My current view on being a Mom....

This morning, as Kali pulled out of the driveway, I stood in the living room and watched as I do..And each day, I stand there in awe. (I know corny, don't roll your eyes)- And I wonder if she'll ever feel what I feel. In fact, one day when she's a Mom, I know she will, but right now? She doesn't.  It has started to dawn on me that my parenting skills, if you will, are paying off.  I am becoming a leading lady for me.  It's not ALL about them anymore.  Of course the major decisions will still land at the Big Bosses desk, which is me.  However these days are becoming more planning for me, and less planning for them.  (aside from college, and curfew.ha)

Last night was another moment, sitting at a big soccer game.  In the stands.  Freezing.  With my friends, and cuddled up close to B, while we watched an intense soccer game.  (Yes, Lady Griffin's still remain in 1st place. TAKE THAT EDISON, and your "Unfinished Business shirts"!) Knowing that these days are numbered. These games are numbered.  I will miss those soccer games.  I will miss packing the car up, and unpacking when we get home, tired and all.  Last night my girl pulled in behind me.  Yes, it's all changing real fast.  

I never imagined how these days would feel.  I do enjoy them. I am very proud.  And I am very thankful.  To all my followers that have little ones, be ready.  These moments come faster then I expected.  And those days of trying to find a sitter to have a date night, soon become a thing of the past.  Chapters 16, 17 and very soon Chapter 24 for one, will happen this year.  You will be planning drivers licenses, SAT testing, and college applications, sooner then you expected. 

Here's to a new me.  While I keep pressing on these two little burritos that have always been my rocks.
The two that kept me going when I felt like tossin' in the towel. And the laughter this dude gives me is another story in itself.  Thank goodness we are silly.

Chapter 14.

(photo bombed by a serious feller..) ha. Looks like he's gonna toss his break dancing cardboard down any second...ha.

 

Time for me.  A little more time for me. And a feller named B.

Good job K and K. You two make me proud.

P.S.  Peeps, don't get me wrong, my teachings are far from over.  But the days of toting two kids, down to one, just gets more and more obsolete. 



xoxo
Always more besos.

My latest edition of "Things"....

Things that make me cringe.

I still can't help but wonder why it's so uncomfortable watching The Bachelor.  Is it the awkwardness of just watching these beautiful girls desperately expose themselves?  Or the continued exposure of Sean with an S, in everything body baring.  I mean, come on dude, really?  ABC, can't you get drama any other way aside from half naked bod's, or girls falling down? Or crying over one dude.  Come on girls, there's more to life.  There is.

I still battle heart ache every. single. time I see a homeless person.  Most of them are mentally ill. I mean, you have your fair share of tweekers that roam the streets.  And no, I do not, and will not contribute to any sort of those lazy delinquent freaks.  But mentally ill homeless people surely make my heart weep.  Especially during rain and cold nights. It literally makes me tear up.  As for my kids, yes they are the same. 

And the folks that continue to rant and rave about politics, and things that cannot be changed.  Listen, it's already happened. The laws were made. Most of us are completely frustrated as well.  And the conspiracy websites you read and repost are getting redic.    Unless you plan to take up politics and join congress, step back a little.  After all, you are starting to look a bit manic.  Sorry, not sorry, just my opinion.  We ALL know everything isn't fair.  Yes we know that.  Life goes on.  And relentlessly posting the same things, day after day, isn't gonna change your FB friends opinions, nor will it help your personal family life.  Let up, will ya? I think it will make you feel better too.  Get outside, and enjoy this Earth.

And the molesters that our tax dollars paid for months, not to mention years, while they "were being investigated"...and continued to slap little girls behinds, AND snap their bras.  Yes, you freak, THAT is inappropriate. It is.  Lock him up and toss the key.  Don't need him in my stores, parks, or streets.  Thank you very much.  #POS

NOW, let's move on to things that make my heart flutter with smiles. 

When going to Varsity Retreat gives you this ensemble....

to know these are the super sweet days that they don't really even know "are the days"....

One of my absolute favorite websites...and blog.  I've made many many of her recipes.  Her potato soup is amazing.   Her family is adorable.  She is a lover of all animals.  So there...go see for yourself.  And enjoy. You're welcome.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/

When I received this picture of our coaches paddling around at the private lake during retreat it made me smile.  It's watching them kick their gruff and tuff ways for this silliness.  Good stuff there.  

