The highlights...

And the lowlights.

This week was basically all over the board.  So let's just put our rain boots on and jump right in, shall we?

I've kept this little nugget of info within our family and friends this week, however now that I feel the coast is becoming a tad more clearer, how about I share now, k?
Gaylord has been in ICU for a week, and finally things are starting to look up.  I won't get into details now, but he's a fighter, and he will get out of there.  The crazy twist in the book of this life? He's in the same room, the exact same room that Shirley spent her last days on this Earth in.  Talk about hard. 
Last night as I left the hospital, headed for my car, which was parked directly under room, two three six.
I stood there looking up. I could see the love of my life standing next to his Dad.  Rubbing his arm.  Assuring him.  Encouraging him. Standing in the same room from six months ago that he watched his Mom leave this Earth.  I stood there for a few minutes.  I can't describe the wave of emotions that washed over me.
Pride. Wisdom. Love. Faith. Family.

Come on Gaylord.  Let's do this. Come on you fine witty man, let do this.  We need your funny antics.
A few weeks ago he called Bill a "dingaling"-  I have not stopped laughing about this since.
Lowlights come and lowlights go.  We need prayer.  We need faith.  We need the strength that runs between family to pull us through. The strength from friends that understand.  That the number in the chapter of any ones life, matter.  Last night I said "Gaylord, lets get strong and get out of here..." and his response..."Yes"-
Pray.  Pray.  And pray.

Highlights- Kali is home for winter break.  Which means a couple of things.  A happy Mama.
And a messy bedroom, bathroom, and more hair in the shower.  She toted home 6 huge bags of clothes in trash bags.  6.

Lowlights-Being woke up at 3:45 am with an alert that the rain is hard.  Flash flood alert a mere 50 miles away.  So, thanks for that.

Hightlight- Sitting in the living room shortly after with my littlest, talking.  Groggy voices, anticipated tornado or a flash flood that might rush down our street.  Nevertheless, we were together. Kind of chuckling about silly stuff because we were out of it.  So that was cool.

Lowlights- Shark week on a day I took off. But that's quite okay. I'd rather get this sassywanttokickeveryonesass over with.

Highlights- A much needed hair appointment today. 

Lowlights- After sitting in there for 4 hours, will I leave there with frizz?

Highlights- Saying happy birthday to this beauty today.

Happy Birthday Mindi!

How was your week kids?

All highlights?  Any low ones?

Have a great weekend.  Be safe, and dance in the rain today and tonight!

Keep Gaylord in your prayers? Please and thanks.

I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of....hair.

Big Love,

Frizzfest Mama.

Little bit of this.

And a little bit of that.

This week, you don't really want to know what's on my mind.  Because my tongue has rolled off more curse words than I'd like to admit.  So....

Let's keep it good and clean.  And honorable.

Happy Birthday to this fine young lady.  Brandy, Brandy, Brandy.....A girl that has wrapped her arms around my little girl with nothing but complete love.  Love at all times.  She's humble.  She's strong.  She's tough, and yet she can melt you with her big smile.  She's witty, yet charming.  She's silly and yet serious.  She's the mama behind the scenes during all the years of our kids in school.  Not to mention our little's courtship. 

Happy Birthday.  aka Mama B.  Thanks for putting up with me.  Especially during our funny rants back and forth when I use gnarly cuss words.  Because you get me.  And I get you.  Happy Birthday B.  I wish the best in 2015.  You've certainly earned a bigger halo.  That's for sure. I know it was yesterday, but my fingers never got the chance to sit and blog.  And so....cheers to you. Lovely...as you always say.

Ever have those weeks, or days that are filled with doing for others?  Spreading love, kindness, meals, and more love...?

Giving and giving until you feel you can't, and won't give any more?

Forgotten, tired and frustrated?

I know a higher God has bigger plans for me.  I believe I am in charge, yet I am not.

But I am tired.  

I know my circumstances are nothing compared to others.  But I count.  If I don't speak up at times for myself, well I'd regret that.

It also may seem as though I am tip toeing through more little rain puddles of pity.  I am not.



And so.....as I take off my sweet little hat, and wipe off the sassy from my lips.


I offer you this cute recipe.  It's easy.  It's amazing.  And it's quick.  Surprise your little fam bam with it.
Served with some real vanilla ice cream.  Your house will be filled with an aroma to bring home an army.  Or at least the kids. And I think it keeps the F bombs from rolling out of your mouth, like mine.

