No camera cord. No time. Here you go.

We left for one week.  We left her.  With her bro.  With a full schedule. Practices, and scrimmages.  School and homework.  Oh.  And a full fridge. Does she look bummed here? Let me also mention:  Gio was outta town in AZ for more baseball.  Can I get an awwwwww. 

And she survived. 

At Knott's she survived too. 

And so did we.  We took many pictures.  Yes, we did, duh. HA!  We worked around the house more than any other time. It was the perfect time.  Perfect car show.  Perfect friends, and family.  It was good.  The perfect temp.  

And this boy went on a hike with Kris in the mountains above Chino.  Hmmm, makes you wonder how a human being douche would walk this Earth to tag a mountainside.  Much less a tree. I call that #scum.  Anysshhwayyyyy.  Moving forward, they had a blast. Kali had a blast. Well, she worked her tail off while we were gone.  Stay tuned for my full post when I have my stuff unpacked and camera cord ready to rock n roll.  I came home with 3 bags, all disorganized, and completely tired.  I just wanted to sit and talk with K and K.  And hang with Bucks.  Happy Monday Babes.  Hope this week is great for you...I will be back, just need one more day.  Nikki if you read this.  I love you girl.  You rock.  I listened to my new Dave Matthews CD...ALL. THE. WAY. TO. WORK.   You little angel you.  I love my owl, I love my new sockies.  It's friends like you...it's friends like you girl.  Muah!  Boom. Keep on Keeping on....

When one is all self pity, please look around.

While I am off enjoying "Run to the Sun" festivities, I will leave you with this.   Food for thought.  And puuleeze, don't take this wrong, as I am NOT trying to be Debbie the Downer.  Just want you to think about some things for a minute.  Or longer.   Things are hard.  Life is hard.  Weeks are tough. I trek along every week for Friday.  But I also remind myself, of the pain and struggles that DO exist.  They do. All around us.    Love your children.  Love your family.  Love your friends.  Things can be flipped over with one phone call. One flip of a switch.  One Dr. visit.  One car trip.   Be fun and safe on this Friday.  I warn you of the following website I share.  It's NOT all fluffy butterflies, and sweet things.  It's horrible. It's awful. It's every parents worst nightmare.  But I want you to think.  Just for today. Think about this.  Life.  It IS PRECIOUS.  And THAT is why we say "I love you's" often.  www.superty.org.   You have been warned.  Grab some tissues.  Love you all.   We'll talk next week?  Ok.  I hope so.   Boom. Heavy stuff.  Pray for me.  I will pray for you. 

This girl.

One can only describe the relationship between a daughter and mother as unique.  It's something you can't describe.  It's something that can be so beautiful. It can be hard.  It can be detailed, and interesting.  It can be tough, and rough. It can be lessons you thought you'd never even touch.  I wouldn't be who I am today without this girl.  I wouldn't be who I am without my son.  They have made me, me.  Just looking at this picture makes me smile. Leslie, you captured some pictures that I view at least once a week.  I see my Mom in me here.  Wow.  Life is amazing.  Hug your children. If you can't.  Or haven't any, that's ok, go hug your pet. If you haven't any close by, then call them.  Or write a letter.  Yea, write a letter.  Happy Thursday rockstars.  XO

Hint.

We've escaped the rat race, to join the rat pack.  Pray for our safety.  Pray for my Dad.  Pray for my Mom.  Please.  And thank you.  Happy Humpday sillies.  Smile. Keep on, keeping on.

Where am I now?

One of my favorite places to be.  Right here.  With my family.  Or the other pea in the pod. B and L.  Sipping good wine or a martini.  With this view.  Yes.  That will probably happen.  This week.  Hope you guys made it through Monday without a hitch.  And that you remember what is most important in life. It's living for the moment.  Loving those that you call family and friends.  Don't forget to tell them so.  And leave a note.  And forgiving those that maybe aren't so lucky to be at peace with things.  At least try?  Play hard when you can.  And eat good. Life is too short to pass up desert.  Boom.

It's that time of year again...

