Hello all!

Update over the past….let's say….few months:

* Our happy family of four is growing to five, come August!

* Our happy family of one daddy, one mommy and two sweet boys is growing to one (proud) dad, one (prayerful) mom and THREE sweet boys!

* We had one dead rat in our bathroom ventilation….yes….it was just glorious! :-/Thankful for parents to house us while we found a way to him. And beyond thankful for a husband to search high and low, despite bugs, spiders and smell to conquer the nasty thing. My hero!

* A new laundry room floor was put in….due to rat…

* We enjoyed a great, relaxing spring break which included seeing our great friends, the Berryessa's!

Besides the highlights, our days have been filled with routine and blessings. I can't complain! :-)

Funny little story…..I did something I never thought I would the other morning. I came out of my room, dressed for Easter, and asked my two little men, if my jacket matched with the rest of my outfit. WHAT?!? A grown women asking an almost 5 and 2 1/2 yr old if an outfit looked ok? Who does that? I will never forget the look on their faces! But Kellen looked at me sweetly and said, "Mom, you look great!" And with that, we walked out the door….

Heres a few pictures to make you smile.

On our way to Easter Service! And yes, we are in the church 12 passenger van. My boys would love to have this as our own personal vehicle. I, on the other hand, would not. ;-)

Kellen, lookin sharp!

Easter Morning. And yes, they are matching! How could I not? :-)

1st slurpees ever! Not sure why I waited so long to share this goodness....

Sharing sweet secrets with Grammy

Get cuter!

I think Kellen was the only one excited to help daddy find the "rat"! Don't worry we didn't send him down under the house...

Big boy Austin

Kellen likes to take pictures of his toys on my phone to show his friends :-)

So grown up!

"Baby news" collage

Stationery card

Oh Holy Night Religious Christmas Card

Browse Shutterfly's unique Christmas card designs.

View the entire collection of cards.

Dedicated to Erika!

Updating this blog has been hovering in my peripheral thoughts for weeks now and the Lord has used a great friend to make me face this "task"! (Though it is a great outlet, I always remember, as I begin). So this post is dedicated to Erika!

As a mom to her adorable and perfect newborn second son, she FB'ed me asking for my blog address to catch up on the Rhoden happenings during the late nights. It was great to see that she remembered my blog but then it hit me....I had no clue as to what my blog's address was. Not a good thing for a so called blog writer. I knew I had to face my blog head on and not only look up my website but write something. ;-)

So Erika, Thank you for the sweet and needed encouragement to actually get my "blog" on. You are in my prayers these next months as you transition to from one to two. Give yourself tons of grace, enjoy watching movies with Nolan as you nurse Nielson for what seems like hours, sleep when they sleep, remember you are not alone and above all enjoy! You are a phenomenal mom, married to a great and supportive hubby, with all the resources (physical, emotional, spiritual and heaven sent) that you need! I can not wait to meet your new little man! Blessings on you! I love you my dear friend!

*As for us Rhodens, we are doing great! After my trip to visit Andi, Michael and my ah-may-zing niece, Riley (blog about that to follow) we are ready to stay put for a while and are excited for the holidays and all the fun that brings! We are so thankful for all that God is doing and love this time in our lives. Kellen and Austin continue to bring so much joy. I swear, if we could bottle up Austin's "cuteness" we could be rich. Kellen, almost daily, asks when he can ride the school bus to school, I tell him when he is a little taller (how do you explain a year to kids) and I still don't have the heart to tell him that he won't ride the bus to school, ever. :-) Ok, that is a little extreme, but this mama is having a hard time imagining him at school, let alone on a bus. Oh Jesus, help me.

Yard work day!

Their first car!

Today is memorial day and we have had a nice relaxing day. Ryan has been in Haiti with the Anthem group the last few days so this morning started with my parents heading over for breakfast! Dad made pancakes and Kellen's favorite, egg in a hole. We then decided that with the sun making a rare appearance, to get our "exercise on" and walk up Roxyanne. It was a great walk and the boys loved the hike, picking up rocks and the gorgeous view of Medford. Well, they might of not noticed how gorgeous it was but liked watching the planes fly into Medford.

