It's a Vivas Thing!

You are here: Home / Archives for Friendship

Chipotle and Sister Wives

So it started out ….

So seriously, after a long day of preparing for my son’s engagement party tomorrow, I was conned into taking certain girls to Chipotle for a late dinner on the way home. We were having a lively conversation, when it somehow turned into “Sister Wives”…

And the next thing I know…totally NOT making this up…they all walk into the restaurant! As I try to calm the three girls down, they are about to bounce out of their seats.

“Can we ask them for a picture?”

“Can we ask to take a picture with them?”

They could barely contain themselves as I replied,

“No! They are here to eat, not be bothered with pictures.”

“No, leave them alone, don’t bother them.”

And then, one of them, Christine, walked over ever so friendly and states,

“We’d love to take a picture with them! And they didn’t ask…I was eavesdropping and offered!”

The next few moments were spent with the girls googling the poor wives as they scarfed down their food in anticipation of a photo moment with the Sister Wives! And then, Kody walked by and sat right down at the next table. Poor man was trying to eat his burrito and my children were about to jump out of their seats!

Finally, Christine told him that she’d told the girls they could have their picture taken. They were very nice and all stopped eating their dinner to take a picture with the girls. I tried to bow out gracefully, but was told to join in the picture.

Of course, the entire ride home was spent texting everybody and their mother!

Of course, I had to laugh when “someone who shall remain nameless” remarked,

“I can’t believe I met someone from Hollywood!” to which we replied, “They’re from Vegas, silly!”

My Boy is a Black Belt!

Five years ago, the Smart One decided he wanted to do karate. We checked out several studios, and finally noticed a new karate studio going in just around the corner from our home. We went in, spoke to Master Sarac, the owner, and never left. The family that has been there for our son over the years has been one I am sure he will cherish for years to come.

I’ll never forget him testing when he was so young. Mr. Murphy was there to hand him his new belt at each test.

As he progressed over the years, there were times when he wanted to quit. One day, he told me,

“No matter how mad I get, Mom, or how much I tell you I want to quit; don’t let me. I want my black belt.”

Ever the leader of his team, Master Sarac encouraged him when he wanted to give up.

And so, he continued on, year after year. The only hold up was a broken wrist, and then a fractured elbow a year later! I wasn’t there for his last test, but Mr. Murphy was. Recently, Mr. Murphy passed away from complications due to diabetes. As we mourned with our son over the loss of a true teacher and friend, he decided the black belt test was for Mr. Murphy. It was what they had talked of together.

Today, I sat through test he’d work so hard to get to. He’s come so far!

Although I am sure it was bittersweet without Mr. Murphy, he did it! I am so proud of what he has accomplished!

Thank you so much, Master Sarac, for the years of dedication you’ve given to our son and so many others! He couldn’t have done it without you!

A Special “Thank You” from Bboo

Bboo made a special someone a special thank you for hosting her Sweet 16.

I think she’s very talented, don’t you? I’m pretty sure our special friend thought so, too.

Thank you, special friend, for making my daughter feel so special!

Wordless Friendship!

It’s time for another Wordless Wednesday…and so, since recent pictures escape me, I thought I’d go search out some of my favorite pictures. And came across this one. This was at our yearly Easter party….SIX YEARS AGO! I have no idea why I am looking down….and even further…no idea why my dear friend has that…well…er…um…worldless expression on her face.

But I sure love and miss her and wish she’d move home!


Days Like This

I just love days like today! I woke up early to do some spring cleaning while waiting for my “Bountiful Baskets” friend to arrive with goodies!

Today’s goodies included blueberries, strawberries, apples, lettuce, tomatoes, garlic, basil, rosemary, mushrooms, onions, asparagus, and more!

While making a breakfast of turkey bacon, eggs and mushrooms, I enjoyed some family time. The Talented One played the piano, while the Drama Queen shared her tap dance with me, and the Smart One carried on a conversation with me. These are the mornings I love!

After breakfast, we moved on to our Saturday chores. The Drama Queen helped me reorganize the pantry and clean the kitchen; a much needed task. We enjoyed the fresh air as we opened up the windows and worked together!

By the time we were done with it all, we had just enough time to run to the shoe store before company arrived for dinner. The meat was already marinating, so we snuck out for a bit. And I finally found some shoes that fit my short, fat feet….and are comfortable!

We then headed home to start dinner. Tonight’s guests were our Monday night friend who is taking a mission trip to Bulgaria this summer. I work with a friend who is from Bulgaria, so I thought it’d be fun for them to meet. And it was! I so enjoyed listening to my friend’s stories from Bulgaria. She then tried to teach us some of her language and laughed as we spoke it so terribly! Our meal was a mixture of new things; she brought a delicious salad, while I made mashed turnips (not bad) and acorn squash to go with our chicken. And then….we gorged on Baklava freshly made. Yum!

It was so nice to clean the kitchen while I listened to the two of them work on teaching my American friend the Bulgarian language. After, we enjoyed more stories and laughter as we lazed on the couch and shared the differences between the languages and how funny it is to be misunderstood. And then headed outside.

For a time of roasting marshmallows and smore making! We laughed as we dropped marshmallows into the fire and shared memories of fires past. It was fun to watch the Drama Queen teach her friends how to make smores and laugh as our neighbor spun the girls around in the back yard.

It’s days like this that fill my heart…and leave me counting my blessings. For I am blessed, Indeed.