The captured ones.

Of our babes.

During the best days of their lives.

I can't stop staring. Embracing this happiness. 

And this doesn't stop here.  I've been purging through pictures.  Boxes and boxes. 

Sitting in the middle of my bed while I build a lake of pictures around me.  Of her.  Of them.  Of this life.
Tossing some in the trash of my past life.  Not anything humanly partial.  But more of odd pictures of farm animals, and preschool outings with my little ones.  Duplicates that I need no more.  And a life as a young Mom, that snapped every.single.thing. my little ones touched.

I have organized.  And it feels good.
Both of my kids have books written to them, from me.  Starting from in my big round belly.
The things I have captured for them was unstoppable.  I mean, I have their first bandaids.  Their first label of baby food.  Notes that I look back on now with sheer amazement.  A full book to my son, that I hope someday he will share with his family.

Notes to Kali, along with a book, that ::cough cough::  might not be as filled as Kris' but still, you get my drift. 

I'm sorting through many things at this point in my life.  I really never knew how fast time would fly with this little girl.  I really didn't.  When I tell my friends and family to soak it all up. Every tantrum.  Bad hair do's that must be re-done because it's just not right...or the socks that "hurt"- Or the seat belt that is making their arms burn.  The bows that didn't match like the one she held in her hand. Or the quick turns they'd make while changing their diapers, sending shit all over their legs. Those nights awake while they just knew something was in their room.
The many times I told her to "take her thumb out" in Kindergarten. ugh.  And First Grade.  And Second.  Ok, I'll stop there.  Aren't her teeth beautiful? 28k dolla's later.  kidding.  Well, kinda.

I realize I am rambling.  But didn't I just blog about these babies?  Oh, that was almost 4 years ago?! oh.


Bill and I have been banned from mentioning cute little stories "when she was little"-

It's affecting us.

Me more.  Him second.

Enjoy this life.  Try and let the little things go.

Go through your old pictures.  Label them.  Smile with them.  Share them.

Don't ever forget to write notes and letters to your children.  Not on social media.  Not on FB. Not on IG.
A handwritten letter, in your writing, with all your love shaped on to that paper.

Do it. They will cherish it forever.

Have a good night my friends.

It's hot, dry, and smokey in Southern California.

Love, and peace to you.

May 1st, how I didn't expect you this soon....


Lisa

Life moves on.

Senioritis is in full schwing.

I'm talking all aspects.

Studying. Is for the birds.  Especially when I catch her staring up at the sky.

The books she moves from table to floor and floor to table.

Lunches: I am beyond burned out and prepping.  "LIKE" over it dude. ha.


The word PERSEVERANCE is reminded daily.  Can't stop, won't stop.

Summertime fragrance has been sprayed everywhere.  It's just in the air.  

These last few month together before everything changes in the blink of hours, down to minutes. 

Best Friends will embrace, and hold on to eachother.  They will praise, and encourage.  They will study in different states.  They will keep close through their phones. 

Arm and arm partying and adventures will wait for their much needed breaks. 

We are beyond lucky with our kids.  We've had a good batch.  Not to mention the parents. Us parents that have been lucky enough.  Just those words.  Lucky enough.

Her Stagecoach experience was no doubt the best gig, hands down.  She says it will be the first of many. 

"We weren't sisters by birth, but we knew from the start...fate brought us together to be sisters by heart"

Life moves on.  Changes are happening.  Best friends are holding on tight.

Sharing these fun moments.

Soaking it up like a flower does water.

Even though we are all tired.  We've got this.

Oh, and that prom dress? Ya, still on schedule for Thursday afternoon.  HA!

Senior Prom, you little sneaker you.

Happy Tuesday kids.

Love to you all.

Friends going through hard shiz?  Keep on those shit shoes.  Eventually you will take em off.

But right now, keep em on.  You will need them.  Or.....

Or.....

You can crawl in your bed and hide.  But if you do that....the sun won't shine down on you.

The sunshine is good.  I promise.  Nice glass of iced water with some lemon.  Take it all in.

