Do what makes you happy.....

Well, this is it.  The last biggest weekend of the year.  Or. Maybe not? 

Because living in America and celebrating sunshine, Ferris wheels, bicycles and good times can be celebrated all year long, really.  Right?  It is true.  I mean, there might those silly rules that prohibit us from wearing white after labor day...and blah blah blah...but really when you look around, and you work hard for a living.  You should do what you feel like.  I do.  I love my white sunglasses shoes.  I can't wait to bundle up on those cool nights though. 

Especially on a long good weekend off.  Bill and I knew a while back that we'd celebrate this holiday the way we want.  That will be with friends.  With family.  BBQ'n.  Hanging by the waterside. Any waterside.  It will include lots of laughter. Hopefully quite a few kisses and many hugs.  It will include bike riding, and silly ways.  I mean, duh.  Mix a holiday weekend, with good brews, that will be just what you get. What's even better, is not having a schedule.  One big party, but other than that...we are free to shop do what we want.   We asked the kids to have friends over so we can bbq for them.  The response from one "Oh thanks Mom, we're going to the river".  The other "I don't know Mom, we don't really know what everyone is doing yet".  O.      K.   Souuuunnnnnds good, we'll wait.  I do know there will be sunshine.  Plenty of that. And a camera to catch it all.  Enjoy your weekend lovers.  Kiss your lover.   Hug your kids.   Eat good food.   Be kind to ALL LIVING CREATURES.  Big or small. Even spiders.  relocate them and run sucker, run.  CHEERS!  Happy Labor Day, you laborers.  You know who you are.  Boom. 

Well, hello there fellers.

So the heat wave hit us.  Again.  As Bill has always said.  When school starts back up, we get hit. Every. Single. Year.  You see that's why we don't need jackets Dad.  That's why those little suckers can wait until October.  The one thing I can't wait for?  Falling leaves, the way the sun shines, especially by the waterside...and autumn candles.  Oh, and maybe normal dinners cooked in the kitchen vs. not wanting to get one bit close to fire.  I anxiously await you fall. I do.

I yearn for these prints.  I will own them.  Soon.  Trust me.  What is it about Octopus lately?  I think they are the most beautiful creature.  More like enchanting. 

 And so are these little fellers.  My little rocks.  Even when they irritate me, and Kali still can't keep her room tidy, and Kris forgets simple things like picking up 3 items from the grocery store, to be told, go back and get them.  Like now.  Hello Mr. 23. Toilet paper(don't forget the thin stuff, mustard, milk and red leaf lettuce. you got this K) I still love them. So, so much. 

Which brings me to the topic of spiders.  I went home early yesterday, feeling rather green.  Rather blue and green.  Just yucky.  Yucky enough for me to drive home, crawl into bed and stay there.  
As I went out to move my car while Kris went to retrieve Kali from practice for me, I turn my lights on and THE. BIGGEST. REDDISH. SPIDER. THE. SIZE. OF. A. LARGE GRASSHOPPER. crawled across my car, on a web and sat there staring at me.  I sat there stunned staring back.  It is, in fact time for fall.  Right?  
The night before, Bill and I had THE MOST WONDERFUL dinner with my Aunt and Uncle W & R from waaaayy up north.  You know the ones with the baby horsies...? Ya, them.  We dined at Mahe's in Seal.  We sat for almost 2 hours.  Just looking into their eyes.  The years of their help. Their laughter. Their smiles, their hugs. Their encouraging words.  It was them.  Sitting across from me.  Talk about a perfect way to start my week.  Oh. And we took pictures out front. Guess what?  Lisa's camera didn't have the memory stick all the way in.  So Lisa must get the cord and upload the old school way.  This weekend. #YESIALMOSTHADASTROKEANDFREAKEDOUT.   I will frame this picture of us.  I will also post this weekend. I hope everyone has enjoyed their week so far.  Kali started school yesterday.  No I didn't get any pictures. Yes be surprised, I am too.  Yes, she's already complained of 2 of her new teachers.  No, I really don't care. It's life.  That will happen for the rest of her life.  With peers, people, friends, neighbors, colleagues.  Life.  That stuff just happens.  She better stay on top of her game.  Her coach expressed "Hell" week will come sooner than later.  And it will be hard.  Ha. Talk about icing on the cake.  Life.  Chapter 16.  Have a great weekend kids.  Have fun.  Don't litter.  Eat good food, drink good wine.  Seriously, drink good wine.  Or try the pineapple martini's at Mahe's.  They will go down as one of the best.    oh, and WATCH OUT FOR SPIDERS PLAYERS. YOU MUST.  YOU MUST.  THEY ARE COMING OUT EARLY....... Boom. Fair warning.   Love to you and all of you silly heads like me.    I am sorry this post is wacky. I clicked something on this particular post, and now it's jacked. Tomorrow it wont be.  Sorry.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Once upon a time....

