Hot boats...High Fives...and Helicopter rides....

Bill and I headed to the Desert Storm Poker run...slash/who has the bad-ass boat of the year.  Boy did we see em.  Bill has ALSO mastered the art of my fav martini.  Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini....one word.  Yum.  Ok two...Yummy delish!  First night, no kiddo's. A storm briefly came through. Dropped alot of rain in about 2 hours...and was gone in time for us to lay by the pool and catch the sunset..  Time to get our partayy on.

 Forty Two.  Years old. Where did the years go? 

Kris and Lizo arrived the night before...Our friends The Bells invited us to their gathering....the perfect view for the Speed Passes..On the island.

 Dad talkin with our friends....The weather could not have been more perfect. 

 Especially munchin on this grub!

 Bucks happy on the top cushion.  Thank you Bell Family who loves animals just as much as us!

On to our favorite little cove.  (hmm whats up with my double chin creepy face look?) Honey badger doesn't give a shiz!  HAHAHA!

 Not that I'm too cool for F.O.R.T.Y T.W.O....but I do have a bucket list.  It is growing.  Check.

First Helicopter Ride. 

And we ALL know I am petrified of heights?  Right? 

But I grabbed Kris and said..."Come on Bub, let's do this!"

 Of course....he was so happy to join me. 

 We ventured over the channel, around the island, down to the airport for gas....

 Our pilot asked where'd we like to check out....we both said "our house!"  And so there she is....

Street construction as you can see. 

Beautiful. 

 Two happy love birds. 

                                                          The Channel.....

 One happy Mommy.   

 Yes. 

As the kids say YOLO  "You only live once"

 One of the biggest fastest boats 2 years ago. 

 But here you have my dream boat.  42 Foot Cigarette boat. The colors, the size, the rumble.  HMMM!  Keep dreaming Leese!

 Fun day boating....

 Watching boats make passes...

 Him too.

 I love you.

                                                             Kris and Pops

 Love.

And...there you have Captain America.  Aka.  Nerd.  Sorry did I say that?  The world continues to come out with things for people to expose themselves more and more....."eyes on me syndrome" I just laugh,laugh, laugh!  Karma part of this story?  I was heckling this man to myself for doing this...and as we drove off and started to get speed, SOMEONE...forgot to take the side bumper off the back area near my seat..and it popped up and hit me in the ear.  KARMA is a beyatch. I know. shame on me.  Sorry Captain America Dude that wants to fly around the channel at like 6 feet off the ground, for what?  LOL!

 Our last Sunset.  Our last night always marks the words "Another good trip"....We all traveled there safe, returned safe...and will mark more memories in our book of family trips.  Minus Kali.  School. Soccer. Academics.  Kept her here.  Few more weeks...we go right back to this view. 

 The Laughlin Harley Run is the same weekend....our drive home...all the way down the 40, was keeping an eye in the mirror for all the bike ants EVERYWHERE.  Some cool, cruising.  Others just plain nuts and crazy. 

Cheers to everyone enjoying the kind of weekend they thought or planned.   We sure enjoyed every moments together.  Kali was with The Duttons, came home to finish a report, we grocery shopped just now for her all Organic Health kick she's on.  No bread.  All proteins, Veggies and fruit.  Have a great week everyone...I hope for great weather, happy car rides to and from school and work.  And many many hugs from those you want to hug.  Or get a hug from.  Muah!  XO

Love what you love...make what you make....

 A few years ago, as I sat at my desk.  In a fiberglass warehouse.  I pondered.  I really love all things natural.  I do believe there are the folks out in the world that think the same.  Especially when you read the above sign.  How can you not relate?  Right?

Or if you can't find something nice to say, don't say anything at all.  (Remind me of that once a month. eh em.) Truth be told.  

I love this store. I have loved this company for a very long time.  I contacted them a few years back to sell their product.  I wasn't "big" enough.  aka. "Didn't have a good enough store front".  I still love their stuff. I dreamed of filling our storefront along with Gaylord's memorabilia. But we aren't big enough. I still buy this stuff though.  They have the cutest "chip clips"...and pillows...  

