Moments On The Water

Part of Kris' journey included lots of reminders of "getting back out on the water".
{followed up with lots of nagging, because duh, his mom is lisa}

Part of those reminders also included lots of reassuring.  You know the drill, Every little thing is gonna be alright".  We'd all preach to him that one day he'd look back on the darkest days as moments in time. Those moments none of us want to look back on. I can remember my girlfriends praying for, and with me, and I'd deep down inside I wondered if they truly knew what I was feeling.  A feeling I wouldn't wish on any enemy. 

And yet they'd rally.  Lighting candles in my soul.  Helping me get through.

Humanity.  Love.  Isn't such true in life?  We all need one another to just get through life.  Through trials and tribulations.  One day life seems to be grooving right along, then the next, boom. Shit thrown so deep into your face you wonder if you'll ever get it all off.  And yet, humanity steps in.  Friends.  Family.  Love and nurturing.  The fact that we all have friends and family that stand by to toss us that life line.
Humanity.

Yesterday I was searching for a work related email.  From our UPS rep.  What I found was not from her but some how it linked me to an update to family and friends.  The first day at City Of  Hope.  

Instead of stopping in my silly tracks, and moving away from it.  I read the first few paragraphs. Reeling back in my seat, but continued to read.

The first day of radiation.  And something about Bill sitting on one side as I sat on the other, answering nurses questions, and a phone that kept ringing. A day I wish to erase from every inch of my body, heart and soul. 

I wonder if people can go somewhere that will erase such horrid memories. It truly makes me want to poop.

But again, this is life, right?  And I'm certainly not the only one in this big ocean of "life".

Life.

Stop reading Lisa, stop. Stop reading, let it go.

I thought - FUCK.

Don't get me wrong, I pray and I pray hard. I have such a beautiful relationship with Jesus.  I pray daily for his answers. 

He's with me, you guys. 

Right now, life seems good. For my boy, for Jen, for Kali and for us. 

 Life.

A new life.

I sat next to Kris and Jen last night at Fish Camp and across the table from Jeff, Renee and Bill, soaking up the last summer-time vibes...you know..... good wine, good food, while smiling across the table at one another. Her parents, his parents....them. Us.

Life.

Love.

My bird.

He takes lots and lots of pictures.  So many that at times it takes him weeks to sort through.  Partly due to living life. *Hallelujah-MY FINGERS WIGGLING IN THE AIR* From all the new moments back on the water, to the moments watching his beautiful sweet cupcake Jenny shop, or try on pretty dresses in a dress store.  Little things the two of them do now without taking a moment in time for granted. Dogs get to the park every single day.  They'll ride bikes to dinner, or cruise to his favorite place to grub.  

He sent me a selfie sitting in Charlotte Russe, a dress shop in the mall as she tried on dresses for my cousins wedding next week.  My reply..."You're awesome"-

He truly is. 

Each time he and I get to an appointment together it's a little treat to sit next to him while he scrolls through his computer or phone. I'm captivated by his photos. 

He caught this picture a few weeks back.  A tuna boat.  Although it's a rich mans way of gathering too much too quick, it made me think. "Gathering"

Whatever it may be.

Seems to me, this is life.  

Trying to gather things.  This and that, here and there.

The one thing that stands out to me is how important it is to gather love. 

And humanity.

For one another.

I have a girlfriend that kind of walks to the same beat as me{hey E}. We move along, clam up, move along, push love, give love, clam up, move along. 

It's the pattern us humans know all too well.

Life.

Trying hard to scoop up the things that matter the most.
Love. Humanity. Smiles. Kindness.

Our way of inching through trials and tribulations, whatever it may be, and coming out of the corner, inch by inch. One toe in front of the other. Trying to find a way.

Gathering.

Even if we want one big scoop. Try to value the hope of love in this hard life.
Be thankful for what is in front.
For the moments that are good, even when you've been through hard, or bad.
That whiplash in your heart won't last forever.

Keep gathering.  Love.

Spread humanity.  And smiles.  The world needs more people like you.

I wish you all a beautiful weekend.

Even if it's gathering small tokens of love.
Or better yet, handing them out.
It's free.
Won't cost you a thing.

And what you'll gain on the inside.

Priceless.

I hope you feel safe, and I hope you feel loved.

xo

Love,

This Mama Lisa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE CECE!  May your beautiful red stained lips, with the perfect lipstick treat those around you today with nothing but smiles....may peace be with you....

