Round em up....and sprinkle it all over...

Last weekend, and this week is a full one for me.  It just is.  And after jumping the virus hurdles in my house, and I believe dodging a bullet myself, I was a bit tired and overwhelmed yesterday to say the least.   K had her driving test very early yesterday morning.  Drivers license in hand.  We headed to her school, and Mama headed to work.  As my day progressed with all things "prep to take a little vacay"....I sort through emails, mail, banking, numbers...you know..all things to secure some time off. 

I received an email from a friend.  This email soaked into my soul like a sponge would water.  It read things like "Leese, you mean so much to our family, with your words, and kindness".  It said some Thanks, and kind words. My blog. That little slice of my world means something to them.  And others.. Those words that never leave me.  Remember, I am here to spread kindness.  It's my religion.  It just is.  As hard as some days land in front of me, I try.  And I smile.  When I can.  At those I feel need it.  Keep in mind, life is hard.  I do get it.  And keep it real.

And from not having the easiest, perfect upbringing, it hasn't come easy.  Although my Mom says I was the happiest baby.  With smiles from the moment I awoke, until I finally tired out...probably from talking...ha.  I have always felt the need to share kind things for, and with people. Yes, I have been burned.  Yes, I have been hurt more then most of you know.  Yes, I have been violated more then most of you know.  Maybe someday I will share some pretty deep crazy things.  So, yes they exist. My thoughts for you today, are when those moments collapse deep inside of you, and you feel like you can't go on anymore, just try.  If you are in a spot that is so bad, and you feel like there is an option.  Then move towards that option.  Make a change if it will help you. YOU are stronger then you know.....trust me. you are.

And so I pull into my parking spot at home last night, and I see this balloon.  With "Congrats" on it.  Only assuming it's for our girl, I smile.  I try to guess the writing, but can't.  I notice a "Guardian Angel Key Ring"...And so I smile, and open my mailbox to get my mail, and tuck away inside.  Alone.  I see another card.  It's addressed to me.  From Mitchell. Mac's Bro.  It was a card stuffed with a Starbucks gift card, and a note that I will keep forever.  He was thanking me for bringing him 2 little keys for his lid.  But it wasn't the material in this. It was the note.  It was a note that made me just stand there in awe.  An 18 year boy, took the time to write a note, drive to my house.  Leave it.  All for 2 little keys.  It was just a note.  oh. and starbucks. duh. lol. 

Shortly after I put the card down, B calls me.  B doesn't call me during the middle of his busy day unless it's something work related, or soccer game, etc.  I answer, his words "Did I tell you how beautiful you are?"   I start to say thank you, and instantly melt into tears.  Tears and words I could barely get out.  He's like "hun, what's wrong?"  I proceeded to share 3 amazing things that just happened in my life within a couple of hours.  Simple things that I adore more than big fancy things.  Simple acts of kindness. Notes.  Surprises for my girl.  Seriously, you guys, this stuff made me weep.  Not from sadness.  By no means was I sad.  I was extremely blessed, and filled with a feeling that I work so hard to reap.  Spreading kindness, and love to others, does come back around.  It does.  Those few acts of kindness yesterday helped water the seeds I so often spread.  Try it.  Give a little, and smile while you do.  It does come back.  Kindness matters.  Don't forget the helpless in this world too.  Elderly and animals.  Love them more.  Be patient.  And be true.   I will be out of blogging land for a few days.  I have a quite the planning, and busy schedule...starting like right. now.  boom.  Happy Thanksgiving little Gobble heads.  When you sit at that table enjoying that meal, remember someone, somewhere contributed in a way just so you can.  Cheers Kind Fellers.  Cheers! sip...sip...sip...away....

We went. We saw. We partied like little rockstars.

Another year at The American Music Awards. They never cease to amaze me.  What a show.  You can't see much of this picture, but it's PINK.   She rocked the house.  And her bod?  Fahgettaboutit.  Wowza. 

 

And when Justin Beaver, I mean Beeber, I mean Beaber...or whatever says thee most heartfelt Thank You to his Mama in front of the world? Yes, perfection.  Cute little feller. 

And Taylor Swift rocked the house for my girl? Yes.  Double perfection. 

