Thorns.

As a child that didn't grow up around religion, I find myself searching and wondering about "The Spiritual" side of this life.  I have expressed my thought on this subject many times before.  I have my own beliefs.  I do believe that I have witnessed miracles many times.  Sometimes big, and sometimes very small.  I have.
I have been through things in this life that maybe a 10 year old should NOT have had to go through.  And I have hiked through high school years in ways that no high school girl should have to.  But it made me Lisa.  It made me a good partner.  A good Mom. And a good person.  When people approach me about "attending" church, I tend to back up and make excuses.   Only because I worship in my own way.  Sometimes I pray while watering.  Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night with problems that seem so petty the next day.  But prayer gets me through.  I used to pray in the shower, and cry.  I would step out a whole new girl/mom.  My kids didn't see me shed that tear, but I based that strength to keep carrying on with prayer.

It's a deep subject.  However, there are times that I find myself more amazed with all the love that I have received.  From somewhere.  Is it from Jesus Christ and His sacrifice?  I can say there are a few bible versus that I have truly felt inspired with.

1 Corinthians 13

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
I know this verse is long and uses words like "tongue" and "prophecies" -  but the real meaning is so deep.  So interesting.  And so real life to me.

Jesus Christ was a handsome man.  His gospel has spread greatness all over our world.  And for that I am grateful.   Good Friday marks the day that he suffered on the cross.  Wow.
Moving on to sweet precious and kind things.  Filled with love.

Do you see it?  Gio left this dusty note on Kali's car.  It is in fact the little things. This boy.

While Bill and I were in Cabo, we met 2 sweet girls.  One named......"Lisa"...and the other as Bill called her "Windy Cindy"-(However her name is Britt) They are from Chicago.  Fun, amazingly sweet girls.  We shared many laughs.   Oh so many laughs.  Which in return created a friendship from afar.  We do plan to visit their fun city.  And through a course of a couple of emails, I received this today-

Our silly night out with these girls consisted of good wine, (which I dedicated to my friend Carmen) and many "Woop-Woops" in the restaurant from Bill.  With my ever so gentle poke to his side..."hun, keep it down".  Our night would roll on like this....and it was a blast.  Lisa and Britt, if you read this, let's do it again.
We can't wait to visit your windy city.  And prove to your dude Dan, that we are in fact new silly friends from the beach in CA.

It's time to exhale in our house.  Our week was filled with all things school for Kali.  Late nights of academics, projects...3 to be exact, and her application to run for ASB Historian next year.  The interview process has begun.  Interesting that she chose a "field" that requires documenting their Senior year.  Hmmm. Do you think her Mom will be a tad bit involved?  She is running against many different talented great girls too.  2 of which are good friends.  She was worried, and a bit taken back...but I said..."Kali, what do you have to lose"?  If you never shoot up to the stars, you'll never know.  Do it.  The outcome will be there either way.  Just do it.  And so she is.   Each night she laid her head down at close to 11.   This week also included her moods that at times were quite unbearable.  Not to mention she isn't speaking to her brother.
Oh, man.  Chapter 16.  The world can be so fierce.  Yet the world can be so good.
I won't step in the middle this time.  They both have valid frustrations.  It will pass.

Maybe say a little prayer for these fellers.  I will too.
Go and enjoy this Good Friday.   This weekend will be filled with little cousins, I can't wait.  A new park to explore with family.  Good food.  Lots of laughter.

P.S.  Whatever you do, please do not buy or promote buying a real bunny for anyone.  Unless they live on a farm.  

Happy Easter my friends.

Don't forget to look for that golden egg. Or hide it.  Whichever is your job.  Just don't lay one. HA!

Enjoy all the moments with family.  Remember to share good laughs, and big hugs with those you love.  

May PEACE with you...

Happy Sweet Day to you.  Exhale people.  Let the little things go.  I have a couple of friends that are going through C.R.A.P. right now.  You are in my thoughts.  Be strong.  One foot in front of the other.  You can do it.  There's no other way.  

Go get after it.  