Once upon a time, his girl showed up at the golf event.  In Irvine.  Beautiful place.  Hot day and warm evening....

and other people take just as many pictures as the girl.

And the golfer could not wait to see his girl.  that's what I think.

You see?  props to the tool that took this.  Wow, thanks for the sunshine in face. you rock little feller.  take up photography.  or not. 

and the boy loves to work the silent auction.  yes, he has bad-ass new glasses (they may or may not be white), and House of Blues concert pack.  Good deal dude. Date nights will love it there.

Someone needs darker makeup in the summer.  That's fo sho.  I swear if it's not the honey badger smile, or wait, I spy..eh em never mind.  it's chola makeup. wha?  omg.

and you meet up with Ms. Tilly, herself.  Yup, there she is folks.  She loves her some Fatal.  She sincerely does. 

And she loves her some Billy.  Tilly loves Billy. HAHA!

See, I told you so.  Her idea.  "Let's get on it." HA! (note:  That bid on a Bobber, donated by Fatal Clothing, was purchased by Tilly, 8k and handed to her marketing guy, whom was beyond stoked and broke down in tears...talk about appreciative...)

It was one of those nights.  Amazing food, great wine, 80's music, happy people...beautiful view.  Just one of those nights.  Tilly's you sincerely rock.  You do.  Bill's tenacious ways are complimented daily by your representation.  Fatal IS taking over.  I am so proud. 

And as I walked to my car like a mile away, it was warm. It was beautiful out.  The walk was so pretty.  I could not help but smile all the way to my car. (settle down, I had one beer, and one glass of wine) But for many reasons, I smiled.  As I stood at the light to cross, I see this cross.  It's having FAITH, and knowing during some of the toughest storms we've endured, that we'd make it.  That things will get better.  With faith.  It does.  Trust me.  I will.

And because I am his ROCK. He is my ROCK. It just works.  Many hugs in happiness, and many of these same hugs with fear, and worry.  You all know those moments?  When you feel like "what now?" We've touched them all.  I am so proud of you B.  You are doing it. 

This little family right here.  We are doing things.  Thankful.

As I rushed home to see my boy and Bucks, I counted each and every blessing.  I just do.  You all know that.  Trust me, look around.  Life is hard, but so good.(especially with Leslie that takes amazing pictures...)

Because when you are part of a unit, it just works.  Any size unit.  You belong together. Through good times, and bad, it works.  Hold on tight. Life is strange at times.  I remember many, many, ohhh so many moments, sitting in a quiet living room, wondering. What next?  What is gonna happen?  Why me?  Why can't I have all the things that seem "the norm"?   Soon, you grow a little older and realize, it's the little things that matter.  Not who has what, or doing what.  You have each other.  Hold on tight.  It's not always the easiest smooth ride.  Oh the many chapters in our family life to write and read.   

Once upon a time, there was this little family.  Just loving the ocean and lake.  Oh. and eachother.  

Glad you all met Tilly.  Thank you for those that support Fatal.  Thank you for the many friends and family that give the praise when needed, the hugs when necessary, and the amazing laughter mixed with cocktails where needed.  Boom.   Happy Tuesday.  

Go play.  Take pictures, because life is hauling a**.    Dontcha think?  

The girl. 

Back to the BARNYARD....Back to School...

Back to the Barnyard, was the theme.  And these little barnyard sweets added flava to that party. 

Pulling into the dance...dressed as little piggies and little cows...

Kali's idea of piggy and mud-  Way toooo cute!  Good job Kali!  (She made their shirts...)