Is this me?   haha.  Just kidding. Once a month. Yes. I can get tough.  oh wait. i speak my mind. that's what I do.  truth be told.     

As I sat at my computer this morning, I received an email reminder from Tilly's.  All things good for the Summer.  What do I see?  Fatal Clothing.  Wow, way to represent.  It makes me smile. Every time.  Every single time. I am so proud and happy for him.  Although I don't wear this style of clothing...I see it everywhere.  Crazy.  And good.  So so good. 

A little tour of our facility.  Shoes.  Shirts.  Sweatshirts.  Hats.  Good stuff.  

Growth.  So exciting.   

 When you see this logo, remember where you can find it.

Right here.  

This morning as I was pulling into the facility. I see this.  It makes me smile for Bill.   Keep the wheel turning.  Keep the ideas forming.  Fatal Clothing sold nationwide, and worldwide.  

WWW.FATALCLOTHING.COM   

Love what you love, make what you make.     Cheers playas!  

Blah.

Today as I sit at my computer.  After a couple of attempts, I realized I haven't felt this poopie in a very long time.   And.  UGH!  This picture is out of order. (it should be the last picture) Not to blame on me this time.  Blogger has changed their way of things.  I don't do well with change either.  So.   Going back to my gloom?  Bill and I went into O'Malley's on Main St. on Friday night to say hello to our friend Kirk.  We ordered lettuce wraps.  Basically the healthiest thing on the menu.  And 2 Guinness brews.   We left within the hour.  Walked down the street to The Wine Cellar.  We've heard great reviews about their Chef, and of course wine.  We couldn't stay long because I had an early alarm for Lancaster. Picked up Kali and Mac by 9:30pm. Bill had a Fatal Clothing Christy Wilson Memorial to work at the SB 5K.  I tossed and turned all night with a belly ache.  Woke up at 5am.  Packed my car ever so perfect for MacKenzie and Kali, and we were off.  The drive was beautiful.  The girls were peaceful.  And tired.  No wind.  Sunshine.  But....my tummy was still another story.  We lost, drove home.  My tummy was unbearable ALL the way home.  And I haven't been able to get out of bed since.  (viewing the above picture makes me smile. Inside and out)

On a happy note!  Gianni won Class President for next year!  They officially called and announced it on Friday night.  So so proud!  Such a GRIFFIN Dude! 

Along with Kali's week of planning came preparations for Birthday celebrations.  Madison turned 16!  These girls are growing so so fast! 

 Off to dinner in Newport at Mazzo's!  Amazing food. 

More pictures out of order.  Thanks Blogger.  Here you see a loss against an Anaheim team. Strong team. Good respectful players.  Earned it.  The score isn't worth mentioning.  Kali did have a goal but was quickly called out for Offsides.  Which she was.   Boo. 

#4 Stahl

 Whew.  This is a rough one.

 Get it girl.

So I shopped at the end of my week. She celebrated Friday with some girls, and another in 2 weeks. Nordy is really an easy go to place, cute stuff, not too expensive.  Service is superb, and they wrap it for you...How could you go wrong? The styles of watches, bracelets, cute little shirts, headbands, glasses...are just perfect. 

I have done nothing all weekend.  I have slept. Watered my flowers and lawn a little..and laid around alot!(which anyone that really knows me, I do not sleep during the day.)  My plan was to work in my yard, celebrating Earth Day with some new offering to my soil.  I can't. After heading to Nektar in LB for a Cleanse Juice (which was amazing)  I am down.  Was it the Lettuce Wraps?  We both don't know. But it sucks.  I am sipping tea.  Sipping water. WILL NOT Throw up.  Lisa isn't Lisa today.  Mama isn't Mama today.  I already warned Kali of her lunch tomorrow.  Kind of funny to think of how "jeri-rigged" IT will be.   Happy Sunday everyone.  Hope you are staying warm in the South.  Fog has not let up.  Or staying cool in the North.  Rain is coming.  All the flowers and trees planted for Earth Day will be so happy!   Cheers.