Your Easter Bunny Friend,

Lisa

 

Truth be told Thursday.

This IS MY SPOT for things that I believe.  If you don't like my opinion, and you have a different outlook on mine, that's perfectly fine.  We were never brought here to agree on EVERYTHING.  Right?
Right.
Whether it's Religion, Relationships and Sexual Desires, Race, Financial Status, or other.  We will ALL never agree.  Just don't be a creep. Especially to my kids. Thanks. ha.
These are the things I do believe in.  Although I don't post to Social Media, with more respect for those willing/wanting to agree/disagree with me.  These things I will hold true to.

Paul Newman couldn't have said it better-

“I'm a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human being... by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low on the list that it is irrelevant.”

 

 

Truth be told right there.  I am a TRUE believer that people are born the way they are born.  Stop judging.  Afterall, isn't it unholy to judge others and be hurtful?  Just my opinion.  Don't like it, don't read my blog.  It's my stand on the topic.  End of story.

Anyway....moving on...to more great things....

Is it ME, or do you think it's time for ol' Kim KardASSian to start acting pregnant.  Maybe ditch the heels full time, and cover this up?  If those are the new Lululemons, take me off your email list.  Thanks.

Things that make me smile and beam with excitement right now?

These....

And these beauties.  How lovely are these?  I have planned an Easter Egg Dying evening for my fam bam, and it's funny to watch/hear the kids trying to make little reasons on "how busy" they/we are.  Pray for me.
Our Family Annual Easter Picnic is this weekend, we'd better get in the spirit.

I think anything, and everything vintage Easter is so adorable.  Back when the sweetest baskets lined our tables.  When our parents would create cute Easter egg hunts, and we'd indulge in those amazing See's Candy Eggs.  Who remembers being a kid, and some fancy friend would get those HUGE Easter eggs that had like sugar insides, and a hole on the side with such detail of candy and things inside....

 I do plan to get my hair groove on.  Time for some color and a trim.  

I don't know what I love more about Springtime.  Is it the longer days, or the green everywhere?  I love fresh cut grass, with the perfect edge.  I love all the flowers that are in bloom, even in places that people whom don't garden let flourish.  I love it.  I see daisies everywhere.  Small, big, white, yellow and purple. I love them.  My suggestion to you friends..?  Find little jars, vases..at the Goodwill, or Garage Sales...and fill them with little flowers around the house.  Trust me.  It's these cute little things that always make you smile.  A couple of flowers in a vase next to your bed?  Heavenly. *as the guys roll their eyes.  ha.

Happy Easter everyone.  Good Friday is tomorrow.  To my Catholic friends....Is this the day you get off the hook with Lent?  I have a couple of dear friends that gave up some really serious things, like wine and shopping.  Wow.  I love Easter.  Always have...I think it's the time to gather with family.  Eat like a grazing grazer, and enjoy what we hope will be a day filled with sunshine and happy moments.

Enjoy your night kids......and be careful if you wear see through leggings.  Yipes.

At the most, get outside and check out the beautiful flowers and amazing green that is everywhere.

Don't forget to listen to your favorite music while you get out.  I think that is one of life's greatest treasures.
Music and natural beauty.

Love,
Your Hippie Friend.
That is 100% for Equality.  And completely against Religious Hypocrisy.

The end.

Maybe it's just me.

But do full moons jerk your soul too?

One more day of it's natural big beauty. 

I will exhale once this dude slims down a little. 

You don't feel it?  Didn't feel it?

Well consider yourself very lucky. 

They are beautiful.  Full moons allow nighttime boating.  Amazing moon-rises. Mesmerizing images such as the above picture I stole from Google Images. 

I just have a different taste in my mouth during the full moon phase.

Happy Wicked Wednesday Wacky Walruses.  Wait, what?

I don't know, that just sounds fun. 

Enjoy your day people.  Forgive those rude people today, and smile on the outside, even
if the inside feels a little wickedly wild.  Be nice.

Just another day closer to Friday. 

Easter is coming!  Hippity Hop, Easter's on it's way!