Kali, be safe and have a great time in Big Bear! AXO Retreats for the win! xoxo

Half Way

Happy Humpday!

And if there is one thing I can preach until my last breath, is humanity.
Keep your faith in humanity and keep spreading kindness.
Between politics, government, corruption, heartbreak, suffering and illness.
 Keep humanity in front.
Hand out those smiles.
Get up, and get moving.  Even if it's a one foot in front of the other type of day.
Gather all the humanity you've left in your soul, and hand it out.





Keep longing for peace and love,

Lisa Lynn

Currently

And while everyone, including myself, tosses their feelings way up in the air with regards to that debate-schbate last night....(personally, I was totally surprised) without sharing too much of my political beliefs, I truly, truly am disappointed with where our nation stands on so many topics.  #embarrassing.  Utterly, utterly embarrassing. 

Historical, and shocking. 

Anyway...moving on to bigger and better things. 

We sent off another card to our donor.  Way across the pond.  First stop, City Of Hope - Where it's opened, read and approved to move on to our dude in Germany. Some words tucked inside written by our big birdie, then little birdie and finally....mama birdie....with grand wishes of making his day.  A moment in time to sit down and read some goodness. From as they call one another "my brother".

The card had this on the outside..

It takes almost a month to reach him.  

I can't wait. 

I just want him to continue to feel our gratefulness.

Our love.

And most of all, we wish him lots of PEACE.

Just when the world needs a little more of it....

I hope your Monday (Scorcher here in Southern Cali) was do-able.

To Kendy, when you read this.  I am so sorry your daddy was taken by that ugly C word.  What a handsome successful man your daddy was.  He will leave a slice of his legacy in you forever and ever.

Never stop making him proud.  Keep pushing Kendy!

Love,

This Mama Lisa

My Heart Fills To The Top

I stick my phone on the charger each night. In a different room, far away from me.  For months and months that little phone adorned my bedside table.  

I've become comfortable with leaving things alone for the night.  The return texts'.  The desire to check on the kids, (not sure if that ever goes away...).  The moments of wanting to check on someone that's been on my mind.  The calls I need to make to my Grandma.  The only grandma I have left.  And yet another day goes by.  

The phone.

I'm trying to not check it so much.  To let the little things wait. 

Until morning. 

I received a text from my aunt this morning.  

It was this. 

I replied...

My entire week has been made.

Look at my hand on my moms lap. 

Look at my dads arm around my sister. 

Look at my dads handsome fierce beard. 

Look at my moms cute wood bracelet. 

Look at my sisters happy genuine smile. 

Look at my silly face. 

Just look. Look at those cute hippy pillows...

I don't have many childhood pictures, and this stuff you guys fills me up more than anything material ever ever ever will.

"I am yours, and you are mine..forever and ever"

I hope you can find slices of goodness in your life like this...

Perfect, or slightly imperfect-

Love, 

This Mama Lisa

Happy Birthday To My Sister-In-Love

She's the baby of the nest on Bill's side.  She was another one of my rocks during that last gnarly chapter. 

In fact, I've never felt closer to her, until now.  They reached their necks and hearts out so far to us. Standing back when needed, and yet shadowing my hard days with the perfect text at the perfect time.  

Motherhood warriors.

They stood by us.

For their brother.  For me, and most importantly for our birdie.  I came home one night during the first weeks of diagnosis and she'd left a macrame owl that stayed on my front door keeping watch over our nest.

Sandra celebrates her birthday today. 

I hope she feels all the love from all the the lovers out there.  From friends close and friends afar.  I hope that the love of family wraps around her the love she deserves.  I know your mama would be driving up to your house with some sort of goodness.  I'd like to believe she's blowing you kisses from heaven...

Happy Birthday "Dandra" as your brother calls you....

And if you wonder why I post such an oldie, it's just too good not to. 

You guys, look at our babies...

3 of them off to college, while the youngest are now in high school- (Look at little Reesie)

Plus, Sandra....your smile just radiates --

Your sister in love,

Lisa

The Baby Of The Nest

She's beautiful.

She's a lover.

She's silly.

She's beyond crafty mixed in with nifty.

And most always out to get a chuckle with someone.

She'll rescue a cat from anywhere, anytime.

She's been known to rescue kitties from abandoned houses that should be condemned.  And yet she steps in the filth of life to save a kitty with spay, neuter or a quick vet visit. A thankless job, yet so plentiful for the homeless animals on our Earth.

