Tuesday Owenisms 14

I learned over this past holiday break that my brilliant son Turner has an ear for lyrics like his father. In other words, not so swell.

He let me know, while we were YouTubing songs, that he always thought the song Karma Chameleon was "Come On Chameleon", as in....a person who had a pet chameleon and was beckoning the creature toward him.

Oh my.

In other news, he also thought the "Royals" song by Lorde was saying "ahoooo" over and over, like a wolf, when she was actually singing "I rule, I rule, I rule".

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE, EVERYONE!

Monday Mumbles 29

1. Holy holiday cleaning, I've heaped 8 bags of trash into my garage. It's a conglomeration of old toys, opened package/cardboard, random trash-able items from places like a bookshelf, and actual every day trash. Feels so good.

2. I've found a new musical love. Passenger. Here's a link to the song that I first loved, and two others that I really love as well. Song One. Song Two. Song Three. Okay I lied. There's a fourth. Song Four.

3. It's quite possible I'm really behind on loving these guys. I'm clearly aware that I am old and out of touch.

4. Owen had a successful Sunday afternoon. Two sharts that resulted in underpants changing. What an excellent end to the weekend.

5. Speaking of music, I am an admitted fan of Wrecking Ball, the Miley Cyrus song. I can't help myself. It's passionate. And the girl can sing.

6. Hubs and I were not supposed to get each other gifts. Guess who held up to their end of the deal? Yeah. Just me. So I had things to open and he did not. I felt like a jackass, but he's done this for the past few years now. He gets on my damn nerves.

7. I'm already sick of winter. Anyone else with me? It's not even January and how many days have been down into the 20s and 30s? Feels abnormally cold this year.

8. Did I mention I was rear-ended in stop and go rush hour traffic? I was. Here's my poor baby.

This has put me out of her for nearly two weeks while she gets repaired. And what kind of rental was a rewarded with? Oh yeah. The minivan. In case you're wondering, YES I am one of those people who can't stand the idea of being caught actually driving a minivan. I don't know why and everything logical tells me I shouldn't care and it's actually a great choice of transport. In fact, driving the one I'm renting for over a week has proven that it would be GREAT for our family and all the crap we haul around. But...I still can't think I'll seriously consider purchasing one, when it's time to get a new vehicle. This fact about myself makes me sad.

9. The kids received Despicable Me for Christmas. We had never seen it and have watched it 3 times in as many days. Very cute movie.

10. The highlight of the gift giving, however, is mine. The best gift award goes to my brother Jimmy. He gave me what I've been needing desperately - my Patrick Swayze fix. Dirty Dancing and Road House. Love him. (brother...Swayze...whatever. LOVE.)

Tuesday Owenisms 13

Monday morning, our family was at home. We had just come off a very long weekend of three Christmas celebrations and a wedding. Dad was relaxing in the back room, Evelyn had just woken up from her nap. Turner was busy playing with his neighborhood friend while Owen twiddled around, slowing down with every step.

He finally hit the wall. You know the wall. The one that suggests that every possible activity is utterly boring. The one that magnifies every teardrop and complaint. The wall that must be broken.

I broke it.

Mom:  Owen, I think it's time to take a break. Let's go relax for a minute.

Owen:  (sobbing)  Nooooo! I don't need a nap!!!

Mom:  (picking Owen up baby cradling style)  Sweetie, let's just go back to the bed and lie down for fifteen minutes. Let's just rest your body. I didn't say anything about a nap.

Owen:  (still sobbing)  Mooooooom. I don't wanna take a nap.

Mom:  (lying him down in the bed and covering him up without a tussle)  It'll be okay, Bubs. Just stay here for fifteen minutes and then you can come back out, refreshed. You'll feel much better.

Owen:  (tears rolling onto the pillow now)  But you won't come back in fifteen minutes! You're going to leave me here until I fall asleeeeeeeeeep!

He was spot on.

And it worked. 

Monday Mumbles 28

1. I know it's been awhile. I think I just wanted your thoughts to ruminate in Owen's badness so that I could regale you in his goodness.

2. So, yeah................

3. Truthfully, he is so thoughtless and thoughtful all rolled into one bundle of all boy joy. I don't get it, but maybe in time I will.

4. We just celebrated Christmas gift exchanges at my Dad's, my Mom's, and my mother's family this past weekend. With Jim and Rachel moving FURTHER away, we allowed our holiday schedule to coordinate with what they could do. They kids were great, all in all, and I'm feeling less worn down by it than in past years.

5. I am staring at a living room full of new toy joys, however, and trying to figure out where they'll end up. It's nice that I have tomorrow and Tuesday off before we celebrate our Christmas here at home.

6. Oh, did I mention we threw in a wedding that Hubs was in as well? He was busy doing rehearsal things Friday afternoon and I met him for some rehearsal dinner and socializing that evening. Saturday he was busy doing wedding things and the kids and I joined him for wedding socializing that evening for a bit.

7. Snow. It came this weekend as well, while we were holed up in Lawrence, an hour from home. We stayed down there Friday and Saturday night, and the snow came Saturday while we were prepping for and then AT the wedding. Snow. Ugh.

8. I was reminded in a Christmas card about what my dear friend said once about snow. It's just little pieces of love. Indeed. If that's what love was, I'd be throwing it out and at someone else too. Gross.

