Summer

Because it’s summer and the memories are just waiting to happen. -Unknown

Oh Summer, how I love you!   As much as I love each Season and the different weather, foods, and feeling each has to offer, nothing compares to Summer for me.  The main reason is the time off I have from work and being able to spend quality time with my girls.

Sitting on the beach relaxing...

My toes w/ new pedicure in the warm Lake Tahoe sand :)

A couple years after my separation and subsequent divorce, I started a tradition of going to Lake Tahoe every summer with my girls.  I have probably mentioned before, my Aunt and Uncle own a cute little house on the South shore and allow us to stay at no charge.  It is the perfect get-away for me after a long stressful school year at work.  This yearly trip, which over the years has ranged from a few nights to almost week, depending on what's going on in our lives, has become the only time all year I truly relax.  Even when I'm off work at home, I am still working around my house and yard and dealing with the day to day responsibilities of being a homeowner and single mom.  In Tahoe, I check out of the usual responsibilities and let it all go.  I cook and clean while I'm there, but it's at my leisure and if I don't feel like it, then I don't have to.

My girls in the backyard of "our" little cabin.

Since I love to cook, I don't really mind cooking most of our meals, so we plan ahead and do all of our grocery shopping before we leave, packing it all up and hauling it to "the cabin", as we fondly call it.

This Summer was our 8th visit to the cabin, and over the years we have brought along the girls' friends, boyfriend, and even got my sister and nieces to go with us a couple years ago.  This year, it was just the three of us all week.   I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this time with them.  This is my last summer with both girls living at home, so I truly cherished our time together.  When we are home, there are so many distractions for all of us, work, friends, boyfriend, all the stuff that keeps us so busy and coming and going in different directions.

We found a new shop that had hundreds of different sodas and candy.  Alyssa found her her friend Sheldon, lol.

We stayed up late watching movies, got pedicures, shopped, played cards, went out for sushi, hung out at the beach, drove around the entire lake, and just enjoyed being together without all the usual distractions.

We have decided to make a pact, that as long as we can, we will continue to go to Tahoe together every summer, just the 3 of us for at least a few days alone, even if there are boyfriends, husbands, etc. who enter our lives.  This is a trip I look forward to every year and it's always a little hard to say goodbye when we leave our beloved cabin in Lake Tahoe.

Two endings and new beginnings...

 "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Helllooooo! Anyone out there?


I've been wanting to write a new post for the longest time, but mainly due to time constraints, I haven't managed to settle down long enough to do it.

The past few months have been a whirlwind of the usual end-of- the-year work responsibilities and graduation festivities. 

I am proud to say I am the parent of not one, but two recent graduates.  My youngest daughter graduated from high school in early June, and my eldest, from college just over a week later.  I am so proud of both of them, they are great kids and have worked hard in school and with extra-curricular activities.  My youngest will start college in September and my oldest plans to relocate back to where she went to school in the San Diego area.  It looks like my "nest" will be empty for the first time in my life.  Lots to think about and get used to for sure.

To celebrate both graduations, I hosted a dual grad party, it seemed the best way to commemorate the accomplishments of both girls with family and friends.  Although the weather turned out much hotter than I would have liked, we had a lovely evening. 

I spent the better part of almost two weeks planning and preparing, but throwing parties is definitely something I truly enjoy.  Being creative and fine tuning all the little details is something I am passionate about, so what may seem crazy and far too time-consuming to some, is something I relish.

Here are a few pictures of the party, even though most have been taken on my phone camera, you get the idea.

I made the majority of my decorations, and had some of them saved from my oldest daughter's party 4 years ago. I neatly packed it all away knowing I could use it again.  I have mostly white accessories in my house and garden so that whatever holiday or party it is, I can just add accents of color and it looks like more than what's really there.  I spent several days spray painting some old tables, and chairs that had been given to me and that I've had for years, it made it look like I had a bunch of "new" furniture, but it was all just transformed with paint.  

The beautiful buffet you see in the pictures was given to me by a friend a few weeks ago and I stayed up til 1:30am painting it before the party, I had a vision of it white and I just had to have it done. It probably need one more coat, but it looked fine for the party.