Simple.  Ready?

Crescent rolls- (I buy the ones from Trader Joe's-However any will do)
Green Apples- Peeled and sliced- (I think the tart is better mixed with the sugary additions here)
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Regular Sugar (I use organic on all of listed above except of course the Crescent rolls)
Melted butter-

Open your little rolls out on parchment paper-if you don't have parchment paper use a very good baking sheet so they don't stick.

Butter the inside a little, lay a slice of peeled apple, with a good heaping spoonful of brown sugar, regular sugar, and cinnamon...close em up and brush on the melted butter (I brush melted butter on the inside before all filling too) sprinkle with the ingredients again...put in oven at 350' for about 15-20 mins.

Serve with a dollop of real vanilla ice cream sprinkled with cinnamon on top.

You will be a  hero. I promise.

Let's not count the calories.  Who cares.  It's Christmas time!
 

To my friends I lean on-  The rocks I call and text when the waves push me down.  Like when I text or call you with tears of frustration that fall down my cheeks.  One puts me in check. While the other smiles and laughs with me even when I use bad words with her too.

Friends.  They push you back up like a book falling between book ends.

They get you.  They get motherhood, they get relationships, they get hormones, and they get bad words.

Happy Hump Day.  Hopefully some of you are putting that term to good use.  As in work, kids.  work. boom.


Big love,
And big cuss words.  F bombs have gone off the hook for me.  Under my breath. In my text.  Out loud.

Holla-----------------


Who's done Christmas shopping?  If you are, we can't be friends.  

Leese

His love for the ocean...

 

 

When you find what makes your heart happy.

Salty water.

Currents.

Sea Kelp

Ocean floor.

Beautiful sea life.

Up above.

And down below.

Most important, it's what sings to your soul.  It's what makes you tick when you are away from work. 

It's meeting new friends, and reviving old friendships.  It's floating out in the ocean waters sharing the love of the game. 

It's the experience.  The rush.  The solitude.  The madness, and the tides.

It's just being out there.

Stay salty Kris-   Dad and I are proud of you. 

"Live in the sunshine-Swim in the sea-Drink the wild air"

Happy Monday- Remember to live for today.  We aren't guaranteed tomorrow.

Big love,

This Mama Lisa

A reminder.

Well, Mr. Full Moon is back.  He's beautiful.  He's filling our sky after a much needed down pour.

A down pour that washed away so many things.

Water for our trees. Water for our flowers.  Water for our streets, and much needed water for our state.

My little reminder to let the little things go today, and tomorrow. 

A little side story from this week:  I walk into Starbucks on Thursday morning.  Feeling rather blah.  My hair was in a frizzy curly long pony tail. I tried to puff the top, and curl the back.  Grey hairs laced the middle top. My dress was a go-to type that is flowy and blah.  It's that one dress I bought on the clearance at Old Navy for less than ten bucks. Layered in leggings, and my old faithful boots.  You know those mornings you just feel like, shit.  Or wonky.  Or just haggered.  One of those mornings..
I stand at the counter waiting for my hot tea.  The girl next to me says "you have the most beautiful hair"-
Of course, I am taken back by the compliment, because of how I felt leaving my house. 
My response "oh man, thank you, it's a mess, and you just made my day...so kind, thank you!"
We exchange a few more words, followed by my "Merry Christmas girl"-  Same to you, she said. 
I walk to the milk/sugar counter to fill my tea with honey, as I see a sweet young girl about Kali's age sitting there looking down at her phone with the cutest sweater on.  I say "honey your sweater is so cute"-  She looks up and had been crying.  ugh.  She then says "your dress is so pretty, I love Japanese blossoms"- 
I say, "thank you honey....and remember the tough times don't last, and this too shall pass"-  She smiles back at me, and we exchange another "Merry Christmas"-  Of course big smiles, and I exit.

Out the door I went.  As I entered my car, tears filled my eyes-s.h.o.c.k.e.r.  Spreading love and peace on this crazy Earth is what will get us ALL through.  Both of those girls had no idea what they did for me.  They had no idea how needed that love was for me.  OR vice versa. Right?

My usual phone call to Kali then took place.  We chat on the freeway, as I explain my little experience, she said "so sweet Mom, I had the same thing happen yesterday on campus a girl walked by and complimented my umbrella, and it totally made me feel so good inside"-

Love.  Peace.  Kindness.  Smiles.

