Well, There They Are...

I literally had a head scratching moment last week trying to locate the very few (considering my past) pictures from Cabo.  I have been cracking up while eating my lunch and scrolling through each one.  Man, it's easy to forget just how fun little breathers like that are.  Especially when you jump back in the game. And act like a brat, as though "you never get to do anything" (said in a whiny cry baby voice)-

I'm a sucker for pictures.  Add Stevie the love of my life...and you have one big carnival of goodness. And so here's a little goodness. 

Also, I might add, I'd highly recommend this little hotel we stayed at.  Hundreds times over and over.  It's centrally located, with a fun vibe, good people, a humming white noise air conditioner that didn't cover the sounds of the street down below-LOL-(funny thing about Kali and I, we love white noise...so traveling and having those wall air conditioner units are an extra bonus-however at this cute little hotel, the streets are quite loud, all.night.long. I heard one particular LOUD motorcycle every morning 6am...quickly reminding  myself he was most likely going to work, and preparing for a fun day ahead for all us touristy peeps) AND plan to get your drink on, because the bar is over the top cute, and Medano Beach is walking distance where all the party people hang, mixed with the best guacamole in all the land at "Mango's"- 

Book that ticket kids. 

I would say 4 nights, max 5 is truly ideal. First of all, hello money trap...and you pretty much lose a day of travel.  And.....your liver will thank you!

As I mentioned in my instagram post earlier....as this jet plane jammed down the run-way, I had crocodile tears streaming down my cheeks. So much so, I had to bury my head on Bill.  Not sure why, other than starting my period at the airport *LUCKY*, or if it just felt good to get the hell out of here.  I truly felt this overwhelming emotion take over me. And, is it me, or does horsepower of any sorts just feel so kick ass... I LOVE IT-

Leaving gloomy LAX......

Stuffed into a stick shift Toyota Camry.  Not sure what excited me more, the Corona I held in my hand as we drove off, or the stick shift vibe cruisin' down the routa hwy Baja Cabo bound road.  So much joy in that back seat....keep your head outta the gutter. Corona + Driving to hotel on vacation = Bliss  

Getting closer.....almost smelling that smell I talk of. Not sure if it's the car pollution or salt water...whatever it is, I love it.

Arriving at our slice of paradise....Bahia Beach Hotel

Quickly ushered over to this area, handed a fresh squeezed kiwi and lime juice while my lover checked us in...(Fresh flowers everywhere- Score!)

The next morning I'd make my way down to the bistro for a latte.  It's the little things for me...and this little cafe is just....perfect!  

 Right next door....cutest restaurant  "Peacocks"

 This restaurant was featured on Diners & Drive-In's....the Chiliquiles' were over the top!

Yeaaa babeeeyyyyyy

 #CASHOLA

BAM!

Sexy Machine, yes. Orange Vest. No.

And I would post a kissing picture on here that our boat driver insisted we take, but the kids have probably caught enough lip smackin' between us because I LOVE kissing pictures.. Figured out our little birdies lookie here more than I thought....awk.  jk
Also that boat driver offered to sell us some "weed"-  haha- 
And soon, began mentioning he knew where we could get "coke".
LOL!
So if you head to Cabo and want weed and coke from a boat skiff boat driver, boo ya...there you have it--

You know the drill kids.  Get away if and when you can.  Save a little side dough and take the time to build up love and friendship in travel.  You don't need a lover to get away.  Go with a friend. 

I'm already drooling over another trip there some day.  Not for a while. It's nose to the desk again.
Work harder, play harder. 

Praise God, we were able to sneak away.  

I still live with fear every single day of the inevitable.  Moving along in life as though nothing will change hasn't been the easiest....trust me, I try.  But still cry every single day. ugh.

And yet, we all know...we aren't in charge-

Sometimes having something to look forward to, or a plan in place helps. 

I now know, sitting around watching life move by isn't the best plan.

GO LIVE!

Even if it's sitting in the sand or mountain side sipping good wine, or a cold brew.  

