If We Could....

Last Saturday afternoon Shelly and I sipped wine as she shared a memory from a meeting presented to staff at Kaiser.   A place where lives are saved, babies are brought into the world, and employed nurses and doctors are nurturing their patients.  I found the video she spoke of.  So enlightening to watch. 

I've always said, "You never know what others are going through"-

True.

I hope this opens your heart and thoughts.  Most especially during the time of year where we get tangled in holiday rushes. Gifts. Money. Bills. Stress. Life. Schedules. Parties. Heartbreak. Happiness. Life. Busy-ness. Friends. Love. Break-ups. Hurt. Life. Christmas. The spirit of where it began. And why. 

I hope you enjoy. And smile at those around you.  Because you just never know.

If We Could See Inside

Thanks Shell, much love to you my sweet friend.

Body was fighting hard against something we'd have no idea "what it was"-  July 2015

 

   Taken weeks before our journey began last year....

So much love,

This Mama Lisa

The Gift Of Faith.

Yesterday morning started as any normal Monday.  A mental sorting ritual. I'm sure all of you go through the same thing.  Whether retired, working ants, or homestead.  We all sort through our pages in this life.  For me it starts with my birdies.  From birdies to work. From work to me.  From me to Bill.  From Bill to the layout of my week.  This time of year things get a little busy.  I toss some crazy shiz around in my head at 5am.  Things seem to smooth out once I step outta bed and head toward the kitchen.

Kris and I bolted down to Hollywood yesterday.  Our appointment generally falls between 1-3pm.  We usually arrive at noon.  Upon arrival we'd hear our doctor was running late due to a couple of very sick patients in the hospital.  As a patient and family member you take those words wholeheartedly with every ounce of respect.  Agreeing we'd walk to have lunch (although neither of us were hungry).

Once returning I'd hand out my gifts to each nurse "Imie" and "Anna" (both take my mama-warrior-soul like a grain of salty salt) along with "Teri" our original coordinator.  A woman whom listened to me lose my shit one day last year as they wanted to hit him with round 4 (week long and 16 bags of chemo's) I'd plea for a request for someone to reach out to our current oncologist to consult with transplant team to stretch it another week for donor's request, yet the mercy of not tearing him down further, after all he was already in remission. I remember Teri pleading with me to "breathe mom, take a breath..."-  I'd soon apologize, regaining my composure. Yet, repeating my request. It was 5 days before Christmas. Requesting a consultation of doctors. Knowing they'd be hitting him with lethal doses of radiation and chemo in two weeks.  My warrior research was paying off.  Even with tears.  And freak out moments.  As I hugged and handed Teri the gift we brought her, I was reminded of her love for the job she's in.  She always affirms my love for my son- She has children the same age. 

Dr. Sahebi would make her way to get us.  Opening the door for her big hug to Kris.  Always always giving us big hugs. Lots of love.  His counts look FANTASTIC!  He's battling yet another cold.  With a weakened immune system, anything and everything sticks to him like dust on a dust cloth. Not to mention he's back in the gym (eh ya) and he's mingling with his crew.  Our crew.  Their crew. Life's crew. 

What matters is he's here.  A hovering mama, trying to fly a little further above and away...yet still there hovering....circling just in case.  

 

We'd go over his next appointment scheduled (a biopsy), along with the start of vaccinations.  He's now up to 157 lbs.

Hair growing in at a steady straight thick mode.  He's surrounded by the best kind of love.  Which is a long standing brotherhood of friends. 

Traffic moved at the pace of a snail on the way home.  I commented to Kris that he and I could walk faster than our car crawled home.  When we leave his appointments there's a pep in our step.  A feeling of conquer and achievement.  I kick fear in the teeth.  I wish I could scoop him up like this and walk back singing our little song about the frog and the river when he was a baby. For now we slip back in the normal world we once lived.  I will pick up a new week long antibiotics once again today.  I will remind my self of God's promise to me.  Those beginning days when I didn't even know how to pray.  I just prayed. Hard. Navigating my crash course of  religion.   Begging for MERCY. 

I see mercy, every single day.  

