Things that make my heart go pitter pat!

So...I have this new found love called Pinterest. I'm sure all my close friends and collegues have heard me say it over and over. But it rocks. Well, my old flame "Etsy" still sends emails daily. The topic or blog of the day...suggestions to buy, sell...or fall in love with....whatever. Today...I get this cute label. She's a blogger too. Nancy Nikko. Well, you can find her on Etsy. She makes labels...for wine. For anything. Isn't this THE CUTEST label to put on a bottle of wine for your sweetheart? I actually think Valentine's Day is more for us girls....eh em. Sorry guys. I just do. All things sweet. But this seems proper enough. A cute label to surprise your lovie. And it's made, and sold in the USA. Check her blog at www.nancynikko.blogspot.com - Happy shopping...don't forget to buy now...get it done, before it's all picked over. It doesn't have to be big and fancy schmancy. Simple, sweet, small, but thought out. Cheers!

Soaking up these days.....

The semester ended. The finals were done. The soccer season in full force..yes. But Kell's parents invited the girls up to the snow for some boardin- This makes their 2nd little annual Snowboard day. Just the 3. Missing soccer practice. Just like last year. Same worry of what coach will say. Same stress of what tomorrow's game will hold. They know they won't be starters...they know they had a fun time. They know that friends and family memories will ALWAYS make a mark in the sand of life. Yes they are committed to the sport. Yes they are respectful to their coaches and peers. But these are the days.....Above...on the way....sound asleep...6:00am....up to Bear Mountain. A long 2 1/2 almost 3 hours....

And they're awake! Looking forward to some fun times on the mountain.....

Kali's first topic on the way home after picking her up? Telling Bill and I about watching "Thee most awesome Sunrise...and Sunset today"...... Melts my soul. I said to her "Watching the sunrise and sunset is delightful to many, yet unwatchable for many...."- I loved hearing all her stories....

As you know...our local mountains are begging for the forecast to call for snow blizzards and snow....anything snow. Well...it's a little icy mush....but THEY didn't care.....smile.

Looks fun to me. I don't know how to ski or snowboard. I tried skiing years ago. It was fast. It was fun. The heights freaked me out. I like the idea of hanging out...the laughter...the taverns...the cute hats...but going down a mountain with the possibility of eatin' it...? Nah. Thanks. For now. You never know. Maybe I will grow bigger wings with age? Sigh...

Sweet peas. Gettin' ready to get their boardin' on! Last shots before they all put their I-phone's away. lol.

Do you remember me posting this very season last year? The 3 of them. On the lift. Sacrificing soccer practice, and coach craziness? Then the next picture was them benched at next game? LOL...uh oh....

Fifteen years old.

Because....These are the days. These are the days...that being a parent we yearn to watch. My life could end tomorrow, or those surrounding me, and I will know...these are the days...these are the moments worth catching. I am proud of Kali...and Mac and Kell. I hope they cherish these moments too. Simply awesome. Do you remember being 15?

Bill and I had "planned" to get in the little boat on Saturday and pass out these flyers he had made for a boat lift for sale... Well, things changed. He had a meeting out in Newport area....I made an appointment for a Shutter Company to come out...and you know how the hours work...the 11-1....or 3-5 biz....So plans changed. And that was perfectly fine with us. We managed to scatter away to lunch, and still make it back to get the shutters ordered.
While Kali stayed home to just cuddle the day away....after boarding the day before....we headed to Bill's meeting, and I searched a new place to try in the area. I would like for you to try it too. (For my local followers..) The Camp. On Bristol in Newport. I L.O.V.E.D it! The natural place to shop, eat, and chill. Just a half mile off the 405. Head south on Bristol. You won't be disappointed.
These long tables...to sit with friends. Share lunch. Share wine. Share memories. Good times.
Stairs leading to an Organic Winery. Bliss.
Our chosen table in Ecco. Eco friendly dining. Organic pizzas and amazing wines. We had the Chicken Artichoke pizza with homemade Mozzarella, and basil pesto. Yum!
Our starter.
A view from our seat.
As you walk out of the restaurant...there are several little spots to sit and meditate...or cuddle. Or read...or chill...
As we arrive...parking lot, rather big, yet pretty full....I wonder in, with full "checking things out" radar. I see this little airstream trailer. There stands a girl inside. Cute flower dress on, my kind of music playing "Jack Johnson" and she's making little cactus potted plants for display. For sale. So peaceful. So simple. So me.
Yes, you see a wine chandelier hanging above outside dining area. Superb! Also so me. haha
As you leave....take from which restaurant you'd like to try. Maybe next time? I certainly plan to go back to try the "Taco Asylum"- Organic Vegan tacos. Taco's and a beer? Looked so amazing.
Outside view of restaurant we ate in....
And the patio out front.