Have you dyed your Easter Eggs yet?

Me neither.

We better hop to it, huh. 

xoxo

Love,
The Mom that can't stand Full Moons.
boom

Tuesday's finest.

It's really my day to express many Thank You's.  And gratefulness that is overfloweth from this girl.
So many times while driving, in this one certain spot heading to work, I have the sun in my face, and the music turned up....I reflect.  It's rather quick.  But pretty meaningful.
A few grateful things rush over me.  I have to put on my game face when I pull into my parking spot at work.
I work with almost all guys.  Fiberglass.  Resin.  Boxes and brackets.  Not to mention the occasional rude manner-less feller.
I've endured these days for almost, 18 years kids.  Yipes.

I've learned to find things to be thankful for.  It helps me get through the dark days.

Meeting "Paddy"-  I love surprises. 

 I'm thankful for good coffee.  Without my brew, I'd never get through gloomy Monday mornings.  That's for dang sure.

I'm thankful for good food.  I live this life with passion, and food is the front runner.  Always.  I may not look like I stuff my face, but I do.  I choose healthy food, and eat in moderation along with going to the gym each day for 3 hours.  HAHAHAHA.  Syke.   I had Bill all turned on there for a second.  omg.  I crack myself up.

I'm thankful for sunshine.  Without sunshine and tanned skin, my face wouldn't seem so bright and happy and my legs would never embrace shorts.

I'm thankful for amazing friends.  I'm a very lucky lady to be constantly surrounded by so many amazing people.

I'm thankful for amazing employees that have my back when I run around for HS Soccer and this girl named Kali.

I'm thankful for a car that speaks to me about my brake light being out.  THAT is bad-ass too.

I'm thankful for family that continues to keep our bond close by planning our Easter picnic for us and the little ones.

I'm thankful for pedicures, because having someone rub my legs and feet, along with paint these long toes of mine is simply bliss.

I'm thankful for good kids.

I'm thankful for good wine.

I'm thankful that I am a smell good plumber.

I'm thankful that all the flowers are in bloom.  And green grass is everywhere....oh, that yummy smell of fresh cut grass.

I'm thankful I will be at the above spot within the next 10 days.

I'm thankful for the little hummus packets now sold at Costco.  Easy snack and great way to stay in shape the healthy way.

I am thankful for my blog.  Without you I would melt into smitherines, just ask Bill and Kali. 

I am thankful for Gio because he treats my girl with respect, kindness and lots of love.

I am thankful for Lizo because she gets my boy just like me, she also brings me love AND avocados.

I am thankful for Bucksie because he is my afternoon partner in crime while I water.  There is something about that little dog.

I am always thankful for Bill and his love, kindness, butt pinches of affection, good breakfast cookin and cute little surprises.

I am thankful for wrinkles, grey hair and good health.  Because without these things, I wouldn't be wiser and brighter.  Darn truth be told.

I am thankful for....

Them.  If they didn't exist, I wouldn't be me. Pretty sure of that.

Within 3 weeks, I will sit there.

A whole hecka of a lot to be thankful for, what do ya say?

That's all for now little Tuesday Taco Heads.  Oh, except a little word from the wise.  Did you know there is 5 Friday, 5 Saturdays, and 5 Sunday's this month?.  Go ahead, check your calendar, I'll wait.  Oh..k...your back?  You believe me now?  Crazy huh.  Only happens every 823 years.

Keep on keeping on.  Be real.  Smile when you feel like crying.  Go get yourself some hummus at Costco.  and dip your carrots in that stuff kids.  Omg.

Cheers little Senor's and Senorita's.  Have a plan to get-away soon?  Alone? Do it.  Even a weekend.  Don't have a lover or care to have one? Well then take a friend.  Explore this Earth.   Don't have much dough, or know where to stay?  Try this.

https://www.airbnb.com/

You're welcome.

Don't look back, but when you see what's in front, be kind.

Always be kind.

You will get much further in this world with a smile.  And manners.  Never ever forget manners.

