Isn't THIS THE TRUTH!

This has been another super super long crazy week. Kali is probably more exhausted than me. But driving, appt's, meetings, practices...Dental appointment yesterday..(I'm beyond a scarrity cat about needles!) - (Thank you Dr. Yoshikawa in Huntington!!) ohh and work....have kept me dreaming of Friday...and Saturday morning home enjoying my sweet cup o' joe...and my home. Just being home. Bill is heading to Havasu to work around the house, while I enjoy the quiet time. We are blessed with a babyshower in the valley tomorrow for a new little cousin on the way...and game on Sunday, polished off by tutoring for my sweet Miss. Kali in the afternoon to prep for Geometry test Monday....and it starts all over again! And again, and again..and again....haha! Enjoy your weekend everyone....go buy some cute pumpkins to decorate and remind yourself that Autumn is here....CHEERS!

Hot-Diggity-DOG!

There is a new little restaurant is town....that took the place of a Coffee place....of course I would take a latte over a hot dog anyday...but a date night with my son? Priceless.

So after dropping Kali off for practice, Kris, Chris and myself landed in here...at their cute little bar counter top....only to find a menu of over 200 hotdogs. I was looking forward to a cold brew and ANY kind of hotdog. They all looked amazing!

Chris was stoked on his chili-dog. We both were a bit overwhelmed with the choices...so I stuck with a safe one...The Relish Dog. lol! What a dork huh! Some of those that did catch my eye were: The Dog Pile...Artery Blocker...The Varsity....My Boy Bleu....The Devin Dog....The Sting Ray....Chili Billy....Such cute and fun names.....I didn't finish all...so I brought the rest to Kali.

Hot Dog and Beer date. So sweet. A quick jaunt into a place for an hour or so, shared with my son and his friend...enjoying a dog and COLD Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap brew....love love loved it.....Making memories over a meal.....

Let life be fun....and FULL of LoVe....

My Friday afternoon rolled into this place. Walking straight up to the table that sat my buddies from Soccer. Friends that have been part of my life from Kali's first Club Soccer days....Mom's that endured the many games...the many travels...the many wins and losses...the friends that held us together....we've all remained close. We've remained determined to watch our babies grow into ladies...we share stories...whether it's the girls....or family...it's our jobs...it's life. And I love to share it with them.

Sababa's in Long Beach offered a few Martini's on their happy hour special. And they were....ok. Nothing to write a strong review on...and just ok....I preferred their Pinot Noir...yum. Interesting Mediterrean style kitchen. We ordered Sababa's Nacho's...which was a salad covered in yummy pita's with olives and hummus. Interesting. Neat to try new stuff....

These chicken kabob's were my fav. Just the aroma of grilled chicken. Presentation of course always melts me.

Those shot's were compliments from the bar. We'll pretend some fancy big-wig sent them over. Our server was amazingly sweet. Great service. Shot's after wine for me? uhhh ohhh. Not so good. So I sipped for manners, but passed along for my sips of wine. Water, wine, water wine...reminding myself my family is waiting for me....If Bill and Kali weren't waiting for me? I would have probably convinced these girls on another pit-stop somewhere...the night was just perfect. How does 3 hours blast by....? Fun girls...good talk. That's how....

Kind of looks like we are on a train......lol

Kris planned on heading to Cruise for a cure...in Costa Mesa. It's an event that supports Prostate Cancer research. The boys brought the trucks home. Headed out Saturday morning to the show.....I normally attend. However, soccer consumed my saturday...and with the gloom...I was pleased to stay in....lit my candles, cleaned....had my lovely cup-o-joe...and peacefully prepared my player for her afternoon game.....

Taylor and Bucks...just arriving at the show....

The girls at the field. We played at David Beckham's field in Carson. Next to the Home Depot center....The perfect day for soccer.....I loved the chill and gloom.

Warm-up time.... GO BEACH!

Playing on Astro-turf....beautiful to see...nice to play on...but if you fall? OUCH! Burns beyond burn!