And while Kali danced and partied in the barnyard, we saluted this boy off to college in New York.  Many praises to his Mama and Dad, and Grandma too.  So proud of Derek.  aka. Deker. Way to go good boy.  We are so very proud.  You will move mountains.  You will.

Okay....this morning I receive a text message while getting ready for work.  It's these two adorable.  little. sweet. peas.  Would you look at those faces?  I mean seriously, this is too much.  When I am feeling blue, I will resort to this photo.  For sure.  London's first day with a babysitter.  Priceless. I love you little lovers.  Andrea you are such the great Mama.  You make my heart skip a beat.    It's bumday Monday.  Tonight I will venture over to the Tilly's Golf Charity event where I stalked, seen Carey Hart that one time, remember?  Oh, yea there.  And I will stuff my face with every single appetizer, food dish there.  I am so hungry today.  Don't know why, I am starving.

Enjoy the last minutes of summer kids.  Why o' why are we starting school this week?  Wasn't it kind of like normal to start school AFTER Labor Day?  Strange.  But than again, life is fast, and everything is changing.  Like for instance, these weeks 35 years ago, I was getting my clothes from our layaway at Zody's.  Who's Jealous?  Who remembers that?  My Dad made us get a huge jacket every single year, and it sucked only because it took the majority of our $, and we didn't use it that much.  Go figure.  Only a Dad can explain?

Cheers to Monday?   Kidding.  Totally kidding.  

LS

Bub, what state are you in now?

The house is too quiet.  Bucks isn't here for us to cuddle and laugh with.  Kris isn't here to keep me on my toes with silly antics and laughter.  While at Kali's game yesterday morning, I received a text from Kris.  "Mom, we made it.  The bus is SICK, and these people are super nice".  Followed with.  "They let us shower, hang out and made us steak".   That's just  hospitality in Iowa.  People from the Midwest.  You know those people that believe in kindness to a fellow citizen?  Those fellers.  Kind to my son?  You will forever be a saint in my eyes.  Forever.

From Iowa, they've gone through Oklahoma overnight.....as  I type, he's traveling through Texas, y'all.  With this dude.  Who has been thee best road dog anyone can ask for.  Sleeps, eats...and well.....sleeps some more.  And has tons of pictures taken of him. At every beautiful stop Kris can find.  And NO he's not crossed eyed. HA!

And than we come upon "Tex".  Of course, only this boy would find a random turtle wandering the highway..somewhere in Texas.  Tried to stash in the bus, only to be told by Uncle Wayne..."nope".  Leave him right where you found em Bub.   And so, with fretful hands, and parting wishing ways, he did.  And...I know...He. Did. Not. Like. That.   Since Kris was little, he'd bring anything and everything home for us me to "take care of".  Thanks Tex, for the smiles.   You are better off in Texas feller.  So far, they've traveled almost 2k miles...8 states, and lots and lots of beautiful stops, things and people.  This Mama cannot wait to cuddle up with a cup o' joe on his bed to hear it and see it all. 

Meanwhile, our weekend has consisted of Soccer. With this girl. All day long.  2 games yesterday that were rough, and sucked, because we got spanked.  New girls added to our team, means a recipe for disaster learning new techniques.  The great part? I hang with friends, while enjoying sunshine and open fields. I do love it. I LOVE to watch Kali kick butt out there.  I LOVE IT.  I will miss it someday.  So I grasp it.  The not so good part?  When your daughter gets in the car with such frustration (which I totally understand, when you're out there busting your a**, and a new sweet pea has no idea what to do next, loses the ball, and it all goes to shiz)  And we drive all the way home, with ear plugs and music singing into her ear, vs. talking about "what a great game" it was.  So.  This makes it hard.  I play my classical music, and lightly tap her knee with a smile...She knows.  She does.  We play again in just a little bit.  New day.  New Sunshine.  New moments.  And with my early morning walk and prayer, I will see things differently.   I hope everyone enjoys this Sunday.  I can't wait for my kiddo's to all be under one little roof again.  I can't wait to see Bucksie boy.  That dog.  Let me tell you, that dog.  Is my little partner.  No but seriously.    

