If there is one thing I should be ready for.

It will be preparing this life with changing traditions.
The kids will make plans, and they will have other options that will get placed in front of what we would always hope for. 

Thanksgiving 2012

When other plans fall in place of our traditional ones, as parents, you go with the flow.
That is how I am, and will most likely, always be.  
You understand, but your heart is skipping a little beat, as you prepare less, and find packing a bit off.
I've always cooked a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Havasu for Kali.  It happens on Wednesday.  Just the aroma of the smell in the house.  Asking for them to help with little tasks, and just being together.
Like who is gonna remove the guts and that mysterious bag inside el turkey?


This year, they will be basking in the sun along the coast in a beautiful resort in Cabo.
As I blog this, she is zip-lining over the Cabo beautiful-ness.
They've sea-doo'd and enjoyed sunset dinner cruises...
She has my little camera, so capturing my life along this life has been sparse.  But that's quite ok.
I can't wait to see their fun week away.  I just can't wait....

Wednesday the day before Thanksgiving 2012

We will miss them.  Heck, I miss her tons right now. 

And this handsome feller is trying to decide on his traditions this year.  As always, I just go with the flow.  Hoping and wishing...as Jack Johnson says....I heard him say he was heading up to Bakersfield to tinker on  his new ride a little more.
After several pleads to drive up, he has smiled with that dimpled smile and said..."I don't know yet Mom"-

Which means, he is figuring it out.  And before he has a family to carry a tradition for, and wife to keep happy...I get it. I will always get it. 
Like I  preach, this life is fast, and too busy and hectic to worry about keeping others from finding their own happiness.

I will cross my fingers that he will pull in our driveway.  I will pursuade as I do with text pictures, and silly antics.  That's just how we are.
That boy has been fishing like a chartered fisher fisherman. haha.

And with that I will close with a Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Or a Happy Friendsgiving fellers.

Be happy, and find what makes your heart full.

Live, love, laugh, and go discover this world.

Don't forget to snap photo's.  You will never regret looking back.
Trust me.

Gobble gobble til you wobble....

ps.  Bill and I have lightly packed, a trip unplanned, yet our destination is always set.
The road traveled is familiar, and it's cozy.  It's full of crisp air, and star filled skies.  It's full of friends, and family (can't wait to see you Trev and Jaz). It's full of beautiful sunsets.  My favorite time of year.
It is here.  I will miss my birdies. 
It will be beautiful.  As long as their hearts are full, this mama's heart will always beat fuller.



Boom

This Mama Lisa

My Edition Of.

Outtakes that crack this chick up.

That's all, just thought I'd show some of those that don't and won't make my top list of pictures to post.

But to let you know that they do exist, I have a folder of just cheesy, terrible ones, just for smiles on a gloomy day.


Happy Sunday Silly Sugars.

Leese

I always hoped....

Deep down when you are a Mama, you hope that you've instilled goodness into your children.
You hope that being respectful, and kind are first on their list.
Money will find it's way if they are taught to work hard, and to take care of themselves first.
You hope the many moments that have been twisted by their careless actions will straighten themselves out.
And usually they do.

You hope that they can find themselves in this big scary selfish, greedy world.
That they still continue to keep their kindness, and respectfulness.
My son has always been a love so deep for me, from the minute they placed him in my arms.
I would walk around the world for him.  And with him.  Sometimes that has been a handicap to him.  Trust me.
We started our life together young.

I always hoped and tried to be a good Mama.
As he ventured through high school, he had mohawks.  But  had awesome grades. He rode bikes with friends that he still holds close today.  He has covered his body in tattoos. He tried on younger occasions to talk me into some piercings. The answer was always "no".  Yet he would push.
There were moments he'd try to push my weak side, yet I never gave in.
There were moments that he'd witness my very tough side.
Same with his friends.  That boy knew better than to ignore curfew or my wishes.  He just did.