9. Finally, I will begin the Hunger Games series. I know, I know. I received book one for Christmas though, so away we will go. Once I finish book five of the Game of Thrones. Ha!

10. Have I ever told you that Turner calls me Mama? Still? I love it. I hope he never stops.

Tuesday Owenisms 12

Owen had an unusually ornery day on Sunday. At dinner time, I'd had enough and I simply asked him,

"Owen, what's WRONG with you?"

The question came with a great big sigh, covered in fatigue. His response was simply,

"I'm just BAD."

There you have it. Honesty. Self-awareness. Simplicity. Just the way I like it.

Monday Mumbles

1. Instead of fighting Owen's destructive behavior (every toy must crash into everything in sight before dying a horribly loud, crushing death), I chose to allow it. But only if he goes to his room, shuts the door, and doesn't holler and scream.

2. Turner is just like me. It's scary. From his need to explain and correct to his need to keep things balanced (i.e. his quantity of dollars in Monopoly. He'd rather be owed some ones in the future as change, than to give away his remaining few he has and pay exact rent due), it's downright eerie.

3. Whenever Hubs tells the story of his knee surgery in 2009 (we were playing kickball with the kids), he always describes "HOW" he did it as "I made a football move and...". Seriously? A football move....in kickball? He needs to let this die.

4. My grandmother (and a couple of other family members) purchased a Kansas football tailgate package at a charity auction, and the event was this past weekend. Hubs took Owen, Turner and Turner's friend. Sis and I just tailgated and then headed to a house to watch from the comforts of a couch.

5. KU WON THE GAME.

6. Oh, and last Tuesday? KU basketball beat Duke. Hell yeah. Early season victories like this are sweet. Very, very sweet.

7. I almost bought myself a black Bah Humbug 'santa' hat today. Almost.

8. On a happier note, I have already started a list of fun things I might want to get the children. Things they've mentioned in passing, that I know they definitely want. That makes me feel good. Progress.

9. Hubs watched a movie on TV and wanted me to watch it as well, thinking I'd like it since it's a chick flick and all. He was right. Something Borrowed. But it also put me onto a fine fellow, Colin Egglesfield. Yum.

10. But alas, my only other marriage is to work. In case you wondered, I'm still lovin' it.

Monday Mumbles 27

1. I really cannot believe a week went by already. It felt like just yesterday when I wrote you those three, heartfelt mumbles.

2. Although I love Owen's curls, I'm happy he likes having his hair cut low. We have to keep it low so it's better he likes it. You ask WHY we have to keep it low? Because he's created a habit for himself where he twirls his curls around a finger, and he does this most all the time. When he eats, watches TV, stands, sits, gets sleepy. Just picture a boy on some high school sports "stage", twirling his hair before catching some ball. Yeesh.

3. Did I mention I have the day off? Whispering that to Evelyn last night was my only way to escape the house and get to Costco alone. When she heard I was going, she burst into tears knowing she couldn't go with me since she was already bathed and in pajamas. Now she's probably thinking we're going shopping today.

4. So I mentioned I was having a Patrick Swayze need going unfulfilled. Guess what was on TV Saturday night!? Yup. Dirty Dancing.

5. It made me happy to hear Turner say he liked to rake the leaves. And follow it up with how he dislikes jumping into the pile. He's just like his mama. How in the world can you bring yourself to do all that work, make such a big neat pile of leaves, and then screw it up by jumping in it?

6. We finally "saw" our first KU basketball game of the season. Hubs and I went to a bar, leaving the kids at dad's, so we were able to watch but had a lot of distractions with Hubs' group of playmates. I paid semi-attention while the chicks talked too much and I was also working on a client issue during more than half of the game.

7. The chicks were cool, though. Fun and relaxing even if they were a decade younger than me.

8. I really cannot stand watching the Chiefs win. They didn't even play this weekend (bye week) and they were able to annoy me.

9. I'm still reading book 5 of the Game of Thrones, and progressing, but picked up a smaller paperback for my most recent work trip. I'm already halfway through it, and highly recommend it. The Book Thief. It's into a movie now, or will be soon, but the book is phenomenal thus far.

10. Evelyn likes to brush my hair. I love to have my hair brushed. Therefore I love her. That might not be exactly correct per my geometry rules, but it's how it works in this house.

Bonus:
1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE!

2. To the Veteran's, thank you.

Monday Mumbles 26

1. I worked from home on Friday and guess what? I am not a fan. There are too many other chores staring me in the face, too many trashy TV shows at my fingertips, and snacks far too handy.

2. Traveling to New York for work  can be energizing. I'm traveling to across the river to New Jersey for work today, and I have a feeling I'll be gazing over at Manhattan with longing and envy.

3. And on that note...I have to cut out of here. Sorry for the short mumbles. I plan on doing a Halloween recap this week, with photos.

Get Write Wednesday 6

Michelle asked once in a comment why I had a llama at the bottom of my blog. Truth be told, it's a favorite photo of mine from a visit we made to the alpaca farm. So, to begin, it's not a llama but an alpaca. But more importantly why is it a favorite?

I like the blurriness of the close-up.
I like the reflection in its eye.
I like the imperfections of its teeth.
I like the sharpness of the background.