She'll stand up with any of us, anytime.

She served us a warm home-made meal in that ever so familiar City Of Hope waiting room, as stem cells trickled into our son.  Knowing full well he didn't want visitors he was so sick.  And yet, she stood outside, to let him know she was there. (Blurry picture but man, it fills my heart.) 

Entering into my teenage years she'd pick my sister and I up, and glide us back to our grandma's.  Always, always showing us a good time. I think those were my priming years of holding my pee-pee because the laughter never stopped.  A trait I still can't kick.  There's Lisa, rolling into a pretzel, holding her pee-pee. LOL

She taught me a thing or two about fashion.  She also taught Kali and Tori that you NEVER take your heels off under NO circumstance.  Let em bleed-LOL-jk, kinda, but you leave that party with dignity, and your head held high.

She's always been "The Pretty Aunt" according to all our friends and boyfriends.

She's been stylish and has an eclectic, yet chic style.

She can whip up these "Oat Power Balls" that will rock your socks off.  Or socks rock off.  Whichever you prefer. 

Her skin is perfect.

Her hair is even more perfect.

She's adjusting to her big sister moving away this month.  A season of change, and yet no one wants to fully grasp.  Her little road dog, meet at Grandma's drop of the hat moments have been adjusted.

Auntie Lyn....the baby of the family. Surrounded by nothing but love.  

I hope by the time your read this your heart is beyond full from your birthday wishes.

You do the F word (Fifty) so well.  I hope I look as good as you.

You've been our pillar of strength.  From words, smiles, hugs and your presence. 

I thank you for being you.
And although some miles separate us, I know you are forever here for me and my sister.
Distance will be there.  Families gather when they can. Life moves on. Aunts are the fill ins for the missing puzzle piece.  I always know one phone call you'd stand with us.

Please know....you've made my sister and I a little more of a Ramirez.  Our roots.

Something I'm forever grateful for.

Because of you. 

I love you.  Happy Birthday.

Your littlest niece, just picture my mouth open and me sayin'  baaaaahaaaaa-  Tribute to Grandma Lala

Lisa - aka- Lee

Triumph

Catalina Island- September 2016-

Happy Wednesday Friends and Family!

May the goodness in the little things outshine the greed in the big things....

Love,

This Mama Lisa

Tid-Bits

While my birdie goes through his hundreds and hundreds of pictures he snapped last weekend, I'll share a few that were either sent to me, or in my phone.  Sans, the blur.

Speaking of blur...

The one of us playing corn-hole cracks me up! Look at the sign above our heads.

"Old Volks"

Just too good....

And man, that is ONE HECK OF A GAME! I want one!  Talk about fun!

And lets just all take a good long look at my face. Hair. Arms. Everything. I seriously see the ten year old Lisa.

Minus beer.

#Guinnessbeeristhebest  #theofficelakehavasu

#nowedidntwin

Anyway.....

Here's my birdie and his cupcake on our way up-lake to our favorite dive bar-restaurant-burger-drink-you-name-it-fun-place-to-boat-to- "The Springs" 

EIGHT months post transplant- To my transplant families out there, YOU WILL GET THROUGH THE DARK DAYS!

Anyway....The Springs....We go for their burgers.  On this particular day, we had three things on our mind.  My aunt and uncle would join us with my cousins Trevor and Jazmine, a good burger and a good drink.

They weren't serving burgers. 

But.....

 Sitting next to my aunt and uncle and cousins, made my day!  (We have more pictures, especially of my cousins, but lets save those for another day....k?) #weddingin3 weeks.

A couple cocktails later, and a frozen pizza, I know-----------> haters gonna hate, I'm grossing out too.  LOL

And if you can see the bird in the picture on someones boat..?

Well, they managed to put the word out that we had the best kettle corn in our boat, and so guess who partied in our boat?

You're right....them birds.  Them dirty dirty birds..

Our ride back was nothing short of amazing.   I tell ya' there's something about the lake at dusk. In the fall, with those you love.  Minus, Kali.  Where was Kali....?

Welllllll...

You know my big-wig friend Sandy?

Well, Sandy strikes again....

And not only does Kali and Madison go to the raddest of raddest concerts...

But it's over the top.

 Nick, Darren, Madi, Demi and Kali...(HAHAHA. like how I roll out those names like I know them? LOL)

You see, she goes into places back stage and shares food with fancy people that only someone that is friends with Sandy get to go to.