Even if it's a bowl of sizzly crap. Just take it allll in. Because you can be the champ of champs.  I promise.

You've got this.You will toss those shit shoes in the garage sooner than later.  Just don't leave em out of reach.


Bam. 


Mama Lisa.
That is LIKE..SO over lunches, planning, and financial head scratching.

Something different.

While my tribe was away, I hit the streets with my sister.  Olivera Street, deep in the heart of Los Angeles.
Talk about an interesting little slice of beautiful culture. Most items can be purchased at your local indoor swapmeet, but the history of those buildings are nothing short of amazing.  We watched homeless people enjoy live music.  Singing along, and dancing of course to their local favorite artists.
The buildings were soaking up the sun as my favorite time of day began to blossom.  Right before dusk.
Just perfect.

My camera?  With Stagecoach girl.  So.....I present to you......My sisters i-phone.  If this isn't sexy enough.  I don't know what else is. 

 The colors here. 

But don't worry kids, we'd find our way up the street to San Antonio Winery.  The only winery in Los Angeles. 

 While I waited patiently for my girl to send pictures, that never happened. 

 But  my home girl Shelley had my back.  Thanks Shell!

The aftermath.  The fun times.  The quick weekends.  Those trips away.


If this doesn't speak Senior Year at Stagecoach, next day......


Sunday was spent cleaning every drawer, organizing all of my cabinets.  Arranging pictures from Preschool to current for.....we all know what's coming....

boom.

Sorry for the lack of pictures of my weekend hustlin', but maybe my lack of pictures are all just meant to be. 

Well, here's a few more...

Bow Chicka Bow Wow

All birdies have landed back in the nest safely.....and with that I say a big fat-

CHEERS!!!!


Happy Monday Monkeys.

Ready for the heat storm?  Time to get that crock pot out.  Or some marinade prepped for yo' bbq'n!


Cheers! 

Exhale, and keep on keepin on.

ps.  I've got to run, just got an email alert that Kali's "Ordered online" Prom dress won't be here until Thurs.
Prom is Saturday.   Yeehaaawww.  Saddle up kids!

xoxo

Leese

Stepping on those stones again.

It's funny how fast April has whisked by.

I mean, it seems we were all so excited to prank one another on April Fools.

Along with counting the days to sneak away for a much needed break.

All of the sudden, this week has really hit me.

Like a mound of little pebbles slowly being tossed at me.

Reminders.

Prom extravaganza. 

Mother's Day.

An 18th birthday celebration.

Graduation.

Graduation.

And graduation.   For some reason, I am feeling a bit different this time around.

Dare I mention the butterflies I get when imagining Bill and I driving Kali to her new life in San Marcos.
THAT....makes my underarms sweat.  And my tummy flip over.  But let's avoid that for now.  ha.

I remember with Kris, I made the reservations for dinner.  Called my parents to make sure they'd come down off their mountain.

I had already ordered announcements, and pictures. I had worked through logistics, and hotel reserves for those traveling in.

Kali asked me this morning about announcements.  A party.  Senior portraits.  Along with a reminder to change her hair appt. for 30 minutes earlier.

Sure babe.  Got it.

Deep down, I feel this strong urge to simplify.  To not get caught up in the big announcements, and pictures, and reservations, and dinners, and blah blah blah.

Not to discount her.  What so ever.  My kids are my life.

I just feel like some of these things are so costly.  So over played.  Rated in a way that keeps love out of the mix.  That keeps the true meaning away.

Am I nuts?

Yea, probably. 

I do believe this right of passage is part of the accomplishment.  So well earned.  
SO WELL EARNED!


Or maybe I am just avoiding empty nest syndrome.  Changes that I saw coming.  And knew there would come the day to watch her lay that cap on her head.

Don't get me wrong.  I am beyond proud.

I can't express enough just how hard she's worked to get where she is.

We all have.

I just want to slow things down.  I want to enjoy summer.  The end of Springtime, if you will.

Maybe I should just let things happen organically.

I guess in a way, it all happens the way it should.

Maybe this time around, as my baby.  The girl.

It's just a little different.