Every year.  Same place. Same time.  Sunshine.  Beautiful cars. Fast ones.  Slow ones.  Nice people. And good times.  I will schedule posts to arrive when I can.  If they don't appear before your beautiful little eyes, you will know why.  Do don't panic.  Just eat Organic.  Check Leese out with the mean rhym skillz.  Bam. I am laughing out loud right now.  Good stuff kids.  Good stuff.  I. am. a. rapper.  No, but seriously you should eat Organic.  Or give Trader Joe's a try if you haven't and live close enough.  The regular grocery chains are becoming greedy and just a tad yucky when it comes to wholesome food. Trust me.  Oh, and Trader Joe's peeps, are just kind fellers.  That too matters.  You've been warned.   Love, your rapper friend.  Who has not been paid by TJ to promote.  Just sayin'.

Well, it's been a year.

And it was time to head to the ocean side.  To remember. 

But first a stop at The Wine Cellar. 

With my buddy.  And some amazing wine to close out this long, hard week. I shed a tear or two.  She always just listens. 

This stuff right here? Wow.  Go get some.  White.

And we walked to the pier.  Where we seen our many friends.  Where the hugs turned into tears.  The image back in front of us.  Sad families. Sad friends.  Sad daughters, and sons.  Husbands, brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents that still can't put a solid understanding on "why".  And probably never will.   But they are surrounded by many people that love them. And fold them in their hearts and arms when needed.  When you look at these names, one can only imagine.  Wonder. The ocean spoke softly in the backround as people wept.  The skies dropped tear drops.  All so appropriately. It just did.  May Peace be with you. 

For friends, families, past and present.  YOU ARE loved more than you know....Happy Saturday Morning birdies.  Fly the way you want today.  Remember to smile at those you love, and even those you don't.  It helps.  Let love grow. 

So what does one do?

This girl isn't gonna panic.  Or think the worst.  I will pray.  I will laugh.  Because I know.  My Dad will be ok. 

I think of this when you're scamming for the next open bar seat, and someone else pounces it after you've been standing there....haha.

And I will be ok, because when I read these e cards, they can almost always make me burst out loud with laughter.  I love love love the.  Shit o' clock!  HAHA! 

Because in the end, this man is happy.  He will never be anything other than amazing to me.  This man.  His ear will be just fine. My heart tells me so.   This picture was sent to me yesterday morning.  Out in his yard, on his acres of land. Doesn't he just look so peaceful? Feeding his turkey.  Did I ever tell you my parents have a farm of wild animals that live on their property?  During one spring season, the man shown above helped a hurt mama skunk and her babies.  Yes. Skunks.  And she let my Dad hold all of them.  every. single. evening my parents set out various bins of food for Skunks, raccoon, a pet name "Pete" the peacock, deer, possums, turkeys...you name it.  It is all good.  I will continue to research. Pray.  not cry.  Smile.  And call him alot.  Rain bring us rainbows.....

And if we all didn't have a support system. We couldn't be strong enough to get through the darkest days, and longest sleepless nights.  I awake often and sort my world and worries often, yea at 3am.  or sometimes 4am. Who's with me here?  Oh, you don't?   Count your darn lucky stars you lucky duckie.  The one simple task that helps me...?  Prayer.  It does.  Sometimes I fall back to sleep.  Sometimes I don't.  Sometimes I wake angry.  Sometimes I wake out of it (like the one day last week I proceeded to put sugar into the filter where coffee should be poured. yup).  But I keep trekking.  I keep my spirit flowing. Helping where I can, when I can.  Smiling at those that may need it. Always praising our youth.   Happy Friday sillies.  Looks like it's F this shit o' clock. HA!  

Breakfast. Lunches.

And so you may wonder why I post this mug?  Well, it is because this face crawled under my skin for the last time this morning.  You all know I wake very early to cook breakfast right?  Oh.  And make lunches too right?  Yea, I do.  And I pack everything just so perfect for all creatures I love.  Except for the boy that doesn't like sandwiches or salads.  Named Kris.  After making all things food, and trying to sip my coffee like it's the last thing I get to do....I rush into get ready.  You know the important things, like makeup, hair and clothes.  Not to mention rinse up and brush my teeth.  This time frame allows about 30 mins. Max.  And I seem to handle that.  THIS morning as I was rummaging through my hoarder closet where my shoes and bags live.  I hear "Mom, why do you always do things last minute...you are gonna make me late".   Oh.  REALLY.  Really?   I grabbed my shoes, my bags...my life for the day and headed into my living room where I almost slide tackled the above girl.  I actually yelled at her.  So if my neighbors think I am crazy, OH WELL.  I refuse to rush around in the morning to be treated like some delinquent parent.  So.  Guess what? The brace face above will make her own breakfasts until she drives to school on her own.  I am done.  Hows those lemons? Life lessons.  Although she is brace-less now, and always quite the good, super good kid.  Today, this shark is over it.  SHE can do it.  I will sip coffee, and get me ready.  #shehasneverbeenlatethankyouverymuch.