It's like life, isn't it? When things are so close to you, when you're so close you're practically inside out, all things appear so blurry. Lines fade and you criss-cross over them again and again until you can't recall if you're in the right lane, middle, or left. Zoomed in a bit more, you wouldn't be able to discern the alpaca's upper lip fuzz from nose hairs. Getting so up close and personal with situations of the heart or mind can make you absolutely crazy. The over-analyzing and second-guessing will have you pulling u-turns and running red lights in the blink of an eye.

But what if all that draws you outside yourself, and you see things anew? You see your own reflection through your own analysis? Admitting who you are or how you feel can sometimes appear to be the easiest of all tasks, when in reality it's the harshest opinion of all with which one comes to terms. I oftentimes know who I want to be in a given situation, and I oftentimes know how I feel, or how I will feel, in a given situation. I think that's true most of the time because I don't spend a lot of time behind or in front of a zoom lens. I rarely allow myself to blur or be blurred. I tend to keep things rational and above the fray. Seeing myself in the reflection of the eye, or reflected in my mind, is something I am admittedly not comfortable doing.

What is comforting with this alpaca, though, is its proud display of imperfect teeth. Yes, it was simply reaching and sniffing for food. But truly, animals cannot possibly evaluate themselves as we do, they just are. Their comfort with imperfections is endearing and acceptable. Will we ever evolve into such a way? Probably not. And frankly I've never been good with admitting imperfections or putting myself in a position to fail and admit failure. Lately though, I wonder if the need to hide the flaws has hindered me from zooming in and feeling more, but also detracted me from zooming out and seeing the bigger picture.

Which brings us to the background. The dirty backdrop of the grounds already trodden, and the green of the leaves up high, and the partial view of those with whom this alpaca lives. The photo is focused on this one creature that received the attention briefly, separately, apart from anyone or anything else. But in the photo, things are greater than this alpaca. It's a habitat, it's others, it's nature, and it's a day. A day encompasses more than just one creature, one focus, one blown up piece of our attention. Figuring out how to balance the entire picture is what we must do, each and every day. Focal points are important but they aren't the finale, and in the same breath, the artist must be cognizant that focal points play a part in getting us to the final canvass.

Monday Mumbles 25

1. Turner might find himself on the wrong side of my attitude if he doesn't start acting like the brainwashed Raiders fan he's supposed to be.

2. Speaking of football, I couldn't take another Kansas City Chiefs win, so midway through the 3rd quarter, I decided to remove myself and go for a run. Mind you, I haven't run in a couple of months. I pumped out 4 miles on pure irritation.

3. I finally got the kids in the portrait studio this past weekend. (Oops - Owen turned 5 in April, Sissy 3 in June, Turner 9 in August) BUT, they're all still those ages and the sitting went fantastic. This was the first year, ever, that Evelyn didn't cry/sob/weep. Not once. Success.

4. That said, and as their mother I feel I can say this without judgment, I think my kids are cuter in person than they are in photos. It might be their age and inability to NOT appear natural, but I think it's their mannerisms, the little facial adjustments and looks and giggles that truly make them adorable.

5. Someone mentioned to me once that my descriptive way of writing was interesting, and I should take up writing. They didn't know I had a blog, not that I do any writing here, but the comment struck a nerve. I do want to write. Something. Consistently. I just don't know WHAT.

6. I have failed in the birthday scrapbook realm. Turner's book might have 6 or 7 birthdays in it, Owen's might have 3, and Evelyn's - none. Poor girl. I need to suck it up and try to get back into it.

7. I've made mention a couple of times on Twitter how much I miss Patrick Swayze. Am I alone in this? Not that he was making recent films but it feels like they've stopped playing his old ones as often. I haven't seen Dirty Dancing or Road House in ages. I miss them. I need them.

8. After a good portrait session, the kids were rewarded with a pumpkin patch visit, idea courtesy of Grandma. Here are a couple of shots from the day.

The kids took full advantage of the non-traditional playground equipment. They're lounging on the roped spider web while Owen crawled around it with verbal description of what he was about to eat. 

They don't do so well posing nicely. Evelyn's giving a furrowed brow, Turner's eyes are barely open. Only Owen, the most uncooperative child ever, is posing nicely.

9. I had parent/teacher conferences last week. See the caption above? Yeah. When Owen's teacher met with a behavior expert who came to chat with all the teachers, she said she just kept thinking about Owen. Well isn't that fantastic? We're hopeful we can keep him on track with some partnered effort.

10. Turner's conference went just fine. Shocking. I only confirm that his nerdiness doesn't hinder his socializing, and she assured me that isn't the case. When kids get to partner with one another, they want to partner with him. He's chatty, friendly, and altogether a "pleasure". The kids are a "pleasure", either way, to me.

Tuesday Owenisms 11

Owen: You are the luckiest mom in the whole world.

Me: Did you mean I'm the luckiest, or you are?

Owen: You, because I'm your kid.

Monday Mumbles 24

1. Oops. 5 weeks went by. That was a worst for me. I apologize, little brother.

2. In that time, I took a 5 day work trip, turned 36, waved so long to a retiring co-worker, took on a new client, and maintained my no-Facebook status.