Thank you Sandy! 

So as we sent pictures back and forth and I thought my corn-hole loss won.

It really didn't. 

What won was the dude in all white. Lookin a little wax figurish?

Nick Jonas, you rock.

Happy Taco Tuesday kids....

Be kind.  And smile at a stranger.  

I've needed a smile the last couple of days, and last night in the grocery store a lady smiled so big at me, and I thought...wow.   

They do work.  

Love,

The Corn Hole Gonna Win Hard Next Time, 

Mama Lisa

xo

Ps.  Thank you Wade and Ronda for sending that beautiful Rasta picture....tis' quite beautiful---

Scrambled Eggs

In a literal sense, that's how I felt this morning.  Still do.

After a night of tossing and turning-(which is my own on-going battle) I rose as I always do.

Get into robot mode. 

And go.

Making scrambled eggs with veggies. For my lunch.  Because that's the only thing in the fridge. Poured the last of my coconut milk into my coffee, and began the robot walk.

Here I am with a desk filled with papers. 

Deadlines and commitments.  Hey isn't that a song?

Phone and emails rolling in and out. 

Tired eyes. 

Wanting to hug my pillow.  And those gnarly sweats I have at home.

We snuck away for the weekend.  With Kris and Jen. 

He took the most pictures, so if and when he shares I will.

Other than that....

I'm here.

At work.

Pushing through.....

I hope you all had a terrific weekend filled with whatever made your heart full

And how about this weather?

Check back soon.  

Once I slip this robot suit off. 

And, I could have posted anything and everything we did while away on IG, but I have a hard time boasting while others are working. Or stuck at home. Not that home is a bad thing, because I love home. Not everyone needs to see the blurry picture of my attempts at documenting our boating and drinking adventures, right? I deleted at least a dozen pictures that were so blurry I couldn't even make out what they actually were. I deleted some photos that wouldn't make sense to anyone other than myself and the person in them.I've been reminding myself to live in the moment. Which is really hard for me, but easier than I thought.  Checking my phone lately is another story. I've always been quick-draw-mcgraw when it comes to replying to texts'.  It's so hard not to. I mean it's almost rude this day and age to reply hours and hours later.  But....
Maybe just maybe our generation needs to look up a little more.
In fact, my phone died while away. And it stayed like that for the rest of the day.
One birdie will call the other birdie and that birdie will let me know.
Or dad.

Love, 

This Mama Lisa

Happy belated birthday Nikki-Roo!  

Winner Facts

Text this morning from my other bestie Kyoko. Almost spit my coffee out.

YES!

Little silliness for your hump-day.  Combine those and get yo hump LOVE on!

This Mama Lisa

Reach My Preach.

Not sure if I've shared with you the small amounts of blessings I see each day. Not just small blessings, but little signs.  One of the things I asked for during the beginning days of this journey was not only mercy, but forgiveness, and signs.  If there's truly a God out there, or Jesus, or the Lord....(I truly never even knew how to pray, as ignorant as that may sound) I just used allll the phrases. Man, I still say The Lords Prayer all night long if I can't sleep, and with all the respect in my heart I scramble that prayer so bad...

But you hear me, right?.........Anything to help me, help my son. 
Lord, please. Please please please. Help us. 

One thing I have finally enveloped into my soul, is the power of prayer. 

Praying is a funny thing. It's not something most of us set up to do on a ritual basis.  It's normal to get ourselves into a corner, and then....pray.

I wake at all hours of the night.  And during the day my mind goes into some pretty yucky places. 

So, I pray.

I pray all night, and I've learned to set some time aside in the morning to read my little devotional book, and pray.  Sometimes the little word is speaking right to me.  Other times, it's not.  

Same goes for the working of God.  He may not answer all the questions, or hand mercy out so fast to us, and yet He's working through you, and using your story for others.  

That is something I've had to swallow in this journey. Never understanding why we had to witness our baby become so sick.  The stuff we've watched in the last year is still haunting me.  

Labs.

Kris has some ptsd with labs. Going to a place every other week that rehashes memories.  The smell. The looks of nurses.  The sounds of beeps. The chairs. The hallways. All.Of.It.  He hates it.  

But who wouldn't, right?

Last week he made every excuse to avoid going. Mind you, I'm the one that asked his doctor to order them for every other week.  Most patients at this level are going once a month.  I called BS, and ordered them every other.  So who's not to blame him for following his own gut.

