Well, it's the LAST page of 2014-

It isn't until you are this close to really putting the book of two thousand fourteen up high on a shelf, that you really begin to realize many things. All of the chapters have been filled. 

It seems the minutes faded into hours, days into weeks, months folded into where we are today.

The last day of this year.

Looking back at the many mile "stones" you've tossed across the water.  Some so pure and sweet filled with sugary bliss.  While others can instantly make your eyes leak salt water tears.  We all look at each other month after month with words of, "man you can't wait for tomorrow, we've got to live for today"- And yet all the "todays" are most often filled with LIFE.  Errands, work, kids, appointments, schedules, deadlines...
Most important, in between it all, we add fun.  I know I certainly do.
And with fun comes hard times.  Sorrow, and pain.
Helping those around you pick up The Sorrow and Hurtful Blanket and put it away. Far far away.  Kind of helping them dust off their knees.  I know I've leaned on a few friends during some of my darkest hours.
If it weren't for Bill, sometimes I wonder where I would find strength.  And not just lean on him for gushy love, but more living for him.  For them. Pushing forward because we need to.  We're in this chapter book together.  We promised each other we'd be strong. And walk together. Through it all, we'd walk hand in hand.

We'd jump through milestones with our little's, and later sit back and think, holy shit...that was fucking crazy.
Not you? Oh, you're lucky. for now--

We'd clink our glasses with friends, expressing the fun moment we were in.  Knowing that lurking behind the shadows was Fear. Stress. Lawsuits. Bullshit. Debt. Broken friendships. Burned to the ground relationships with spouses.

All of it.

And yet, we make it.  Days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into Months.  To this last day, of THIS year.

Kali asked me this morning if I make a resolution.  My response, is no.  I don't.  Never have never will. Actually one time I tried to not use the F bomb as much.

I guess I'm a tad bit allergic to resolutions.

As for me, I will serve where I can.  I will soak up love from those willing to give it out.
I will also hand out love where and when I can. Always offering praise, kindness, and smiles...especially to those less fortunate. Most important, anyone serving me while out. 
I will continue to share my slice of life with you all.  I will pray in the middle of the night when I can't sleep (because I know this shit isn't gonna get any better)- I will pray for my health.  My children's safety.  Bill's health and our life long planning.
I will pray that I can keep up with my group of friends that have yanked on my chain more than I've sometimes been willing to go play.
I will pray for friends walking the tight rope in this life.  That they continue to pull up their boots each day and strap em up tight because they CAN do it.

I will pray that business prospers in my fiberglass world, and that I have the strength to continue on a more positive path.

I will pray that two thousand fourteen taught me life lessons.  About life.  About loss.  About friends.  And my lover.

(The link below will offer some bs ad's-CLICK THE TOP RIGHT X to exit from the ad, follow the little irrelevant answer box, and it should load- Hope it doesn't give you grief.... but if you navigate through and care to see over 200 of us, during 2014- From Jan-Dec- If not, move along little birdie, move along)

Goodbye 2014     


It's funny to look through folder after folder of pictures, labeled so perfectly, month after month...2014-

I have captured so many.  Some shared, while others sit for just me.  Or us.  Maybe not the world. Not this time around.  Maybe black mail, or shark week shit storm.  Kidding, kids, I kid. or....

Some pictures so real and stunning they push me back into my seat.  Love, life and loss. All within months.


How one moment we have that loved one in our lives, and yet months later, she's gone.

Or friends that seem to have it all together, to soon find they are battling a melting marriage.

It's preparing, signing, touring, and finally settling in our daughter at college.

It's finally clearing out my sons room because he finally moved out. Watching him find a passion in salt water, that makes me proud that he doesn't hang in bars to get his rush in this life.

It's pushing through some of our hardest times together as a couple.

Staring at each other so many mornings, or evenings with pure honesty. Other evenings staring at eachother with tape over my mouth because I want to open that can of whoop ass, and I know I shouldn't.
Or maybe I do, and end up walking the path to bed quietly while wanting to hog all the blankets, pillows, and curl up just to myself. Just because.

I want to wish each and every one of you a beautiful New Years Eve.  We had some fun elaborate plans, at some fancy hotel, at some fancy restaurant. Booked a month ago. I have the cutest dress to wear.  And yet, something isn't clicking this year. And so last night, I dialed each of the places held on reserve under our  name, and asked to "please cancel our reservations"- My plea was to stay home.  Light a fire.  Sip my ever so beautiful bottle of -Ramey Cabernet- An early dinner at one of our favorite little spots in Seal Beach.  Just us.  Together.

Because it's always better when we're together. Holla!

If I can take one thing away from 2014, it would be to remind your parents just how much you love them.
And if your parents are not here with us anymore, to move on to the next mentors in your life.
Your wife/girlfriend/sister/bestfriend/husband/brother deserves a note.  Of love.  Of praise. Let them know.
Because sometimes it's too late. There's always something they do that no one on this Earth does.  Let them know. I promise that seed will flourish.

