Staying at Ross's Place

Ross has been lonely in his new place so he asked me to come stay with him.

And he asked that I bring Coley too so that when I left, Coley could stay with him for a few extra days.

So Wednesday, I picked Coley up early from the summer program he and the girls go to.

 

 

And we decided to stop to get a couple of drinks on our way out of town because it was so hot.  (Passion tea with no sweetener for me and an orange smoothie with whip for him.)

And then we stopped by a kettle corn stand on the way out of town.

And then we made the 1 1/2 hour drive to Klamath Falls listening to some podcasts I had downloaded and having one of the most meaningful conversations we have probably ever had.  (The podcasts are from a series called Character Under Construction by Andy Stanley and this particular series has been life changing for me and though they're not geared towards kids, Coley really seems to get the message too.  I think it's a six part series but they've only released three so far.)

 

And then we got to Ross's place.  (And no, those are not wine bottles in the background.  They're sparkling cider bottles...I already checked.)

Yes, my toes are painted orange right now (only because my husband thinks I look hot in orange.)

The boys wanted to play video games for awhile

But I hate video games so I walked around taking pictures of Ross's new place instead.

And for the first time after I asked him to PLEASE TURN OFF THAT HORRIFIC, HEAD-BANGING MUSIC BEFORE I SCREAM, he got to say, "Mom, when you pay the rent for my apartment, you can decide what music I listen to."

I think he's been waiting years to say that to me (since I spent so many years saying it to him.)

And after that statement...he changed the song to something I liked instead.

A note from Cali.

His work schedule.

 

He's had these face pads forever and they make his eyebrows turn orange...so I have no idea why he still has them.

 

He painted that coffee table a year or two ago.

And then I took them out to dinner.  (Mexican food.)

 

And then they talked me into taking them to go see Predators.  (I seriously can't think of any movie that I'd like to see less than Predators - and it looks like a bird who flew over the sign thought as highly of the movie as I do.)

When we got up to the ticket counter, I realized it was rated R, but the girl at the counter said it was just due to blood and violence.

Oh....just blood & violence.  Cool.

So against my judgment, I bought tickets anyhow.

And about five minutes into the movie, Ross could be heard saying, "Ok Mom, we'll leave, just don't make a scene" as I freaked out over the blood, the violence and the language I had just subjected my nine year old son to.

So we got a refund and went to Blockbuster to rent movies instead.

 

And then boys played guitar hero until almost midnight.  (Thank goodness my camera has a really high maximum ISO.)

And then we went to bed and after a lousy nights sleep, I locked the door behind me at 5:45 am when I left to head home.  (Ross is bringing Coley back with him on Saturday and we're all heading up to Salem to go to the Enchanted Forest.)

Comments

[Gretchen]

thanks for sharing~I love reading about your adventures :) Have a great weekend!!!

[Jen Spain]

How cool that Ross asked you and Coley to stay with him -- love it. My five year old told me last night that when he gets to be a big man he's still going to live with me forever, but just in case he gets bigger he asked if we could get him a big bed when he outgrows the bunk bed. Your relationship with your boys is an inspiration Karen -- I really hope that when both my boys get to Ross' age we still have as good a relationship as we do now. Looks like you're all headed for a great weekend -- enjoy!

[bethlo.]

karen, how awesome that ross wanted some extra time with coley. you have raised a very fine young man-i know you are so proud of him. and coley is getting SO BIG! i love seeing all the snaps of your kids, but have a soft spot for cole since i have my own brown haired, brown eyed boy who is also growing up way too fast.
have a great weekend,
beth

[Leslie @ {Tiny Wings}]

What a fun trip!!! You're the coolest mom ever!! :-) I think it's awesome that you and Coley listened to the Andy Stanley podcasts together! I love him! Our last bible study was based on the Principle of the Path book & it was so good. I need to download those podcasts. Have a lovely weekend at the Enchanted Forest -- sounds wonderful!

[Kelli]

How neat is it that Ross realized leaving the movie was the best idea! You did good!

[D Jaqueline]

Ross looks so happy that you guys are their. He even smile at the Camera... Your my inspiration as mother.

[JenGallacher]

Came across a layout today of Ross's first time shaving. Didn't even think of it until I saw your post today. And it made me realize how fast my own kiddo's are growing and how much it will kill me when they are gone. :(

[Shauna Thompson]

i just LOVE your pictures and hope that I get into your class soon. Thanks for always sharing your talent of photography!

[teresa b]

Awh what a great mom!! And big brother!!! Love the pix!!

[kelly]

Your blog popped up in Google Reader this afternoon and I clicked through to the Andy Stanley podcasts. Dowloaded them to listen to while I was working in my office. Wow. Seriously enjoying them. Thanks! :)

[kat-in-texas]

Great post, Nellie! Ross's place is so sweet...oops, I mean so manly! ha. I'll bet Coley is in high heaven getting to spend time alone with him. Awesome bond they have!!!

I love Andy Stanley's dad, Charles Stanley. We watch him on tv every Sunday while we get ready for church (or if we stay home...) They are the best!!!

Glad you posted today--makes it a great weekend! :)

[Dina]

I know how Ross feels. I remember being lonely when I first moved into my new place. I asked one of my siblings to stay with me. Love the pictures as always.

[Linda]

They are beautiful :} Ok, boys are Handsome. But they are truly beautiful.

[Lisa]

Love your visit--thanks for sharing! Glad to see Ross moved his deoderant with him (remember those pit stains in the Christmas pictures)! (HaHa We have the same problem , only my girls get it from me--I apologize to them all the time!) That is great Cole gets to stay with his big brother--he'll always remember that. My 10 year old (our big surprise) is on Vancouver Island staying with his big sister for a week--he's loving it! Ahhh... summer memories. Enjoy. Take care.
Lisa

[Rhonda P.]

First, it's so sweet he asked you to come stay in the first place. Second, how awesome he asked his little brother to stay a couple of days. Just melts my heart.

[Rae]

I like his pet! I had one just like that. Funky Freddy the Fighting Fish! Looks like a great time! You're very lucky to have such a great relationship with him!!!

[Domenico]

Sounds like a perfectly wonderful existence, cider, loud music and midnight jams to Guitar Hero... cannot wait!

[Ada]

if there is even a smidge of me that could possibly maybe not totally dread my kids growing up.... its because of moments like these that you share & I can see that dreaded part might just be ok. :)
guess all the pics of his stuff (aka deod) just seems normal to him by now !!LOL
thanks for sharing-
Ada in Coastal Cali

[Angel]

hi karen,

hope you had a great time at Ross's place.

can i just say that i have the exact snoopy jar that ross had at our home back in manila, philippines?

it is sooooo weird seeing it, i don't even remember having it until i saw it in your pictures.

i miss home. (i live in bermuda now)

love your blog!

[caro]

hi Karen, what a super photojournal of this time for Ross. Was that high ISO pic at night? wowser!

[Tara]

Looks like it was a fun visit. And it's so sweet that you were invited to visit.

[Jennifer Camplin]

Nice fun out to Ross apt.
Nice of Ross, want lil bro to come by.

Fun.. other than glad Ross knew it to get out of that movie place.

Glad you all had fun!

[janel]

What fabulous photos. And, think how neat it will be for R. to have them when he is your age. I just love every one of them. So happy you had a great overnight!

[JaYne]

Coley is going to have a blast hanging with his big brother!

[Deneen]

I am sure Ross got a kick out of telling you what you have told him for years LOL. So good that Ross and Coley get to hang out just the two of them. And very cool that Ross wanted you to go stay the night at his place, you truly are one lucky mama!