Of Fairy Tales, Star Wars, and Corn Dogs, Of Course.

There is something about finding humor in my children that helps me to love on them more. When I am unable to see the humor and delight in them, I'm unable to be patient and gracious. For me, seeing the humor in their little quirks and quotes is crucial to not being a long-faced mother. Heaven forbid! I know it happens, God forgive me as that's the last thing I want for them.

Hence, the Colson quotes and writings of their funny little personalities. Isn't our God a playful God to write the stories of children? They are so....unconventional! So bear with me as I share these things with you all, these things that keep me cheerful with the knee-high population dwelling amongst us.

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Colson saw me after I was ready for church on Sunday and proclaimed: "You look beautiful! More beautiful than the Wicked Queen! (gasp) But that's ok. Because she's not here. You won't be killed."

Isn't it funny how children's minds are caught up in fairy tales and stories? I need more of this in my own life. The children's stories are good for me too!

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Colson: I'm glad baby sister is born now. She looks like she loves me.


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Colson: Good job drinking baby sister. Good job. You have another one right here for you to have.

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Me: Question, Colson. Would you like cereal or bagel for breakfast?

Colson: How about corn dogs?

Really, corn dogs? What is a mother to do?

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And finally a quote from Lewis and Caroline.

Caroline: waaaahhhh, waaaaaaahhhhh, waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh! ect.

Lewis: Bebe, no, bebe

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Lewis, oh Lewis, he is still so much a baby. He loves to cuddle up with "Mama" and "Dada". He doesn't talk much yet, words here and there and gibberish followed my a knowing look, as if he's carrying on a very serious conversation. He follows his brother around with star wars figures and a light saber and can wield that thing impressively for his little stature. He's altogether cute. He loves playing with anything ball and is doing an impressive job staying clear from our christmas tree bulbs. He saw one break; maybe the sharp edges were enough to scare him away. He out eats his brother, both in quantity and in speed. He loves his food, although he's such a little peanut you'd never know it. He's taking to his sister well and likes to kiss her sweetly on the head. He also likes to steal her paci and put it in his own mouth, although he never did like one himself as a babe. He gets so excited when he eats his daily gummy bear vitamin or gets to see his Papa or Grandpa and lets you know it with a hearty "YEAH!!!!"



Everyone told me he would seem this way, and they were right. He did seem HUGE after holding and caring for little Caroline. But when I step back and look at him toddling around, he's still so very tender and little, in need of lots of lovin' and attention. And I'm happy to give it, except when it's time to get ready for church on Sunday mornings. Thank you baby einstein for allowing me to get ready for church each Sunday.



And now my rambling shall come to a halt.

this is happiness

We're a happy clan. There is a whole lotta lovin' goin' on in our home right now. Maybe it's the plummeting hormones, maybe it's because I haven't cooked since the pancakes the night bebe was born, maybe it was the 2 weeks off work for KC, thanksgiving and the anticipation of Christmas, maybe it's Caroline! maybe it's not having to wear my maternity clothes any more, maybe it's the fact that I took my GIRL to a tea party today, maybe it's because as I type the men of the house are wresting and we're listening to Joni Mitchell. Does it get better than Joni Mitchell's Blue album? All I know is that God is good to us; I'm so thankful.

Here's baby sister's debut with her eyes open. I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying being able to doll her up in girly accessories and outfits. It definitely puts the tomboy in me to shame.




So far we've heard that she looks a bit like Colson, but it's hard for me to see resemblances at this point. It will be fun to watch her develop.


I mean, who wouldn't be a happy mama when you get lovin' on like this:


and this:


And a daddy like this:


At thanksgiving we shot my brothers hunting rifle. sorry people, i don't remember what kind it is, although my brother gave me all the details pertaining to which model and type it is. woops. there are just some things a woman doesn't care much about. so we all had fun blowing up a cinder blocks and pumpkins. Hey, I was born in Southeast Idaho, what do you expect? Here is Colson looking through the scope.


And here is my adorable nephew Solomon, just for more cuteness factor:

Colson Quotes

This boy is so excited about his baby sister. He's constantly talking about her or to her. He raises the tone of his voice when he speaks to her, and he says the sweetest things, all the time, about how precious she is, and how beautiful she is. Seriously, when he's holding her, it's the only time it's not difficult for him to be sitting still.