3. What I miss most about Facebook isn't Facebook-related at all. It was the mind-numbing scrolling habit I acquired during the evening, after kids went to bed. And it hasn't been all that hard to break, to be honest.

4. Without Facebook, however, I need to keep up on the blog. My brother and SIL have decided to move even further away from us and we'll see them even less than we did with them 5 hours. away. That will mean I have to get better about TAKING photos so that I can upload the photos. I will also have to get better about simply blogging our fun little stories so they may feel "in touch".

5. The last two times we were at my dad's, he's brought up eating sardines. He knows I detest them, the smell, the look. I'm gagging just thinking about it.

6. I'm doing my best to finish up book 5 of the Game of Thrones series so I can watch the TV series. I'm getting excited.

7. Reading #6 over again just made me sad. My life is sad. I need more excitement in my life.

8. Where we don't need excitement is with Owen and school. And so far....so good. He doesn't tattle on himself like Turner, so if Owen's gone to the safe seat, I don't hear about it same day. In fact, he only let it slip that he's gone there when he told me how he PUT himself there to get away from someone else...and oh, he'd gone there before. Unwillingly I'm sure, but he was scarce on details. Shocking. ;)

9. Work continues to be interesting. I like that. I like the people. I like the challenges.

10. Well friends, I hope you have a wonderful Monday.

Monday Mumbles 23

1. I was organizing my photos yesterday and came across some March items that epitomized my children's personalities. At least as they are today.

Easy going

Anything but....

S.a.s.s.y.

 2. I quit Facebook. At least for the time being. Over the weekend, I was tempted to click the app on my phone, but it hasn't been terrible. I don't think I'll miss it much.

3. I am directing my home energy (which has been depleted lately) toward the kids in an educational function. I've been able to come home and just "be" mom but I feel like we're faltering at times, with certain things, and I need to be more structured.

4. Number three will mean I will need to be even more aware of taking "me" time when I'm not with the kids so as not to be lethargic when I am. I don't do a lot of "me" time, but I will need to use lunch hours and some weekend hours for just that. I don't think it's fair that I keep saying "my commute is my me-time".

5. I love summer but I will NOT miss the bug bites from this season. They have eaten our family alive.

6. Evelyn wanted to wear blue boy shorts and a Raiders football jersey to Turner's ball game yesterday. She sobbed when I made her at least change her shirt to a yellow Dora shirt. I'm all for tomboy, but I can't have her looking like I'm TRYING to force her that direction.

7. I will miss these days when tricking the children with my "super mom" powers is so easy. They can't figure out how I can see things without having actually stared at it or made it obvious to them I saw it. Owen especially thinks he's so sly.

8. Saturday night my mom had the kids and Hubs was away with friends watching football and boxing. I had the house to myself for a few hours, along with a bottle of wine, sports, and Sandra Bullock movies on TV. I was in heaven.

9. There is a boy on Turner's basketball team who has chosen to wear hot pink shoes. Owen wants to know why. Part of me wants to say, "It's okay to like whatever you want" and another part of me is just happy Owen is confused by his choice. Sounds antiquated of me, I know.

10. Before the kids went to mom's Saturday, we spent two hours walking around KU campus. My calves are appropriately sore. I miss those hills something terrible, some days.

Monday Mumbles 22

1. Has anyone seen the "Renuzit" commercial? A man for every room? Ummm.....it's nice.

2. I might be going through a mid-life crisis. Not to worry.

3. Not the "I need to buy myself a hot new sports car and wear platform stripper heels when I drop my kids off somewhere" kind of crisis. More of an evaluation kind of crisis.

4. I read a line in a book this week that said, "In my experience it's the unexamined life that is worth living. If one wants to live happily every after, that is - with one's partner." I think there is some truth to that. Too bad I can't help but examine until the cows come home.

5. I took Turner to his ball game by myself last night. It was nice. It was quiet. And peaceful.

6. Hubs keeps trying to get me to watch a movie he has on the DVR. But he missed recording the first 10-20 minutes. I can't watch that movie. I won't watch that movie. I need it all. Does anyone else feel the same?

7. My brother pointed out that I forgot to Mumble last week. Damn holiday weekends always get me.

8. Yet again, another change at work is taking place. We're switching up client assignments, so I'm learning a new one and handing off my babies. I get possessive of my work. It's something I know about myself, and am not really willing to change.

9. Cartoons are just plain weird. The ones we watched, the ones the kids today watch. Weird.

10. It's back to boot camp this week for me. I am hoping to get 2 or 3 days in this week. 4:20 is just so darn early, though. Wish me luck.

Monday Mumbles 21

1. When Owen gets upset but has to forcefully try to cry, I sometimes lose it. Fake crying is the worst.

2. I'm too cheap to get pedicures but as I sat and did my toes last night, I wondered...how in the world will you get these painted once you can't fold your leg up to your chest anymore?

3. Every single door in our house squeaks. Hubs says he likes it that way so he can hear who is coming and going. I get it, but it still annoys the crap out of me.

4. The kids had a couple of stuffed objects that wore holes in them. While I CAN hand stitch small holes like that, they chose to ask Grandma to do since she was the expert, and had a machine. I think this made Grandma feel good.

5. Yesterday, as we drove away from Grandpa's house, Owen says, "Grandpa is SO AWESOME." Turner replies, "Yeah. He's really, really, really awesome." I think hearing that would have made Grandpa happy.

