Smile.... pass it on....

Thursday was a day to go play. No soccer practice, no errands, no appt's, no meetings, nothing planned. Kali, Mac and I called Kell's to see if she'd want to head out for lunch and Downtown Disney. Funny at 15, the response when I asked Kali..."Mom..what are we gonna do there?" I said...well, "Let's just walk around, get an ice cream and just get out"....And so we did. The sun shining, the 4 of us. Fun.
Our first stop was the mall. Kali wanted to exchange her phone cover. Shortly after I remembered the new restaurant outside called "STACKED"- It's basically an order yourself, from an i-pad at your table. The burger, salad, or sausage of your liking. Neat decor. Interesting ordering system. I would give it 3 stars. I think the girls loved it more than me. I am a germaphobe, and touching that i-pad, knowing everyone else has, and will..creeped me a little. But the Turkey Burger and Salad Kali and I shared was delish. Looked like that have a good selection of Brew's and Wines...but my chilled coke was just perfect.
Finally, late afternoon we decided to head to Downtown Disney. Full of food, sillyness in us too. Our first stop. The Sanuk Sandal Store. I own a pair (Thanks to my parents...) they are comfy beyond words. Just not the prettiest of all shoes....I just LOVED this sign. Last springtime, Kali , Mac and I headed to the Walmart in Havasu, and while enjoying our Subway in thee BEST people watching spot, we decided to give FREE Smiles. I couldn't tell you how sweet it was. Some people gave them right back...some...looked over their shoulders...some didn't smile. But giving people a big smile could be more enlightening than we may know. They might need it.
On to the fountain of wishes.....
Wondering what they wish for....
Until "Penny" as we call her, tossed her penny too far....Can I get a retake? LOL
As we walked closer to the entrance of the park, we all felt the desire to get INSIDE. We pretended we had our tickets.....
Fifteen. One driving, two others trying.
Passing the candy store, I notice these cute snowmen candied apples. The girls did manage to pester the cute young man inside making them. "Keegan" A bit older than them. Smiling from ear to ear. Redder than a real red candied apple. Fun to GIVE HIM SMILES. So cute. So fun.
After getting an ice-cream we headed into the Lego store. It's funny when I walked through, reminiscing of the many years ago, Kris loved them. We'd buy the different houses, cars...to later step on them, or vacuum some up.....Time flies....
As we were leaving, I notice the holiday tree. This tree has seen a month long of pictures, sunshine and many many smiles. It's bulbs were faded. It's boxes were tired. The branches seem distorted. Just like the end of the year. I pray for these girls to stay safe into 2012...that they make good decisions. That they remember to keep each other close. Support, love and grow.....Cheers. Almost New Years Eve everyone!

December Twenty Fifth........

Christmas Eve is spent at my Grandma's. It's our traditional gathering....Tamales, rice, beans and a yummy salad. And topped with, of course, GOOD wine and champagne. We gather to laugh, share memories...and exchange gifts. While sitting outside on my Grandma's cozy patio, with temp's at 72 degrees, the girls played with Cameron, and "Shadow". This cat kind of "adopted" my Grandma. He simply showed up...and never left. That sort of things happen to cat people. This guy will let you put anything on him. He loves dogs. He loves people. He was soaking in the kids' love. So sweet.

We sat outside, while our Grandma/Mom stayed inside. She's never been the sun girl. She has beautiful skin at 80. Hmmmm...that's why....This very house, is the ONE thing in my life that has NEVER changed. I know I've stated it before...but I LOVE walking in. The aroma of her house. Her kitchen. Her bedroom. Speaking to me with "Welcome"....back to your childhood.
Bill's side. We gather on Christmas Day. Shirley surrounded by her babies.
Picture out of order. Cousins. 2 Generations. Little Cam.
I always like to look back at pictures. My little living room. Stuffed to the brim with gifts, love, cards, everything Christmas. Watching it all just morph to trash...and into rooms...another year. Another set of memories....
I especially love to receive Christmas cards. It's my little treat every year. To me it's more simple than opening an elaborate gift...in front of the giver. It's the quiet in your house. Smiling at the new picture of our new cousin dressed in Santa....or the year of memories put on cards...The changing of kids' outfits and styles...The perfect spot each family chose to "Snap their shots".... I love them. I love Christmas cards.