But you know, mom's tend to over worry.  And SOMETIMES we know best.  Right?

Right. 

On Friday upon scootchhhing over next to his chair at concert in the park, I'd smile and look up to him, with a whisper...

"How'd them labs go"  Knowing full well, he didn't go. (I log into his medical chart, often)

I'm going Monday Mama.  

Okay...

So Sunday, we celebrate life. A beautiful girlfriend, a beautiful lunch and dinner.

Monday morning the mama fires up those texts'....

-------------->  Labs bubby, and how are we on meds? (funny you remember my weekly visits to pharmacy, sometimes twice weekly..?)  Realizing on Sunday....hmmm we haven't filled any in a while- 

[Red Flag] ha. My calls this morning to my favorite pharmacy where only THEY disperse chemo, "Deb"-

She hears my voice, with an instant "Hey Leese, how's it goin, how's Kris"-

Love blankets people.

She's putting the few orders he needs together for tomorrow pick up...

No issues.No drama. Love. Motherhood common ground.

Life.

Friendliness.

He was waiting until Jen got home, and they'd head over.  Always filling my heart with joy and love knowing someone is there to walk those halls, and get through "labs"- The ones his mama insists he does, so frequently. 

I pray about everything. This, that, them, those, these.  HAHA.

I get a text.  

My best friend.  She's a doctor at that very Kaiser (Long Beach)-  (She delivers babies!)

You guys. She's on vacation for 3 weeks.  She was there to pick up meds.  

God is so sweet and good.  

A little blanket over my boy. 

Over me.

I love this.

Little signs people, little signs.  I literally looked up and laughed. Thank you Lord. God. Jesus. 

Lab day. 

No one said this journey was fun.  It out-right sucks some days.  

He has blood pressure issues right now.  He still wakes up every day, and all day with bouts' of sour tummy.

Thank you Zofran. Thank you miracles, and thank you for all of your sweet prayers.

He is one tough cookie. 

Who listens to his mama.  

Even though at times he would rather not.

God is good. 

His plan is in the works.  And with friends and prayers in the background....

Every little thing will be alright....

So there's today's preachy reachy.  To you.  If you're in a storm of poop.  Remember, kneel down. 

Love to you all,

This Mama Warrior for life!

PS.  Didn't have the courage to check his labs last night.  Last I checked was 5:15pm; from my desk.  Waited until I sat at my desk this morning surrounded by other humans. 

All looks good in the hood! Sweet dude always waits for me to report to him.  

These chapters....

Just waiting for his doc to call me to discuss this blood pressure--- 

 April 2014

Birthday Love And Birdie Brunches

A few weeks back we received a text from Jen's mama, Renee.  Its text was an invite to see some awesome disco band by the sea side.  We shredded that dance floor.  Er, I mean..grass.  Such a fun night.  Remember...?  Our wine-glazed eyes a few weeks back?  Ya that night.

Last week she sent another text.  Hey, another band. Another summer night--
And you know....we're all holding onto summer by the cuffs...like kids being dragged away from a playground. 

We made it.  Our crazy schedule last week offered me driving like a maniac Friday afternoon to get something to eat, drink .... Is it me, or is it baffling to see how people make it to happy hour when you work....Bill and I landed a front row parking spot. Hunting for their orange chairs and cute bright Mexican blanket.  Gathering with hugs, opening our wine bottles as fast as we could.  Sun falling too fast, but the sounds of the people and kids dancing around....the end of the week smiles on faces. A tad more "glowy" from the effects of a good wine. 

It's like you just don't want summer to end. 

Our families....

 So much in common in so many ways.  The love of wine, our babies, sunshine and the ocean.  

Adding music to the list just makes our hearts a tad more fuller. 

A couple years ago was the start of getting to know one another through Christmas parties, and dock gatherings. Soon, we'd offer updates back and forth on our son.  They've loved him since day one. She's held his head up while he puked.  She's checked on him.  Fed him. 

They're just kind folks.  And remember my theory....anyone that loves animals...well....Good souls.  Good, good souls...period. 

LOVE.

And so....here you have it.  

Love. 

Music.

Our birdies.

And the start of Jens birthday weekend...

We even hit up Malarky's to make sure the dance floor was still secure.  Seemed all was good there.

If it wasn't glued down right, it was by the time we boogied outta there!

Until next time Jeff and Renee.  You two are such fun---!!