It's free.  It's easy.

Tonight, and tomorrow the ebb and flow will push on you.  Hand out peace.  Hand out some love.

Love never fails, remember?

Or drink good cocktails.  jk.

xo

Be safe and have a good weekend friends.  Do what you want.

Eat well, and smile at strangers.  I promise you'll make a moment in time they might not forget. Ever.

Leese

Or stay in and make these-

Can you imagine the aroma?  Maybe sprinkled with nutmeg....

ps.  Yesterday I dealt with a vendor/creepysalesassholetroll.....and I literally sat back in my chair, put my legs indian style and laughed so hard out loud.  just to combat the push on my soul.  
Not giving in.  I am not.  I am stronger and better than that. Because...we all know how ugly things can get. 
Oh, my tongue how I love your restraint.  LAUGH it off-

Dun. Dun. Dun.....

Well, I received my first Christmas card in the mail.
It is beautiful. It's Kali's roommates family.  The Thompson's.  They're a beautiful family.  This is for sure.
I stood there in my kitchen last night and got lost into their faces.  The four of them.
Their oldest moving along in pre-nursing classes at CSLB, and their baby moving in the same direction at CSUSM.  Only their littlest is side by side with our littlest. The hard work in all of their eyes.  Determination for a better word.  One thing I read on her card in the little year update story part- "and my house stays clean"-  so cute.

I reminisced of the picture we took for cards in years past.  How they were filled with promises and precious memories of that year.
How it felt so good to be prepared, and ahead of the game.
I also reminded myself, that even though I didn't get ahead of the game in the Christmas card arena.
I am here.  Besides most of you are updated by my world of blogesphere.  Am I right?
You've witnessed me at my best, and you most certainly watched me at my worst. Plus I leave traces of pictures along the way on my journey.  My families journey.  Life just how I feel it, and see it. 

We are here.  And we are lucky.
I have so many friends, and family that have captured some of the best pictures this year.  I've witnessed them.
And each time, I think oh man, THAT is a framer.  THAT is a Christmas card front page.  (shout out to Mindi, and to Carol if you read this you better get on your game with that kissing one in Cabo, and to Kyoko for the perfect family shots by the pier, and especially to my cousins that capture it all, eh em Andrea...)
I've captured a couple of my own that felt good enough.

Yet I didn't get in the game.
And that's okay. 

I love to receive cards. I truly do.  I love to see pictures of family. Of life. Of silly and of true.
I love to come home after a long day of work and open my mail box to see life.  And love.
More than gifts, I love to see happy things.

So last night marked the beginning of the little aching reminders.  My reminders because I am a perfectionist that wants to make sure I get my act together, and decorate to the brim, and purchase the list of goods I need to.
But guess what...?
I might not have the chance.
The days will sneak by.


And it's okay.

It's okay to slow down and enjoy the season.
The music.  The food.  The wine, and the friends.
That standing in long lines for that extra discount for something that won't be that "extra" in years to come isn't worth the time you have in peace.
Enjoy the season.  Live for the moment. Stay close to those that hug your heart.
The gathering. The dinners. The moments.

Embrace the card that arrives in the mail.  Someone took extra care in putting that together.
Even more, they are alive.  And hopefully healthy.

Each and every Christmas time I have fallen into some of my hardest darkest funks.  And this year I told myself I can't.

I can't let the evil of greed, and material steal that from me.

The homeless that walk the street due to mental illness. Not always drugs and alcohol.
The unfortunate, especially kids that are laced with circumstance.  Not choice.

Enjoy the season friends. Slow down to look at the lights someone hung.


Because on December 26th, the sun will still rise, and it will still set. And if you look around, those that matter will be the anchor that keeps you going.
Even if your back feels like it's breaking from wrap-a-thon. 

Look at me-  You're not alone. 

We all want perfect.  We all want acceptance. We all want gifts, to give and receive.

But in the end, it's time here that means the most.  Good food, good wine, and good friends and family.

Be still, and be thankful for what you have.  Because many people are walking through nightmares right now.


Until we chat again, you better get on your card game. jaykay

Don't forget me.  I'm serious.  I sit and cherish each card.  Even if I don't send you one, will you send me one? lol

And make sure it's perfect.  ha.



xoxo

Merry Christmas-

This Mama Lisa

ps. Kali, if you read this.  No list this year, k? double ha.
pss.  Bill if you read this.  Got off the hook from pier pictures in the sand. haha
psss.  Kris if your read this.  You better get on your game with xmas cards. Come on now. YOU have some good pics this year.