Another girl vendor selling vintage...everything. She sits next to The Seed. Which is the most amazing store. Ever.
My dude.
In the parking lot. And placed all through The Camp, there are planters. Planters NOT full of some ridiculous advertisement, or cigarette butt's and ash trays. Lettuce, Kale, Collard greens. All grown surrounding the parking lot. Takes you right to respect what we eat. Where you are heading, and where you just left.
Every car stall has something awesome written in it as you pull in. Something to reflect on. Karma. It's always been my friend. Ohh Karma.
Jetta was in here. Thought it was cute. Not planned, but I do love to sit by fires.

This sign was in the Seed Store. I loved it. So true. Even if you can't afford fancy schmancy. And you choose to not live like a rich weirdo. You can still love little things in life. Like good wine, and good food. Oh..and clothes. Haha. This was sitting next to a Patagonia Penelton. Priced at a lovely 160.00. lol. I might find that at Ross?! haha. sigh...
Of course, in soccer. And having a teen girl. There really isn't ever a dull moment. The Captain of the team planned an impromtu gathering at her house for potluck of anything "healthy" and training games at Deft Touch. (it's a training/workout area for soccer skills). We love it. But she needed to be at Captains at 5:30, and picked up at Deft Touch at 10pm! As we arrive, to drop. We pull in, same time as Mac's parents...We all looked at eachother and said "Let's go try that place you guys speak of" And so Thom and Cindy led the way....They brought a couple bottles of wine. The red was AMAZING. The food here was DELISH....and we sat and chatted for a couple of hours while the girls worked out...team bonded. Turned into a nice quiet little evening, unplanned good night.....catching up...sharing stories. Of life. Of teens. Of being a parent/cabdriver. Life with our 15's.
All along I knew my Sunday morning agenda consisted of gardening, yard work, and cleaning windows. It just HAD to happen. I have knocked it all out. It feels so good. You all know that feeling of pulling out old planted flowers, putting in the new...watering down the concrete...arranging everything for summer....I am ready. Bucks helped me too. (he was hiding treats in them) haha.
And when you are a spoiled cat. This is what your mom finds when she comes into the room. No worries here. Just a peaceful Sunday afternoon. We have 3 games, a pasta party, and I have a board meeting. Full, full week. Dinners are, of course laid out. Lunches too. I am ready. Pretty early I am ready. I was just asked to go shop for another dress for a party Kali is attending next Friday night. A semi-formal for her friend Kate. Held at the Hyatt in HB. Waterfront Resort. Sweet 16. Hmmmm what is this world coming to? My sweet 16 consisted of my favorite chocolate cake, chocolate icing prepared by my Mom. And a night in opening a couple of presents. Presents like a "walkman" with a Rod Stewart Cassette. Cheers to your weekend everyone. Stay safe. Remember what you stand for. Keep your head up. Because someone ALWAYS has things way worse than you........Chow for now!

Finals....

This week has been full of studying for Kali. Finals yesterday and today.....So studying...and worry for her.... She has always worked VERY hard in school. Studies...and academics was always quite the breeze for Kris. Kali works hard to obtain her GPA. It doesn't come easy. But she always amazes me with tenacity. She has a very full week of soccer, pasta parties..etc. But manages to fit in tutoring, study time...etc. Well, this week, our Monday game was rained out...(Hallelujah!). No practice all week.. Just time to study. It's been so peaceful for me. A friend Kristine from years ago, came by to visit. Hadn't seen her in a couple of years, so we had MUCH to catch up on...laugh, be silly, share fun stories with our daughters together... I was also able to catch Happy Hour with my friend Kyoko last night. Just the two of us, cuddled up in a booth, catching up. Laughing, sipping wine..and sharing soccer stories...along with life. We both wish our girls the best in finals..and the joy of High School soccer moments...
So..it's been a pretty calm sweet week for me. Hair appointment today (3 hours long...yes that's right...ughh!) But I do leave there feeling like a rockstar. Something about a hairstyled..I feel like it makes your clothes even look better. haha. Well...and this awesome weather....sure helps. It also helps the soul. Get out there and enjoy it this weekend....If you haven't caught a sunset...now is the time. THEY are super gorgeous.....and so good to watch. One of my favorite things to do...and it's free. Sigh. Cheers!

Just what we (I) needed.....