Or

Water.

Big HUGS and LOTS of LOVE....

Kris is doing great!  All Praise Jesus hands in the airrrrrr!

Adios Amigos!

ps. Funny part of le' trip was waltzing down to El Pharmcia hung over at 7am trying to explain I needed tampons.  She handed me cigarettes.  bam.  No..esta la papel el feminine- LOL

Shark lady, SHARK ATTACK!

This Mama Lisa

Dear Selfish.

Well, how'd the town treat you this weekend?  Buncha firecrackers and senseless bombs goin' off?

(Direct result of a guy that should've been in bed, and a chick that needs darker makeup, but made an appearance because she wasn't going to miss out on a night she'd look so forward to, and so we took ten bong rips, and headed out. Kidding.) [Just go with it like I did friends] #notresentfulatall

Our weekend was full of healing.  Cooking. Cleaning. Rest. Healing- Closed eyes (because someone decided The 4th Of July weekend, longest bestest weekend of the year) was a good time to have his eyes repaired- Not naming any names, but this person is tall, handsome, green eyed and a smile to knock out a crowd.  But to say by 6am this morning I wasn't a tad bit selfishly pissed off that a
weekend was handed off doing more taking care of a family member. (If I come off as brass and
bratty, I think I am)  When in reality as you look at the big picture, it's warmer and more loving to remind oneself just how delicate life can be.
 Instead of feeling sorry for myself and resenting my role as a loving person because I wanted to run wild all weekend.  Enjoying all the sights and sounds.  Dancing under the starry skies on that sandy beach.  Hugging friends with too much wine flowing through my veins, over using "I love you's"
blah blah blah........

This wasn't all about me.
We did find my sisters in love, managing to cram all together until sun fall, so there's another highlight of the weekend. At least Stevie and I could agree on that. #theonlything.


Saying too many I love you's is never a bad thing...right?

I managed to clean like a robot. All linens, towels, counter tops and various dishes I'd whip up. 

The sun shone down just like any other year, full of happy laughter and chatter filling the water side as I would hear kids sharing paddle boards, and jumping off boats, and into water.  

Reading my book under the shade, and sometimes sun.

Sharing some moments with Shelly, Maria, Roxanne and my sister on Saturday, quickly turning into an unplanned charade of laughter at the bar behind us when we crashed a private party, filled with folks in costume.  This girl in a sweatshirt and makeup-less face. No bigs. Famous last words..."just walk in, don't stop and keep walking" boom. Not that I spilled my wine all over the table either. #highlightofweekend.

As I laid my head down last night with preparation for what my week would hand me, it was everything in me to hold thankfulness.  And gratitude. (As bombs were filling the sky...ugh)  I still get the beginning of the week work jitters. We truly never know what our week will hand us. Sometimes butterflies and unicorns, and sometimes shit on a platter.

Life.

I do wish they'd ban fireworks all together. I simply see no reason to rip those bombs. In a world filled with terrorism and hate, it seems fitting to me to celebrate with music, drinks and sunshine.  Maybe living with intention to appreciate freedom with good food, and drink.  Bombs riddling our neighborhoods with nothing less than smoggy skies, and the desire to hide under my sheets as a human proves yet again, it's just not my thing. Is it just me? #sparklersrule 

I hope you all enjoyed your lovely weekend- 

My Stevie Wonder lover is feeling better today.  Perfect. LOL
Realizing today I coulda wore those black holey sweats all weekend and he wouldn't of known!

I did receive this from my aunt and uncle.  Made me smile! Nothing better than unexpected shots of love....

Big love and lots of good wishes for a safe week, with great hopes we make it to another weekend....
As for today, we nurse another pack member ...Kali caught "The Bug"
So that's awesome.

Womp Womp.

Jesus, please don't let go of my wheel!

Can they STOP playing those Matthew  McConaughy commercials? His voice has creeped my creep out. Stop!

And...just heard on the news of the many dumbbutts injured with fireworks. Sucks for you sucker!

