Well, That Was Fun

Fishy Fish died this morning at his home in Oceanside, California, after a half day spent with family and friends at the Starnes house. Born in an unknown location at an unknown time, he was likely one of thousands spawned in a Walmart Aquarium Warehouse.

Fishy Fish enjoyed swimming. And, eating. And, sleeping. We think.

Fishy Fish is survived by Jack the Fish, Carter, Jack the boy, Lainey and Batman. His funeral service was conducted this morning. Details have been undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of his death.

In lieu of flowers, the Starnes family requests you make a donation to the pet store of your choice.

RIP, Fishy Fish. We had some good times.

Might Regret The $.58 I Just Spent

Do these two look like they're qualified for such responsibility?

Probably not.

Welcome, "Fishy Fish" (the smaller one) and "Jack".

Batman likes them already.

Wheels are turning......better watch this one.

Little ones are so excited.


Some commentary from the punks:

Scoop

Last week's share day included the letter K. Guess what starts with K, people?

Kitties!

It was a big day. We passed on the UHaul to transfer every one of her kitties, kitty-themed pieces of clothing, kitty books and such......and filled a bag instead. I'm all about subtly, you know. She's holding Jelly Cat here and Mistletoe Kitty, too. Lots more inside.

Jack brought a train "kit". Impressive.



I took the kids to the beach Friday night to watch the sunset. Beautiful weather & and beautiful night.

Love this kid.



This one, too. Oh, hell, I love all 3 of them.

This one is the craziest, though. By far.

Smoochin' on Jack. My hair looks red!

We ended the evening with Laine pulling a "Tessie Mayes" and going a-naturale. Time to go!


The princess party was a hit. Preschool friends and awesome cake. It was very "bippity boppity boo!", so Lainey arrived in princess gear and Jack, as a prince.

Know what's pretty cool about a party in California? We picked oranges from their citrus trees on the way out. They were delicious!



Holly and I took the kids to La Jolla for the day on Monday. We split picnic preparations. Here is what my part of the contributions looks like. PB&J for 7!

We love the Birch Aquarium. It's just small enough to get in and out within about an hour.



Hold it right there, Laine. Nicholas had a poopy diaper, but it wasn't that bad. Yes, we kept him in it to (successfully, I might add) clear a path for the kids to walk freely, but it wasn't reason enough to jump.

What's cuter about this picture? Sweet Austin looking at the sea star or Ainsley's chubbo baby leg?

6 of the crew!

It's a small miracle we didn't get kicked out.

When I told Mae Mae we were going, she said, "I'd see you guys coming and run in the other direction." Hmmmm......

Trouble.

After the aquarium, we ventured down to La Jolla Cove.

So pretty.



Holly + her 4 kiddos.

Me + my 3. What? You don't usually have a 3 year old strapped to you while holding your 4 year old?

Holly's oldest is 5 and youngest is 5 months. She's a busy mama.

Lovely La Jolla.

Punks on the beach. Trying for a Valentine shot since they were all in gear. FAIL.



Football playing punkin'.

Back to Holly's for dinner. Love their view.

Another glorious sunset!


This week's agenda:

*Possible Dr.'s visit. Bronchitis may be back. I'm functioning, but sound like a seal.

*Thank you notes. (I can't find Carter's school pictures to include! I'm looking!!!!)

*Studio downtown. (I'm working for a photographer here in San Diego. From home, about 10 hours a week. Writing newsletters, client relations, special events, etc. Loving it!)

*Disneyland on Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Visit with Pa.

*Basketball game.

*Kids overnight with Pa while Blake and I go on a date. Awesome.

You Tell Me - With A Prize For The Best Caption!

Alright.....let me have it.

I'll send you a little gift in the mail if you win!

Question Of The Week - Eat, Live, Be for a Better 2011 - Recipes

Today's high is 80 degrees. "Lovely" doesn't quite seem adequate. Everything is in bloom, including the gorgeous red rose bushes that circle the gazebo in our backyard. Every now and then, I pinch myself just to make sure it's real.

I took the punks down to the beach on Friday night to catch the sunset. I love California.


Here's the forecast for the next 10 days.

((((More pinching.))))

To the topic at hand in my challenge for fitness in 2011, a la Eat, Live Be:

Baby, It's Cold Outside (post cold-weather recipes or tips for staying fit while staying inside).

Hehehehehe!

Cate and Sarah, yall didn't consider your southern California friends. No worries. I have plenty of peeps in colder regions.

So........

*What are your tips for inside exercise? Any easy recipes you recommend?

Oh, and if you're keeping up with our Facebook page or participating in your own way with inspiration from Eat, Live, Be for a Better 2011, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for being part of something pretty great. We just got a write up in Diets in Review. Check it out here. Feeling kinda famous!

Weekly stats:
Lost 2 more pounds, for a total of 4.
Exercise included basketball, Jillian Michaels 30 day shred DVD, and walking.
Eating was good!