The day after the party, I took everything down, as much as I loved the yellow and white in my house and garden, to prepare for 4th of July which I've been decorating for the past 15 years.  We live downtown, so there is a fireworks display we can see from our front yard and every year we have friends over to eat dessert, snacks, and watch the fireworks.  Those pics will maybe be my  next post.

There is so much more I'd like to say, but for now this is enough for you all to read.

Life...

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 
― Dr. Seuss


I'm not sure if there is anyone out there left who has ever read my blog, and if you are, you probably assume I no longer write new posts...

I actually wasn't sure if I ever would again either.  So much going on, every single day.  On days that I do have a little extra down time, I get on the computer and get distracted with reading other people's amazing blogs or oogling over websites or Facebook.

It's not that I don't have things to write about, I really do.  In fact, I'm sure I'll forget a lot of what I wanted to say today, just because there is a bunch to catch up on.

For one, I worked over the summer at my second job.  It was good and not so good.  I've met some nice people, learned some things about weddings and all the work that goes into making them special.  I also learned what very hard work it is, and that I'm getting older and don't bounce back quite as quickly as I used to!

There were a few mornings after I worked the night before (til 11 or 12), that I felt a little like I'd been hit by a bus or a train, something of that caliber ;)  One weekend there were 3 weddings, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and I worked all three.  I thought my feet might fall off by the end of that weekend.  I'm happy to say, they are still attached, if not a little battered.

My sweet little niece India playing with her little friend on the beach. She's the blondie :)

We took the girls to Starbuck's in Cardiff-by-the-Sea to do some homework.  We were the only ones without laptops, we had crayons, markers, and colored pencils instead.  That's my rainbow drawing on the bottom right, you're never too old to color!

My niece who just turned 8 has been learning how to surf, I love this picture of her on the beach!

It felt like my Summer went by very, very quickly this year.  I guess the second job and having less time off from my job as school office secretary made it that way.  Our district's calendar was slightly different this year, so we did not have our usual 6 weeks off.  What I did have, was both my girls home with me all summer.  Although my youngest also got a new job and we were often like passing ships, we still found time to hang out, us three Musketeers.

Because of this, we did not do a whole lot over the summer. We did take our yearly trip to Lake Tahoe, it was so good to get away for a few days.  Our trip there was also a little shorter than usual, but I was still happy we all got to get away together.  It is one of my favorite places, especially in the summer.

A picture my daughter took with her phone in Tahoe, so beautiful there!

I think I chose today to write a post, because I am feeling a little out of sorts, and I thought it might help unravel my brain a bit.  I just returned home from bringing my oldest daughter back to college.  This is always my least favorite trip to Southern CA.  I loved seeing my nieces and sister, that is always a plus and one of the reasons we get to go as often as we do.  Not having to rent a hotel makes all the difference.  I love spending time with those little munchkins, I miss them so much.

So, it is with a heavy heart that I left them...my sister, nieces, and daughter...we had a few great days together.  We had a birthday party at the beach for the little girls, I went for coffee and a long walk on the beach with my sis, and enjoyed a "big girls only" happy hour having sushi, which is something I don't usually eat.  It was yummy and nice to hang out with my sister and daughters! I also managed to get my daughter moved back in to  her on-campus apartment.

Some other recent highlights- my oldest turned 21 on Sept. 18th, can't believe I have a kid that old!!!! My younger daughter made the "top 6" for Homecoming Queen at her high school, so we have lots of activities in the next couple weeks involving that.

There's a lot more to say...but for now this will do.

This is one of the many houses we got to walk by on the beach. It is my new dream neighborhood that happens to be just across the street from my sister's condo...a place called St. Malo, very exclusive and way out of my budget, but I can dream!

Wishing you happy thoughts,
Lisa

It's all about the kids...

Because of my full-time job, I spend a lot of time with children between the ages of 5-12.  It's probably the number one reason why I like my job so much.

I love the adults at work too, I am fortunate to work for a hard-working principal, and a group of dedicated teachers and support staff. 

But the kids are what really make me love my job.  It's not easy being a kid these days, especially if your family life is not so great.  Through my job, everyday I see  the struggles that kids must face, when they really have no control or choice over their own lives.  While I encounter many wonderful parents who clearly put their kids first, I also see a lot who don't.