Play with fire....yo gonna get burned!

How about this awesome weather!

Love,

Selfish Sassy Pants..

Soak Up The Love. And Sunshine.

It's always nice to pull away from our offices on a holiday weekend. Most important, it's sweet to see our production guys try to wrap things up early to get out and start a weekend filled with family, friends, bbq, love and laughter. Dusty and dirty from fiberglass, and paint.  Appreciating that early exit for the weekend. It's the little things like that, that make me whole.

I intentionally write this post without drowning you with reminders of what our FREEDOM really means. Or most important just how hard our dedicated service people keep us free to do so.  However, it wiggles me around to NOT express my appreciation for our FREEDOM. You'll see enough reminders on social media all weekend.  Monday especially. 

 

Sure it's easy to plan our meals, gatherings, favorite wine, or cocktail.  Personally I still get my nerves shaken to the core when I think of just how life can roll out.  Because you know my thoughts on "just one phone call"-

I just want us all to take a moment to think about the selfless love, dedication and determination it takes for our countrymen and women to keep us safe.  Especially with our demon filled days of terrorism.  

When you read the definition of Freedom: The state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint:

True, is this, but when we move along in our days of summertime it's kinda easy to forget just how good we have it. 

I have been pen pal'n with a couple families in the new days of diagnosis, and hospital days moments.

It proves to show just how delicate this life is.  War. Sickness. Cancer. Freedom. Love. Loss.

A good friend (part of our six-pack Jodee and Russ) lost her Dad this week. 

 And yet, their spirit just wreaks love.  And kindness. Always love.

Proving to be thee most kind people we've ever met.  Always serving love.  

Hearing of more financial troubles here and there between friends.  Neighbors.  Life. 

And yet life just moves on.  

Soldiers sit on alert.  

For us. 

For you.

Families sit next to their loved one in those 20X20 hospital rooms, listening to that iv cart beep.  Scouting to find a nurse as those "be right backs" don't happen.  

Smiling at people there in the fight.  

Fourth of July.  

So many memories for us. 

As a child I remember being obsessed with those little black charcoal worm things.  I'm sure just because I was most obsessed with being able to operate that punk thing, almost like a flame. 

Or what about the spinning thing Dad would hammer to the side of a tree and it would spin around shooting sparks every where. (Right Tina?)  

My love for fireworks have went away.....mostly because the sounds scare our animals.  Not just my animals, but all animals.  The pollution adding to our already gunky skies.  

Freedom. 

What does it mean to you? 

I hope you all enjoy this holiday.  That you have laughter.  Love, and most of all stay safe. 

Remember those out there fighting for our freedom.  Those willing to stand in the front lines.  For us. 

For those families in the fight trying to stay alive. 

2015 A month before diagnosis.

As those fireworks fly through the sky, say a prayer.  

Hug your friends.  Drink good wine.  Travel safe.  And be glad you can.

Take this time to slow down and just love.  Each other

Happy 4th Of July my lovers.....

Remember your roots.  Remember FREEDOM isn't free. 

Be safe.  

This Mama Lisa

Two Years Ago, You Snuck Away....

You didn't sneak away peacefully.  As a matter of fact, from what I hear from your son, it was quite traumatic.  Something I wish neither of my kids would ever have to witness. And just typing this, my eyes are filled with tears to know they had no choice.  You fought hard those last days in the hospital as each of your babies sat there holding your hand.  Rubbing your cheeks, talking to you.  Wishing and hoping you'd give a sign. A sign that you'd be okay and make it through. 

Again. 

That you'd sit up and ask for some ice cream.  Or smile because you knew your grandbabies that you loved so much were there.  

You left a legacy of what motherhood means to her children.  You were there for them, most especially during their adult years, and most definitely in your grandmother role years.  You loved those babies with all your heart.  Treating each of them with the most fairness and warmest form of love.  As a matter of fact, Shirley....I always admired and wished I had that kind of nurturing.  

You stood your ground when you had to.  