But before that heck-of-a show......Dinner here. Is just amazing.  Oh, and this super long table...to hold our ever so delish good wine. 

With yummy food, and good deserts....

Chapter 16 and a half, and Chapter 42 and a half.  ha!

These three girls....

Off we go.....living for the moment....

To land here. Where I changed my fancy, toes falling off feeling shoes, into my track runner heels.  #neverfailme.

She's telling us to shhhh?? 

My Maria....

What a night.  That was a Good time girls....Good time.  The clouds moved away...the rain stopped, the moments were full of good music, lots of laughter...while we embrace these years with these ladies.

 

Because just like that.....she has a license in her hands.  Bright and early.  Seven AM appt.This morning.. No biggy.  Just some wiggly nervous legs, and jitters so wild, only some quick prayers and deep breaths made it all better.  And before you know it.....she's done.  Passed with flying colors.  She missed one.  These moments come sooner than later. Hope everyone is enjoying their Monday so far.  Yes, Mr. Weekend bolted way too soon.  But if you are lucky enough to be at work, be glad. If you are retired, well, you are a lucky feller.  If you are healthy and content, you are even luckier.   Go get em little kindness kings and queens.  Do it.  Smile at those in need.  Try it. Offer a compliment to the person with a frown.  We never know what one is battling.  Smile.  Start there.  BOOM.

Family, Bruins, and Champagne....

And so the way our family rolls in, was by their fingertips...texting updates, and falling in front of the TV to catch the middle of this amazing game.  Exhale, you arrogant ssssasssy....SC fans.  Finally we snatched ya by the nuts...I mean acorns.  Dom, my cousin is a Bruin, his Dad is a Bruin and his Mama....yep a Bruin too.  Doctor, Nurse and Lawyer.  UCLA runs big in our family....well, most, I think we have one T word lova.  He arrived late.  haha.

Of course the cute table place cards. 

The first part of the food.  Way. Too. Much.  Oh, so yummy.  (My Grandma said "Mija, I feel so sorry, I didn't do anything..."...I said "Grandma, you've done plenty.  Look around...)

Bubbly....

Bruin Mama

Queen of the crop.  Boom. Wait, did I just call us crops? ha

And the first year in many...almost all were there.....Full house.  Good music.  Lots of laughter, and a smiling Grandma. 

Gobble Gobble

Here let me rub it in some more SC Fellers....Sorry Sicklers, sorry.  HA!

Destroy Troy!  HAHA.  Grandma Nettie and her little Bruin.   That was our cuddly Saturday, in my most favorite homes of all times.  Today, Yesterday, and forever.  That home.  The smell, the look, the....everything...Thank you Aunt Nettie, Susie, and Grandma....you make these moments and holidays everything we truly need....It's because of you....Cheers.

And so we prepare to get ready for this today.....Another round of dress up.  Another round of partying.   It's gonna be a long night....Happy Sunday kids.  Enjoy this super good weather.  I took a drive with Kali down the coast this morning to a very high hill, and we got out, took a little breather, and the amazing view was nothing short of stunning.  Get out there.  Go for a walk.  Smell the fresh air. Catch a glimpse of the ocean. It's good.  Trust me. AND it's free!  I'm off to charge my camera.   Later gators. Taylor Swift is getting ready to sing her heart out to these teens.  Boom.

Gratitudes sprinkled with reflection.

First and foremost. Don't forget.....Especially as the holidays tap on your shoulders.  Stop.  Take a look around.  The word LOVE means more then anything you can stand in line for like clutter.  Spend too much on.  Or ponder the price.  Oh. And kindness.  (exception would be my 3 carat ring. B, you know where its at.  boom) Kidding.  Actually I am kidding. I'm not all about the big bling, but dangit, I sure see some pretty ones out there.  Double Boom.

Moving on to reflections of gratitude.  This brunch held for my Aunts Big Birthday.  Cousins.  Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey. Has one bomb dot com brunch.  It's seven hundred dollars a plate, kidding,  but delish.  And a holla to Andy who treated us all....Thank you...good memories.  Especially with my almost red hair. wow.

