Fri-nally.

Happy weekend kids. 

Hope you are basking in the tiny bit of sunshine that has been rolling through.  Even with cooler temperatures, find that beam of light, and go stand in it--

I am exhausted. 

I am able.

But I am mentally exhausted....

I know when to hold em and I know when to fold em. And this weekend might be my weekend to just fold em....

I just won't be foldin' any fitted sheets. HAHAHA

Roll that shiz up. 

This Mama Lisa

Happy Birthday Evelyn....

xoxo

Hang on tight to the forties rope, it's slipping away faster than we ever thought it would, right?

Good luck to my cousin Mike in the LA Marathon!

His story is one worth admiring.

Recovered addict, kickin' ass n' taking names, and loving the best parts of his life.

His family. His body. His soul. His work.

YOU, my cuz, are moving mountains in the best way.

love you, miss you.

Favorite Season.

A few months back I purged like a mad-woman.  Clearing out my old hutch, closets, and some desk drawers.  Stuffed into those pieces of furniture were years and years of holiday decor.  I had an abundance of Halloween goods. (now that my kiddo's are grown, I didn't put anything out)

I have had St. Patty's, Christmas, etc. 

And then there was Easter.  I donated a handful of my stash. 

Feeling the regret this month.

Easter has always been my favorite. It's a fresh season.  The sun in shining a little longer.  Everything is green.  The sights and smells of Easter are just beautiful to me.

The whole thing about Lent has always intrigued me and yet I've never given anything up.  Just admire those who do.  Especially those who give up wine.  *take a bow to you.

Can we just stare at his ears a little longer?

 My taste has changed a tiny bit, but I do regret my favorite little candy dish that both kids would snatch the jelly beans from.  

Like why didn't I just keep it?

I hope today is better for you all.  The full moon energy sincerely kicked my ass.  Shark week is on my radar, as the pimple on my forehead is in clear view.

My lower back is falling off.

I will eat you if you stop long enough for me to take a bite.

Actually if you're not salty or sweet, I most likely won't.

Stay loyal.  Stay true.  To you.

And sip good wine.  

Hard work deserves good wine.

Forever and ever amen. 

This Mama Lisa

[Go back and look at that baby's ears one more time.  You're welcome. K bye.]

Am I More Than Just A Sum Of Every High And Every Low.

Here's another thing about me. 

I often speak my mind, and dwell on my words later.

Best thing that comes with age, is you tend to move on pretty quickly.

When I post on my blog, I do it from my heart.

I've been to Hell and back a few times throughout my almost forty nine years.

And my soul is just beaten down.

I try to be the kind one.

I try to love the hardest.

I've been this kind of human since I was a little girl. The peacemaker in our home between both parents and my sister. 

I would, however, stand up and take no shit as a kid, and still don't. 

Kris said last night "Mom, it's all good we've been apart for 2 years"

And I get that totally.  

My point is, the weirdness of social media and the need to share things so quickly with others really whom either could care less to see, or don't need to see. 

That's all. 

We don't follow her for that reason.  New boyfriend she went back to.  Happy for her. 

New baby on the way, happy days for her.

Kris and the family have moved on.

And yet, I still love her!

We share some amazing memories together as a family.  We used to dream of them getting married, and having babies..

Time moved on, life moved on, hearts changed stations, and chapters closed.

Good ones will continue to open...

The dogs would lay/sit with Kris for days at a time while he was weak, or not feeling well.

I never want to come off rude to any of those I love.  Can we just group hug and understand the ripple effects of social media?  Of the little things in this life we can filter and just not share?

That's all. 

I LOVE YOU!

I just can't take on more bullshit.

Cheers?

CHEERS! 

I'll just keep dreaming of sunny days at the lake.  I'll keep dreaming of hugging my dude while watching a sunset.  I'll keep working my ass of to afford the opportunities we deserve.

Even if just playing "My car-your-car" on a roadside somewhere.....

Summer time is coming.  Good times with good friends.  

 What I've learned in these Forty Nine years.....

Early Thirty Something Year Old Lisa  #whiteglasses

This song is one of my favorites right now.  It's a Christian song.  It makes me feel happy every time I hear it.  I hope you can enjoy it too.  

"I've taken all I have an laid it at His feet"

Happy Wednesday!  Did any of you get rain? 