 

uh oh.  Just got paged into her room, someone forgot to wash her stuff last night.  Chapter 16.  Interesting how you know it all, but forget so much. Oh.  Forgot to tell ya'll, this mama doesn't do her laundry anymore.  Dang it.  BUT she does let her drive her car.  hmmmm.  Big girl moments.  I know, roll your eyes, I should of reminded her....I know.  I am so sorry, I was so exhausted and tired I forgot too.  ugh.   

 

Time for my instawash scruba-dub-dub time.  I got this. 

GO BEACH! GO KMS!

Love,

Handwasher Mom.  Boom.  Go.

California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa...Volkswagen Bus.

This boy. road trip. when asked to drive all. the. way. to Iowa, his response? "oh heck yes".  His mom, the anchor. the dwelling worry-wart, fretting the entire time.  of course, I worry about all things normal weird.  Like, where are you sleeping? What hotels?  What roads buddy? What about the winding roads through Colorado Bub? How will Bucksie do all the way there? His response-  "Mom, this is awesome, it's good for me to travel, for what if one day I want to move far away..".  And Bucks loves Road Trips Mama. Me: Move?  Wha?    seriously, WHAT?  I know I am weird.  Roll your eyes.  It's ok.  I do too.

But than Bill and Kali put me into place. again.  Yes.  Again.  The reminder: He's a big boy.  This is life. Let him go see parts of the USA.  I mean really, what if this becomes an only chance scenario?  What if parts of these states are so beautiful and awesome, he becomes stunned with beauty and good people?  Why harbor him from seeing things in life?  Wow.  It wasn't until this morning while I woke, very early, to check my cell phone...and "Instagram" for pictures, messages, anything.  His wings are growing.  I seen a picture today.  Of Bucks. In Utah.  "Somewhere in Utah".  The view was spectacular to say the least.  

Why not be so proud of him?  Why the heck not Lisa?  

I am.  I hope this trip is one to remember for the rest of his life.  That he meet nice people and nice people meet him. That he see parts of our country, and it's beautiful offerings.  Like parts of Utah and Colorado that I've heard are breathtaking. 

Have fun little ones.  Please include them in your prayers tonight, or tomorrow morning, or whenever you all pray.  Please include them. 

Happy Friday everyone.  Enjoy.  From the tips of your hair to the bottom of your toes.  It's Friiiidaayy....

Cheers to cold beers.  

XO

Love,  The worrier.  Seriously.  WHY?  

P.S. What do you think of my sneak peek of our photo shoot? You guys,  I love all of them.  I can't wait to sort through the rest.  If ANY of you are in our area, and this girl comes back to town, GET YOUR PICTURES DONE WITH HER.   Look at me. You better k?   She rocks.  They rock.  Look at my babies!

Please don't leave us SUMMER.....

The Long Beach Yacht Club is the best place for a mid-week cocktail, sunset, food, and friend chat.  It just is.  So I snuck away.  Funny how things work, your kids grow, they need you less.  Friends need you more.   It's really a good thing.  Trust me.  I am embracing it.  Because in the end, sometimes friends are the backbone in life. 

And so as I sat here with this view.  Racers in.  First sailboat arrived.  Warm August night.  On the water. 

All racers in.  The night so warm and cozy you don't want it to end.  It's just that good.  As hot as it's been, and cooling a little now....I don't really want summer to end.  Just quite yet.  I don't.  School is seriously creeping up way too fast.  Early mornings, breakfast for Kali.  Dashing to the car to start reality of the day. It will all happen way too fast.  I am looking forward to Fall.  For some reason I am.  It's the way the sun glistens on the water by the beach.  The way the trees shine, and leaves fall. I am ready.   But I will miss Summer.  I really will.  Happy Friday peeps.  Enjoy the weekend.  We have soccer All.  Weekend. Long.  I can't wait.  I've missed watching her play.  I miss sitting in my chair eating seeds, leaning to one side or the other as she snags up the ball to kick some grass!  Go play, players, and have fun, lots of fun while you do.  Play fair.  Boom.  Welcome Mr. Friday.  Welcome. 

What a woman.