Thanks for letting me vent.  Any of you that have kids, get this.  Some that don't.  Well...you are lucky.  Well, kind of.  Because life is good with them. But these little slide tackle moments do exist.  And these moods of mine, well they exist too.  I refuse to be spoken down to while I bust my ass. By anyone. 

Whew.  I feel better.  Happy Thursday little fishies.  Hope you are swimming through this week fast. 

I heard a song on the way to work that said something like..."After the rain comes rainbows".  I should sing that more often.  At least today.

P.S. Which leads me to:  My Dad.   Talk about rain and rainbows.  Just as I start to type this I want to cry.  But I will keep those fellers in my eyelids.  My dad is having his right ear almost completely removed.  The outside.  There are also 5 other spots on him that need to be removed.  His response "I'll get it done, I will just look funny".  

I sat in silence. I seriously sat in silence.  I had no words.  My two ears sat there listening, yet my mouth couldn't speak.  I have started my research.  This C Word isn't evasive enough to get into the nodes...but needs to be removed.  Pretty quick.  They will treat it with a topical Chemo. The news to be told on your wife of 45 years birthday?  Pretty big bummer if you ask me.  I am here, they are there.  I will bust my butt to make things any way better that I may.  If he allows.  Pray for my Dad. Pray for my Mom.  A mountain to climb.  They can do it.  C word, can suck it.  My Dad called Kris before me to tell him to cover his entire body.  Ears included every. single. day.  You, me, we...all should too.     

I guess hoping Friday comes sooner than later isn't quite the hype right now.  Another day closer to my Dad dealing with pain.   Darn it, tears have arrived.  Boom.  This sucks. 

Me.  Daughter numba two. aka. shark. slide tackle, yeller pro.

Weirds and Wows.

Weird

Weirder

crazy eyes.  I stumble across these shows late at night...when I can't sleep, or trying to fall asleep..and if I keep the channel on too long.  It makes my stomach hurt.  I am serious. It will keep me awake.  The thought that these silly ass people are paid to be freaks.  Remember I told you about rich people and their antics?  Go figure.  This time and money should be spent on children that are homeless and need further education.  Not this silly shiz.  Look at her eyes.  

Wows.  Kris and Lizo spent the night down in San Clemente at her Aunts house.  I've heard this house on the beach is amazeballs.  Just her ceiling speaks heaps and hills of amazing.  Seriously.  Look at that cute idea.  Have a dull ceiling in a den?  Top it off with some good ol' boards. Take note of the skateboards along the sides too.  AWESOME.

 

Wows too. My boy.  Caught whatever yittle waves he could Sunday morning.  Shore break created a dented board.  Can I get an awwww? #23yearoldproblems.   Hope this humpday will treat you good. If it doesn't, find a good book, or your favorite magazine, find your favorite spot,pour yourself some wine h20 and relax.  Breathe in and breathe out.  You will be ok.  I promise.  And if today you aren't? Tomorrow will always be a little better.   Cheers. 

P.S. I forgot these are Wows too.  I want.  Soon.  I want those boots.  I love some good real leather boots.  Yes.  Ok, that's it kids.  Go play. 

P.S.S.  Called my Mom today wishing sweet words, and was told my Dad was headed to a specialist to have some "C" word removed from his ear.  First Biopsy showed "C" word. So now to a specialist.  This makes me mad.  This makes me sad.  This makes me wonder why they don't tell my sis and I.  I know they don't want us to worry.  I get it.  But my job is to help them.  And so now I pray harder.  I will make sure that feller is taken care of.  That ear suffers from the "C" word because of his kick ass hard work and digging many pools for many people back in the day.  The best tractor driver anyone would know.  My Dad. In the sunshine.  All. Day. Long.  Sunblock never mentioned.    Please pray for him.  Pray for my Mom. They need eachother.  They need me.  They need T.   Thinking positive.  Always.