I wasn't raised to be at the mercy of God's will. I was raised "do good unto others, as you'd expect done to you" aka  KARMA.  

And yet, I still toss and turn with torment of why something like this would happen to us.  To anyone suffering through the trials of cancer.  Often times I try to find the good that comes from it.  Maybe it's a new found strength we all didn't know we had.  Or needed. Or maybe just maybe it's new friendships.  Or love.  Or maybe it's a relationship with God. 

I read a comment my son left on a friends instagram page.  Jonathan.  He's relapsed.  After a transplant.  Full match from brother.  He's back in City Of Hope.  

My son's comment read:  Through Faith, EVERYTHING is conquerable.

God is working through me.  To him.  Through us. For us. 

It all just takes time.  And sometimes we never really understand why we were handed this task.  

I do believe with FAITH, everything is conquerable.  

 Try to keep your heart beautiful.   The rest will fall into place.  Fight for your babies.... Forever.

This Mama Lisa

 

Recharging Ones Soul

Not sure about you all, but I certainly look forward to my weekends as a "recharger"-  Away from phones, schedules, paperwork, questions to answer, negotiations in biz, and just the good ol' transportin' ones self from here to there to make shit happen.  It is called LIFE afterall.  But man, Friday nights hug me so tight.  Lately Bill and I have been wise fellers and manage to either make a little dinner at home. Or, share a meal with one glass of wine.  Where as back in the day it was kick up yo' heels and knock the town down.  Guess what we learned...that hurts the body.  

He had a big sale early Saturday morning. (I slept in you guys...like til 8am!)  I had a hair appt.  A hair appt that takes F.O.U.R. hours to get through. You guys, it kills me.  Giving up four hours of my weekend for grey hair coverage should be illegal.  I do leave there with a pep in my step.  

That pep in my step would land me sitting next to Shelly on our patio curled up next to the heater lamps and a blankie as we sipped wine.  

Within a couple of hours we'd be invited on our neighbors boat..cruising the harbor.  John and Bill joined us...and tis quite fun unplanned, best plan night!

Last night I made a family meal for our birdies....

Sitting around the table in a warm home, eating a home made meal serving my babies, closing the weekend out.  (Bill has a rule that no cell phones allowed at the table) makes for some good open discussion and family chats....It's been freezing here, so that roasted chicken in the oven followed by an apple pie for desert was everything I felt like my family would appreciate.  I did over hear the roasted carrots were a favorite, so there's that. LOL

I wish you a beautiful week.  Kris and I are headed to Sunset (Hollywood) BMT clinic today.  For love. For check ups, for advice, and for hugs.  Always, always hugs....

I leave you with this beauty of a view.  Russ and Jodee- Their beautiful boat "America Jane"- 

May you sail through your week with ease.....

Very Merry,

This Mama Lisa

All Done.

Kali is officially done with her Fall semester.  After one last manic situation with turning in a paper, she's done. Not sure about you guys, but what a week it's been!  I'm most thankful for today.  

Thankful for dinner with my birdies Kris and Jen last night. Getting and giving kisses to my fur-grand-doggo's. Most especially thankful for sitting across the table while the rain came down last night smiling into the faces of those two lovers. 

Thankful for Kali's willingness to conquer a mountain put in front of her because of a stubborn "seasoned" professor.  Little would the world know in the year of 2016, turning a very important paper in with your final would endure a computer hiccup causing a major meltdown for not only Kali, but several students in a class filled with 250 students. If you know our daughter this caused a complete p.a.n.i.c. attack, with tears.  And SHE DOES NOT CRY. Thank goodness she's got her respectful pushy roots like her mom. She'll finish off with her 4.0. Thankful for Kali's adulthood of handling the situation without calling her parents. (Guess she's learned to not get mama involved..no need to have me rock boats).

Thankful for Friday.  Working through many obstacles this week.  Thankful for the mindset, and body to do so.  Thankful for a much needed hair appointment tomorrow because grey hairs suck.  Thankful for good wine, because truly it's the best juice for Friday night.  Thankful for weekends because they're the roots of peace for my soul.  