Just as I had planned, and wished for...nothing...absolutely nothing planned this weekend. Bill asked me out for a Friday dinner date. Of course...I could never resist.
He arrived with a beautiful dozen...and the cutest card ever. Thanking Mama for such a party...funny, I never expected a "Thank you"....but flowers and especially cards...always melt me. He caught me off guard sitting at my computer...while Kali watched from a distance...which melts me even more....Just the thought of her watching a surprise filled with LOVE...makes it all that much better.....I took a close up of this beautiful red rose....just because.
With a weekend of NOTHING planned...just cuddled up kitties, tucked away in their favorite basket...basking in the sunshine that peeked in after the rain...Kali studying for Finals....while I prepared an enormous healthy breakfast for my little fam bam. These are the weekends....that I yearn for when things are wild and crazy.... (Miss. Hannah above...Kali's sweet girl...loves Kali with every part of her little soul)
Isn't this the truth to read? Sunday's can become a little eye opening for those that have busy hectic weeks. I remind myself, life is good. I cleaned out 2 closets today. 2 drawers...I created a craft section for gift wrap..and re-organized our school study section...etc. I prepared my dinners for the next few days..and laid out recipes for a new one....all laundry done...Soccer world packed and ready for an away game tomorrow....and the rain....Meanwhile I listen to the ever popular football game in the background. I don't know what it is about Football...it's rather boring to me, but when the playoff's roll around..I like to hear the rumble. I like the commercials and the "National Anthem" being sung. It's something about the USA. It's something about those fans so excited for their team. Safe travels to everyone this week. Be kind. Be true. Never litter. Work hard, to play harder. Muah!

It's FINALLY Friday....and Mama is gonna EXHALE.....

After an eventful weekend, Kali and I awoke on Monday morning with a 6:30am check in for a tournament in Long Beach. Kali didn't play in Saturday's game, instead opting to spend the day celebrating her Dad's birthday....And so....in this league (phase) of her Soccer Career...she was punished..and NOT played the first game. But that's ok. We would rather mark our memories in the sand with time spent with family..and friends...knowing there will be plenty more tournaments...more soccer games....We rallied for 1st place on Monday morning....

Kali did play the second game. We actually WON the whole tournament! CHAMPIONS! Hard work, dedication to the sport. Many many workouts, training, playing with new players...new girls...different fields...WE WON! Go LADY GRIFFINS~!

CHAMPIONS!!! Wilson Bruin Cup 2012-

Our next morning began with text messages to Tori. Wishing her good luck on her Drivers License test! Talk about mixed feelings. And you all know ME....the emotional one. The one to start reminiscing....reflecting back. Wondering as I turn this next page to Chapter 16. Drivers License!!?!! I praised her. I worry. It wasn't until the next question from Kali. "Mom, Tori wants to pick me up tomorrow morning and take me to school"- My first response was..."No"-Shortly later...as Kali explained, Tori has been driving for quite a while. Driving her Dad from Downtown LA in the heat of traffic hour....she's driven me. And with the Grace of God...they'd be ok. The two of them together....with prayers, and a good feeling...I said ok. Tori is such the level headed mature young lady.

It wasn't until her little truck pulled up in front of the house...The lump in my throat. The many memories of these two cousins. More like sisters. Getting in the car, driving to school. Ohhh the emotions. I stood on my porch in complete Awe.

And as they drove off....I knew...they'd be ok.

They have eachother. They will do what's right. And with two eyes on the road. The memories they made together that morning will never be known to anyone else but them. They texted me on arrival...after exclaiming "We even went to Starbucks Mom"- They were ok. Everything is ok. Tori is officially driving. Turning the pages. Chapter 16.

Pasta party mid week. The Thermos' hosted our pasta party. It was delish! She has a homemade recipe of Mac-n-Cheese that is to die for. Drool. So yummy. With a full week of away games...these pasta parties are fun...! Time to chit chat about life...not just the game. Not just the schedule...but good times and lots of laughter...~!

It's always so amazing to see the kindness in families when they host. The table prep's the little pictures and displays...the yummy food...and the many smiles. This makes a team. This makes a team a family.

Driving home last night after spanking our biggest rival "Edison High" - With a 3-0 win. Game site is seconds from PCH and the ocean. Bill, Kali and I headed to one of our little favorite spots..."Sancho's Taco's"- Yummy tacos, and burritos. We reflected on the game. Kali had a good one. She played amazing. We reflected on our week, and just how busy it was. A tournament, 2 away games, tutoring, and pasta parties....We talked of staying in this weekend. Rain on the way...no set plans in stone. I am one happy Mommy. Cheers to saying "so long" to this long crazy week! Cheers! Enjoy this weekend to cook, bake...or try a new recipe. This weather here in Cali will surely be the recipe for many cuddles and lots of candles!