CHOC WALK 2008

Me, Dave, Krissy & my sister Sheri took part in CHOC WALK 2008 this year.  It was one of the most awesome, inspiring, uplifting days of my life.  We walked in honor our our sweet little friend Timmaree and her family, who have benefitted from all that Childrens Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) provides and does.  We were part of Team Timmaree, which was one of the largest groups walking (I think we came in 2nd, only under Disney).  The morning started very early.  We arrived at Disneyland at 6:00am.  It was already buzzing when we arrived.  Dave was one of the "sign holders", which lead the team.  He took his job very seriously : )  He and our friend Mike (the other sign holder), made the walk so much for fun.  I think they were both flag twirls in a previous life....haa-haa.

This was truly an incredible event, and I would highly recommend EVERYONE taking part next year.  I can tell you that we certainly will be.

GANGSTA NERDS

This year the annual Halloween NERD party that we go to was GANGSTA NERDS.  We had a blast as usual!  Boyd and Venus (our "nerd" names) were as gangsta and gangsta could be (for a couple of nerds : )

The really sad part of this is, that most of the time we have all we need to pull our costumes together right out of our own closets.  

Its hard to believe Halloween is over and now we are heading into Thanksgiving!!!  

I hope everyone has a wonderful November!!!

DEDICATED TO MY SISTER SHELLEY

This post is dedicated to my older sister Shelley (she is sitting in the front/middle of this picture).  I am the birthday girl in the back with the crown on.....who for some reason doesn't look too happy.  Maybe because my older sister Shelley is focus of the picture...hee-hee.

Here are a few of the reasons why I love my sister Shelley:

1)  She has a GREAT sense of humor.

2) She is a blast to go on vacation with.

3) She has raised two of the greatest girls I know, Nicole & Heidi.

4) She chose a husband who I love as much as I love her.

5) She has a caring heart!

6) She is ALWAYS willing to meet for lunch (or dinner or breakfast : )

7) And last, but not least....she calls ME for cooking questions!!!!!

I am truly blessed with 4 of the most super siblings a person could hope for.  I just wanted to highlight Shelley today.

Super Fun!!!!

Last week, my sweet niece Nicole, hosted a fun little lunch for her Mom and Aunts.  She fixed a beautiful lunch that would have made California Pizza Kitchen totally jealous!!!  It was fabulous!  Now let me add that she did not let us bring ANYTHING!  It was so sweet, because she is a VERY, VERY busy girl taking care of my three adorably cute great-nieces and great-newphew, Kate-Elizabeth, Vince & Gracie.    We worked hard trying to get all the kids to look at the camera.... so we just snapped pictures & they turned out GREAT.

We missed sweet Heidi & Krissy!  Heidi was vacationing in Mexico, and Krissy had school.  

Next luncheon is at Aunt Georgia's house......ok??????  Date to be determined!

Georgia'ism #5  LIVE...LOVE.....LAUGH (ok its not mine...but I love it)

ITS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

Yes it is.....its the most wonderful time of the year.....BACK TO SCHOOL.

While most years I would be belting this song out, this year is a little different.  Maybe because I have a freshman and a senior this year.  It just seems to be going by way too fast.  Its hard to believe that this is Matt's final year at Fullerton High School.  It seems like it was just yesterday when I was dropping him off as a freshman.  I felt like I was feeding him to the sharks.  Now...he is the big man on campus.  

And then there is Gina.  While I didn't cry this morning, after I dropped her off at school with her friends, I looked in the rear view mirror and saw a grown up little girl going off to Troy High School.

While I don't have a picture of Krissy on her first day back to school it amazes me that she is beggining the "final countdown" to becoming a teacher.  Its been incredible watching her "master" the art of a crazy school schedule, work & a wonderful marriage.  That alone makes a parent very, very proud.

While I know its a few years off, maybe I am mentally preparing myself for the empty nest.  I don't know.  I am just feeling a bit melancholy today.  Its the strangest feeling...... happiness that school is back in session, yet sad how time flies by so quickly.

As a mom I feel so blessed to have such great kids, that I love so much!

CAN THIS BE????

WHERE DOES TIME GO?????

It seems like it was just a few days ago, when Gina was a small girl, sucking her thumb, and dragging around her little "blankie".  Then....off to kindergarten with her best buddies, Billy & Nathan.  Now.....she is a freshman at Troy High School, on the Frosh-Soph volleyball team, and going to dances.

Can we go back?  Sometimes I miss her being my little tag-along!    It amazes me how fast time goes.  It seems so cliche, but it does whiz by.

Georgia'ism #4......Savor every moment!

New York....New York

Matthew and I just arrived home today from a 5 day trip to New York.  We went with my sister Shelley & my sister Sheri, and my two nephews Jacob and Joshua.  We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in the middle of Time Square.  Wow.....lots going on there.  We had a blast!

Here are a few of the things we did:

1) We celebrated my sister Sheri's 51st birthday by having dinner at Tavern on The Green in Central Park.....so much fun!  And the food....unbelievable.

2) Harbor tour of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Manhattan skyline at dusk (so pretty).  It poured rain, and tons of thunder and lightning, which added to the excitement.  We don't have that often in California.

3) Went to the 102 floor at the Empire State Building.  WOW.....what a view.  The day we went, was perfectly clear.  The elevator ride was a little wild....but fun!

4) The boys all took the subway to a Yankee's game.  They had a ton of fun.  Their Aunt Shelley & Uncle Serg gave them $$$ to buy an official Yankee's baseball hat.  They loved it!  It was a really special day for them.

5) SHOPPED, SHOPPED, SHOPPED.  The shopping was incredible.  Knock-off central.  It was an experience like no other.  We came home with TONS of stuff.

6) Visited China Town and SoHo.  

7) THE FOOD.....what can I say about the food.  It was FANTASTIC!!!!  Back to Weight Watchers.  I probably have a good 5 pounds to take off, but it was totally worth it!

8) Took a beautiful carriage ride thru Central Park.  It was so beautiful....with so much to see.

So many incredibly fun times with my sisters, my son & my nephews.  I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful vacation with my family.