This Mama Protector, Lover and Teapot of a human-

Lisa Lynn

You Say

You Say

Lauren Daigle

I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough
Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up
Am I more than just the sum of every high and every low?
Remind me once again just who I am, because I need to know (ooh oh)

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
I believe

The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me
In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity, (ooh oh)

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
And You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
Oh, I believe

Taking all I have and now I'm laying it at Your feet
You have every failure God, and You'll have every victory, (ooh oh)

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing
You say I am strong when I think I am weak
You say I am held when I am falling short
When I don’t belong, oh You say that I am Yours
And I believe (I), oh I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
I believe

Oh I believe (I), yes I believe (I)
What You say of me (I)
Oh I believe (oh)

Gentle Reminder.

Another reminder for you humans out there. 

This rolls right along with text messages. 


The universe will eventually present what is needed.....

Right?

I love my family.  And I love my friends.  But if it's not useful, don't send information about an ex-girlfriend to my kiddo, or myself.  

That's all folks. 

Not being rude, just being me. 

The water that has passed through on this river of change for all of us, is gone....
So let's let it be. 
And if you texted me, no worries, I still love you...it was just some salt on a cut after watching him stare down at the picture sent to him by a "friend" this morning as he filled his medicine tray with hundreds of life saving pills. 
I kept thinking "why would someone send him the picture of her standing in the ocean holding her belly" (He's been wanting a baby for years...)

#thislife

#movinon 

And you're welcome for the reminder.

Hope it saves you some minutes the next time you want to send a message-

To anyone. Not just me.

Think reallll hard before you send a text.

ps.  By the way, Kris' ex-girlfriend Jen (whom I will always love for the days and nights she endured taking care of Kris while at his worse) is pregnant.  Not shocking, but not really expected either.  Is it our business? no.  Is it useful to send pictures to Kris for a reaction? no.  

Is it useful to send the gossip to his mama? no.  

The very last thing we all need is extra hurt, am-I right?

I'm too busy working my tush off moving mountains in this wild life. I hope you are too.

Thankyouverymuchgotthatoffmychest. 

K, bye!

Full Moon Madness

And if you think I sound like a beyatch today, that's okay, I wallowed in tears and had to walk away from my desk as I realized Bill accidentally ate my leftovers for lunch today. 
You know, sometimes life just gets weird ....
I'm a giver and lover...and sometimes things just don't seem fair. 

And it will turn beautiful again soon enough...


This Fired UP Mama Lisa

Arranged PEACE....

My wish for you is a weekend full of funny texts' with those in your tribe. Laughter at things that make you laugh.  I have one Instagram video I watch each week, and literally roar each and every time.  I wish for cold brews for you beer drankin' foo's and good wine for you grape lovers.

I hope you know when to hold em and fold em (for example, fitted sheets lolz)-- Try that new recipe you've intended to "figure out"....

Remember your worth.  

Be kind to animals. 

Keep facing north kids.  And keep on swimming....

This Mama Lisa

Life's Pages.

Such is the pages in this life that can flip and flop daily.  Each week.

Things can change.

Kali's bout with Salmonella poisoning was an eye awakening little experience. (Also, side note-The County Nurse paid a drop by visit to our home, and stalked Kali down by phone calls until she could write a report of when, where and what Kali ate. We believe Kali undercooked chicken bought from Trader Joes) I was impressed by their action. Unimpressed that the lady was super hard to understand with a language barrier. Insert emoji with eyes rolled. #mamaspetpeeveforlife 

Pain so bad in her gut we both didn't know what was going on.

And yet, the tough little cookie she is, she forged through with a mild smile at times for mama.

And then days later she and Grant would be atop the most amazing view in Cabo for Grant's birthday.

Sending us this picture, all I could think of, is just how good God is.  And medicine. Ha!

Pages in this chapter.  A week ago they'd take this picture.  

Happy Weekend friends...may your days be filled with sunshine, soil, wine, or good smiles from those you love.

Pass out those smiles to strangers.  The world needs it more than ever right now.

This Mama Lisa

*Disclaimer for those top pictures, if I come up missing it's because she took me down to the river-side and dropped me in.  Kali, you'll always be beautiful make-up free.

pss.  How bout' those Hollywood parents buying out the college professors, coaches and admissions staff!  Pieces of shit covered in glamour fake BS.  Whew.  Got that off my chest.  

To think our kids bust their asses to get to where they're going.   GREED!

Truth.

At times I am guilty of blaming my childhood for my decisions as an adult.

Truth is, someone always has life way worse than we may feel.  And that same human is WILLING to get up and make something out of the mess.

I hope you can find your reason for doing good to others as you'd be proud to see in another do to you.

Hang tough.

Hang tight.

Peace,

Does my nose look big?
*Lisa's famous last words

This Mama Lisa

Food For Pondering.

