What we do.

When you step out of town much earlier than you ever have before, you find things to do.

Between catching the boats that haul ass, while making your chest rumble, and your ears ring, to

doing a little homework on mountain bike rides.

We decided that drinking and partying isn't gonna work out on the daily.  Cooking healthy meals, and
folding ourselves into the realm of a cozy home and quiet moments each night seem to work out better.


The simple life.

My bright idea to send the kids these pictures on a Monday morning.

The response from our boy "This is AWESOME" "Have fun you guys"

From the girl "OMG, you aren't serious are you with those helmets"

and...."I"m dying, you guys this is LOLOLOL"!

I think she was just being silly, and a tad jealous as she was preparing for a big speech that she has today.

Helmets never looked so good Miss. Kali.

Haters gonna hate. HA!


Happy Tuesday Taco Heads.

As for us? More planning, more cleaning, and more time for us!

Big Love, and big helmets!  And sore butts too.

Leese

xo

Some more truth.

Happy Monday!

I came across this poem on one of my favorite mama blogs.  Funny, so many times Bill will turn his head my way whether it's in the car, or laying in bed in the early morning hours or late at night and ask "whatcha reading honey"-  "Just things, blogs, and tid-bits that soothe my soul on some days, while others rocking me to the core.


The Last Time- 

(One of those that rocked my core)

From the moment you hold your baby in your arms,
you will never be the same.
You might long for the person you were before,
When you had freedom and time,
And nothing in particular to worry about.
You will know tiredness like you never knew it before,
And days will run into days that are exactly the same,
Full of feeding and burping,
Nappy changes and crying,
Whining and fighting,
Naps or a lack of naps,
It might seem like a never ending cycle.

But don't forget....
There is a last time for everything.
There will come a time when you will feed your baby
for the very last time.
They will fall asleep on you after a long day
And it will be the last time you ever hold your sleeping child.
One day you will carry them on your hip,
then set them down,
And never pick them up that same way again.
You will scrub their hair in the bath one night
And from that day on they will want to bathe alone.
They will hold your hand to cross the road,
Then they will never reach for it again.
They will creep into your room at midnight for cuddles,
And it will be the last night you ever wake to this.
One afternoon you will sing "The wheels on the bus"
and do all the actions,
Then never sing them that song again.
They will kiss you goodbye at the school gate,
the next day they will ask to walk to the gate alone.
You will read a final bedtime story and wipe your
last dirty face.
They will one day run to you with arms raised,
for the very last time.

The thing is, you won't ever know it's the last time
Until there are no more times, and even then,
it will take you a while to realize.

So while you are living in these times,
remember there are only so many of them and
when they are gone,
you will yearn for just one more day of them.

For the last time.

When a trip to Hollister (stinky store on Earth) was her high light-

His young smile here, just so real and so geniune-

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


If any of you are wondering if these changes have been hard for me, they are. 

My purpose of motherhood, was just that. My purpose. 

And honestly it changes overnight.

Bill and I are beginning to live our lives a little different now.  More time to travel. More time to not plan out the things that consumed so much of my time.  Volunteering.  Schools, sports, driving, and cooking.  It all just changed.  

I have kept a positive face for Kali, and most importantly for my family.  But it's hard.

I miss her. I miss the days of doing her hair, and watching her exit my car for the day.

The hustle was real, but you soon miss it. 

If I can give my friends and family with young ones at home one tip, it would be, don't stress the little things.
Don't stress the dust on the cabinets.  Embrace the early morning games, of soccer, baseball or whatever you hopefully signed them up for.  Embrace it.  Volunteer because you will make some of your bestest friends.
Smile at the trunk full of stuff.  Blankets, and chairs.  Embrace it.

Work hard, to play harder, and just remember these days are fast.
They zoom by faster than I ever wanted to hear from MY peers (hello Aunt Ronda)-

Have a great Monday-
Have practice tonight, then lunches and dinner to prepare this week?

Embrace it.  Because someday, you will buy less milk, less bread, less of everything.

And will come full circle to just the two of you.  Or shoot, just yourself.  And it happens way way faster than I ever imagined.

Love and peace to you all.

xo

This Mama Lisa

What we do.

On days when we miss our girls. 

We head here. Order good wine. And talk.  And compare.  And laugh, and love.

A refreshing breath of good air between us.  Roxanne soon joined us.

And if you are wondering if there was a black and white memo sent out, you're wrong. 

Friendship is a good thing when you walk the plank of empty nest syndrome.

I value each one of my home girls.  Sometimes I can't make plans with each or all because of whatever steps in the way.  But I truly value the love between us all.


