Blah.

Today as I sit at my computer.  After a couple of attempts, I realized I haven't felt this poopie in a very long time.   And.  UGH!  This picture is out of order. (it should be the last picture) Not to blame on me this time.  Blogger has changed their way of things.  I don't do well with change either.  So.   Going back to my gloom?  Bill and I went into O'Malley's on Main St. on Friday night to say hello to our friend Kirk.  We ordered lettuce wraps.  Basically the healthiest thing on the menu.  And 2 Guinness brews.   We left within the hour.  Walked down the street to The Wine Cellar.  We've heard great reviews about their Chef, and of course wine.  We couldn't stay long because I had an early alarm for Lancaster. Picked up Kali and Mac by 9:30pm. Bill had a Fatal Clothing Christy Wilson Memorial to work at the SB 5K.  I tossed and turned all night with a belly ache.  Woke up at 5am.  Packed my car ever so perfect for MacKenzie and Kali, and we were off.  The drive was beautiful.  The girls were peaceful.  And tired.  No wind.  Sunshine.  But....my tummy was still another story.  We lost, drove home.  My tummy was unbearable ALL the way home.  And I haven't been able to get out of bed since.  (viewing the above picture makes me smile. Inside and out)

On a happy note!  Gianni won Class President for next year!  They officially called and announced it on Friday night.  So so proud!  Such a GRIFFIN Dude! 

Along with Kali's week of planning came preparations for Birthday celebrations.  Madison turned 16!  These girls are growing so so fast! 

 Off to dinner in Newport at Mazzo's!  Amazing food. 

More pictures out of order.  Thanks Blogger.  Here you see a loss against an Anaheim team. Strong team. Good respectful players.  Earned it.  The score isn't worth mentioning.  Kali did have a goal but was quickly called out for Offsides.  Which she was.   Boo. 

#4 Stahl

 Whew.  This is a rough one.

 Get it girl.

So I shopped at the end of my week. She celebrated Friday with some girls, and another in 2 weeks. Nordy is really an easy go to place, cute stuff, not too expensive.  Service is superb, and they wrap it for you...How could you go wrong? The styles of watches, bracelets, cute little shirts, headbands, glasses...are just perfect. 

I have done nothing all weekend.  I have slept. Watered my flowers and lawn a little..and laid around alot!(which anyone that really knows me, I do not sleep during the day.)  My plan was to work in my yard, celebrating Earth Day with some new offering to my soil.  I can't. After heading to Nektar in LB for a Cleanse Juice (which was amazing)  I am down.  Was it the Lettuce Wraps?  We both don't know. But it sucks.  I am sipping tea.  Sipping water. WILL NOT Throw up.  Lisa isn't Lisa today.  Mama isn't Mama today.  I already warned Kali of her lunch tomorrow.  Kind of funny to think of how "jeri-rigged" IT will be.   Happy Sunday everyone.  Hope you are staying warm in the South.  Fog has not let up.  Or staying cool in the North.  Rain is coming.  All the flowers and trees planted for Earth Day will be so happy!   Cheers.

Reverse? What?

As I said, it's the cards that matter the most to me. oh...and notes. notes from everyone. I love them. Text messages, emails, Facebook rememberance...whatever, however, on my birthday I love them. This card meant the most to me this year. Well. There is another card too. But we'll talk about that later.

So as I stated, Bill and I shopped for Granite, Backsplashes, and pondered alot on our new Expresso Machine. Built in. Can't wait. Hoping this all works out. You do know I am a java junkie, yes? Yes. After arriving back home, we quickly changed into our bathing suits, grabbed some towels and were setting off to a local beach close to his parents. Nice sandy little quiet beach. And let me tell you on a Tuesday...it was almost too quiet. I like to see kids splash in the water..and other boats go by....Well...as he started the little boat up for departure and put it in gear...It only went in REVERSE. That's it. I know I told you the story already...so scroll down. But look at that manly motor after he "Jeri-rigged it". "Jeri-rigged" is a word. Right? So we were off...cruising in style....

Passing this boat, we both laughed again. Funny stuff here. After all, it's just a day to take off and relax. Nothing fancy. I'm pretty simple like that. Sometimes.

And there you have the skipper, deck hand, jeri-rigger dude, pulling us up...on the sand. HAHAHA! We were literally walking distance from his parents too. So cute.

Motor cover back on. Mom posing on the yacht. Playa!

At this point I think my mind is saying "WTH"? HAHHAHAA.

Or maybe that's a just go with it look? Either way. We did have a great day. I came home to this basket made especially by Kali and Tori. All things sweet and from their hearts. Love it.