Be kind to animals.
Because Karma is a bitch.

Cheers!

Long hair, don't care.

The Thankful Mama.

P.S. The full moon is visiting us tonight, and tomorrow....YOU have been warned.  The mean and rude with creep out of people, so try not to fight back.  Just let it go.....It's a beautiful moon, but it creates tension.
Official warning from your friend Leese.
You're welcome again. 

Seventy Two Hours Worth.

You all know how much I love Fridays, right?  Well, I just do.  And it couldn't be topped off more perfect than having our six pack over, and a few more little candidates to enjoy some vino and good chat.

I made Chicken Taco's, rice, beans and a salad....of course with all the sides.  Carmen brought home-made Flan. It was out of control.  I must document this next time.

Some of my other buddies joined in the chat.

And Bill's big surprise for me? Paddle boards! 

A little stoked. 

Meet Patty, and Pat.   Of course they have a name now, sillies.

Saturday was spent paddle boarding to breakfast....and back home to the patio where I sunbathed like a lizard, and had an affair with my ipad, like there wasn't a tomorrow.   We soon cleaned up for a walk over to dinner, and back home early enough to wait for Chapter Sixteen girl and an earlier then normal curfew.  #fridaysleepoverforbirthdayfriend #supergroggygirl.

Sunday morning..we woke up to Dad's famous breakfast. 

Actually the dude saute's Red Potatoes like a Boss.

Little Vitamin C

The pineapples are delish right now.  Go get some!

On to lesson number one oh' one.  Girl, let's check your oil.  (She's gonna kill me while wearing her cuddly Sunday Morning garb. )  ha.

Soon B and I were off to this place where we spent thousands.  Kidding.  But close. 

Just another day prepping for the week.  Where did that weekend go anyway?

For those of you that asked about our little love shack in Cabo.  Here it is.  Small, adorable.  Detailed and super clean.  Have you booked or started a plan to get-away?  Alone as lovers?  Do it. It's fine.  And if you need an escort, well, just let us know, we'll show you around.  But like, next year. Ha.

I received a phone call while putting away our Costco stuff. Mom, the shower won't turn off.   "Like at all".  "Like the hot water".    As I ventured  home, I thought, hmmm call a  plumber on a Sunday? Cha-Ching.  No thanks.  Oh, alright no showers or laundry or dishes for anyone.  ha.  

And then I got wise.  This girl Googled and Youtubed "What to do when your hot water shower knob won't turn off the water".  And guess what kids?  After my trip to Home Depot.....wanna take a guess at who fixed it?  Starts with an L.  And ends with an A.   So bam.

Need a smell good plumber?  Call me.

I need to raise money to head back to Cabo.   Kidding. 

Happy Monday little lover bean chicken heads.

Don't you wish we could just stay home and bathe in the sun, and paddle around like it's nobody's biz?

I sure do.

But for now, I will go answer phones all about fiberglass and brackets.  And give love to vendors with payments and check numbers.

I got this. 

As I preach.  Life is fast.  The weeks fly by.  And I will count down for all the darn minutes until the next
Friday creeps on my shoulders.

Love,

Plumber, Paddleboarder, Car Maintenance Pusher, Blessed and sometimes stressed,

Mom.

Aka.  Leese

Should we exhale?

This week was full.
Soccer Banquet.
Spanish project for Kali.  It turned out really cute.  Forgot to snap shots-Blogger fail.  She had to present "En Espanol" to her Spanish class, and so she decided on how to "Plant a flower".  So we drove to Lowes, and Michaels.  We purchased small terra cotta pots, and a small bag of soil.  2 six packs of Marigolds.  And off to Michael's.  There we purchased the cutest little clear and green striped plastic bags for the soil.  Along with dixie cups and plastic spoons.
At home we put a little soil in each bag, topped off with little ribbons, and soon placed in one big basket for the next day.  The whole project looked adorbs.  While she stressed over her memory side of this class presentation, I continued to remind her, "Hun, you've got this"-  She went to private Christian Schools all through elementary.  Each Friday they'd have to convey their bible verse in front of the class.(Man, and some were whopping whoppers. ha)  I was confident she'd do well.  And so while she sat in her quiet room, I prayed that she'd nail it. While sneaking in to serve her fresh green grapes, and triscuits with cream cheese on her favorite plate. #whateverittakes.   But most of all, I prayed that she'd relax.  Well, SHE NAILED IT.  Her teacher commented on just how cute it was.  And same with her class mates.  To which some were able to take home their potted flowers.   Sigh.   Happy Girl, happy Mama.