For my friends still pushing down to the finish line of Christmas shopping, here's a little helpful list for your FREE shipping options. Something fun to do tonight while you sip your grape juice. 

FREE SHIPPING 

Happy Weekend PEACEFUL FRIENDS!  Go spread smiles....and compliments....

Be kind to animals, and make sure to bring them in!

xo

This Mama Lisa

Almost One

Back in nineteen eighty nine, my chubby cheeked, busy bodied boy was walking around at the young age of eleven months. He started walking at ten months.  Something my mother in law cracked up about each day.  Mentioning how he was just like his daddy.  I can remember so perfectly how fast he'd make his way from one side of the living room to the other.  Most always after our cat Chloe.  I can remember his love for his "binky".  So much so, we'd lose one when out and about and pull in at Savon's or the nearest store to find his favorite one. He loved the flat nipple kind.  And would smile huge as I'd unwrap it.  He held onto my shirt when I carried him around, and always always yelled from his crib when he woke "Mooomma"  and would not give up until I made my presence. And when I would arrive at his crib his smile would light the room. The same dimple he sports today. He had his first cold at eleven months.  He also had his first haircut. He had a deep love for books.  We read to him every night. As a matter of fact I believe he's intellectual because so.  He loved all animals.  Even at the small age of eleven months. He'd cuddle any living species.  We'd always encourage that love. I still have his favorite books that all included reptiles and bugs.
His favorite cartoon character was Winnie-The-Pooh

He's eleven months now with new donor cells.  I see a twenty seven year old guy trying to get back out in life with social stuff, fishing, small dives, events, love and gatherings.  We're so close to one.  One more year and we'll meet our donor God willing. Christmas time was always so depressing to me. I'd fall so deep into a funk never really understanding why.  I've realized this year it's not here.  I shake my head at the stresses I see us all endure.  Finances. Parties. Deadlines. Customer requests. Paperwork juggling.  Nothing will ever taint my holiday spirit these days. A smile on his face now mends my heart.  Viewing his hundreds of pictures out on the ocean, mends my heart.  The smile he gets when he looks at Jen, mends my heart.  The hug I give him, sometimes pinching his skinny butt, mends my heart.  The friends that surround him daily with love, mends my heart.  The doctor that loves him each week still answering my concerns, mends my heart. 

My Christmas time looks way different this year than last. 

I'm soaking up the goodness of it all.  

I'm able to be with my son.  My birdie.  My accomplishment.  With all we've navigated in this hard life.  

HE is with us.  With me.  With US!

 Where there is LIFE, there is HOPE--

December 2015

My wish to you all, is you look to the bright things in this life.  And to my transplant followers, just remember, you've come a very very long way and you WILL get through the rest of your days.  God is good.  And He knows the plan. Trust.

Trust.  

We all have bad days.  It's part of this life.  Never ever ever give up.  Do your research.  Even when tears fall. YOU can get through it.  You've been tough so far. 

"Courage is like a muscle strengthened with use"

As the "Eagles" sing....Take another shot of courage....

(Tequila Sunrise, great song)

Love you my friends,

This Mama Lisa- 

Orange Slices For Your Home And Soul

Slice oranges thin, toss on parchment lined baking sheet- 120 degrees, for 3.5 hours. 

Add your own cloves, or sprinkle with cinnamon simply for its delicious aroma. 

Enjoy.  

I'm currently down-shifting my soul with preps to get all my holiday stuff done this weekend.  

Hope your holiday is filled with love, laughter and the aroma of holiday spice.  Toss them oranges in and fill your house with happiness!

My tip for buying cinnamon sticks, head to the ethnic aisle at the store.  Huge bag for a third of the price. Tie those stinkers together and voila!

Happy Humpday!

This Mama Lisa

Laughter Is So Good

Unfortunately there's a side of me that has a problem with bursts of laughter that sometimes cannot be stopped.  So much so, I've had to exit places because it gets just too uncomfortable. Most times these laughter bouts happen at inappropriate times. If I make eye contact with Kris, Kali or Jenn during these bouts it's over..LOL.  Because things just get a tad more ugly.  Like I must cross my legs and really get out of view. 

