Little reminders.

Do you know our moon schedule this week?  Well....here.

FULL MOON SCHEDULE:   February 14th 2014- 12:53- FRIDAY-

"Love you to the moon and back"-

When our lives are in situations of grief, despair, envy, lust, and heartbreak it's easy to get caught up in chasing that next chapter.  Or dollar.  Or goal.  Or project.  Or human. Or whatever else consumes us enough to make a person change.  I see it, and I feel it.  And it breaks my heart. The reality of greed, and material have created the spout on social media that interprets competition during these holidays.
Keep important real things in front of your mind when envy taps you on the shoulder.

You are important. Make sure you smile in the mirror and tap your own shoulder.  You are.

And you are worthy.

There are times like this, that we should take a quick look at those less fortunate.  Mental illness.  Homeless Veterans.  Children that sleep in cars.

It's out there. Keep it real this Valentines Day.  Write your love a note.  Look in the eyes of your kids and tell them how proud you are.  A simple I love you, and flowers picked from your garden.  Notes will last longer than you may even imagine. 

Hey, you can get all crazy and perhaps load up some old clothes, or yummies and serve a homeless shelter.

Or, head over to your local animals shelter and drop off blankets.  This is the time of year where many are needed. 

Happy Valentines Day lovers and cupids.


Be thankful for all you have.  And hug that warm blanket extra tight tonight.

May your day be filled with nice people, true people, and real good love.


Dare I say, PEACE, smiles, and true people cost less, and mean more.

XOXO

Leese
. 

Whirlwind weekend.

 

Bill and I have mastered the craft of bbq'n pizza's.  Try it.
We lay a pizza dough out, smother it with olive oil.
Dice up artichoke's, green bell pepper, black olives and/or Kalamata olives, some cheese, and plenty of spices, such as red pepper flakes, garlic, pepper and oregano.
Cover it in layers. 
Place it on the grill, turned down low, melting the cheese with the lid closed, and voila.  There you have it.
A nice crispy crust, and a healthier version of all things pizza, and yummy-ness.

And as we prepped, we sipped our martini's, closing out our week, while trying not to chat about work.
We nailed it.  As hard as that can be, we nailed it.  We laughed, and carried on about this life.  About plans for the summer.  Birthday milestones for our littlest and biggest.
Our travel dreams for one day.  Which is to cruise across the US by motorhome.  Someday kids, someday.
For now, it's nose to the ground, and business hats pulled on tight.
One birdie was here- PBR Series.  In some very VIP seats. HA! I texted him..."wow"- His response- "They carried us to our seats Mom"- HAHAHAHA!

Saturday morning we decided a jaunt over to catch these fellers run would be in tall order. 

Womp Womp

He's friends with these brothers, so we'd stop in to say "hey"-

It's always nice to leave someone in charge of the camera instead of me.   And boy, did he do a superior job here. I mean, can you spot Waldo?  

What about now.

Now?

No?

He's crazy like that.  

Nothing better than a top notch photographer following you around.  

He totally has my back. 

 I mean, would you look at this?  Zoom on in baby. Zoom on in.

And if that doesn't tickle you pink...well, here's a going away shot.  

Don't lose hope though kids, a perfect close up of the brew stand. 

Moving on, it turned out to be quite the fun day, the two of us had.  We manage to tear it up alone.  We always have.  The sound of fast cars, the smell of Nitro, the chatter of the race man in the box.  The tree of lights that soon leave you holding your ears.  

All of it.  

I actually like these cars the best. 

This is how I look leaving for work.  Or, is that coming home.  hmmm. 

Maybe it's like this.....ya, it's more like this. 

Does anyone remember this heart crusher? 

Well, he married this sweet girl.  Who kicks ass out there.  Girl+Racecar Driver = Badass. 

Her Daddy is the founder of Paul Mitchell....

What I admire about her is the hands on, and true normalcy she portrays.  I felt creepy snapping shots.  But I wanted to show off my amazing camera skillz.  Plus, I was standing right there like a creeper.

We spot this beauty on the way out.  #GAYLORDLID

Over the bridge, and almost home, we'd spot this good night wave from Mr. Sun.

While we soon cuddled up on the couch to watch San Diego's Supercross. Our boy was down there doing his thing with friends.  #DUDEONTHEGO.

Sunday morning our girl headed out with Mac for some shreddin.  Fun was had. 

There truly isn't anything better than to catch a smile from my babes.  Each and every time, it gets me.  

 

Bill and I headed over to make breakfast for Gaylord and Shirley.  We cooked, cleaned, chatted, and closed up soon enough to run errands, and wrap up the weekend, like a blanket in a closet.  Too soon it's time to focus on Monday again. Life as we know it. 

Able, ready and willing. 

Well, at 5am, some of those don't easily apply. 

Spread kindness this week kids.  

Show the world what a simple smile can do.  

Or...shoot, laugh a little.  Go way out. 