We had dentist appointments, and I enjoyed my Wine Wednesday with my buds.

A Thursday evening shared with my sister on a nice long walk....

It's now Friday.  And I am beyond stoked.  I really don't know what the weekend holds for all of us.
Kali has her SAT Prep Class. Her Mom has loads of laundry that continues to flow over the basket.
Her Mom also needs to remind her Dad that Chapter 16 girl must learn to "Check her oil" in Jetta. And maybe, just maybe how to take off a tire.  She rolled her eyes at me this week when the above was mentioned.  So.

How was your week kids?  Full?  Lovely?  Horrible?  Sad?

Well, you can either celebrate.  OR cry.  Or clean.  Or party like a rockstar.  Just remember, don't drink and drive.  And never ever regret having fun.

And if by chance you feel like this.

Well, then just stay down.  Relax.  Curl up with a good book.  Smile because you deserve it.
The dust will be there.  Your kids, friends and lovers need more of you then cleaning or stressing.
Feel like crying?  Well, then cry.  And keep on crying until you have dried those tears.  That's the best salt on our face.  Sometimes tears. 

Just be kind to animals, and never ever litter. 

Happy Fun Friday Fellers.

Go play.  Or sleep.

The End.

Or beginning.  However you want to look at it.  

Eat well. First and foremost.  Always treat yourself to good food.  Life is too dang short.

Happy weekend to you my sweet friends.

Can I get an amen?

P.S.  Bill, I love you.  Like a lot. 

XOXO

When these days become a hardened reality.

While Bill and I were in Cabo I received a call from my cousin Mindi.  My Aunt Ronda (who was a second Mom to me growing up) lost her Dad.  It was fast, and tragic.  He was a good man.  A kind man.  A man of nurturing and loving ways.  He never had a rude or mean spirit.  She was his sweetheart, and his only daughter. Her heart weeps. I have no right words.  These days will be hard and numb for her.  For my uncle too.  If you read this Aunt Ronda, I'm sorry.  My heart weeps for you while you get through the most tender of days.  Planning, traveling, and saying goodbye is the craziest thing to imagine at this point.  I hope you find strength somewhere in your soul to put one foot in front of the other.

I hope little messages of meaning keep giving you the strength you need.

She sent me an email last night, and so many words she typed sunk deep into my soul.  A lot of guilt.  A whole lot of truth.  But mostly something I preach often.  Live for today.  Life is fast.

Words from my Aunt-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life is short sweetie, enjoy it and let the ones you love know it!

Take the time to spend with your parents while you can, one day they wont be there anymore :(

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part of this makes me fill with guilt.  Because I don't travel to see my parents.  I am stubborn.  This is all very enlightening to me.  
 I do live for today.  I actually always have.  Great things have happened in this life of mine.  I believe because I deserve these good things.  I know that people have been put in my life because of this too.  People like my Aunt and Uncle. I tell them often. 

Aunt Ronda, Uncle Wade, Jason, Stacy, Blaze, Skyelynn, Mindi, Chris, Crue, Summer, Broc, Trev and Jaz, May you remember the sweet memories of Granddad.  He was a kind gentle soul.  An AMAZING woodworker.  A crafty feller.  Be there for your Mama and Papa.  They need you all more than anything right now.  

Safe travels Aunt Ronda and Uncle Wade.  One foot in front of the other.  One step at a time.  


Love you all, 

Peace. 

Leese

These two are a very big deal.

