Birds, Beach Soccer and Brunch...followed by a lazy sunday afternoon....

So...the big difference between Bill and I when it comes to animals...? I'm the nurturing, giving, protecting, forgiving type.. Bill? He's the "put up wire mesh to block out birds" while they nest for the Spring. The funny part to this? Mama bird was trying to build a nest on the other speaker by the bbq and he covered it right away with wire mesh. Saturday he found her on the other speaker, nest in full mode. I understand his frustration, and he said "you have to clean all their poop"...AND I WILL....but it's also such a safe place for them. Stay tuned for more on these little love-dovebirds. I'm hoping to catch pictures of her babies...if I can. Alot of work to make that little nest. You can see her mishaps. When Kali and I got home saturday night, I took her out to show her, and there was one little egg that had fallen out already. Such a bummer. Guess it's not meant to be....

Kali started playing for a new club a few weeks back. Today...VERY early this morning...(with the time change springing forward up at 5am) they had their first game. We won 4-1

GO BEACH!

The most exciting part of my weekend was Monica's Brunch celebration at El Torito Grill in Brea and my Aunt (Godmother) from Illinois was there!!! It's always so fun to be with my family. Lots of laughter...lots of love...and lots of good food and drink. We chowed down. So much for my Cabo body mission. I went backwards today. And it was all worth it.

Pictured from left to right. My cousin Monica in blue (bday girl) My cousin Evelyn behind me. My Aunt/Godmother Cece hugging me...My sister behind us and my aunt Lynda's boyfriend Harry. He looks so serious. Wow.

My aunt Lynda....holding her mexican pastry desert. Yum.

Miss. Kali and Tori. Poor Kali had to rush home after her game and shower and be ready in 15 minutes. Her reward was Brunch. She loves loves loves brunch. After that game, she had to be starving...

Evelyn, me and Cece. Doesn't it look like I'm squeezing her neck? lol

The part of trying to get people together for family quickshots is actually really funny to me. Because no matter what we did, someone wasn't ready. I'm sure the Champagne had some to do with it. So funny. So I added all the shots..simply because I found cuteness in each one.

Family fun times..... Happy Birthday Monica!

I love this one...my sister is looking down, and there's a conversation going on down below. My cousin Monica is looking super beautiful...oh how I love candid shots..

And just like that, our weekend is a wrap. Ohhh how I dread preparing for the week ahead. I keep reminding myself of how lucky I really am. How lucky I am to have a job to head to, and a daughter healthy and alive to make breakfast and lunch for. And how lucky we have it compared to those suffering in Japan.

Our love to you Japan....

My heart breaks for the families, the children, the elderly..the animals...completely broke from this natural disaster. I can't get those horrifying pictures out of my mind. I can only think of the many people this has effected.

As we move along in our day to day lives on this very weekend...I hope many have really thought about what we should do in the event of this tragedy. Mother Earth seems pretty darn mad, I'd say we should have a plan. Now is the time to make a meeting to plan for your little families. Here and abroad. From simple plans of what to do when they hit, if the kids are in school, work, or away...what do we do. Think about your parents and elderly. Who's in charge of what. I'm beyond scared of Earthquakes, and speaking for myself, I lose control. I don't even remember I'm a mom at that point. I promised myself last night...that I need to figure this stuff out. I need to be prepared. We do need a plan. And we really better be ready.

Positive thoughts and prayers for you Japan.......FOR THE MANY FUND RELIEF EFFORTS I ALREADY SEE, IT MAKES ME SO PROUD TO BE AMERICAN.....smiling with tears in my eyes....

COUNT DOWN TO CABO.............

Soon to be 41...I'm Healthy, brave, alive, strong, and turning....41 next month...and FINALLY we will take a much needed vacation to Cabo San Lucas! I still can't believe it's happening......We will stay for 6 days down in the beautiful resort town in an all inclusive resort. Looking back on the years in my childhood. I don't remember birthday parties, I don't remember having friends over...or my parents making a big deal for me. Like the "hooplah" we spread for our kids these days. There wasn't new I-phones, and Mac laptops to wish for, or Forever 21 shopping sprees-
I do remember my mom's awesome chocolate on chocolate cake, and the neat smell of blowing out my candles after making my wish. Served with yummy fresh vanilla ice cream from a dairy by our house.. I always loved my birthday. I still do. I think it's a time for me. I think those that love me, think of me on that day. I think it's worth celebrating in big ways the older I get. Bringing all the happiness I can before I get too old to do so. Happy Birthday to me soon, and watch out Cabo here we come!.......

Our passports arrived...and reality started to kick-in.

Dreaming of beautiful beaches just like this...with a book in one hand, and a nice cocktail in the other. Ohhh how I can count the days....

And looking forward to pictures, pictures, pictures. Dreaming of yummy food, no real schedule, long nice walks on the beach...swim up bars and big swimming pools...lots and lots of laughter and lots of love.