We played the #1 team in our division. Not just speaking for my daughter and team, but we dominated the game. Penalty kicks allowing our loss.

Within 5 minutes to game ending...Kali was running towards me, pissed...shoulder to shoulder running tough against opponent, when it was determined one was going down. Well it was Kali. To see her wipe out within 10 feet in front of me...you can't do anything..but just say a quick prayer that nothing is broken....watching her weep with frustration and pain. Ref didn't call the game yet until the sideline was yelling player down. She was soo mad but NOT being pulled out..continued to play limping...pissed...game ended...and the quiet ride home. Big bruises...lessons to never give up....and play hard will always prevail. I took her to her favorite place for salads and mac-n-cheese (Whole Foods) - That seemed to help. Soccer Schmocker!

Good weekend for me....the always preparing part of Sunday was so peaceful. My dinners are laid out, my week is aligned in such a way to sprout for Kali as needed. My house is perfectly cleaned....Isn't this sign so appropriate for Monday? I wake up sooo early. I make Kali breakfast...I prepare lunch for Bill, Kali and I. I get myself ready...and offer fashion advice as needed for my teen....(lol) I clean and organize my house before I leave...out the door for a full day. A full week. But reminding myself it could always be rougher and harder than what it is. Remind yourself when you're tired and overwhelmed...many many many people have it MUCH worse than you do. Have a great week everyone! Remember you are loved. And love feels soo good.

Autumn...I LOVE YOU!

The older I get...the more I appreciate the season of Fall....I love the sights and smells...the cool crisp air in the morning....the amazing scents of Apple's and Pumpkin Pies...the warm sight of cute clothes laced with layers...and comfort.... I simply love it.

These mason jars caught my eye. I could only imagine decorating a backyard with all the festive cornucopia surrounding your table....and chairs...meanwhile lit up by these cuties....I love love this stuff....recycled, and natural couldn't be any better....plus the ambiance of the bulbs? Soo romantic.

I am so ready for the weekend....looking forward to good soccer....nice weather...crisp mornings while I enjoy my coffee..Happy Hour tonight with my soccer mom's....The Originals. The mom's that kept our little group in tact through thick and thin...win's and losses....Happy Friday everyone...give hugs...big hugs to those that make your world complete. Cheers!

One down two to go.....BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS....

Last night was Kali's back to school night. It's always interesting to walk from room to room, checking out the teachers that influence your child (teen) through the many many hours each day. The many impressions they leave. Some of my best years were in high school. I had a couple teachers that will always stand out. Mentors that helped me through times when the world seemed to turn their cheek. Each year I email their teachers asking for any "Wish List" item for the classroom to make the year a little more smooth. This year it was tissues (in bulk), white construction paper, and the ever so popular "Hand Sanitizer"- And so I purchased and quietly hand delivered on to their desks. Sitting in each room for 10 minutes, looking around in awe as each decorates with pride for this school year. There were a couple of teachers that stand out this year. One is her Spanish teacher. There is something about her vibe. Something about her soul. Just a good lady. The other is her English teacher. I can't believe I have a couple more "Back to School Nights" left for Kali. Junior and Senior year will drop in way to quickly. For now...I do alot of driving..alot of cabbin' back and forth to friends, sports, school, errands for school..etc. I wouldn't change it for anything. I love Los Al. I love the district, the teachers, the kids...the parents. So blessed to have her amoung an amazing family of GRIFFINS! It's almost friday everyone! Last night I watched the clock evolve, minute after minute...hour after hour.....sleepless for some reason. I will get through today like a zombie...but I will and can. Mommy Warrior....I can't wait for happy hour with my soccer mom's tomorrow. The originals! I miss them all...Soccer in Carson this weekend at the Home Depot Center....And then of course the Sunday to prep for another round...! Cheers friends...and family!

This way for SOCCER and FRIENDS...That way for the PRINCESS.....

