Look What I Found

I was talking to my girlfriend Kris yesterday, who is also obsessed with Edward Cullen and Co. She told me about another book that Stephenie Meyer was working on, but was stolen. It is Edward's point of view to "Twilight." OMG poor guy. It's the first 12 chapters and they can only be read off of her website. Stephenie explains what happened to the manuscript and how she knows who posted it on the web. I thought about downloading it but it's like 250 pages. So I added it to my favorites and I read it every chance I get.

Did anyone else out there already read this? I am about 1/2 way done with book 2 and Kris told me to put it down until I read "Midnight Sun" online. I just can't do that, so I have taken on reading 2 stories at the same time.

www.stepheniemeyer.com


XOXO,
Gaby

Fight On!!!

Okay, so I haven't decided who I have a bigger crush on, Edward Cullen or this HOTTIE!
I give you, Mark Sanchez, USC's golden-boy quarterback.

I had to take this pix as I was high-fiving him. You should see him smile!

The big kids and I where fortunate enough to go to the USC/Ohio game this past weekend with Dad. We were on campus by noon, which according to Mike was SOOO late. Seriously, how much tailgating can one person do. We have been going to SC games for about 12 years and I have never seen so many people jammed into every corner of that school. We walked around checking out all the parties, stopped by to visit Tommy Trojan and made our way to the bookstore so everyone could stalk up on their SC garb.

Pete Carroll is not a very big man, but his presence is huge.

See how he is looking right at me. :)

Our tickets allow us to attend a pregame picnic where the team makes their entrance on their way to the Coliseum. We have done this countless times and each time is as exciting as the first. We get to cheer and high-five all the players as they parade through.

Some of these boys are so gigantic, I can't imagine what else they where put on this earth to do.

There are also some little guys on the team which gives Michael V. hope that he still has a chance.

We had a great time, topped off by our Trojans trampling over a very arrogant Buckeye team. Could Ohio State really be the most overrated team in the nation?

I'm beginning to think my hubby is on to something.

Fight On!!

XOXO,
Gaby

Good-Bye Summer, Hello Routine

We said farewell to summer with our very own pool party/bar-b-que/marshmallow roast.

The beauty of having a big family is that any day can feel like a party.

Enjoying their perfect s'mores. Compliments of Michael V. He 's the only one with the patience to turn the marshmallows until they are perfectly toasted.

Nothing says summer like a perfect marshmallow.
Great job Michael V.

We are looking into getting him his own show on the Food Network.

"How to Make the Perfect S'more"

Back to School 2008

Brianna & BFF Stacey. So happy to be in the same class this year.

Not quite Jr. High, but almost there.

Michael V ready to conquer 4th grade. He was so funny. I told him that 4th grade was serious business, no more baby stuff. He was unpacked and sitting straight up in his seat. I forced him into a "cheese" for just one picture.

Miss Lauren ready to start 2nd grade. Her teacher asks me if she ever breaks a rule. I laughed and said she saves her bad behavior for Emma. I think I'm going to start making her pull card at home.

Emma's first day of preschool pretty much went as expected. She kept telling me she was big and she could go by herself. I managed to get a few supermodel shots in, between her "good-bye mommy, good-bye mommy, GO Mommy!"

The beginning of another school year. Homework, projects, soccer, volleyball, baseball & gymnastics. I feel like I am always running, but I love that I know exactly what's next. Let's see if I'm still this eager in 6 months.

XOXO,

Gaby

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

My Kind of H.S. Reunion

The kids and I hosted a pool party for my girlfriends from high school and their kids. We had such a good time. I think it has been about 7 years since we have all been together. So, you better believe that we had lots to talk about. Of course the kids were the highlight of the day. We were all amazed at how well they got along. Which made it nice for the moms to keep the gossip (opps, I mean conversation) flowing nicely.

20 years of friendship and 12 kids later, not too bad!!

Lexi, Michael, Rylie, Hannah, Emma, Kayla, Brianna & Amelia, Lauren & Kate, Alec, Reese

The Mommies

Me, Carrie, Kelley

Courtney, Shannon

See you girlies next month!

XOXO,

Gaby