Reverse? What?

As I said, it's the cards that matter the most to me. oh...and notes. notes from everyone. I love them. Text messages, emails, Facebook rememberance...whatever, however, on my birthday I love them. This card meant the most to me this year. Well. There is another card too. But we'll talk about that later.

So as I stated, Bill and I shopped for Granite, Backsplashes, and pondered alot on our new Expresso Machine. Built in. Can't wait. Hoping this all works out. You do know I am a java junkie, yes? Yes. After arriving back home, we quickly changed into our bathing suits, grabbed some towels and were setting off to a local beach close to his parents. Nice sandy little quiet beach. And let me tell you on a Tuesday...it was almost too quiet. I like to see kids splash in the water..and other boats go by....Well...as he started the little boat up for departure and put it in gear...It only went in REVERSE. That's it. I know I told you the story already...so scroll down. But look at that manly motor after he "Jeri-rigged it". "Jeri-rigged" is a word. Right? So we were off...cruising in style....

Passing this boat, we both laughed again. Funny stuff here. After all, it's just a day to take off and relax. Nothing fancy. I'm pretty simple like that. Sometimes.

And there you have the skipper, deck hand, jeri-rigger dude, pulling us up...on the sand. HAHAHA! We were literally walking distance from his parents too. So cute.

Motor cover back on. Mom posing on the yacht. Playa!

At this point I think my mind is saying "WTH"? HAHHAHAA.

Or maybe that's a just go with it look? Either way. We did have a great day. I came home to this basket made especially by Kali and Tori. All things sweet and from their hearts. Love it.

These notes laid out around my house. Front yard too. Love love love this stuff. (imagining "You lift me up" playing in the background at this point?)

My coffee mug with a note.

A cake at work. Filled with fresh fruit...and whipped cream. Can you just imagine? IT was A.W.E.S.O.M.E! Work family always give back in such sweet ways. Whether it's their kind gestures when I leave town to take a breather, or cut flowers left on my desk. It means so much.

And so life back to normal went something like this the morning after.

6:30am Wednesday

Kali: Mom, did Kris fix my watch?

Me: I don't know Kali.

Kali: I gave him the watch LIKE 2 days ago. That's so rude

Me: Rude? Rude is the way you are acting over a watch that needs to be sized. He is doing you a favor. And listen to you Kali?!

Kali: Do you know where my tan bra is?

Me: Kali you seriously sound like a spoiled brat. Seems you need to get some things in perspective and check back with both of us.

Note left on her brothers day back pack. Urgghh!

He did fix her watch today...and she kindly thanked him with this sweet teenager smile that hours ago was walking around like some dragon princess with a razor tongue. I just observe. Remind. And teach. These days eventually fade away. Watches are fixed, lost, and the realization that brothers are amazing. Mom and Dad are even more amazing...and life is much better after the teen years. That's fo dang sho!

Moving on or in REVERSE to Chapter 1. about my birthday.

Bill left a card in my car. On Jetta girls seat that read..."Oh...and you can go car shopping"

So...pray for me fella's. My new car is out there somewhere. And my homework has officially begun.

Cheers!

Walking in circles. Literally.