6. My parents are FANTASTIC grandparents and I don't pretend this is common or to be taken for granted. I appreciate it very much.

7. Is it just me, or is Pokemon kind of like cock or dog fighting??

8. I love the heat wave we're having (90s all week here in the Kansas City area), but I'm really tired of air conditioning. I don't know if I'll ever get to live without a/c or heater again, given the kids' allergies. Ugh.

9. Today is my girlfriend's birthday. Thinking of you Tracy!!

10. Evelyn decided - for this weekend at least - that she was okay with people complimenting her hair. When someone inevitably DID say something to her, she said to me as we walked away, "When people talk to you.....you need to...speak." What I loved about her sentence that can't be interpreted here is the way she said it. The pause after she said "you need to"....was her thinking the word TALK, but pausing to choose a synonym. It's tiny little lessons like this that make me smile.

Tuesday Owenisms 10

There are days when I wonder if Owen thinks. At all. He acts so impulsively at times, and so emotionally at others, it feels that he never stops to just THINK before putting himself out into the world. I love and hate this about him all at the same time.

One day, however, he surprised me. Like he always does. Some day I'll get used to it.


OWEN: Mom....is this real life....or fake life?

ME: Well, it's real life. See? *pinch* I can touch and feel you. Feels pretty real to me.

OWEN: Oh.

ME: Why do you ask?

OWEN: I don't want it to be real life. I want it to be fake because I don't want anyone to die.


Maybe he won't end up in jail, after all......

Monday Mumbles 20

1. Hubs and I have been together for 11+ years. We've been to or hosted multiple roller skating birthday parties. I've skated at all or nearly all of them. He says yesterday to my mother, at Turner's skating party, "When did she learn to skate? I didn't realize she could skate that good." WHERE HAS HE BEEN?

2. I had a few days off last week so I could be home to prepare Owen and Turner for the first couple days of school. Detaching from work when you have a work blackberry is very, very difficult.

3. BUT...I did manage to carpe diem all 3 days. Wednesday I decided to pack up Turner and Owen and head to the Royals game. On Thursday I was able to complete a lot of the laundry that had piled up on me recently. On Friday, I sent a late morning text to my dear girlfriend and decided to head over and hang with her for a couple of hours.

4. It's not that I CAN'T plan, it's that I prefer to live day to day and see how I feel. I am aware this causes issues with some people. Maybe I'll try harder.

5. Confession - we have a LOT of little boy underpants that both Turner and Owen have outgrown. Guess who hasn't? My mom is mortified that I sometimes allow Evelyn to wear pairs of the straggling boy underpants. I just can't stand to waste them and they fit her perfectly!

6. Have you ever had a jolt of shock when something you've been proud of....any sort of personality element that may exist....escapes you and you find yourself behaving like you typically never do? I've had that a few times lately and I'm wondering if I can just chalk it up to an early mid-life crisis?

7. I'm excited. Back on #3? That friend I visited? She let me borrow book #5 of the Game of Thrones series. It's so nice to get back into it. Now if I can just stop trying to find ways to sneak off and read.

8. My brother puts in a lot of hard work for our fantasy football league, but I think I'm bowing out after this year. I just can't seem to get excited for it anymore. Maybe it's because I don't get to sit at home on Sundays and just watch games. I don't feel as connected to the season. I'm feeling old just saying that.

9. One good thing about school starting? The kids get really tired earlier during the evening. :)

10. Today Turner turns 9 years old. Man, he looks so much better with a hair cut. Love that kid.

Funny Face Friday 10

Hubs taking a picture of me taking a picture of him.

Some cool dudes.

This one is trouble.

This one is ALSO trouble.

See what I mean?

Monday Mumbles 19

1. As confirmation that I take myself too seriously, I was accused not once but twice this week. One came in the form of the statement, "You used to have a sense of humor." The other in the form of the statement, "You haven't been very light-hearted lately."

2. SO, I will try again this week to lighten the mood, and find a balance between what must be given the "serious" priority and what can be indulged and humored upon.

3. But first, can I just complain once? It wasn't until after having kids, and certainly Evelyn, did the hormones of ovulation really affect me. Now, I get a headache every month the day or two before I begin my cycle. It stinks.

4. The kids and I watched the animation movie Rio Sunday night. Cute movie. I just need O and E to get a bit more "movie friendly" and sit still better. That way I can totally veg out.

5. Did you know there is a www.farmersonly.com dating site? Just wondering.

6. I made a list of things to do or happening in August for the family. I was tired after reading through it.

7. Did I mention that we're thinking about coaching the indoor t-ball session at the local sports facility, and putting Owen and Evelyn on the same team? It's for 3-5 year olds. We coached Turner's one year and judging the others coaches, it's best if we handle these two for the first year.

8. We finally.........................finally finished Turner's summer book reports. He had to do two and it was exhausting. BUT, I didn't want him to rush through the books and rush through what he thought was a decent "report". I don't think the teacher gave them any direction on what a good report is, and I didn't want him to get off on the wrong foot on how to put one together. I monitored his reading, and read along too, and then we discussed the questions she needed answered and how he could incorporate them into his report. It's tough for an 8 year old not to just answer the questions as they're listed 1-7 but I am trying to teach him the idea of an opening, conclusion, body, etc.