So many times I wondered if you really cared for me.  I always felt like a mother loves her son in a different way, and trying to appease you to like or love me would never fully come to complete fruition, but I hoped you knew how madly in love I am with him.  

You never loved to cook, which was the running joke of the family, but man you'd make a mean pot of Corn Beef Brisket, and the veggies always came out just perfect. Rolling your eyes at me when I praised you. 

That dressing you'd put together for all of us at gatherings, riddled with garlic,  will never be replaced.  

It just can't.

Ever. 

So many times I've felt you in your home.  Kind of feeling like you'd step into the kitchen top step and just smile at us.  

You had a cute style in clothing.  Eclectic and fun.  You'd mix-match the perfect combo.  Most always offering a compliment to me if I was dressed up.  

I know your babies miss you.  Just today as I walked into your sons office, at this desk. He caught the virus I had, with his red face....I wondered if he remembered what today is. 

If you ask him, he'll tell you the exact time you left. 

As a matter of fact, we hear songs, or sometimes come across Cazadores Tequila, and I can see his eyes well up with tears. 

You offered them a childhood that made hard working humans.  

You offered them laughter and good times. Gaylord misses you.  As a matter of fact, the last time I watched him drive off from the restaurant on Fathers Day with his care taker in your car....his dark brown eyes looked sad to me.  

Maybe it's just me.  The girl that is lucky enough to love your son. 

We miss you Shirley. 

I know your birdies do. 

I hope you are safe, peaceful and full of ice-cream...... 

To Ricky, Vicki, Billy, Joni and Sandra......

You are so lucky to have such a special mama. 

Hope your week is treating you all well.

Guess what?  Bill has my bug.  Or worm.  

Love, 

This Mama Lisa

Well That Was Poopy

I literally went from kicking my sandals in the air Friday morning, blogging like a skip-n-hop girlie, to a drive-like-a-maniac home so I wouldn't puke on the side of the road, by Friday evening. Two possible enemies rattled my head. In-N-Out, (for some reason the tomato looked odd at the time of my eating like a starved dog mode-yet never did I remove it because hello lazy don't want to rewash...blah blah blah) or second, I thought I was burping the wings from Taco Surf (that Bill, The Sicklers and myself mowed down Thursday night)

As I exited a side street almost home, (Katella for you local peeps) there wasn't a lane to pull over and I was freaking out with thoughts of puking on my lap. My compassion and thoughts of the many moments Kris was so incredibly nauseated, and yet..here I was hauling ass to get home. Breathe Lisa, Breathe.

I couldn't lug my bags and body in the house fast enough. I also couldn't untangle my fat ass bun on the top of my head which was so tangled in the 3 bands I use to balance and hold that shit up. Getting in and out of the shower with hopes that maybe it would help. Brushing my knots out was another feat. In almost tears from the pain and nausea I changed into my sexiest hole riddled sweats, my mama bird t-shirt, and favorite pillow, and crawled in bed. Bill texting me shortly after "honey at grocery store be home in 15"-

Soon he's home, hollering down the hall..."hooneey I'm home" LOL. What he is normally greeted with is a dressed Lisa, hair in place and my hand out waiting for a cocktail -KIDDING- but you get my drift. He stares at me with the first few of many grocery bags. One thing you all know about me, is I don't lay around. Much less let him haul everything in, AND put it all away. My stomach hurt and burned every 30 seconds or so.

Back to bed I went and stayed there until Sunday.

Not sure what the deal was/is...I still don't feel like myself, but went to docs today.  Either viral or bacterial.

My little triage of nurses were incredible! Bills compassion and willingness to tickle my arms, and massage the top of my head creating a huge bubble of knots. And dodging my bed to couch, couch to bed antics because I was miserable and yet he'd  just move over, and offer whatever you could. Honey, you're amazing...