He walked with the craziest of them, and has made this Mama worry like no other.
He is the first to help an elder, and the best sales person we've ever had.
He is kind, and he is gentle. He never sees race, religion, color, or wealth in a person.  Ever.
Treat him with respect and kindness, and in return you receive the same, plus love and a silly lifetime friendship.
I have always hoped that he will find what makes him happy.
I remember years ago, I'd hope he would end up taking care of his body first, and partying second.
This is the boy that wouldn't really eat a salad with his family, but he also never indulged in candy or sweets.
He loves mexican food, and he loves meat and potatoes.  But veggies and a gym?  Not heard of.

As of late, this dude goes to the gym every single day after work.  He takes care of his body like he should.
He eats salads for lunch.  He enjoys watching what goes into his body.  I've watched him head down to a juice bar on his lunch to enjoy a veggie smoothie.  It makes my heart full.
As he comes home from the gym after a day of work, his body is happy, and so his soulful spirit is too.
It makes my heart full.

His recent passion...

After the gym, he heads to the water side.  

It's all about "Catch-n-Release" .......and the time on the water.  With your best friend, and hot tea, with these new lures. I mean, life couldn't be better. 

And then this comes into the picture....boat + salt water close by = good fishin.

As he mentioned to me, this little confinement is better for him than any bar.  Catching and releasing what is out there in that water will keep him full of life.  It will keep him attracted to what makes this world a better world.  Enjoying water.  Enjoying long talks with your best friend.  Saving to buy something that will make you happier.  

And for that, I am proud.  Especially when my Grand-Doggy has a warm jacket for those boat rides.  

A warm jacket, with a hoodie?  I mean, stop it.


These little days that lay in front of me answer some of my toughest questions that cross my path in the middle of the night.

Prayer.

They are working.

Because I always hoped for this healthy, safe side of him to come around. 

Kris, you make this Mama very proud.  Keep on keepin' on.  And kickin bass!



Happy Saturday Sucka's

xoxo

BIG Love, and wishes for more fishes, just for you my fine slice of boy.  Just for you.

This Mama Lisa

And they are off.....

Today is a beautiful day for The C Family.

It's a beautiful day for my sweet Chapter Seventeen girl and Chapter Eighteen dude.

They are off.   To paradise.

Cabo Wabo just you wait.

They're coming for you....


Big love to you all, stay dry, and stay cuddly.


Peace out,

This Mama Lisa

ps.  These pictures make my heart swell.  So nice of them to take these well deserved kids to a place far away to finally relax.   Thank you Brandy and Eddie! Happy Birthday Apphia, you beautiful girl, you.

Clouds in my coffee.

Well, the dark clouds have arrived.

They are dark, and cold, but they are beautiful.

They offer me time inside, to be me.  Listening to good music.

Cleaning, and sorting things.  Crying, or smiling, when and where I want to.

Reflecting on this life.

It's a beautiful life.

But sometimes it does get the best of me.



My worries. My family. Finances, sleep, work, beautiful moments I hold on to, all of it.

It's this life.

And I get it. I am not the only one, and many others have it way different and a lot more shitty.

But this week the clouds have moved in.

And it's ok.  They will pass.

Pray for my sweet girl as she ventures onto a vacation in a beautiful place with a beautiful family.

Wishing you all a beautiful cloudy day.

May your dreams come true, and your trouble seem far.

Because you my friend are not alone.

This life can be hard, but it's so so beautiful.


Especially when there are clouds in my coffee-

boom.

And today...

I am thankful for this sign I read on someones Instagram.


Although it's funny, I actually can't drink and cook.  Unless it's easy peasy bbq and hang out.

I would jack my shiz up if I consumed more than 1 glass of wine.

Truth spoken right there.

Happy Turkey Tuesday.


Have you planned your meal?


This year will be way different, that's for sure.


May peace be with you kids.  Especially the rude ones that are lurking around the corner at me.

I see you, and this chick don't play like that.  So.....

Peace out homies.

Be the bigger one, and zip your lip Lisa. 

Love,
Lee

They get me every dang time.

