Finally....time to feel SUMMERTIME.....

Soccer camp is over.  Summer sunshine filled the air.  Kali spent her first free night with Mackenzie. This is how they spent their afternoon.  Friends. Beach, Swimming. Evening by the pier....with friends (and Gio....can I get an awwww) finally able to exhale.   Summer before Junior year.   Life as they know it. 

Today?  She's beach front playing volleyball with her cousins Riley and McKenna from Arizona.  Bring on the good times. xo

Happy Friday Folks.   Hope everyone is staying cool. It's been warm.  And it feels so good. 

Even better?  Bill and I have NO plans tonight, tomorrow...or Sunday.  And guess what?  I get to decooooorrrrate some more....Can I get a HIGH 5?  Seriously BAM!  

I am so E.X.C.I.T.E.D!

Are you ready for the 4th?  How are you celebrating?  Any new recipes?  Plans?  

Go play, players. 

Lisa

Wine Wednesday? New friends? Sure.

I received a text from Shelley yesterday morning.  Wine Wednesday, you in?   A few hours later, Maria...."Yacht Club tonight, you in?  The funny part...we're all friends.  Soon the texts' became intertwined and agreed, we'd meet at the club.  On Wednesday's, the LB Yacht Club is a' crackin!  Maria is the fancy schmancy member.   I feel so fancy when we walk up to the bar and she shoots off her # like that # rules the world.  haha.  It kind of cracks me up.  No cash in the bar, you give your #.  Booya players.  What's yo numba?  Why do things like that crack me up?  Silly me I guess.  HAHA!  I am cracking up as I type this.   HAHAHAHA!   Kali had practice at CSLB, over the bridge. I dropped that girlie off, pealed out in the parking lot...jk.  and my night unfolded with these chickie doodle birds.  Fun, good wine, good food, new friends...eh em..Regina, and lots of laughter.   xo

Oh.  And this view.  

Racers are in.  Sunset is priming.  Air is so clear and warm it shouts "Summer"....  Plus we are so close to the weekend peeps!   Who's ready?  Raise yo hand, I mean glass!   

Cheers

L

And the wait begins.....

Well...this certainly is not our first rodeo.  And by that I mean Soccer.  High School Soccer to be exact.  And try-outs. And 4 open spots on Varsity.  And the fears with camp, friends, coaches, and all the simple drama that unfolds in the roller coaster that follows suit shortly after camp ends. ( I snapped this shot yesterday. Picking her up. With Love, The memory keeper and her bad ass camera)

Kali and I went around in huge circles. About Soccer.  High School Soccer.  When I say huge circles, I mean huge.  We are talking about "Mom, I AM NOT playing HS Soccer"  -  "I'm over it".  Walking into her room, closing the door, while I stood there.  Speechless.  Well, kind of speechless.  I would wait.  I would bring it up again.  Hoping the moment I mentioned was "probably not the right time".  To make a long dramatic story, short.  Especially for those of you that do not have kids, or have passed this Ave. many times before.  Something strange happens at 16.  To some.   For some reason, which I totally get.  She was exhausted from soccer.  Club, HS, Academics...etc.  Oh. And dare I mention that thing called a "social life"?   And so I prayed.  I prayed for answers.  I prayed for whatever would happen, would happen the right way.  That what people explained to me "Oh, Lisa it happens at this age..."  "Hold on..it will work out"..So...2 weeks before camp started, I sent in my payment.  I told her that she'd HAVE to give it a try.   Try out for Varsity.  Try out with your friends, including her 2 besties, and give it her best shot.  What's the worst that can happen?  What's the best that can happen?  The memories of HS will forever be.  And that is because of me.  Because I push.  She can resent me now, or resent me later.  But because of the word "TRY"....life will be uncertain otherwise.  Right? 

And so we left it at that.  Today was the last day.  4 spots left for Varsity.  We won't know who makes those spots until August.  And that is perfectly fine.  She will be a Junior next year.  Soon enough a Senior and HS will be gone and done.  Whatever comes out of this, is worth the shot.   Club soccer....actually soccer in general has made up her/my schedule since she was 5.  Until she really feels the need to toss the towel in, or pack away her cleats, I will push.  Oh, boy I will push.  And pray. 

Most importantly I admire Kali.  I truly do.  Tryout's.  Big Game days....Club Teams. Playing against girls at this age.  Their bodies.  Their diet.  Their social life and juggling between tucking away early to wake and play early ball.  Sacrifice.  Admirable.  From my core. I admire her. 

