A cup of yum with sunshine and fun to come!

Two days ago it was in the 60's. Today it's 91. An amazing day...I have this thing for little vases and jars. When I treasure hunt at yard sales or flea markets, I am beyond stoked to find these. Kali picked these flowers from our garden and placed these in the vase for our bathroom vanity. I set these little vases around my house in the sweetest areas for my family to enjoy...It's the little things...I got this vase for 50 cents by the beach....Sometimes a simple vase left with flowers by the sink, or in your childs room..will make them smile inside each time they look at it. And it's free! Today after picking up Kali and a couple of her friends from school we headed over to YogurtLand for a refreshing snack. And boy was it ever.... Y.U.M.

This cracked me up...and of course I snapped a shot. It says "Clean Freaks start here"-We relate. haha! Anyone that knows me, I am a germaphobe. This was automatic...and awesome!

Tonight I prepare Kali for another dance. Tomorrow is Sadie Hawkins.... She is going with Tristan, and asked him by speaking with a teacher prior to the test being handed out on a friday. She wrote it, teacher handed it out...and of course, he said yes. They are friends...so this makes the night even funner. (I would of paid money to see that test form and get a picture) It's bad enough she said "mom do you really plan on coming by and taking so many pictures..) WHAT?! Her mamarazzi mom NOT TAKING PICTURES?! haha. It's these memories that I can't wait to share with her when she's a mom someday...looking back at the old friends....the fun stuff school DID offer....The great part, is a couple other mom's are going with me...smiling..It's theme is S80 Hawkins. 80's theme. So far she has all neon, lots of neon bracelets, short shorts, cut off neon pink shirt, with neon green bow....we are heading out to get new converse high tops....I was asked to help at the dance....BUT she is "soo over that" hahaa Stay tuned for pictures. lol! She is getting ready at her friend Pheobe's house with 8 others...so this should be pretty funny.... Oh the 80's! I remember begging for Reebok's, and leg warmers. hmmmmm. And AquaNet hairspray....wowzie.

WE ARE ALMOST TO FRIDAY......!

Peaceful fun...just waiting on the sun.....

Our friday after work ended with a visit to the Day Spa for massages...at that point we were both melted butter, but decided to headed over to Walt's Wharf for dinner and a great glass of vino...or two..! And so we did.... There's something about Fridays...I just love them. I tend to celebrate with wine or margarita's....and oh how hard it is to stop at two glasses...lol!

Kali went home with Mac, and the normal little trio headed down on bikes for dinner themselves. We get a call as we sat at the bar waiting for our table...and it was our sweet pea. They had their El Burrito Jr. Bean burrito regular...while we feasted on.......

THIS! The best grilled Halibut that I've had in a very long time..shared with their traditional Walt's salad. The salad is amazing; I should of taken a picture....it has candied walnuts, with amazing feta cheeses and thinly sliced red onions...just superb! Bill and I tend to share dishes..simply because it's too much for me, and I normally don't take left overs...unless it's totally worth it. That's why my serving looks so small. With their amazing sour dough bread, an artichoke for appetizer, salad..then this...it was hard to eat it all... This dinner was yumsie.....Thank you Lady Griffin Families....Especially to my bestie Kyoko for putting it all together....She knows I love this place..

My bestfriend. We've been together for so many years...and I still look at him and realize that no matter what happens in this world, he has my back. We still sit and laugh at things, with eachother and at eachother....and this night was especially silly for some reason. Maybe it was all my wine. Whew. Good times. And you might wonder why no picture of me? Well, I wore my hair curly all day and after my massage, it was like crazy hair day. But I reminded myself...life is too short to sweat bad hair. I just covered it with a bandana and smiled all the way in to that restaurant. He did take one....delete. lol- Whatever........sigh