I do agree, live for today.  But remember this life is fast.  And before you know it we'll be reading a gushy long lengthy picture overload from me at this exact moment next year.

At least I hope I am able to be here this time next year.

Cheers Big Ears, well in my case, it's a big nose.  And big feet.  But don't look, k?

Love you all, I really do.

Can I get a big Womp Womp for the snow, and rain that is falling around us?!  Mother Earth, hear our prayers. 

xo

This Mama Lisa

ps.  Be safe out there, and bring your pets inside- You own them, they are part of YOUR family. 

Well, how'd you do?

Did you wake up on Christmas Eve with a flurry of errands to run?

Did you stop and sip your extra hot coffee with whipped cream a top?

Did you make your traditional breakfast for your family?

Did you spread as much love and smiles that could possibly be throughout the week and most important during the flurry of Christmas?

Did you remember that love is love and no matter how much you strive to buy that perfect gift, it's usually the simple ones that mean the most? 

Did you eat good food, and warm up extra tamales, just because?

Did you call your loved ones or send a card?

I can say that most of the above came to fruition for me.  For us.

I opened a couple of very heartfelt cards.  One of which made me cry. *shocker*, thanks Kali.

I peacefully woke on Christmas morning staring at the ceiling with contentment in my heart. Although my restless heart missed my son, I knew the day would come.

We ventured over to the cemetery as we do each year to stand next to those we lost- Happy Birthday Grandpa!

We walked into the one house in my life that has NEVER changed.  Hi Grandma Ramirez....still witty with her beauty comments. 

We ate tamales and laughed with Aunts and cousins until our sides hurt.

We spent Christmas afternoon in the hospital sitting shot gun next to Gaylord as he worked hard to pull it together. (and he did, he's home, and he's eating and getting stronger by the minute-yay)

We spent Christmas evening on the 91 Fwy in solid traffic, but soon would end up on Rice Rd. In the dark, but closer to the river and lake.

We arrived at our lake house in a hunger flurry and found Sho-Guns (Japanese Teppan style) to be open.  Crab cakes/Lettuce Wraps/Bacardi cokes- never tasted so good.  The time difference by one hour on a holiday sure does open ones eyes in a quick hurry.

We spent the next couple of days working around the house with the little chores that make a winter snow bird a happy snow bird.

We dined with my cousins at a fancy steakhouse. Hey Trev, Hey Jaz!  We LOVE your new home!

We headed home and back to reality. 

And all of this, was done without one.single.snap.shot.  My memory card left behind on my desk at work.

And for a moment in time I told myself.  It's okay Lisa, it's okay.

I present to you, Bill's I-phone snaps-

This is our third trip to the skate park there.  The first couple of times, I would get out and rally one guy over, who'd rally the rest.  That's mama in the mix.  Listening very closely for "pleases"and "thank you's"- Some kids have a very hard time using those words. Kids with helmets also received extra love.

This time, as we pulled through on the opposite side, one dude sees us.  The rest bolt over before we could even back up.

Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion.

I hope each and everyone of my followers enjoyed the still of the holiday.  I hope that someway and somehow you found peace.  Or good cocktails.  Or both.

PS- I GOT MORE GAWD-DAMN FACE CREAM! 

His birthday is in a couple of weeks, so no worries kids. 

Big love,

Lisa

Slices

Of our weekend. 

Fast. 

Furious.

And still a tad bit unprepared.

We started our Friday off at my cousin Monica's house. After sitting in solid traffic for two hours, with growling tummies...it was sure nice to see this beauty. Lexi, you are a doll.  That's all there is to it. My little cousin, stay true, because you are a slice of perfection.  

 It was a cookie swap, slash drink wine, play games, and laugh with your legs crossed.  That kind of night....

Oh, and wear your pajama's type of night.

I was the DD.  And soo.......*cough-cough*   one for me, 4 for them. 

Big cousins, and little cousins.

High heels + Hands on hip = Lock those doors, Monica and Kevin.  

Saturday night we united with Larry and Cheryl.  They hosted our six pack with the most amazing dinner.  Cozy home. Good food. Scratchthat...AMAZING food, and delicious wine.  Obviously.  ha.

And while they tore it up in the kitchen we sucked these down, and creeped around her home.  

Hey world, meet one of the coolest chicks in all the land.  Hi Cheryl.  You rocked our socks off, and into bed with full bellies.  

Christmas Dinner 2014-  Cheers to that!

But then all of the sudden they pulled out the famous microphone and pleaded with us to sing karaoke.  

And if any of you know me, or us, you'd know we run faster than a bunny from a big dog.  

So our fat and full bellies adorned their couch...and we cheered them on. 