This video made me laugh so hard. For one, it just seems like something both of my birds would undeniably sit shot gun to me with the same laughter.  For two, this dads laughter is just too too good.

Enjoy. 

I'm sure no one was hurt terribly bad, so excuse my raw sense of humor...but this is just too good.

Slippin' On Ice

I hope Monday treats you well....

Love and Laughter

xo 

This Silly Mama Lisa

Friday Truth

HAPPY FRIDAY!

What a long week!  Last week I was pushed down pretty hard with a flu bug.  Something I kept reminding myself over and over was how grateful and lucky I was this last year-and-a-half staying rather well while I was taking care of my bird.  With the amount of hospital days, elevators, and sick people I came in contact with...I was very lucky.  What started off as a sore throat on Sunday morning leaving Havasu turned into a full blown yuck fest.  My ears are still trying to stay unclogged.  I won't share with you how many disgusting nose blowing episodes took place.  Or how on Tuesday while at work I started to cry.  Total pity party. I don't get flu shots, neither does our little family (well except for Kris who was forced by his doc, and got sick a week later, but we can't talk about that...he's well and alive..)  

This week my work load and juggling of life is still the same. It's always an interesting day here in fiberglass land. For the first time in I don't know how long I actually received a couple calls from Kris and didn't have the poop stomach affect. God is good, and I know He has Kris wrapped in the palm of his hands. Me too.  

These pictures illustrate my thoughts. 

Driving to work on Monday. 

 Driving home on Friday.

I hope you all have a peaceful, love filled weekend.  Do what makes your heart full.  Might be a cuddle fest based on the clouds floating by today.

May PEACE and LOVE fill you up. 

This Mama Lisa

Blending Ties Of Family

I was sitting behind the heads of our posse in that suburban bobbling down that dirt road headed out on our adventure... in the middle of the desert and somehow Renee and I got on the discussion of how we all blended.  How the first days of getting to know Jen seemed so foggy to me.  I do remember the first time we'd sit close to her was at our annual boat parade gathering.  We invited Jen's "parents",  and soon they'd make their presence.  I can perfectly remember Jeff (her daddy) walking through the door with a bottle of wine in hand, and the biggest most friendliest smile.  I remember the smile on Renee's face as though, oh shit..what did we get ourselves into.  You see, the wine was flowin' and my friends were in full force.  We had a house packed and the majority had a drink in their hand.  I can remember vaguely talking to Jen, and most importantly I can remember talking ever so slightly with both Jeff and Renee.  

As we bobbled down the road I began to share with her how I am amazed at how going through a journey of this sort creates a whole different dynamic of love, family ties, and friendship.  It wasn't until this last summer as we watched our son heal, and blend our families together seaside at a concert in the park.  One that both sets of parents danced in the grass, kicking up smidgets of grass, tossing smiles back and forth. 
I so perfectly remember thinking, and later saying to Bill, "this is so good, they are so good, I really like them honey".

They've always been so so kind to our son. ALWAYS.  I shared with her how we are so lucky to have blended as we have.  Not the most traditional way to blend in this journey of watching our dude fight, while their daughter fought right along side him. Funny how God works. 

We share the love of hard work, the love of animals, and the love of our kids.  We love wine, and we love laughter.  

Last year at Thanksgiving I put together those post card things for our video announcement of finding a donor.  I can remember making those posters the night before they arrived.  Keep in mind, I didn't really know them.  I thought, oh man, wonder what they'll think of this.  Of me.  Of us.  Our tradition of eating dock side at a bar on Thanksgiving Day.  This year rolled around and I was pleased to hear "Jeff-Man (as Kris calls him & Renee are coming Mama"- )

Instantly I thought, wow.  We didn't scare them off.  And as we made our way down that dirt road bouncing side to side as I watched the back of Jeff and Jenn sitting next to one another, daddy and daughter, with us as a family blending so much together. It made my heart so full.  

I hope what I was explaining to Renee came across as a statement of blessing. 

How lucky we are to have found eachother during such a mess.  They always giving him love.  I do the same for Jen. I love her. I love them. 