So saturday we were suppose to head to Nuclear Cowboy's. Which is a motorcross stunt show. Absolutely amazing fun stuff. It was out in Ontario and after rounding up the kids to go, (Kali insisted she WASN'T interested) we found out they only had seats left in separate areas. Well...that wasn't going to work out. I didn't want to head out only to sit 3o seats away from my son..and his friends...So Bill and I opted for another date night. After the entire house laid around in bed until around noon, we got up, dressed and headed out for another fun dinner. Kali stayed at Mac's...This particular YH has many memories for us. 10 years ago we'd all head over in big groups by fast boats...we'd park down below, turn up the tunes, sip our cocktails and enjoy the entire day...followed by good food and good company.... Oh the memories we have in this place. We love their Moo-Shoo rolls. Simply the best. This place will never be the same (atmosphere) but we will always go back for the memories...

Heading to Yard House in Long Beach on the Long Beach Grand Prix race track. Next weekend fast little cars will be buzzing by....

Dad do you recognize this? Long Beach Naples bridge. After a fun time we were headed home to get back into to lazy mode. Jacuzzi was calling our name. Lazy birds.

I think this rain girl is saying goodbye to the clouds, because sun shining days are ahead.....After I blog, I will prepare Kali for a 6:15 game in Long Beach....oh how I dread that cold wind.....come on Mr. Sun bring your rays to my days ahead.

Kissing the clouds as they pass....

What a week this was....not really stressful, just trying to mend Kali...night after night crossing my fingers she can get some rest...I don't want to hear another cough....I want to hear "I am feeling better Mom"- Us parents know that feeling...they get ready for bed, you're looking at them, praying it's better with each passing day. Her stomach muscles are sore from coughing....I am taking time to get things done around the house...I always feel compelled to journal and blog

1. It's good therapy 2. I like to keep family and friends up to date with my (our) weekly topics...and just stuff. Do you know I have over 100 friends and family following? It's cute, because some check often, some check weekly, some check monthly....(my dad) -I don't know who is following or when...I do hear from family and friends that give me thoughts on some...which I think is sweet. So to my followers, have a great weekend...be safe, and enjoy this rain...for my family in the East...may the snow melt and bring you many many beautiful spring flowers....Next week should be bright and sunny here in Southern Cali. And I CANT WAIT....My flip flops are smiling at me each day that I walk by them........

The ARIES thing is soo me. I am an aries...I am fun and playful...but never to be messed with when it comes to my family or friends. I would walk through fire for them.....
And to the end of this week - GOOD BYE... See you all soon, with fun stuff I hope...

Has Spring really sprung?

Well as I sit and blog, it's just started to rain....again. We are finally in from work and school. House is cozy, candles are lit....so let it rain. Isn't it hard to believe it's spring? Well this morning it sure did seem springlike. As I drive down the streets checking out all the flowers, all the trees in bloom it reminds me of why I've always loved this season. I truly do. Even those folks that don't water their flowers, or plant them for that matter, have little flowers growing around them. It's cute to me. Rain washes away the grime, and brings out the beauty everywhere....I love California. And as we know rainy days bring cabin fever...especially for those people like myself that run around constantly. I purchased some really cute "Chip Clips" kind of like this at a cute little store and they weren't cheap. They actually have little rhinestones on them..and hand painted super cute... So...I have this clever idea of making my own. You can even let little ones make them...so perfect for closing that bag of chips or hanging a picture up against something....and homemade...all the better..

These are my favorite. I wonder if these are covered in fabric....I love these colors; my entire house is based on them.....Red is happy...blue is so cool...

For the past 2 weeks Kali has been battling a bad cold. From what I thought was just a bad cold, and many nights of taking her to practice in the cold at night, only to hear her cough all the way home and all night long. After the awards ceremony we arrived home to a worse cough, and "an ear that felt wierd"- No sleep, missed school to head to the doctors on Friday to find she has Bronchitis and an ear infection- Yes, I won the mom of the year award. She came home with a bag on meds, and we both collapsed into bed...and stayed in for the entire weekend....She slept..and I did all my spring cleaning....