Was gonna type Food For Thought, but then I remember a teacher in high school (Math, my least favorite subject) would say this before drilling us on these timed sheets each morning. I loathed that man.  He actually scared me. LOL 

YO-- Mr. Douglas, was a stern fine feller...

So, we'll use Food For Pondering.

This caught my eye this morning...

Words of truth, and words to chew on.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You made my day”

When your day gets made, how long does it last? A made day–is that different from a normal day?

Perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a made hour or, if we’re going to be quite truthful, a made minute.

When something bad happens, we can revisit the humiliation and anxiety for months. But the good stuff, if we don’t work at it, can pass right by.

We get what we remember, and we remember what we focus on.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth's Blog

Often times I come across words of wisdom from the world wide web, and I enjoy his perspective at times.

I hope you can find pieces too.

Happy Wednesday!  

More sunshine and blue skies...

Hope the procrastination party is coming to an end, thankyouverymuchcloudycolddays. 

Love,

This Mama Lisa

Sunshine On My Shoulders.

Raise your hand if you're tired of wearing the same jacket, vest, socks, boots, parka, snow shoes, windbreaker, beanie, and all that applies to the last 6 months....

I literally fiddle through my closet each morning fooling myself that the sun dresses just might make me feel happier.  But then I look down at my white legs, with speckles of unshaven hairrzz and think, NO WAY, even with a heater at my desk. No.  

And so, the famous black vest comes back out.  The black long sleeve.  Or my white puffy jacket.

You hear my routine, right?

And I'm quite sure most of you are on my team.

It's like Team Bundle-The-F-Up each.and.every.day.

BUT.....

This morning......

THIS morning, I walked out the door with a lighter long layered blouse...

Feeling a tad bit more chipper.  I grabbed my sunglasses, my juice and down the road I went.

With sunshine in my face.

It feels so good, guys.

It feels amazing.

If there's one thing in this world that helps a soul out, it's sunshine. 

I hope the changing of clocks wasn't so bad.

I was wonk city that's for sure.  My Sunday nights are already delicate.  And Monday mornings are simply a wrestling match, but I made it.  WE MADE IT! haha.

The wind is blowing today, which means weather transition (warm weather!)

My birds are both feeling better, and this sunshine on my shoulders make me happy...

Especially after all the clouds in my way....

Love,

This Mama Lisa 

Happy Birthday Joni, and Happy Birthday Reesie....xoxo

Happy Weekend Vibes To you.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends...

The sun feels so good....

In celebration of Women's Day...

May we know them, 

May we be them, 

May we raise them. 

 I mean, am I right?  HAHAHAHA!

  Toodles,

This Mama Lisa

Happy Birthday Grant!

Birthday Boy Grant!

Twenty Four.

When you first came into our tribe, I can remember looking at those big ol' blue eyes and thinkin...wow, he's got a true spirit about him.

A genuine person whom didn't stare at this phone for minutes and hours at a time.

A guy that would talk with us, and most importantly, engage with us.

Asking the important questions one would ask to be there to help.

How to properly prepare a boat for departure.

How to tie that boat up.

How to step in front of the girlfriend you were courting to do whatever was necessary to help all of it.

You took my smashing into the side of your car in stride.  Offering words like

"it's okay mama Lisa, it's just a small dent, and broken light"

HAHAHA!

I remember the morning Kali told me about you after meeting you at a friends house.  Her exact words were "he's like super sweet and not a cheesy guy"-

Which interprets as [not the typical college perv]

You blend into our family and her friends like you've always been a part. 

When you watch your kids evolve in this life, most especially these chapters, you always hope and pray they'll find a human that treats them well.  You hope that person can understand their quirks and squabbles.  That they will take them for what they are, even when the picture isn't always pretty.  You pray that a human will love them with a nest that sometimes has messy twigs.  Sometimes she's sassy, most especially when hangry.  Or really turns into a weirdo when plans don't go as she thought.  

Her punctual soul can be a challenge.  

You ooze peace. You ooze love and kindness the minute you walk into a room.

We love you.

I am so grateful you're in our lives.  I am grateful to see your smile across the room, and to give you mom hugs when you arrive. 

Grant, I hope TWENTY FOUR is good to you.  May you stay safe, healthy, and full of good vibes for many more years to come. 

We hope to cheers you, and watch you blow out many more candles forever, and ever. 

Cabo looks good on you!

So glad to watch you on your journey of life!

Happy Birthday to you Grantner.

You big bucket of LOVE.

This Mama Lisa

ps: Happy Birthday to my cousin Monica too!

Truth.

Life's reminder for the day:

God tends to pull from the pit, not the pedestal. 

