Happy Birthday Brianna!!!

Guess who's 12??? We had a great day yesterday celebrating Brianna's birthday. We headed out to The Grove so Brianna could spend the entire day at The American Girl Store. I figure she is not going to want to play with dolls for very much longer. Although she assures me that she will play with her AG forever. What an amazing place. Walking into this store always takes my breath away. I could only imagine what she feels. She kept telling me she wanted to scream. The plan was to let her browse and explore every inch of that place, and boy did she ever. I don't think she left one box untouched.

Dinner at "El Cholo" topped off with birthday flan.

Check out the damage. I don't expect to see my girls for the next few days. They will be hibernating in Brianna's room trying on dolly outfits.

Brianna's AG Bri, getting her hair done and ears pierced at the Doll Hair Salon.

Brianna & Bri - Lauren & Annie showing off their new hairstyles

High Tea @ the AG Cafe. Emma was really trying to be a lady. I kept telling her I was going to have daddy come get her if she did not behave. Notice Daddy & Michael V are no where to be found. MV was not losing his "man card" today.

"Happy Birthday Chocolate Flower Pot"

After 5 hours of shopping I think we were ready to go. I don't know who is more excited about going back, me or the girls.

Happy Birthday Brianna!!!

XOXO,

Gaby

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Yes, the countdown is on! Only 10 days till the kids go back to school. All the supplies are bought and labeled and organized. I can honestly say that they are ready to start back. They miss their friends and they are so excited to be one grade older.

This will be my first time in 12 years not having a baby home with me. Well not Tuesdays and Thursdays anyway. Seriously, who ever invented preschool must not have been a mommy. I don't know about all the other moms out there, but 3 hours, twice a week just doesn't cut it. I can't make it to the mall and back in that time.

So, last night we where sitting around the dinner table and I mentioned that Brianna will be able to attend the school dances this year. Big Mistake. Mike about came out of his skin. He feels she is still too young and that she doesn't need to be exposed to boys and girls slow dancing. (I am really trying not to laugh.) At our school the 7th and 8th graders are considered jr. high, so he doesn't get why 6th graders would be included in the dances. I think what put him over the edge was the fact that parents are not allowed to chaperon. He asked me to PLEASE not argue with him, and starting next year she could go. Is this really something I need to battle or should I just let it go? Advice anyone???

XOXO,

Gaby

I'm Back

Super Emma

Cannonball Michael



Elastic girl Brianna

Jesus Christ Super Lauren

Yes, my child can walk on water!

Where have I been? In headache hell. I don't get headaches and about two weeks ago I got the headache of my life. 12 days of this obnoxious, nagging, can everyone please be quiet, pain. I'm not one to take drugs, so I tried the natural approach. Exercise, acupuncture, massages, sending the kids to grandma's so I wouldn't hurt them. Finally, last Friday I called my doctor, and he told me that it was all STRESS!!! I mean seriously, who stresses out in the summer? I guess I do, I worry if the kids are having fun, am I making fun memories for them or are they going to look back on this summer and say "that was boring." Well I realized that my mom never worried if I was being entertained for 10 weeks. And after asking the kids about their summer they all said they where having a blast and they couldn't believe that it was almost over.

I do have to admit I am a worry-wort. I worry about things and people I just can't control. I think it's my OCD. So from this day forth, you people, whom I love and adore are on your own. However, for preventative reasons I'm going to keep my Monday Massages booked for a few more weeks.

XOXO,
Gaby