 

The day we went to the movies with my Grandma.  My beautiful Grandma whom taught the touch of beauty. The idea to NEVER leave your house un-beautified.  She's just a beauty anyway...but wow what a tough rule that can sometimes be.  Maybe like me last night zipping into CVS to get K some Advil with.......drum rollllll........SLIPPERS.  boom. well, it was 9pm. so...? 

Reflecting on these two little girls that are now walking through Chapter seventeen, and sixteen and a half.  While I sit here on this dreary day checking folders for pictures to post, I land on these. They always make tears party in my eyes.  Well, maybe it's the beautiful Christmas music playing in the background.  Or, who knows why.  Who cares.  Look at this. Simple sweet precious moments.  #clockslowdown

Gratitude for this man, that I am still able to honor and represent his name, every single day.  It's just what I do.  It's just who he is. And a witty, fun, kind feller to say the least.  Loves the ocean, loves a good cocktail and a good time.  Will never back down for a good joke, or witty comments.  Gaylord, you are the rock.  You are. 

 

From allowing her to try dresses on in big girl stores as an adventure to this real thing starting to happen more than not.  Those sweet days where pretend makeup was silly.  Now, I'm broke thanks to MAC.  And shoes we buy while she wears them once. Ok, maybe twice. I think she looks fab in purple by the way.  Oh, and red.  Def red. 

I miss these fellers.  Our silly willy funny moments.  My honey badger face again. ugh.

And what about these chica's.  Oh the funny memories on the sand, grass, tucked away in Van's kitchen opening up bottles of wine, and chatting away, while sharing stories of life and our girls.  And S.O.C.C.E.R. 

Oh, don't forget he is a boat icon and hero too.  Just your friendly reminder.

And look who is welcoming their second sweet girl on Monday?  Count down to meet Kennedy....I'm sure Cameron will be the best of the best biggest sister.  Get ready, more life changing moments girl. None you can't handle. This is your second rodeo in the Mom Warrior Club. You can do this.  No biggy on sleepless nights, and diapers flowing through those rooms like it's the new hot thing.  You got this.  We have your back ...well  I can 60 miles away.  haha.

St. Regis Monarch Resort is by far the best hotel I've stayed in.  Remember I'm a snob.  This picture was pre-billsuperdrunk picture.  Remember him passed out on the beach in those fancy chairs? HAHAHA!

That I look like a donkey, and my dad will be ok during his upcoming surgery.  Toughest Man I know.  (well on the outside...lately, he's been a delicate feller...every right to be too)

Countdown for this view.  Warm fire, surrounded by friends,  family, and good wine.  Yes please.  Thanks.

Because during Fall and Winter, the sunsets speak a whole different language. They just do.

And so I leave with that photo roll out. Some old, some newer, some still amaze me.  I am prepping to gather today with family.  Our Thanksgiving Feast here, before we all part different ways for next week.  I hope you all had a nice Friday night.  I enjoyed a beautiful bbq'd pizza that B prepared just so perfect.  I tended to my K, with more meds, and a clean room.  We woke very early while she took her last behind the wheel for, well..."forever"....with the sweetest, kindhearted lady we've endured in a public service position.  I will let her know soon, (my cheesy cards and letters...ha)...May you all enjoy this cool weather.  I know this rain brings many different feelings for some.  Some love it.  Some become sad.  Some know those rain drops are tears from Heaven.  Nik and Chad, I hope your farewell to your sis went smooth as a funeral can offer. Never easy.  Speeches aren't easy. And with that alone I bow with complete respect.  That is hard stuff. I know how much she mean, especially to you.  Those moments you spent with her will forever be in your heart, and hers.  This morning while trying to blow dry my gorilla's in the mist frizz ball hair, this song came on my pandora.  IT will always make tears flow.  No matter where I am.  No matter.  Please take the time to play it.  Cry if you need to. Hard.  Enjoy it.  Life is fast.  Life is good. Especially when you have each other.  One of the strongest cutest couples I've met.   Go play BREATHE.....By Pearl Jam Eddie Vedder.   Boom. Do it.  Love you guys.   Spread kindness. Spread Love.  It's so good.  But germs arent' so wash your hands alot.  okay?  Promise?