Oh Hi new bike.  yes pretty bling for me, but I love. love it.  

Happy Wednesday little chickens.  Hope this day is good to you.  Or good for me.  Or both of us.  Be good, and play fair.  And make a recipe from the The Pioneer Woman, K?  Trust me, you won't regret.  Or your love bug won't regret it. Surprise em?  How about that Patty Melt? Oh em gee.   

Chow for now.

xoxo  L

Oh, you know, laughing is VERY good for the soul...

When you get these two together...there is nothing else involved but laughs, and more laughs.  Enjoy kids- Happy Tuesday you little worker bees....Keep on smiling. And keep on truckin.  (Best part...Muriel..)

Seriously Mom, that was like amazing....

This weekend held a very special treat for the Varsity girls.  And to say that it's just some icing on the cake for the Seniors.....it's that, plus so much more.  It's about this bond.  It's about feeling that sort of distance from one or a few of the girls throughout the season, and finally....just finally seeing another side. Not the big party.  But the hearts in every single girl there.  I planned to drive out on Saturday, and work got in my way.  As much as it broke my heart to "not drive out and hang with the girls"....something told me this morning..."leese, it's ok..."  She needs for you to be away.  She needs to see that life can hold possibility with good change.  And those moments of bonding with the very same girls that you stepped out onto an icy field the morning of Winter Formal, or running sprints in extreme warmth.  Those very same girls that stay up late to study, soon packing their soccer bag for the next day...tired, exhausted and at times the feelings of defeat. Those common bonds.

They all hold this.

I received her text within 20 minutes of their arrival back into town....and as I ventured over to pick her up...my heart wondered... Did she have a good time?  Was this retreat everything they all hype it to be?

She stepped into the car, with her makeup-free, fresh freckled face, and neat but but messy french braided hair...and looked at me with her big brown eyes, and said "Seriously Mom, that was like amazing"...and to hear some of her personal moments with team mates that she now calls sisters, is everything this Mom wanted and needed to hear.   Varsity Retreat 2013.  Good stuff planners, good stuff.

The 3 Mom's that chaperoned, I thank you.  Kyoko, T and Sue.
The one Mom "T" as we call her...(Phoebe's Mom) that planned, and cooked all. of. the. meals.....YOU DID IT LADY! With high respect and many compliments to the chef! Because feeding this many girls, with many different palates...wowza...Let us bow down to you lady T.

And as she explained this tradition of ribbon passing, and expressing positive words from one team mate to another...hmmm there may, or may not have been tears filling up my eyes under my glasses.  Let's just say...all I could do was nod.  oh. and smile. Always a smile...

More to come.  Thank goodness for iphone pic's and the dear friends I have that sent them.



Happy Monday Mama's and Papa's.

Are you ready?  Did you pack a good lunch?  No?
Well, ok..today is the day to grub.  And no excuses tomorrow.  Because you officially only have like 6 days until we seriously get our Superbowl overrated but good commercial day grub on.

Now, go get after it.

Love,
One happy Mama.

Looking back....

When I look back on the days when K and K were little, I have some regrets.  Some personal regrets, just like you, we carry them around forever.  But those other great achievements that I proudly carry with me are their evolving ways. The humans that I have raised.  To be respectful.  To be good humans.  To be kind. And to live this life to the fullest.  This morning while I headed out in the rain, I was reminded of those days.  Those days of making little rain boats for Kris and his friends.  Yes, I was the Mommy that would allow them to make boats to float down the gutter.  Trying to make one better than the other.  Filling them with little army men.  Cheering on the winner.  Kali would ask to put snow gear on and slip and slide out front....no problem. Allowing them to run in that said rain, getting so super wet.  And warming up with hot chocolate, and grilled cheeses with pickles.  I was that Mom.  I was that Mom that didn't mind mud puddles, and dirt.  I never treated my car like a museum. I just didn't.  And for that I am proud.  Because looking back, I have no rainy day regrets.  My kids will tell you this Mom allowed the simple things.  

