Best day of the week....

Will also be the busiest, and a weekend to.....

All day, every day....

 Because soon our summer will come to an end....within like 45 days.- Enjoy em!

 So we will live this way all weekend long.  Fatal parties, Soccer tournaments and birthday gatherings. 

Some weekends are full of "Living Simply", and some are full of parties and "stuff"-

This weekend is filled with "parties and stuff"-

Have fun, play hard, and lover harder.

Here's a fun site to play with.  Of course I checked myself,  Bill and the kids.  
It's pretty close.

Birthdays....


Just be safe along the way.

boom.

T. G. I. F.   Can I get a woooop woooop?!


This Mama Lisa

Noticeable kindness.

Today, (Wednesday) just as in every. single. weekday.....I make my way to a place I call work.

Unlike my normal Starbucks morning, I pulled through McDonalds. 

I love their coffee.  

As I had my order taken from this young sweet girl, she had a routine smile and demeanor.
I smiled big and thanked her.  After I complimented her pretty eye shadow, I "pulled to the next window".
This is after I made her smile.  That felt good inside. 
My coffee was ready.  A medium with 2 creams and 2 sugars inside. 
That second window lady said...."here you go pretty lady"-  In her accent.

I pulled away.   She made me smile.   I hope she felt the goodness inside as I did just mere seconds before. 

Kindness.

Pass some on today.

Smile at others, especially those not expecting.
Maybe you can even go out on a limb to those undeserving. 
In this world that is filled with evil.
In this world that is filled with anger.
And greed.
And phony.
And hurt.

Sometimes the only thing needed is a smile.  To others.
It works.

These moments don't always work, and I will be perfectly honest with you, I don't always feel kind.
As a matter of fact, there are plenty of challenging times, that make me feel full of frustration.
And anger.
And sadness.
And bitterness.
And greed.

I fight it.  Always have.
But for those of you that know me, I prefer to spread kindness over any of these....always.
It's the way I am programmed.

Try it today.  Smile for someone else.  The feeling that overcomes you after passing on kindness is unlike any other.
And if humans don't cross your path, well than be nice to animals, and this big ol' Earth of ours.

Update on Gaylord:  He was transferred to a special hospital on Wednesday so doctors may keep on an eye on a hematoma that has formed in the spine area.   This has been a challenge, along with the severe pain he is dealing with.
Thank God he has amazing kids.  It's because of them, and their watching kind ways that he will receive the best treatment possible. 

Go get after this day people.

Smile.

Try. 

For now at least. 

Remember, YOU are important.  Treat yourself that way.

Love and big smiles to you, my beautiful friends and family.


L

Happy Birthday to this fine little dude.

He's one of our favorites.

He's loving.

He's helpful. 

He's strong.

He's awesome.

 He's kind.

He's smart.

He's talented.

He's handsome. 

And he has personality like no other.

I see big things in your future little one.

Bill and I cannot be more proud.

Chapter Fourteen.   boom. 

I know your big day was yesterday.  The day got away from me.

Soon the day will come when your lines don't get tangled anymore.
Until that day, we have your back-
Keep on fishin' on....

Happy Hump Day Kiddo's.


Go Big.  And go get ice-cream!

It's time to celebrate this life.


L

The sweet and not so sweet.

Bill walked up to my desk yesterday with that look.

The look of, "I'm outta here in a hurry" look.

Gaylord, his Dad-   Fell.....

It was a bad fall.

His lower back is broke.   Yes, you read that right, broke.

At 86, this isn't a good thing.  

Doctors, Surgeons and nurses are plotting the plan.

I heard last night he wasn't being the best patient.

I don't blame him.  He's in serious pain.

He's a good man.

One of my favorites.

Prayers are needed. 

I told you the full moon brings out the scary.  

Isn't it wild how life moves along, and with the zap of a phone call,  can be changed instantly?

This man is amazing to say the least.  He's walked a long walk.  An admirable walk, I'd say.

Lately, his cane is the new fad.  It's the only way he can get around.  He can't stand straight.  He needs assistance getting to and from.  In and out of things.  It is the life he knows now.
And falls have become bigger and scarier.

