Avoiding Sirens

Sunday before this last one, after a wonderful weekend I had to call 911.  Over an hour of trying to persuade Bill to allow my call, we'd soon realize it was the best choice.  Not only was it the best choice, but finding out he broke his femur with one big snap wasn't what either of us expected.  I truly thought his knee was out of socket.  We found out he had a small cyst in the bone.  Same leg that his hip replacement was done back in the 80's.

The doc said the break was due to happen any time.  We thank God we were home.

Friday night I made a halibut dinner with a new butter and reduced lemon sauce recipe.  Steamed spinach with shallots.  Rice and amazing garlic bread.  Sipping a nice glass of wine closing out the week.

We did a ditto copy on Saturday night. We literally found so much peace all weekend. Sunday was a beautiful day and so we'd head over by boat to see his dad.

By Sunday evening we'd both stare at each other making the same comment "what a nice beautiful peaceful weekend that was". The word PEACE is a word we use quite a bit in our home.
The busier my life gets, the more I appreciate the quiet peaceful simple moments. 

2 hours later I'd watch them load him....The funny part was hearing the sirens coming down PCH.  It was instant laughter.  Even through all the pain. We truly thought he dislocated his knee.

Our best friends Russ and Jodee would soon get a call from us.  Please come down.  And down they did. Jodee documenting these pictures. As Russ did his magic trying to get him moved enough with a small piece of wood to support his leg.
NOTE: As Bill and I sat waiting for Russ and Jodee, a seal whom we call "Otis", made his way under our little bridge-way, right up to the back of the boat, came up, took a breath of air, checked us out, flipped his flipper up, and back down he went. I was convinced he was checkin' on us.  So so sweet. 

Soon I was in the house scrambling to pack a hospital bag.  Something I regretfully know all too well.  Looking in that bag the next day kind of chuckling to myself.  Big blanket. Soft socks. Cozy shirts, and cozy shorts. Chapstick.  What I didn't know is that he'd be admitted for surgery the next morning. And that path back and forth all week would soon school me another lesson. Live life for today. Don't ever take anything for granted. I can't say this hospital stay we made friends but that's  a story for a whole nother' time.  Just remember you MUST advocate and watch it all. Human error in all aspects of life is inevitable. When it comes to my family, as long as I live I'll keep every check mark checked.
They'd soon all know who Lisa was.  LOL

 Day one post op.  Fever up from pain.

Day 3

Thursday night as we tucked in from the hospital, I noticed I had barked at him more times than I'd like to admit.

He wanted the remote there.  The water cup here.  An extra pillow there.  The ice bucket machine there.  The wash cloth here.  The urinal there.  AND. AND. AND. AND.
The thing about me, is I ALREADY HAVE IT ALL LAID OUT AND HANDLED...LOL- MY WAY DAMN-IT!

And I felt like an asshole.

Friday morning I'd administer my first shot into his belly.  A shot we will be required to do for another 10 days.  I kind of laugh inside because as you read quotes about "you never know how strong you have to be, until you just have to be" or something along those lines.  Growing up, my phobia's (the same as Kali) are vomit, or watching ANYONE puke (my children included); and needles.  I can say now that I have been tested and pushed beyond what I ever thought would happen. 

Our weekend included lots of adjusting. Lots of good meals for him, extra love, and lots of rearranging our life.  For the house.  Beds. Living room. Showers. Work life (he's a worker bee to the max, this is killing him).

Friday night his sister Sandra made us the most amazing comfort food dinner.

I have so many pictures to show.  So many silly, and wild moments.  

But the just of it all is it's a major broken bone.  He's alive. He's healing. Monday marked a week. 

A week of some adjusting.  Smiles.  Laughter. Pain. Highs. Lows.  And a few tears because 

Just know I'm a ninja nurse.  