Last year.  #13.  Life as HS Soccer as we knew know it.  I worked hard for the team.  I support Los Al Soccer.  I cross my fingers, toes and all things that give luck. I will pray.  I am not ready to give it up yet.  Too many years, too many fields.  Too many awesome moments watching this girl kick that ball.  

Oh the love of sports, girls, and raising kids.   For those of you that have been down this road, pray for me, pray for us.   For those of you soon to merge onto this avenue....be ready.  Be strong.  Be strong. Be strong.  Be real.   Happy Hump Day.  

That's WHAT'S up for WEDNESDAY..............

Love, 

Me

What is the definition of LOVE?

Lately I've had a couple of people ask me about Kali and the term "boyfriend".  yes. people get very offset by the idea of her having a boyfriend.  Especially family. Oh and those conservative, friends. I guess some people feel the right to give their "opinion" or ask questions based on more curiosity than reality.   So...here are my thoughts.  Here are my feelings.  I wonder if those folks even read my blog.  But in case any of you were losing sleep with wonder of my daughter and her wonderful boyfriend this is how I feel:

First of all-

Does she know the term LOVE? 

Has she ever felt the deepest form of LOVE while giving birth?  Carrying life inside of her?

That first look and cry from your baby?

Has she ever been hurt so bad from someone that said "they LOVED" her?

Has she ever endured tough trials and tribulations in a relationship? 

The kind that people in long lasting relationships have?

That deep love, not lust.

That love you feel when you sit in silence with your partner just knowing the mutual trust and loyal part of LOVE that grows from years of being together and climbing serious mountains together?

That part of love that exists in bearing, raising, and teaching children?

She hasn't.  She hasn't experienced any of these things.  No. She's 16.

But she IS experiencing some of life's sweetest moments.  We've all felt them. You know those first butterflies each time you see him/her.  Getting ready, looking at yourself in the mirror 15 times, twirling around to make sure your hair and clothes are just right.

That first feeling of being so into someone.  Being so giddy around them.  So happy to see them.

That feeling of being hugged.  Kissed. I know, gross.  Go ahead judgers, throw them internet daggers at me, it won't hurt.    It's true. Those feelings.  I don't want her to get hurt. I don't know when, or if those days will exist sooner, or later.  Who knows. 

Kali and I have an amazing relationship.  As the same stands with my son.  We just do.  We have a very very close relationship.  I talk about EVERYTHING with them. 

I have had the talk with Kali about Gio and funny things that happen with our bodies, and lust..and boys, and girls.  Because girls can be just as aggressive.  So. 

How's those cookies players?  That's my Tuesday entry.  Putting it out there.  Love.  Teen LOVE.  What it might mean to her.  What it might mean to us.   What it means when people ask me.  What it means to me when I use the term "Live and Let Live".   We all don't have the perfect recipe in life.  No one does.  We can rely on vices.  Yes, we can preach.  But we all do what we think is right.  At that time.

That's what I do.  

Thanks for letting me get this off my big' ol chest.   And if anyone else wonders.....I LOVE GIANNI.  He is one heck of a dude.  Seriously one heck of a dude.  

Booya!

Oh.  The reason for the cute napkins?  Because I just love them.  I want them.  Soon.  They made me smile today.  Hope they helped your sweet cheeks smile too.    xo

Love,

Mama Bear

Hello Summer......

We took the chance to take Randy and Carmen to our new little favorite spot.  The Garage. 

I think they liked it. 

Good food.  Good wine.  Good Friends. 

My dinner.  How do you like them roots players?  Good stuff right there. 

I had to hide these next few pic's until I had the green light from two of the girls pictured.  One being Kali.  The other being Tori.  Tori stopped by during the week....we sat and chatted, laughed, ate dinner and someone mentioned the words "EAR-RINGS".

And so I said..."Let's go do it".   She agreed.  We rolled into this place 20 minutes before they closed.  Because that's how crazy we are.   Even though she had to instantly go "tinkle" the minute we walked in.  No time for that silly.  Let's look at earrings girl! Tori wanted to surprise her Mama.  So I kept the pic's underground. Booya.

And with the threshold of her cousin's strong fingers....this is how we roll. 

Bam!  Earrings.  Done.  Way to start summer.  Way to walk into her 1st Interview tomorrow at Pac-Sun!  Go Tori!!!!!!