Kali loves the WOW factor in the morning. Santa puts his gifts out...under the tree, and all through the living room. Her favorite thing? Walking into the living room in the morning...with new wrap...gifts everywhere...and stockings filled to the brim. If that makes her smile....it certainly makes us smile. This year Bill and I talked of NOT exchanging gifts. We want to escape town in a month or so....head to Santa Barbara....maybe go wine tasting, bask in the sun, and relax..alone. BUT he of course skipped the rule and did fill my stocking...and buy some really cute things for Mama. Kris received a new needed mattress...Kali of course lots of clothes...accessories and just "things". I try to never over do it on Christmas. It becomes a spectacle of who get's what. Living simple. Giving simple. Remembering the unfortunate children who have been brought to this world without the chances our children get. It might be hard on Kali. It might be hard on Kris. But as I stated before. December 26th comes. It's another year. The rooms are full of "things". They are alive. Healthy. They have parents. It's all gonna be alright.

After opening presents, and Mama making my traditional "Biscuits & Gravy" huge breakfast...and the traditional CLEAN-UP! Kris & Bucks packed up to visit his girl in the valley for the night...I put on my coziest of clothes, grabbed my flip-flops and told Kali and Bill...we are headed to the ocean. Where the calm keeps flowing..."let's go"- And so we did. Kali opted to stay in bed and watch TV, until we had to leave for our next family dinner....The beach was 70 degrees. With a view to Catalina...and Newport...across to Palos Verde.
This seagull wanted our pecans. He waited patiently.
I thought this guy was so handsome. Merry Christmas....
This sweet girl was catching what waves she could. All of maybe 12. Out there with her Daddy. Following on his golf cart, while their little dog chased a ball. Simple. Beautiful. Peaceful. Just where I wanted to be. Hope the rest of the year serves all of you well. Happy New Year. Hope you share these next few days with those you love. Head to the beach while the sun is out people. Trust me. The tide has been at it's lowest. It brings you nice walks on the beach...in the very watering wet sand....Cheers! It's almost 2012! I'm curious on my New Years plans. Something different. Something....beautiful. Stay tuned.

Where is my dress......?

The day after Christmas. Finally exhaling. Finally settling in with all your new goodies...new clothes...and new plans. Our plan was to head to Downtown LA, into the Fashion District in the search for the perfect Winter Formal dress for Kali. The theme this year is "Viva Los Formal"- Las Vegas Theme.....So we headed out. Starbucks in hand...laughter in our heads...beautiful sunny day....Sunroof open, music crankin'....we were off!
Kali and Tori as we parked....I LOVE the old buildings...I love the architecture...The history. The stories behind each building. For us? We were looking for dresses! And Shoes!
Fifteen and Sixteen.
Funny how LA isn't so far from home. Yet so strange rollin' into....
First stop. Watching Kali look at fancy dresses. Priceless. After noticing "No Photo's" on everything...haha. Uh Oh. Yield to the Stalkarazzi!
After 4 stores, and several...uhh no's....she found this red dress. Originally she wanted a short flowy..kind, in a Colbalt Grey....As a baby, I dressed her in red. Red bows, red shoes, red tennie's, red ribbons. Red everything. I pleaded with her try this one on. The other people in the room trying on dresses told her YES, this dress looks amazing. She had them hold it. We wandered on to a few other stores.....
And came back to try it on again...After purchasing those sparkling black HIGH platform heels. So funny. I can only imagine those shoes will see about 2 hours of the night.
And we laughed and laughed. Hard. Trying to convince her to try these on! haha.

After going back to the Red Dress store, wrapping everything up there...having a Street Dog, covered in Salsa, Avocado, and everything bad....Stopping by a fruit stand for Mango and Cucumber's covered in Chili and Salt with lemon....it's something about LA. As much of a germaphobe that I am, I love it. I love the Street feel.
Shopping mission complete.
One more cruise of the streets. People watching. Enjoying the sunshine...
We made one more stop into Puss & Pooch an animal store for treats. Bucks and the kitties were amply surprised when we came home with amazing treats for them..wrapped especially cute. (Look at that old building above) love it!
Cousins. Love. Teens. Life is fast.
Crossing the street. Could be simple. But turned into a silly fest. I love it.
Heading home. Amazing fun day.
Good bye Los Angeles. Great dress. Great shoes. 2 more weeks. Kali will present herself to Gianni, dressed in red. Walking like a robot in those shoes...smiling as she starts her first adventure at Winter Formal. There are 18 couples. A limo bus. Dinner served for all. Photo's at the park together...and curfew 1am. UGH! Wonder if she'll let me put a red bow in her hair....Sigh.

Time to EXHALE....