9. Speaking of reading, I am reading a non-fiction book right now and I love that it requires me to have a dictionary handy. I need refreshing writing with intellectual language I don't come in contact with daily.

10. Summer has been slightly disappointing as far as heat goes. There haven't been as many days as I'd like for me to hit the pool after work. Ah well. We still have August. Here's to hope.

Monday Mumbles 18

1. Well, at least now I'm hitting publish on the correct day of the week, yes?

2. I have decided there is a new nerdy work phrase that I can use just for me - you can take the girl out of Ops, but you can't take the Ops outta the girl. Meaning.....I might be excited to be out of the daily grind of Operations, but my mentality and the efficiency needed to make an Ops environment work is ingrained in my work ethic.

3. That revelation last week helped me do two things. First, I realized it was what was causing my internal struggles with less than stellar performances around me. Second, I could breathe a bit easier with the knowledge that it was this factor causing little to no acknowledgement of these less than stellar performances.

4. I also must realize that just because I *think* something can be done better, I can't be arrogant to think I could be the one to do it better, nor is it as easy as I think it might be to fix.

5. As I type this, I hear the movie Avatar say the words "bitch" and "punk ass". Umm...I thought this was a kids' movie too? Turner is opting to ignore me when I am asking him to verify what I heard. Afraid I'll turn the channel. Which I will. When I'm done typing my Mumbles.

6. As a side note, who thought this movie was so great? A blue...person/thing with a tail? What? Really?

7. I had an afternoon date Saturday with Hubs and I shocked him by suggesting we go to a movie. He was thrilled because I hate the movies. You all probably know that. BUT...I was craving a movie coke and popcorn, so I sucked it up.

8. Thanks to my sisters for coming up and hanging with the little people. I know they can wear a person out, but it was very much appreciated. To have a babysitter come to the house instead of us traveling somewhere to get that "service" was a nice change.

9. Just FYI - I think it's BOGUS it's only in the 70s in July. Not just bogus, but stupid. Dumb.

10. Grown people acne sucks. Not just sucks, but stupid. Dumb.

Monday Mumbles 17

Mumbling on Tuesday isn't unheard of around here. Deal with it.

1. I'm tardy. Fairly certain I haven't mumbled since before the wedding. How did it go? It went great. You saw photos. We survived.

2. My brother and his wife were pleasantly lovely and wonderful hosts, as were the parents. Jim and Rachel, congrats...wonderful ceremony and celebration...more to enjoy as the years go past! Can't wait to share it with you.

3. Is it terrible that I put Evelyn in the boys' hand me down underpants when we're at home? They fit, they serve their purpose, and it saves money.

4. I'm thinking about taking Owen out, just him and me, and do his school supply shopping. Maybe we can find some excitement in the idea of school if he feels special.

5. But then again, he honestly might find more energy and enthusiasm for it if Turner is along with us and feigning excitement over the supply shopping so Owen will as well. Turner legitimately likes school so it shouldn't be so hard to fake.

6. I can still be mesmorized by the show So You Think You Can Dance. Am I alone in this feeling?

7. Sometimes, when I see a delivery truck rumbling down our road, I hope they're bringing me a package. I'm not expecting a package, I just want one. So long as it's happy and stuff.

8. But of course this only serves to remind me I haven't sent anything to anyone in a very long time. A few greeting cards here and there, but no good packages. I should rectify this and adjust my karma.

9. My sister suggested Saturday afternoon that we attend the Saturday evening Kansas City Royals baseball game. And so we did. I sacrificed a date night with Hubby (oops.....) but I've been wanting to attending one for a couple of years and hadn't made it out. I'm so happy I decided to take her up on it. Thank you Sis.

10. I started back to boot camp this month and am loving it. It's all about summer. The warmth and the sweat are perfect. Anyone else love that feeling?

Tuesday Owenisms 9

I am self-aware. I realize that I don't have a palette that chefs require or diners of my kitchen desire. I get it. But can you shut up about it already?


Mom: Kids, we have chicken and noodles for dinner. If you don't want it, you go to bed without dinner. It's what I'm serving, like it or not. I AM willing to help make it taste better for you. I can add butter to the mashed potatoes or season salt to the chicken and noodles, if you like.

Owen: I know how you can make it better for me Mom.

I'm excited that he's willing to compromise and smile to myself as I drive us home.

Owen: Uuuhhhhh....get a new food.

Funny Face Friday 9

We had my brother's wedding this past weekend. Sissy had attitude. 

My older brother and his adorable son sharing a moment.

This is their personalities in a nutshell - Turner's unassuming pose, Owen "too cool" hand in pocket guy, Evelyn sassy miss hands on hip gal, and Nobu wondering what the heck he got himself into with this family.

"She SAID smile, big brother. Sheesh. It's not that hard." 

She better be this happy with me forever.

Owen's face. That is all. Oh, and his short socks. 

This started out as a "please pose sassy", arms crossed kind of look. It turned into this photo.

They might have each eaten half of their respective snow cone. Oh well - it was needed on this particular hot day at the Omaha Zoo!

At the end of our zoo adventure, we jumped on the tram for the final leg back to the entrance/exit. You can tell by the looks on their tired faces that we were pooped. Owen's eyes are fabulously expressive.