Who's over all the Valentines gimmick? 

So over-rated.   

Don't EVEN get me started on the engagement commercials. 

I just might throw up a little in my mouth- boom! HAHAHAHA!

Happy Monday! 

Guess who sent their sweet little girl pictures of this sweet glory from up north? 

 My Mama and Dad.....STOKED!

My fur sister is stoked too.  Only because she gets to wear her "new" rain coat.  Lucky girl. 

"Come on rain, come down on me...."

May peace be with you today, and forever and ever....

This Mama Lisa

Laughter remedies.

Last night after spilling my guts about how much I love my son.

And of course how much I love my girl.

I came home to dishes over floweth.

Trash that hadn't been emptied since the day before.

A bathroom trash that literally had stuff toppling off the top, but no one reached down to pick it up, because...that we be way too hard. Q-Tips, are heavy.  Tissue.... ouch.


Maybe because I have a big heart, and spoil those creatures too much, or maybe it's because they are slobs and don't care.  Either way when I got home after busting ass at work, all heck broke loose.
Not only did it break loose, but chapter seventeen girl was giving me a very detailed description of how to prep her dinner.  I know, re-read that again.  "how to prep HER meal."
It was shortly after that rolled out of her mouth that I prepped the whip that would soon coming flying from my back pocket.

And let loose I did.

After listening to her complain about how much of a slob her brother is, which I already know....


......I called him.  Who was at the gym, pumping iron, staring at his beautiful self in the mirror.

Turns out, once miss perfect chapter seventeen girl took off to the gym for her little work out...things began to unravel for me.

My little beautiful living room rug soon filled with all things "them"-

Her scarf that laid across the kitchen table chair.
Her back pack that was by the kitchen entrance.
ALL of her books on that table.
Her left over goodie bags from the week that were "left out"
Her moccasins.


On to mr perfect.
His new spear fishing gear.
His back pack.
His new socks that he bought and laid em down on the sofa.
His Fatal beanie, Fatal hat, and cut up gym shirts.
His tackle box.

Although in a rage of frustration I should have snapped a picture of what my kids point the finger at eachother as "slobs"-
They are.  I am not.  The rug showed slobs.

The rug was filled like a toddler rug at preschool, scattered with all things, THEM.

I turned on the shower, cranked up the heater.  Lit a candle in my room.  Fed my kitties.
Jumped in that shower, and used miss perfects new face cleansing products.
Stepped out, made a bowl of oatmeal, some toast, and sat on my bed in sweet glory.

What dinner?

What veggies steamed instead of put in with the meat?

What kitchen sink filled with dishes?

What bathroom trash filled...oh, that too, I put that out on the rug.

Why do I submit myself to this after the lessons they should already know?

They are spoiled.  I don't do their laundry. I have taught them to work, and be very respectfully responsible human beings.  But when, and where did I lose the card on cleaning, and organization.
I am a type A, over organizer.  I function much much better with a super clean house.  We know that.

Shame on me for doing this all these years, and teaching them that being a lazy slob gets us absolutely no where.  

It's Friday.  Our house closed up very quiet last night.  The clutter, and rug was cleared when I walked back through at midnight as I couldn't sleep.  Thank God I didn't have to walk around or trip on any of that.  The humans I reside with might get a new clear vision of my frustrations.  They are old enough, and certainly able.

So, to send you lovers and maids off with a laugh today.  Here's a few things that cracked me up. We all know laughter and good wine is the best remedy to any stressful situation.

Have a good weekend Mama's and Papa's.  Keep praying for rain.  God is listening.  I certainly hope and think so.

Love your pets, and keep them inside, right along with you.  They know it, and deserve it.

 

Have a good weekend!  Be safe, and keep your whip out and ready....Or is your house perfect?

You lucky dog you.

Heyyyo.

This wicked mama lisa

Meet us at the drag races?

My biggest.

A dude that was born at seven healthy pounds, and was just barely nineteen inches.

He cried a heck of a lot the first night at home.

I was scared.

I was young.

I was learning many new things right along with him.

We are closer than most can imagine.

We've grown up together.

We taught each other a thing or two about sharing.

We've listened to one another as each of us needed a boost.

I've taught him to be respectful. To elderly, to peers, and especially to humans that serve.  Always out and about in public places.

There will always be pleases, and many thank you's.

It's what he is made of.

He has more friends that we can count on all our fingers and toes.

Most are good people.

We've crossed paths with plenty of Mr and Mrs McShady's.  Not often, but we have.  He has.

 The crew of friends that surround him now, are quite awesome.

And when I say awesome, I mean this times a thousand.  

As your kids grow, you grow.  Together you watch things change.  Evolve, and move on.

I've watched heartbreak.  I've watched him fall in love.

He's a financial guru.  This guy is wrapped up in dough.  Sometimes more than I wish to admit.

But one thing he dances around way better than most, especially at his age is the value of a dollar.

And how saving, and being a tight ass is always the best route.

