K.C. is on his way across the world, as I write. Pray for him. Pray for his safety and that he would be a blessing to those that hear him teach.

In the morning I'm leaving with the boys to be with my family while he's away. I miss the man terribly already. It doesn't help that everytime Colson and I pray for K.C., Colson says something like, "We neeeeed Daddy." or, "I want Daddy to come home." He usually says it with sad eyes too! Break my heart, will ya, child?

On the up side, when KC's gone:
*I don't cook, which means, dishes are minimal. (this also means we eat like I did in College. Some almonds here, some crackers there, some cottage cheese, sandwich meat, and raw fruits and veggies. oh, and for Colson, why not throw in some hot dogs?
*I watch Chick Flicks and buy Ben & Jerrys.
*I get to travel to Oregon to spend time with the fam.
*oh, and my brother and sister-in-law are having a baby! and I get to see them. YAY!
*My best friend is getting married. We get to hang out! And do wedding stuff!

But the bed seems awfully cold when he's not in it after I'm up with Lewis in the night. And dinner time seems extra lonely. Even Seinfeld episodes are not quite as funny without him. What can I say? He's a great man and we like having him around. In fact, let me tell you something that blessed my little heart a little while back.

I try to make our home a joy to enter when K.C. gets home from work. I try to consider the fact that he's been working his tail off all day (for his family), and the last thing he needs when he walks in the door is me unloading all my garbage at his feet before we can say hello. So, what that means is that I have Colson pick up all his toys, I tidy up, and I try to get dinner, at least, started, and I don't yack his ears off of his head with all my woes and frustrations and challenges.

Something I am learning as a woman, is that timing is so important, when communicating with my man. There is a time to unload the feelings-truck on your man's lap, but that time is not all the time (especially right when he's transitioning from employee to husband and father). I want to be able to greet him after a long day with a welcome and loving home, not a circus, (although, I will admit, it happens). K.C. coming home is such a grace in our home. Colson loves it because they can sword fight. I love it because he's such a kind man. Always helping me in the household, always attentive to our boys, always thankful for the work I do here at home, always thankful to be home, and always loving towards me. It's a grace. from God. I love it when K.C. comes home, and I want him to know. And by doing little things to make his entrance home smooth and a joy for him, I do a little extra to make it so.

So you can imagine how it struck me awhile back when I caught a glimpse through our kitchen window of K.C. running from our van after work to our front door. Literally, running. After being on his feet at work for 10 straight hours. And it dawned on me. He's almost always running when he's getting home. This blessed my heart! To know that home is a joy to him, a haven, a place where he can recharge, renew, and put up his hard-workin' feet, to know that after he's worked hard all day, he is running to get through that door to a family that is so happy to see him and hug him and thank him for working hard for us.

Here is a photo-tribute to my hard workin' man. He's so dashingly handsome:



And then there is this little monkey. He's turning 1 next month! I can hardly believe it. No. I won't believe it. Time goes too fast. He's such a treat to our family. He can now sign please for his food. It's a good thing because the boy can put it down! He ate half a P.B.&J. for lunch the other day and an entire piece of pizza for dinner! wow! Such a switch from his big brother.

Yeah, I like him...



Isn't my baby sweet?



And Colson, who introduced himself to a man the other day as, "Colson Christopher Rumrey Buzz Lightyear" is more lively than ever. He tried to convince me that since he's a superhero he doesn't need to be disciplined because Superhero's are good guys. What do you say to that? What did I say? "Superheros don't disobey their mamas. And if they do, they need to be disciplined, God says." :)



See the backpack hanging on the chair under his arm? He loves this thing (thanks Aunt Ali and Q.) It's constantly being filled with his "currents." Let me see, right now it's holding all of his storm trooper action figures. Go figure.

You wouldn't believe the loot I found in his pants pockets before I stuck them in the washing machine tonight. It was just as my mom (who raised 3 boys) had always told me: a flashlight, a box of matches (the stinker!), and a lone race car. Such a boy!

And what a smile. If he thinks he can charm his mama with this little face, he's right, although it won't keep him out of trouble. ha!