Shelley, I hope you have a blast in Austin, you lucky little star you.  To catch Eddie Vedder, with all your VIP up in the hood?  Crazy town-bad ass.  I am bleeding with envy.  Travel safe, and I hope you see some beetles fly around.  (crazy side to the beetles as in those big bugs-she lost her BFF to cancer not too long ago, and more than a few occasions they swarm down in front of her.  At concerts, venues, parties, gatherings.  They just do.  Kelly was petrified of them-little doses of "don't forget me girl"-Kelly, trust me, she never has and never will)

And that's all I got for now kids.  Crazy kick ass busy week, full moon, some sleepless nights mixed up in there, and all.  Done. kaboom. Done.

Happy Friday kids.  Happy freakin Friday!

This Mama Lisa

On this day.

We celebrate you.  Pam.  My Mom.

I know you don't care for your birthday, but we rally around this day because it's imprinted in our hearts. Forever it will be.

A few things about you that maybe the world doesn't know, and should.

You have always been a runner.
Your legs show for that.  I'm jealous. 
You are the oldest of 8 children.
You married your middle school sweetheart.  Whom has always tried to be your sweetheart-Sometimes he'd land in the non-sweetheart land.  But that was usually caused by too many sips of brew.
You mastered bandana's around your neck like no one else.
And your love for visors always makes me think of you when I see one. 
You taught me to stay busy most all days, and especially if your spouse was around. 
Dad has a tattoo with a bee on it representing you.  You, the busy bee. 

You cook like a top notch chef.
Something about the way you stir gravy always caught my eyes sending them to a trance.
One of my fondest memories was your breakfasts'.  Even now when we visit, it's my highlight. 
You love all animals, and feed them well.
You are a quiet woman, yet when you explode, watch out.  (As I look in the mirror)
You taught me to change a room around often, and change things up.  I still try to. 
You are full Mexican, and speak not one stitch of Spanish.
You love Gardenias and anything light and sweet.
Your chocolate cake can win an award. 
The necklace you have on in this picture was found by my Dad on the beach in Seal Beach in the 70's.  You kept in on for years, and years and years.   I remember that evening like it was yesterday.

You parented way different than I parent, but we've both some how raised decent humans.
You tackled my high school days the best way you could.  I was a hand full.  Well, maybe two hand fulls.
I will never deny.
Even when I took your car for joy rides while you were in Cabo, and Dad busted me because the seat was too close, you just stayed quiet.  I would of kicked some ass.
Sometimes as I stood up for our entire family, you'd sit back and smile.
You never liked pink when we were young, yet now I see it suits you well.
You used to sit under the dryer for over an hour before any family gathering, and your hair was always lustrous and amazing. 
Your skin is absolutely amazing.
You have sent the kids some of the funnest gifts.
You have sent Kali the best antibacterial wipes for her fear of germs.
And you did that because of her panic.

You have served Dad like a king for as long as I can remember.
You remain strong when Dad weeps.  Dad cries easy these days, while you remain strong.
Usually just acting busy moving things around, because you become stressed with good-byes.  Or heartache.

Every. Single.Time I see this picture, tears fill my eyes with happiness.  And sadness. Don't know why.
I mean, just look at this.  Look at your arms around my girl. Look at Dad's face.  Kali feeling something she didn't even really understand at the moment.  All of it.  Thankful Mom, Thankful. 

You have a green thumb, and such a knack for all little creatures.  Like those little frogs you tend to in your water fall.

You praise me, and love me at all times. Although a week or so goes by, I know I cross your mind. 

Thank you for bringing me to this Earth.  Thank you for giving me the chance to be a Mom. And giving me life.
I know the path was often times filled with only gravel, but somehow you did it.  Even traveling down here to us "flat landers" while the girls graduated.  You did it for us.  We appreciate that. 

I've taken some of your traits of cooking, gardening, the love of animals, and peace with me.


On the other hand, when the shit hits the fan, and my mouth can't be closed, well, I blame your husband.

Happy Birthday Mom-

I certainly know you are happy on your mountain, but boy we sure miss the chances to pull in your driveway and put a cake in front of you with plenty of lit candles.

You make 35 look so good.

I love you.  We love you.

May you be extra spoiled tonight by Dad. Maybe his famous chili is on the stovetop-

Your littlest,

Lisa Lynn.

Once a month, only once a month.

You can breathe in and out, or you can hide in your closet.  Choose wisely.


That full moon status is pretty dang awesome.  Now if we can just keep the knuckleheads from disturbing our peace.



Love and peace to you.

Lisa

Her little army of followers.

During the beginning stage of Kali of being away, it was all I could do but count the days to just give her a hug, and know that she is okay.  Even though my pep talks were filled with "you can do this"- I knew it was incredibly hard.