We are going with good friends of ours...she's a pro traveler and has a list of how to pack. What to pack and when to pack...I love it. Now...if I can just get all the little dresses that I've bought thus far on "Alloy.com" in those bags. Is it April yet? Sigh...

Do what you love with who you love.....

I've saved every soccer picture since you were 5......

I've spent more on your shoes than mine......

I've made your practice and training nights my priority......

I've got my lucky chair and blanket at every game......

I've rejoiced when you made "The Team"......

I will do whatever it takes to help you......

Doing what you love......

Sipping on the taste of relaxation.....

I often tell myself on Friday's to enjoy the weekend ahead of me as it is...and absorb every second with the little things that mean way more than the purchased things. These are some of the last weekends for us without soccer...without work stuff, and travels. Have you ever laughed so hard you can't stop. I had tears streaming down my face...For some reason it was that funny to me....That's what this shot ultimately ended in. She was trying to get me to pose. I'm simply not photogenic, and never will be. I'd rather be caught unexpected, or stand with someone or catch the shot of those I love. Friends included. When I do take a great picture, I soak in it. I love it. But it's truly not often...Kali captured this shot of her Mama as we soaked in the sun for the entire day. After trying to catch a close up of me, and my laugh that couldn't stop. This was her only shot. I wouldn't look at her. I couldn't stop laughing. It was great. So...Just the three of us sat on the dock... Magazines, great little snacks; juice for Kali and Margarita's for us. Kris went riding again.- The perfect day to ride...Funny as we sit on the ocean side, he's up in the very hills riding in the California distance I could almost see. Ahhh the joy of living in California. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else...

The start of our day.. Kali on the dock laying out to get sun. (Which is funny during Winter Solstice, you simply cannot get tan out there.. I didn't peep a word as I watched her spray endless tanning oil on her...it was just cute to me.) The sun shines on the patio until around noon, then we must move to the dock. From there we sat for the remainder of the day. Seriously until the sun set.

This Black-crowned Heron is a night hunter. This picture doesn't do him justice. As he landed in front of me, with beautiful yellow eyes and a neck that can stretch up to almost 3 feet to eat fish, crabs, sea snails. He was a delightful sight on my lazy day with nothing to do. But eat and drink.

The Canadian Ducks with red eyes and white stripes on their backs living in the Wetlands across from us. They travel as you would imagine in the winter. And just like that next month they are gone. We don't see them again until November.

Simply relaxed. My view on a saturday lazy day. Those trees in the distance host a few very big nests for the Herons. They can make a mess on boats and docks, but what a sight to see them close up. Beautiful birds.

Our last and final picture before we headed in for the night...Notice the wetlands in the background. That is where all the birds come and go from. Kali had made plans with friends yet still under the weather with a cold we pursuaded her to come to dinner with us. 320 on Main in Seal. The best French onion soup I've had in a very long time. We even splurged and had desert. It was super good.

Our drive to dinner. Cold evenings on the beach generally offer amazing sunsets....It's those silent drives, while everyone looks out the window to appreciate these little natural wonders. And free.

Simple love. Always.

And just like that the weekend is coming to a close. Gonna make the best of this week.

The Earth, Tires....Friends... and COMING IN SPICY......

Kris and friends enjoyed the beautiful weather on Sunday and headed out to ride. I love these boys and girl (Angela).... These pictures are a simple reminder of "Staying Forever Young"- Enjoying life for what it is. Before they start families...before the major stresses of everyday responsibilities...let them be young. Let them be happy. Let them enjoy these years...

Heading to ride.....Look at those beautiful California Springtime Mountains....Awww nature-
Cheyne......
Marcel. Who celebrated his 21st birthday the night before...His mom had a super fun "Pirate" themed Surprise birthday party for him. Every friend they have showed up. Kris said it was amazingly fun! Good times.....with a Pinata too! lol!
Coming in Spicy.. I love this shot. Good times with good friends....
Bootleg riding......?
Girls riding too! Go Angela! So cute. Look at her pink pants!

Coming in Spicier! I love this shot! These are the days you want them to remember forever.

Our little and sweet celebrations....

As a Freshman this year...and a very dedicated Athlete...Kali has to work really hard on Academics. Along with being an athlete, and keeping a great social teen life (which is full steam at this point, party invites just about every weekend). It can be tough. She works hard at every thing she does. Her commitment pays. She's got the strength and the courage to pull through. We are so proud of her. As most of you know...this isn't easy. Especially coming home from games at 6pm to eat dinner, study and get ready to do it at 6am all over again. Cheers Miss. Kali! You rock it with Awesome-sauce! I love this picture. She's a dedicated person to herself. And to me...that's all that matters. Keeping herself a priority to prove what she wants in life. It's all about the commitment. -

And our other little celebration was Bucks' 2nd Birthday. He turned 2 on the 24th. We celebrated with a little steak for him, and a few gifts too. I love this picture of him. Taken Mothers Day weekend 2010, boating, and one of my favorite weekends ever. It was just one of those weekends....nothing faltered. It was all too perfect.