Because.

Because I still can't seem to wrestle my camera, along with the cord to upload, download, and dosey-doe all of my pictures into the right files. It's seriously taking everything I have to just upload these.  So right up front, I'd like to offer my apologies.  Or maybe not, maybe you totally understand.  Maybe you ride in my busy boat that isn't making the time like at night when I HAVE NOTHING to do.
Enough with the excuses Lisa, enough.
I washed my hair last night, that was a fete in itself.  boom.

One last disclaimer...my camera is really ready to retire. Which means I get to hear yet another time from Bill..."Well, where's your good camera mama"?

I know...I know.  It's all about convenience.  It's all about whipping that little metal dude out wherever I am.
Which also means serious deleting later.    c.o.c.k.t.a.i.l.s.   

Remind me, is November already over?

I'm still having a hard time with that.  As much as I LOVE December because of the love, and sweet goodness that comes with gatherings, and cookies, and Christmas music, and wine, and friends, and simple gift wrap.  And burlap, white lights, and more cookies...and Shelly's famous toffee, and all that comes with Christmas, and December.  Not to mention birthdays...Trev, Mindi, Jio and Jace...Tim and rest in peace my cousin Brandy. 

I will miss you November.  I really will. Maybe it's the kick off of everything pumpkin. 

Here a glimpse of our day on the river.  Thanksgiving 2014

In his element.

In their element.

Got to catch up with old friends.  Friends that started this tradition with us.  Here.

Cousins.

Love this shot. 

Now that southern Cali is finally getting our lips wet with water, I couldn't be more stoked. Not that it's helping my crazy ambitions when I get home.  Because hot showers, and my coziest pajamas are still the jam.
Just last night as I closed my blinds, and made my "cream of wheat"- with a side of toast I reminded myself.
I've paid my dues.  I've stayed up late cooking, cleaning, serving, homework, back pack emptying and filling.
Forms and paperwork for my kiddo's. I've paid my dues.

I should know better that my body needs a good workout.  And I really belong in the gym where sweaty bodies and people with huge head phones on are the shit.  But I decide to stay home.

Time is never as relevant as health.  And I know that.  I know what I need to do.  For my mental health.  For my physical health.  I'm getting there.  Soon.  I will get there.  I think my soul is still getting used to a shift in the tides that happened. 

Now, let's not talk about the pumpkin pie I baked on Sunday evening just so the house smelt amazing after being out of it for days.

I brought the house right up to speed in the cozy department, lickety split.

The problem is, I bought whipped cream.

I have to believe that my will power is way stronger than that pie, even if whipped cream is two feet away in the fridge.


happy taco tuesday kids. or happy rainy day.  or happy to be alive day.

Be safe, and dance in the rain!  Always dance in the rain.  And if not dance, well then get your hair wet and frizzy and kick some ass in the puddles.

Just remember, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.  Let the little petty things go.  Right down the gutter with the rain water. Let it go.

Leese, the girl with frizzy hair, and duggar bangs.  jk.  they're on their way out.  whew.

Perspective in Chapters

Well, there went another chapter in the book.  This one labeled "Thanksgiving 2014".

During that chapter we'd stand face to face in our bedroom with the news.

News that Bill's Uncle Art passed.  Not really an uncle by blood, but you know those members of your clan that were there while your parents raised you.  The friends you camped with, and the cousins you'd learn that even though you weren't blood, you carried a common bond.  You became cousins.  You soon would grow older together, and although busy in this life, you still carry that common bond as adults. Cousins in life.
The best friend that stood there with you as your Mom left this Earth. 

Parents.

Your parents.

Gathering, and just being together.  Camping.  Boating. Road trips. 

The involvement made him your uncle.

He'd soon become a mentor to you.  The one that encouraged you to "get a place up here on the lake Billy"

"You'll like it here better"

The one that would stop by and give us the biggest hugs, and a firm pat on the back.  Always firm.

He'd hug me, and always smile the biggest smile of affirmation.  That he was proud of us.

He was most importantly proud of Bill.

He'd walk in drinking his grape soda.

Looking around to make sure we kept up on our game.  Cleanliness.  Always cleanliness.

He was so proud of Bill.  "Billy"-

How he up-kept the boat.  How he maintained the house.  And all the little chores he kept up on.