Because of her birth, we've been hearing some hilarious Colson quotes. Here are a couple I've written down:

"If someone shot her, I would throw them to the wild beasts of the earth."

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"She looks as pretty as night and day. She looks as the sun shoots across the sky with beauty" - Where does he come up with this stuff?!?

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Do you know how we can play hide and seek with baby sister? We can burst your belly open and put baby sister inside. Then we can go to the doctor and she can fix it. and we can come home and I can count! Then I can find her in your belly!

Wouldn't that be a great idea?

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And here's one from dialogue with Lewis:

Lewis: blah, blah, blah.....

Colson: What Lewis?

Lewis: blah, blah, blah...

Colson: What Lewis? Babel? The Tower of Babel? Are you talking about the Tower of Babel?

She's Stealing the Show (or, the blog)

Hope you don't mind me sharing some more pictures of sweet baby Caroline...







width="1024" height="685" alt="Caroline" />

Giving Thanks

Caroline and I did her first photoshoot and boy did she make me work to get some of these shots of her. She's such a dear little thing and we are enjoying her so much. She is still pretty new but is such a content babe. There is nothing like a newborn! I'm having a hard time deciding which ones to post.









Today my heart is so full of thanksgiving for God's provisions, His goodness to us, this family he's placed us in. My cup runs over.

Sweet Caroline: Day 3

There is nothing like a newborn baby. It's altogether intoxicating. She is drunk on milk and the rest of us are drunk on her.

Right when she was born she didn't cry. As I lay in disbelief that she was there in my arms, she just looked around while we drank her in, trying to soak up every little bit of her, as if we were making up for lost time. What magic that moment was.

She has been such a peaceful baby so far. My heart is so full of her and I feel such honor and privledge to be her mama. What a blessing.



I am not the only one smitten with little Caroline. Her daddy takes every opportunity to grab her up and cuddle her in his arms. There is something entirely romantic about a man, particularly my own, holding a babe in his strong hands.



Lewis is pretty much in his own world but is paused in his tracks here and there to come give baby sister a kiss on the head or to hear her make those sweet little baby noises.



Even Spiderman is more than willing to pause his busy schedule to bask in the moments of a new sister. He's been very good with her, and when he talks to her he raises the pitch of his voice. It's beautifuly tender and lovingly proud.

Meet Caroline Grace

Our sweet little girl was born on Monday night. We got to the hospital just after 9 o'clock and she was born at 9:45. I never thought I'd have a birth story like that, but I can't tell you what a sigh of relief it was when they first checked my cervix and I was at 9 centimeters! What I thought would be just the beginning was really just the beginning of the end.

Here she is, just 2 days old.



...more forthcoming.

Stork Report

This is my gorgeous new neice, Lucia. She's only 7 days old in this picture, and she's perfect. I want one. Good thing, right? ha! I've got 2 weeks until I hit my due date.




While I'm blogging, here are some Colson quotes for you.

Colson: I wonder what my baby sister's head looks like.

Me: Me too, Colson.

Colson: I wonder if it's square. Or I think it will be like a circle.

hmmm, not exactly sure what he's imagining here.

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Colson: Mom, would you like to fight me?

Me: Hmmm, not really, no.

Colson: Oh, because you have a baby?
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Today Colson was spiderman. I mean, as in, in costume. In the grocery store. He yelled at a woman. He was just saying "HI!" but she looked frightened. I can't blame her.

Later that day, he ditched spiderman for just his skivies and a dress tie. One can't predict what the next moment will bring. He keeps things exciting around here.



...on that note it's too quite around here for comfort...signing off.

Colson Quotes

Colson: I'm hungry. Would you please be so kind as to give me something to eat?

Me: No. I'm sorry you are hungry and that you didn't eat enough at lunch.

C: I forgive you. [insert pause] So then can I have something?

Me: Still, no.



Me: Colson, you may not take that knife from Lewis. (duh, it's plastic).

Colson: Lewis, may I have that knife? [Lewis turns away] Lewis, don't commit adultery. Don't steal. Lewis?



Colson: Hey Dad, if I were to cut off a bad guys legs with a sword, or a knife, then he wouldn't be able to get me.