We were silly with his wrap. He's only concerned about his new chew toy.

The moment they were opened...he looked at all of us, and immediately ran into Kris' room and stashed it in a box. Then came back to get another and stashed in Kali's closet. So funny. He goes back later I guess to play and chew. The life of a little dog.

Happy Birthday little Bucksie. We love you. And today?...He got fixed. On the way home from Vet as I type with his daddy. It's gonna be a long night. The joy of owning a dog. Lessons in life for Kris. Me? I'm off to dinner with my love...and Miss. Kali is off to a Birthday party.

SUMMER PLEASE......

This is the time of year I begin to feel very ready for summer. This is the time of year that I feel like the weeks are longer and longer. The weekends are fuller and fuller. The weather is so very unpredictable...the schedules are hectic with sports and Kali's academics. But we wait. We wait for the moment we can escape. The moment we can run to the lake.....Yes, I am counting the days.....It's almost holiday planningish..... I look at this picture and smell the lake water...feel that Coors Light in my hand...and the lake grass floating by me while we float in the waters....listening to our tunes from the boat...

Love this sign.

This IS my HAPPY place. Right next to the man that gives us so much. Most of all he gives me an incredible sense of love, patience, security and trust. And I am so very grateful. I look at this picture and can hear the water trickling up against those rocks...and Kali's laughter in the background....

The 2 stars in my sky. These two bring me happiness and love like no other. The joy of being told I am loved by them...Their hugs, the laughter we share...their love notes..their sense of security that no matter what in this world, I have created these two partners for life.

I love this picture. This takes me back 3 summers ago. Kris was 18-It was one of those Hot August Nights...He was our newest boat driver. He was the captain. The captain for his parents as they enjoyed cocktails, and good times. aww..finally we could sit back and let him be in charge. Well...a little bit. Bill sat there coaching and watching ever so carefully.

One of my favorite pictures. For the last few summers I catch the same of Bill and Kali. Time flies..and someday soon she won't want to take these pictures...Most likely it will be "Mom I just did my hair"- Trust me, you will see. - As a matter of fact if my Teen Radar serves me well, it will be this summer. ugh.

Last summer I braved a ride on the Seadoo. I've never been the water sports girl. I guess I've never had the bravery in me, or the desire to ride on back with some knucklehead out to prove they can "get-crazy"- So I just sit and snap pictures, make super cute lunches, provide cheers from the boat or lakeside. But last summer as I boarded with Kali and Bill, I had the time of my life. I truly did. I never screamed so loud, laughed so hard....It was all so worth it. Kali by far was the kindred spirit. Bill was out of control. Guess he thought he was on a dirtbike. WITH ME ON THE BACK. LOL!

Our favorite spot in the evening for a glass of wine. With tunes playing. It's that time of night when everything is winding down. When the boats are making their jaunt back to the boat ramp or camp for the night.. The kids are in the house getting settled in, or back in the pool. It's the quiet before dinner...anticipating our next day of fun. When the fire is in these pictures, it's definetely Fall or Spring. This fire has never seen a night in July and August. lol

Summer time sunsets. Simply the best. Years ago before the house was built, and during, we would sit in the cove down below and look up to dream of what our future held there. What awesome nights would unfold up in that house....

This is the time of year when I become antsy....I want to head to the lake sooo very much. So much going on at home. High School Soccer Season has come to an end for now, meanwhile Club Soccer, starts up this week. Fatal Clothing is super busy, which is awesome...but we would love to escape for a weekend. As Bill said in December..."Hun the little break we take will make us enjoy it that much more when we return"- And he's true. I guess through summer and fall, we (I guess speaking for myself) start to take for granted this beautiful retreat that we head to. The excitement as we drive through the gate towards the house is there..but fades quickly as we settle in. I can't say how much I miss it. Just the boat rides, the smell of the lake...the sound of the boats..the birds that fly past us...the great brews, and good friends. I simply can't wait....

In our favorite little cove. Just looking at these pictures takes me right back there....with a nice cold cocktail in my hand....the smile on our faces....the sound of the boat, with our favorite tunes playing in the background. Ohhh I can just count the days....sigh

My favorite place to lay on a springtime or fall morning...enjoying my coffee. As most of you know I was raised extremely simple. Yes, a tree hugger. This little palace is something I cherish. Not so much the material things, although yes, it makes our life super amazing, it's the quiet of the lake, the view of nature, the most amazing thing I have ever been part of. Ever. I guess it also feels like something Bill and I have made a home. And for that I am very grateful. Very.

I try to remind myself of this note often. If we don't take time to count all the amazing things that we have to be grateful for, than what would we be here for. When you turn on the news, and see the grief happening around the world, only to live in America to enjoy the simple pleasures of Freedom and the choice to pick what we do. Well then...we should enjoy it. Because although life is hard. It is still good. Cheers! Come on Summertime!!!!!!