(This post was started Friday, all smooshed together by Monday with love)

It is currently Friday evening.  Bill's still at work, which is saving me this slice of time at home, alone. I'm sitting at my home computer starting what I would call, a sappy mess of a soccer journal book thing.  I've always wanted to sit down, sort and capture every team. For her.  For her children.  For her children's, children.
I want her to see what the journey was all about.  What she put in it.  Why we loved the game.  Why we did what we did.  Not really me, because I was there to drive, and socialize.  Just kidding.  I was there to win.  And drive some more. ha.  

I really can't believe it's over.

I can also pretend that these tears are just allergies attacking me again.

Cute story to this picture- You all know one of my besties Kyoko, right?  We met years ago at a sand tournament.  We were both new to the team.  On this particular weekend, the night before the tourney, I started my routine to "get our stuff ready" for early morning take off.  While I searched high and low for her tourney shirt...IT WAS NO WHERE TO BE FOUND. I am talking pulling every thing out of my car over and over, at first not telling little miss little.  But after a thousand and one checks, texting our manager, and looking ten more times again...we decided to let her know, and grab the bull by the horns the next morning and head to the sand.
So this is what happened.

Taped numbers.  HA! Embarrassing is an understatement. So the day went on, we played with our new team.  Carried on slightly awkward conversations with new team mate family members...

Fast forward 6 years.  Kyoko and I were tossing down some cocktails..shocker. ha- and she proceeds to tell me a confession.  She had judged me that day.  She was wondering how a Mom like myself could lose something so vital.  You know those moments that you look at another parent, or person and judge.  How we pass judgement, yet have no idea how things might really be.
And so we laughed and laughed. Still do.  And every time I see this picture.
The following day after that tournament, while sorting through Kali's closet that I searched four hundred times, I find a plastic bag and the contents inside...were....well, you know.
I call bullshit on the ghost that did that to me.  But whatever.  That's our funny judgement story.
And each and every time I stumble across this photo, I am reminded.  (love you kyoko, have I stepped up to your standards yet? hahaha!!!)

Saturday morning, as I awoke, I realized, I have like 2 weeks to prepare for our annual Christmas Boat parade gathering...
So this happened..

I switched on some Christmas tunes, and we got to work.  It was quite the peaceful morning....

But don't get too jealous, because sooner than later, I'd end up here.  In. The. Mall.  Yuck.  Kali had to find a dress, and new gear.  Loud music, a moody Chapter Seventeen girl, and crowds-  Double yuck.

No worries kids, we had plans with friends in Laguna, so we decided, to get goin' and try to catch the sunset.

Here.  At The Deck.

This isn't my picture...we didn't make it at sunset.  It was dark. Just so you get the idea.  Cute place.  Trendy, yet so close to the water, how could anyone resist.

Two dirty martini's please.

  Lover.

Our babies were down in Hollywood celebrating Gianni's sister's birthday....

The end of this week will close out with those two birdies above, and his family...right there.  By those arches.

"All Good Things Are Wild And Free"-

Happy Monday Monkeys-

Be good, or be bad.  Just play fair.

xoxo

Lisa Lynn

Your thoughts?

What are your thoughts on the whole Black Friday thing?

Here's the way I see it.

This is my personal belief, and by no means do I intend on offending any of you nuts that get up at the crack of dawn to shop.
Pure nutty nut heads.  

Now they are mentioning on the news that some stores will begin this madness on the day of Thanksgiving.

What happened to the tradition of all stores being closed on that precious day?

When maybe one store was open in a 10 mile radius if you forgot the whipped cream or extra rolls.

When you prepared ahead of time so you'd sit around and relax, sharing good food, wine and laughter between your family.

Last year my cousin and I were a little nutty in search for ice-cream on Thanksgiving night...and rolled into Walmart in Lake Havasu.
Just let that sink in a second.  Walmart+Havasu.  For ice-cream.
We prevailed.  And I did grab a cheap dvd on my way to the register.
But what we endured to get that ice-cream was everything freakish.
Lines, with carts red taped off.
Walmart people staring at eachother so stoked because that singing Santa is marked down by ten bucks.