Art. He taught Bill a thing or two about all those "fatherly" things.

Bill walked into our room, and said "Art passed"-

A million thoughts flashed over me.  We knew the time would come sooner than later.

But man.

He's gone.

We cried together.  We cried hard actually.  We finally let out the many tears we've really held in.

Art, you are a fine man. A hardworking hard man.  You certainly taught us a thing or two.

You will be missed.

The last year of his life was covered by Alzheimer's Disease.  The last few visits with him became scrambled.

Just last week we decided we wanted to remember him the way we left off.

Rest easy Art.  I hope there are a million and one cans of grape soda for you wherever you are.

We miss you already.

As I get my world back together from being gone, be a little patient.

We had a time filled with family, friends, and lots and lots of love. 



Love always wins.

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend too.

Filled with love. And beautiful things.

Happy Birthday Trev!  Love you little cousin. The one with the most awesome laugh on this Earth.

For sure!  

xo

Leese

Have you ever?

Thought about how you'd spend just one last day.

Here on Earth.  As your very last day.

Would you spend it a little different?

Would you hug those you love so tight, and never let go?

Would you tell them all the things you want to say?

Would you let the little things go that inch up your spine every single day?

Would you call that person you've meant to call?

Would you leave the note you meant to leave?

Would you take just one more picture with that person you love?

Would you hug tighter, and love harder?

As much as we worry on the daily, wouldn't it be nice to lay it down, and just live?

Keeping promises of love, and truly living life to the fullest, and yet not materialistic?

Would you really stop and smell flowers?

Would you look up in the air and admire birds?

Would you be thankful for the home you have?  The car? The bike?  The shoes? The warm jacket?

Today, and tomorrow, and for as long as your little soul will allow.....

And if you can't...remember to tell those you love, that you do.

Notes, notes and more notes.  Stash those little notes in places they'd never expect.

A smile. A nod. A hug.   Something you can't buy.

Honesty. Love. Faithfulness. Notes. And more love. 

Give it.  And if you're tired of giving it, change it. 

Happy Thanksgiving my friends.  Whatever you do, do it with a smile and do it with love. 

Tet the sable, and pour yourself another glass of turkey.

Love these steps.  Chuckle for my belly-

Go have fun, and be careful where ever you decide to go.

Stop and smell the flowers, and look up.  Always look up. We've looked down long enough....

Thankfulness does matter.

Have you ever wished that more people would honor the holiday with just being closed?
Stores closed, websites down, families together instead of torn apart by work?
When is the madness going to end?

Big love, and big hugs-

Leese

And the little's aren't so little....

We celebrated Thanksgiving with family on Saturday.

A few things I learned.  That I am taller than my uncle.  boom. #notreally  #heels

That my Aunts Susie and Nettie always make magic happen in the kitchen. 

 That Kennedy is growing, way.too.fast....

That this couple right here is in fact, melted in love. 

Same with these two. 

That I love my sister....

That Cameron and crafts are simply the best.  

 That washable paint still scares me. 

But I mean, they nailed it. 

Girls, I tell ya.  Girls.  

Beautiful, you see?

That UCLA fought fought fought.  And won, won, won!  Bruins all the way kids! 

 That Kali was soon tired of mamarazzi pics.

That our house is divided.  Obvs. 

That our tradition of going around the table expressing what we are thankful for will never get old. 

It's the fuel additive for the soul.  Sharing love, and light to each other, and especially showing our littlest around that table that love and thankfulness always wins. 

Love and Thankfulness....

That when I watched my Grandma make her way in, it melted me.  

I swear she's was awake.  That beauty does not like pictures. Emphasis on, like AT ALL.


And so that wrapped up one heck of a warm Thanksgiving gathering.  I said my THANKS of
"I am thankful for this family that I have, and how patient they are with us, when we can't make some gatherings.  I am thankful for our newest additions to our family, and I am most thankful for my little family.  For health, and for safety"


This week at work is short, but it's filled with "gotta kick some ass" -  Short week means fast payroll, and sporadic sales.  It means more of this and less of that. It means stay focused, and ride that crazy wave.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  May your days be filled with love, and good food.  May you remember all that we have to be thankful for.

Mom and Dad if you read this, I miss you.  I miss Mom's Waldorf Salad.  One that she took such good care in making.  Those cut up cold oranges, and the mix of whipped cream.  The walnuts, and the grapes.

Gobble Gobble til you wobble wobble...

This mama lisa