Random Acts of Kindness

Am I the only one who is upset at the fact that is takes a MASS FLIPPING KILLING for people to do random acts of kindness?  Why can't people just pay it forward on a daily basis... ALL THE TIME?  I mean, yes... it is great and wonderful and all and any act of kindness is surely a start, but I am just bother that is took the death of so many babies and wonderful people to light a fire under the asses of so many selfish people in this world.  Make's me sick to my stomach.  Hug your children a little tighter EVERY night.

And trying to get your kid on the news or noticed by a famous person  because you are using them to do a random act of kindness ... That is just messed up.

Anyhow,  my vent for the day.

HAPPY NEW YEARS everyone.  Here's to a 2013 filled with HOPE,  LOVE,  KINDNESS and HAPPINESS.

I leave you with a pic of our fabulous snow day yesterday.  

Merry Christmas

Quick, very quick recap.

I have not worked out in a LONG time.  I am sure I have gained back 1/2 my 25lb loss.
I am a very busy mom with 3 lovely daughters who keep me on my toes with their smarts and activities.
Halle... Decided BAND was not for her.
Audrie... a Kindergartner reading at a high 2-3 grade level and doing 1st grade math.
Katlynn... Sweet as pie and loved by everyone.
Dave...busy bee... working all the time, but tries to play when he can.
Me... applying for jobs (I actually did my first interview in over 8 years and was offered the job today), but declined it because the schedule didn't fit my needs to provide for the kids.  I will probably be put on the sub list though,  so it's a foot in the door at a district that is hard to get into.  Taking classes again come January and also thinking of applying PT to 24 hour fitness.

Still getting out house in order, paying off things we had to pay to renovate the house before we moved in, and just living day to day.

I'm busy... that's the only thing I can say.  Still planning on doing the half marathon, although I am certain, I will only be running a small fraction of it.

But I am content.  Do I wish I hadn't gained back some weight.  If course, but I am not unhappy... just busy.

Here's a couple pics from our last trip to the Happiest Place on Earth for 2012.  We've deceived not to renew for 2013.  The kids are busy with school and sports or activities and we prefer to save that money for family travel.  The cost of passes for our family could pay for a lot of a really nice cruise or a trip back East.

Taken today 12/19/2012

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year friends.  See you in 2013.

Family time

Seems that in the rush of our busy lives,  we often forget the little things.  The intimate times with our spouses and our children. The Smith family is no exception.  We are a busy family always on the good from sun up to sun down.

This morning instead of going to Disneyland (YES!! I did just say that), we decided to go on a family hike and do some geocaching.  We had a great time.  Halle loved it!  Not a peep or a complaint out of her the whole 5K.

We saw a tarantula,  a wood pecker pecking a tree, lizards and beautiful weather and mountains and the whole city.  We found 4 Geocaches too.  It was a great morning.  Totally worth skipping out of DL.  Even if we aren't renewing our passes.  ( Unfortunately, the kids activities are getting more and more pricey as they get better at them and as they get older....sigh)

And... I got a workout in.  Sort of!  D and are are going jogging in the AM too.  In fact, I better watch my housewives and hit the hay!

Anyhow... couple pics shot from the good 'ol phone!!

Enjoy!

A few of my favorite things:

I thought I would share a few of my favorites that I can not live without.  

1.  Clarisonic Mia- The hubs got me one and it has made a huge difference in my skin and my face!!  LOVE it and it is my #1!!!

PURCHASE HERE









2. TOKYOMILK DARK #90 perfume- This stuff is a serious hidden gem I stumbled across at a  boutique in Vegas last year.  Amazingly heavenly scents.  This one is my Favorite.



PURCHASE HERE









3. BED HEAD AfterParty- This stuff works wonders on my hair for fly a ways  and some sheen.  It is by far the best stuff I have found for that polished look with hair.




PURCHASE HERE










4. Benefit Posie Tint- I am a makeup minimalist.  I do not like a lot of makeup.  This is great for  adding some quick color to cheeks,  eyes or lips.  It is kind of like a stain, and it last all day.  Can be worn alone or on top of foundation.  Comes in a couple different colors.  I get the Poppy-Pink.


