The Boys

Colson Quote

Me: "Mmmmmmm, I could just eat Lewis up!!!"
Colson (very matter of fact): "He's not corn."

Last week we got to truly experience the differences between boys and girls.
Isn't she beautiful?
And we've decided (as if it were possible) that a little Rumrey girl would suit us just fine.

Divine Comedy

God was making fun of me today. It just so happened this afternoon as I was making cookies that an all-too-familiar thing occurred. These are the same cookies I was making back in March of 2007 when I dropped the egg shell in the mixing Kitchen-aid only to hear the shell go "crunch-crunch" before I could switch it off. Today as I dangled the broken egg shell over the running mixer I was brought back to that moment, and I was conscious and deliberate and careful. I was actually thinking to myself, "ha, wouldn't that be silly? I won't do that again. ha, ha, OHHHH NOOO!"
I don't know how it happened. It slipped out of my hand and right into the rotating dough, beautiful creamy dough...with egg shell. Again, the sound. The "crunch-crunch". It happened so fast. Colson thought it was great. It got me laughing too as I picked my way through egg remnants. I didn't throw out the batch. That would just be a waste, and besides, I used up all my butter on this batch, which is also an ironic similarity to my 1st mishap over a year ago. I've had 2 cookies so far (only a start) and they were egg-shell free.

And this pic? Why must I always post a picture of one of my children? Let's just say I'm obsessed. It's true, and I'm not turning back.

August is great. It's great for the blueberries, the year's best peaches, the raspberries, and the huckleberries for us Northern Idahoans. It's a good month for the great outdoors, especially when you are a youngster. It's even especially good for playing in the rain. Today is one of those days. I don't know if it's going to let up today, but we won't let it stop us, or at least, Colson won't let it stop him.

Act Your Age

Don't you adore this maneuver?

Camping in Montana

We spent our weekend here, and it was fantastic.

"The Children"

I'm getting used to saying "the children" with particular emphasis on the fact that I get to use the term in the plural. "the children." "the boys." "my childen." It has a particular ring to it that I can't get enough of. So, here, this post gives me another reason to say, here are "the children". I think it makes me feel officially like a mom. (Not meaning that motherhood is not official if you've got just one)!

Here's looking at you! Lewis making faces.

This baby is very expressive. Here are a couple fun faces from yesterday's photo shoot.

Providence

Every early morning starts out the same for me. It's in these still and quiet times I'm overwhelmed at the joy that been given to me in this job of mama . I wouldn't trade these tender early mornings with this oh-so-sweet little one. He feels so good in my arms. I am not trying to hold onto these moments as if they are all that I have. I know that this will grow into so much more. It's just that it's hard to imagine things getting better. Thank God, He's the author and I'm not. I never would have written my story in this way. I didn't grow up as a girl thinking of myself as a little mama, providing for the pretend needs of dolls. No, instead I was running in the wake of 3 big brothers, trying to be a bandit on a bike or a professional baseball player in the lawn. I remember specifically thinking that marriage and family was something that wasn't for me. I didn't have a clue what I was getting into when I met the cutest guy on campus in college with a fire and passion for the Lord Jesus. It's a curious thing to think we are in control of our lives, of our futures, our jobs, kids, whatever. Looking back into my past and how I've come from point A to point B is proof that I'm not in control. I didn't chose this. Again, I didn't write this story. I feel so small in light of it, the hand of the Creator giving me a story. One of beauty and joy. One that speaks of something better and more beautiful than plans and ideas. When I think about it, the idea of being "out of control" is scary to me. It shouldn't be. We aren't in control, even when we think we are. I don't know anyone that says, looking back, that things happened to them exactly as they pictured. I guess this Americanism that says "your way, right away" has got us living in false ideals.
I'm just glad I'll never have to look back and say "those were the best days of my life" or "those were the glory days. If only I could get back there." I don't think this is what a good God wants us living like. I don't believe he gives us a snippet of good and says "That's all the good you get; your nugget of glory is gone. " I want to live here and now, and I want to be optimistic about the future. I desire this because I'm happy to give up the idea of control, to place it in the hands of the One who truly is the author and finisher. To the One that is good and kind and leads us in the way of life and joy and peace. This doesn't mean that there won't be difficult times or death or sin. I don't know what is around the bend, but somebody does, and He is good, and I am His child. Our family is right in the middle of this very personal drama that is our lives. Today I'm putting my faith in the Triune God, the author of the story of creation and life. I have a feeling we're in for a ride.

what a goof!

I'm pretty sure he gets it from his Dad.

Dinner, at our house

I am not sure when the last time was that I cooked...I mean, really cooked, a good meal. We've been eating order-out from the local Thai joint, homemade burritos from a co-worker of KC's, tuna melts, hamburgers on the turtle BBQ (thanks to the Hub), and whatever else that requires minimal prep and cooking time. It's summer time, we've been vacationing, and on top of that, during these hot months, the last thing I've wanted to do has been to work away over a hot stove or oven....until yesterday. I have been craving a good pasta dish, not to mention to get back into the kitchen and my hands in the good ingredients of a yummy meal. The above picture is not so good, especially when compared to how this dish satisfies the taste buds, but let me tell you, if you are looking for a great pasta recipe and fun step-by-step instructions, don't delay. And whoever you share this meal with will want to kiss you. It worked for me. Bon appetit!

August, oh the joy.

This is just about accurate

This boy is a whirl-wind:

This boy is a self-soother: