Monday Mumbles 39

1. My Granny (Dad's mother) passed away Thursday, April 10th. As she is in the photo below (circa March 2011, her 90th birthday dinner), she was the centerpiece of our family gatherings, the hub to our spokes. All nine of her children are here with her, my father on the far left in green. You can read about her here.

2. For a closer photo of her, here she is in 2010 with Evelyn. Handing the new babies over to Granny always felt like a rite of passage to me, for some reason.

3. Long overdue, we bought Hubs a new suit for the mass and funeral. I'll admit he looked alright in it. 

4. The kids were very good throughout the very long days that existed between hearing the news and the funeral. They were in the car a LOT, and aside from getting restless at the visitation (who wouldn't, watching a bunch of 'old' folks coming in and out, chatting about nothing in particular?), they were fantastic. 

5. My two brothers flew in from respective states (Florida and Indiana), so there was an upside getting to see them, along with one sister-in-law. My mother was also very helpful throughout, watching the kiddos and giving them a reprieve from the torturous talking.

6. Aside from work and Granny, life is fairly steady. Evelyn still has attitude and a LOT of hair. Owen occasionally gets safe seats at school but is learning how to be a better helper and leader. Turner continues to skate through with his usual ease, playing basketball and taking piano lessons. 

7. I've been doing the #100happydays challenge, with some nudging from my brother. I like getting to watch my day and find something that makes me happy. If we don't take time to focus on something that makes us happy, some days will pass us by feeling completely void of joy. 

8. Hubs had me watch a comedian Saturday night, a South African named Trevor Noah. Pretty funny kid, and cute to boot. If you're into stand-up, try finding a few clips on-line.

9. My hair is unreasonably long. I've been very lazy and it's now a decent pony-tail length and touching my shoulders. 

10. I need not go shopping. I find myself having a hard time saying no, sometimes. Meaning, I have three new dresses in my closet and probably shouldn't.

Monday Mumbles 38

1. I'm not sharing the new car very well.

2. I did let him have it on Saturday, as I said I would, but it hurt. I had to force myself into my Pilot and I had to force myself to stop thinking about how poorly he might be driving it, or how loudly he might have turned up the radio. Oh it hurt.

3. I went into the office for a few hours Sunday morning and I took Evelyn with me. That girl has attitude and I refuse to take all the blame. I refuse. She spends way too much time with her dad for this to be all my fault.

4. The one thing I need to remember about her is that if I give her tasks or hobbies that are similar to things that I do, she'll most likely be content. She was getting extremely restless in the office and I finally moved her chair up to my desk like me, gave her a folder that had a notepad in it, and allowed her to "take notes" like the ones I had in front of me. Saved my efficiency.

5. I cannot believe that Owen turns six on Friday. I just pulled out a few photos for him to share at school this week and had a 'moment'. I sent in some one year old pics and it made me want to kiss his little one year old face.

6. Does anyone else have a problem sharing their food or drink? I specifically asked Hubs yesterday if he wanted something to drink when I was picking up my soda. He said no. And then he proceeded to pour half of my soda out of my cup and into his own at the house. P.I.S.S.E.D.

7. And no, I won't 'just get used to it' because we've been together so long. It's annoying as hell.

8. My brother convinced me to do the #100HappyDays - post a photo a day of something that makes you happy - challenge. Today is Day 5. I'm posting it on both Instagram and Twitter and I have fun each day thinking in the moment, and realizing that most moments provide me something to capture.

9. I can probably guarantee that one photo will be Evelyn's hair.

10. And if I can figure out how to capture her attitude, I'll post that too. Because it rocks.

Monday Mumbles 37

1. Spring is really taking its sweet time showing up.

2. I've all but given up on figuring out what to feed my children. I'm ready to move to bread and water.

3. This past weekend has been full of spankings. I feel like I thought they were so bad so often, maybe it's me who needs to spanking for thinking negatively.

4. And no, that's NOT an invitation, Hubs.

5. I've tried hard not to be a sore loser and continue to watch college basketball to see the tournament through. The problem, however, is that I never really got into the regular season to begin with so I don't have a lot of interest or knowledge in teams still playing. As Keith Urban said, I'm Movin' On.

6. To the Royals, hopefully. Baseball season should be off and running this week.

7. Oh, today is our anniversary. Seven years married, a dozen putting one another through the wringer. The marriage number is really just a side note to the actual years together, given our start.

8. Evelyn was scolded by me yesterday afternoon in the car. When she continued to scowl from the back seat, Hubs tried to intervene and/or discipline. Her response was, "Dad, you're not Mom!" which we subtitle "she's the one pissing me off and right now I can only take one of you."

9. She also asked to watch "Meno Finding" when we got home which melted any and all frustration I might have built up. I mean, seriously. Meno? Meno Finding?

10. We bought ourselves another Honda. Yup. Just can't resist 'em.

Monday Mumbles 36

1. Evelyn likes to comb my hair and it's like Heaven. Truly. I have always loved to have my hair brushed and now I have a built-in stylist.

2. In fact, just last night I negotiated an extra two minutes of combing, and she countered with, "How about four?" DEAL.

3. Basketball was fun all weekend. Up until it wasn't, on Sunday afternoon. Ah well. Bring on the Royals.

4. Have I mentioned that, aside from photos of my friends' kids, I don't miss Facebook at all? I don't miss having mixed feelings about who stays in my news feed and who doesn't, feeling obligated to be interested in long lost folks or those barely known, or feeling like a constant gate keeper of memories and time management.

5. Work continues to go well and I still find myself marveling that I like it. It has struggles, like all do, and challenges me but I suppose that's what I want. Right? I need to be pushed and forced to explore outside my comfort zone. To a point. But if my comfort zone provides productivity and results, I sometimes question the need to be forced outside of it. If comfort zones produce stagnant choices and lackluster performers, then there is a need to push outside of it. I get that. But I struggle with the question....should everyone be forced outside of their zone just to fit a mold, or should the mold be pliable to fit around those who produce best in their zone?

6. And the trickier question is-is everyone focused on what the BEST results and productivity ARE? Is everyone aware that a team can and NEEDS to have different production cycles and different results for different stages of a process?

7. On another note, we experienced good 60 and even 70 degree days around here only to wake up to snow Sunday morning. WTH? Get over already, Winter.

8. Owen, not without his struggles that have been well documented, is without a doubt my sweetheart protector. He's like my bodyguard sometimes, when he thinks I need one. I love it. He's going to be GREAT for Sissy when they're in school together.

9. And Turner will remain the constant instructor. He can't help himself. He's like me and always teaching and preaching. I promise, folks, I'm trying to beat this out of him. As softly as possible.

10. There is a new TV series on NBC. At least I think it's NBC. Resurrection. Omar Epps. I saw the previews and decided to DVR the first episode to see if it was worth it. Liking it a lot so far, actually. Might be a keeper on the Sunday night rotation of nothingness. Well, nothing until football starts. Did I mention Go Royals?

Monday Mumbles 35

1. Oh how I love daylight savings. All these folks who complain about the switching of the clocks so we can get a few extra daylight hours can suck it. Sun. Shine. People.

2. I finally went for a run. A short nearly two miler with Turner on a near 60 degree day. It felt like the start of something new.

3. My younger siblings are rising to grown folk status. One is slated to become a first time parent and another is in contract for a house. As my dad said to my granny, "Things are going crazy!"

4. I realized recently that I really never face my fears. True fears. At least I feel like I've taken the easy path almost always and called it "methodically approached". I can't easily think of one thing I've done that was an acknowledged fear beforehand, that I consciously tackled.

5. March Madness is upon us. I have zero idea how to prepare. We lay eggs. We look fabulous. Who knows what we can expect, which-for me-makes it fun. And when I say "we", I of course mean the Jayhawks. I shouldn't assume my few readers readily know who I support.

6. Speaking of the Jayhawks, I've had to enlighten a new East Coast co-worker to the ins and outs of KU, MU, KSU history. It sometimes feels like Coast dwellers never realized we existed before we were actually IN FRONT of them.

7. I finished Game of Thrones book five. Yea me. (This calls for a get-together with my pal Tracy so I can return it, me thinks.)Time for the second book in the Hunger Games series...while I multitask and read the Pat Summitt autobiography.

8. I have a dentist appointment this week to get a cavity taken care of. Send good vibes Thursday afternoon. I'll need them as I white knuckle the chair and pretend like I'm not crying.

9. For the first time in...forever...I had my eyebrows waxed twice within a month timeframe. As in "upkeep". As in...wow, I've never allowed myself such a luxury.