When you watch two love birds embrace this young life, you see many different things.  You often wonder.  How is it that they remain so diligent and dedicated in studies.  How is it that their paths work together?  Through studies, and sports, along with love just paving their own roads.  It doesn't seem easy.  And yet, they make it work.  They work hard.  I see it.  Along with staying healthy, and true to themselves. We worry about parties, and keeping them safe from here to there.  It's what parents do. Between both families we seem to cover most bases. ha.  There's more to worry about with teens these days.  I often wonder, does that worry ever go away?  I still check to see if Kris has made it from here to there.  It's just part of this life.  The way we see it these days.  Things like this unfold in front of our very eyes, very quickly I might add. We sit back with pride and honor. Especially to call them ours.

Paving roads, while keeping each other on track.  Respecting each other.  In love.

Sunset League Champs, while earning her first Letter Patch.  #awesomesauce.

When they are Scholar Athletes.  Kali you are so awesome!  Gio was in The Sun Seal Beach Newspaper last week. 

And you hope they keep following their dreams.  That they continue to make the best decisions, just as they have.  Who knows what the future holds.  Right now they live for their goals, dreams, and the love they share.  I am proud.  So very proud. I know his Mama, Dad and sister are so very proud too.

Keep chasing.  Keep working.  This is your life.  Go after it.

We love you Kali and Gio.   Remember we are your biggest fans. You both have a support system in the stands, cheering you on.

Proud Mama,
Love,
Me.  

Happy Wednesday kids.  It's been a full week thus far.  So much going on.  Too many things to be thankful for, and many to reflect on.  These are the days.  Eat good. Tell those you love that you do.  Let that special someone know just how proud you are of them.  Whether it's their beautiful voice, or the way they prepare something for you or anyone else.  Let em know.

Sometimes you don't get the chance.  Remember, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.

Go get after it.

xoxo.
Always more besos.

Be kind to animals.

Winning is everything, and bonds make it complete.

Last  nights awards banquet proved a few things.....

It proved that I am, in fact loved.  And appreciated by many....

It is, these things that truly melt me.  The words they wrote.  The meaning.

Another beautiful venue

With the ever so popular "Candy Bar"

Talk about SWEET!

Varsity girls 2012-2013

Kali will miss her Senior Sisters.

We have one more season. 

We both can't believe it will end next year...

Best Friends, for life.

Soccer Sisters, and cousins, through cousins. Small world.

Oh, this trio.  Let me tell you....

Awards for GPA 3.5 or higher.

The support system. In more ways than she even knows.

I was presented lots of love.

Yum Yum.

What soccer ball?

Swoon.  (He said on the way home "hun, it's crazy to think next year we will watch HER Senior video and it will all be done")  Oh, yes I know.  Trust me.  I really don't want to think of it.

The Sicklers.  Our buds for life

And there's this girl Cindy.   Yea, she planned this banquet.  What a night.  Good job C.  Good job. You beautiful lady you.

Champions.  Friendships.  Bonds.  Life in High School.  Do they really even know, that these ARE the days?

That living in this moment means more than anything else.

A team is made up of a recipe called "Hardwork" along with "Determination".

They would not have won it all if those early mornings didn't exist.  Those days where academic life would kick harder than any cleat to a ball.  Those late nights would rattle their little souls so close to caving in.   Those days that coach would express such harsh words.  Those days where your sister teammate would hug you with praise and love that is unlike any other.  That in the end, it's what you bring to the team.  And I truly believe the bond this year was unbreakable.  For that I am proud.  I enjoyed serving them again this year.  I loved the recipe of Varsity. The Lady Griffin recipe of love.  Hope. Understanding.  But most of all their courage and strength.   Not to mention beauty.  Thank you to all that donated their time, dough and love for my thank yous.  They truly mean more than most of you might even know.  Thank you for all the kind words, and raising such beautiful little souls.  I hope I stay in touch with most of you.  And that these days stay bright while you send your soccer stud off to college.  Live for today.  Breathe strong for tomorrow.  Cheers.  GO LADY GRIFFINS.