Merry Christmas Larry and Cheryl.  You two are adorable.


In case I over look you over-achievers that are done shopping, I say cheers to you. You super hero's you.

I am 45% complete, and yet I still continue to find excuses to just not get my act together.

As much as I wish I were complete, I am not.

I hope you all are enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.


If not, you can "chuck it in the fuckit bucket"- 

And pretend it's not so close?

Nah, we better not....we better pull it together- 
My son said to me today..."Mom, I'm so excited for Christmas...I can't wait to give my gifts"

And to that I say...I taught him well. 

Guess that's one plus on my side.  He's ready!

Cheers-

Lisa The Girl That Better Get With It.

A Malt.

Tuesday night we witnessed an exciting switch up in Gaylord.

He received a pace maker.  So much agony went into this decision. Not so much from him, because at this point everyone just wants him better.  But the answers didn't come softly.  As a matter of fact, this topic was brought up several times throughout the years, and he flat out refused to be put under-
Understandably so, everyone obliged.

His heart stopped last week.  They pushed on his delicate chest for 10 minutes.
Let that sink in for a second.  Ten. Minutes.

One more time, Ten.  At eighty seven.

So after much talk, much discussion.  They decided to do it.

As they prepped him for the surgery all he wanted was a malt.  He was so darn thirsty.
He fidgeted, he smiled.  He would fall into a daze, and then pull it together with his normal banter.  That funny witty side.  That side of him that makes us all laugh. He's got some one liners that will break down a frown on anyone, that's for sure.

His smile shows through his dark brown eyes.  Something I've always admired about him.  His smile.

He is here.  He is gonna pull through and get out of that darn helpful, loving, but ever too loud and busy hospital.
So this is good news for our family.
Strength. Faith.  And determination.

The goal here is to get all those darn tubes out.  We all wonder why he isn't sleeping.  We all wonder how we can make him feel just a tad bit better while there.
I will tell you that once they pull the tubes out of every single orifice on his body, he might be able to pull the rest together. My word, the beeping alone would drive a drug induced stoned person nutty.  Or as he called Billy, a dingaling.

Laughter, awww, it's a good thing.

And right now, we need to laugh with him.

Laugh, smile and hand him a malt.

Get better Gaylord-

The world is at your hard working, fidgety finger tips!

So there you have it kids.  The calm before the storm.  The storm of getting him home, and listening to him boss us around to do this, and do that.

But first.....

Get this man a malt.

Then call your parents if they are still alive.

If they aren't. Well call the next family member in line.

Big love, and high five to pace makers-

xo

Leese

Pump the brakes, Santa.

Or maybe we ALL should just pump our brakes. I know I'd like for someone to slow down the month of December, but I know it's just too late....

Because I still haven't folded all my laundry in the picture posting department.  Here's some snap shots of the last few weekends.  Heck, I'll even throw in some bonus shots from Thanksgiving that I never got around to.
A few of which I think will go down as some favorites. And just a couple I will save, because I plan to gift.

Thanksgiving 2014

My cousins Jason and Stacy, little cousins Blaze and Sky-lynn's- new home at the RIVER!

Desert Bar 2014

Where the laughter tipped the scale....Sundance on the river 2014

Sean giving us his "Jerry" pose.

We spread love, and handed out free Fatal goodies at the skatepark again...

Turtle Bar 2014-Thanksiving weekend

At the races that Dave wasn't at this year, but we felt him dearly...

Our wanna-b family picture. 

Look at the camera hun....ok, then don't. ha.

We headed home in this.  All.The.Way. to our final destination.  Home.

The following weekend would begin our busiest month of the year. Hey-LOOO December!

Seal Beach Christmas Parade, here we come!

And in those cups.....

Moving on, to the following night.  We'd put together our employee party-

And the following weekend, I'd host a slice of love for our friends....Harbor Boat parade party-

Brandy and Laura came early to hang and help.  And sip.

These two love birdies came to hand out more love.

My Maria....

Happy Birthday Bianca, you fine girl you.

Christmas time 2014

Can I get a woop woop!!

Womp Womp-

And just like that we land closer to the end of December. Closer to the night that good ol' St. Nick sneaks into our houses.

The above pictures represent exactly why we keep friends in our lives.  Because they are the tick to our tock. They are the ones that share good wine.  Laugh along with you, and can always find away to wipe away the tears that fall when things get hard.

I'd like to say, enjoy the rest of the rainy week, and stay in and cozy.  But that would just create a monster in the shopping for Christmas department.  Because if you are anything remotely close to me, you have only purchased gift wrap.  And boxes.

You read that right.

Unless I can stay in denial, and keep cranking up the Christmas music, and just ignore shopping all together.....

Pump the brakes Santa, please pump those brakes.

Peace on Earth-

This Mama Lisa