And trust me I get that needed appliance for 40 bucks less.

But why do people get the vision that spending that monetary, rather than the sincere moments together, filling our tummies with good food.  Finish the night with Pumpkin pie and ice-cream, and coffee, or your favorite drink.

Make your list of gifts. Don't over indulge.  Family and friends will still love you the day after Christmas.

Today I am thankful for good food, and time with my family.

It's a cuddly cool one by the coast.  And...i. love. it.

ps. Happy Birthday Uncle Wade, you fine dude, you.  I've always admired your strength.  Your difference from the others.  The great Dad that you are.  And were.  The many beautiful yards that were tailored just right because of you.  You always knew a thing or two about flowers.  That alone is like super awesome.  You've always been kind to animals.  Big and small.
You love your wife like every man should.  You cook chile verde like my Dad.  You have always had beautiful hair.  You can rock shorts like no other  IN THE WINTER.
Thank you for being the other rock to me.  When you'd pick me up in the red dually and sweep me over to babysit or work, I always felt privledged.
You are the tallest tree in your family tree.  And you've made some beautiful roots.  That's for super dang sure.

I love you.  Happy Birthday-

Now go live this life friends.

Remember to live simply, because the fancy stuff doesn't matter much in the end.  But moments do.

Just say no to shopping like a nutty nut.

Because, remember those friends and family that matter, won't mind in the end.  

boom.

L

Always

Thankful for FRIDAYS.

For as long as I can remember, this day is just extra special.  Almost a little better than Saturday, because the vibe is happy, and the night can drag on a little longer as we unwind from the bumpy, long twisty roads we've traveled in 5 days.  Mine started out so precious with K and Gio....
But the rest, as always was full.
Of all things work.  Paper, more paper, phones, emails, vendors, negotiating, more emails.

Then do we dare mention the other part time job I clock into at mi-casa.  Cooking, college stuff, laundry, short cleanups, hanging up the trillions of clothes that seem to come off my hangers during the week.  #lame.
I blame that on the weather climate change.  Never the less...it's there.  As a matter of fact, the inside of my closet has at least 50 items to hang back up. So.  We all know what Sunday will look like...right?

I don't know about you, but I am so tired.
Like the desire to curl up on my bed, and be a cuddlebug as I tell my kiddos.
Man the feeling of being young and full of energy....why didn't we get that memo on how soon it would fade.
I love to be home.  Don't get me wrong, I love some good gatherings out and about, sharing cocktails and good meals with friends....but nothing spells "peace" more for me, than "home"-

Preferably in my most comfortable gear.  Give me fluffy socks, and cozy fluffy sweat pants, and we've got a party.

Maybe this time change has me by the back of the neck.  Maybe it's just everything coming up as it does.
I try to get through the holidays with a pep in my step.  But Christmas and the month of December and I really don't get along that well.

And for that, I beg for you to pray for me.

Pray for sunnier days.
Days full of energy.
Days that I can make a difference.  Even in one persons life.

I will start with a smile.

There is nothing more beautiful than a genuine smile.

How about spread some of those around your town, or house this weekend too.

Happy Friday.

Smile because you can.  And we can wear fluffy cozy socks, and sip hot tea, and make time for friends and family-



Remember your story matters.

Love,

Leese

This dude.

Today I am thankful for animals.

Especially this guy.

If you haven't heard of him, well let me introduce you to pure sweet, silly and adorableness.

Mr. Tuna


He can be followed on Instagram if you have. If you don't....just scroll through pictures of him.

Any picture.  Guaranteed smiles for sure.  Dumped by the roadside.  Rescued for a life filled with love. 


Happy Thirsty Thursday...

How about this warm weather my Southern California friends?

Talk about amazing sunsets, and sunrises.  I was able to catch a glorious sunrise this morning, while I sipped tea, and listened to James Taylor.