As I write, the boys are now outside digging for worms and bugs. A regular activity. Yesterday, Kellen brought in a snail. He was so proud, but I promptly told him to go and put him back where he found him. I came outside a few minutes later and found him digging the snail out of his home. He had snail pieces, slime and whatever else they consist of all over his hands. I tried to keep my composer and not scream in disgust. As I walked him into the kitchen and began scrubbing his hands, I asked him why he wanted to do that, and his answer made me smile, calming my nerves. "I just wanted to see what the inside of his house looked like." I think he expected to see bedrooms and a bathroom all tucked in there. :-) This mama is still getting used to the fact that boys like to dig in dirt, carry gobs of worms in their hands and pull snails apart. At least he told me today that he was going to put the worms in his pocket and keep them. I don't have to tell you what my answer was. I know it comes with the territory and there is nothing more sweet then when I am outside and I look over and see the two of them bent over with heads touching, pulling up rocks to discover the treasures that await them.

I love my life.....

Happy Birthday, Kellen!

4 years ago you were placed in my arms for the first time and I was forever changed. I had no idea how much joy and life you would bring to my life, your dad's life and the lives of everyone you meet. You have a way about you that is a gift to many! Not a day goes by that I am not THE proudest to be your mom and I thank Jesus for the opportunity your dad and I have to raise you to become the man of God he has started in you! I love you, Kellen. XOX

One of our donut date mornings!

Birthday boy!!!

"Cruisin" around with Vanessa!

♥ And as we were driving home from our Easter/Birthday celebrations today, you told me that, "Jesus froze from the grave and is alive!" It melted my heart and brought tears to my eyes, you are grasping the deep things of our God....we just need to work on your wording! :-)

Hello friends! Here are a few pictures from the last few months...

Austin and his shoe loving little feet. He is always finding shoes and putting them on. Doesn't matter if they are mine, Ryan's, Kellen's, or a visiting friend, if there out, they will be worn. It is pretty cute and always makes us smile as he is scuffling around the house. In this picture he is wearing one dressy shoe and one running shoe, both Kellen's, both on the wrong feet. :-)

We had a visit from my cousin, Aubre and my aunt Carol, last week! It was so great to see them, but of course, the boys brought out toys and books to remind them that THEY had priority. No arguement from us! Carol loved getting in snuggles and love from her little men.

Mama getting in lots of love and hugs from her boys after a week away!

Austin is growing up so fast! He is saying a few words, mostly understood by myself or Ryan, and is wanting to do all the grown up things. He helps me feed Toby, helps me clean up his tray, helps me clean up his toys and LOVES to brush his teeth! He is a joy to our family!

For a week, Ryan and I enjoyed the sun, warm breezes and views like this as we relaxed on the beaches in Oahu! No responsibility, no kids, no schedules. It was incredible!!!!

Kellen and Austin getting into shape! (I think Austin is wearing a random shoe, too)

Our adorable little man!

2010 Christmas card

20 minutes....thats all I need to give to this blog for it to be updated on a regular basis. Why does it not happen? Well, I could go on and on with excuses but who needs those? :)

We are alive, kickin and still loving life in the Rhoden household. Ryan has been gone for a few days up in Portland with the Anthem students, spending time with our great friends the Berryessa's! Drew has been teaching/ministering to the students and we always know and expect great things from this week. As much as I miss going on some of these trips, I do get the chance to watch some girl movies (Julie and Julia :) ) and of course the "little" men in my life make up for it! Today, as I was sitting on the floor hanging out, Kellen sat in my lap and within 30 seconds, Austin was pushing him over, looking for his spot too. Before a fight broke out, I scooted and moved them around til they were both happy, on mama's lap! Melted my heart!!!

Time's up! Until my next free 20 minutes.....

Synchronized napping!

