. This will be his 3rd year. We had almost decided against it but he kept bringing it up and all the fun he had in the past at the sleepover camp.. Just haven't decided on which session yet.

Justin- applied to Schlitterbahn Waterpark. They hire at 15 so we are just waiting on the phone call! I am sure he will get that job, which he really wants to work thank goodness..
He'll be going to University of Texas football camps.. One is a football camp and the other is a strength and conditioning camp. He thoroughly enjoys these camps. It's money well spent I think! He'll be doing summer football for Steele.

Marc- He applied for an office job at Randolph Air Force Base. LET'S all pray he gets it! Monday- Friday- clerical work... Less time to be mischievous!  He'll also be doing his MMA training.

Somewhere in this summer we'll fit in a road trip to Disney World and/or Universal Studios.  Just need to figure out the best week and time to make this trip. Original week I chose was not good..
Family reunion with my mom's side is July 15-17th.  We always look forward to that weekend, getting together with family and enjoying Lake Murray..

Many other possibilities of ways to spend our summer days are in the works. San Antonio has lots of attractions, from Sea World, Six Flags, Schlitterbahn, The River (Marc and Justin's fave hangout)  and more... Come visit! I just hope this summer is not as hot as last summer..

Justin's 15!

Soo Justin turned 15 and time slipped by me to make a blog entry for my favorite middle son.. So here you go!  Going back to being in labor with Justin is not hard to do..  We were stationed in the little bitty town of Fallon, NV in 1995.  I recall doing lots and lots of walking the days leading up to May 7th..  When I finally knew it was time to get to the hospital- off we went to the rinky dink hospital- it was a tiny place! I believe I got there around 1am and I DEFINITELY remember requesting that epidural. When I was checked the nurse said Oh you are too far along to have that.. YIKES!!  So el natural is how Justin came and he came quick! He was born at 3am.. I remember the doctor rolling into the delivery room and him telling my mother in law something along the lines that he was half asleep.. Nice to know right! So that's how Justin made his entrance into this world!  He was a mama's boy for the longest.. Nothing wrong with that though!
To celebrate his special day- I took him to Austin for dinner and shopping. Just the two of us and it was great! We went to NoRTH, an awesome restaurant and then did a little bit of shopping afterwards.
Some things about the middle man- being in that spot you are kinda left to compete with the older child.. That has definitely taken place in this household! I think it may have been one of the advantages for Justin because he is a VERY competitive child!  Some things about him-
He loves ALL sports. This year he played football, basketball and baseball for his high school. Football is his favorite by far! Right now he's in spring football, getting conditioned for the fall. He was picked up as one of the top kids in his grade level to play during the summer.. :)
He has a strong desire to go to UT.. Gotta step up on the grades though if that is what he wants! He's been attending their football camps for the last two years and loves it already..
He was the freshman class vice president and wants to continue to try and be involved in student counsel throughout high school.
He is a VERY social kid...
He has sense of adventure- sometimes those adventures are a bit too mischievous!
He has a soft side to him as well.. Even bought me flowers and a beautiful card for Mother's Day!
Love you Buddy!
(I'll add pics to this next week when I transfer pics from my old pc to this new one.)

Happy Birthday Marc! 17yrs old today! 4-29-10

17 yrs ago I gave birth to Marc Anthony.. I remember this day like the birth happened yesterday. I mean who can forget labor/childbirth anyways!! I got up very early with those labor pains and headed to Fairfax Hospital.. My mom and mother-in-law were with me throughout the entire ordeal. I remember having awesome nurses and that blessing they call an epidural. 13 or so hours of labor later Marc was born at 8:59pm. Ricardo was away at bootcamp, but I was able to call him via American Red Cross and tell him about the birth of our firstborn.. He has been a true blessing for us even though we did become parents a little sooner than we would have liked. Wouldn't change it though, after all that isn't even an option! Some things about Marc..  He loves to have a good time- see below pics! 

He loves shoes (takes after me on that one)

He enjoys going to the lake and river with his friends on the weekends..

He loves baseball. He's going to take up MMA (one of his bday gifts) Mixed Martial Arts.

His love for pets has died down (thankfully.. it was stinking up the house) and as I said earlier the love for pets may have been replaced with the love for shoes. I can handle that!

He's considering UTSA or Texas State- the two colleges he says all his friend's are going to..

Some days he's a headache for us- (those darned teenage yrs!) and other days he's very chill and laid back..

Fiesta!

FIESTA (Mardi Gras for the Mexicans) has come and gone. Ricardo and I were the only ones in the family to take advantage of the festivities on the last day of this 11 day party. There were numerous events I would have like to have attended such as the Oyster Bake, Taste of the Northside, and Battle of Flowers Parade, but hey there's always next year!  We went to Market Square and stayed the whole day and well into the evening. We watched a little bit of the Fiesta Flambeau, which wasn't all that to me.. After you've seen the awesome parades at Disney World there's nothing that can top those. I hope some of you will be able to join us next year! Enjoy the pics..

Poteet Strawberry Festival

Ricardo, Marc, Ricky, his friend Joey and I went to the Strawberry Festival two weekends ago. Lots of fun in the short time we were there,. We discovered just how darn expensive carnival rides are. After the kids each had eaten and rode a few rides were were completely out of tickets.  I said something like "This is only once a yr and I havent taken Ricky to the a carnival like this before." Ricardo said something like this "Well you say that about every holiday when you want to buy lots of gifts."  Needless to say we visited the ticket booth a few more times, the food booth a few more times, and I'm thankful this festival is only once a year. We'll be going back next year, most likely though on the night when the rides are unlimited with a wristband. The strawberry shortcake and strawberry wine were my highlights. Here's a few pics..

This weekend we are going to another festival- Fiesta. Looking forward to the food, drinks, parades and the carnival!