Naturally

Ode to that Morning Cup

Who needs an Apron?

If I didn't make this pie, it would be the first time in 4 years to not make a peach pie during peach season. The best way to eat fresh peaches is in a fresh homemade pie, and I look forward to it all year. Even if it was to be a family affair, I had to make at least one of them and when I saw all these pumpkins instead of peaches, I started to get the peach pie itch. Time was running out. But let me tell you, a fresh peach pie will cost you your asthetics when you are making it with a 4 year old boy. But I hope that the asthetics won't matter when I scoop out a piece and top it with vanilla ice cream. Is there any other way?

Thanks KC, for documenting our culinary adventure, and for those of you wanting to see the belly.....here she is in all her glory, and topped with a dusting of flour. ha!

Happy Autumn

**sidenote**It's true that my pregant self was sitting on this twirling monster while KC pushed us to get this shot. Not a small feat, considering the handfulls of kettle corn consumed moments earlier.

Do you see Colson's muddy hand in the photo? It's one of my favorite parts.

Hard at Work; part II

That's it, pick the right tool.



Yes, prior planning prevents poor performance. I've taught you well.



Time to execute:



Lost in his work:

Next Month...

I can officially now say I'm having this baby girl next month. Last night as KC and I shared our coveted evening moments alone we pondered the time. Never before have I been so busy from morning til night. But never before has this Christian walk been so simple and clear. My calling is right before me. I'm never wondering or asking God what His will for me is. It's right in front of me, every minute. There is not much time for much else to compete for the time it takes to take care of and nurture this little troop. But even thought it's so clear to me what I ought to be doing, never before have I felt more incapable and inadequate to fulfill the duties before me everyday.

I am daily striving to simply live out my calling as wife and mother with basic faithfulness to God.

And I love it; There is no place I'd rather be. No doubt, it's also the hardest thing I've ever been called to, but also, the most rewarding. I'm thankful that the time I'm spending on this earth is this rich. It's a story, and the drama, in the hands of the victorious King, makes me able to buckle in and get excited for the ride.

So bring on the baby. I can't wait to get my hands on her.

The Way to Bring Autumn In:

Apple Butter, straight from Mom's kitchen to my little family's heart.

Thanks for your labors Mitch and Mom.

Hard at Work

Colson Quotes +

For about a week or so, I have made a little list of some of the wonderful things that come out of Colson's mouth. It's constant but here is a snippet for you to enjoy and some recent snapshots:

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Colson: The grasshopper disobeyed me.

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Colson: I don't like to sleep in my room at night with the light off. Do you know why I don't like the light off? I don't like that because Jesus tells us to 'walk in the light.'

Me: Good thing you don't sleep walk.

C: What?

Me: Nothing.

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Colson: Mom, Don't you want me to draw you a skull?

Me: Yes, that's exactly what I wanted you to draw for me.

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Colson: Lewis, Sometimes we obey Jesus. And sometimes we disobey Jesus because obeying Jesus is hard. Right Lewis?"

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Here is Colson's backwards 'Z' and his Zebra:

I love these monkeys!

This is Lewis

This is Lewis showing his budding piano skills:


This is Lewis showing how seriously he takes eating Sabbath treats, namely donuts:


This is Lewis showing frustration that he's not as big as big brother. He wants in on the crafting action just as much as the next man:


And these next two are Lewis showing how he can be irresistable to his Mama:


Stop looking at me like that Lewis. You know, you won't be the baby forever. (I think this is more of a pep-talk for me, not him). OOOOOOOOoooooooo, I love him!

roundin' up ornery rustlers, in style

Yes, another update. Shocking, no doubt...

Colson is into dress up. It's not dress up of the feminine nature, however. Just take a peeksy for yourself of his latest garb:

Church Picnic Done Well

I have to say that we are loving Eugene and particularly the Church Body here. God's grace in our lives abounds, and it's with thanksgiving we reflect his will in our lives by bringing us to the Saints in this community.

We celebrated two baptisms and had a great time a couple weeks ago eating and playing at a nearby park. Here are some fun shots from the day:











Awwww, I like this bunch of folks. :)

It's official: The Josephs are now Mr. and Mrs.