Get Write Wednesday 5

Lately, I have had to ask myself if I'm too serious. Am I being too neurotically "on top of things" at work? Have I pondered a 'less than ideal' situation too much and over-complicated the problem? Is it possible I take on social hiccups as a cause that doesn't necessarily deserve so much attention?

It might be a large fault of mine that I can rationalize and justify my feelings, but I don't think I'm taking things too far. I mean honestly, how can you take your job TOO seriously? And if a problem exists, big or small, doesn't it need to be fixed, especially if it can be? And lastly, if a social hiccup leaves most of us saying "that's not right"....then it certainly deserves attention.

By taking on these types of challenges I automatically qualify for "more serious" personality syndrome, I suppose. But the more that Hubs and I discuss spiritual and religious ideals and what we believe, the more I am certain that we aren't here on Earth to simply enjoy it and to be seeking pleasure. At my brother's wedding this past weekend, the pastor even mentioned his pondering conclusion on "Is life to be enjoyed, or endured?" It was...both.

I could spin this Get Write Wednesday into a million different directions. We could talk parenting, we could discuss career and corporate behavior, we could discuss race or politics or religion. I will spare you all that today. Today, I just want to, at a high level, ponder the simple idea of TAKING ACTION. More specifically why I choose to take action and my concern for those who never seem to find a reason to do so.

More and more often, I keep repeating the idea (to myself and others) "Wouldn't they appreciate the fact that you told them your concerns? If they seek you out to talk through their issues, I find it perfectly acceptable to ask if you can provide honest feedback."  And when I say honest, I really mean extreme clarity and poignant candidness but with tactfulness that not all of us possess. Some people just don't have good delivery. I get that. But do we always need good delivery when we know the person delivering the thoughts are sincere in their message?

While pondering what to blog and the fact I knew I wanted to blog about "TAKING ACTION", this quote came across my Twitter feed.

"My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to make them better." - Steve Jobs

What if we all took this approach? What if we stop accepting mediocrity in others just because they do? We can't change others and we can't ask them to stand up and lead by example. But when they continue being pleasure seeking mutes, we don't have to be mute ourselves.

When I went to verify my Twitter quote was indeed a Jobs quote, I found another interesting article about Why You're Not a Leader. I think this article is powerful far beyond the corporate world. Can't we all strive to be leaders of our families, communities and social circles? I could take this article and tear it up and churn out a different write-up for everyday life and less about the work place. Maybe then, we could all make more sense of leading with purpose.

My favorites:

3. You don’t care: Indifference is a characteristic not well suited to leadership. You simply cannot be a leader if you don’t care about those you lead. The real test of any leader is whether or not those they lead are better off for being led by them.

I’m often asked what it takes to get to the top – it’s as if people want an add water and mix recipe for leadership. While there are many paths to leadership, they’re certainly not all created equal. Perhaps a more telling issue in today’s world is many of those desiring to get ahead, have no desire to help others get ahead.

Monday Mumbles 16

1. Do you ever feel like you have a "free" weekend and then all of a sudden, it's Monday and you wonder what you did with all that "free" time only to realize you never actually had any "free" time?

2. Turner had a ball game yesterday afternoon and although their team lost, he had a pretty fantastic game. He's the energy guy on the floor, tying up every loose ball and being a general pest to the other team. He's almost always one of the smallest yet he will drive it inside and do some funky lay-up. Biased I know, but he's fun to watch.

3. And for those of you who recall, I was his coach for two years. I get basketball. It takes all I have in me to not holler at the coach(es) when I consistently see our team failing to do some very simple things. Fundamentals, they're called. Because to be a decent player, you fundamentally need THESE abilities. Aggravating.

4. Jim, I'm hopeful that Evelyn knows she has to wear her dress for a short period of time and she had better not cry during you and Rachel's day. She seems agreeable here at home. I worry about the crowd when we're there.

5. If I just type my fears, maybe they will turn into nothing and I've never said them out loud. Right?

6. If some of you haven't read what Paula Deen and her brother are being accused of, here you go. It's not about one slip 30 years ago. It's about hundreds of "Southern Style" living entrenched in their hearts and minds. Accepting her apology isn't something any fan (who doesn't personally know her) is really capable of doing. An issued apology in the heat of the moment means as much as marshmallows in hell.

7. Emily, marshmallows are on my mind. Now we might have to splurge.

8. Recently I've been advised to "let things go" so I don't explode and "don't take it too seriously", all with regard to work. I do take work seriously and I won't stop, and I will let things go when my point is made or I'm not being talked or treated in a way that is unacceptable. That's just the way I'm made up.

9. To be clear, I still love my job. :) I honestly do. It was the best career move I ever made.

10. What I can't figure out is how our kids came out so darn cute. Don't we all feel that way? I suppose some people say, "My kids better be cute...I've been hot since 6th grade!" but that hasn't been me and I've seen pictures of Hubs when he was young. Ha!

Tuesday Owenisms 8

Setting the stage:

My mom sold our childhood home and bought a new one right after my sisters graduated from high school. My sisters lived in her new house with her during the summer before their freshman year of college, one sister again during their sophomore year, and then both of them for their junior years until the present. My mom moved out of the house for a portion of this time, for the better part of 5 or 6 years I believe. 