I spoke with my dad, who told me to "keep her down and in" and to rub VICKS on her before and after the shower. We did support her team on saturday and she did play on sunday...(Bill WAS NOT happy) but she has survived. As of today...she is still coughing...oh the joy of motherhood and re-booking another dr. visit by tomorrow- sigh

I can just see Easter around the corner too....

So Kali was cracking up at me, because as much blogging and photo's that I take, I was going koo-koo staying in, with no action. Therefore I thought I would share one of their favorite dishes...it's simple, healthy, organic and easy. What more can any mom or dad ask for right?
Sorry to my guy followers out there...you can stop reading from here...or..if you'd like to try this amazing recipe, I encourage you to do so. Yum. Is all I can say. Yum-

Kris and Kali's fav pasta dish prepared by momzie!

1 Tomatoe (organic preferred)

3 garlic cloves (or as much as your like...we love garlic)

1 Cup of fresh organic basil

1 Cup of sliced mushrooms

1 Yellow squash

1 Green squash

1 Bag of Organic spinach

1/4 cup of olive oil

1/2 cup Kalmata olives (pitted)

1/2 cup of grated cheese...(I buy the 4 cheese kind at Pavilions)

1/2 cup of any kind of white wine-

Organic pasta of any kind you prefer....(Kali likes spaghetti style...)

Dice everything into very small little cubes...add the olive oil to pan, and toss in garlic first, stir around and add everything else, then spinach..add more olive oil or white wine if needed..and remember the spinach looks crazy big in the pan, but it shrinks well and fits right in...once everything is done sauteying (spelled right..?) sprinkle with the 4 cheese and serve over pasta. Sinful = add garlic bread for the side. Yum yum with so much beautiful aroma in the kitchen!

Bon appetit!

And I will continue to spring clean, cook yummy meals, decorate and do what I can while I keep a teenager on the mend...and out of the rain.... Come on Spring! I still look forward to the bulbs I planted 2 years ago, purchased from my parents town. They have started to peek at me....

Love, The tree hugger, mama nurse, spring cleaner and garlicky gourmet cook!

Recognition for the dedication that flows through us....

Most of you know I love music. Music moves me, and always has. When I change my songs, it's usually to coincide with my blog topic. The interesting part to this song...yesterday as I was driving to the banquet to go help set up, this song comes on. This very song was played for all the Graduating Kindergarten class when Kali was 5- Back then I sat listening to every word. Please enjoy. The day Kris graduated I made him sit with me and listen to the whole song by Rod Stewart "Forever Young" Songs are words put together to enjoy but also to reflect on. As I listen to this song, I think of the years of protecting her, I think of the many boo-boo's I've tried so hard to fix, and the many heart breaks I've tried to mend. The many soccer fields we've been to, the many very early mornings I've woken up to, driving to very long distances by myself...encouraging Kali all along the way. I was reflecting on the few days before, shopping for Kali's dress to wear to the awards banquet as we strolled in and out of soo many stores with blaring music as she rolled her eyes at me in between hangers in my hand "What about this one Kee"? Only to get the wierd eye back. And then I started reflecting back when I WOULD pick out the cute little cherry dress, with red bows to match and little red shoes to polish it off. Little braids in her hair as she stood on the little bench in the bathroom waiting.....But she pulled it off, pretty new dress, new accessories, and MY High Heels! lol! ohh my love for teenage hood! Bring it on! I hope she always chooses do dance.....We celebrated in style last night at our awards banquet. It's always fun to do so with your good friends, while your daughter enjoys one last shin-dig for the year with her girls...The ladies on the Banquet team from our board do a fab job at this ceremony. It's a long night, with food and wine..and laughter...it's all worth every second! I love love love this picture......

These girls look amazing....I can't wait to compare these pictures 4 years forward.....

The cutest candy treat table ever! So girlie yummy!

The lights on those little chandelier's did turn on....this picture doesn't do the justice for the colors....simply beautiful.