We're lucky, so....so lucky to have blended the ties of our family. 

Cheers to another year as we watch our kids grow. Thrive. Work. Love. Learn. Heal. And figure out this big thing called LIFE.

Most of all, thank goodness we have them, and they have us to watch it all evolve.

This Mama Lisa

Always Near The Babies

For some reason, every few months I've been gifted with childhood pictures. Some came from my aunt, while others from my cousin.  Last month my auntie Lynda offered some from years back too.  I've always said the way to my heart is pictures.  Give me slices of my childhood and you've done' made my fantasies come true.  LOL.-Seriously though, apparently lots of ours were stolen between the many moves that took place with our family of four.

One of the things I've noticed throughout my years on this Earth is my love for kids. As a matter of fact, while I was a struggling teenager going through some terrifying terrific times with friends *partying* and ditching school, along with "kind of hard times with family life"...my dream was to become a Kindergarten teacher.  It was a dream of mine.  After I had my first "best" accomplishment - The birth of my son. I became active in his mommy-me preschool class.  I LOVED it.  It never came to fruition, but I still have that strong love for kids.  If I'm being honest, some of that has shed from my soul. Maybe because now that I'm a seasoned "adult", I don't have the energy, nor do I have the patience.[with the exception of grandbabies someday God willing]  Especially when they're freaking out near me in any public area.  {I'm like, get that kid OUTTA HERE} kidding.  not really but...

Anyway....here is some oldies of my little cousins, that aren't so little anymore. Jason and Mindi- I was a boppin teenager when my cousin Trevor was born, and so these 80's shots will give you an idea of just how much I love them.  Now, and then.

 Yes, I know I needed braces.  But braces weren't in our budget.  However I did make some out of paper clips because I just wanted to feel that feel.  LOL!  Will you just look at sweet little Mindi!

And Jason, look at you!

 

And then we have this classic.  

Mom and Dad, nineteen seventy something..

How about that kids!

Happy Humpday! 

Lisa Lynn.  

Dusty Kisses

After arriving home last night --in the dark, boo- I'd be greeted by Christmas cards, (Thank you Loree VG)-If you didn't know, I LOVE CHRISTMAS CARDS.  I love letters, and most especially love to sit and stare at pictures.  They have a new grandbaby (Leighton, they call her Lady Bug and SHE'S SCRUMPTIOUS) I literally love to sit down and read through my cards, stare at the picture and add it with tape to my wall. It was my first card.  Soon, I'd scroll through bills. One from City Of Hope, to which I always always open with a reminder of how hard they worked to save my son's life.  My phone was receiving text messages, yet I just wanted to take my work stuff off, and jump in a hot shower.  Nothing better on a cold night than those black holey sweats, cozy thermal shirt and my slippers after a loooong day at work. 

Kali would soon text me. Her content would clearly spell out, STRESSED. Probably mixed in with Shark Week, and just the jitters of closing out finals and studies she's worked so hard for.  I replied-- "Feel like punching people in the throat?"-  Kinda chuckling to myself, because she's her mothers daughter and when I get overwhelmed I tend to clam up and steer clear of people in general because, well, it just sounds good to punch people in the throat.  jk.  well, kinda.

Anyway, her words about wanting to toss her books out the top of her sun-roof, and flip her professors off, soon became funny banter back and forth. I could only imagine how she's feeling right now.  I never had to study in college. Nor did I move away and manage to live on my own like she has. Not that she doesn't have it made, but she certainly makes me proud as she navigates all her good times, with real times. Like just living as an adult.  And dealing with room-mates, and a party house that at times is pure misery to her.

I did mention she's living in a converted office right? With a curtain. By the front door.  With no heat. 

AND.....AND....she walks twenty miles in the snow. 

Kidding on the last part.  

All jokes aside, you make me proud Kali. I am so, so proud of you.  You are really moving mountains. Even though today, and last night you want to toss books out of the sunroof.  You're picking up little rocks and tossing them onto your mountain.  Just like you promised yourself you'd do the very day we left you in that dorm freshman year.  Look at you.  