Sunday afternoon, our family is driving from Turner's basketball game down to my mom's house, where she lives with my sisters.


Me: We are headed to Grandma's house! Dad and Mom are going to drop you guys off to hang out for a bit while we go see some friends. Anna and Leslie will be there to hang out with you too.

Owen: We're going to GRANDMA'S house?

Me. Yes. Well, Grandma, Anna and Leslie's house.

Owen: Yeah. It was actually Anna and Leslie's house before. And then Grandma....she kind of stealed it, and she moved in....and...and...then she moved in and made it HER house.

Me: Mmmmmkay. I can see how you think that.....


You better believe I told my mom she stealed her house. Anna and Leslie backed up Owen's story.

Monday Mumbles 15

1. I'm late but it's still Monday! Long day at work, and should be a good long evening at home watching...of course....you guessed it...The Bachelorette.

2. Don't judge. It's my guilty pleasure in the way of reality shows. I justify this show (compared to my usual practiced rant about reality shows) because they are all adults and for the most part I still believe that half to three fourths of the contestants are still signing up for the hope of love. Neurotic I know.

3. We have worked really hard to get Owen to stop being infatuated with private parts in time for him to start attending school where a majority of his classmates are acting inappropriately and touching his bum. *SIGH*

4. The more that Hubs and I talk to parents with teenagers, the more convinced our kids will be "those kids" in school with "totally uncool and unfair" parents who are holding out on giving out cell phones. The stories I hear are all due to inappropriate access that, no matter how many restrictions you provide, they're getting hold of information they don't need to have.

5. And when I say cell phones, I really mean cell phones, ipods, ipads, their own computer, and anything else that would be theirs to carry, tote, or use away from the surge protector in my living where the family PC sits.

6. How terrible is it that I'm banking on my kids' cuteness to keep them out of the COMPLETELY UNCOOL AND NERDY group? I mean, I don't mind if they cross into Nerdville a bit. Heck, I did. But sports and their cuteness will hopefully set them up for some sort of decent social scene.

7. Saturday morning, Evelyn and Owen got up at an unmentionable hour. Instead of waking me to get them breakfast, which they need immediately after waking, Owen chose to get out the cereal and pour both him and his sister a bowl of dry cereal so they could snack on it.

8. Did I mention last week that Sissy got a talking Dora doll for her birthday? And that she wouldn't touch it? Day 11 = success. She finally held the doll and giggled as she laid her back and forth, watching her eyes blink open and closed.

9. I'm happy the NBA is over. I'm happy that hockey is nearly over. Although I am a sports fan, these two just don't do it for me.

10. Any other The Paris Wife readers? Em, I know you and I have talked about it. Tracy, did you get it for your recent road trip? Next up for me is getting The Hunger Games series and book 5 of Game of Thrones series, which I've mentioned before and still angrily waiting for it to hit paperback. Damn it.

Monday Mumbles 14

1. Lately my boys have been on a weenie kick. And I don't mean eating hot dogs. They always eat hot dogs. Lately, they are always cracking jokes about their personal, private weenies. And it's just plain annoying.

2. I am secretly so excited that Turner loves almost any sport. We can sit and watch and talk sports all year long. He may not even really like or want to play the sport but we get excited watching them when they get exciting.

3. Now we just need to work on Owen. He fluctuates between wanting to be LIKE Turner and be completely opposite him. We just tell him to be good and have fun. It's the "be good" part he struggles with daily.

4. I realized this weekend, however, he looks at me after he does something "bad" and I know he knows that I know he's not trying to be evil, he's just trying to get away with things. This, of course, equals the fact that I love him so much and while he gets on my last damn nerve he still cracks me up on the inside.

5. If anyone else reading this knows that Robin Thicke has a new song out, I love you. It rocks. I dance in my car seat every time.

6. I just finished The Paris Wife and I sat on the kitchen floor as I completed it Friday night, crying. I was mad. I wanted to live with them a bit longer. I wanted to both read Ernest Hemingway and burn a book of his at the same time. I love when books make me FEEL something. Think something.

7. Duck Dynasty has a lot of good, wholesome lessons. It really does. It doesn't mean I enjoy The Bass Pro Shop anymore than I did last year.

8. Turner is currently annoying me flipping something around the living room. And then he just said, "Woah! I can flip these FAR! Grandpa taught me. He's awesome!" He's forgiven.

9. The Royals are one game under .500. For those of you who don't know what that means, move on to mumble #10.

10. I love you anyhow. Despite. Good day and good week!

Funny Face Friday 8

Miss E did NOT want to be part of the Tea Party birthday photo shoot

Avatar the Last Airbender, Diego, Dora at the Hollywood wedding shower

Clark Kent and Louis Lane (my little brother Jimmy and his fiance Rachel)

Sissy and me posing in the firetruck on display at the Thomas the Train event

I love this photo of the kids chasing bubbles, all in different directions and focused!

Owen and Grandma in deep discussion as Thomas the Train rumbles along

Being harassed by her big brother while she tries to enjoy the train ride

She finally made it! She's officially a train rider!

Sporting some new shades from her aunts

As the wind blows from behind.....

Stache glasses. Oh yeah.

Playing at the park

Playing at the park

Playing at the park