Happy Saturday little Indians.  I hope you are doing your best in whatever you do. Bake something yummy.  Treat yourself to a mani-pedi.  Guys, go prep a meal that will knock her socks off.  What?  Or...go clean out the garage.  ha.  Whatever you do, dance in the rain.  Embrace it. Just like those moments with your kids.  Because just like that....you must look back.  

Cheers....to you, and you...and YOU!  clink*

Mama Lisa
That cool Mom that let em get dirty...
and play in the rain....

It's these moments...do they really even know?

Varsity days.  When you take all 18 girls shopping at The Dollar tree yesterday to prep for Senior Day.  That's where the sillys happen.  Yes, we mobbed that store.  And yes it seems nuts.  But YES I love to watch them soak up these amazing days.  Days they don't even know....."Are the days".....

Because this bond is unbreakable.

They've shared the same hardwork.  Tenacity.  Game Days.  Blood.  Sweat. Tears.  They have each other...

And their team Mom named Lisa follows them around trying to make their world a little sweeter. 

And The Mikalson's open their home for some more grub and lots of paint for decorating posters...

This girl.  This.....girl.   Kali, I love you more than words can ever be written.

These girls left this morning.  The ever so popular "Varsity Retreat".....

And this Mom had to compose herself and stay behind.  What started out as "Mom, I really don't want you to go"...to..."Mom, maybe you can come out, everyone wants you there".  And so it leaves the conflicting side of me wondering.  As always...Am I there too much?  Do I let her live through these little things without me?  Her Mom has always been the one to volunteer.  The Mom that is there.  Helping, organizing, and making cute things happen.  Maybe she's ready to be left alone.....just maybe. 

After all, this is the place they just arrived to. 

And their phones will be tucked away all weekend.  Plus no makeup. 

And no primping. Just time for them.  Time to exhale and enjoy these days....together.  One team.  One unit. 

And lots of laughter.  Lots of friendships, and maybe some tears, maybe some drama.  Maybe....just maybe....some relaxation.  I may, or may not have plans to head out there tomorrow.  I already miss them. I miss my girl. My homegirl Kyoko is there.  We were to do this adventure together this year.  I stayed back for a few reasons.  But I miss them.  Stay tuned you little burritos.   Palm Springs, I just....might get a taste of you....Happy Friday Fellas.  And Fellers.  And Mom's that love these days with your kids.  Go play.  Be fair.  And laugh like there isn't a tomorrow. 

Nice little tips for you...

We all know I like a bargain. I mean, really who doesn't.  Let's get real, who doesn't like a deal.  Bam, gangsta rhyme skillz again.  boom.

And so...let me remind, and share these few websites with you...

Based on my own experience...yes, K ordered her winter formal dress with this one.  Shipped within days.
Superior material, and well made too. The cute part?  It shipped from Europe.  seamless. Good stuff trust me.  Right now, my friends, 70% on some items. 

www.asos.com

My second runner up for the day, which should always remain 1st runner up.  Simply because every.single.day I find something super super cute.  Do I remain disciplined and refrain from buying?  Well, yea.  So I want you to buy it.  Deal?  Deal.

www.groopdealz.com


Third runner up for the day is this blog http://www.thetwineryblog.com/
And here my friends, you can purchase the cutest rolls of twine, and FREE little tags for cute bags.
Now I don't have a little girl to wrap the ever such cute bags anymore, but trust me when it comes to tags, ribbon, and twine.  YOU WILL ALWAYS have a place to wrap this twine around.  eh em, remember my recycled Trader Joe bag wrap? So cute, and so simple.  And saving trees along the way...
You can also add a sprig of flower or shrub to any wrapped gift on plain paper. Trust me.  caahuuuute. 

So view, click and shop away kids. 

That special over rated day of the year is around the corner.  Be ready.  Or else.  Stink eyes, and dog houses. ha. Or both, stinky dog houses.  wowza

Happy Thursday little ones. 

It's raining, it's pouring...the ol' man is snoring...
Well, he did last night.  shhhhh.  ughhhhh. 

L

I take weekends very serious. We all know this, right?

Friday afternoon I had a headache.  Friday evening B cropped up with a nice new idea for date night here.  Yard House Long Beach.  A place we'd partied at years and years ago.  Good memories.  Great food.  And of course great tunes. We actually felt like lovers.  And that alone....is priceless.