Don't have to ask us twice to go shake a leg, and clink glasses---

Just missing Kali!

 

Saturday morning I'd be gathering goodies for our baby birdies nest.  We'd load my little baskets full of whatever I could cram into my little v-dub-ya.  

Her place is so cute.  I'm so proud of all the girls.  I couldn't help my giddy self as I exited the freeway.  Just to hug my baby.  

After dad fixed her toilet.  Dresser mirror, and a quick check of her dying fridge...we'd be down the road for lunch.  And because I suffer from riding shot gun with other humans, especially this bird-she whips around a tad too much and fast for me.  So...

I do back seat. 

boom.  

She took us to a cute restaurant called Plum Beach- 

Delish!

Dad and I loved it!  Thank you sweet pea....keep swimming in your direction.
It looks pretty good from here.  Although I know your tues/thur classes feel like you'll never finish..
I know you'll do just fine.
You always do.

 Our stay would soon come to an end....and as per usual we jam before traffic gets the best of us. 

I tell ya I tilt my hat to her as she navigates back and forth.  That 5 Fwy between San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano can sure suck a nut.  

We woke on Sunday morning to the chiming birthday bells for this beautiful little gem.

Our other baby birdie. 

Happy Twenty Fifth Jenny!

We love you sweet sugar...

View from her birthday dinner....The Deck in Laguna with her parents.



 Her birthday lunch with this mama would be at the ever famous "Jans" in HB.  Any of our family members can appreciate....

Can I get a holla?!

Surfer Special (Tuna for me) with  cheesy broccoli soup and extra chips.  Fruit on the side.  And a smoothie. #fullforthenight

My mouth watering as I type. 

They chuckled when I asked for their picture.....

It's just cute.  Stand right there. 

Cuties...

Oh my heart. 

Grateful.

Happy Monday kids.  Hope you're doing alright....if not alright...well, I hope you remember to put one foot in front of the other...and keep pushing.  Don't give up. Remember, someone, somewhere has it way worse than you.

Never ever give up. 

And stay away from poisonous people. 

Pray.
Pray.
Pray.

Big love,

This Mama Lisa

This And That And A Rattle-A-Tat

What a week guys....

It's been the kind of week where my phone is tied to my ear at work, paperwork is literally a game on my desk, and my body and soul says go hide from it all in my house.  Which is what I do. 

And I pray.
Bill has been buried under the same rubble.
We can't complain, it's better to be busy surviving, than not, right?
Hustle hard.
Every day, all day.

Not sure why, but in my humble opinion I believe some humans should not be allowed to dial a phone.

My name is Lisa and I am challenged with rude, mannerless humans.

Pray for me. 

Please and thank you are important key factors in this life.

Am I right here kids?

Manners?

Live and learn, right? 

Right.

And if you ask me, groggy days like today should be illegal. 

I am so groggy.  

I have yet to upload all the pictures from last weekend. Or should I say, hound Bill for them from his phone. 

You guys, I CANNOT seem to get my camera back out, and in that groove.  

Come on' mojo photographer, stalker, group picture lasso' wrangler, get my shittogethertakeallthepicturesgirl!

Hey Roxanne, thanks for these. Not sure where your arms went, maybe they were taking this picture.

Or still inside our little cove tucked in that back room grabbing us more peanuts. 

Either way, I love you.  

And Kali, just look, John and Jane wear helmets. See, we aren't the only ones. 

boom.

Anyway. 

Last weekend, Sunday anyway....we hustled a long bike ride, and dock sit.  The dock sit included some paddle boarding, and lots of laughter. 

Last night we rolled into Michael's in Naples to celebrate this gem of a bestie.  We laughed.  We sipped good red wine, and we most certainly dined on some fine grub.  I tell ya, the lives of the rich and famous, something I. AM. NOT.  Wanna feel like a big wig with fancy panties? Go there.

 Because you know any place that has bad ass red wine glasses like this.... I mean...come on.

That alone will draw me back.  Half off happy hour.  The struggle is getting off work and there before it ends. HAHA!

Would you just look at those fingers in that glass?  Those fine drips are magical in my eyes.  

Get there at happy hour, because if not, you'll have to sell your car for one.  jk

Actually it's a great restaurant.  Michaels, in Naples, LB . Beautiful spot. 

Laughing at this picture, because I had to duck into my car, and wondered why my hair was rubbing the ceiling of my car. HAHAHAHAH. What the HECK!!?!!!

