I guess it does get a little easier....

You know just this morning, (Saturday)....I decided it was time to clean carpets, and purge, organize and toss away things of the past.  Donated clothes, and crap stuff.  It felt so so good.  And while I did this work, I kept drifting in and out of thoughts.  Like, man you've GOT to get those few thank you cards out...you've got to sit down and send an email to so and so, and hand write one to another...(Grandma Allie)...and all the other gazillion thoughts that roll through your mind while you pull a carpet cleaner back and forth....which sucks nuts.  And so...as I did, it dawned on me.  This entire week, my sweet girl toted herself to and from practices, friends, stores, and places.  And the reminder a friend said to me a few weeks back..."you will see, it's an adjustment, but it's good, and better for you all".  And she's very right.  The days do become easier. The worry is there, but just a little less.  The panic starts to subside, and you realize things will be ok.  And this afternoon as I sat down to blog my post for Monday...I came across these pictures.  Of her.  Of that baby girl that slept with me until...well, I can't mention. The girl that loved her thumb way to much, and the comfort of her Mommy.  That girl that would do anything for an animal or elder.  That girl that was a tomboy and called "Gremlin" by some family members because she always had food on her shirt or face....Her.  My little K.  She's gonna be fine.  A look back at some innocence.  I pray someone doesn't ever take this from me.  I pray dear God, don't take her from me.

Sorry K, had to. 

Happy Monday little monkeys.  Swing through this jungle with ease.  Or don't.  Stay on your perch.  And call me.

Love like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Greatest quote ever, by the way.

Boom.  Ha. 

A little help from your friend....

I found a super cute website during the holidays...while on the hunt for those "perfect" socks for K.
You know the ones with lace, and buttons on top?  The ones I love, but were posted on her wish list...so you know how that works right?  eh em, I will wear them too...So...this little secret I give?  Try it.  I have ordered a few things, because a deal, is a deal.  And the items I've received were very well worth it...most homemade, and MADE IN THE USA.  That alone is a show stopper.  Boom.

So shop away little fellers....

www.groopdealz.com

And yes, you will be required to sign up. It's no biggy, trust me.  Just be disciplined and don't buy junk. Got it?  Look at me.  Don't buy junk.  Shop wisely.
My suggestion comes to you with pure advice for Valentines Day shopping early.  You do remember my suggestion in buying for others like sisters, friends, Mom's, Aunts....not just your sweet Valentine. 

Remember LOVE. 

And be kind to all animals, big and small.  Or else, Karma is a beyatch.  Trust me. 

xoxo

Things that make me smile, and some that don't....

Who's with me here?

Now were talking...

Winter sunsets.  Only the best...

Wish I would of enjoyed more this holiday season....

I just can't wait to see her cute little belly.  She is just beautiful. 

And then there's the things that make me twist in my seat.....

Gross, Gross, and Capitol GROSS.  What the??? and WHY?  When people talk about what our world is coming to?  Just look at this stuff.  And I AM one who believes in live and let live.  Marry who you want.  But this? G.R.O.S.S. and terrible for all children involved in that circus.  Period.  (as I swing my neck...with my finger in the air..)

Moving on...

Seriously...?

Sadness at its finest.  Yes, this fun gem of a place is closing it's doors on the pier.  Like next week.  Wow.  That's all I can say about that.  Many memories walking down to you Miss. Ruby.

And I know this last one is a salt in the wound for many.  B, will roll his eyes when he see's this, but it's true.  What is the hype?  What is that meat? Why do they wait to debut only a few times a year?  hmmmm, maybe they have to grow that meat?  Kidding. 

Happy Saturday little friends....

Make the best of it. I'm cleaning, and organizing, and purging, and cleaning, and donating.....and doing stuff that I want.  Yup.  Can I get a woop woop?

Cheers!
xoxo

Do you ever just feel?

 Do you have days that feel as though they just blend?  Those days that just feel like it's the same ol' thing, just a different day? Maybe it's the cold.  Maybe it's just recovering from the H word.  eh em. Holidays.  Still?

I have made my own pact.  I made it early New Years morning.  I have a few things to accomplish, but I don't want to expose my plan.  I don't want to be that "Resolution" person.  You know the kind that "Goes in one ear year and out the other"?  It's not that I am looking back with regret, it's just more as though this life of mine has served many others, for a very, very long time.  And so, things for me will change.   I do know some things I wish for, that seem silly to some, but hey, a girl has to dream for what a girl has to dream for right?  So today, this blog comes to you with less pictures, more dreams.  More plans, and more time for me.  The girl behind the family.  The girl that has given to those that need me.  It's all good.  Trust me. 

I pray I have the strength to do all I plan. Life is real.  And it's flying by. 

What's your plan for the weekend kids?  Cooking?  Cleaning?  Shopping?  Parties?

Are you exhausted like I am?

Are you rummaging through your California gear, searching for that one sweater that you haven't worn yet because your entire wardrobe consists of shorts, skirts, cute dresses, and flip-flops.  Not arctic snow gear lined with wool. 