Something is happening at this very moment that rarely ever happens....my boys are sleeping at the SAME time. I am a little giddy and enjoying the moment completely. Yes, I am blogging when there are probably a 100 things I could do to take advantage of this time, but as I blog I am curled up on the couch next to Ryan watching football and pretending like we are in our previous life, without kids. Not that I would trade this season for anything, but every once in a while our old ways of life resurface and we get to enjoy those moments again. :) If someone would have told me that I could feel this "christmas morning happy" feeling to have an hour to myself I would have thought they were crazy and a little depressed. An hour to myself is all a mom gets at times? Yikes! But I enjoy these moments and I really think God does an accelerated work to refresh me during these times. :)

We've been VERY busy with our fall schedule but I think this week we are finally able to get into a "normal" routine. But then as soon as a "normal" takes place, the holidays come flying into view. We are looking forward to this season with two very active boys to entertain and keep us laughing!

I better go. Austin woke up and even though this ends "my time", seeing his face emerge from his room makes my heart skip a beat in joy!

Months have flown by and here we are smack dab in the middle of September, which means our little bundle of joy is now a walking, climbing, babbling little one year old! How in the heck did this happen? No idea, so I will continue to hold on for the ride and enjoy every minute!

We have had a fairly mellow summer. Besides our normal camp routine and a quick trip to Cali for my cousins wedding, we have stayed pretty close to home. Ryan is SO close (Thank you Jesus) to finishing up his schooling, so we have held off on any major vacations until he can enjoy them without papers or book reports vying for his attention.

We are anticipating a great Anthem year and have 13 students arriving in the next few weeks! Yay! What does this year have in store for us as leaders and most importantly for these student leaders? God never ceases to amaze me!

Before it gets any closer to being way past my bedtime, I am going to go take a minute and flip through my Real Simple magazine! It is funny how reading and looking through a magazine is pure joy for this "mama". The simple things in life....

Out for a walk

Cutest ring bear in town!

Helping daddy work

Happy baby

Kellen!

I just finished my most favorite time with you! Bed time. Not because I am ready for a quiet evening, but because we get some one on one time as we rock in the rocking chair, discussing our day, praying for a sweet sleep, and singing songs together. After days where I feel like all I have been saying to you is, "leave your brother alone....walk away from your brother....stop sitting on the cat...."and even with daddy tucking you in and praying for you, you still want me to come in and rock you. A couple months ago, when this "rocking ritual" started, I was a little frustrated that daddy's prayers weren't cutting it, so I went in and told you I would rock you for a few minutes. Well as we began rocking, the "few" minutes turned into "many" and as you were all curled up in my lap, I realized that I needed these times as much as you did! After all the prayers are said and the songs sung, we sit there quietly rocking and I literally breath in your sweet smell and thank our amazing Father for these moments! I know one day you will be too big to curl in my lap (I will try to make you tho :) ) so for now, I look forward to your nightly question, "Mama, will you rock me?" Yes...most definitely yes!

I love you my sweet Kellen!

8 Months!

Austin,

You are now officially mobile. And our lives are once again in a transition. :) Besides making sure we have all the small toys and masses of Legos picked up, I am realizing that vacuuming is a must. Every little leaf is in your mouth! :) Kellen is so excited that you are crawling but when you make your way to him and start playing with his cars, he realizes how this effects him and he becomes a little unhappy. He is learning how to share in so many new ways.

You have your first top tooth and are getting two more in. Now that you have top and bottom teeth you started grinding your teeth together. Such a funny little sound and probably pretty interesting feeling for you.

You LOVE food. Not baby food, you will not eat it, you want the real deal. So what we eat, you eat! So nice not to have to tote around jars of baby food. And you can tell you love food, you weigh around 18 lbs!

Singing songs brings big smiles and laughs. Any song works and when Kellen sings them with me, you love it even more.

Your smiles are still instant and melt everyones hearts!

Oh and last but definitely not least, your first word was "Mama"! So now you crawl around the house saying "mama, mama". Nothing better then that!

Costco Run!

I am taking a few minutes to say hi and that I am still alive and kickin! I do not know how people can blog everyday! I do not have enough discipline. Maybe if someone paid me it would be more of an incentive! :)

We are finishing off the last few days of daddy/hubby being gone on outreach to Haiti! The team has been incredible (never had any doubts) and we back on the "home team" have done exceptionally well!!! Our God is so faithful to fill this time with family, amazing friends and Himself! God's presence and peace has been so thick while we have been apart from Ryan and the rest of our team. But trust me, there has been moments that the enemies lies, doubt, discouragement, loneliness....the list could go on...has tried to envelop me but God's unfailing love, satisfaction, and truth has won over and been almost tangible! If that makes sense.