Kali zipping out the door first thing Saturday morning on a mission to get fresh mint, and those white things that you drop in water that I can't figure out how to spell, and there's no "replacements" on my spell check.   They are fritzy and also have pain relief in it..AND made me burp. #awesome!
My other handsome birdie came barreling down the hallway shortly after "mama, I brought you a smoothie from Nektar!" (Which was a cold buster kind with ginger-ouch-but so sweet my lover birdie you are full of love)

Saturday grazed by like a warm summer boring bummer day.
Sunday proved a teeny bit better, but then all heck broke loose....or I mean shit.
Monday I laid in bed all day.

My birdies went to Kris' follow up appointment. An appointment proving he's right where he should be. Issues with knees continue to hurt him. He's completely off his Tacrolimus and Sirolimus. I sent Kali with a little list of questions. She'd ask, and then hit record on her phone...that little reporter girllll.  Holla out to technology baby!
He's gained a little,and most important he's gained a lot in the spirit department. (Hellllllo steroids)

I'm hopeful that whatever bug creeped in me from that tomato jk, or a worm....double jk...or the wings I ate like a dog...will hurry up and Getty-Out of my town.

Homie don't like to lay around.

And this rumbling tummy?

Shiz sucks!

Hope you all had a better weekend than this warrior Mama.

As Kris said...Mom, there's always more weekends...

Love and peace, and pardon wishes as I blog on le ipad.  Boom.

Lisa  

The Sweetest F Word

 

Friday.......

Today just happens to be my favorite day of the week...Mostly because I stare intently at the weekend with no plans tonight or tomorrow....therefore, you know my pillows, bed and Bill receive lots more cuddles....

I'm in no rush to go anywhere on Saturday mornings...I truly love the peace in it.

I plan to push myself more in the active department sometime after I get up.  Gotta push this tush....and paint that chair....

Don't know about you, but this week was brutal.  Nothing detailed, just shitty at times. It's almost like you cross the finish line on Friday as the clock strikes 5-o-clock. The full moon offered tension...tension and bad attitudes.  One of those attitudes was me.  I felt it twice this week walking into work.  Praying as I drive.  Listening to my favorite music, yet spiritually falling to pieces the minute I'd land at my desk.

Barking easy, and not taking bullshit rude people very easy.  I've always been challenged when it comes to the vibe people spread.  Rude to me?  Rude to you.  Trying hard to remind myself of what I've preached for years.  Be kind.

And yet, the full moon, the stress of the daily work duties, and lack of sleep.....

Boom.   

But enough of me....how about we look out at the horizon of the weekend. 

How about plans to make this bad dude for the 4th-

I have a few friends that would nail this.  Erica, Laura, Shelly and most certainly Cindy Dutton.

Or this?  

Mindi?  You'd totally nail this one.....

With hopes to sit near water.  Water in hand, splashed with lemon.  The view of the loves of my life.

Maybe a bike ride.... By the way, Gianni called me this morning....to hear his voice.  I miss you dude.

Guess I am overstaying my visit here on le' blog....running out of things to chit chat about...plus I need to get back to my focused world of fiberglass and loads and loads of paperwork- 

And to think, this is just the fresh start to the weekend-

Cross that finish line, and go spread some love. 

Or your legs.  Wait, what.

Not your legs, unless you're getting on a bike. duh. or.

Cheers!

Lisa

Middle Aged Mama

Lately I've had these moments where I stare at the mirror and notice life swaying in a motion so fast by me that it makes my heart ponder.  I see wrinkles and lines around my lips and eyes.  Freckles that adorn my arms.  Spots changing from once a tanned young adult to a middle aged woman.  A woman called Mom.  A woman that loves the Earth and sunshine. A woman that opens her eyes daily for her children.  A woman that struggles through heart break and work.  A woman that loves hard and yet tries to find the balance.  Of good times chasing the sunlight. 

I still walk around my house and stare intently at all the pictures.  I have many.  I stare at the looks of my babes in their young toddler hood.  Or middle school.  Or the first days of kindergarten.  I stare at the moments caught on the back of the boat, smiling back at me.  Through missing teeth.  Or the innocent stare of a teenager with a dash of sass in his eyes.  Catching him before he covered himself in tattoo's.  And so he'd style his hair with the highest mohawk.  An "eyes on me" Leo.  