My friends! Michele, Markie, and Kyoko

I was presented with this beautiful basket of exactly everything LISA! I know my friend Kyoko put it all together after gathering money from everyone. I received very very nice words, cards and many tokens of thank you's. The girls and room cheered as they mentioned my name and it just feels so good for all my time. I will do it until I can't do it anymore...

Everything in the basket, was soo carefully thought out. This chickie knows me...Margarita mixes and tequila. Jelly Belly's and Forever Sunshine lotion and bath bubbles (just the name and look of the bottle make me smile)...a gift card $75.00 for Walt's Warf! yum! The best Artichokes- a caraffe water bottle (for our fun mixers at game sites on hot days lol)
My absolute favorite is a framed picture of the girls on the beach above. I take a gazillion pictures, and frame lots...but this one by far is one of my fav's. I am taking it to Havasu and putting in my room there! I love it. Cheers to an awesome season. I love my friends, and I love me some good soccer! BRING IT ON!

From blue to green and supporting red all the way....

I can always rely on my dad for all the facts on things that happen in this world. He just seems to know so much. He also has such a big heart. He called me yesterday. Which I thought was really strange, considering I was feeling so blue. He is a man of words. While I was speaking with him I could hear frogs that sit in their little water fountain by their flowers on the porch. The second I seen his number appear on my phone, I started to cry. I dried that up quickly as I answered. "Hi Dad"! He will never know just how much I needed to hear his voice. He explained things in detail about Japan and the sadness and scary things to come. He did tell me to donate to The Red Cross only. I did go to their website before Kali and I left for practice and sent money. My heart melts for Japan. From an Earthquake, Tsunami, big scary Nuclear plant problems to now...snow. I'm sorry to all the people there. They are the most docile, well mannered people on the planet. They remain calm. They aren't looting, they aren't attacking one another...they are coping. Don't you wish you could just do something to help? Mother Earth is fierce.

Tonight we have an awards night for Miss. Kali. It's held at Eagles Nest Golf Clubhouse. It had to be tonight...so we will go celebrate for Kali..for our team.

Yesterday I felt like sitting somewhere like this.....Wonder if you'd find a little Leprechaun's there.....

And I've always loved greenery growing around houses.

Happy St. Patricks Day to you "mo lucht cumainn! Slainte"!!!!

Why do the BLUES..creep up?

Can't describe it. I love my life. I love my family. Nothing big, nothing small. Just feeling blue.

Sorry I am not the chirpy Leese this week.....sigh. Maybe I need a vacation- OR Maybe it's HORMONES kicking my a**- Trying to keep my chin up...as my son reminded me last night at dinner..."Mom you have always been such a good mom to me and kee"- Sometimes super mom's meltdown too. Right? ugh.

Birds, Beach Soccer and Brunch...followed by a lazy sunday afternoon....

So...the big difference between Bill and I when it comes to animals...? I'm the nurturing, giving, protecting, forgiving type.. Bill? He's the "put up wire mesh to block out birds" while they nest for the Spring. The funny part to this? Mama bird was trying to build a nest on the other speaker by the bbq and he covered it right away with wire mesh. Saturday he found her on the other speaker, nest in full mode. I understand his frustration, and he said "you have to clean all their poop"...AND I WILL....but it's also such a safe place for them. Stay tuned for more on these little love-dovebirds. I'm hoping to catch pictures of her babies...if I can. Alot of work to make that little nest. You can see her mishaps. When Kali and I got home saturday night, I took her out to show her, and there was one little egg that had fallen out already. Such a bummer. Guess it's not meant to be....

Kali started playing for a new club a few weeks back. Today...VERY early this morning...(with the time change springing forward up at 5am) they had their first game. We won 4-1

GO BEACH!

The most exciting part of my weekend was Monica's Brunch celebration at El Torito Grill in Brea and my Aunt (Godmother) from Illinois was there!!! It's always so fun to be with my family. Lots of laughter...lots of love...and lots of good food and drink. We chowed down. So much for my Cabo body mission. I went backwards today. And it was all worth it.