If you're anything like me, you balance on a beam from serene to chaos within minutes, as hours and days go rushing by. 

Honestly, sometimes I look around in envy to those that seem to have it all together.

Or life seems to hand them sweet oranges, versus lemons. 

But then I realize, I'm not alone. 

It's my given fear, and sadly something I live with each and every day that one phone call, one text message, or one hour can make a life altering difference in our lives.  That at any given moment my table will be flipped over again. 

It happens. 

I am living testimony that life can be shattered within seconds, and beautifully orchestrated all within a moment of time.

Prayer works for me.  As in trusting that God has the plan.

If you're wading in deep heart break, loneliness, and or fear, please know you're not alone.  

You are loved. 

You are worthy.

And you will make it through, just like all the other times.

Have Faith.

Accept hardship as a path to PEACE. 

You got that Lisa?

Got it. 

With Love From The Worry Wort,

Lisa Lynn

Update:  My little salmonella birdie has landed in Cabo for Grantner's Birthday tomorrow. She went back to the doctor yesterday for a different antibiotic. 

Now we just pray some more she doesn't grab a worm in her belly there. LOL

Lisa you gotta laugh, because sometimes that's the best medicine!

Room Forty Five.

I had a post scheduled to hit Friday morning.  Funny thing was,  I didn't hit "publish" first, although the time and date were there.  womp.

Thursday night we celebrated this beauty...

Carmen....

.....Freshly retired, and soaking up the love from the six-pack, plus 3.  Essie, Lowell and Todd.  A quick fun night dining on her favorite kind of food...German!

That night after we arrived back home and I started to feel a weird tickle in my throat.  One that soon became a booger of a cold, chills, tossing and turning with the ohmygawdicantmisswork body ache yuckies.  A cough that wanted to blow the ceiling off, but I held every ounce in trying not to wake the world.  Not to mention, my throat hurt so sooo bad!

I woke up to a text from Kali....(she had a bad tummy ache that day before which was offering some pretty aggressive diarrhea-we spoke on my way home from work, and I just kept saying...it'll pass honey just let it get out of your body whatever it is...) [next morning:] "mom this is horrible with the worst cramping now and blood"-

Wait, blood?

I called our Kaiser advice nurse whom recommended we head to ER, after all, she said it's about a 1/4 of blood each time.

I'd down some juice, slap back 2 Dayquil's, grab a towel for little miss poop butt, a roll of tissues, and out the door I went.  Grabbing her hunched over.  Pale as a ghost to Kaiser we jammed.

We sat for 4 HOURS in that dreaded waiting room before they'd even draw labs.  Another 2 before a doc came in. And another 2 before we get a bag of hydration in, stool sample (yeehaw) and lots of blood draws.

But not before they walked us back to the SAME ROOM AS LAST TIME AND THE SAME ROOM THAT OUR BIRD KRIS WAS DIAGNOSED.  The same sink I wanted to puke in.  The same monitors. The same, the same, the same. 

Only this time, I looked up to God, and chuckled. 

Room 45.

I know He knows the plan. I know He has our backs.  But Friday was so frustrating.

She got the call that it's Salmonella! 

The cramps. The blood.  The pain was unbearable.

Today she heads back because, although on strong antibiotics, the pain is back.  Same with small amounts of blood.

Upon leaving Friday evening,  it was becoming more and more clear to me that I do not belong at that particular Kaiser any longer.  I just don't. The triggers. The nonsense that goes through my body.

My mind.

The insanity of health.

The wealth of ability.

The nurturing a mom does.

The walls she rocks to get answers.

Or in realness terms, the eyes that rolled when I walked away after losing my shit at hour 7 there.

Room 45.

Hope everyone had a good weekend.  Mine was slow, and low.

I didn't cook.

I didn't read.

I didn't play.

I did rest.

I held down that bed like a boss.

Hope you all have a good week.

We wonder where the salmonela comes from.  You think food prep.  You think the sponges.  You think the salad. You think your counter top.  She made her own sandwich that day. 

Was it the romaine, was it the chicken not properly wiped down from the dinner she made the night before....

The mystery. 

The prayers. 

The hope it clears. 

The gratefulness for healthcare. 

This is this page, in this chapter.

And she grows to understand when and why her mom stands up tall and voices her loud concerns.

She's learning that standing behind a curtain with eyes wide shut and mouths zipped up won't make things happen.  Sometimes you have to be the fire to get answers.

Motherhood.

Adulthood.

This life.

Happy Tuesday kids. 

Hope your rainboots are right by the door! 

xoxo

This Mama Lisa