The rest of the week will hand out what life is supposed to hand out.  It might hand us happy moments, it might hand me sad moments.  It will most definitely hand us funny moments.  I can't begin to tell you how many times I've muffled shit under my breath at him, and walked away.  

We've hugged tight and laughed through the WTF moments. Many times last weekend he'd tell me just how much he appreciates me.  And deep down, I know he does. 

It's what I know to do best, just like all of you.  And that's to help.

To nurture. 

To love.

Chapters.  

This is life.  We're in this deal for the next 3 months.  But you know what?

We'll climb over this mountain, just like all the others.

A few things I've learned through these chapter pages:

Things can go from smooth to rough in minutes flat.
A water proof cast cover with the little rubber end thing is no joke. #pullzallthehairz
The ice machine given to patients at Kaiser for healing is pretty bad ass.
Helping the one you love get into bed each night with one leg sticking straight out is super hilarious for us. Nakey even better.
Being a guy during this process is much easier, because =  Wiener. Urinal. Duh.
Peeking at his staples are woah.
Giving him a shot is easier than I ever imagined.  Who am I.
Showers make the world a better place. For him.  For me.
Friends are the glue in this life.
Family are the rocks.
I miss his hugs while standing up.

I hope you all have a beautiful rest of the week.  Stay tuned, when I can get my act together, I'll show you some goodness.  Minus the urinal, and his cute naked butt.

To our friends and most especially family, thank you.  Thank you all for the texts', the emails, the social media comments filled with love. It means so much to us.  The banters from good friends of ours. To Sean, look at me buddy, WE WILL BE BACK IN THAT BOAT SOONER THAN YOU MIGHT EXPECT! lol

Summer of 2017 I told you we were comin' atcha, but I didn't mean with crutches, needles, and shower chairs.
 I meant with smiles, and good music with sunshine up above-

Peace out,

This Mama Lisa

Forty Seven

I turned forty seven on Monday.  I've always loved my birthday.  Not for the gifts, but for the time that allows me to be me. Just like the picture below.
Blended strawberry margarita poolside.  Thank.You.Very.Much.
At noon.
The one thing that can be left off my list of wishes? The birthday song sung to me.
Seriously, save it for someone else.
My name is Lisa, and I'm a freak. I literally want to crawl out of my skin and run.
HAHAHA!  freak.

Disclosure:  I've not got my shit together for a regular post.
 Vacation cob webs covering my soul. 

So bare with me, while I adjust to the normal life of work.  Life. Sleepless nights.
And the typical grind.  By the way, is it bear with  me, or bare with me?
Help me. HAHA

One for the road though....how cute is this:

Our first "video appointment" with our amazingly sweet doctor.  In between normal routine check up appt's, she's allowing this- swwooooon!

Her first words as she logged in to speak with him, "Oh Krisstopppher, there's my son"-

MELT, MY HEART!  Another Upper GI appt set for his stomach, along with some more vaccinations.  He's 15 months old now guys!

May you all have a sweet weekend.  One of our birdies is at Coachella, while the other two birdies are boardin' the mountains of Mammoth. May the good Lord keep them safe----

Lots of love to you!

Now if I can just drum up the energy to wash this mop of hair on my head.
Literally, stacked on top of my head.

Go play, and be safe!

(blurry shot, but our nephew Rocky giving the wake board a shot for the first time)

xo

This Mama Lisa

AND Our Shining Winner Is......

Jen! She took 3rd place in her class!  

And while it looks like she's been dipped in chocolate, she's not.  She was sprayed down like a bandit, and they even let her go home like this! LOL.  

I love this picture for so many reasons.  The love of his life on stage.  LOVE!

Number 75 YOU DID IT!

 What a trip this show was!  I really wanted to snap shots of the muscle guys, but I couldn't stop giggling.  Talk about a silly head I am.  They literally look like cartoon characters.

And to help build my case, I did have a couple glasses of yummy wine down there in Culver City with Jeff, Renee and my sister.  

You guys, she nailed it. 

