Things that stuck with me.

During the graduation week gala, there are several things that stuck with me.

Picking up my folks from the airport, on a breezy beautiful day in June, was magical. 

 I mean.  Seriously.  Landing here for lunch on Seal Beach-Main St. together.  Magical.

Rolling into Chris-n-Pitt's a mere 4 hours later, we were stuffed, yet giddy from the love surrounding this visit.  All together.....reminiscing of our many meals shared there as young kids.  The shrimp, the halibut that is now off the menu.  Many things have changed.  Isn't this just true in life?  Everything changes. But these moments, magical.

Graduation morning, as I woke up realizing the day I had planned for so many years, fell upon me like another day. It was so peaceful.  We enjoyed a quiet lunch together. Just Kali and I.  I knew what was ahead of us.
Trying to plan out where to eat with such a large amount of people.  So I sat back...many times taking a huge deep breath.  Reminding myself, that the long lines.  The traffic to get to and from, the gap in moments to take it all in, was meant to be.  To take it in.  The chaos to get in was exactly what was expected. Getting scanned one by one.  People cutting, while others lost their cool.  Sweat dripping down our backs, while frazzled energy pushed the crowd forward.  Many toting flowers, lei's, cards, and chair pads.  Trying to keep it magical.  Reminding my sister at times, that we'd move through this just like anything, and tomorrow would come sooner than we'd want it to.

 To see my Dad in the crowd was probably the best feeling of all.

As we watched the crowd become settled.  The graduation music and ceremony set to start, when we finally spotted this girl.  I wrote her a note during the day, placing it on her bed.  Begging her to really soak up the moments. Keep the little bits of magic.....magic. 

 I couldn't help but grin each time I would turn my head this way.  My Dad.

Beach balls, blown up naughty dolls, balls filled with plastic wieners keeping it just a tad bit weird. So spicy and so funny.  A much needed laughter in this crowd. Seriously.

First Grandson.

And that's a wrap.  Popped beach balls and all. 

Proud.  So proud.  Magical.

I love this picture.....

This one too.

Okay, these too. 

"They did it"

As explained earlier when both daughters/granddaughters/nieces/cousins- graduate...the scramble of "where to eat"- became just a tad bit boggling.  Not to mention, Kali and Gio just wanted to be together.  And if you know the way we work, we just go with what makes our girl/Gio happy.  So smooshing into the Castillo's plans would be the best plan.  I promised myself on the very first day of June, that I would NOT stress over these little details.  I just wouldn't.  We will celebrate Kali's next venture next month. 

Celebratory shot with Mama B.  Because why not.  A few times, I'd lean back and catch eye contact with our girl, and boy (Gio) and a complete smile would beam up on their face.  This is what they wanted.  Both Dads adorn the table ends, and their family tucked in the middle.  Grad night would start within 2 hours- From 10pm-5am- xo

My mama and her mama.  The home that has never changed for me. Ever.  Sorry Grandma for posting this one.  But you two little lovelies refuse pictures, and well.....

I would bet to say, the last time we stood together in my Grandma's kitchen side by side would be well over 30 years ago.   This picture? Magical.

Sister+Grandma's backyard.  Sweet.

Dad and uncle

Our birdies. Chapter Eighteen.

I spy....pepper in her tooth.

Beauty.

Hey world, meet "Susie".  Rescued by Jeff from a shelter.  Her third and final home. 

Some of our tribe.

Too much going on.

As Friday would soon wrap up, we all went our separate ways.  Me to the beach side to snuggle with my lover to catch the Kings game.  (bad-ass, by the way)-
Watching the game, watching birds, and watching a fire glisten away.

Too much a coward to deal with my parents leaving the next day.

 And so I sat here.  Next to what makes me most comfortable.  Bill, you have and will forever be my rock.

Our daughter graduated.  Our niece graduated.  Gianni graduated. They made it through the grad night party.  I held, and hugged my parents.  I had moments with family at my grandma's house that was beyond magical.  I laughed alot. The one thing that I pulled away from, was "goodbye"-

Saturday morning I would wake knowing that was it.  They'd be out of here, and back to their mountain. 

The memories are tucked away like magic in me.  