One of my oldest and dearest friends, Jenni got married to a Mr. Jeremy Joseph a few weeks ago. I was in the wedding and, to my dismay, was unable to participate in taking pictures of the bride and groom. I was so pleased to be able to do a private bridal session with the two of them. These two were smokin'. I've been having a ball looking through them, and am not even close to being done, but here's a little sample of our session.

Maybe more later, but for now, I have to get to the Ina Garten Turkey Meatloaf that's ready to get in the oven and the garlic/rosemary roasted red potatoes! YUM!

I know I'm way behind on the blog. I've got some fun pics of the boys to share too. And a few from our awesome church picnic! Until then...

"rejoice in the Lord always..."

Waiting on Baby Girl

We're a rowdy bunch.



I think we may need a tad of delicacy. God knows this mama needs some pink in her life.



Baby is due around thanksgiving. She's letting me know that she's part of the party by kicking and punching....wait....no, not kicking and punching, I meant dancing. Yes, dancing in my baby bump. I wonder what the learning curve will be like when we've got a baby girl to take care of?

Oh, summertime. We are loving it. Finding my son outside looking like this is just perfect:



There are so many new things the boys are getting to enjoy, the warm weather together this season has opened up a brand new world. It's a pleasure to be able to see them do things like this:

Dear Lewis, I know you are going to be a tuff little bro. Look at that good-natured face while getting shoveled over by your big brother. Keep up the good work, child. Your Mommy is proud.


That's it, RUN, my pigeon toed toddler, as fast as you can!



And down he goes again:



But look at the joy:



And so it goes until someone get's hurt, or else finds a ladybug in the grass. Jackpot:


We had Colson's cousin Q over for a few days last week. He loves my boys and they love him. In fact, having him freed me up so much to be able to do things around the house that I normally don't get a chance to do. Look at this handsome boy:





And this photo, to me, is perfection. Not because it's technically perfect, by any means, but because it sooooo fitting. Colson, what am I going to do with you?



A dear friend is getting married soon, very soon, hence the tux. A 4-year-old in a tuxedo is irresistable.



Speaking of irresistable:



Lewis, oh!!!! Why do you charm me so?



I am enjoying this age tremendously with him. I am thankful for the camera and the ability to capture some of this magic, in part, at least. It will help me remember later.


These are good times. I am a full mama and wife. I can feel the Lord's blessing on us, by His grace, no doubt, and I'm filled with thanksgiving.

Death by Cuteness

I had to share this one sweet image of the boys. It speaks for itself.

Happy Birthday Brother

This is Nan. She's my grandmother. Don't call her grandmother. It's Nan, got it. And she's a spit-fire. I'm glad her blood pumps through my veins. She keeps things exciting and keeps us laughing. It was great to see her yesterday.



The occasion was a birthday. Mitch, my oldest brother, he's getting older. He hates having a camera pointed at him, but I love this picture. Mitch, I love ya, even if you are ornery. and Happy Birthday.



And here's my brother Nick. I love this guy.



My boys love the grandparents house because of this. KC at one point found Lewis laying face down, happy as a clam, in the sand. What a dirty monkey boy.



What would a post be without Colson? Right now he should be sleeping but we can hear mischief coming from the room. Who knows what this one's given mission is at any time. Just look at this face.



And this one of him was taken a few days ago, but captures his new present from Disney World from his Cousins Alex and Lauren. Yes, he loves it. Suprised?

Rumrey News

I am thrilled and utterly overjoyed to announce the prediction via ultrasound of a little

*girl*

growing strong in my womb.

The Lord is kind.

When I think about my own mother and the special bond and friendship we share, having a girl makes me so excited for the possibilities to experience that with a daughter of my own. If she can love me the way I love my mom, I will be a blessed woman. Lord, please let it be.

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KC and I recently celebrated 6 years of marriage. What a blessing and journey it has been. We raised our glasses to 6 full years as husband and wife, 2 wonderful boys at home, one babe lost in pregnancy (and now with Jesus), one little girl on the way, and to a rich year ahead.

Indeed, the Lord is so ever kind.

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On a more casual note, Colson, on Rootbeer, says,

"It feels kinda bumpy."

I couldn't agree more.

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I suppose it's true I'm a bit more ravenous for food these days, for Colson recently asked me, "Why do you want food all day?" and "What does 'withering away' mean?"