The first of seven.

Today is my Mom's Birthday.

And I only have pictures from 3 years ago. 

But that's ok.  I have memories.  I have my life.  She has hers.  She is happy doing what she does, with the man I call Dad.  She is the oldest of 7 kiddos.  All girls and one boy.  Mom, I hope this cool October day is just what you deserve.  I hope that Dad takes you out to lunch or dinner to your favorite little spot.  I believe there are two in that town.  One Mexican. One Chinese.  They love it.   Or Costco, where my Dad obsesses over Scallops and Crab. 

All weekend the thought of her birthday stirred in my head.  What do I buy?  The perfect...something.  Again.  What color does she like? Does she need running clothes? Does she even run anymore?  Does she like pink? Purple? Natural light brown?  Hmmmm maybe she'd like this Gardenia Candle.  Or maybe this body wash?  And ohh shoot, I didn't mail it in time. #again. Instead, I continued to put it off, as the weekend went by. Passing each opportunity.  Don't know why.  Sometimes I think these things happen naturally.  Or maybe it was an epic fail.  Annnnnwaaayyyyy.....I sat down and wrote.  I wrote my Mom a letter, and stuffed it with dough.  Uh oh you might say, think, laugh about.  Me too. Because it was deep. Way deep.  And I went there....with many things I haven't spoke to her about.  Face to face, phone, or letter.  Ever.  I forgave her for the distant Mom she is. And that it is okay, although sometimes I feel the opposite.  I expressed how much I miss her.  And have always needed her in my life.  But it's for a good reason, I don't.  As I say, things happen for a reason.  It wasn't all sad kids, It was good.  I thanked her for the many laughs we had.  She was almost like a sister to T and I.  She went through alot with us.  I remembered one time in the laundry mat, (we went every dog-gone Friday afternoon. Jealous?)  And someone proceeded to take our stuff out of the washer while we were gone getting something from Lucky's (grocery store) and just tossed it in a corner counter.  I proceeded to handle the situation, and as I have always been, led this situation into hysteria. Not all bad though.  Just had to set something straight.   There were more funny times in our big ol' junky car that she'd hit these railroad tracks in the OC so fast that we'd fly up and hit our little heads on the car ceiling.  Seat belts? Wha? nah.  What were those.  There were times when we'd travel to our Grandma's in that said junkie car from Riverside, and it. would. always. overheat.  So she carried a gallon of water.  And I would almost always have to pee my pants from fear.  That shiz scared me.  She was brave.  She is an amazing cook.  Every day as we'd walk in from school, she'd always have and "afternoon snack". She stood by our Dad. She stood by us.  Well, eh em until Chapter 17.  But that's ok.  She is a good woman.  She gave me life.  She gave my sister life.  She is a good woman to my Dad. She loves her home, her property, her garden, her Dog and Cats.  She is happy.  I love you Mom. Happy Birthday.  She's the one that always told Tina and I, never leave the house without looking presentable.   Never.  And always respect people.  Happy Tuesday Rockstars!  If you have a Mom, tell her you love her.  Like today.  There might not be a tomorrow.  And you don't want to leave this Earth, without saying it...just one more time. 

Turning Pages.

My Friday turned out like this.  Hand up Little Man " Jio " .  Came by to see cousin Lisa.  Gave lots of hugs, pulled my hair, and squealed happy "Hey's" to me.  Dominic and Janine stopped by in total surprise mode.  On their way to Disneyland.  True sweet pit stop unexpected, yet full of spontaneity love.  I love them.  And this guy. So much.  Little sweet sugar.

Someone else received his love.  Look at those cheeks!

 Friday night was "Homecoming".  Pirate theme.  Every reason to dress in the littlest and tiniest of outfits.  I am serious.  Where. Is. Dress. Code?  eh em.  There are new talks about this at her school. AND THE GIRLS ARE FREAKING OUT!  ha! Guys too, I bet.  And the perv teachers I am sure.  eww.   Please. Implement.  I know, roll your eyes people, I should guard her at home. I do, but pick my battles too.  She's a hardworking good girl.  (Side note: I did drop her off with slider shorts, that are black and short, but seem to have got pulled up disappeared under her shirt..? weird)

Any how, moving on.  M and K.  Good times. 