My first thought was, "she was so calm up there"!

We are so proud of our little shining star!

 The cheers, the spray tans, the energy in that room boasts all the hard work each and every one of those humans did with their body. Sure there's probably steroids involved with the guys, but I know for a fact this little one right here did this with 100% dedication and determination.  There's nothing better than proving to yourself that you CAN do it.  Congrats Jenny!   You make us so proud!

After walking out of the building that night at 10pm, we'd all want to fold.  She just wanted some sushi and a cocktail.  I'd beg for a good nights sleep and a raincheck for Sunday.

Sunday brunch at Schooner Or Later!

 She ate cinnamon roll waffles, with a bite of whatever was around her.  And don't forget a good' ol bloody mary!

Just after our yummy brunch, Shell and I headed over to watch The Dirt Bags (CSLB BASEBALL)

These little cuties stand around after the game to get player signatures! SO CUTE!

SO PROUD of you Big D!  Can't wait to see who drafts you!

In other wonderful news, our biggest birdie's labs came back FANTASTIC!  Each and every time I send him to the lab, I know the hours leading up to my stalking of the lab's website, will become a tad bit weird for me.  Sweaty underarms, dry mouth, and a jacked up tummy.  

I know with time, this all irons itself out. I know that God is good, and I know that this miracle of what was handed to us will always be known to ME, as a miracle of blessing. 

I wish you all a great rest of the week.  The full moon madness has left the room!  

And the love of life will be in full bloom, just like all the flowers and grass around you. 

Go water it!  And LIVE!  You can, and you should!  Look around....it could always be way worse-

Again a huge congrats to our sweet Jen!  SO PROUD OF YOU! 

Big love,

This Mama Lisa

Timeless Metal. Timeless Love

Scrrrreeeeeechhhh.....and she slides in to third-base with a whirlwind of a week again.  Not sure why or how the days fly by so fast, other than the grind of work, life, and just surviving.  Is it me, or do you crawl out of bed on Monday feeling like Friday is so darn far away, only to blink your eyes, and it's Thursday.  My favorite day of the week, Friday, is so so close.  Last weekend Bill and I snuck out to Del Mar for Good Guys Car Show.  Talk about a sweet venue.  And such AMAZING cars and trucks.  I literally found myself stuck to some.  Standing there with amazement.  While others I'd scratch my head.  "Hey buddy, whatever floats your boat"-  

My belief however, is whatever makes your heart full, chase it. And never stop.  We bolted down the 405 fwy at 6am, with smiles at one another because this truck has no windows.  Although I was wrapped up like a mama burrito, blanket covering my legs, the minute we hit the coast all I could do was laugh.  Hair everywhere.  Dressed like an eskimo.  Chasing dreams. Chasing the need for business.  Chasing the desire to get Gaylord's the recognition it so much deserves.

The sweet part of pulling into these shows are the ol' guys that always approach Bill.  The same sweet question.  "Do you know Gaylord"?   The sweet reply...."That's my Dad!"...and then the stories start. 

Every single ol' guy has the most interesting stories.  

Those stories fill our day, all day.  At every show.  I'll never stop enjoying their faces as they realize their talking to Gaylord Jr.  

It's just sweet goodness.  To say Gaylord will be 90 next month blows me away.

90.

When I booked the hotel a few months ago, I had no idea where Torrey Pines really was.  I do know that I research the hell outta hotels before we stay.  (You all know my gig with hotels-LOL) What I COULD tell was it was situated close to the beach.  And it was close to our babes.  Kali and Grant. 

So we'd meet up with them later for dinner. 

Kris drove out for the day.  I had my fix of Kris all day, then Kali and Grant for dinner. 

You know how you review your weekend in a nutshell?  I kept saying, my heart was so full because I had both kids in one day.  In another far away place. FULL HEART!

