Question Of The Week - Luv Songs

That's right. We're talking about romance.

Skating rink, school social, hand holding romance.



This might surprise you, but I wasn't always as smooth as I am today. In fact, as a tween and teen, I was downright obsessed with music. When I bought my first record, TNT, by Tanya Tucker, I fell hard. I loved the scandalous cover and the grown up feel to it all. Later, I'd go on to buying other records and tapes and listening to them over and over again, recording the words on spiral notebooks.



I could build a mix tape like no other. Sappy love songs? Yes, please! I adored them all. And, I used only the best recording method available - pushing one jambox up against the other, threatening my siblings' lives if they spoke, and hitting record.



***So, since we're nearing Valentine's Day, let's reminisce. What were some of your favorite ballads?

****Ever make a mixed tape?

(Sass, just nod your head and play along.)

To inspire you, I built a small playlist. Mostly old ones, with a couple newer. And, let it be known that long ago, my BFF Monica and I were obsessed with Secret Lovers. Of course, we didn't know what it was about.

Check out this list, also, to spark some memories.

And, after you answer this Question of the Week, head on over to Hines Catch Up and enter Lindsay's giveaway. You won't be sorry!

Eat. Live. Be (Rut Rescue) + Scoop

Still going strong! Avoiding Valentine candy, eating healthy, exercising and getting outside. Southern California certainly makes that easy.

This week's topic is "Rut Rescue". I haven't hit it yet, so I don't have much to contribute. I think keeping exercise and healthy food choices interesting is key. And, if you're not motivated to exercise, continue to focus on food. I've heard that 80% of weight loss and maintenance is food-related. Correct?

***1 pound lost last week. Definitely feeling a difference in my clothes now.



On to the scoop.

Carter scored 19 out of 26 points on Saturday, beating his record of 15. That kid has mad skillz.

Guess who was the fish beater at school on Friday? Yep. It was a big day. Please note, too, that Jack refuses all other jobs when they're assigned to him.

They're obviously below his standards.

Had the punks' parent-teacher conferences last week. (Still feels weird that I now have 3 of these to attend.) Both children are doing well and Jack is on par to start Kindergarten in the Fall.

Since birth, I've always battled with the idea of starting him on time or not. He's a late April baby, which means he'd be younger than most kids. Add the whole "boy" factor and I've feared he might be behind. However, he's thriving in Preschool and the teachers are confident he's ready. Plus, California schools don't cut off the age requirement until December 31 each year........rather than September like most other states. So, he won't be near the youngest of the class.

Water table! I'm working on setting up one like this in the backyard. They're gonna love it.

Share Day arrived on Friday. Letter of the week = M. Jack brought a Thomas book and showed kids Murdoch and Mavis. So proud.

Lainey brought Meow Meow. The one and only Meow Meow.



Saturday night, we had Sass's sister, Katie and her husband out to our home for a visit. Both of my girls in town last week! Lainey tried on the Baby Bjorn we handed down to Katie, who is expecting twin boys late Spring.

We ate In-N-Out and enjoyed a fun night of baby talk and stroller demos. Love these two. Seems weird that they'll have 2 babies the next time we see them!


Punks keep ending up in my bed. And, I love it. With Blake traveling, they take advantage.


My neighbor had an art show over the weekend. Her yard is to-die-for.

This is about 5% of the fabulousness. Love it.


I opted out of the Super Bowlapalooza and drove into San Diego for a walk through Horton Plaza. Sass raved about it while she was here. Can't have her knowing part of my town and me not.

Outdoor shopping. I actually prefer Fashion Valley, but this was good.

Chess. Awesome.

Got some new kicks. Been wanting them forever.


Do you know about Toms? The company gives away a pair of shoes to a child in need with every pair purchases. How cool is that?

Plans for the week:

*Beach picnic.

*Basketball - last week of practice!

*Valentine projects.

*Prepare for Valentine parties at school.

*Chocolate pie making with the littlest punks.

*Spring break planning.

*Find soccer and dance programs!

Hope yall have a good week.

Friday Scoop

Do you see the results of the "Sick Kids" poll? I'm innocent. Look over there to the right. Solid proof.

There's a new kid in town, peeps.

Lindsay, from Hines Catch Up, is a friend from my childhood. Like, back to when I was 5 years old and met her big sister in Kindergarten. Linds was friends with Caroline because they're closer in age and she was also the mascot of most of our cheer leading squads in P.S.A.