On one of the early days apart, I was driving around town and having a mini pity party and God spoke so clearly to me. He said, "I didn't carpool with them down to Haiti and leave you alone. I am still here and have things to be done in your life during this time." BAM!! I immediately repented of my "poopy pants" attitude and began to thank Him for this opportunity! My perspective was so off! AND He is SO good!

The boys have been incredible and make everyday worth the sacrifice of staying home! Austin is a growing, babbling, almost crawling, happy baby with a few teeth coming in! He is the smiliest little guy around and it lights up my life! Kellen is still my little entertainer, BUT, he is learning he can push the limits and likes to put all my parenting skills or lack there of, to the test! :) This evening as I was leaving his room from putting him to bed, I was about to close his door and he said, "mom...mom", I thought he was going to ask for water but as I turned and responded, he ever so sweetly, in his cute Kellen voice, said, "I love you! MELT MY HEART!!!! Thank you Jesus for the gift of my boys!!!

Well, I should be off to bed! I am praying for incentive (and money :) ) to write in the next few days! There is so much more to tell! Skyping with Andi and Michael, Kellen's birthday, the transition of my dear, dear, dear friend Stephani (and her incredible family) moving, Letters to Austin, Letters to Kellen....oh dear! Jesus, help! :)

G'night!

My INCREDIBLE husband, fearless leader, AMAZING daddy, and love of my life! So proud to be partnered with this man!!!

I'm here....

You know I haven't blogged enough when I forget my own password and sign in name. Sheesh! :)

I only have a minute, but I wanted to check in and let you all know I am alive and have not been swallowed up by the laundry basket or overtaken by my boys. At least not yet! I have a blog in the works that will fill in the past few weeks of our lives. Don't expect too much, but some fun updates are coming!

Blessings on you, my few but faithful followers!

Here's something to make you smile....

My sweet Austin!

You are technically 5 months and 4 weeks per Baby Center emails! Time goes even faster with the second child. :) And having you as our second makes it wonderful! It is amazing to watch how everyday a new concept is taken into your brilliant little mind.

You are taking after your brother and have a pretty relaxed attitude about life. The only thing that can alter your sweet deposition are growing teeth. Yikes! You have two on the bottom so far. You love to chew on anything you can get your hands on, but normally you have a couple of your fingers or your whole hand in your mouth.

I am finally getting in the habit of feeding you "real" food. You have had rice cereal and bananas so far and you love your high chair, sitting up so high and adult like. :)

Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy….this is your favorite past time! The Tigger jumper that I bought for Kellen (in which he only used maybe twice) is paying off. You love to jump! Your legs are going to be the nicest looking legs for a 6 month old. :) My mom, your dee dee, said that when Aubre was a baby she loved her jumper. After one particularly long jumping session, Aunt Carol took her out and the next day whenever she moved her legs, she would whimper in pain her little muscles were so sore. :) So, you have time limits! :) Oh, and now Kellen watches you and has to have a turn jumping. You have inspired him to finally use his Tigger jumper!

You made it through Bronchiolitis! It was a little scary when every breath you took sounded raspy and congested but after a round of steroids and breathing treatments you are good as new.

Your smile is so adorable and contagious! When someone talks to you, your smile is immediate and melts hearts. :)

You adore your brother. You watch his every move and are so ready to be playing with him. I know that there will be fights and brawls in the future that I will have to referee but you boys will have so much fun together.

Coming up next month....

New food adventures

The possibility of your first words. Hoping for Mama! :)

and

Skyping with Auntie Auntie and Michael

Your brother reading to you

Loving life

Kellen's story...

My favorite Kellen!!!

Less then a month and you will be 3! How did that happen? :) The last three years have been so incredible, and you have brought so much joy to your dad and I. You show us what life is really about.