The following day this chick was FINALLY lucky enough to get the railroad tracks off her grill.  I WAS NOT allowed to post pictures anywhere until she surprised Gianni Friday night.  I kept my word. 

BAM! HAHA!  I don't know who styled her Texas  hair...I'm thinking along the lines of MacDut, her bestie.  Followed by their normal photo shoots that take place....But wow...THAT'S a huge grin and a sparkling new grill.  Whew hooo!!!  So happy for her too!  I can't help but giggle when I look at this..  Doesn't look like my Kali-Koo-Koo at all....still my pretty birdie.

As Saturday morning rolls alive, I get a text from Kris.   "Mom....I'm heading up north, past Grandma and Papa's to get that car I told you about".   630 miles. Ready. Set. Go.  

Kris and Scotty went into this car as a flip investment.  He drove 9 hours.  A town called Burney.  Bucksie and Kris.  Got there, a friend following...didn't want to spend the night in a gross hotel, so he shagged it, roadside, in the mountains...all night Bucks barked. He didn't sleep.  Started up oh' Teal girl and drove back home...another 9 hours...

Road-Dog.   AKA Little Buddy. 

When the 2 of them walked in the door after that trip Bucks went one way, Kris the other...two beds.  Didn't wake back up until this morning.   HA! 

Bill and I decorated and shopped all weekend long.   We seriously put a dent in the word "DECORATE".  Sunday morning while Kali stayed in bed, we headed over to River's End in Seal.  On the water.  Sunshine....good vibe..great breakfast.  If you live close, go there.  Only on a sunny day.  Otherwise..brrrr. 

My last view before I headed back into reality.  Laundry.  Dishes.  Well...not really meal planning....and seriously minimal laundry.  What am I talking about "reality"? haha.  Actually not much house work.  Not really doing much of anything...oh. But watering my lawn and flowers.  The many ways I love summer.   More fruit.  Longer sunlight in the day...and the ever so lovely light breeze every single afternoon.   

Happy Monday Peeps....make the best of it.  Laugh when you can.  Smile through the rough moments.  Love makes things grow.  

XO 

L

Happiness. Love. Celebrations. Summer. Mending kids.

We celebrated Kyoko's birthday last night. Hennessy's.  Seal Beach.  Soccer Mom's and Coach/Friend Laura.  It's always sweet to sit and chat.  Half price martini's.  Yup, you read that right.  Couldn't have picked a better place.  AND....Silly hour ends at 7!!  Whew.  More time to chat. More time to catch up.  Birfday girl.  Birfday Present. From me.  Think she likes?  All that glitz says Kyoko.  xo

Buddies.  For life.

So this morning, and EACH morning, I check the Mending Kids website, as I was instructed to do by Maria. I am curious. I am proud. I am happy for them. F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.  BAM, there they were.  Walking the streets of Antigua.  Alive. Helping.  Giving.  My friends.  How I await the stories.  How I await the pictures.  Can't wait til they return..................  YOU GIRLS ROCK....Times 10!!!

And this beautiful girl rocks. My niece.  She stopped by the other day...and stayed well into the evening.  I love to chat with her, and Kali. Especially both at the same time.  I sit back and remember the two playing.  Sharing toys (now it's clothes), and sometimes not.  Tori most always taking Kali's bows out of her hair.  Kali getting so so dirty.  Tori keeping her clothes, face and hands super clean.  Kali wanting to play in the sprinklers.  While not one bribery tool would get Tori in that sprinkler.  Ever.   Never ever.  Tears would flow.  

She is so lovely.  So beautiful. So tall.  Doing so well.  I am proud of her.  That is one resilient chick. 

These are the days.  These are the days that we all look back on.  Except my/our summers were 1986.  They were fun.  The beach most always involved.  Friends, friends and more friends.  They were the glue that kept me together.  A few that I will forever owe my soul to.   Happy Friday Folks.  I have more fun stuff to post, but must wait until  Monday.  Kali insisted.  So I always grant her wish.  Now go play youngin's.  Play like it's 1986.  or maybe 1968. (careful not to get caught rollin' dirty...lol)  Or something close.   CHEERS TO FRIDAY FOLKS!  XOXO  Always more X's!   I will be back in blogschmog land Monday.  Bill and I promised each other all things house warming.  Shop till we drop.  My mind will be a' spinnin'.  you know me...always looking for a deal.  This girl balls on a budget.   

The little GREAT Stories.

