Really Not Exaggerating!

This is what we have been up to for the last month or so.

Taking some time off to enjoy Valentine's Day

Brianna's "Tale of Despereaux" book report and clay model project.

Emma & Lauren getting in on some of the crafting while they wait for the big kids to finish.

Michael V. & his mission model.

He was not allowed to use a kit.

The base could be no bigger then 12X20 & the buildings had to be to scale. We did our best.

Brianna & her Science Fair project

This one took the longest because she ran her experiment 3 different times and she had a ton of questions she had to answer and prove.

Brianna & her Colossus of Rhodes

One of the Ancient Wonders of the World

Birds eye view of MV's project.

Dedicated to Tia Thelma.

Are you proud?

I'm so proud of these guys. Notice they are still smiling. They have worked so hard on their projects. Not only did they have to make models, they also had to research and write reports. I think after 6th grade Brianna will be ready for college with all the researching she's done this year. We can now sit back and enjoy the rest of the year without pressure. Well at least until next month when Brianna has another book report due.

XOXO,

Gaby

Vasquez Family Update

I am knee deep in snotty noses and school projects. My dear hubby caught a cold about 3 weeks ago, and since then Michael V., Emma & now Lauren have joined in. It's like they high-5 each other. Just when I think one is better, the next one says, "Mom my throat hurts." Brianna and I keep thinking positive, taking echinacea, and washing our hands. All I need is a week-long cold to seriously put me over the edge.

We have 4 school projects all due at the end of the month, so every free moment is spent, painting, gluing, typing, proofing. I also don't understand why every report ends up with a $30 trip to Michael's. To my mommy friends with preschooler, ENJOY the simplicity. I long for the days of finger painting.

Our room rearranging is going well. I had closet organizers installed yesterday, so I'm in the process of purging, rehanging, and refolding every piece of clothing in this house. These types of projects bring me so much joy. Like Mike says, my planets are all aligned.

Have a happy and healthy weekend,
XOXO
Gaby

Happy Birthday Emma!!!

2 months

Where has the time gone? My screaming baby is such a big girl. I have to admit, you are sooo much easier now. I never knew what was going to set you off as a baby. You hated anything that was confining. Car seats, strollers, highchairs, even shoes. I think you yelled so much because you had so much to say. You are still very opinionated, but much more articulate, which makes my life easier.

You love your routine, Playhouse Disney and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Music is your passion, especially the Jonas Bros., HSM, & Hannah Montana. I guess this is what happens when you want to be just like your big sisters. You are my only baby that will play pretend for hours with Barbies, Polly's, and Littlest Pet Shops. Your favorite person to play with is Michael V. because he never questions you.

Daddy is your BFF, nothing you do ever makes him mad. The minute he walks in the door you become his shadow. You are such a little performer, I love that nothing intimidates you. Your strong personality gives Daddy hope that retirement is near. He's certain that you'll be the one to take over and run the show.

All set to start her day with Daddy!
Happy 4th Birthday, Emmie

3rd Birthday




2nd Birthday

1st Birthday

Enjoy your day to the fullest, my littlest princess!

XOXO,

Mommy, Daddy and the Kiddos too

SURPRISE DADDY!!!

Emma "Hiding from Daddy"

Everyday, when the kids see Michael pull up from work they all STOP and hide. Some days they come out screaming, "SURPRISE DADDY!" Other days they just tackle him at the door, but when they are really into it, they don't move until he comes to find them. I think he really treasures this time, because I'm sure his employees are never this excited to see him. Everyday without failure this ritual happens, no matter how late he gets home. Yes, and for the time being, Brianna still gets involved. I'm sure it won't be long until she thinks this is lame. The end is near. But for now we're still enjoying her being a kid.

XOXO,
Gaby

Back to school 2009

This is going to be quick! The kids are back to school today. HOORAY!!! Brianna was so excited to show off her new Hello Kitty lunch pail and bling-bling watch. H.K. has come a long way since my Sanrio days. Lauren was just concerned that I wasn't going to wake up on time. I'm happy to report that all went well and they were at school 20 minutes early.

I'm off to the paint store, linen store and of course grocery store. I'm rearranging rooms this week, so I'm in total HGTV mode. The painters come next week so I have one week to finish planning for three rooms. I'll post before and after pictures soon.

P.S. To my loving and concerned friends, I did not go to the Rose Bowl with Mike and the kids. I just couldn't face the nasty potties. I did send the kids with toilet-paper, wipies and hand sanitizers.

Have a great week!

XOXO, Gaby

Merry Christmas

We had such a wonderful few days. We spent Christmas Eve with the kids, going to mass, having a tamale dinner, reading Christmas stories, and singing carols. This is the only night of the year that the kids get ready for bed FAST. After prepping for Santa, it was lights out by 10:30.

Christmas morning was of course loud and festive. Emma woke us up by sounding the toy trumpet that she got from preschool. Following a yummy breakfast prepared by Dad, we all rallied to get the house ready for all the family that was coming over for our 3rd annual Christmas Pizza Party. This year we added a tamale pizza and a chorizo and beans pizza. YUMMY!

I think the theme of this week has been "Eat, Clean up, Eat, Clean up..." My sister, Thelma and family stayed with us for a few days and of course it was a blast. We ate, and laughed and shopped and talked. We are always so sad when they leave. The kids instantly start planning their next trip to see her.

On Sunday, we headed back to one of our favorite places, LA! The big kids received tickets to see Wicked from Mike and I for Christmas. Unfortunately, Emma is not ready for a Broadway show, so she spent the day with Grandma and Chuck E. Cheese. She was way more excited about that then seeing the mean, green witch.

Christmas Eve @ home with the Fam.

Yummy, Pink's Hot Dogs before the show.

Man vs. Dog

Michael V. was victorious over his Chili/Cheese/Bacon/Onion/Tomato Dog

In front of the beautiful Pantages theater.

The kids where so excited because they knew all the words to the songs.

I guess I can take the soundtrack out of my car now.

Mike and I have seen the show multiple times and every time we are amazed by how talented the performers are. I am usually moved to tears.

Well, this week should be pretty quiet. Science project and Mission project are on

the "To Do" list. We'll be back in LA on Thursday for the Rose Bowl, cheering our Trojans to victory!! I really think we should look into a condo in LA for the weekends.

Happy New Year!!!

XOXO,

Gaby

What a Week!

I am so happy it is Monday morning! The kids are on Christmas break and it is raining. We are going nowhere and doing nothing. Well, except for some gingerbread houses.

I hate to say that I haven't blogged because I've been so busy, but seriously last week was CRAZY.

Monday and Tuesday nights we had the kids Christmas programs.
Tuesday morning was ornament making day at Emma's school.
Wednesday was homework day.
Thursday night we hosted a pizza making party for our neighbors.
Friday was Christmas parties @ school, gymnastics, and then to our other neighbors for chili, Christmas lights and crafts.
Saturday we finally pick out a tree, cut it down, decorated it, had dinner and ended the evening with a movie and hot cocoa.
Sunday we went to mass, out to breakfast and to LA to see HSM the Ice Tour. A big THANKS to Coca-Cola again for the fabu suite. My girls are so spoiled. Michael and Dad spent their time at the ESPN Zone securing their manhood.

Michael cutting down his 1st Christmas tree

The boys and their tree.

MV making sure the trunk is straight

I just thought this picture was so cute, I had to add it.

MV so proud of his accomplishment

Daddy & Emma trying to pick the best tree.

When they are this fresh, it's really hard to pick just one.

The kids and a Charlie Brown tree. They each wanted one for their room.


Enjoy this wonderful Christmas week.

XOXO,

Gaby