After we left Kali and Grant, we headed back to our hotel, (this mama was exhausted)...we'd make our way past this street that dropped directly to this grassy knoll area.  I hammered at Bill to hurry and pull over so we could run down and catch this.  What was so wild, everyone sitting or standing to watch ol' beautiful sun tuck away for the night, was in complete quiet.  All you could hear was 

the ocean in the distance.....

It's moments like those that take my breath away. It's moments like a sunset, and the still of those around me.  Smiling, or hugging just after it sets.  

Peace.  

The hotel we stayed at was having a fundraiser. Glitz and glamour arrived with everyone carrying a stuffed bunny.  The dresses were gorgeous, as were the people.  

Twas the perfect place for people watching at the end of our night....

Do yourself a favor and visit Torrey Pines friends...I promise you won't be disappointed.  

Dinner with our littlest birdie...

Meanwhile this feller was battling some tummy issues this week. The weaning of those steroids are no joke.  As a matter of fact, my email to his doctor would be, let's try this another time. He needs weight on his bones.  

  By the salt, and by the sea.....even with this straight face. LOL

In two more days, this girl will wrap up one of her biggest accomplishments!  

JEN, YOU GOT THIS HONEY!!! 

And then, let's go grub out on some french fries, ok?!

Boom! Happy Thursday kids...go have fun, and go spread love...

This Mama Lisa

Their Happiness

Their happiness is truly my happiness.  

And after another long interesting week filled with all the goodness life hands each of us, staring at their pictures is what makes my heart fall back into place.  Especially this day and age with so much craziness out there...it's just a beautiful thing to see.  HAPPINESS.

Jen is nose to the ground so close to this competition.  Pictures don't do the dedication justice.  It truly doesn't.  To not eat what your boyfriend eats, to not nibble on a small donut or cake here and there (she loves donuts)...to not sip a good glass of wine.  She works out hard in the gym twice a day.  

I can go on and on..but I simply tilt my hat to her.  

A few months ago they shared the news of her dedicating herself to this, and she is so so close to finishing this GOAL.  Jenny, you make us so proud!  Although I'll always be your biggest fan in admiration of that hot body of yours, and trust me, it's smokin' hot,  I'll always love you however you look-

  I mean, just look at her...our little barbie doll!  Next Saturday she'll compete against a group of beautiful girls.  We can't wait!  

 This was taken a few weeks ago.  This next week will be the final cut, the final countdown, the final of everything to get to the next phase.  Tanning, hair, nails, you name it...

Those shoes, and that suit...BE READY BECAUSE SHE'S GONNA KNOCK THIS OUT ACROSS THE BIG WIDE OCEAN!  

In other breaking news, Kali and Madison went to see Arianna Grande (whoever that is-LOL) last night with Maddie...and this cracked me up this morning.. Shelley sent me this..."You think the girls were hungry in Uber on the way home last night"-  Sent that dude in a huge circle.  Here's the thing...there's nothing open late at night in that town.  However, they did manage to hit up In-N-Out in LB though..

And then last, but never least, was Kris out on the big wide open ocean, chasing tails...

After he fishes, generally his legs always hurt.  This time, this morning he mentioned his hands hurt....

And now I see why-  BOOM!  Fish Taco's anyone?! 

With much love and peace to you all this weekend....

This Mama Lisa

Sometimes, It's What You Ask For.

For most of you that truly know me, especially family, will agree my sister and I weren't raised religious. 

There were the typical invites from friends to take the fun bus to Sunday school.  As a matter of fact, I can still remember the snacks, the music, and most always the happy vibe on that bus.  

Taking us to hear the "word" on religion.  God.

If I'm being honest here, I never made it back home to share all the goodness...or..."the word" with my parents. 

I was just there for the cookies, music and smiles. 

I can still remember loving the window down in that rickety bus, wind blowing in my face, no care in the world with those knots in my untrimmed long hair....