 

Friends for life.  We had a nice long talk about this Saturday.  Kali said,  "Mom, isn't it weird to think one day, my friends might be married, with kids, no kids, living all over the country?" And I said yes.  THAT. IS.WHY.YOU.WILL.TAKE.A.MILLION.PICTURES.  I am a true believer in preserving life. For now. To last forever. 

I said, you know when everyone moves away and into different colleges, you will look back.  You will.  I am sure you will be in contact with some of your closest friends.  Some will have kids.  Some married...and you can reminisce over memories.  And pictures.  And these two birdies.  Makes me wonder.  It really does.  Considering my life, vs. hers. 

 

And while I was conducting things all Homecoming...Bill was in San Berdu watching the Fatal Crew set up for the years biggest event.  Chapparrel's Parking lot event. 

 

It's where people gather to buy inventory from seasons past.  A T-shirt or garb for the best price.  Tons of vendors, and a gazillion people come to buy. Pictured above are the folks that lined up at 2am.  For entrance at 8am. 

 

7am.  Ready to storm the lot.  B said people were running with strollers and little kids inside of them.  Scurry.  Look at the little girl in a pink jacket.  You sell more than 3 days at Ink-n-Iron. It's that bad-ass.  It's crazy 24 hours of selling.  Fatal, you are killin' it!  B, you make me proud.  Keep chasing that smart tail of yours.  You go-getter you. 

And while he was selling and hustling. I was prepping to go fetch this.  My new car.  She lived in Calabasas.  So the plan was to fetch her, and head to K's game in Valencia shortly after.  It's funny looking back now.  Meeting the private person selling it.  Transition in a parking lot of The Common's in Calabasas...(which alone is the finest richest town around) And you know how I feel about some rich people and just the way they look, act...seem.  It's just funny to me.  So we are standing in a Starbucks.  Bill gets a frozen yogurt next door.  I get a latte.  And we stand there.  And wait.  Watching people.  So crazy.  So here she is. 

I kept a "poker face" while driving away.  Meanwhile B is giving me his biggest happiest smile ever.  I am nervous.  I felt shy.  I felt like I didn't want to shout to the world about my new car.  I just didn't.  I don't know why.  Weirdo I know.  So we head here.  West Ranch Jr. High. (and to Jaymee, Sean, Hope, Carol and Jim...I/we didn't call because we simply didn't want to add more peeps into the mix in case we didn't make it on time...K rode with Mac and WILL NOT LET US STOP ANYWHERE ON THE WAY HOME. CAN YOU SAY SWEATY AND TIRED?) We got spanked.  It was warm.  It was windy.  It was beautiful.  I stood back to catch the many umbrellas.  It's these moments.  It's these times of reality that these games won't be forever.  I will miss them.  I try to capture the many different fields.  The many places we've traveled. By the way, That is one BEAUTIFUL school.  Those fellers have covered parking lots, and new fresh everything.  Holla.

Ok, so here is where the weirdo seeps from me.  On the way home, I told Bill he should drive K home.  The two of them should enjoy my new car on the way home.  Because deep down I wanted to drive my little Jetta Girl home.  For the last time from a far away game.  As I am strolling down the highway...this crazy sense of sadness poured over me.  The tears fell.  You know Mama's, those silly tender moments that maybe some of you have?  Is it me?  The tears fell because these pages are turning faster and faster.  And the moments, miles, cities, early mornings...driving her to these games in my Jetta are done.  She will be driving within the next month or so.  Although I will still drive her to the games.  Jetta has officially been handed over.  Its all surreal to me.  It is, you guys. My baby isn't my baby anymore.  I want to slow down the clock, but then again, I don't.  Does this make sense to you?  Have you had these feelings? Are your babies still babies?  Be ready.  The transfer of the torch happens sooner than later.  Be ready.  And people, please understand my tears.  Yes, I am happy.  Yes, I am thankful.  Yes, I LOVE MY NEW CAR. I LOVE IT!  I AM SO THANKFUL!  I just have a hard time letting these days slip away....the fields, the ride home.  Together.  Quiet, happy, sad...just together. 