That's a bun, on a whole different level. 

Happy Birthday Shell!  We love you! 

And we are so thankful to celebrate YOU another year here Earthside.

 And if wonder how my littlest birdie's first couple weeks back in school have been?

I'd say this sums it up.

She was quiet this week. 

Something I sorta took personal.  After all, us mama's tend to want to fix everything...

I'm trying hard to let go. To let her sort. And figure things out. And struggle. And push. And navigate. 

And compromise. And have patience.  With new professors, new room-mates, new surroundings. 

All of it. 

She's done so well.  A fine example, they're having issues in their rented house. 

She's dealing with the landlord.  The landlord is being a little shady.  Kali isn't tolerating the "Shady-ness" very well.  My offer to help was kindly declined.  "Mom, I am handling it".

Awesome. 

Their fridge died this week.  You remember the one I white knuckled out there?

It's not feeling well.  

So mama and dad are driving out tomorrow. 

Not to fix it, but to buy some more dry-ice and groceries.  

She handled the repair-man calls, he's coming Monday.

Awesome.

Dad needs to put her mirror on her dresser, and take a look around her new domain.

I hope your weekend is sweet and full of love. 

Hold tight Kali, we're coming atcha!

Peace,

This Mama Lisa

Don't blink. 

The chapters are flying you guys...

xoxo

We're On Vacation.

I have this funny thing about long weekends.  Especially those that involve staying home versus traveling the heartland of California to Arizona because of the word "traffic".

I'd rather stay home.

Home we stayed.

However, it didn't keep me from creeping on all the cute traveling shots of our friends at the lake, or beaches, or even the elaborate travels of Russ and Jodee in Europe!  

Swoon....you two lovers look good in Italy, that's for dang sure!

I missed my other home-girls, like Carmen and Kyoko...

Next time, next time...

 

One of my silly antics while staying home is pretending like we're on vacation.  So I tend to use that verse quite a bit. 

Oh, we don't wanna cook dinner? "We're on vacation"

Oh, we're eating pancakes for breakfast? "We're on vacation"

Oh, we're drinking cocktails at noon?  We're on vacation"

Oh, we're sleeping in? "We're on vacation"

I can go on and on....but seriously I knew I hit my limit when we all rolled up 12 deep on our bike ride Sunday with my wine-therapy group of parents whom have sent their kids off to college and still believe in day drinking....and I ordered a glass of wine at "Sea Legs" in HB, with a side of a chili-cheese dog. 

Not only did the plastic glass of wine have a screw-top, but the chili-dog was a.m.a.z.i.n.g.  Just don't ask Maria if the wine was good, because she will roll her eyes at you.  German beer served her well, but my other home-girls, well...wine did them well too.

I have plenty of pictures again.  It's a common factor while hanging with me...they all expect that "group-shot"

And if we don't gather enough group shots, then what will we have to look back on some day right?

I see a documentary series on us one day.  No big deal.

At least we have em'.

And if you can be a happy clam and let all your worries drift away in the direction of the Bolsa Chica Sunset....well, then. Document the shiz out of it. 

Right?  

And while the parents were soaking up chili cheese dogs and wine in plastic cups, one was here with his beauty (Canyon Lake) being a dd and documentary worker too.

And if you wonder where Miss. Kali was, well she was studying her little eyes off. 

For half a day. 

The other half looked pretty fun, as those snap chats were filled with some al'righty goodness....

So I tip my hat to you travelers, I tip my hat to you city night life seekers.  

Stay tuned for pictures. 

They also involve Bad Company on Saturday night.  

Let me just say.  

I can't stop, won't stop and will never SIT DOWN AT THEIR CONCERT!

Bad Company til' the day I die..........

Happy Tuesday kids.... I hope the weekend felt like "You were on vacation"---

Mine sure did.  

Blessings, and so much to be grateful for---

This Mama Lisa!

Nikki and Chad!!!!  Thank you for the order!  You made Kris' day!!!

Love you two cute lovers....

xoxo

PS-  Prayer request.  John (Shelly's hubby and Madison's daddy) undergoes DOUBLE knee surgery tomorrow..... wowzadoodle!

Praying he heals quick.  Praying he has peace in his heart as he arrives tomorrow.  Praying for Shelly and family as they navigate their quest to get him home and back on the road-  Or back to the Corn Hole games, like last weekend.  Get it done John!  We love you!