She was a strong lady.  She was the ROCK of the family.  The Matriarch.   The woman that would stand up to a bear if she had to.  Told it like it was.  When you'd walk into Grandma's house, she'd make sure you'd know you were welcome and to help yourself.  A coo-coo clock hung on the wall, and would bless you each hour with it's presence.  She also had that candy dish placed so sweetly on the table, with hard candy.  Stuck together.  But for you to enjoy.  She prepared many Thanksgiving dinners, where you'd walk in to the aroma of her gravy and rolls baking. The Great Grandma that would show up at our house a day before Christmas, when we were 5 and 6. With her big car.  Full of presents.  Presents that were wrapped with that foil, shiny beautiful wrap.  She bought us our first Barbie RV.  Which back then had metal on it.  She'd stand there with a huge smile.  While we stood there with big eyes, wiggly feet and huge grins.  We knew she'd make things special.  And she did it not just for us.  But for our Dad.  You see, she raised my Dad.  He didn't have the easiest upbringing.  It was actually horrible.  She was his rock.  She shook him into shape.  She made sure he knew what parenting meant.  She was his Matriarch.  She loved many, helped several.  I remember being a little girl and traveling to Lake Isabella to visit her.  She'd drive us into town, down these long winding roads, with 20 cars behind her honking....she'd never look back.  I would. She wouldn't.  She just keep traveling.  "Let em' pass us".  Grandma Drennon you will be missed.  You are our family history.  The stories you hold in the almost 99 years you lived. Thank you for being a rock to my Dad.  He is a sad man today.  He is a very sad man today.  Little by little his family leaves this Earth.

Fly with the Angels Grandma.  Great Grandma of mine.  Great Great Grandma to K and K.  Go fly.....Rest in Peace beautiful lady.  These last few years in Montana have hopefully showed you much beauty.  You are still surrounded by great people.  Good bye for now..... we'll see you on the other side.  

Hope this Thursday is peaceful and pretty for you all.   Hug those people that need a big hug. Smile at the person that is wearing a grin.  I promise you it will turn over.  Remember to send a message or call that person you've been putting off.  Do it.  Even a little handwritten note.  

Those are good.  Really good.  And don't forget to tell your children how awesome they are.  

Love to you, and you, and you.....

Love, 

The Great Granddaughter

Always, Sometimes, Never.....

I saw this awesome fun link at a favorite website of mine. I thought it would be fun to give it a shot....so here we go....

                                           Always / Sometimes / Never

I ALWAYS apply chapstick before I get into bed.

I SOMETIMES cuss.

I NEVER drink milk from a glass or cup straight.  yuk.

I ALWAYS regret saying I'm sorry more when it was needed.

I SOMETIMES act really silly.

I NEVER go a day without telling my kids I love them.

I ALWAYS make my bed.

I SOMETIMES cry when I see parents hugging their children from a distance.

I NEVER try clothes on while shopping.

I ALWAYS prefer to shop alone.

I SOMETIMES become a beast when people hurt my children.

I NEVER say never.  Trust me.  

I ALWAYS crave a cocktail on Fridays.  

I SOMETIMES get my feelings crushed easily. (shark week. ha)

I NEVER fall asleep without drinking some H2O.

I ALWAYS stop and smell flowers.

I SOMETIMES get lonely when no one is around.

I NEVER will stop worrying about my kids.

I ALWAYS check my house in middle of the night if I wake. 

I SOMETIMES enjoy a few bites of a good steak.

I NEVER take things for granted.  

I always, always, always...have been inpatient.  ugh.  (read below)

Happy Wednesday Peeps.  Hope the day serves you well.  In exactly 20 hours (from now as I schedule my blog) I will give and get a huge sweet kiss from my sugarsnap.  And. I. Can't. Wait.  I miss him so.  Never been so happy to visit the airport to scoop him up. 

Is it Friday yet?

Love, Me, the impatient sister that is so hungry and her sister said she'd be here at 5 and it's almost 6.  Typical, I mean I hope she's ok, so we can go eat and feed this grizzly bear. 

Isn't that the truth.