10. As for Evelyn, who sat watching, it wasn't considered a luxury. The gal looked at Sis and asked if she was ready for her turn after I went. When I was finished and got up to go, Evelyn was glued to her chair with a look of death on her face. She started shaking as she gripped the arms. I picked her up and said "Time to go!" She started bawling. SOBBING. Said she didn't want the girl to put tape on her eyes. She sobbed for at least five solid minutes. Doesn't sound like a lot, right? In a retail store, a five minute sob fest with choked speech and clinging hands, it's an eternity. The girl felt so bad but I was laughing. Evelyn clearly didn't get the joke. Sounds a bit like her mama.....

Monday Mumbles 34

1.  I never realized how much influence music had on my childhood. While we were never singers or dancers or anything artistically in tune with music, my parents included it in our 'everyday' whenever they could. And because Hubs had a similar experience I think, I find we are unconsciously making it part of our 'fun' with the kids. As an example, I sit here typing and Evelyn is grooving on the bed to Abba's Dancing Queen.

2. And, to prove that music is becoming more and more relevant, I actually buy songs on iTunes periodically. For those who don't know me quite so well...I don't shop online. Ever. So this is a new adventure for me.

3. (She's now bouncing to Beach Boys' Kokomo)

4. When I'm placed in a place of retail (specifically, clothing), I am constantly searching for bargains and clearance racks. Sadly, even when I might find something I like...I feel like I have to have a NEED for it before I can purchase it. I realize this is a solid built-in restraint mechanism but it makes me sad when I leave things on the rack that really should belong to me.

5. Is anyone else guilty of snatching up stray dollar bills and coins that may or may not fall completely out of pants pockets that don't belong to you? Just me? All of us?

6. I finally read the first book of the Hunger Games series. After the first three chapters, I text one of my friends and told her that I was not happy with it thus far. The premise made my stomach hurt. But I said I'd keep going, and I later admitted I couldn't stop reading. BUT...that doesn't change the fact that my stomach hurt, or that I secretly wonder if we'll get to a point where humanity takes on some form of this, not that it isn't already. I need to get book two before too much time lapses.

7. (Bon Jovi, Shot Through the Heart)

8. Did I tell all of you that I haven't ran or been to boot camp since October? Terrible. Simply terrible. I might consider returning in April. If March warms up enough, I can start jogging again. I just hate winter so, so, so much.

9. I made potato soup Sunday afternoon. The thick, creamy kind. It's been awhile since I burned the last batch so I was a bit nervous. This one turned out great.

10. Apologies for being absent around here of late. Mondays seem to come and go so fast anymore. I just wish I could same the same for the wrinkles that keep appearing. They just never GO. Only come. So sad.

Monday Mumbles 33

1. Winter.Will.Not.Go.Away.

2. I know, I know. It's only the middle of February. I don't care. I hate it. I want to throw rocks at it. I want to kick it in the shins.

3. It ruined my gal pal dinner last night. I did NOT get to eat chips and salsa and laugh over inane things with my girlfriends from high school all because it had to snow. Again. On top of the foot we haven't ridded ourselves of yet from last Tuesday.

4. I worked from home Tuesday and Wednesday last week. We had a very, very shoddy mouse attached to the computer on Tuesday. We've known it was bad. Terrible, really. Wednesday morning when I confirmed I was working from home, Hubs agreed to go out and get me a new mouse. Heaven. It's amazing how much easier a computer can be when you have a functional pointy clicky device.

5. Did I mention how hard it is to work from home when a husband and three children are underfoot?

6. My car's check engine light came on Saturday, and we promptly took it to the shop. I love my Hondas, but this Pilot is starting to get on my nerves. And when the silly technicians ask "Did you get your 100,000 mile tune-up?" I get angry. I say NO. I also follow it up with "...and I never did on my 225,000 mile Accord so THERE." Stupid recommendations.

7. How would he like it if I recommend he stop eating those french fries and sign up for the boot camp I (occasionally) attend? I mean seriously. It's a Honda. Make it run, make it last, and I'll stay out of your hair.

8. I stared at my strappy sandals for a minute yesterday. Because I desperately want sunshine and 75 degrees.

9. And then I immediately decided that if the car repairs aren't actually as terrible as what I've imagined they'll be all weekend, I will just go buy myself some new shoes to spite the winter.