I am thankful.

I am proud. 

The things that stuck with me were the simple things. 

Magical moments with family and friends.  In this life. 

 

We're pretty lucky if you ask me.

Happy Monday Mama's and Papa's.


xo

Love and best wishes to you all,

Leese

So fast.

So eventful.

Full of hugs, love and lot's of 1,2,3..smiles...
Family.  From all sides.
Super sweet messages from friends and family.  Thank you Kristine and Jess, you made me tear-up.  Thank you Mindi.  You just wait...you just wait. 
Hey Mark Goldsmith, you are one rad dude too.  Carmen you made me chuckle last night. That is good stuff! Thanks for the kind words. It all adds up.  And kindness mushed into love is just one heck of a thing...
Love messages back and forth between my home girls there, yet sitting in all different areas.
Excitement filled the air.  Los Al, is one bad ass school.

Tons of hugs.  A few tears.  And lots and lots of big boy whistles, and laughter.

Here's a few to hold you over. 

Granddaughters.  Six months apart. 

For now, I will leave work.  I have exactly 10 hours left with my parents. 

I'm a total coward with goodbyes, we all know that.

I am anxious just thinking about hugging them goodbye.  My Dad and I tend to melt.

So for now, I'm gonna go soak up what's left.

The moments.  With family.  Together.  Capturing it on digital, but holding it closer to my heart.


Happy Friday kids. 

Congrats to all the Los Al grads! 

What a night!

Big fat boom!

NO, seriously, BIG FAT BOOM!

Thirteen years of.

Kindergarten came fast.  Parts of those days have slipped away from my memory.  Parts of them have stuck in my heart and soul.  Thank God I have pictures.  The moments have buzzed by.  These days however have shaped and molded our girl. From her days of worrying about friends being "nice" at lunch.  And who would play nice on the playground, along with who would be "her friend" in class.

She'd undoubtedly come home with dirty finger nails, and scuffed up knees. Those little thumbs of hers would be pink and clean each day. ugh.
Always an emptied lunch box, and beautiful art work. 

She went home with Evie, my friend...her sitter.  And would patiently wait until I came to get her.
During the Fall months a bit confused on why it was dark, and I took so long.  Trying to explain to a five year old about daylight savings changes were unsuccessful.  Deep down though, she learned my ethics of work.
Coming and going. Early and late.  Being there. Working.  Helping.  Going.  Doing.  We were in it together.
Thirteen years together.  Learning.  Hoping. Loving.  And working.

Somehow that schedule, that consistency, that dedication and my love for her flourished into something beautiful.  Using the word beautiful in a non-vain way.  More along the lines of tenacity.  Determination. 

Today is the last day of school.  Thirteen years of teachers.  Classes. Friends, and peers.  Favorite teachers, and not so favorite teachers.  All of it. 

Next up will be college professors.  New peers. New friends. New places.

I'm quite sure she'll be just fine. 

Freshman year.

Senior Year.

                                      
 ps. Kali is up right to the bare ass kid you will find. And if you notice during Freshman year, he had the same problem with pants falling down. 

"The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson."


Happy Last Day of High School kids! To all my homegirls, we did it!  Lunches, breakfasts', snacks as they studied.  Printing stuff, organizing their worlds.  Volunteering at the SO many events that made these years a success.  The dances, the first days, and the last days.  We did it!  Off to bigger and better things.


Cheers! *clink*


Big love, and best wishes.

Happy Birthday Aunt Ronda.  May you find some peace, hope and love in this day.  She is mourning the loss of her horse. He passed away on Sunday.  To say their heart is broken is an understatement.  Rest in Peace buddy.  Love you Aunt Ronda. 

Look up into the Heavens and know that those we miss and love just received another beautiful addition to it's pasture.

xoxo

This Mama Lisa

Seven slices of our weekend.

Bill and I had linner (lunch/dinner) at Yard House, then scooted over to Ink-n-Iron - Fun was had of course.

