Friday, May 31, 2013

Showing kindness

One of the sweetest things about the day we are born is the acknowledgement of "our day".  It's the sweet messages that roll in from the moment it becomes our birthday.  At the tender age of seventeen, it's showcasing simple things that shine and shadow the big expensive material things.  It's the time someone takes to send a card.  The words they write.  Oh those meaningful words they write.  It's the big bows that are handmade with little love ornaments attached on that said bow.  From your boyfriends Mom.  The crafty one.  It's the time your Auntie takes to pick up sweets, and stop by to share the day.  The words she writes, and the picture she stuffed in your card as an 8 year old little Kali. It's the little baked goods delivered to our doorstep from a neighbor.  Those organic carrot cakes with cupcakes in tow.  It's the flowers that a neighbor picks out and hand delivers with a huge hug.  It's the little surprises at school from your besties.  That love from your boyfriend that is tender.  So important.  Especially to you.  Which melts me times a thousand.  It's your day.  And those that remember you.  It's just so kind.  And so...so perfect.   In more ways than material can ever count.  


She received many nice gifts.  From us, from friends. From Gio and Gio's family.  (Lululemons...say wha..)
This birthday was awesome. Not just material.  But filled with KINDNESS. Being together.  Staying safe. Staying true and having fun while we do.

I didn't buy Kali a card this year.  As a matter of fact, I forgot.  Making cards for them is usually my "go-to" but time slipped away, and other things jumped in front. 

I wrote her a long letter.  Stuffed it in her bag.  Sealed with hope.  Pride.  And lots of love.

She received it this morning while in the parking lot at school.

Her response "Thank you for the letter, I love you so much Mom".

I love her, and them more than anyone on this big ol' Earth will ever. 

And I am proud.


Happy Friday kids.  Enjoy it. Eat well.  Hug the one you're with.

And don't forget to leave a note somewhere.  For someone.  Those sweet surprises will never ever grow old.

The good, the bad, and the ugly-
......just got a phone call from my boy that some douche broke into his car last night at his friends, broken window and all stuff taken.   oh.  this world, why? 


Spread PEACE and KINDNESS.

It starts with us.  And our children. 

P.S.  I deleted pictures of Kali opening gifts on her actual birthday.   Good job Mom.
Reminder to take my big good camera in for repair. It's time $$$
ugh.

Now.....GO HAVE SOME FUN KIDS....and remember...DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE....!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

It's how we do it.

We pick them up at school.  And head out.  one. thirty. Thursday.
To soon drop anchor.....

and settle in.  now she drives, so off to Subway they go.  while we sip a cocktail and catch the sunset and prepare for a house full.

We wake Friday morning...while window washers are a' washin'...this feller ran into our bedroom.   oh, hi baby quail.

We'd soon pack em up for a traditional ride up river to Pirates Cove. 


These are the days.  Yes, they are.

Because someday we will look back on this reminiscing.  Showing their children.  Sharing stories at weddings.  Parties.  About...these days.

And he will be mentioned in the memories.

because he is in our pack.




Cousins.  Summertime.

What..?!


Grammie, why another picture?

And when the crowds are high, you order a private shuttle. 

To just get us there....

Right over there...to the channel.
Where we people watched, and listened to 7 different choices of music on 7 different surrounding boats. LOUD.

These good girls....


And these skippers. 
Kept them safe....

And sound.

For that seventeenth celebration...

Memorial Day Weekend....selfies.
Love you B. 

And you round em up for dinner. 

Swoon.



Love.

Besties



Soon to open gifts...

And a boyfriend that "builds a bear" before you leave for the weekend...and you press it's ear for a recording from the boyfriend that says "you mean everything to me Kali"....

And your best friend makes a homemade card that will follow her around in her scrap book for the rest of her life.  "I" can guarantee you that.  #weddingsoneday 


cake -  blurry picture.  = all good.   Her Mom was probably tearing up anyway.  ha.


As always, jacuzzi full.

Mama and her birdies. 

Beautiful.



Line dancing?  hmmmm

Gio in spirit for the weekend...

Friends since little guys.
Seventeen.

Hard working Dad, finally chilling out.

And of course it was the perfect weekend. 
Celebrating this girl.

SHE is our anchor.

And loves us so much she got teary eyed.  kidding.  


Well, there's some out of 90 I took.  So many to go through.  Such a fun, perfect weekend.
Celebrating life.  This life that is fast. 

Happy Day kids.

I hope you all have a great rest of the week.  I hope those friends that are walking through tough times stay tougher.   That the days become brighter.  The people around you become truer.  And the moments become more peaceful.  I am sure they will.  I promise.

Live well,

Leese

And.....P.S.
Happy Birthday to....
Gaylord.  Eighty Seven.  You are awesome, you pistol you.

And I work for your name, every. single. day.

And Miss. Maria.  For you, I say, Cheers! More candles, more wishes.  Happy Birthday my friend. Can't wait to celebrate with you....xo