These notes laid out around my house. Front yard too. Love love love this stuff. (imagining "You lift me up" playing in the background at this point?)

My coffee mug with a note.

A cake at work. Filled with fresh fruit...and whipped cream. Can you just imagine? IT was A.W.E.S.O.M.E! Work family always give back in such sweet ways. Whether it's their kind gestures when I leave town to take a breather, or cut flowers left on my desk. It means so much.

And so life back to normal went something like this the morning after.

6:30am Wednesday

Kali: Mom, did Kris fix my watch?

Me: I don't know Kali.

Kali: I gave him the watch LIKE 2 days ago. That's so rude

Me: Rude? Rude is the way you are acting over a watch that needs to be sized. He is doing you a favor. And listen to you Kali?!

Kali: Do you know where my tan bra is?

Me: Kali you seriously sound like a spoiled brat. Seems you need to get some things in perspective and check back with both of us.

Note left on her brothers day back pack. Urgghh!

He did fix her watch today...and she kindly thanked him with this sweet teenager smile that hours ago was walking around like some dragon princess with a razor tongue. I just observe. Remind. And teach. These days eventually fade away. Watches are fixed, lost, and the realization that brothers are amazing. Mom and Dad are even more amazing...and life is much better after the teen years. That's fo dang sho!

Moving on or in REVERSE to Chapter 1. about my birthday.

Bill left a card in my car. On Jetta girls seat that read..."Oh...and you can go car shopping"

So...pray for me fella's. My new car is out there somewhere. And my homework has officially begun.

Cheers!

Walking in circles. Literally.

I awoke yesterday to my coffee cup filled with a note from Kali. Actually notes displayed around the house, in the hallway, making their way to the kitchen....The biggest warmest hug from Kris. I love his hugs. The rest of my day was planned something like this :

Bill was sweet enough to request a day off together. Just he and I. I was so happy that he'd be willing to take a day "off" work. That just isn't his style. So...I picked out the cutest outfit, had my hair styled...worked around my house in the morning...went for a run and eventually made my way south. When I pulled up he quickly jumped in my car. Our morning would consist of finding Granite. By finding Granite means, you drive to the largest Granite Company I've ever walked through...in circles. It's like trying to find the perfect shoe. It bonkers my head. We were also in search of a built in Expresso Machine. Yup you read this right. Granite and appliances. Jealous? HAHA. In my head I thought of brunch style somewhere up in Newport at our fav little spots. You know how it goes girls, right? Our fantasy brains at work. When in reality the guys think more rational. More literal. Hitting 2 birds with 1 stone type thing. Take a day off work to play all day? nahhh. duh! Don't get me wrong we did have a great day. Pictures will follow. We managed to stroll into Sandy's at the pier for lunch. Laughed and talked about more kitchen planning ideas, the kids, life and our dreams for travels someday.

We headed home to take the little harbor boat out for a cruise..(margarita's included)....and the second he put it in gear...in only would go in reverse. So I laughed. Hard. Super hard actually. Stuff like that is funny. to me. tears laughter. I love it. Especially when I began to "try and troubleshoot" with him...I could see his frustration. More like..."This isn't the way I planned this". So I sat quiet. Reading my Facebook wishes from friends and family...We eventually got the thing in one gear. Cheered as we headed off. Found a beach. Sat there...laughed, talked and soaked up the sun.

After having dinner at Captain Jacks and loving every last drip of butter on my crab legs...we headed home. In one gear. Hugging to stay warm. I told him I was thankful for the day. I loved every minute together. We really enjoy our time alone. We did find (we think) the perfect granite and backsplash (which I believe is so over rated, and really don't like to pick stuff out like that, I prefer to decorate after the fact) Our kitchen will also have a built in Expresso Machine...NOW that's what excites me! It's coming together. Finally. Fast. Really fast. And after waiting for almost 6 years. IT'S ALL HAPPENING!

I arrived home last night with a decorated front porch thanks to Miss. Kali and Tori. A huge basket full of stuff from her/them. Everything they put in and picked out was so thoughtful. And sooo me. I came to work this morning to find cards on my desk and THEE most amazingly yummy cake. I love my family. I love my work family. I love life. Happy Birthday to me. It was good.

Were you all expecting a post of a huge diamond ring dangling from my finger? hahahaa.
Or Bill and I jet setting off in a plane to Hawaii? One day. One day.

Someday.

Cheers! Booya!

Lisa. One very appreciative girl in the world.

Finally.