PURCHASE HERE or through Sephora/Ulta








5. Tek Gear Yoga Capris- These are super stylish.  Hide the tummy, and are comfy. I am a cropped pant girl and these are my absolute favorite workout pants. They have cute rushing on the side by the knee and are stylish.   I've only found them at Kohl's and stock up when they are on sale.








6. Oakley Miss Conduct Sunglasses- These suckers were worth the money and are great for runs.  They are light weight and have a no slip nose piece, but it won't get stuck in your hair either if you wear them on your head and they are super cute. I got mine at Macy's on Clearance for under $100.  They retail for $200.




PURCHASE HERE





That's it for now.  My 6 absolute Can not live without things.

Not fitness related... but

I wanted to share a super cute picture of the twinnies and 2 of their best buddies!

Wrapped up a fabulous weekend

Family fitness day at the HS track,  adult Knott's trip and then BBQing with friends.  Now, that is my kind of weekend.

I am pretty blunt.

It's just how I am.

Some people just can't take it.  Luckily,  those who matter... know how to take it. 

Surf City Half Marathon

I am officially Mrs. Smith again for the 2013 Surf City run.

Have I trained at all... Hellz NO!

Do I plan to train.. of course, but planning and doing,  well we know it is 2 DIFFERENT things. I am up to my pits in work and I don't even have what some call a job (yes, the jealous haters who bash being a stay at home mom).  You might wonder if and how this is possible... Trust you me, it is.  I have been volunteering at least 15 hours a week at the school. Not to mention what I do from home.  Girl Scouts,  Dance,  Swimming,  Band, HOMEWORK... reading (because my rock-star 5 year old reads at a high first grade level already) and then there is just routine things like cooking, housekeeping, etc.  Oh.. and I Am lucky if I see the husband except Sat and Sun with his crazy work schedule.

You see... we're trying to pay off our other car,  be debt-free except the house and save for a couple family trips and an anniversary trip to Europe in 2017 . Then of course... we'll tackle the house buy the big kid a car and I BETTER be working by then.  lol.

Have I lost anymore weight.  NOPE.  I did get back to the 160's, but I have been hoovering there up or down about 3lbs since we moved here.

So that is all...

Randomness of a picture from the kids 50's dance.  My little model was not in the best of moods.  I think she was over stimulated... but still beautiful as ever.

Audrie and Halle showed off the mad Hula Skills!!

Just a random pic I took today.

Dinner with my 2 favorite ladies!!!

Kara, Cortney and I had Sushi Saturday night.  It's so hard for us to get together and catch up now with our crazy lives, but we still manage to make it happen a couple times a month.  I am the only SAHM anymore and...well,  I am hoping it won't be the case after this year. I will at least have the title as FT student.

House- it's finally ALMOST in order.  Feels so good to be in and have mostly everything unpacked.

Kids are great.  Katlynn is amazing in Swimming.  Halle is doing Flute and Audrie is still in dance.  Katlynn and Audrie are actually both in dance and are Girl Scout Daisies. I am co-leading the troop. As if I have the time.  lol... Also on the PTA board for a couple committees.  It is exhausting and it BETTER amp up my resume in the future.

FINALLY... started running again this week.  FINALLY!  Felt so good and I am already back down 3lbs from what I gained.  Just in 1 week.  I still have 25lbs to go... but Hell... It's progress.

So... I finally watched TV after pretty much watching none for a few weeks.  Real Housewives- HOW CAN ANYONE be a groupie for them.  Idolize to "be" them or have that life?  I don't get it.  I mean it is comedy and I enjoy watching it... but to be a groupie and buy the books, go to signings and follow them around? I don't know... seems to silly to me.  I would rather spend that time with my friends doing something more entertaining.  Ya know.

So... we are trying to pay off everything we put into this house.  We will get there.  Phew!  Paid off the van this week and just have to target the truck now.  We are hoping to plan another couples Mammoth trip this year with our friends.  I am already thinking about it.  We're also planning on driving across country to see grandparents. Both mine and Dave's.  We don't know how much longer they will be around, so we want to see them. I also want to see my BFF from high school who is now expecting after years of trying and then see my twin mommy friends and have our kids meet for the first time.  So... that is a plan in the works we have to budget for.  Dave's working his tail off so we don't accrue a bunch of debt and can stay ahead of the mortgage.