Last weekend Bill had his Fatal photo shoot.  He is lucky his Dad rallies the way he does.

To see my son with his group of friends celebrating this life made my heart full. And my toothless mouth pound. jk.

He is now 6" 2".  And works out like a dog.  He's into his health, and loves Mexican food more than any other food on this planet.

He parties to have a good time.  Is an advocate of having a designated driver.

He loves his parents and is a mama's boy. ha! He at times tolerates his sister.  Some days more than others.  Most days they laugh with eachother.  While other days he can't believe I can put up with her attitude. Me too~

He loves animals, and all nature related things.

He appreciates kindness, and loving words.

He's silly right along with me, and yet can fold up in fear and worry in a split second.

He's my boy.

And I am proud of him.

Happy Thirsty Thursday!

It's raining, it's pouring....the old man is snoring.

Well, this dude did all day long on my desk today at work.

Big love,

ps. Guys our rain dance is working!  Come on sky, keep showering us with sweet glory...

Mama Lisa.

The moments to share.

Last night was "Senior" night at Los Al, for Girls Soccer.

I went to root for this chick.

I've had the honor of watching her since she was 11.  I've had the best honor of feeling like family to her.
And so we packed our warm gear, loaded the car, and pulled in to catch this beauty.
I have loads more to speak about her, but will leave it with, I love her, and am extremely proud of her endeavors with this team, along with our club teams in the past.  As parents we can write mind blowing books on what we've seen.  Not to mention what we've heard, touched, smelt, and felt.  All of it.
But truthfully speaking if we gave these girls a chance to jot down what truly goes through their heads, and little precious souls on this journey, we'd be firmly pushed back down in our seats.
She's been our goalie on club and HS.  She's wicked tough, and she's wicked smart. She's been handed lectures that are filled with loud shitty spurts from coaches.  She's heard glory from parents, and team mates.  She's been hugged by coaches that adore her, and she's been slammed back down by opponents, team mates, and balls.  Body marks on her hips, knee's and thighs prove this.  She's been scouted and offered spots that won't "have" to work for her.
I am proud of you Sav.  We all are.  Can't wait to call you doctor one day, beautiful girl.  I can't wait.

As Kali stepped down off of her soccer career platform I knew some days would be missed. She did too.
We both enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with the territory of sportsmanship, and coaches.  Not to mention the bonds they all shared.   Her academic cloud formed, and grades blossomed higher than any score on a tablet.  Last night I had the honor to sit next to some ol' buddies from back in the day.
Those buddies that held eachother up, when changes were made, or coaching was shifted.
We held on to eachother.  Kyoko and I made a pact, that no matter what, we'd never lose touch.

What many don't know, however, is the bond we share was brought together by sitting on a green field, surrounded by many other parents sharing that same common passion.  Soccer, games, daughters, and friendships. All because of that sport, we blended.  I will forever be grateful for the memories.  Good, awesome, kick ass great, and kick our asses bad.  We had each other.

The days are becoming closer and closer to writing the last pages in their soccer chapter book. Kali has pretty much closed her book, and shifted it to the top shelf in this life.  That soccer memory book, along with the many, many, oh so many little pins that stuck to her back pack. They all sit in our curio cabinet now.  I unhooked each one, as I pushed them right back into the ribbon that holds some other medals together.  Admiring where we went.  The sand tournaments.  The hot days out in San Bernadino.
The windy, cold but fun Lancaster tournaments.
Memories flushed over me.  I will miss it.  Kali will miss it. I know for sure this goalie will miss it.
Two things that Kali held over her decision to step down.  Varsity Retreat, and Senior Day.  Those two.  And that's it.  I kept looking over at Kali to see her reaction to it all.  Her content stature seemed extremely content.  Smiling for her friends down there. Smiling for the memories, and time she spent with them all.  Listening to her raging coach yell as he paced back and forth, all of it.  She was content.  
We so happen to be playing our nieces team "Marina"-  Where...Regina, close your eyes, and shut your ears....We spanked em 4-0----- We caught up with Regina on our way out.

Although we missed the girls getting covered in Senior glory, as I pulled away, it was all I could do but clear the lump in my throat.  I was quiet.  Kali was quiet.  The tides are changing.  The ebb and flow in this life become real.

After stepping down from the board, and missing the many parents whom I harassed with several emails each week, I wondered how life would go on without me. HA.  jk.  but no...really.  Life went on.  The board went on. And a job well done is obvious.

Kyoko sent me a text this morning.  First of all thanking us for coming out.  What she doesn't realize is that we needed that.  I needed that. I love that. 

Just like I love them.

Happy Humpday Humpers.

Keep it real.  And hold on, this life is in fact, flying.

Don't believe me?  Just look through your old pictures.

Have little ones?  Get them involved.  In something.  You will never regret it.

Because you will make lifetime friends, and that's for sure.

Big fat BOOM!


Live the life you love,

Lisa