When we arrived at home, I had a stuffy head, tickle nose, and sneezes that. would. not. let. up.  I tossed and turned all night with a full head of whatever fills our head up with.  boogers?  ya those. and more sneezes.  We woke up...to beautiful sunshine and warmer, much warmer weather.  I was served coffee in bed...and a huge smile with "hun, wanna ride bikes today"?   "ya, I do...let me get ready"....

And so we landed here.  It's their newest restaurant.  It was ok.  We arrived to see Kiely.  Our friend Paul's daughter....

We ordered this.  I would give it a 2 stars out of ten.  That bad.  Sorry Paul and K.  Next time we will def. order the tacos.  Let them get their breakfast cooks in order....

And of course we ran into Miss. Maddie.  She pleaded with me to step out front and "take my pictures, k?"....ok sweet pea. 

And this is her pretend to be sleeping pose.

She took this of me.  And just watching her little fingers operate my camera melted me.  So young.  So wise

At this point, my bloody mary had kicked in.  I felt really no pain, just really not me. 

But I rallied.

And somehow deleted the picture of me on my new pink bike.  #youfancygirl

love this view over a crowded mall anyday...

And I love me a sunset.  And so after heading home, collapsing on the sofa, I jumped up to drag B back across the street to catch this.  Well, helllloo Catalina...

Good night Mr. Sun. 

We thank you for that warm sunshine today...

And while we ventured on through our day....these little birdies ventured through theirs.

The perfect day to hike...that's for sure.

Back home to be cuddle bugs with our 4 pack.  Home is where I belonged.

Because the next day.....I was headed here.  Thank you Jean for hosting such the pre-party...

And yes, Coby, you were quite the host yourself.  Until you heard us say..."are we ready to GO"  Those two famous letters when you own a dog.

Mini-Van Mobbers. 

And the mini-van mobbers do get back private parking at the Staples.  So no need to walk far or anything.....

Now off to 24 Wolfgang Pucks Restaurant. 

Oh, I get these freakies everytime I look over.  #iamsoafraidofheights

This looked pretty bad ass though. 

Yea, and those fruit drinks.  sixteen bucks.  We sent them all back.  Too sweet.  #headachers

Sinful with a capitol S.

Until I notice these fellers, I mean fellas all on their phones.  What the?

Yea you girl.  Stop posting.  HA!

Lady Gaga, here we come. 

And so I am partying like a rockstar, pretending to be A, OK.  But my ear was plugged and throbbing.  My head felt dizzy....

And I carried on like no body's business. 

Because this name here took very good care of us. Yes, Ritz...you sure did.  And Maria, it's always you girl.  You pull me through some crazy fun gates. 

Private room.  Thanks.

Lady Gaga.  You rock too girl. 

As I am true believer in "live and let live".  And I do believe people are born this way.  Sad that some hide in closets because of ridicule and hypocrisy.  Yes, that does exist.  And yes cruel fake religious people do too

And so if it takes a few people in this world to sing songs to help others love themselves.  Then I will celebrate right along with them. 

We  were tucked away in this room, ever so plush....It was the perfect view to see lots of ....eh em...interesting fellers.

And a shout out to Ritz for such the amazing concert experience.  But most of all to Maria.  She is the homegirl.  She is the one with swag. ha - She knows I love her, and she knows that I would always rally to be with her, and our posse. I had a great time girls.  Late night, but worth it.

In bed by 2am, up at 6 with a stuffier ear, that was in fact throbbing again...and a body that said...."girl, sit back down"....as a matter of fact..."lay down".  And so I did.  K was home.  I was home, and I slept all.day.long.  Anyone that knows me, I don't do naps.  Never been able to.  But I did.  I awoke just after 1pm.  Rather grouchy, but reminded, this field is where I need to be.  Watching this girl.  Bathing in sunshine.  Sitting shotgun next to my friends.  We took down Marina.  3-1.  The week will indefinitely fly by again...and the memories will come and go.  But this past weekend was everything a simple girl would love.  Date night at our fav spot, bike ride in sunshine, sunsets with a warm night..and a concert iced with luxury.  Yes, it was good.  Yes I am wiped out. Yes I finally took the advice from my friend Kyoko and bought Sudafed.  And the ear is clear.  Bam. more rhym skillz.   Happy Wednesdays little taquitos.  Be good. and be kind to animals.  xoxo