Whew.  I woke up feeling like a million bucks today.  I seriously slept like a champ.  And that alone moves mountains.  I am serious.  Between exhaustion, schedules, and so much going on in August, I was tilting in a very raw negative area.  Which, this chick doesn't like. I don't like to feel angry.  I certainly don't like to hold anger and mean spirits in my body.  I just don't.  I've held on to many things for many years, therefore, these days I am more prone to sort, discuss, decide and move on.  That's just me.  Sorry if I offended any of you regarding my Chapter 16 moment with Miss. K.  It's just those moments that are so enlightening.  And if you have a teen, or will have a teen, trust me, these moments DO come.  They are real.  They do suck.  But it's what makes life, LIFE. It's what makes families a family.  It's the reminder of what path will work, and being reminded by your parents along the way.  

So.  I hope you all love me still.  I hope you still love K still.  I certainly do.  She's a great kid. She really is a super girl.  Always has been.  I am more protective with her in certain areas.  I just am.  I don't like this new theme of "sticking a tongue out" while getting pic's snapped. I really don't get it.  Maybe it's the forty coming out of me.  But isn't just as admirable to look at a smile?  I mean seriously they work so hard on bodies, hair, outfits, makeup.  To stick tongues out?  

So thank you.  For listenining.  And not judging.  boom.

 

This morning while I sat beside her as we drove to school for volunteer work hours, I had these little epiphanies flood me.  Her body drives next to me.  She's taller than me.  She is so pretty with her pony-tail and favorite shorts and shirts with cute earrings.  She's getting it all together.  It's crazy.  She drives better and better each day.  These things are all happening very fast.   I was told she would work until noon, and head out shopping with Tori.  Purse and wallet in tow.  She is handling things.  Things are being handled.  Things are moving fast. It's like the first phase of their life is so different, slower pace.  Weaning from nursing, and diapers...Toddler-hood, preschool, moving forward through all the little grades.   To land in Junior year.  So close to driving off without Mom.  Holding her purse as she exited, walking away.  A little woman.  A little Kali to me.  Things are moving fast. 

Bill if and when you read this, I miss you. I seriously miss you.  Can't wait for you to come home.  I know it's only a day more.  But still.   And I love you way past the moon. 

Happy Tuesday fellers.  

Bill, if and when you read this, I miss you.  I seriously miss you.  And I love you way past the moon. 

Love,

The girl who is on day 5 of bun hair do.  Come on Mother Earth, we'll take some high 70's...Pretty please? 

It all went a little something like this.

Day one.  While Mama (Auntie Lisa preps....) these little chicks keep the pool cool.

I finally convince Bill that working on the boat, and in the garage isn't all the popular topic while in Havi.  And could we pulleeze get out for dinner. 

And so we did.  And it was fab.  As  always.  That place is yummmy!

Some of the group arrived Thursday night.  Here's the kick off Friday morning. Birthday boy in his new hat. Sunblock applied by girl.

Red solo cup......I fill you up....Let's have a partaaaayy.

The weather was perfect.

The group was perfect.....

New toys and all.

Yes, that hippo?  Harder than it looks to stay upright.

Love the color in this.  Love the candid faces.  Some serious.  Some could care less.  Some way into it.  HAHA!

Happy Birthday to Merkemer......Happy Birthday to you......

The sleeping quarters.  The smart ones remembered their blowup mattresses.  The others?  Well.  uh um.  See that tile? 

"WOULDJAA LOOK AT THATTT"!!!  So Saturday morning rolls around.  Bill and I turned the keg in, took the catered trays back, and were off to rent his car for clothing show.  He would depart from Havasu and straight to Vegas.  As we walk into Avis at the airport (very kind and polite service by the way...)  The lady says..."um...the only car I have that NEEDS to get back to Vegas is a Mustang"  to which my reply "well, it's the same price as the original one I ordered right?"  She says "yup".   So, with the paper work complete, we head outside, and of course stuff like this cracks me up.  I've always joked about guys in Mid-life   sportcars.  And so there you have it.   Dad is cruising off in this.  And of course at each light we'd chuckle a little at each other.  So she was stashed in the garage.  We couldn't stop chuckling.   Boom.  Sexy.  Orrr. maybe not.   HAHAHAHAHAH!

And while these people were down at the channel getting their party on in the cabana....we were getting the things listed above done.  Like red sports cars.  And just like that.  We arrive. 