Anyhow... that's all for now.  Gotta go run the kids all over,  cook some chow, and do some more cleaning in the garage.  I want to be able to get my car in there... Oh yeah,  and of course hit the gym tonight.

Totally 80's Fun run!!!!

Had a fun time with the ladies.  I stayed back with Jen.  This was her first 5K.  So we just took it slow and did a lot of walk/jogging.  She started a group for the mud run in Nov.  I think I will sign up for that too. 

My really cute medal!!!  

Shawna,  Jayme,  Me and Jennifer

Jen and I

I need to hit my 10lb more loss for Sept 1st... I am BEHIND still.  I need to get on the ball.  NO more slacking!!!  

We are moved in!!

Still trying to organize and clean and the garage is still full of boxes, but we are in!  Finally!

Started tracking food again this week.  I need to get back in track.  Hoping I can hit the gym tomorrow. I have a 5K in Sat I have not trained for in 3 weeks.  I am gonna suck ass with my time since I know I will walk 1/2 of it.  I know I can drop the 5lbs I gained over the past 3 weeks.  I am not too concerned about it. Just gotta fall back into the routine and the groove.

Been doing a lot of PTA stuff and also girl scout stuff. I am co-leading a daisy troop with a friend and then I got sucked into being on the PTA board. (I swore I would never be that mom).

Kids are doing well in school so far.  Adjusting and getting into routine. Audrie is bored already, of course.  Kindergarten is like so 2 years ago for her.  I have to keep reminding her that it will get harder and she will have more expected of her even if she already reads, writes and acts like she's in a higher grade. Katlynn is doing well with swimming and Halle joined the school band playing flute.

That's it for now. I don't have any real cool pictures yet. We FINALLY went to Disneyland the other day and got right on Cars.  Pretty sweet ride.  The kids loved it.  I think we might go back Friday night and meet up with some friends.

I will post a progress pic again in late Sept again maybe and I will add a chart of weight loss and my measurements then too. I need to make a before and after picture too when I am all said and done.  Still have like 28lbs to lose.

What a BUST.

I am positive I have probably gained back 10lbs of the 21 I have lost.  Mostly due to stress,  chaos and my crazy life.  I swear to anyone who reads this ( if anyone does) and to myself I will be BACK on track as soon as we are settled in the new house.   Here is a glimpse of the floors that were being installed today.  

Also, my darling started school this past week.  Another stress. I went to classes today to try to get them all worked out and then back between both houses trying to get things done and completed.  HOPING to move this weekend.  HOPING!!!  

We are going on date-night with our friends also.  We need a break. I need a KID break. Dave has either been working, sleeping (although not enough) or working at the house so I have been managing the kids for the past 2 weeks non stop 24-7. I am over it!!!

Here are my princesses- 2 kindergarteners and a 5th grader!!  Crazy!!  No more babies.     

 

Audrie wasted no time jamming to music getting started on homework.  She loves her Ipod!!!  

And lastly,  because we are practically living at this store.  Here's one for kicks.  Ps.. I LOATH Lowes and Home Depot right now. 

Relaxing weekend!

Had a great weekend with the ladies.  Until our 4th annual trip next year...  Here's a bikini shot!

Count down to Palm Springswith

Got my swim suit (not my 100% favorite, but it will work for laying out)... Now I need some decent color!  We've recruited 2 new girls to go with Kara and Cortney and I.  Its a fun cheap weekend kid and husband free.  Basically,  we relax, read, sleep in, play games,  get pedicures.  Sometimes we go out, but this year our plan is just to stay in and not get all dressed up but just relax and hang out.  

Oh... and did I mention, I am in the 160's now?  Well,  169.2, but I am there. I have not been there since 2009, so I am a happy camper.  Only like 15-20lbs to go.  

Down a size (or two)

I was squeezing (and I mean that literally), into my size 32 Miss Me's and my size 12 pants 3 months ago.  Now, I am happy to say I am fitting quite nice ( even a tad loose) into size 30 pants.  That's a size 9/10 I am back into.  I am still going for a goal of a 7/8 and maybe even a 5/6.  But I am happy for now.  I have lost quite a few inches around since early May.  I retired all my 32 and 11/12 pants.  I wont go back there again.  those days are over.

