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.)
thanks for sharing~I love reading about your adventures :) Have a great weekend!!!
Posted by: Gretchen | July 30, 2010 at 08:56 AM
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!
Posted by: Jen Spain | July 30, 2010 at 08:58 AM
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
Posted by: bethlo. | July 30, 2010 at 08:59 AM
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!
Posted by: Leslie @ {Tiny Wings} | July 30, 2010 at 09:08 AM
How neat is it that Ross realized leaving the movie was the best idea! You did good!
Posted by: Kelli | July 30, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Ross looks so happy that you guys are their. He even smile at the Camera... Your my inspiration as mother.
Posted by: D Jaqueline | July 30, 2010 at 10:27 AM
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. :(
Posted by: JenGallacher | July 30, 2010 at 11:02 AM
i just LOVE your pictures and hope that I get into your class soon. Thanks for always sharing your talent of photography!
Posted by: Shauna Thompson | July 30, 2010 at 12:50 PM
Awh what a great mom!! And big brother!!! Love the pix!!
Posted by: teresa b | July 30, 2010 at 02:14 PM
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! :)
Posted by: kelly | July 30, 2010 at 02:35 PM
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! :)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | July 30, 2010 at 03:26 PM
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.
Posted by: Dina | July 30, 2010 at 04:21 PM
They are beautiful :} Ok, boys are Handsome. But they are truly beautiful.
Posted by: Linda | July 30, 2010 at 05:01 PM
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
Posted by: Lisa | July 30, 2010 at 05:50 PM
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.
Posted by: Rhonda P. | July 30, 2010 at 05:57 PM
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!!!
Posted by: Rae | July 30, 2010 at 06:58 PM
Sounds like a perfectly wonderful existence, cider, loud music and midnight jams to Guitar Hero... cannot wait!
Posted by: Domenico | July 30, 2010 at 10:24 PM
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
Posted by: Ada | July 30, 2010 at 11:21 PM
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!
Posted by: Angel | July 31, 2010 at 01:15 AM
hi Karen, what a super photojournal of this time for Ross. Was that high ISO pic at night? wowser!
Posted by: caro | July 31, 2010 at 04:21 AM
Looks like it was a fun visit. And it's so sweet that you were invited to visit.
Posted by: Tara | July 31, 2010 at 04:40 AM
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!
Posted by: Jennifer Camplin | July 31, 2010 at 05:29 AM
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!
Posted by: janel | July 31, 2010 at 09:21 AM
Coley is going to have a blast hanging with his big brother!
Posted by: JaYne | July 31, 2010 at 10:39 AM
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!
Posted by: Deneen | July 31, 2010 at 02:56 PM
Karen, I'm a current student, and I have to say that my respect for you went up even more (and it was already pretty high!) hearing that you and Coley were listening to Andy Stanley. He is my all-time favorite pastor. I don't know how familiar you are with his other series, but they are fabulous; he just makes so much sense and really speaks to your heart. I live in TN, but I got to go to a service at North Point a couple years ago with my husband, which was pretty cool. Anyway, kuddos to you for sharing that special time with Coley. It sounds like he's pretty lucky to have you and his loving big brother.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 31, 2010 at 03:24 PM
First of all, YOU are the coolest mom EVER. EVER.
Second, holy tamales, when did Coley turn into a pre-teen young man. He looks like he aged five years this summer. That photo of him in front of the bus... totally different kid there.
Third, you have the COOLEST kid ever to ask YOU, his MOM to come hang with him. Seriously, I cannot even imagine any such thing ever happening with my son. As a matter of fact, I think he lived in four different apartments before I ever had the opportunity to step foot into one of them.
Posted by: Ally | August 01, 2010 at 07:59 AM
Your left bicep must be the size of Popeye's! Great one-handed shots.
Posted by: nancy in ks | August 01, 2010 at 11:25 AM
I know you get tons of comments...and rightly so! But this amateur just wanted to say thanks for such an awesome blog full of amazing photos. You're an inspiration!
Posted by: charity palmer | August 01, 2010 at 12:58 PM
how awesome!
you are such a fabulous mama!
xoxoxo
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | August 01, 2010 at 02:45 PM
Great pictures.. As always :) We go to Northpoint here in Atlanta. We LOVE Andy! We have been going there for about three years. I have a 8 yr old and a 6 yr old. He's a great speaker and tells it like it is :)
Love that Coley is hanging with Ross for a few days.. I used to get to do that with my Sister when I was younger.. So much fun :)
Roxanne
Posted by: Roxanne | August 02, 2010 at 06:40 AM
Glad you enjoyed the podcast....I loved that series, too. Andy is actually my pastor here in Atlanta, GA and I'm fully aware of how lucky I am. I love to go back and re-listen to particularly good messages he's done in the past.
Posted by: Nina | August 02, 2010 at 08:27 AM
This is too funny..
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.)
I think everyone waits their whole teenage years to tell/or go against their parents on. Mine big deal was standing with the refrigerator door open for any length of time JUST.TO.SEE.WHAT.THERE.WAS.TOO.EAT.
even though I had just been in there 1 minutes ago....
Posted by: jakki | August 02, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Karen, I just finished listening the first podcast of the series you mentioned. It was great! I downloaded the rest of them and can't wait to have the time to listen to more. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melanie | August 02, 2010 at 04:18 PM
Andy Stanley is a wonderful preacher/teacher. We were part of his congregation before moving to Bowling Green, KY last year. Yepper, we miss it.
Posted by: Kimberly | August 03, 2010 at 03:17 AM
Thank you so much for coming to Billings, your class was amazing!!! I am so going to buy a nifty 50 lens for my camera! I am excited to get my camera out and keep it out. Thank you again!
:) Cathy
Posted by: Cathy S. | August 08, 2010 at 07:21 AM
I love the first and second photo and the one of Coley looking up at his big brother with a huge smile on his face. The one of him smiling on the couch just shows how happy he is to be there and staying with his brother for a few days. What fun for him.
Posted by: Melanie | August 09, 2010 at 06:39 PM