I awoke yesterday to my coffee cup filled with a note from Kali. Actually notes displayed around the house, in the hallway, making their way to the kitchen....The biggest warmest hug from Kris. I love his hugs. The rest of my day was planned something like this :

Bill was sweet enough to request a day off together. Just he and I. I was so happy that he'd be willing to take a day "off" work. That just isn't his style. So...I picked out the cutest outfit, had my hair styled...worked around my house in the morning...went for a run and eventually made my way south. When I pulled up he quickly jumped in my car. Our morning would consist of finding Granite. By finding Granite means, you drive to the largest Granite Company I've ever walked through...in circles. It's like trying to find the perfect shoe. It bonkers my head. We were also in search of a built in Expresso Machine. Yup you read this right. Granite and appliances. Jealous? HAHA. In my head I thought of brunch style somewhere up in Newport at our fav little spots. You know how it goes girls, right? Our fantasy brains at work. When in reality the guys think more rational. More literal. Hitting 2 birds with 1 stone type thing. Take a day off work to play all day? nahhh. duh! Don't get me wrong we did have a great day. Pictures will follow. We managed to stroll into Sandy's at the pier for lunch. Laughed and talked about more kitchen planning ideas, the kids, life and our dreams for travels someday.

We headed home to take the little harbor boat out for a cruise..(margarita's included)....and the second he put it in gear...in only would go in reverse. So I laughed. Hard. Super hard actually. Stuff like that is funny. to me. tears laughter. I love it. Especially when I began to "try and troubleshoot" with him...I could see his frustration. More like..."This isn't the way I planned this". So I sat quiet. Reading my Facebook wishes from friends and family...We eventually got the thing in one gear. Cheered as we headed off. Found a beach. Sat there...laughed, talked and soaked up the sun.

After having dinner at Captain Jacks and loving every last drip of butter on my crab legs...we headed home. In one gear. Hugging to stay warm. I told him I was thankful for the day. I loved every minute together. We really enjoy our time alone. We did find (we think) the perfect granite and backsplash (which I believe is so over rated, and really don't like to pick stuff out like that, I prefer to decorate after the fact) Our kitchen will also have a built in Expresso Machine...NOW that's what excites me! It's coming together. Finally. Fast. Really fast. And after waiting for almost 6 years. IT'S ALL HAPPENING!

I arrived home last night with a decorated front porch thanks to Miss. Kali and Tori. A huge basket full of stuff from her/them. Everything they put in and picked out was so thoughtful. And sooo me. I came to work this morning to find cards on my desk and THEE most amazingly yummy cake. I love my family. I love my work family. I love life. Happy Birthday to me. It was good.

Were you all expecting a post of a huge diamond ring dangling from my finger? hahahaa.
Or Bill and I jet setting off in a plane to Hawaii? One day. One day.

Someday.

Cheers! Booya!

Lisa. One very appreciative girl in the world.

Finally.

So I arrive home from work yesterday after kind of (no totally) driving like a maniac..yes with my daughter in the car. and she told me so. because I was late for a hair appointment. Priorities. Come on. who doesn't? kidding. I check my mailbox. Because I love to check for birthday cards. Always have. Don't know what it is about cards. I love love them. Anyyyywaayyyy. There's the one card I always look for. From my parents. It's always a little funny, because sometimes there are just plain funny things about them. Just funny. And of course my Mom can never go without ALWAYS sending those singing cards. Most funny, is when she signs off, Love, Mike & Pam. Don't know why, just seems funny. And I guess a bit sad. To me.

ok. i open my card. It reads this. I have never ever heard my Mom state anything so amazing and heartfelt to me. ever. Yes. not to open the dysfunction can. but it's true. never. ok. close the truth dysfunction can. bam.

It reads: (and I have to somehow read and type as it's singing "Word up" by Larry Blackman. Total 80's dance song)

Lisa, Another year of experiences of life. Your strength keeps me going. And your perfect face puts a smile on my face. You are so self confident and everyone loves you. You have a personality that everyone loves and a face to match. Keep up the great work! We love you always. P.S. When you were little, you were the easiest baby to raise. So happy and always so helpful to everyone. Love Mom and Dad.

SHE WROTE THIS!

yes. 42. Finally being told I am what I have always tried to be for THEM. A good girl.

Happy Birthday to me. Happy words always melt me. SHE/THEY will never know what this card that is singing "word up" means to me.