Gaylord, only one way to get through this.  Strength, and us.  We will get you back UP.
We need him better. We need his stories.  We need his jokes and witty silly antics.

Well, at least I do.

The sweet things in this life?
Receiving a text from Kali.  "Mom, Gio surprised me this morning with breakfast, and was sitting in the living room when I woke"-

It's the sweet little things in this life.   And for you, I say...rock on little one, rock on.

Funny, just this morning I started to order this pillow.

I dedicate it to you Gio.  Love you, lover bug.

xoxo


Keep on keeping on.

Pray for our sweet Gaylord.

It will indeed be an adventure on the horizon.

Have a sweet day beautiful ones, and try to make one for someone else.

Hugs,

Leese

TGIM?

I have to say it's one of those rare occasions that I actually loved waking for work today.
Not sure why.
I kind of think it's because my world at home became organized and cleaned by my strong hands, all day Sunday.
Alone.
Maybe it's those moments alone that help you reflect.  Refresh.
Step ahead of the game.
Does this make sense?
No?
K....
Moving along.....
With a cloudy weekend that covered our home with all things cool, I kicked ass around the house.
As in cupboards, drawers, planted flowers, cleaned windows, scrubbed my bathroom the way  I LOVE it scrubbed.  Washed all our blankets, animal beds, and toys.  Just everything.  And. It. Feels.  Glorious.

I mentioned last week that my family scurried in different directions.
And that they did.

I made the decision to NOT miss my girlfriend Donna's 50th Surprise Birthday.
We celebrated her.

Happy Fiftieth you rock star Donna.  Girl, you have a whole buncha friends.  What a room FULL of love. And your hubby and kids deserve "The Awesome-Sauce" award.    

Nifty and Fifty.  Go get after it girl.  And party till you drop.  It was so cool to see our ol' team friends.  Crazy to see the years that have flown by.

Pre-Party at The Sicklers. And my camera died.  I know Bill, here's your que to fall off your chair with pissy pants.
Things happen.
No need to worry, my sis had us covered in the selfie department on the way.  Riding in the back seat of the Sickler car.
And boy, she kept on snapping away at this said party.  Only thing was, she had it on video.
She's bad ass like that.
Anyway, we celebrated my fine friend.
So friends at that said party. If you get your sweet little paws on any of these pics we snapped.  Like the 20 plus, please send them this way.  Help a sister out.

Saturday morning consisted of some paddle boarding to breakfast...(kayak for my sis who stood on the paddle board like a brand new sweet baby deer.  If I had to pee, I would have in my pants.  Sorry for the shout out T.  but that was funny stuff) great breakfast shared by us.  We did a costco run after that.


I missed my Bill.  When your niece is here from The Air Force and ready to jump in the lake, within a 2 week span.  You decide what's important.  And heading to the lake with all those babies were all too good.
Bill you rock.  You do.   I'm sure your sisters felt that. A huge THANK YOU to them for sending me pictures daily....so sweet. 

I missed all of them. 

With fishing holes like this?  Fahgettaboutit.   This will go in a frame.   Little Reese.  And "Sophie"-

 Our girl spent time with this beauty.  Apphia.  Gianni's sister.  In Fresno, at some Music Party. 

An all nighter of some sorts.  And when your boyfriend wears shirts like this?  He's got you covered.  #animalloverswin.  

She had a blast.  Thank you Gio, Apphia and Hayden for keeping my sweet girl safe.  I knew you would. 

 I knew you would.  Brandi and Eddie, you've created two awesome kids.  That's for sure.

Meanwhile another 500 miles north.  My boy and his boy landed here.  At my parents.
At almost midnight.  But that's ok, because Papa took good care of them.  Truck and trailer....no worries.  Papa has you handled.  Grandma had all snacks and love handled too.

 Kris' bestie "Rich"...bought this beauty.

Traveling together.  Round trip tallying about 1200 miles.  It's what friends do for friends.
Road trip Summer 2013-


With all my lovers home safely.  It was one big exhale.
Content.  Happy.  Clean house.  Summer days that offered light rain and cooler temperatures.
Dinner with my boy last night.
And nice chats with this girl.

