Whoa - October, where did you go?

October was busy, busy, busy.  Here you go, photo overload.

 We started out hosting an apple picking playdate {no entire group photos, you try it with 9 kids}:

Back: Marie, Sara, Jenn
Front: Ava, Anna, Alexis, Kendyll, Bennett, Keegan, & Louden

My 2nd HALF MARATHON this year:

Vicky and I, after the race.  We both PR'd. PR=kick.ass.all.over.the.place

As if you didn't know, Sara & Jenn.  Columbus Half Marathon 10.16.11




I spent 7 days out of town the following two weeks for work.  Everyone survived.

I had my 35th birthday:

Jason is sooooo funny.


Scentsy Consultant Launch:

Scentsy is a Wickless Candle Alternative.  I recently made my first purchase.  As soon as I plugged it in, I knew I needed it with me always.  So, now I'm selling it.  SCENTSY LINK {shameless plug}

Portraits of L&K:

 By:  Susan Miller Photography 

& Trick of Treat of course:

Whew!  Maybe now I can catch up with our other updates.






I haven't updated on the boys speech in awhile.  It's going great!!!  They are progressing more and more everyday.  Here's a video of them singing Happy Birthday to me.  

 I don't know what it's like to have a child that speaks within the normal range, but I can honestly say this speech delay is tough business.  To say the least, this speech delay has been hardest on me.  All parents go through the stage where everyone is frustrated because you can't communicate.  Imagine being stuck there for 2 years.  Having your little boy(s) look at you, saying something the exact same way (his way) ten times then leaving with "I'm sorry buddy, I don't understand" with a look of disappointment breaks.my.heart.  This happens everyday.  But, we're getting there.  

I know I'll be frustrated with the questions.  I know I'll want them to be quiet.  I know this will be over.  Just not soon enough.

Aaargh.....mariachi?

 Procrastination doesn't pay.  Somehow my DIY pirates turned into overpriced mariachi band wanna-be's.  Oh well--they had a blast trick or treating in our 'hood.  

Enjoy photo overload:

Why yes, he doesn't have a
 little Captain in him.  

Louden (L) & Keegan (R)

 

Pirate Keegan, he came up with
 that name himself.  So creative.

 

I got sidetracked by a white squirrel,
obviously not worth slowing down for.

Mother's Day - 2011

Not your typical Mother's Day Photo, but we don't have your typical history.  

I'm was hesitant on posting this.

 I didn't put on facebook.  

Some may see this as morbid, weird even.  

But, for me, this is us.  Being here gives me peace and grounds me. 

 I feel better and I'm smiling when I leave.  This is the first time I've brought the boys here.  Actually, outside of a funeral, it's the first time *I've* been here. 

Top Left: Ron Workman, Stepdad

Vivian Workman, Mom

Ronald Good, Brother

All together, finally.  Just like Mom wanted. <3

We're still here.....

The Summer has flown by and we are in full blown fall here in Ohio.  We have lots to share, so it's time to get busy and start.  We have the first day of Preschool Take 2, lots of running for me, and Jason and I completing our first race together.  More to come VERY soon!!!

Tennissippi Vacation - 2011

I can't lie.  This post will be back-dated.  It's really sad how I neglect this, I'm sorry.  As much as I'd it to, I have a feeling I will always be six eight months (or more) behind.

This summer, the Murray's road trip-ed for vaca.  We stopped at Papa & DG's in Tennesee, then went to the Tanner's Lake House in Rural Mississippi.  The stop in TN was a nice break from the drive.  So much that we even did it on the way home.

Big Bro K was here so it made for an extra special trip. Also, Jason's littlest sister was there with her family.  She didn't know we were coming, so that was a  fun surprise!!

Here are some photos:

Keegan on a walk.

Louden, Papa, Kyle, Keegan

Keegan in Daddy's shoes

Uncle Matt, Riley, Louden & Keegan

Keegan, Riley, Louden, Jason

Louden & Keegan in their pjs

Fireworks!

Jason running from explosives, with a bum leg.

The view.

Sparklers

Vaca Part 2, Mississippi Welcome Station

Private Lake.  {L&K did NOT have hooks}

"let me show you how to cast"

I'll just shoot them.

Kyle's Catch.

Louden, Abby, Keegan getting ready for more fireworks.

Smores!

The Tanner's with their extended grandkids.  

When I was a kid, these were Mama and Papa Tanner.

My kids call them Nana and Papa.  

They came up to help us from Florida when the kids were born. {We ate well}

When my Mom was alive, we shared Holidays together.

Hands down, 2 of the best.people.ever.

Here's a family shot taken on Murray Hill right before we headed back home.

All the Murray boys with Papa and D.G.

We had so much fun that we are repeating this year!!!  Mama Tanner: I'll reply to that email one day :)

Close to Home

Ever have a song that felt like it was written for you?  I have a few, mostly in the Country genre.  I love and hate this one at the same time.  It's message is clear and painfully true. "It's That's Why I'm Here" by Kenny Chesney. Here are the lyrics.