Oh.  And by the way.  We shut-out Marina last night. 2-0.  Kali made us proud last night.  That's always a great ride home.  Trust me.   



Be good. Or be bad.  Just snap some shots for us, will ya?

L.  aka.  Leese, Lee, Mommy, Mom.  Hun.  Beyatch. 

Boom.

Fresh beginnings....

We closed out the year with friends.  Our original six-pack.  Reservations were hard to come by.  We figured, let the night roll out where it would. After all, walking distance would and could still offer silly segments.  So just go with it. 

And trying to hail a cab?  None is sight, phone lines busy.  Another sign. 

We started with some Dom Perignon...Which to me, is just a label, on a pretty bottle.  What is the hype with that stuff? Maybe it's that rich people thing.  I mean, just saying the word, is complicated.  Um, I'll take some Brut.  Thanks. Ha

Soccer mom cheers before they ventured on to their next party...

The original six pack.  Hello two thousand thirteen.  Lucky 13 baby.

And while we sipped bubbly and shared memories, these two partied with his family.....

Gio's sister and boyfriend. 

K got to visit his Uncle Greg.  Talk about melt my heart.  It's the holidays. It's taking the time to do this.  I am proud of Kris.  Good job. Gregory was one of the first guys besides your Dad to hold you.  Scared to death, but he did.  Good stuff right there.

In the middle of her week of fun, Gio took her bowling, and sent me this.   Love him.  Love her.  Even if they bowl and wear those silly shoes. 

And Chapter 16 learns that YES, in fact, you do put cha-ching in that little metal box, or else, those LB gansta's will getcha.  B said "she's paying it"....I say "but it's her first, and she didn't know any better.."  We'll see how this pans out. 

And so that was our last couple of days in a nutshell. The world didn't end.  My babies are safe. Healthy and peaceful.  The fiscal cliff and politicians continue to roll around on this Earth.  The financial strain on some will become harder for some than others.  People will still continue to hurt.  People will still continue to take when they shouldn't.  People will still be hypocritical.  It's a human trait.  People will still hurt us.  People will still hurt themselves.  But it's a fresh year...and if you can find happiness in the little things versus the big ol' stressful things....I say do it.  One thing I notice every year, is the exhale after all we do for the holidays.  The shopping, the cooking, the wrapping, the running from house to house, until that one morning and it's all done.  Fast forward to the New Year over-hyped holiday....and you exhale and collapse even more.  So this SHOULD be the month to really enjoy Winter.  Enjoy good food, making that one soup recipe.  Enjoying good books, nice hot baths, with your favorite bubble bath.  Watching good football games, while staying in.  All the season has to offer.  Look around, breathe out, and enjoy it.  Just try to eat organic.

Because the material will be there.  Animals will need us more than most may know. Tiny people will need to be taught bigger things.  Tiny people need to learn by example, therefore kindness and grace should take place of pointing fingers and trying to prove a point.  Enjoy the rest of your week kids.  Life goes on.  I can't seem to warm up sillies.  I just can't. What's even funnier?  Trying to get back in work mode after such a whirl wind week(s)-  Oh.  hello January, hello there. 

Don't Blink....

So long, 2012......

For the most part, 2012 was everything I expected it to be.  B and I sat on the ocean on this New  Years Eve.  As I stared out into the great big ocean, a flood of thoughts floored me as they always do.  And with each little wave, I tried hard to say goodbye to the heartache.  The sadness of those lost.  The happy thoughts of those newbies.  The messy moments, usually brought to me with a special delivery from Mr. Winter.    As I stood there, B said..."Hun, you really have to consider how good 2012 was to us".  It was then.  That moment that I know this man reads me well.  I nodded my head, because my eyes were welling up.  It is good.  Life is good.  It is hard.  But darn it, if we are healthy.  If we have safe AND healthy children.  If we can support the roof over our heads.  We are good.  Just don't blink baby.  Don't blink.   Because life is flying by.  Cherish what you have today kids, because just imagine.  Really imagine.  

If those with broken hearts can just let things be.  And find some peace.  

I have learned a lot in 2012- About life, love, friendships, and just how much I can handle.  And how much I can't handle.  I've learned that living in the moment, while capturing it on digital is the best opportunity for me and my family.  I've also learned that setbacks, and little mountains I watch my children climb, while I climb bigger ones behind them are part of this life.  When we find happiness in the little things for ourselves, it's worth it.  It's all worth it.  Do what's best for your family.  For yourself.  Don't look back.  Be true. Eat good.  And always try to find some positive. Even when you feel there isn't.

2012 has been a good year.  An enlightening year.  I am ready to start the next chapter in my life. Are you? After all 13 is a lucky number.  Boom.

P.S.  Now go and drink more water, or have a brew to chase the hair of the dog.  Go.

http://youtu.be/4f0p5KqdU9U?t=1s