 

I do have PEACE in my heart. I do.  I pray for her safety.  The many changes that will take place in the next 2 months and years.  College planning, life changing things happening.  Do any of you want to slow the clock down just a little?  Happy Monday sugars.  Hope this week is really peaceful for you too.  That if hormones are kicking your asses, it will pass soon.  If worry over comes you, fight it like the devil.  If sadness lurks around the corner, fight that too.  Smile. Even when things are tough.  Smile.  And please smile for me.  My new little addition is rocking my world.  Volkswagen CC you are a little gem you....Mindi I hope you read this and are feeling better.  Keep snapping those beautiful shots of your babies.  The pages are turning fast.  Trust me. Turning pages.

Hey there Mr. Friday....

And it's cooling off.  Aren't these the most adorable pumpkins?  Stuffed with succulents.  What a great idea for a Thanksgiving table.  This girl is so ready for cool weather.   Cute boots.  Beautiful sunsets, served with hot chocolate good wine.  And spiced candles.  Bring is Mr.Fall. Bring. it.  Happy FRIDAY players.  We made it.  We did it.  It felt like forever to get here....but you are here.  Even with spiders and dew all over my car, you are here.    And I have missed you.  Have fun this weekend.  It's Homecoming, Soccer and fun time for us!  XO Boom. 

Cutest thing this year.

I log into FB on Tuesday afternoon.  My cousin whom teaches all grades.  And an amazing Mama of 3 kiddo's. Oh....And the perfect wife.  Basically, the perfect e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.  She just is.  She has been subbing in classes in their small town for the last few weeks.  They live wayyy up north....like 9 hours north. While subbing in Broc's class yesterday he was told to keep quiet during rug time.  He didn't listen.  He was instructed to write the above sentence in red when they got home.  

He came out of his room with the above.  Not bad for a 5 year old.  I laughed out loud on my porch.  I continue to smile as I look at this.  I think this should be brought out at his wedding some day, while the speeches are shared.  This is some good stuff right here.  Good stuff.  Chapter 5. Good stuff.

Mindi, you are one heck'ofa Mama.  And Wife.  And Daughter.  And Cousin. And Teacher. you just are.

Broc, I love you.  Little feller, I love you.   Cousin Lisa has included this in my book of life in photos, that's a guarantee. 

Happy Thursday Kids.  Be quiet on the rug....K?

Lots of love...and lots of countdowns to Friiidaaaay....

XO

Forgive quickly....

Sometimes...there are those moments.   Those moments when people speak too soon.  When people tend to get on edge and take out their worse days on those they love.  Or vice versa. Yes, this happens. Yes, it's life.  Tomorrow is a new day.  To forgive quickly.

And last night I seen tension.  I felt tension. I didn't feel it over the weekend, and I enjoyed every single moment of that full moon.  As it glistened high above us all sailing the night away....sipping wine...and laughing all along.  Until the lovely night of Monday stepped into the game.  And you know what?  I felt it.  I express my view to B along with K and K.  and they roll their sassy eyes at me.  No.  I am not nuts.  Full Moons do bring out the cray in the crazy.  Trust me. (eh em...remember I had a Dad that drank his drank a bit too much..back in the day....)  I remember one night a few years ago.  It was a soccer meeting.  Some parents brought wine.  Some drank that wine.  Some were upset with our new coach.  Some voiced their opinions.  Some went way over board.  Some hurt other peoples feelings.  AND guess what?  I had a Naked Juice.  Carrot Juice.  As I watched the night unfold, and walked to my car...I said to my friends...Donna and Gregg.  "It's the wine and the moon".  We laughed, and have laughed about that since.  So. Hear  me now...if some feller was rude to you yesterday, or today...It's the moon my friend.  Listen to me.  The moon.

Or.  It could be shark week for the Mrs. or Miss.  So watch out.  And be nice.  Or you will get bit.  Be careful.  Be good.  Buy flowers. Buy Midol. Or better yet, chocolate.  Do you know what Shark Week really means peeps?  Think.  About.  It.  Happy Wednesday people.  Can we officially start count down for Friday?  Can I get a high five?  Orrrr a head butt? HA! Remember to kiss slowly.  And look into each others eyes.  YES!