So I arrive home from work yesterday after kind of (no totally) driving like a maniac..yes with my daughter in the car. and she told me so. because I was late for a hair appointment. Priorities. Come on. who doesn't? kidding. I check my mailbox. Because I love to check for birthday cards. Always have. Don't know what it is about cards. I love love them. Anyyyywaayyyy. There's the one card I always look for. From my parents. It's always a little funny, because sometimes there are just plain funny things about them. Just funny. And of course my Mom can never go without ALWAYS sending those singing cards. Most funny, is when she signs off, Love, Mike & Pam. Don't know why, just seems funny. And I guess a bit sad. To me.

ok. i open my card. It reads this. I have never ever heard my Mom state anything so amazing and heartfelt to me. ever. Yes. not to open the dysfunction can. but it's true. never. ok. close the truth dysfunction can. bam.

It reads: (and I have to somehow read and type as it's singing "Word up" by Larry Blackman. Total 80's dance song)

Lisa, Another year of experiences of life. Your strength keeps me going. And your perfect face puts a smile on my face. You are so self confident and everyone loves you. You have a personality that everyone loves and a face to match. Keep up the great work! We love you always. P.S. When you were little, you were the easiest baby to raise. So happy and always so helpful to everyone. Love Mom and Dad.

SHE WROTE THIS!

yes. 42. Finally being told I am what I have always tried to be for THEM. A good girl.

Happy Birthday to me. Happy words always melt me. SHE/THEY will never know what this card that is singing "word up" means to me.

I took this day off. Was asked by my partner in crime to spend it doing something special together. Couldn't ask for a more pretty day. High's in the 80's today. Sunshine and blooming flowers have always been my perfect recipe.

I have received cute messages this morning from friends and family. They mean more than most may know.

Muah! Biirrrfffday girl word up playas.

Me. Lisa Lynn Trabue-Stahl

Distant message. From way up on a hill....

Yesterday Kali and I went for a run on the beach. One of those days. Beautiful. Too perfect. The weather. No wind. Empty beach. With my girl. Laughing, talking..and of course me asking a ton of questions. She says too many. What? Once we got to the jetty I asked her to pose for me. I captured a shot. I also wrote in the sand. A note. To my parents. I hit send. No response. So, as I always do...I understand. They probably didn't get it. Or don't know how to open it. Whatever the case. I sent it. It read "I miss you" with a cute shell next to it. Just minutes ago, today at work, as I am reconciling accounts, listening to phones ring, customers chatting in an office close by, my phone zaps me. It's from my Mom. This is what I see.

Yes. Tears have fallen. Good tears. Technology giving me/us something we've/I have missed for many years. Their very distant ways. She loves me. They love me. It does feel good.
I have always said notes make the world go round. Especially sweet ones.

April...you always amaze me.

Waving goodbye to rain in the spring is one of my favorite things. I love rain. I love the cozy feel of being in. But when it passes, my heart sings joy.

After hearing on Friday about our canceled Lancaster game set for today, Bill and I quickly made plans to keep our kitchen planning ideas, and decided to spend the day doing what we love. Together. Kali had her plans. We watched the rain leave, the wind make it's pass...and the sun shine, shine, shine. Remember my post in March waiting for the Grand Prix to arrive? Races on this weekend baby~

Kris went throughout the weekend. Once with friends, and second day with his sweet sugarplum.

My cousin told Bill and I about a place tucked away in the LB called Ma n' Pa's. Just up on Colorado. Literally set in a neighborhood. House on this side...house on that side. Walk inside...a feel of home-love. Little market diner. Home-made beef/turkey/chicken jerky (sorry vegan friends). All things adorable in there. Well, coming from me. The girl that twines, and all things natural run through. Check it out. Bill and I ordered a sinful lunch. Too sinful to say. lol. Sat outside while they bbq'd it up...and brought out to their backyard patio...(with a little waterfall trickling away near by)... Can I get an awwwwww? Any hoot. Check it out. Any peeps living remotely close. Go. You will love. or like. or both. You won't be dissappointed. AND...they have a good choice of brews. yum.

Sunshine. Birds chirping. Blue skies. Slight breeze. Oh my. Goodness. Love.

Of course. We will go again. And again.

What a beautiful Sunday it's been. I've been doing my normal prep for the week routine. I managed to lay outside in the sunshine. Called an Aunt I wanted to get caught up with. Planted 2 new Lavendar plants. Watered and pruned the adorable veggies Kris and Lizo planted. Read a magazine. Forced Kali to go to the Dairy (drive-thru)...with me. By the way, I think Dairies rock. It's that one thing I hope doesn't dissappear soon. Something tells me with time it might. For now? I love em. Organic hormone free gallon please. Simple. That's it. Love it. Just to pull up, guy comes up..with a huge smile...you order. He hands it. Pay and drive off. So cute. Kris just got home. We are in. Laundry almost done. Dinner's planned. Lunches planned. Just one thing I dread. Springbreak is officially over. Time to get back in the grind. As I told my Aunt....it's times when you feel overwhelmed. Overstressed. Tired and burned out. You must remind yourself. Life is hard. But it's soo good. April is a great month. I turn 42 on Tuesday. Raise your hand if I've ever told you I love my birthday. I really do. There's something about being a birthday girl. 4:24 am April 17th. Lisa born to Mike and Pam. With no name for a week. Smiles to them. Giggles to my sister. How did I reach 42 so quick? Bring it. Cheers. Safe travels to all. Warm good mornings to you too. Ciao!