A toddler look of Kali in preschool days, when she sucked her thumb and her little over bite was way beyond what I even cared to admit. Whatever made her happy.  And content.

I notice my shoulders hunched just a tad bit more while staring in the mirror.  Sometimes feeling pretty and sometimes not. Rechecking myself because sag is just sag.  And shits getting real.  The majority of me always made up with  "live this life, and don't be caught in that vanity-side vibe"

I look at the title of motherhood as one of the best and yet hardest jobs.  I see dust and at times cobwebs up high and I think of how long they'd laid there, or flew in the air on that light because life is moving so fast.  And I just can't slow the clock.  The days and nights rolling into months and months and years.  

The pictures that line my walls that always speak about love.  And Faith.  

Life is just flowing by. 

Many nights I leave work and think I just wanna go lay down and rest. Taking a breather from organizing. And controlling.  Numbers.  Phones. People. Life.

Where as before I had an agenda.  Soccer practice in far-a-way cities, to turn around and make dinner, check homework and collapse into bed doing it all over again the next day.

Now the days are mine.  

They've changed drastically.  My soul has been tattered.  But I'm not the only one.  I'm the soldier in line with the rest of you in this life.  But man.....do I feel change.  I see it.  

I notice parents driving home from work, with kids in the back seat.  Or as I drive by a park and see the hundreds of kids out practicing.  Life.  

The path and change happens. I just stare. That life. Those kiddo's.  It flies by.  Faster than they'll even know.

I continue to look for goodness.  For happiness. I look for the moments that I feel like sharing with others.  Because somedays I don't care to mingle.  Some days, I truly can't.  

Last night my son stopped by to pick up his med tray filled for yet another week. 

As he left, he hugged me tight.  Kissing me on the cheek.  I watched him hop back into his car, and I thought...woah. 

Life.

Walking back up my walkway to my porch.  Where I raised him. The very porch that would welcome him home after a night out of driving for the first time.  Or a daughter that came home from her first dance with her first boyfriend. That porch that would welcome us all home safely.  Home.

The safety net.  The feeling inside as I walked away from him and that kiss on my cheek. 

He's alive. Washing away those messy ugly thoughts.  That hug.  That kiss.  That love. My boy.

My kitchen still adorned with awards from their years of middle and high school.  I've managed to toss those dudes up as wall paper versus into books. 

So many things have changed. And yes, I'm still a mama hoarder.

The mind and body I never appreciated as a young adult.  A young mother.  Shadowed by my own mother.  And grandmother.  Innocently enough of them, yet promising myself I would never be.  Sometimes I catch 

glimpses of her.  Sometimes I catch a glimpse of my aging self and just stare for a second. 

My recent relationship with Jesus allowing me to let some things go, and just pray. 

Praying for my kids. For my son, who loves me so, and yet I will always love him more. 

The days are slipping away, and I am working hard to hold on.  To hold on with a lightly held grip of middle age.  Never losing sight of where I'm going, and how I got here. 

Excepting the fine lines and freckles of moments I'm able to enjoy in this life.

Always keeping myself in tune with the what if's.  You know the standard cliche' of middle aged, motherhood.  Of how precious and delicate life can be.  

To maybe let the side view of belly, and chin, and maybe just maybe grasping that we are beautiful creatures big and small.  

To appreciate motherhood, and middle age.  Trying hard to understand why grief and heartache plays a role. Always praying for those around me.  Hoping and wishing we never receive those ugly phone calls. 

To spread love and remind others just how delicate these days are.  

That friendships and people come into our lives for reason.  

To love your partner even more during the hard days because you can. To offer a smile to anyone willing to take that smile.  Middle age is showing me so many different parts of me.  

Letting go of all the "yes's" I've shared for years and years.  

Realizing that my new emerging self will hopefully be blessed with the next chapters filled with peace.  Good health.  Most especially my kids.  

