Eat. Live. Be. For a Better 2011 - week 4 + Another Fish Died + Yoga

The other fish died. I'm not entirely sure which one it was because we disguised the first loss to protect Jack's fragile heart. Lainey can take it. So, I think we originally framed her fish, which would mean that it actually died last. Oh, hell. Who knows? Both are gone and we're trying to cope. Warm dinners (low fat, of course) are appreciated. More to come on the little ones' reaction to the tragedy and plans for replacement.




To the subject at hand. My biggest challenge.....what is it and how will I conquer it?


Mine is definitely finding a routine. With kids and work and a traveling husband.......sports, school, etc.......it's hard to know when I will find the time to exercise. So, although many people have deterred me from DVDs, I think they're my best bet. They're weather friendly, fairly quick and don't require me leaving the house. I used a tape in high school for about a year and loved it. Hopefully I will have the same luck with what I have now.


I just bought Jillian Michaels's Yoga version.



I did Mommy and Baby Yoga after Jack was born, but have no experience, otherwise. Excited to give it a try! This, with the 30 Minute Shred, should keep me busy.

Any advice for Yoga? I've heard that a good mat is important, but I don't have $100 to throw down for one, so I bought the $9 version instead. Do I have to do weird chants or denounce Christianity for Kabbalah like Madonna? Fill me in, peeps. I like to know what to expect.

Off to put the house back together, fold laundry and wrangle kids after a long, fun weekend with Pa. More to come!

weekly stats:
0 pounds lost. What a crock! I walked at least 3,487 miles through Disneyland on Friday alone. Frustrating.

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!