Now, she's all grown up, with a child actually older than my oldest......and a darling family. Go check her out for decorating ideas. Love, love, love her "Break the Bank vs. Cheapskate" posts. You will, too!



Remember this "You Tell Me"?



Dawn won. I'm not even into bathroom humor, but this was pretty funny:

Oops! I don't think I should have eaten that Fiber One bar!

Dawn, send me your address and I'll get a little treat in the mail to you.

starnesco@yahoo.com


I did some wreath revamping while Sass was in town. Made this about a year ago and it's suffered from weather and such since then.

So, I updated it with larger pieces of burlap and fabric. Need to work on the "S", but I like it!


The littlest punks got hair cuts. And, you know we rarely do cuts mildly. Jack went super short. Here he is looking for carpool.

"Not here, Mom!" He keeps me in the loop.

Laine got about 3-4 inches cut off. It looks much healthier. Her sweet face doesn't look very good, after a spill on the concrete coming out of school. It's healing quickly, though.

Much shorter!

Not sure what is going on here.


We are loving our baby friend, Ainsley. Holly came over earlier this week and Lainey jumped at the chance to "hold da bebe".


Merrilee brought Jack a train set. I'll let you guess how much he loves Merrilee right now. We haven't actually gotten it to work quite yet, but he is adoring it, anyway.


I've got some new help with laundry these days. Lainey stands next to me as I fold and then puts all of her clothes up. She enjoys hanging more than anything.

My big girl, hard at work.

After witnessing her enthusiasm for such, I cancelled her college fund and am now focusing on household chores. We're mopping next.


What else?

We're seeing Sass's sister, Katie, on Saturday. Cannot wait! She's in town with her husband, staying in La Jolla, and will visit with us this weekend. I'm anxious to see her pregnant with twins!!!!!!!!

Today is share day at school. The letter is M. Meow Meow in da house!

I'm currently looking for Jack a soccer program and Lainey a dance one. Is the world ready?

Yall have a great weekend. I'm off to cut some star shapes for school and then start the carpool run. Livin the life, peeps!

Question Of The Week - Valentine's Day

I love it. Not in a "$100 bouquet of roses" type way. But, in a way to do simple things to let everyone know how much they're loved.

Maybe it's because Christmas flies by and I'm left feeling like I missed something. Or, someone.

Either way, I love it!













Interested in doing cards this year? Be quick and take advantage of this deal. (Mine shipped within hours of submitting my order.)

24 qty 4x8 photo cards for free and $2.49 shipping. Use code 25cards at checkout. (Expires 3/31/2011.) This site allows you to basically create your cards from scratch, too, since you can remove their icons and add your own text, rearrange placement and enlarge/shrink photos. Love it!

On to the question........

***What are your Valentine traditions? Any fabulous or tragic story to attach to this holiday? Spill it!

Sass + Merrilee + Casey = Trouble

I'm tempted to not even provide any explanations for these pictures because they're pretty darn funny on their own. But, I'll try with a few.

The youngest punk remembered and loved Sass!

Jack took a bit longer to warm up. Grumpy, lovable Jackie.

Merrilee arrived around lunch time and we took some pretty funny pictures.

I'd like to state for the record that these were all taken before a glass of wine was finished. Promise.

Sass and Merrilee got along just fine.

Can you tell?

Awkward.

Cute.

We were going for the romantic look under the arch in my garden. I didn't realize I was quite so into it, though.




Carter arrived home and immediately took over Sass's Ipad. He is sussesed.

Wait. Let me note that I received a call from the nurse after Carter's second visit. Poor child "hit his head on the desk". He had a headache and was wondering if he was better off at home resting?

I advised the nurse to kindly send him back to his class, refuse any more visits and remind him that Sass will be here when he returns from school.

That kid has no shame.



Sass twisted Carter's arm and took some pics with him.

And, Jack.



Sass tried to be funny and challenged Dane to a little race.

It ended badly. She had her boot stuck and was screaming for help. My immediate reaction was, "Document!"

Merrilee was standing right next to her and calmly said, "I will help you, Sass, but after Casey grabs her camera." I love Merrilee.


Awesome day, awesome lunch, fun for everyone.

Sass is leaving sunny San Diego soon and returning to the Kansas City Blizzard. Slight change. Wonder if she'll notice?