I have yet packed her cleats away.

Her soccer gear is still in that 3rd drawer.

All of her yearbooks are stacked.

This last one is just waiting to be filled.


This mama needs to take a deep breath.  Enjoy life for what is in front.

And just exhale?

Ya Lisa, just exhale.

But first, let me call that hair salon.

Happy Friday Fart knockers.

I get a weekend to myself.

The boys jetted off to this :

I know, shake your head in amazement that I opted to stay home.

I guess with age, and wisdom.  And a couple of Havi visits already. I wasn't feeling it.

The horsepower, the beauty in this is captivating.  It really is.

But my little body needs some rest.  And the news man calls for rain.  What better way to wake up on Saturday morning with coffee, my cozy bed, and some good reads.

Plus I've got new stones to step on. And planning to do.  

So with that I say....HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND PARTY PEOPLE!

Get out and play. And pray for my boys.  And those big boys out there runnin!  BAD ASS, that's for sure.

Love to you all,

Be happy, and if not, well cry a little.  Just remember time spent being angry is time taken away from living this life.  We can't go back in time.  So shake it off, punch a pillow. jk.  Shake it off, and have a stiff drink. jk again.  SHAKE it off.....and get out and do what makes YOU happy.  Even if it's hiding from the kids.
Or people.  Or anyone for that matter. boom.

Lisa

Humanity, and reality at it's finest?  Watch this video.
Karma's Reunion

Sorry for those happy tears.  But I LOVE this.  The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita is one heck of a place.

Talk about realness. Kindness.  And the true love for animals.  Check em out.

This guy we call......

The prince.

When we speak of respect and love.

A gentleman in true form.

That has NEVER let her open her door.  Anywhere.

He is what you'd wish a daughter would fall for.

He is part of our tribe.

They do over the top things for one another. But Gio is always pushing the buttons a little more elaborate.

He just does. 

Their last prom is in a couple of weeks.

You may remember last year- 

Being crowned Prom King and Queen.

Along with all the other dances he planned out so sweetly.

And same goes for her. 

She surprised him with this a few weeks back...

Wednesday morning I receive my text messages.  It came in late from Tuesday.  After his Search and Rescue night.  Arriving home super late.  Planning his gig for the next morning. Making sure it was okay to do so.

The planning started last week with his request from us.  Asking permission to buy her a ticket to Stagecoach.
She'll be traveling with my friend Shelly.  Safe in the hands of her, along with her besties.
A 3 day event.  FUN~

The next text was "On my way..."

While Kali is making her oatmeal.  I hear...music.  Loud.  Early in the morning. Out front. I'm in my room.

Kali's words "Mom"!  Omg Mom!

I walk to the front.

That small green wrist band...."STAGECOACH"!!!!!!

Country music is blaring.  She's crying.  (If you know Kali, she DOES NOT cry)

I start crying...shocker-  haha!

Grabbing camera, i-pad, cell phone and tissue.

Just like that.  

His unselfish ways, planned a trip for her.  Stagecoach, just wait.

Those country girls are gonna rock it. 

Prom Senior Year.   I'm for dang sure is gonna rock too.



Love you Gio.

You make our girl happy.  You make us even more happy.

Slow down the clock.  K?

Big Love,

Mama Lisa and Papa Bill.

xoxoxoxo

Life is like an ice-cream cone.

That was my quote for the weekend.

However, my birthday week started off with a nice dinner with my Aunt Annette aka "Nettie"-, and my sister.
Shenandoah for the win.

Wednesday we'd pack up all 345 bags of mine.  Note: I am getting better at leaving more stuff there- Bill has one bag.  That's only if he's got tricks in that bag.  Eh em-birthday girl..here.   
Excuse the grainy picture.  This was the one I sent the kids from my phone.  For a couple of days I was spoiled by my love.  Getting away is a charm as it is, but to pull Bill away right now with 10k things on his plate.  Is a true form of love, to me.  We have fun alone.  Sometimes chatty, and sometimes just quietly taking it all in.

He'd walk in and surprise me with these.   Along with a new bathing suit, and dresses....