To beautiful warm skies.  Temps perfect. Water...well...channel water can only be so perfect.  eek

And one might wonder...? Well where are all the other bazillion pic's you took?  Well.  If one person couldn't keep their middle finger down.  Delete.  And when you creep onto instagram while laying in bed that evening and find a kind of provocative  looking dancing picture of your teen girl after you've expressed and bragged over and over that your daughter wouldn't dare take pictures like that....well she did.   Go ahead roll your eyes people.  I am too.  It was deleted after being humiliated by both of us. (the picture consisted of Kali, Tori and Mac dancing together while the look of spanking each other with their tongues out....That kind of stuff makes my stomach turn.  Well, when it's your daughter-whom I never thought would do that-and trust me, it really wasn't that bad, it's just enlightening.)  So my motto "never say never" looked at me dead center of the eyes.  Lesson learned by her.  Lesson learned by us. One warning. Bill said "hun maybe it's because she see's all of the other girls on the boat...blah blah blah".  I say NO.  Act like a sl*t, take pic's like one? Watch this Mama come alive. In a not so kind way.  Life is pretty simple. SHE should know better.  Period. No excuses.  Look around, there are plenty of hookers girls dancing on top of boats.  Plenty of action.  Beautiful body and all.  They do not need her to flaunt in a trashy way. EVER.  She's an athlete.  With a career path, and academics to get her through.    And so our conversation was brought back up in the truck on the way home.  With 3 teens listening to me while I preached.  Is that the kind of representation you'd want a college scout to see?  Is that what you'd want Grandma and Papa to see? Kali's response?  Mom, it really wasn't that bad, have you seen what some girls post on instagram from school? My friends?  I said "Kali that is exactly why you've NEVER had a Facebook.  It's the temptation.   BUT she must know better.  I believe, and hope she does now.   Oh. The. Joys. Of. Raising. Girls. In. This.Day. Of.Living.  So.  Never say never.  Don't judge too hard.  And always always, talk with your girls.  And, yes, we will still be Havasuians.  We will still enjoy time on the lake with our kids, and in the channel.  It's TELLING them along the way....what looks right, and what looks completely slutty wrong.   Whew.  Thanks for listening.  I do feel better. Next year maybe we should make her wear a one piece.  yes? 

We did get a couple of monsoons.  And while sitting by the pool I spot a rainbow above our house....Hoping it brought us luck. I think it did.  Life is good. 

Next morning.  I left all cleaning supplies on the counter.  I am talking Windex, mop stuff, bathroom cleaners, brooms, brushes, trash bags, vacuum attachments.  All sat to wait for their "morning rise".  And they cleaned.  And they cleaned.  And I sat in my room, with the doors shut, fans on, air cool,  checking emails, making sure Bill's itinerary, flights, rooms, all attendees rooms, etc were handled.....They cleaned.  And we sat.  It takes us an additional hour after our house is emptied before we depart.  Little checks and balances....all put into place. 

And so we can safely say we pulled off Kris' last birthday bash.  We wish him many more beautiful years on this Earth. That he stay wise, healthy and safe.  That he remember the hard work we put into celebrating his life.  For those of you that celebrated with us we THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. For Mike and little Mitchell for making it. For family and friends that drove a long distance to be with us.  We appreciate the celebration more because you were part of it.   CHEERS!  Friends are sometimes the only rocks we all have. 

Yesterday while we drove down the 40 in 2 separate cars, while waving to eachother as he exited towards Vegas...we knew we'd both be ok. (because I am a chicken to drive in the desert in the summer, especially alone...) We knew we'd have our missions to handle and accomplish.  We knew that we have eachothers backs no matter what.  That is what we are made of.   I salute Bill for rocking Fatal to this level.  The booth view this morning.  The successes are endless.  The journey is incredible.  Big things are happening people.  Big things.   

You are welcome I blogged.  Because every single bit of my body wants to shower, make a cool salad and chill.  But tonight, my agenda calls for school shopping, soccer practice, and then maybe figure out what cool salad to make. 

Bam.  I am done. 

Thanks kiddo's.  It was a wild ride.  Play fair, but play hard.  

Me. With some more energy.  That came out of no where.  HA!

P.S. Happy Birthday to some sweet girls this week.  Mary, Manya and Tina!  The tres Virgos!