Life is good.  Hard, but good.

Go live it, and be kind to animals.

Love,
Sunrise lover

The one three.

Day Thirteenth I am thankful for visiting my parents this year.

And spending these moments with two of my creations.

Something I think about often.  The laughs.  The jokes.  The good food, and hugs.  The good talk.

The moments sitting right next to my parents.  On their cozy couch, in their cozy home.

The aroma of my Mom's cooking.  Her delicate soft ways.

Her caring ways.

My Dad's suggestions as we ventured out of the house.

His stories fill my love cup full of the best goodness.  His wisdom is like no other.  To me.  Forever and ever.

Their garden full of fruit.

And of course....sweet sweet full of life "Bella". 

There were more blissful moments that I didn't capture on digital, and continue to miss greatly. 

Because of that, I am heading back.

Sometimes reality slaps my cheeks when I realize what I preach.  Life is too fast.

And incredibly too short. 

I can't let these stressful days get the best of me.

Soon, I plan to hug your shoulders again. 

I miss you Mom and Dad.

I love you more.


ps.  the dark clouds have been moving closer to me this week, and I am fighting those mother f'rs like a lion.



Eat well, and drink good green tea.


ROOOAAAAAARRRR........................


L

Closing chapters, and filling others.

As I mentioned last week, our soccer life was soon coming to an end.
An end, as in twelve years playing soccer.   Different coaches, different girls, parents, cheering grandparents.  It soon came to an end.  On Saturday out in Santa Barbara.

I love that little town by the sea. 

As I loaded the car of all things yummy for lunch, along with warm clothes, and blankets...I passed these ol' cleats of hers.  I know they look haggered.  They are.  She's offered new cleats every year.  But she most always declines.  Unless her feet have grown, she loves her old cleats.  It's a personal thing.

My sis decided to join us for the ride out to Santa Barbara.  3 hours in off and on traffic....we made it. 

As I watched her walk out to warm up one more time, I sat very quiet.  I had this strange relief wash over me. 

All that she's accomplished.  All the friends she's made.  All the friends I've made.  The new set of rules and respect taught from some of the finest coaches around.  Although it was coming to an end.  This part of her book will no longer cover soccer chapters.  It's a good set of memories that's for sure.

One of the best coaches ever.  Eddie, we will forever take what you've shared, taught and gave.  Your kindness, faith for the game, and love towards each girl will forever be embedded in my being.  Kali will talk about Eddie...or Eduardo forever and ever.  We will always think of you when we see "throat lozenges" - As you belted your vocal insides across the many many fields we visited.  You are the fine one Eddie, you are.  May your new bride to be, and soon (hopefully..babies too) live the life with such an anchor of goodness.  You are one good dude, my friend.  Thank you from the bottom of my soccer mom heart.   

I noticed she played a little rougher.  A little pep in her step, if you will...

I tried to capture the moment.  You know those days, where you wish you could just stuff it in a capsule and open it up again another day.  The cheering...the smell of the turf, or the fresh green grass, and the sunblock from their faces.  The dirty cleats on the ride home.  The quiet moment if the loss got the best of her.  The vibe in the air if the winning flag flew from our car on the ride home.  The little packed snacks she'd nibble on while we headed home.   I have tons of pictures...Thank goodness.....

I have some videos, and I have some great close up shots.

I made some of my most precious friends here.  I cried with defeat next to them, and we partied like the best of em.   We wished big dreams together, and we've watched plans change, because people and kids change.  

As she gathered together with her team for one last time, I had to grab my goods and head off the bleachers.  I stepped aside, then down on the field.  Something she did, will for sure be in my heart forever.  She sat there on the bench.  By herself.  She removed her cleats.  She removed her shin-guards, and her socks.  She slipped on her shoes for the ride home.  She grabbed at her pony tail over and over, and tears began to fall.  I walked away.  One of her long time team mates, Sav (goalie) said some of the kindest words one could possibly speak, as she walked off the field with a lump so big in her throat, and eyes that held tears so high up.  Sav said "So Kali..how's it feel..?  Are you ok girl?"  As she wrapped her arm around Kali's shoulders.