Well I ain't had nothin' to drink
I knew that's probably what you'd think
If I'd drop by this time of night
Remember way back when
I promised you I'd drop in
At one of those meetings down at the "Y"

They started talkin' about steps you take
Mistakes you make the hearts you break
And the price you pay
I almost walked away

You could hear a pin drop
When this old man
Stood up and said I'm gonna say it again
Like I do every week
For those who don't know me

It's the simple things in life
Like the kids at home and a lovin' wife
That you miss the most, when you lose control
And everything you love starts to disappear
The devil takes your hand and says no fear
Have another shot, just one more beer
Yeah I've been there
That's why I'm here

This old boy stood up in the isle
Said he'd been livin' a life of denial
Then he cried, as he talked about wasted years
I couldn't believe what I heard
It was my life word for word
And all of the sudden, it was clear

It's the simple things in life
Like the kids at home and a lovin' wife
That you miss the most, when you lose control
And everything you love starts to disappear
The devil takes your hand and says no fear
Have another shot, just one more beer
Yeah I've been there
That's why I'm here

I know for us it may be too late
But it would mean the world to me
If you were there when I stand to say

It's the simple things in life
Like the kids at home and a lovin' wife
That you miss the most, when you lose control
And everything you love starts to disappear
The devil takes your hand and says no fear
Have another shot, just one more beer
Yeah I've been there
That's why I'm here

OOH, I've been there
That's why I'm here

Left:  Don Good (1945-1990)
Right: Ronnie Good (1966-1995)

I've been compelled to share more of my story here on this blog, so this is a start.  My dad was an alcoholic, he died of cirrhosis at the age of 45 when I was 14.  I resented him a long time for it.  Resentment; not to be confused with hatred or disrespect. 


I don't understand addiction.  I am a casualty of it's war.

2011 Fight for Air

Soon I will be joining more than thousands of others from around the country in this year’s Fight for Air Walks to raise money for the American Lung Association.  I am gathering donations and walking to help fight asthma, lung cancer {bitch.ass.whore}, COPD and dozens of other lung diseases. 

This walk is personal to me.  My Mom was taken from me due to Lung Cancer a short 8 months after diagnosis.  I do this walk because my Mom would be proud.  I do this because it make me happy to be a part of something that fights something I hate, cancer.  I do this because it's my way to honor My Mom's life. I do this so my kids can participate in something that connects them to their Maw Maw, since they never got the opportunity to meet her.

I am asking or your help.  By making a contribution on my behalf, you will be helping the American Lung Association provide community based education programs, fight for cleaner air standards and fund life-saving research. 

Asthma is the number one cause for school absenteeism and every day in this country at least 10 people die from an asthma attack, thus it is important that we provide disease management education to children when they are 8, 9 or 10 years old.  Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally and is woefully under funded when it comes to research, thus is essential that we generate the awareness needed to increase resources for advanced research projects.  The average age for American’s to start a smoking habit is 14, thus it is critical that we get into the elementary schools and teach children about the dangers of tobacco use early.

My goal is to raise $100 for our cause.  Please go to my personal web page and make a $5, $10 or $20 gift.  All gifts are fully tax deductible as The American Lung Association is a 501(c)3 organization and is in fact one of the most recognized nationally for proper management of the resources entrusted them since they began in 1904.  You will receive a notice in the mail from me thanking you for your gift which you can then use for your tax filing next year.  You may also make checks payable to The American Lung Association (my walk team) and mail them to our local office at 1950 Arlingate Lane, Columbus OH 43228.  Be sure to send a note telling them that the donation is to support my efforts for the Fight For Air Walk in Columbus.

Please take a deep breath….and be thankful that you can.  Millions of others suffer from lung disease daily and your support makes the every day act of breathing that much easier for many people. Together we can fight lung disease successfully!!!

Last Day of Preschool

Yesterday was the boys' last day at preschool.  I don't think they realize it yet, especially since they've been screaming "skool bus" all day.

To prepare, we made teacher gifts for both their teachers, all the aides, the school bus driver, and the driver's aid.

Here we are leaving for the bus stop.

At the bus stop.  

The school had a graduation ceremony and invited all classmates to participate, even if you weren't going to kindergarten.  Before it even started, I looked at the girl next to me and said "I'm going to cry".  Yep--I was the only one.  I forgot my Flip video, so I took a short clip on my point and shoot camera.

Here's Louden trying to sing along with his class (the Butterflies).  This moment touched my heart so much, 2 months ago, he had a vocab of 30 +/- words....the fact that he was even trying to sing made we jump up and down with excitement.  While at the same time my heart is breaking to see how much further he has to go.  This undiscriminating speech delay really sucks.

here are they lyrics to "One Small Voice"

With just one small voice
Singing out a song
With just one small voice
Singing sweet and strong
One by one they’ll grow
And together sing along
And then soon all the world
Will be singing

With just one small voice
Singing out a song
With just one small voice
Singing sweet and strong
One by one they’ll grow
And together sing along
And then soon all the world
Will be singing

Here's Keegan singing with his class (The Toucans), well, he's just signing.  But, he's standing there, participating, in front of a crowd.  He's still rad.

  

Keegan sporting his Toucan showing some class love.

I am so excited with the progress  that we have seen within the past few months and know that preschool had everything to do with it.  The school psychologist made it a point to pull me aside to tell me the same thing.  She wasn't there to witness the evaluation from hell, but she did hear all about it.

They have progressed beyond speech.  They can follow directions, participate in activities, etc.  There is no substitute for peer to peer interaction.   It was interesting to see the boys' report cards, but I'm anxious for our next appoint at Children's with their private speech therapist so we can discuss in detail how they are doing (I need her to explain the report to me in layman terms). 

They attended an afternoon class that kept them busy 4 days a week, 4 hours a day.  Hopefully we'll find a way to keep the boys occupied all summer with a good substitute.  

Now what do I do for a bribe to get them dressed in the morning?