Vines on my family tree...Easter 2012

Picture totally out of order. ugh. Double ugh. Insert at the end of post. Cousins. Dad's side. We were Trabue girls. Visited for 2 days. Enjoying our time to catch up. Life. Kids. Similarities. Family. Love. Enjoyed every minute catching up.

The Easter Bunny was ready. And while he was ready to hop around town, we headed to my Grandma's for Easter Celebration Saturday...also celebrating our Aunt Annette's Birthday. I brought the cake. Oh. And wine. Along with hugs and big smiles.

A table that every little kid would love to approach.

Tradition. These cupcakes. So pretty.

We knew all week that our departure to the lake would take place after celebrating with family. Directly from there. My mom's side. More than once I got "the look" from Bill as in "I'm ready when you are"...As sweet as that look was, I knew he was anxious. Totally ready. Get out town. You all know that feeling?

Cousins. New little cousin "Jio". Uncle and Me.

The most adored feeling in the world being sung to on your day by almost all of your family? Surrounded by those that love you. So much. This picture makes me smile just looking back. Family. Strength. Bonds. At the first and only house that has never changed for me. And most sitting there. Grandma Ramirez'.

Cameron. We heard on this day...she will be a big sister in the fall. Yippee. New babies....

And she will be a big cousin too! Tori Lynn.

We wake up on Easter Sunday. In the desert. In our cherished home on the lake. The Easter bunny found his way. He also left goodies for Kris at home. In his traditional basket. Filled with car parts. All things "Project Impala". On this day we could not have asked for more perfect weather. No, seriously. It was superb.

Kali, Tori and I headed to Walmartian-zone and filled the cart with everything Easter fun. Great snacks, EGGS, and magazines! Margarita's on the menu too. It was 5 o' clock somewhere.

Fresh basil with anything is indescribable to me. Simply put. LOVE THAT STUFF.

I love shadows. So neat. Bill and I. Love.

Springtime. Easter Eggs. Havasu patio. Temps 80 degrees. No wind. Music playing. Smiles. Happy. Yes.

Decorators a' decorating.

The only service I offered at this point. Tying bathing suits.

Perfect.

Perfect spot?

Yes. We were dancing. Snap away girls. We don't care. In our room. Bad Company comes on the radio. Step on up. Hold on to this moment. Don't let it end.

So we can catch the sunset

Almost 16. and very close to 17. Where did the time go?

picture out of order. fail.

So the next day we met up with my cousins. Dad's side now. My cousins visiting from Garberville. Far away. Simply put. Well 2 hours north of San Fran. Kali, Summer, Crue, Tori and Broc. After lunch we settled on the perfect cove.

Cousins.

Cousins celebrating good times and good laughter.

2nd cousins. Even better.

Broc

Skylynn

Summer

Cousins- Funny as I uploaded these pictures so many memories storm through me. I babysat these guys. Our Dad's are brothers. Catching up. With so many miles between us now. Yet so many ties that hold us together. Love. Love. Loved this time together.
Jason, Me, Mindi and Trevor. We were/are Trabue's.

The Trabues- Jason, Stacy, Skylynn and Blaze. The Contreras- Chris, Mindi, Crue, Summer and Broc

When daylight meets night time and a full tummy. Summer by the fire. Because we don't own cool skewers. Lame. I know.

little cousins have to use this. Raise your hand if you ever had anything more perfect? My little cousin Mindi is now a Mommy. Traveled far to hang at the lake. Crossing my fingers we can duplicate this show next year. Same thing. Please and thanks.

Could not have asked for more perfect weather. Nothing planned. Everything too good. Happy Mama.

I certainly do. I hope everyone had a safe and peaceful Easter. We sure did. Nothing fancy planned. It's the moments that you share with family. Laughing together while enjoying good food. Or spending the time in your favorite spots connecting with things and people you choose to do so with. I went to work today. Groggy yes. Busy yes. Happy of my memories, most certainly yes. Just had dinner with a Soccer Mom friend. Almost Friday everyone. Enjoy the cuddly rain tomorrow. Cheers! Big Bunny Ears!