Our Saturday afternoon rolled into a nice game out in Santa Clarita...held at the beautiful College of the Canyons....very close to our friends Sean and Jaymee's house...

There is my beautiful #4 with her bestie...preppin' for the game....

What a beautiful backdrop for Goalie...Miss. Savannah....my buddie Kyoko couldn't make the game...now that Jordan is older, they are experiencing overlapping of games....and so I send stats...all game through....

THE HORNS! Sean...I thought joked that he'd bring these obnoxious horns to the game...laughing all along...thinking "no way".... well...those that know Sean....HE DID! LOL!!

I was ever so worried that she'd give ME the look...or ME the shake of the head. But she actually started to laugh. We scored 1-0. With Kali assisting the goal. They blew the horn...well.. once...plus a few other slips....lol!

Take the win...let's get home....WE ARE STARVING.....

I'm in my buddies hometown. So exciting.....

Following our buddies to La Cocina.....

To this.....YUM!

And to that! FUN! They have THEE best Guacamole.....

So now it's time for us to get home....and I ask my buddies to draw me a map....seems rather simple...but when you're in a strange city...where everything seems like "ohh that's just up the street"....I wanted to be sure I could find my way back...missing any Coyote...or Horse in my path....hahaha! (Beautiful town, by the way....) Above you see Sean's map.

And here you see Jaymee's map. Hmmmmmm......ol' skool slick track? HAHA!!!!

But we made it home....so grateful to play in a town, with a bonus to see friends, enjoying dinner, good laughs and perfect weather.....Onto Sunday's Princess party for Cameron....Sweet Cammie turned 3! Every year her Grandma makes her cake. Whatever the theme...so super cute. I love it. The picture doesn't do all the glitter justice.....

Someday we will all look back on these little cakes, Cammie's 3rd Birthday...the memories...the fun the little ones had.....

Checking out the adorable cupcakes...(so yummy too!)

Cameron is extremely shy. The singing part just "isn't her thing"- Right into Daddy's arms...Funny I do the same thing when I'm sung to. Except, I don't jump in anyones arm's...I just can't stop crying....I love my age, I love my birthday...but I don't like the singing part.....

There's Miss. London with her Grandpa. My Uncle and Godfather.....Alex

Sweetness. Sweetness. At three.

Living in the moment.

Finally decided to get in the sprinkler's. At this point observing all the other little ones....her cousins...her friends.....I was just looking at pictures of Kali the other day....this age....so sweet....so little...now preparing to drive. sighhhh

Cameron's Mama...and my beautiful cousin Monica. Monica and her Daddy.

Miss. London.

Sisters...and Kali.....

My beautiful niece Tori Lynn. Almost 16.

Cupcake time....

15 1/2 - Twelve years ago...you'd see this girl running through those water fall fun sprinklers....until she was shriveled....maybe taking a break just for the cake.....

I asked the girls to take pictures of anything they thought would be a great catch...and as I was strollin' through pictures last night...there were quite a few that were freakish...strange..and dorky. Silly-ness in full form....I could only imagine how hard they were laughing while taking some. I almost put some on here to let them live the lesson...but I was nice...only because I do know some of her friends follow my blog....but here's some metal.

Kris spent his weekend working, playing, working, eating..playing...and visiting one of his favorite Taco Shops. Fatal has been rockin' . This guy that runs the Taco Shop asked to put this picture up in his place...of course they took quite a few...I snagged a couple for myself. Kris loves pictures like myself...but frustration lies in the middle finger syndrome that seems to grow rapidly during party mode. And so...I told him I won't post, take, blog, share any that can't keep the middle finger down. I just don't get it. There are pretty people, beautiful girls...fun times all captured on digital. Why oh why do they do this? He promised me yesterday he will try very hard to make, and train himself to think before letting that finger fling up. ugh. Happy Monday everyone....I made dinner this morning in my crockpot. Kali trains tonight from 5-7:30, so I plan on getting in a long walk....another load of laundry....and enjoying a quiet dinner with Kris at home tonight....Cheers everyone!