Fast forward and we'd be sporadically welcomed into the Catholic church with my grandma, and most always my aunts.  Again, I was moved by the music.  However, always a tad shy when it came time to introduce myself amoungst the people around me.  As a matter of fact, to this very day, I'm not sure I feel good about that.  I am a weirdo.  Introvert under my conditions.

I do however love to  put the holy water on my forehead, making the sign of the cross as I leave.

Feels so holy. 

Really push fast forward, holding the button down, and I'd put myself through catechism to baptize my son in the catholic church so that he could attend catholic school.  In my young mind, I always wanted him to wear a nice uniform, and be taught "extra well"...when the time rolled around for his Kindergarten days, all shit hit the fan, and we'd not be able to afford that. 

Here's where things get "weird"....

I always, always asked God for signs.  Even back  before any of this stuff happened.  I wondered. 

If God was truly out there, why is there so much suffering.  To this day, I still innocently question quite a few things.  Not to mention, I drop the F bombs under my breath more times than I'd like to admit.

The night I was leaving the hospital when they mentioned the words "leukemia", "lymphoma", Cancer, chemo, cancer, chemo, port lines, admitting, long fight, fuck, fuck fuck....I was pushed so far into a corner, I don't know how I could breathe.  I still to this day don't know how I was able to walk. To function.  To button a top.  I can remember asking my 19 year old to sleep with me.  I do remember staring at a sign in my house that I wrote in chalk 10 years ago that reads HAVE FAITH.

My prayers were so all over the place. I truly didn't even know what to say. 

To this day, I still forget to pray you guys.  And then all of the sudden, I'm like...LISA, PRAY ABOUT IT!  

Another thing you should know about me, is I can't stand hypocritical religious people. 

Do your thing.  Pray your prayers.  Just don't look down upon those you are no better than. 

My relationship with God is pretty funny.  Each day, I see little things.  I pray when something is overwhelming me.  (Like sleep you guys...sleep is pretty non-existence in my home) Most times it has nothing to do with the kids.  It's business.  It's life. It's growing older.  And hormones, or lack thereof.  It's my parents.  My sister.  My niece.  My life.  Emotions.

Friends. Money. Evil. Love. Travel.

I go allover the place in that silly bed.  

And so I pray.

Here's the thing. 

When someone sends me something that has true meaning, to me.  It rings a bell.

It's the same type of person that questions religion.  Life.  After life.  Healing. 

Blood.  Love.  Life.  Reason.

If I didn't have a beacon of HOPE out there you guys, I'm not sure I'd be able to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.  Many days of getting out of my car and heading up that elevator with so many over flooded thoughts.  Pity.  Heartbreak.  Anger. Questions. Tears.

And so I'd pray. 

My dear friend Erica sent me this link Tuesday afternoon.  She's my neighbor across the street, whom humbly serves others.  Never looking for recognition.  Never looking for attention.

The quiet silent Angel on Earth.

She reaches out to me every couple of weeks about  Kris.

Praying for him.

Praying for me.

She sent me this.

The little film is ten minutes long.  If you're not into the religion thing, I get it. Take what you can from it.  

Skepticism.

Jim Munroe- I am Second

I wonder if he has had Philadelphia Chromosome...

Lots of wonder for me. 

However, the one thing I do believe in, is signs. And answers.  And healing.  And God.

To me, God is good.

I hope you feel it some day. 

That's all.

Happy healthy day to you.....

Go spread smiles.   They make the world a better place.

This Mama Lisa

*disclaimer- I speak for myself in this post. As for my son, I hear him randomly thank "the good man above", but he's still a little skeptic through it all.  Don't blame him.

My Pocket Full Of Posies

Happiness is found in layers in my opinion.  The more I see my birdies enjoying this fast, wicked life I can only appreciate every little second of MY life more and more.  You know the motto--

"When mama's happy, everybody's happy"-  

Only vice versa these days...

The minute I capture a message from them out enjoying life, I AM HAPPY.  Each weekend we all send texts' back and forth. What starts off as "whatcha guys doin" turns into pictures...and pictures turn into happiness.  For me.  