And that?....that my friends is how you close out a chapter of soccer.  Kindness.  Good tears.  A loss, but played in a beautiful city.  With your Auntie present.  Your Mom, the rock of rocks.   Back on the 101, headed home.  Not to cry because it was over....but smiling, because it happened.  Forever my little hero.  My soccer stud, my forever #4.  #13   and #2.   So proud of you Miss Kali. 

Sunday morning, I awoke as I do. In search of my cup-o-jo, phone, and lover- ipad- and found this text from my Aunt.  You all might remember this Aunt as I've spoke of her before.  She's the Aunt that taught me a thing or seven about parenting. She always believed in me.  Well...she read my Saturday blog post.  It's contents about death, religion and life....

She sent me this. It took me a few moments, and re-reads to fully comprehend it's contents.  In fact, I've read it a couple times since. 
It helps to give me an understanding that maybe, just maybe God will stand next to me during those long early middle of the night worries.  That I can turn to Him for peace, and comfort.  Thank you for the time you took to send that to me....Yes, I am a skeptic and true blooded girl with the first last name of T.  I love you Aunt Ronda and Uncle Wade. 

Dad surprised us in the morning with an amazing banana pancake breakfast and veggie eggs.   The sun shined down, a light breeze didn't chill us, it just made the morning much more clear.  Much more special.

Soon after our meal, we'd step inside to catch Derek race.  He's at Pace University in NY.  Currently breaking records.  

Remember these days of swimming the channel race at Thanksgiving?

Where he won third, then second out of 120 people?  2009

We watched live.  So awesome.  So proud of you Deker!  Keep on keeping on dude.  You have moved many mountains waves on your own.  And it's showing...

This little dude sat out while we fished.  

And let docks loose.  

 And took little boats out to catch the big one.

I love this picture of Chase.  That beard....oh, that beard!

And while those hillbillies bailed out....

We sat, right. there. all. the. live. long. day.

Mama made more snacks, and veggie goodness...

And sipped cocktails. 

No worries, I ate more munchies. 

While he put her hair in a bun. 

#boyfriendoftheyear

 Oh, whatcha got there?!

I Love you Bill.

Monday soon rolled around, and while we did more college stuff, a day off for me along with a plan to attack this little cute hike was in the works. What better way to look out at the ocean and shout gratitude for our Veterans then and now.  Serving for our freedom.

Seascape Trails in Palos Verde.  

Do yourself a favor.  Go there.  Plan a trip when the Santa Ana winds are in the mix...during the fall and winter months.  It's an almost guarantee of clear skies, and a view across the ocean like no other.  Parking is a breeze. Pack a lunch...or find some good lunch.

I walked ahead to get a little work out....and every so often I'd peak back at these two in deep convo.  

I was also worried they wouldn't respect the snakes.  ha. 

It was quite the day.  A day filled with laughter, and good hiking.  

You must also do yourself another fine favor, and dine at Terrenea Resort.  Just do it. 

The place is fabulous.  It's plush, yet wide open.  It's fine, yet able to go simple.  It's fancy, yet earthy goodness is there.  It's rich and expensive, yet planning ways can accommodate.  Pack a lunch, bring a sweatshirt, some good walking shoes.  And go. 

 Senior year....Chapter 18 and Chapter 17. 

 No looking back now kids, it's time to get this show on the road.

All things are looking up.  Planning, moving, searching and loving.  It's all happening. 

 These two keep me proud. 

My little is not so little anymore. 

"The place to improve the world, is first in one's own heart and head and hands."

The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#SYXVQ1BqbU1VGEsv.99

The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes_of_the_day.html#SYXVQ1BqbU1VGEsv.99

Make the best of the week....because "no one can figure out your worth but you"-


Today I am thankful for the beautiful days I am able to share with my kids-

May peace be with you and yours,

Lisa Lynn