This adorable cake. 

And a People magazine.  In Spanish.  Boom.  No worries kids, we'd soon head back to the store and exchange it for another. 3 dolla's more. If THAT doesn't scream nuts, I don't know what does. Anywayyyy.   My only thought is his embarrassment took over as he threw that sucker up on the store conveyer belt. ha!!!  hahahaaha!!!! Guess it's easier than tampons.

Before you know it, I'd be standing at the Nautical Resort next to my Aunt and Uncle. We all remember them, right? My Dad's baby brother. My Aunt as a second Mama growing up.

Birtttthhhhddddaaaaaayyy. Gurrllll.

Throwing my hands in the air, like I just don't care. 44?  Who cares! boom.

We'd head over to our favorite cove.  

 Behind my little cousins Trevor and Jaz

Love

Needless to say, I'd wake up on Friday, a little sore. All over.

"With the love of family...."

 

Easter Toes.

Friday would roll around, and we'd land down at the Horseshoe pits.  Just Bill and I.  Licking our wounds from the party we had the day before.  

NO FEAR when this is near. 

Or this dude.  Who kicks ass at Horseshoes.  

He. Loves.  Horseshoes.

Two of us? Silly, silly, silly.  Just chasin' the hair of the dog.  That's all.

Our baby birdies would arrive on Friday evening.   With these, and bags and bags of presents. 

 Saturday morning bliss.

I love you. More than I can ever say. 

This guy.

Look at that sky.

And Pippy's braids.

"Where else would I want to be, than with you....sitting right there"

 Or right there.

That egg hunt that Kali DIDN'T want to do?  Well....

My everything.

Plus, eggs.

And HUGE smiles.

And eyes.

We put together a nice bbq for our family.  Tri-Tip, Chicken, corn on the cob, asparagus, baked potatoes, and bread.  YUM!

Find Bucks.  Cutie.

Our baby boy drove up on Saturday.  First rodeo on his own.  Aww.

The smiles it gave my girl.  

Such fun moments.  Moments you can't ever pay for.  Just absorb.  Look around and smile.  

Especially with this little lover around.

Easter Sunday was filled with a big yummy breakfast.  Sunshine.  And soon Good-Byes to Kris as he headed back to reality.  

My one request was to spend Easter on the lake.  Spending the night on a Sunday.  Which is rare. And a tad bit nerve-wrecking for us.  The thoughts of business early in the morning.  All night actually.  It stares at us straight in the face.  I could see it in Bill's face, starting on Sunday morning....

 But he rallied.  For us. For me. For all things worth fighting for.

Because this life is fast, remember?

They grow.  They learn.  They spread their wings.  

The appreciate.  And they love. 

Just being together.  

Senior Year. Chapter 18, and so, so close almost Chapter 18.

It's days like this.  In the sunshine, being together, that I count my lucky stars. 

I know they do too. 

I rounded up what I could for Easter.  I planned, and I observed. I partied, and I loved.  I shared, and I welcomed hugs.  I teared up, and I laughed so hard I cried more. 

The flowers will die.  The sun will continue to set.  The laughter will fade into those walls in that house. 
The pictures will remind me one day.  They will remind Bill, and the kids.  The kids will look back on them, and laugh at their silly Mom.

But this right here, these images-these memories....will always and forever live on.

Thank you Bill for spoiling this girl.

Thank you to my birdies for the kind and loving ways.  Their gifts that are everything "me"-

Thank you to my Aunt and Uncle for dinner on my birthday- Mario's- Yum. 

Thank you to Gianni for driving up, by himself.  To be with our tribe.

A huge thank you to my friends and family that sent some of the sweetest and most heartfelt birthday wishes.

Because of you all, I walk this Earth with good days. 

They will always out do my hard bad days.


Happy Birthday to all you Aries and April babies.

Tis' quite the kick ass month.  That's for sure.

Love, and sweet wishes to you all.

"Life is like an ice-cream cone, remember.  If we don't live it to the fullest, it melts right in front of us"

Long time no blog, huh!

Boom.

This happy Mama Lisa