You'll finish up and be home before you know it.  And we'll be sharing those poor brushes in our drawer and we'll make our yummy salads, and I'll assign you to wrapping presents, and you'll run around last minute for mama and help with gifts.  And you'll clean extra much because that's what college kids do while on break home with their families, right?

Just think....soon you'll be in the grind of life like we are, and you can't toss bills out the sunroof.  You gotta just keep pushing.  And be the grinder in the big world. It gets easier just keep going. #lies  #lol

Go get that shiz done.  And bring it home. 

For now, just remember the dusty kiss I gave you at Desert Bar.  Just look at us homegirl. 

This....

And to make you smile, remember when we pee'd behind Seans suburban and got pee AND dirt on our boots?

Ya, us.  Those classy grinders. 

Keep swimming....and don't look back.  For one day you'll thank those professors. 

I promise..

I love you beep.  

Have a happy Tuesday friends, and send me some Christmas cards. Sorry, we didn't take any this year.

Next year maybe I'll have MY shiz together.

xo

This Mama Lisa

You Are My Bucket List.

-Thanksgiving 2016 Parker Arizona- Foxes Floating Bar-

--Desert Bar, dag snap in the middle of NO-WHERE, but so FUN November 2016 Thanksgiving Weekend--

"Let us be GRATEFUL for the people that make us HAPPY-

they are the charming gardeners of our souls"

 

Happy Monday friends...

May you be safe and healthy!

Kali, knock down those finals little one. 

Get it done, just like you always do...

xo 

  This Mama Lisa

LOVE In My Heart

It sure feels strange to say week before last...but...Week before last, Bill and I had our calendar days crossed off like little kids.  Actually it came down to hours, and soon minutes.  I approached him at the busiest time of his day standing out in production with the simple, yet so complex words..."Why leave Saturday when we can leave Friday honey"- The blank stare became a smile. The smile became a plan. For both of us it includes lots and lots of quick planning. (Bill is a worker bee and will work and work and work until pulled away ) I had been cleaning my desk all week. As a matter of fact I kept catching myself losing it over stupid little things because I really really just wanted to get away.  I needed a vacation.  I needed to depart from all life's bs.  Not anything in particular because I can't count on two hands of all our tasks, worry, plans, organizing. Life is life, right?  I kept trying to remind myself..Lisa, so many people have life so much harder than you. Slow down. You'll get away.  blah blah blah.  But the minute my desk was completely cleared.  And trust me, I shuffle lots of shiz (paper and bills). Friday at close to noon I said...."See you at home"- Let's get on the road before traffic.....

And that we did.  The picture above is of the next day. Saturday morning after working out, eating healthy, and loading up our tiniest ice-chest, we jetted across the lake in search of our favorite burger.

No more burgers until springtime we were told.  But no sweat off our backs.  Or should I say..."sweatshirts" -Tis' was a freezing day....so we'd order...Long Island Iced Tea's.  Something I knew deep down, it surely would bite later, but so worth the sillies at the bar at the time.  Before you know it, back down the lake we'd go. Me tucked into the cabin because I'm a sissy and can't deal with the winds, sleet and snow. jk.  Just wind.

Sunday morning I decided a home made meal would be in order and a night tucked away in our slice of paradise would be mama's best choice. I made this lasagna.  Tried a different version with panko bread crumbs.  Won't do that again. Dried it out.  It's all about cheese people.  There can NEVER be too much cheese.

And when you toss that dude in the oven and decide that sitting in silence watching the sun tuck away behind the clouds and mountains as you sip wine.  Sometimes staring at one another in amazement.  Staring at one another because we know how lucky we are. To be away.  To have our hearts begin to fill with love instead of unfamiliar territory of confusion and fear mixed with pain from last year.  I told you all how much I pray.  I try to remember to give my gratitude most especially during these moments.

All these pictures taken with my little ol' dorky HTC flip phone...er um I mean smart phone.  Without all the fancy apps.  One thing I also did was detach myself from texting my homegirls and family abroad. I just really let things go.  I get even more lapse in replies when all my birdies are under one roof.  Good luck getting ahold of this mama bird.  Your best bet is to call Bill. Because nothing else matters.  jk.