10. Oh, and the kids had zero school except for Monday last week. Imagine the fun that Hubs had. Ha!

Monday Mumbles 32

1. Since before I was a parent, I said I wanted our home to be "the home" where kids gathered. This desire serves several selfish purposes, primarily feeding my need to control. In a subtle way, not in a crazy neurotic way. Promise. Now that Turner is of the age to entertain, I am gently pushing to fulfill this "want".

2. Let me quickly explain my neuroses. I like to have my children around me. I like to watch them interact and I can gauge their development. I hope the more they allow me to be "around" during their socializing, they realize I am here more to oversee and guide than I am to hinder and overbear. My goal is that this realization will lead to more openness and trust.

3. One thing I've gained by attempting to fulfill this "want", and is a surprising benefit, is insight into only children and their ability or inability to interact with siblings. Some crave the chance to be a big brother and jump into playtime with Owen and Evelyn. Others get flustered and frustrated with the constant nuisance and need a few visits to get comfortable. Ultimately though, kids adapt to one another quite quickly and easily. If only adults could retain these traits.

4. Owen's reading is coming along. I can tell the effort to sound things out is coming easier to him. He still visits the safe seat at school occasionally.

5. Evelyn appears to be more willing to do her lessons with Hubs during the day. Getting this last child over the hump of learning letters and numbers is painful but necessary. PAINFUL BUT NECESSARY.

6. Turner continues to be 98% self-directed, and 2% limit tester. I need that 2% to remind me he requires lessons about behavior, about life.

7. I think I'm overdue for a Thankful Thursday. This week might be a tribute to Owen's art. Check in Thursday.

8. Cold weather sucks.

9. I know I've discussed my literary progress on Mumbles before, and admitted my lack of Hunger Games reading. I have book one waiting patiently for me on my shelf finally. However, I am here to announce I've finally made it more than halfway through Game of Thrones, book 5. I wouldn't say 2/3, but definitely more than 1/2. :)

10. Sunny days make me feel more productive. We better get more of them, and soon.

Monday Mumbles 31

1. "And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition."

2. "But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt."

3. "We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now."

4. "This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism."

5. "The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges."

6. "Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."

7. "Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends."

8. "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

9. "With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood."

10. I Have a Dream speech, Martin Luther King, Jr. August 28, 1963. To my little babes, his dream is our dream, your dream, and becoming your reality. Live, learn, and love little babes.

Monday Mumbles 30

1. I keep finding ways to clean the house and rid myself of clutter. It's a very slow process, but every weekend seems to result in something leaving the house for good. It FEELS good.

2. My mom wanted to get out of her house this weekend and said as much Friday. We exchanged text messages and decided we would take the kids to a movie and then watch the KU basketball game at our house. The kids love having Grandma over.

3. To keep the productivity going, I ALSO scrapbooked most of Owen's 5th birthday. What that means is, I have about two more pages and I'll be all caught up with at least ONE child. Yea me!

4. Evelyn loves to shop. Seriously loves to shop. What's good about this is that it's still just about "getting out and about", and not at all about actually purchasing anything. Especially for herself. She's just happy to be out, at a store, in a cart, holding items we may or may not purchase.

5. Literally, she does not wear out when we're out shopping. We're talking grocery store or clothing, she's just HAPPY.

6. Have I told you that Owen is an artist? His favorite Special Class is Art. At home, he's content with paper, markers or crayons, and tape. Glue sticks or glue preferable as well. I love that his imagination keeps him busy.

7. Turner counts things. Finds patterns in numbers. He can tell you how many red cars we might have driven by, if you suggested he do it on a given day. We just had a discussion on why people will call 1,100 eleven hundred, but 1,000 is always a thousand. I decided to explain that people prefer less syllables. I think it's a dandy reasoning explanation.

8. "It's so fluffy, I'm gonna die!!!!!!!" If you haven't seen Despicable Me, do it. Agnes steals the show for me. I personally think the three girls are a dead ringer for my three. I feel as if I mumbles about this already, but oh well. Margo is the no-nonsense practical sort (Turner), Edith is trouble with humor (Owen), and Agnes is dramatic but adorable (Evelyn).

9. I believe we reached 50 degrees Sunday. I was in heaven, and that is sad. Winter has been a beast already.

10. We kill TVs around here and somehow my dad keeps finding the old dinosaur box TVs to replace them. We just killed another Sunday. Burnt. Smelled burnt. We're down to a very fuzzy, off color, sometimes fades in and out box. Time to break down and get something decent. Now if I could just get a nice tax refund.....

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.