Off to have coffee with my favorite ladies!  Yes... I saved calories to get my self a "skinny" mocha!

Getting my run in at the gym.  

Time consuming!!!

This new house (which I might add we don't own, YET) is taking up a lot of time and planning.  We've been getting estimates for laminate, tile and carpet as well as painting the whole inside.  I like yellow, but I do not love yellow, lol!! Appraisal is this week.  I'm crossing my fingers it goes smooth and we could have the keys as early as the 15th of July.

Haven't been to the gym much this week. In fact, only 1 day and I haven't really been counting calories all crazy like.  I figure, eh... Aunt flo is in town, I am busy with a million things and I can use a break.  Back on track in a day or two.  Not too concerned.

I will add a friend of mine is looking amazing.  She has lost a ton of weight (after a baby who isn't even a year) and she is training to do fitness shows or competitions.  She is always building so much muscle definition its crazy!  She is busting her ass and it is paying off. She is an inspiration.  Way to go friend as you know who you are!!!!!

Anyhow,  weight and measurements again next week for week 12.  We shall see where I am.

Here is a pic of the twins from dance recital on Friday night.... and of course my hunky husband!!! I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off that night as lead volunteer. I had like 100 little girls I was making sure were ready to go for multiple dances.

My kid is a Machine!!

She rocked the Triathlon. She came in 10th place our of 39 kids.  She was the 3 youngest one in the top 10.  Her time was 17:11.  Not bad for a Run, Bike and Swim.

Finally lose what I gained on Vacation

I am down 15lbs now.  I had a set back since I gained weight on vacation.  So I had to lose it all and then I lost 2lbs on top of it.  Not to shabby. I can finally wear my shorts now, I could not wear before.  I still have a lot to lose, but at least I am going down.

Planning the Palm Springs trip again.  We have 2 new ladies going this year, so it will be a fun experience.  Looking forward to it, even thought it is the same weekend we are schedule to possibly get the keys for the house (again providing everything goes smooth).  Then of course the following week will be crazy busy with the kids starting school,  me starting classes,  moving,  etc.

Couple Dr.s appts coming up.  a routine physical and a pap (oh joy) and then going to the dermo to have moles checked.  Fun times, but I am terrified of skin cancer and it runs rampant in my family.

House Shopping

Has been quite the pain in the ass. We've been getting outbid left and right and the banks and sellers have been accepting other offers. However, the 1st house we put an offer on that accepted someone else's offer, fell out of escrow, so... We were able to accept a counter offer. So... This might be our new home come August. Needs  minor things, but it's big and in Etiwanda school district which is where we wanted to stay. No going East!! Woohoo!! We could have gotten a house cheaper, but I really didn't want to go all the way to Yucaipa or Beaumont. Wish us luck all goes through!!

Sent from my iPhone

I'm back!!!

Had a great family trip to the Sequoia's.  The kids had a blast.  I did not eat great and luckily I hiked a lot or I am sure I would have gained all 13.5lbs back.  I did gain a couple, but I am sure it was mostly water weight. I realize now I was not hydrated enough.  But,  I am sure the scale will be down tomorrow as I am guzzling water and hittin the gym tonight to get back on track.

Here's a pic of the weekend.  I look more tan then I really am.  My legs, and abs are very pasty.

Dave of course took the picture and Halle was lagging behind. She hates hiking and the twins, LOVE it. 

I registered Audrie for her first Triathlon the end of this month. I will add pictures after the event.  

Date Night!

Who doesn't love a date night.  We had a fabulous time ( a way too big dinner) and a great night together at Disneyland.  In fact,  we finally went to see World of Color and stood at the front for a perfect View.  Great night.

The Sexy Beast and I

They gave us a large instead of a small.  No I did not even eat a fraction of it.  I literally ate about 10 noodles.  I felt so wasting since I didn't take it home.  

Typical Summer,  I know. 

Now... off to a 15 mile ride. It's MNO tonight with the ladies.  Going to try not to eat like a cow since I ate way too much last night.

Oh, I am now down 13.5lbs.  Woot!!