I took this day off. Was asked by my partner in crime to spend it doing something special together. Couldn't ask for a more pretty day. High's in the 80's today. Sunshine and blooming flowers have always been my perfect recipe.

I have received cute messages this morning from friends and family. They mean more than most may know.

Muah! Biirrrfffday girl word up playas.

Me. Lisa Lynn Trabue-Stahl

Distant message. From way up on a hill....

Yesterday Kali and I went for a run on the beach. One of those days. Beautiful. Too perfect. The weather. No wind. Empty beach. With my girl. Laughing, talking..and of course me asking a ton of questions. She says too many. What? Once we got to the jetty I asked her to pose for me. I captured a shot. I also wrote in the sand. A note. To my parents. I hit send. No response. So, as I always do...I understand. They probably didn't get it. Or don't know how to open it. Whatever the case. I sent it. It read "I miss you" with a cute shell next to it. Just minutes ago, today at work, as I am reconciling accounts, listening to phones ring, customers chatting in an office close by, my phone zaps me. It's from my Mom. This is what I see.

Yes. Tears have fallen. Good tears. Technology giving me/us something we've/I have missed for many years. Their very distant ways. She loves me. They love me. It does feel good.
I have always said notes make the world go round. Especially sweet ones.

April...you always amaze me.

Waving goodbye to rain in the spring is one of my favorite things. I love rain. I love the cozy feel of being in. But when it passes, my heart sings joy.

After hearing on Friday about our canceled Lancaster game set for today, Bill and I quickly made plans to keep our kitchen planning ideas, and decided to spend the day doing what we love. Together. Kali had her plans. We watched the rain leave, the wind make it's pass...and the sun shine, shine, shine. Remember my post in March waiting for the Grand Prix to arrive? Races on this weekend baby~

Kris went throughout the weekend. Once with friends, and second day with his sweet sugarplum.

My cousin told Bill and I about a place tucked away in the LB called Ma n' Pa's. Just up on Colorado. Literally set in a neighborhood. House on this side...house on that side. Walk inside...a feel of home-love. Little market diner. Home-made beef/turkey/chicken jerky (sorry vegan friends). All things adorable in there. Well, coming from me. The girl that twines, and all things natural run through. Check it out. Bill and I ordered a sinful lunch. Too sinful to say. lol. Sat outside while they bbq'd it up...and brought out to their backyard patio...(with a little waterfall trickling away near by)... Can I get an awwwwww? Any hoot. Check it out. Any peeps living remotely close. Go. You will love. or like. or both. You won't be dissappointed. AND...they have a good choice of brews. yum.

Sunshine. Birds chirping. Blue skies. Slight breeze. Oh my. Goodness. Love.

Of course. We will go again. And again.

What a beautiful Sunday it's been. I've been doing my normal prep for the week routine. I managed to lay outside in the sunshine. Called an Aunt I wanted to get caught up with. Planted 2 new Lavendar plants. Watered and pruned the adorable veggies Kris and Lizo planted. Read a magazine. Forced Kali to go to the Dairy (drive-thru)...with me. By the way, I think Dairies rock. It's that one thing I hope doesn't dissappear soon. Something tells me with time it might. For now? I love em. Organic hormone free gallon please. Simple. That's it. Love it. Just to pull up, guy comes up..with a huge smile...you order. He hands it. Pay and drive off. So cute. Kris just got home. We are in. Laundry almost done. Dinner's planned. Lunches planned. Just one thing I dread. Springbreak is officially over. Time to get back in the grind. As I told my Aunt....it's times when you feel overwhelmed. Overstressed. Tired and burned out. You must remind yourself. Life is hard. But it's soo good. April is a great month. I turn 42 on Tuesday. Raise your hand if I've ever told you I love my birthday. I really do. There's something about being a birthday girl. 4:24 am April 17th. Lisa born to Mike and Pam. With no name for a week. Smiles to them. Giggles to my sister. How did I reach 42 so quick? Bring it. Cheers. Safe travels to all. Warm good mornings to you too. Ciao!