Pictured from left to right. My cousin Monica in blue (bday girl) My cousin Evelyn behind me. My Aunt/Godmother Cece hugging me...My sister behind us and my aunt Lynda's boyfriend Harry. He looks so serious. Wow.

My aunt Lynda....holding her mexican pastry desert. Yum.

Miss. Kali and Tori. Poor Kali had to rush home after her game and shower and be ready in 15 minutes. Her reward was Brunch. She loves loves loves brunch. After that game, she had to be starving...

Evelyn, me and Cece. Doesn't it look like I'm squeezing her neck? lol

The part of trying to get people together for family quickshots is actually really funny to me. Because no matter what we did, someone wasn't ready. I'm sure the Champagne had some to do with it. So funny. So I added all the shots..simply because I found cuteness in each one.

Family fun times..... Happy Birthday Monica!

I love this one...my sister is looking down, and there's a conversation going on down below. My cousin Monica is looking super beautiful...oh how I love candid shots..

And just like that, our weekend is a wrap. Ohhh how I dread preparing for the week ahead. I keep reminding myself of how lucky I really am. How lucky I am to have a job to head to, and a daughter healthy and alive to make breakfast and lunch for. And how lucky we have it compared to those suffering in Japan.

Our love to you Japan....

My heart breaks for the families, the children, the elderly..the animals...completely broke from this natural disaster. I can't get those horrifying pictures out of my mind. I can only think of the many people this has effected.

As we move along in our day to day lives on this very weekend...I hope many have really thought about what we should do in the event of this tragedy. Mother Earth seems pretty darn mad, I'd say we should have a plan. Now is the time to make a meeting to plan for your little families. Here and abroad. From simple plans of what to do when they hit, if the kids are in school, work, or away...what do we do. Think about your parents and elderly. Who's in charge of what. I'm beyond scared of Earthquakes, and speaking for myself, I lose control. I don't even remember I'm a mom at that point. I promised myself last night...that I need to figure this stuff out. I need to be prepared. We do need a plan. And we really better be ready.

Positive thoughts and prayers for you Japan.......FOR THE MANY FUND RELIEF EFFORTS I ALREADY SEE, IT MAKES ME SO PROUD TO BE AMERICAN.....smiling with tears in my eyes....

COUNT DOWN TO CABO.............

Soon to be 41...I'm Healthy, brave, alive, strong, and turning....41 next month...and FINALLY we will take a much needed vacation to Cabo San Lucas! I still can't believe it's happening......We will stay for 6 days down in the beautiful resort town in an all inclusive resort. Looking back on the years in my childhood. I don't remember birthday parties, I don't remember having friends over...or my parents making a big deal for me. Like the "hooplah" we spread for our kids these days. There wasn't new I-phones, and Mac laptops to wish for, or Forever 21 shopping sprees-
I do remember my mom's awesome chocolate on chocolate cake, and the neat smell of blowing out my candles after making my wish. Served with yummy fresh vanilla ice cream from a dairy by our house.. I always loved my birthday. I still do. I think it's a time for me. I think those that love me, think of me on that day. I think it's worth celebrating in big ways the older I get. Bringing all the happiness I can before I get too old to do so. Happy Birthday to me soon, and watch out Cabo here we come!.......

Our passports arrived...and reality started to kick-in.

Dreaming of beautiful beaches just like this...with a book in one hand, and a nice cocktail in the other. Ohhh how I can count the days....

And looking forward to pictures, pictures, pictures. Dreaming of yummy food, no real schedule, long nice walks on the beach...swim up bars and big swimming pools...lots and lots of laughter and lots of love.

We are going with good friends of ours...she's a pro traveler and has a list of how to pack. What to pack and when to pack...I love it. Now...if I can just get all the little dresses that I've bought thus far on "Alloy.com" in those bags. Is it April yet? Sigh...