I knew Kris would bring out the big guns (camera), and so my days were numbered before I'd leave these beautiful shots to him.  I've always said the best sunsets are fall and winter at the lake.

On Wednesday before Thanksgiving I do a traditional meal.  It all started with my littlest birdie requesting this because on our actual Thanksgiving we eat at a bar as she used to say.  That is true.  We dine along side fellow boat lovin', floating dive bar folks that love good music, water flowing by as you mingle with your friends old and new. Hugging your family closer, sneakin' in some kisses.  Never ever taking the moment for granted there at Foxes on the river.  I hope we're lucky enough to sit there on those picnic benches eating gosh knows what from that pot luck...but we're there.  I'm always in search of a good drink, cream cheese stuffed jalapeno's, and pop corn.  This time I was lucky enough to get the first item along with a stash of goulash I managed to pick through inside.  There's something about a pot luck line.  And those spoons.  And where did the food come from. But lets not think of that part.  Let's think of the good loud band that played right up until the food was served.  Lets think about the many smiles and bouts of laughter we'd banter out.

And lets FOR SHO think about those boats making their sun down passes.  Showin'us what they're made of.  We ALWAYS want to know what they're made of.

My miracle birdie. My everything.  This picture sums up so much...for me. For us.  Forever.

My Aunt Ronda, my uncle Wade, hugging on my dude.  On Thanksgiving Day 2016! On a bar.  On the river.

Ohhh heyyyyyy

Give it to me baby....

My blonde baby birdie....and Bucksie! Thanksgiving Day 2016

Hey cutie, can I have your eyebrows? K, thanks.

And if you wonder what we did on Friday morning after Jeff and Renee treated us to breakfast at our most favorite spot (so disappointed we didn't get our second annual picture...booo) We hopped in Seans Burban and make the trek down a 50 miles--jk--like 7 mile DIRT road to Desert Bar.  A place where you most definitely will catch a good drink.  A great band. And lots of dirt in your ears and cute boots. But who cares right? Especially after a few brews. It's like what light brown hair that was once black. And those black boots, well...get some elbow grease out.  Funnest, longest day for us in a LONG time!  Thanks Sean and Lorie for supporting all 45 of us. You rock. No, seriously, you really do.  Even though you scared the shit out of all of us on that first qualifier moment in that one turn where we are lucky OUR tire didn't blow. But....I mean, it's all good, right?  Sorry Jeff and Renee, I swear we never get that rowdy.  Silly us. 

Desert Bar 2016

On Saturday morning  Jeff and Renee decided to hit the road. Probably the best choice because I stayed in cozies all day. Bill and the kids went to the races.  Bill came home (to hang with mama and sulk that our days away were coming to an end) the kids stayed with my cousins where they rode in fast off road cars, shot guns, and drank drinks.  Totally safe I swear. The picture below was about the time I started blowing their phones up.  From Kris to Kali, to Kali to Kris..one to Jen. No answer. Voicemails, texting with no replies.  Finally my cousin called back to say..."hey leese I noticed Kris' phone is here on the counter and they're out off-roading....and shootin' guns"  alrighty then. LOL- My saving Grace, was praying and knowing that Kris is sober, and nothin' better than knowing our kids are pretty wise fellers.

Not a bad view as I stalked those stinkers down though, right?

Especially with this little fur babe.

One of the things I noticed this Thanksgiving holiday was our desire to just take in the moments.  It's so crazy how fast the hours and minutes buzz by when you're soaking up days away.  Away from life.  I say away from life because I totally act like nothing challenging exists there.  I notice Jen unpacking her bags, especially her famous Sangria with a pep in her step and bigger smile on her cheeks. I notice Kali is more apt to curl up closer and longer to me on the couch or in our bed.  I notice Kris snapping moments in that camera he carries a tad more steady these days because his hands are not shaking like they did 6 months ago.  I notice Jeff and Renee (Jen's parents) are settling in to our routine just like family.  We've all built a fort of love together.  Sipping coffee together in jammies, as the morning slips by.  Blended as though it's all meant to be.