For the first time in almost two years when someone asks "How's Kris", I truly, and whole-heartedley feel the honest response come to my mouth "He is fantastic"-

And truly feel as though, he's fantastic.

Yes he battles nausea every.single.day.

But will you find the silly side of  him?

Yes.

Will you find a smile at the end of his text?

Yes.

The excess of worry is starting to shed from my soul. I am sure at times, it's leaving Kris too.  Any time there's somewhere to be, to promote happiness or goodness, he is there.  Add in some little munchkins, and you've filled his tender heart to the brim.  This dude loves kids.  He begs to be a daddy someday.  

For a while I promoted it like it was my business.  And then realized, it's not my plan.  It's not my plan at all.  The plan in place is handed to us from far beyond the borders I am used to.  

And so I just pray about it. 

What's meant to be, will be. 

Here's Talon and Kris.  The sweetest little dude....

Jenny is on her final stretch of muscle mania land, hence the lack of presence.  

It's all the focus right now.  To say she's been focused 100% is an understatement. 

She's moving little mountains.  And building solid little big muscles-

Is it me, or hasn't she always been smokin' hot!?

Almost 15 Months Post Bone Marrow Transplant!

Meanwhile in other "Breaking News", Kali tried raw oysters for the first time in her almost twenty one years.  So, to help you sleep better tonight...here's a picture. Also worth mentioning, I think they are the most disgusting thing ever. They look like a um....2 things....well...sorry, my PG rated thoughts are they look like a booger.  And the way you eat them is slather, and swallow.  As for me and my soul, I'm all about enjoying the grub of chewing. 

You're welcome. 

But don't fret, she made it out alive...and off to watch Mother Earth's finest farewell.

Le Sunset..... 

 Del Mar.  

Cliff side hangs, and all is good in life.  

Note to you both--Never stop chasing sunsets.

Ever. 

Grant and Kali March 2017

I'm quite sure you're all wondering just what the heck Bill and Lisa did all weekend....

Well we rose at 5:30am for a car show.  Shout out to my pillow for giving me all the love it had all night long, because when my dude woke me up, I really wanted one more pillow hug.  But instead of pillow hugs, I decided face makeup would probably be best.  And then a flat iron to my always frizzy hair.  

The show starts at 6am and ends promptly at 9am.

Ever wanna grab a donut, coffee and walk around staring at beautiful muscle cars, go to 

Donuts Derelicts

You'll just have to part with your delicious pillow at 5am. On a Saturday.

Just typing that hurts. jk

Headed home after show...gloom schmoom 

Again, no need to worry about us kids.  We'd be headed here for just one cold one (mimosa's) and peanuts at Mother's in Sunset Beach.  A place where everybody knows your name.  The smiles are in abundance and the vibe is nothing short of "real"-  

You know my thoughts on dive bars. 

Some of the best people with the best humble vibes are there. 

This place is wall to wall dancing smiling folks by 2pm.

Go there too. 

You're welcome. 

Things change in life.  However the one thing that will never change is the beauty in a classic car.  

And dive bars. 

I hope your week is beautiful....

Keep on keepin' on....don't look back and keep a pocket full of posies. 

Summer two thousand seventeen I'm comin' atcha. 

With arms wide open. 

xo

This Mama Lisa

Oh My.

Here's a little something to start your day.....

Preschoolers and Elderly....

Don't Blink

Remember, LOVE is the only thing that will hold us all together.

Love,

This Mama Lisa

Snowy Happiness

LIVE-TRAVEL-LOVE-LIVE-TRAVEL-LOVE-LIVE-TRAVEL-LOVE-LIVE-TRAVEL-LOVE-LIVE

Mammoth Mountain March 21, 2017

May you both be blessed, healthy and safe for the rest of your days...

Mama

ps- Happy Birthday Cousin Evelyn!