As most of you have noticed, I have bangs.  A few weeks ago at my hair appointment I decided a change was needed.  So bangs it was.  And to make matters even more fun, I cut them just a little shorter last weekend.  Two things.  1) I do love them.  2) I have curly hair, and when those suckers are wet...I quickly transition into this:

So it's a little love/hate thing.  But the change has been fun.  Especially receiving compliments. Thank you Jaz! And the many others that find these little suckers cute.  Sunday morning was s.l.o.w.  But cozy.  Just as I always love.  Sipping coffee in bed. 
Soon our little nest filled with Kris and Jen, along with Gio and Kali.  (Bucksie boy too)
We'd all sit on the patio while the cool breeze kissed our cheeks.  The sun shining down on us while we chatted about our weekend.  Along with our week to come.

The only two that were a tad bit productive.   And we just watched. 

Soon, I'd order linner for pick up.  

a

And we'd all sit back down to watch more boats come in.  (Bill as the exception was headed back to Ink to bring his trucks home)

We had the honor of watching our bro Randy slice by us from his race weekend away- Looking good Reynolds!

Happy Monday kids.



Love and sweet wishes to you all. 

Lisa

Bits and Pieces of LOVE.

We made it to Friday!  And guess who's birthday is today?  This fine man.

Happy Birthday Dad.  You move this life for me more than you may ever know.  I am counting the minutes to sit across from you. 



Here's a few that didn't make my earlier photo cut.  Last weekend.  My rock.  And my little rock.

Why this old windy, cold, freezing picture you might wonder?  Because Kyoko and I dined on Wednesday night, and sat for 2 hours catching up.  On life.  Colleges. Love. Work. Kids. I snapped NOT one picture. ugh!  But to give you an idea of the roads we've traveled together.  Soccer fields, school functions, along with serving on the board for soccer at Los Al High.  Pretty much just watching our babies grow together. 

Our little Mama group decided to meet for a pre-gathering before Baccalaureate last night.  

As we approach the table where Shelly is seated, we see this.  

My sister joined us! 

And in those bags were these items.  From Shelly-  A framed picture of Kali and I in front of San Marcos- Big fat rad boom.  The thought.  The creativeness, the love.....all of it. Shelly...Shelly...Shelly--YOU are rad.  Hi, Honey Badger smile.  ugh.  #needanosejob

Soon, we'd land here. In search of these beauties.  

As they proceeded to make their way in.  We knew it was alphabetical order....we wondered where Gio was.  Soon enough we'd figure he stayed somewhere behind to be with this girl.  And there they are....

Chapter Eighteen.

The cutest part, was their "group" all some how finagled to sit together- Spicy little sugars. Good stuff.

Griffins for LIFE!

 All together.  This is it!

And here's some shots of Powder Puff....Thank you Brandy! 

Happy Friday kids.  Make this weekend work for YOU.

Do what makes your heart full.

Always, always treat yourself well. 

Did you know that today is National Donut Day?  Now if that doesn't make you want to go out and get a chocolate bar.....yummmmmm. 

Peace and love,

Lisa

Changes I see.

From these two in the last few years.

Pretty crazy, huh.

Have a good one guys-  Tonight we start our little celebrations, with our Baccalaureate at Sea Coast Church.

Last night I walked into our hallway to see her cap and gown hanging by her room.
Medals to adorn her neck with earnings from hard work.
The hat that will be bobby pinned to her head.


Getting closer kids, getting closer.

Happy Thursday love bugs.

xoxo

An excited, yet very anxious mama.

ps. what happened to my pardon from this place?  Therapy people, therapy.  boom.

Vitamins for my soul.

Last night as Kali and I had dinner she shared some really sweet pictures with me.

As modest as she can be, it surprised me of her non-chalant attitude.

Never attending college myself, the vitamins it put through my soul could light up the room.

College-Bound Students- Boom.

I will shout to the moon.  Up there amoungst those names is our baby.  Our girl that worked diligently and very determined. Willing.  Hard.  Sacrificing.  All of it.

Kali.  Up there.

Los Al, is a rad school. She's gonna miss that place.  I will too.  Just look at those students admiring this accomplishment.  Their peers.  Their friends.

The encouragement this brings.

On a day that she picks up her cap and gown.  You guys, it's all happening super fast. 

So much to do.  So much at work, so much at home.  So much. 