Monday morning I receive a text message from Corey.  Corey works for us. He's one of Kris' childhood friends. He sits next to me daily.  I've watched him grow, I've watched him stumble.  I've watched him make good decisions, and sometimes not such good decisions.  Most always giving his heart away.  Most always helping someone.  Most certainly related to being 24.  Or something like that.  The shop across the street blessed our view one morning with little puppies following her Mama around.  Yes, she wasn't spade.  Puppies everywhere.  Corey took one home.  The story continues, with...takes her to the apartment.  Apartment can't keep her.  Asking around, neither can any of the other 22-24 year olds that still live at home, or rent in places that cannot house him.   Meet Bentley.  5  month old Sheppard Mix. Beautiful guy.   So as Corey sat in tears, yes tears, I started my quest to find little guy a GOOD new home.  Somewhere that I would trust.  Somewhere he would trust.  So the text and email went out.  Several flooded back in.  

Only a dog owner, current or other would get it.  A dog will be your BEST FRIEND.  They look at you square in the eyes with trust, loyalty, kindness, love, and most of all respect.  They appreciate you more than any human on this earth will.    A phone call comes in.  A guy named Garrett.  He had just lost his dog of 8 years.  Asking some specifics, and giving his to us.  Lives in Temecula.  Has a large yard, pool, 2 other pups, and guaranteed Corey he would sleep indoors along with his others.  

Here is the match.  Within 1 day.  Bentley left with uncertainty, and fearing the unknown.  Tears fell from Corey's face.  This picture took all that away today.  Thank you Garrett for making our day.  Bentley will have a forever home.  A home with people that love dogs.  Love animals.  Kindness to the helpless.  

And being a part of a pack for the rest of your life is what it's all about.  Bless Garrett and his wife. May they have many many fun memories with Bentley.  May he enjoy his new life out there in wine country.   Cheers to that!

Have fun peeps, and BE KIND TO ANIMALS.......

Chapter 16.

Summer started.  The next day Camp started. The first day of: "Mom can I drive?"   Mom said, "ummm sure."   And so what you see here, is that gleam that we all had during the first phase of driving.  That CAN'T WAIT TO JUST DRIVE...ANYWHERE...SOMEWHERE...NOW...feeling.  Can you just see the love in that steering wheel grip? 

And so each day she drives.  And it goes something like this.  ME: Hun, make sure you look really good (as we back out of our driveway) KALI: Mom, I did.  ME:  Do you think we're going a little fast? KALI: OH. sorry.  What is the speed limit?  ME: Um, I don't know..but lets get it under 45 k?  KALI:  K.   ME:  Ok, so when we pull into this intersection to go left, don't get too close to the car in front of you, and maybe go a little slower.  KALI: Mom, I'm not..I'm totally fine  ME:  Try and put your blinker on a little earlier next time KALI:  Mom, it's 200 ft.  ME: Oh. ok.  KALI:  When the light is green can I make a right without stopping? ME: Yup just make sure you are watching for those cars turning too.  Kali..CAREFUL...did you see that car on our right?!  KALI : MOM!  don't raise your voice it freaks me out... ME: Sorry.      ----  So you can see a little tid-bit of what/how the drive rolls out.  Each day.  Over and over again.  I try to be so calm, and talk in a calm format. But it doesn't always roll out the way you'd expect.  Sometimes my fears jump in the way, and it gets crazy in that little Jetta.  Let me just say.  ONE CANNOT PREPARE ENOUGH FOR THESE DAYS.  My Aunt Susie taught me to drive.  I was 14.  Stick Shift. Chevy Chevette. On the freeway.  She didn't peep a word.  HOW in the world did you do it Susie!?   

And so I say this little owl will learn each day.  Another part of the series in Chapter 16.  Another part of life that any one of you with little fellers will someday endure. And trust me the day creeps up fast.  Very fast.  Please pray for all the teens out there on the road.  Pray that other drivers have patience (BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE RUDE) and that she/they are safe.  Pray for your friend Lisa.  That she doesn't have a heart-attack during this process. And doesn't want a tall can shot gun while doing so.  KIDDING.  Settle down, don't get all worried. lol!

 That these days remain calm.  Safe. and True.

So....that's what's happening on Wednesday folks.  We are halfway through the week.  Hope you are making the best of yours.  That you remember what life is about.   Eating good. Keeping it healthy. Finding small chat with those that need it.  Smiling at someone in need.  And helping where you can.  Especially to those that aren't expecting.  

Cheers playa's! 

L

Whatever sounds good to you....