And so I soak up the love around me.  I hug the friends we made years ago.  Staring across the room, or restaurant in amazement of the growth in friendships.  What they mean now, versus what they meant 5 years ago.  Watching our kids grow. And heal. And learn.  And evolve. 

As a matter of fact as we bobbled down that bumpy dirt road on that Friday I was cracking up sitting next to Kali and Renee, looking ahead as Kris was scrunched on top Bill's lap holding onto that grip handle to keep himself off of his Dad's lap, meanwhile looking ahead at unknown territory because he'd never made that venture to Desert Bar.  Bucksie on my lap just going with the flow he knows all too well.  Wherever we go, he goes.  Trusting us humans as much as ever.  This suburban moving along like the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. Those moments you want to encapsulate because you just know it's the reason for gathering.  It was all meant to be.  All of it.  Sean, thanks again for driving. Lorie, thanks again for letting our party of 45 get in on your love parade--xo

We'd climb up high to look down like birds perched up high in a tree.  We couldn't ask for better weather.  The stars were lined up way too good.  

Especially for these birdies.  My cousin Jason has a pretty bad ass off road thing, and the girls couldn't get back into that thing fast enough.  As for me and my soul....I do gardening.  I do warm homes and cuddles. LOL

And just like these guns....as for me and my soul, I'll stay home.  Not that guns are a bad thing because trust me, I totally agree with my right to bear arms, I'm just better off in the safety of my warm home versus this desert road-side shooting oozies into the distance.  Get it girl Kali. Get. It.  

And never stop trying new things.

Live this life.

Keep pushing and living this life you've been given. 

Work HARD and player HARDER.

And shoot oozies. 

LOL

I stare at his eyes and think of pure happiness and amazement.  I think STRENGTH.  I think HAPPINESS.  I see his happy dimple. I see his journey.  I see his admiration for the great outdoors and his time with family.  Most especially shot gun (literally) to his beauty.  I'm not quite sure what I see in Jen's eyes here, well, actually I do... I see I'M HERE FOR THE COCKTAILS AND SHOTGUNS! hahahaha!

You see, she's staring at them gunzzzzzz  LOL

Well, and her little sis shootin the shit out of that thing.  

And if you think the flu bug was brewing in her at this point, IT WAS.  But the adrenaline flowing through her wicked little veins didn't flinch an inch. 

I mean what better way to prep for finals.  Shoot a gun.

In the desert. 

With her brother and her shot gun sis Jenny. 

And her cousins. 

And new friends.

Thanksgiving Two Thousand Sixteen, you were one hecka-va, hellava good time. 

Thank you Lord for blessing us yet once again with safe travels, good food, amazing shelter, happy moments and the GRACE you've allowed this last year.  

Because we aren't here for a long time, just a good time.  Can I get an AMEN?

A.M.E.N.

Along with my favorite holiday song and word...."Hallelujah"

To my mushy gushy lovers of music, please listen to my favorite Christmas song.

When you're out and about and hear it, think of me. 

It always stops me in my tracks and bears smiles and happy tears.

A few years back I was sitting in a Thai restaurant in Seal Beach and a lady was playing live music.

She began to sing this song.  To the perfect key, and pitch.  The whole entire place slowed to pure quiet amazement.  I started to cry and then laugh because Kali was so embarrassed.
To see the delight in peoples faces, meanwhile the respect shown to this woman as the entire place broke out in claps and happy tears, is what made my night. 

It was 5 days before Christmas.

I've always said the things that mean the most to me at Christmas time is good food, good wine, and moments and places with loved ones.  You add music, and you get pure perfection.

Please listen to the words.

Sit back and listen to KD Lang nail this song.

(if you're not into this type of thing, I get it..scroll on down baby, and enjoy your weekend)

Hallelujah, by KD Lang

You're welcome.

My love and best of weekend wishes to you....

I've got a raw nose, healing body, and chapped face to tend to. 

Happy December!  Happy Birthday (yesterday) to Trevor and little cousin Jio!

Peace be with you,

This Mama Lisa