To be lucky enough to watch them marry and have children some day.  Embracing my self even more. 

To share our story.  To share happiness, fine lines, wrinkles and freckles.  

To rock a baby, and wipe slobber from my cheeks from someone I am lucky enough to be part of. 

My daily thought as I wake each day will always be thankfulness.  Still walking through the path of fear, yet pushing my way out of the darkness.  

Middle age, and learning to move on.  With trust.  And family.  My birdies, and lover.  My animals and flowers.  My belly, fine line and wrinkles and freckles.

Wondering does peace become more instilled with age, or do you learn to live with it. 

Smiling at the precious pictures I see in homes, on social media...even the ones that look staged. Or the perfectly inperfect ones.  Going with the flow, of what life is suppose to show me. 

Lucky enough to watch the sun peak on the horizon at me, and lucky enough to watch it slip out of sight....

Happy Wine Wednesday.....or Water.  Whichever rocks your boat.  

Just don't give up.  

Love to you,

This Mama Middle Aged Fine Lined And Wrinkled-

Be kind to animals.  Don't be a dick.

No Plans Are The Best Plans-

Bill and I walked into last week like a "let's not hold plans" type-of-a-way...Although I knew Fathers Day was peeking around the corner at us, I used my "casual" skills, and decided....let the kids handle it.  After all, I've always dwelled on things being perfect. Lately, I've determined a couple of things.  One, trying to control things and life can sometimes bite my ass.  The other, my stress level has been so high for months and months...causing my body and mind to slow down. I can't take on anymore.  I've decided to shut some things down.  Saying "no" and..."maybe next time"....a tad bit more.  At least right now. 

My goal last week was to get my dads gift on that UPS truck, and idle my way through the week showering Bill with the love he deserves as a dad that took me as 3.  Even if it meant a simple night in, with no plans.
Our favorite type of plans.

Saturday morning Bill and I woke to bright sunshine.  A day I knew would be filled with some sort of fun.  After tucking ourselves away early Friday night with a simple bbq dinner, and one glass of vino.  One. Woah.

My goal was to repaint a rocking chair I bought for 4 bucks at a yard sale one early morning before a soccer game.

Bill had been reminding me each time I "mentioned" painting it.  He'd want to strip it, sand it, re-arrange all the wood....blah blah blah.  And because he's so methodical  (love that part of him.....)

He took that whole thing apart.  Sanded it.  Put all new screws in.  And aligned it.  While he did that, I cleaned out the freezer...losing my painter mode mojo in the mix.  

Next weekend kids, next weekend.  We hope.  #stickwithoneglassgirl

We'd decide to take a ride down to Woody's to arrange Fathers Day breakfast for Gaylord (Sunday). Party of 15--

Shelly and John joining us mid-way at Mother's....and down to the new gig on the sand.  "Sea Legs"-

First time I've ever sipped wine on the board walk. 

They've got some ironing out to do.  The typical new restaurant bar story.  Confusion.  Lost orders.  Receipts flying in the air....hot little servers bumping into each other confused.  Lots of offers to "get you anything else"- Yet, that anything else, lost in the wind. Forgetting quickly what they just offered. LOL

The new gig in town.  Ladies, and Gents...you've been warned.

But first, let's take a second to praise John for riding with us.  You see, John doesn't drink le'alcohol like we do.  Therefore, our normal bike rides that consist of stopping at every bar on every corner doesn't work for this work-out smart healthy nut.  But.........BUT.....his good wisdom, and clean eating saved us all. 

No bars.  

Straight up windy ride back.

Sitting on our dock. 

Catching up quickly....

And off they went. 

John......thank you, you wise man.  Thank you. I love your stories of camping, and river rafting with your boy. 

And Shell, you always have my heart because you would stop at bars with me.  But we are smart fellers and we didn't stop at bars.  We sat on the dock instead and saved our livers. 

And wallets.  

Because...raise your hand if you'd rather sit on the dock of the bay, and sip yo' own wine.  "HANDS RAISED"

Before you know it, we'd be showered, changed and up the street for dinner...