Hey, when Mama's hungry, get outta Mama's way!

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Tonight I took the boys out for our first bike ride. I am so thankful, for I happen to be the blessed recipient of a hand-me-down, double bike trailer to haul my chipmunks in around this hippy, bike lovin' town. Thanks Swan family! It felt so free and fabulous, not to mention the great exercise. Colson is getting heavy! It made my heart smile seeing both boys strapped up side by side ready for a ride. This is going to be happening close to daily, if all goes as planned.

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And right now, as I type, I'm able to breath easy, that end of a full-day-kind-of-deep-breath. There is something very calming and therapeutic about the children being in bed, asleep. Knowing that tomorrow we'll be doing it all over again, but right now, I can kick up my feet and anticipate new mercies that come to us every morning, as faithful as the sunrise.

This was taken last night. A rare photo of us all together. Thanks Ellie!

A Story, A Birthday, Pictures, and Rambles

I wanted to take a break from my regular schedule of blogger absense to bring you a little taste of current Rumrey happenings...

Once upon a time there was a mommy that sometimes would spend time in public places running around (literally) with her now 4-year-old boy. First, they would search and carefully choose their weapon of choice. With sticks for guns, they were off, weaving and dogging, running, and bobbing around the park with their sticks, never a pulled trigger without homemade sound effects. With trees for dragons and bushes for monsters, together they slayed every ferocious beast in the park.

Their mission would end when they needed to go check on prince Lewis who was alseep in his royal crib. The prince would hop back into his chariot stroller and they would jog on home with smiles of victory.

Stories would be told to the Daddy King of the day's adventures, and the potential embarassment of being seen acting crazy in the public park would be worth the boy's overflowing cup.

And now, I'm ready to kick up my feet.


***Note: For those of you questioning my mothering instinct, the prince Lewis was not left in the house unattended.

And Now For Your Viewing Pleasure (which is completely unrelated to the previous story)...

I have been wanting to get a pick like these of KC and the boys for a while, so pleased the conditions were on my side to snap these next three...


There's just no cooperation from Colson on the posing department.




This picture was taken before Lewis' last hair cut. He's entirely edible.


Last Sunday Colson turned four! I can hardly believe my baby boy is 4! I remember so clearly the night he was born and how I felt holding him for the first time. What a true gift he's been to our lives. We are so proud and our home is so full of life with him around. He keep me on my toes, he keeps me confessing sins of impatience, and he keeps my heart full of pride and love! The boy is truly one of a kind.


My parents made him an awesome Spiderman birthday cake. Way to go Folks!



On a personal note, my belly is growing and I'm feeling great, being pregnant and all. Food tastes better than normal because I'm hungrier than normal; and sleep is sweeter than normal as I'm quite ready to hit the pillow come bedtime.

I am enjoying Eugene and the time spent outdoors with the boys during the days and walks with hubby in the evening.

Until next time...

Some pictures before Grandma gets mad!

We are loving our new home here in Eugene. The boys are loving the backyard, and I'm loving that they love the backyard too. Like yesterday, when I had raw poultry juice all over my hands they entertained themselves out there and reduced my juggling of little boys and raw chicken (which is always welcome).

Lewis wakes up with the cutest bedhead in the mornings. I love it. Here is a small peak at it:



The ferocious beast, Lewis:




I'm not sure what kind of mad face this is. But it's typical.


And this one i love because it's so genuine. And boys in bug pajamas are irresistable. Thanks to Q for the hand-me-down.


Oregon, we are all loving you, but who doesn't in June?

Cate

I know that I desperately need to update the blog of all our personal happenings (moving, my own brother had a baby girl, Spring time in Oregon, a new home, family, the boys, church, to name a few) but I had some free time this afternoon to work on some of these photos I took before we left Moscow of my Friend Sarah's newest precious little girl, Cate. What a darling. And since I had these finished, I just had to share with everyone. This was my first time shooting newborn and I learned a lot. Sarah was the perfect person to practice with, she was cheerful, gracious, let me not know what I was doing, and was willing to try anything. Thanks Sarah, it helped me a ton to have you be so kind. And the cookies you sent me home with were fantastic.

Cate is 7 days old in these photos. Oh, the glory of a newborn is such a treasure.

A Spring Evening with Dear Friends