Well.....How'd it go for all of you? My Christmas was just as I planned. Me. The way I wanted it. No big expectations...just simple time with Family. Time to gather, laugh, drink champagne, hug eachother. Say "I love you's" and just be together. Every year I miss my parents, every year I become frustrated with their long distance life. I also remind myself that being so far, and leaving the nest so young made me the strong girl, and Mama that I am. This morning, I had a moment. At times I have moments. I guess you can call them pity parties...But it's passed. I exhaled, let it go...shed a couple tears...and it's better....I am taking my Sweet Kali and Tori to Downtown Los Angeles, deep in the heart of the Fashion and Design area to look for a Winter Formal dress....we'll shop some, have lunch...people watch, take pictures and laugh lots....
Bill and I spent Christmas Day on the beach. With the sun speaking to us with the language of 72 degrees on the sand, we shared moments with Sea Gulls, fellow surfers and people walking the beach....Our evening rolled out with family on Bill's side. Kali opted to cuddle in bed while we hung on the beach...and that's ok. I have pictures to post. I really just want to go play today with Kali...Cheers everyone. What do you plan on writing in your 2012 Chapter? I do pray for safe and healthy times for my friends and family. You are what counts. You are what make me be me. Muah! Cheers!

In these moments....

With literally less than a week until Santa comes to town...we jumped into the truck with our quest and final mission to "Cut our tree down at Home Depot Farms"- haha.
We have had Soccer games, soccer parties, gatherings for this and that....
And the month literally just flew by....
Kris topping our tree with my new star "PEACE...HOPE...JOY"..........

Last week I received a card, as I always do from Grandma Allie Mae. The card is always hand written. Always a kind note. And ALWAYS a reminder that she wants to see us. Another year passing without seeing us....So I started to make plans. Gathering my sister and Tanya (an old friend and family through family...fun fun girl...)...to take her to dinner....Grandma Allie Mae was a nanny to my sister and I when the girls were little. Little meaning, Kali 6 weeks, and Tori 6 Months. She had her hands full...she was in her late 70's.
Allie Mae is now 92. When I see her, I see a history of loving children. Of loving everyone she can. She would rock little Kali for hours. I supplied my own milk..and Allie had a tough time trying to get Kali to drink it from a bottle....she'd cry, Allie would rock her...and so on and so on...the day would roll away...Kali only taking in maybe 2 oz's. The new weeks turned into months...and into years.....
She would sit with Kali and Tori, into their 2's and 3's...singing them "Jesus loves me", &
"The Bear went over the mountain".....These girls had it made with her. It wasn't until they both reached almost 3....I would come home, and something new would be found. One day it was my newly painted hallway walls..."beautified" with crayons. Large pictures drawn....On another day it was their curiosity in the hallway closet, learning to stack things on chairs to get up in....We finally had to both find our own stay in nannies, able to keep up with their tactics. We will always hold Allie Mae close to our hearts. These girls will never know how precious it is to have someone like that hold them, wipe their tears, clean their bottoms...In our home. With our goods, in their beds....Thank you Grandma Allie Mae. We bought her some new pajamas and a framed picture of her once sweet little baby girls....These are the moments...This is what the holidays should do. This is where our time should get consumed. Not standing in lines...but listening to her life...her stories...her memories of our sweet Angels...Even more enlightening...watching Kali and Tori 15 years later...wheel her little "helper cart" to the parking lot. Watching them caress her hands, and helping "her" put her purse up....How the process of life...changes....
Yesterday Bill and hosted our annual employee dinner at Wood Ranch. This year it included our Gaylord's family..and Fatal Clothing family too.....Kali and headed over early to decorate the tables with balloons and poinsettias. (Found those cute yellow "real" poinsettia's at the 99 cents store...) Such a cute color to decorate for the holidays...The color yellow for Peace and Forever...
The Fatal Clothing side...
Mark and Angela....
I arrived home last night...Bucksie waiting for "Anyone" to come home. Kris went Snowboarding...Kali at the movies...next best thing for him? ME! He is asleep on Kali's Santa's Wish List....can't wait to let him open his presents this year! Merry Christmas everyone...it's getting closer and closer. I am still fighting a cold. Haven't really been myself. More than any symptoms, it's fatigue. For 6 days! And fatigue for me, is NO BUENO! Today I celebrate with my hair appointment...and a little more shopping. I told myself this morning while waking...This is it. These are the moments...life is fast. Slow down. Don't worry. You can't remember and do everything....The people that love you will still love you even after Christmas. We can try to do for all, but sometimes we just give everything we can...and learn to exhale and remember what the season is about. Time for Family and Friends...Good meals, Good wine....laughter, hugs, pictures...and smiles. Soak it all in. P.S. How lucky are we with this California sunshine? 70's on Christmas Day....Sorry East coast followers... Cheers!