During some of my hardest, most stressful days, just as I knew they'd be.  It lights me up.

One can never be too prepared for June. 

But when you have best friends, and an amazing boyfriend by your side, it just all seems to work out.

Best friends that are off to Texas, Sonoma State, and San Marcos.  Hold on tight little ones, hold on tight. 

Have any of you read Sandra Bullocks recent commencement speech?

"You know at Warren Easton, you are loved and appreciated and supported for what you have to offer," she told 200 cap-and-gown-clad grads. "I was trying to remember my graduation and, oddly, I couldn't remember anything. I remembered how good I looked and then I went back and looked at pictures and I really didn't look so good. I didn't remember anything, because I was so worried about the future."

Imparting further advice, Bullock shared, "I wished someone had said to me what I've been spending the last four years telling a little boy, who I love more than anything, who happens to be my son. So I thought, 'Maybe I will share that with you guys,' that what I tell a 4-year-old is what I wish someone had told me before I stepped out into the world.
"The first thing is stop worrying so much," she began. Secondly, she advised all those listening to "raise the bar higher." She added, "It is noisy out there and for some reason, people want to see you fail. That's not your problem, that is their problem. I only remember the moments where I tried beyond what I thought I could do and I do not remember the failures because I didn't. Nothing's a failure, it's just not supposed to work out that way because something better is supposed to come along."
Her final semi-serious bit? Bullock told the grads, "The third thing we work on [is] at home is in the morning. We turn on the music really really loud before we leave the house. And the rule is, you have to dance a little bit before you step out in the world, because it changes the way you walk."
Additional funny pieces of advice from the woman who knows better than google herself included eating "something green every day with every meal" and "do not pick your nose in public."
Concluding, Bullock told everyone to "go find your joy. It's what you're going to remember in the end. It's not the worry, it's not the what-ifs. It's the joy that stays with you. I want to thank you for the joy that Warren Easton brings me every day."



-----Nothings a failure.  It's all just suppose to work out that way-----

Now back to my life of work, and planning, and nurturing, and loving. 

Cheers to all of you. Especially you Mama's and Papa's that have walked through these days.

It's awesome, exciting and incredibly wild.

xoxo

Love and peace to you,

Proud Mama. 

Hello June. Hello Heat.

And not the heat as in temperature.

Life in our home is a bit like this.

"Mom I need those forms faxed over to CSUSM again"

"Kali, we already did that"

"No, one for the dorms, and the others for registration"

"Kali, I already did that...."

"No Mom these forms are a little different"

"Mom, did I get my meningitis shot?"

"I will check, but I think so"

"Did the forms get out Mom"

"The can't be faxed, they can only be scanned and emailed"

"I received an email from ELM about testing, and results?"

"We need to order my college t-shirts tonight"

"I need my Baccalaureate dress"

"Can we shop for my Graduation dress, like this week"

"Did you decide where we will eat on Graduation night...because you have Grad Night as well"

"Gramma and Papa will be here, so let's just play this all by ear Kali" (my parents are more stressed about coming down here than all of this in a huge nut shell-super dead serious)

"I can't seem to login to my Senior Portraits, did you order them Mom" (don't have 10k dollars to spend on them right now-ha. joking, but not.-smallest package is 700 bones. they are high)

And the list goes on and on.  Just like I knew it would.  Only this time, with a girl the heat is on.

And not the temperature.

(Picture courtesy of Madison's bro on a Sunday night, and filled with love. CJ, you kick azz you little rock-star you-the bestie pictures made me tear up!)

This little warning spares my pardon while I step away from blogging and social media. Just for now.

My spare time has been crossing off every inch of my notes, my to-do lists, checking for VERY important emails on the hour. 

It's about preparing our girl for the next few months of huge changes.  All good, all amazing.

Pray for me.  Pray for her.  Pray for my family as we transition right along side her.

Giddy UP!

Stay tuned, I'm sure this horseback ride through June, July AND August will be one for the books.

This BUSY Mama Lisa

ps. And if any of you sweet fellers have wondered how our past weekend was....we celebrated a fine man named "Gaylord"-  With good food, happy friends, with lots of laughter.  My camera?  In my bag. My phone? Right there with it.