I know picture place.  I see your logo.
And yes, I will order.
And no, I can't believe this is happening.


Happy Monday people.

Full Moon tonight, and through Tuesday.
Be safe.
Smile at the knuckleheads.
And run from the crazies.
They will be out, that is for dang sure.

Fight the tide because it's worth it.

High five to clean houses and cleaned out drawers and cupboards.

boom.


This Mama Lisa

A cup of coffee for you.

Happy Saturday morning lover beans.





For all of us that expect more in this life.
For those of us that stress over having more.
Bigger and fancier.

Slow down a bit. 


My cup of coffee for you friends....


Also for those of you going through hell, please remember you can get through it.
You are strong.
You are able.
You will. 
Trust me.

And cry if you want to.

Just be kind.

Enjoy this day.  However you choose to do so.

Eat well, and yes, choose dessert.  Always choose dessert. 

Leese

When plans deliver in our favor.

The week was one of those.
As I mentioned earlier.
A tad sad.
A tad happy.
Some peaceful moments.
Some tender moments.

And we moved along with the tide.   Together.  At work.  At home.  This life.
Between all things in this life, I mentioned to Kali about "The Fair"-  Are they up to it?

"Of course Mama".  We would love to.
My plan was to get there before the evening crowds.
It worked better than perfect.
A light crowd.
No traffic.
Smiles in the back seat between our two sweet babies.  Gio and Kali.

My sister sitting shotgun next to me.
The sun shining. With a light breeze as we parked my car, almost in the front.
Again, everything too perfect.  I mean, look at that sunshine.  75 degrees.   Light breeze.   These two...

This may sound dorky, but my sis and I stood there at the chicken coop taking in the aroma with a warm welcome.  We grew up with all farm animals.  Chickens were in our life.  Coops were in our life.  It brought back some warm memories.  We used to sit in those coops and talk to "our chicks"-  One year our parents bought us an incubator filled with eggs ready to hatch.  It was Christmas morning.  How awesome is that?  Yes, it was.   (I love my sisters smile here, she looks peaceful, and almost childlike....swoon)

No games.  No practice.  No training.  No school work studies.  

Just a happy day at the fair. 

Together. 

Carnie section.  Always my favorite place to people watch.   Tweek ville.  omg. 

Can you look at this sweet goodness.  Born on Wednesday.   oh. m. gee.  

 It's almost surreal to see these little boogers.   I sat there dreaming of sitting in that saw dust and holding one. Or holding five. 

The runt.  Tagged to show so.  

 Tired mama.

We indulged in bad food.   Blooming onions with grease covering the napkins.   We did kind of good and went with a kabob of chicken and beef.  Hummus.  Hot wings. Homemade lemonade.  Topped with ice-cream.

I get tummy aches with bad food very easily....so I am careful.
This time I was fine, but Miss. Kali said....ugh, my tummy hurts Mom.  ha.  boom

The garden was glorious as we exited.  Peaceful.  Full.  Organic and bright.  

 You see the crowd so light?   oh, can I get a woop woop.  My fav. 

We laughed about these carnie stuffed animals.  To spend 40 bucks to win a dust collector.   And that she did.  Well, only 4 coupons, but lookie here.....

That was our fun at the fair.  It was perfect.  Maybe it's the gracious deserved ending to such a deep week.

My entire family will venture off into different directions this weekend.  (One in Fresno, One in Tahoe, and one in Havasu) Part of me is bummed.  Part of me is worried (I know roll your eyes), but more parts of me are happy they are happy. 

Soon we will all be back together.

I sense fun times on my horizon.

I also sense good food, big smiles and big hugs.

I can't wait.


Go play kids.
Play fair or stay home.

Much love and happiness to you all.
Remember to be kind-
Words cannot be taken back.  Use them wisely.



boom.


This mama Lisa

Happy Birthday Auntie Susie!

CONGRATS....to Coach Eddie and Tricia on your ENGAGEMENT!  Boooom!
So stoked for both of you.  Tricia, you will make quite the beautiful bride and wife.
Eddie.... Finally!   Finalllllllly!   Woop Woop!