And no I didn't dip into chocolate.  That right there friends is a direct result of sitting on the dock just a tad too long. 
Freak.  You guys. What the heck?

Fathers Day was a tad bit sweeter.  Gathering at Woody's up the street.  This picture is missing Vicki and Rick.  Vicki sitting next to me, Kris, Kali and Jen.  

Caught with a phone.  But I just love it. 

Gaylord's in the HOUSE!

L.O.V.E.

The weekend was filled with love.  Filled with gratitude, and hugs.  Filled with a dad being honored for the willingness to love us all.  To Gaylord whom is now 89.  Leaving the safety net of home to eat out with your kids.  

Over the weekend I had a few moments of "wow, catch this memory and hold it close"-

Time slips away. Before you know it, life hands you a desk.  Work place.  Paper work and massive phone calls.  It hands you traffic, and bills.
And heart break.
Like yesterday when Bill received a phone call while standing at my desk from his sister as she wept into the phone. The color of his face turning white.  Bandit her fur baby of almost 10 years (I think) was hit by a car.  Sending him to doggy heaven in a split second.  I could hear her weep. My heart melting, and pounding.
 

Gone.  Just like that.  Gone.

Weeping for her and with her. 

Watching tears well up in her brothers eyes, because getting that phone call yesterday morning is a well known fact that she of all people doesn't deserve this. Not Bandit. 

Showing us just how life rolls out.  

One phone call.

One slice of love. 

Taken. 

And so you look back in the memory rear view mirror...and you try so hard to soak up the goodness.  But you get that anxious oh my goodness shock of just how quick life can change. I will forever be convinced that there are no words to ease the pain of sorrow.  Ever.

Vicki, there are no words.  There are no ways to console you. Bandit loved you with every ounce of his cute soul.  You are a good mama.  They always talk about the animal rainbow bridge, along with "oh you'll see him again"-  I truly don't think there is anything we can do to mend this heartbreak. Not this time. 

I will cry with you.  For a very long time.  
I have a beautiful picture of you two....I'll wait to share another day...

PAW PRINTS ON YOUR HEART-

He came into your heart one day, so beautiful and smart.

A dear and sweet companion,

You loved him from the start.

And though you knew the time would come, 

When you would have to part,

He'll never be forgotten,

He left paw prints on your heart-

Bandit.  He was a lucky little lover. 

Toots and all. 

Love to you all, and wishing for a peaceful week.  Full moon bites.  

Vicki, my love and hugs to you today.  And tomorrow. And forever as long as you need em. 

Sorrow is a twisted deal.

Pour out as much love that you possibly can...even when the moon is beaming full of hard frustrating energy. Keep smiling. Through the tears.  And remember smile at a stranger.  For you never know what they're going through.  I do know this life is hard.  And full of sadness.  One smile kids. One.

This Mama Lisa

ps:  Kris is doing great- Having some issues with his knee's this morning determined to be caused by Tacrulimus levels. Decreasing two starting tonight... The pain was horrible-

Hope Heals

 Our first best week, in months and months.  My heart becomes fuller and fuller each day.  Each morning as we talk. Or text.  And I can see his body being filled with health.  Sadness, pain and a sick weak body growing and evolving. Never taking one day for granted. Taste buds touching food, and making a human feel like a human.  Hands that aren't as shaky as they've been for months and months.  He has a long way to go, but there's so much hope and love blossoming.  

Amidst fear, and tribulations, it is good to remember that there is still hope and love. Faith always triumphs in the end.

The human spirit is a tough animal.  Never one to give in.  

Because of her, he's willing, and pushing.  

Love always wins.  Even when the weight of the world tries to pull you down.

Through all the tears, and long unconditional hugs.  

They still remain strong.  I'm so glad they have each-other.

Love wins.

Wishes to you all for a peaceful weekend.  Filled with good food, and cold breezes....where-ever you may find them.

Happy Father's Day to you Daddy's out there....

HUGS!

This Mama Lisa