As most of you knew, Bill took his parents to Mexico for Gaylord's Fathers Day little celebration.  Little celebrations for them, consisted of dropping Shirley at her favorite salon in Rosarito Beach.  Grocery shopping while Gaylord sat in the car...Bill bought everything he knew they'd enjoy once they got home.  Hot Dog's.  Green tomatoes for breakfast with fresh bacon and eggs.  He's just that kind of Son.  After picking Shirley up at the Salon, they  headed farther south, tucking themselves into their home where only good memories blossom.  Where life as they know it is peaceful, happy and cozy.  The 3 of them.  Bill worked around the house, while Gaylord followed suit.  Bill has me closely convinced I will make the next trip.  I am a scarity cat these days. 

I missed him.  I put together his FD Gift. From the kiddo's.  From me.  All things that shout "new kitchen".  We waited for him to come home.  Kris' added gift of Corona's and lime.  And the ever so perfect card.  The kids love to pick cards for him.  Funny ones.  Well, Kali has become a little more gushy. 

I spy our new kitchen?  So close. I can shreeeeek with excitement. 

The 3 Musketeers.  LOVE.   

The sun has not peaked out early in over 2 weeks.  Hides until 2-3pm.  On this day?  Shining early...and all day long. Bam. 

 Thank you Mother Earth.  You rock.

KMS. This boy.   As you all know, I've had to pull double duty for several years with both K&K.  Yes, I've had to be Mom and Dad.   It's just the way it is/was.  This guy kept me on my toes.  He's grown to be such a good guy.  A spirit to make me smile.  Silly ways to make me laugh. Super hard.  And a kind heart to many.  Especially animals.  

In the  "Bad-a$$" boat.  Our favorite moments.  Cruising the harbor. Good music. Sunshine. Simplicity. 

Lucky enough to still have this birdie with us.  Kris stayed about an hour. Whew.  Thankful for that!

On the menu while we cruised? Served by the little birdie.  (We reminded her of the days when she'd take our orders, and write jibber down on paper and serve us cereal) Capers with smoked salmon and cream cheese, served on a sea-salted pita cracker.  Handed to us by Kali.  My other fav for you peeps to try.  Oh. And don't you let me forget fellers. TRADER JOES- Try the Rosemary Raisin little crackers, found on the cracker aisle.  Dipped in Pecan Blue-Cheese Dip.  Stuff is Cray Cray!!!!!

And this feller. 

The littlest love of my life.  Yes. This dog.  This dog and I sat on my porch Saturday night, while both kids were out.  Bill in Mehiiico.  I was feeling a little lonely.  I put on my classical music, sat on my porch.  With this dude.  Until the sun went down.  Remembering where and what my blessings are.   

Thoughts? Raise yo hands if you heard white sunglasses are back in shag? HA! 

Next stop, Gaylord and Shirley's.  Checking to see if maybe they are throwing a rager.  Maybe the chance to crash a BBQ?  Nope. Gaylord sound to sleep in his chair.  (that's what a hardworking trip will do to ya).  Shirley came out to greet us.  We said our goodbye's and puttered on. 

My homemade card.  Made from a recycled paper plate.  Because that's how silly I am.  Buy a card for 4 bucks?  When I can write what I feel on something that just gave me joy while I stuffed my face?  Sure. 

And because he stepped into my life, accepting me as 3.   Taking a H.U.G.E. responsibility of my life as I knew it.  Loving me.  Loving K & K.  So so much.  The years, months, weeks have not always been the perfect fake Hallmark story, because listen here sillies, I've had my fair share of meltdowns, of "poor me's"  Of why can't life be different  Why can't I have that house with the white picket fence built around it.  With the perfect family tucked inside.  Guess what?  I really don't think those exist.  They just don't.  But I can tell you that my life has been painted a prettier portrait thanks to this guy.  My bestfriend.  My confidant.  My partner in crime on our silliest days/nights.   My rock.  My tissue when I've cried my eyes out.  Due to business/family/parenting/poor-me's.     I do know this...  He is smart.  He is loyal.  He is patient.  He is patient.  He is patient.  haha.  And he is so so handsome. 

Most importantly though, you love our little family with a fierce and constant love.  

Happy Fathers Day.  Glad we could spend it just the way you wanted.  Peacefully on the dock, with no lines, no reservations, no parking spots.  Simple. 

Happy Tuesday peeps.   The sun is hiding again today.  I kind of like love it.  It makes my coffee so much more lovely.

Muah

XO