I kept strong.  For her. For us. For our family. For all of it.  I kept strong.

She came home. Back and forth for about a month.  Missing only one weekend in between.  And that weekend she stayed at her dorm was good.  She said she felt better not transitioning back and forth.  Her biggest excitement was Gianni driving out on a Sunday to stay with her.  If even for a day.
Although she misses Gianni, and I am sure us, along with her home...and cat, she is trying to keep a different perspective with it all. 

This past weekend she decided to stay back again.  She said it's too hard leaving on Sunday.

 At their local beach. 

She spent the day with her friends, sending pictures that fluttered between myself, her Dad, and of course my parents.


She dined here on Sunday night. 

Next weekend, we will all be in different directions, therefore I will miss her again.  Same with the following.

It's become clear to me that she is settling in. Soon a little nest filled with all things Kali is starting to feel like home. She loves her bed there, thanks to Brandy (swoon)- She loves the little meals they all cook together.
She's settling in with professors, getting to know how they're programed, and vice versa.  Her new friends seem to take her in. 

Saturday morning, while I sat in quiet sipping my coffee, it hit me.  Like a ton of bricks. It hit me.
I never imagined she'd even be away. A vicious cycle of selfishness filled me full the entire month of September.  "She'll be home this weekend, no bigs"-  I continued to sort through old clothes, boxing up our old school drawers of markers, flash cards, rulers, and all things middle and high school.   Coming across packets of old school pictures, dance pictures, soccer pictures.  Awards, and ribbons.  By the way, what DO you do with it all?  I am a hoarder with anything related to their childhood, but come on.
Have a one last review party one day, and one big bon-fire to celebrate? ha!

I miss them.  I miss our dinners together. 

Her room sits organized and cleaned.  Her cute pillows haven't budged an inch.  Her favorite Organic Strawberry Lemonade in the fridge.  Her wacky toothbrush that falls over tucked up high.
The flat iron she handed down to me still reminds me of early high school mornings.  Her old make up bag that was too yucky to take, now sits in my drawer.
Her Los Al sweatshirts that hang in the linen closet.

For now our little army of followers checking in on her are enough.

At least I think they are.

As they say, when they are happy, we are ten times more.

Kali, keep plowing down the trails in this life. Don't look back, and remember to keep that good foot forward first.

To my parents, and my son, thank you for checking in on her.  To my sister that actually calls her, thank you.
To my niece and all other family members, thank you for checking in on her.
It's nice to know she's surrounded by people who are supporting something that has been so incredibly hard.

 ps.  Did you know that her first 2 weeks of dorm life offered her (2) fire alarm episodes all within the middle of the night hours? boom.

All of the things you've been planning for months, end up working out.  With time, usually everything does, right?

Imagine that.

Imagine that.

Happy Tuesday- Reminder Full Moon is staring at us, so get some glue for your fake smile, and don't forget your muzzle for those moments of "truth" that might flow from your eating hole. The freaks that cut in front, let em. Shit, go all out and wave, with that middle finger tucked in.  Don't brake check the a-hole on your ass- Smile at the idiot that rattles your cage. 

Just smile, because you can.  Because you are alive, and healthy.  And someone else might have it way worse.

Love you, mean it!

Keep on rockin in the free world......

xo

L

The Silver Lining.

Who's tired of this crazy weather, raise your hand?

I have asked myself over and over again this week about it.   Most importantly- WHY-

The older I get, the less tolerable I am to heat and humidity.  Sticky legs, and frizzy hair.  Big fat, no thank you.

I know this sounds strange coming from a girl that loves the ocean and loves the lake.

Basking in the sun has been a favorite for me in years past.

However.......however.....things are changing. 

During those hot humid days I would bite my lip off each time Bill would say "honey let your hair down"-

"I love it down...."-  Well, yea so do I, but when you resemble a poodle, it's just not the look I am after. 

I am truly over the bearing heat in So Cal.

So I have found the silver lining in it all.

It's a dry heat- Hello family with the same hair, you hear me roar? 

The sun says goodnight a little sooner. Which is a good thing now-

The nights do cool off, allowing everything a chance to take a deep breath and prepare for the next sunrise.


So while we run the air extra longer, kiss your paycheck goodbye and just remember....

This too shall pass.

There is a silver lining to almost everything. 

Speaking of paychecks.  12 weeks til Christmas kids.  ha!

That is all I've got kids, over and out!

ps.  Speaking of hair, it's my turn to sit in a salon chair for hours on hours today.  If there is one thing I despise more for a Friday afternoon, it's that. 

And there you have it. One big bitch fest cry baby lisa.  boom.

xoxo

Leese

This guy.

Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day

Wild horses couldn't drag me away

Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them some day

Wild Horses, by The Rolling Stones-1971

Gianni- September 2014

To say that his life has completely turned into full blown crazy is understated. More like upside down, if you will.

School-homework, working a night shift for UPS, baseball, Search and Rescue-and young love. It's true.  It's crazy. 

Having a girlfriend away at college, while trying to sort his young life.

I'm proud of him.  

What does one do between all of these above?

Ride him.

Gianni, keep up your hard work.  It pays, one way or another.  It will.

"You see a beast, but he see's a best friend"

That beast is lucky you found him.  Very very lucky-

Love you,

Mama Lisa

The things in life you learn through friends.

And family.

That they eventually become both.  I am lucky enough to say, this is the part of my life I love.

I know none of you knew this about me, but I love my good friends, and most always love a good time. HA!

Mix the two of these together, with simplicity, and you have a winner winner chicken dinner.  At least in my book.

Carmen sent out a text asking if our six-pack would gather at her local harbor park.  Friday at 6.  Two of the six were at the island basking in the afternoon sunset on America Jane, with wind kissing their faces.  We sat here.  Bill and I arrived late, but that's okay, we made it.  And so the four pack, plus two of our lovely friends adorned this picnic table, and chatted the night away.  Yummy food, good wine, and lots and lots of laughs.

I've learned that friends keep the glue in tack, when life gets full, and rough. 

Picnic benches or fancy restaurants.  It's those friends that can look across the room, eye to eye, and get you. Sometimes a wink, and other times a smile of acknowledgement.  Whether that smile is "smelling/calling" bullshit, or if that smile is saying "game-on". Often times we remind each other of our worth. Of why this life is worth fighting for. For happiness.  Trying to forget the heavy chapters in it.  Encouraging one another that the scary rough times pass, and together we will make it.  To go ahead and order the good glass of wine.  Because we only live this fast life once.

Friends that agree to come along on adventures the next day.

So we packed it up, and headed here.  Unplanned and last minute.

Terrenea Resort- Palos Verde, CA

And if you haven't been, do yourself a favor and go.  Take a wallet full of money and go.  No, seriously, this resort is gorgeous, and plentiful.  The paths around, and walk down to the water is worth its work-out.  Just go.  Plan a day when the sun is shining, and go.   We dined at Nelsons.  Where water is fifty dollars. ha.
Not really, but you know those places where appetizers run the same price as a good dinner at a local place.  That kind.  But the view?  The view?  Just go. Pack a lunch, and a stash of good wine, and take your lover there.  Wear good walking shoes, and take a blanket.  Soon, you will get down on your love fest.  I promise. Don't take the kids.  I only say this because the walking, holding hands, doing a day date is worth you.  Don't have kids, or a date?  Take a friend, and go get after it. 

White and black, black and white.

It's a bird.

It's a plane.

It's HERCULES!

It's beauty. 

Friends that grab things high.  

And do funny things to call out the whales and dolphins.

Meanwhile, as I'm hollerin' out to sea, Carmen is in full hair commercial mode.

 It was a beautiful day. 

 We dined and dashed. 

But not before stopping at this chapel by the sea.  

I stepped into fantasy zone for like 5 minutes.  Never getting my hopes up, but always dreaming. 
I've always had a fantasy of proposals, and dresses, and of course venues.  The vision of where I would celebrate, and how.  This place was bad ass. 

But we got a move on....

And before you know it, we walked into Trumps Resort.  More eating, and more wine-ing. 

Trying to catch the flash of green as we said "good night Mr. Sun"

We wrapped our night early, which was a blessing all around.  Miss Kali drove home for the weekend, and our plans to hang with her on Sunday morning was well worth planning for.  Her Dad's famous breakfast-

These two have been working their tails off, while keeping their love in tact.  xo

Is there anything better than pancakes on a Sunday morning? 

Our boy stopped by for a quick visit and Sunday morning boat ride. 

Easy like Sunday morning.....

Well.....

When the tide is up.....one must duck. 

Or pick your nose.  Either one works well.  Keepin' it easy on Sunday morning. 

It fills a mothers heart to have her birdies in the nest.  Even if just for a few moments. 

And of course this baby birdie too. 

I hope your weekend ended up good.  If not good, well enough to be thankful for good health, good friends, and always looking out for good times.

Because even if you feel lonely or lost, just remember, those times don't last.

Stay busy, and stay true. Keeping kindness in the front.  Or back.  Whichever looks better!


Cheers!

ps. Remember, smiles are always in fashion.  And they're free.  Give some out today. 

Lots and lots of love and peace to you all.

This Mama Lisa