And it makes me sad.  Part of me wants to take a kid home with me everyday.  Of course I can't, but I see so many childre nwho could wind up so much better off if they were just in a better environment.  Some of these kids might have little or no chance at success in their lives solely because of the people who are raising them. 

And with all the hardship around, the agencies that are here to protect children, must pick and choose when they can intervene. The standards I have and what I think parenting should be, is far higher than what is considered acceptable parenting by child protective services.  

Many times I feel helpless, all I can do is show them kindness, listen to them, and try to make them smile.  I wish I could take them all home and give them every opportunity in the world.

After a busy and stressful week at work, that included a home visit with my boss, and two nights out during the week, I made it a point to find some time this weekend to have a little fun.  Now my fun may seem simple, but anything that lets me relax and makes me smile does the trick for me.

Saturday night, after a long day on my feet selling prom dresses, I de-stressed at Barnes & Noble with my daughter, drinking coffee and browsing through my favorite magazines and cookbooks. 

Today we saw The Lorax, a sweet movie with a beautiful message for kids and adults.  It was just what I needed to round out my weekend.  A homemade dinner and glass of wine has me ready to face another busy week.

Wishing you Peace and Happy thoughts,
Lisa

2012, so far...

Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.
-Brian Tracy

Well, so far, 2012 is turning out to be a pretty decent year.  It's flying by, but it seems as we get older it just does!

My oldest daughter, who is away at college, will be finishing up her third year, and I can't believe it!  My younger daughter, has only one more year of high school and then she'll be off to college too!  This is an important time for her as far as school goes, so much pressure on her to get good grades, taking SAT's, and finding the right college. 

I worry so much for my girls...I want them to have every opportunity in life that they possibly can.  I want them to be HAPPY, and INDEPENDENT, and just do what they LOVE for a living.  That's not asking too much, is it??

Sometimes I just have to stop and BREATHE!!!

The bottom line, though, is that they are good girls, I couldn't be more proud and more pleased with how they are turning out.  I am truly blessed!

For me, it's been a very busy year.  I have a summer job!! Wooo hoooo!  I'm pretending that I'm completely excited about that :)  Which I am, really, but it will be different this summer, working on the weekends, probably every weekend. 

I am at that point in my life, though, that I really don't have a choice.  With one in college, and the other starting college next year, I desperately need the extra money.  I will be working at an event venue, it's outdoors, so I'm happy about that.  The last thing I want is to be stuck inside during the summer.  I will be doing a lot of hard work, setting up tables and chairs, serving and cleaning up during and after weddings and events, and even cleaning bathrooms.  A little hardwork never hurt anyone, right?!?  I am excited to be part of people's important day though, and I love celebrations and parties, so  I think it will be really fun!

My youngest just went to prom Saturday night, and I paid for her dress and all the "accessories" with money from my "other" second job :)  It's just temporary, but I am working for one of my best friends from high school at her Tuxedo Rental and Prom Dress shop.  Perfect, right??  I literally "worked off" my daughter's dress, shoes, & jewelry.

I've discovered this Author and Artist, Karen Salmonsohn, she is so positive and inspirational.

It's funny how life works out when you need it to.  I am by no means out of debt, I still work more than I play, but we do what we have to, and I am lucky enough to get to work with nice people who I enjoy spending time with.  I can't really ask for more than that.

Above all, I firmly believe in the old adage, that hard work pays off.

Someday, maybe I can save enough money to take a real vacation...I dream of Europe, I have always wanted to visit Italy, France, England, Greece....and let's not forget Spain!


Little inexpensive treats I sent to my two sweet nieces, I miss them so much!


But for now, I need a new washer, dryer, oven, and the list goes on!  I guess we are always in need of something, it's what keeps us motivated and working towards a goal.  And I'm ok with that at this point in my life.

Andes Chocolate Mint cupcakes I made for the kids going to Prom.

In my spare time, yes, there's a tiny bit of it....I am still baking and crafting, and just started with all the yard work that comes at this time of year.  I am already dreaming of homegrown tomatoes and evenings on my back patio with a glass of wine and my favorite magazine or book....

Some fun little candy bars I made for St. Patrick's Day

Hoping this year is finding you in a place of peace and happiness.

Wishing you happy thoughts,
Lisa

Reflections

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day"

-Edith Lovejoy Pierce

On this last day of 2011, I am feeling some relief that this year is over.  I can't say that any one event was particularly traumatic or life changing, but there were things that overall made this not my favorite year.



It started out in January with me in family court with my ex, and although in the end it all worked out, it was several months of major stress and doubt.  Not to mention some seriously difficult financial times.  It was also the year of car repairs, something I am never very well prepared for.  It seems that is the one area that I tend to  neglect, I think it just  gets to be too much for me to keep up on, with the house, yard, work, kids, etc.  But in the end, I've learned that I am stronger than I thought, and proper maintenance leads to less problems down the road.  I hope to carry that lesson into 2012 regarding my own personal health as well. My experience with bursitis in April taught me just how debilitating severe pain can be.  Let's face it, I am too young to have those worries on top of every other worry a single-mom faces.  I ended my last week of December getting the last check-up I was long over-due for, and for me that is a starting point to focus this next year more on ME and my health. 

 At a memorial I recently attended for the mother of a friend of mine, he made the remark that his mom took far better care of everyone else than she did of herself.  That really had an impact on me, because I know I am guilty of the same. This life is just too short to take for granted, and I am afraid I have fallen into the rut of everyday life where I am not taking the best care of myself. 

I am hoping that the new year will bring me the courage to follow the dreams that I have for myself.  I regret that fear has kept me idle, and not moving forward this past year or two to become the person I really want to be, and most importantly, set an example for my daughters that they can look up to.

All in all, I have nothing to complain about, I have two beautiful daughters and a nice home.  I know many who faced real losses this past year, so I am grateful nothing that devastating happened to my own family.  This time of year always has me a little melancholy, and this year more so, as my sister and nieces were not able to spend the holidays with us.  I really missed not spending Christmas with those sweet girls. I am thankful though, for the time I got to spend with my own daughters, especially my oldest who is home from college for one more week.  We haven't done anything exciting, but it's just been nice to hang out together.

I am looking forward to a new year and hope that it brings you health, happiness, opportunities, and most of all, peace.  We can't ask for more than that.

Happy New Year & Happy Thoughts,

Lisa

Thankful...

Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures. 
~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Reflecting today on all that I am thankful for...

My daughters

My family & friends

My home and the comfort it gives me

The country that I live in which allows me the freedoms we take for granted

A job that allows me to be home on the holidays with my loved ones

And the many small things that I try to stop and take notice of...

The change of seasons

The magic of the holidays and the festivities that surround them

A warm fire in my living room

Freshly baked cookies

A warm bubble bath

Flannel sheets

Hot coffee

Music & Art

The simple & amazing beauty of nature

The joy of giving gifts over receiving them

Using my hands to Craft, Cook, & Bake

What are you thankful for?

Wishing you Love, Warmth, & Happiness this Thanksgiving and always!

Happy Thoughts,

Lisa



Hello

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no Butterflies.
-unknown

Well, as you can tell, I just can't find the time to blog regularly.  Too much stuff going on with work, kids, home, etc.

I have been making some time for crafting when I can, and getting out my Halloween decorations.  I hope to have some pictures up soon...

My youngest daughter turned 16 yesterday, oh, how the time flies!  Next weekend she will have a slumber party with a few girlfriends, so I have been making little things for her party to make it extra special.  She hasn't had a party in a year or two, so I am looking forward to it. Believe it or not, I kind of miss those slumber parties I used to have for my girls.

Isn't she cute?  She is sweet, shy, smart, and such an old soul at 16.
This is quick pic I took w/ my phone just before we left for one of my my best friend's wedding earlier this month.

Otherwise, life just seems to roll on by, I continue to try and figure it all out, how to balance everything, and pay all the bills. 

I know I'm not the only one who struggles with this on a daily basis,  but sometimes I just wish I could figure it all out before I'm too old!! :)

I made a little inspirational picture, trying to remind myself to do all these things....

Well, I'm going to keep this short, after all, the lawn is calling to be mowed and the bathrooms to be cleaned...I know, you are so jealous of my EXCITING life!!  Haha, but I am truly blessed, I have two of the most wonderful daughters a mother could ever wish for, and there isn't enough money in the world to buy that!

Happy Thoughts,

Lisa