Today I was asking you to do something and you looked at me so seriously and using your hand as emphasis, said, "Mom, this is the real deal...." I never found out what the "real deal" was because I immediately started laughing. Where do you get these things? But somewhere, someone said that and you picked it up. You have the best ears! Even when we are driving around, you hear planes, motorcycles, birds, ect faster then anyone I have been around.

You LOVE our Anthem students and they love you! When ever we head to the church you always go through the list of students to make sure we will see each one! The other day I was able to skype with Jessica (Anthem alumni) and the moment you saw her you said "Hi!", then "where have you been?" It was so cute and she loved it!

Almost every morning you wake up and always ask for two things: 1)crackers, which half the time I give you until I am coherent enough to make a wise breakfast choice and 2) your foot ball shirt! You love to wear football shirts. You now have a wide variety of football shirts and in order for you to wear anything else, we have to tell you that a "stripped shirt" is what football players wear before a game. :) Usually once a day, you ask your dad to play football with you, which brings a huge smile to his face!

You are still not potty trained. We have tried EVERYTHING and you still are content to wear your diaper. You have gone a couple times in the toilet, received a yummy candy and still...nothing. I have read that when the child is ready, the child will go. I am hoping this is true.

You are an amazing "big brother"! Out of everyone, you make Austin laugh the most! You love to push him in the swing (he is getting ready for the roller coasters at the speed you push him) , read to him, sing to him and give him kisses. You have a life long friend!

Coming up next month.....

Skyping with Auntie Auntie and Michael

3rd Birthday party

and

daily conversations!

We love you! ♥

Working away on the computer! :)

The ickies...

....made their first (of many, I am guessing) stop at our home last week. As Austin's first tooth was making a grand appearance, he was also diagnosed with Bronchiolitis. We made a quick trip to the doctors, had a breathing treatment and came home to pack up daddy for a trip to L.A. We sent daddy off bright and early the next morning and hunkered down as the "ickies" stayed for a visit. Two days later we went back for a follow-up appointment and, of course, found out Kellen had the unpleasant guest. So....breathing treatment #2. A few days later we are now over the worst and thankful for bodies that are recovering. Now just praying that mommy stays healthy. :)

By the way, I am trying to dedicate at least one post each month to journal what the boys have accomplished, so that IF one day, I get organized and put together a book for each of them, they will have an idea of "the happenings" in their life. :) We will see....

A Night Out

A few nights ago Ryan and I were able to leave the boys for a couple hours so that we could go and have a date! We are blessed to have both sets of parents in town who take turns watching the boys so that Ryan and I aren't swallowed up by life as parents! We headed off to Porters and enjoyed a fabulous meal and adult conversations. As I was sharing some thoughts that have been running through my mind, Ryan so simply yet profoundly said, "Sounds like you are not obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit." I was caught off guard. "What?" I thought. "I know the voice of the Lord, thank you very much, and I do what He tells me to do. " :) Ok, who am I kidding! As I swallowed my pride and let his words settle in my heart, I began to see that I was discrediting myself from things God was revealing and asking of me. Random thoughts are most likely not that random after all. Now God is so gracious and the times I haven't followed through are not wasted but lessons. I am once again shocked and humbled that God would use me, even if it is just a quick phone call or text ( for those of us who have forgotten that we can actually use verbal words to express ourselves) to remind someone that we are thinking of them. So I am forever a student of Our King and learning how to quiet myself to hear HIS voice. As I say to Kellen, "Listen AND obey," I am having to do the same thing as my Father speaks to me.

Weeks are flying by! Austin is growing way too fast and is ready to be on the move. Kinda scary when he is only 5 months. :) Every time Kellen and Ryan are wrestling around on the floor, Austin is watching and wiggling in anticipation, waiting for his time to join.

A few days ago, I was busy in Kellen's room, cleaning up something, no doubt, and I heard Austin in the living room laughing hysterically. I came out wonderin

g what had given him the giggles and there was Kellen playing hide and seek with him. It was so precious to watch Kellen light up with the realization that he had Austin's full attention as Austin's eyes never left his brothers antics. It is so fun to watch their love for each other blossom. But then a day later, this wonderful relationship took a turn as Austin's screams reached my ears and I came out finding Kellen poking him in the eyes. How fun will this journey be! :)

Kellen is learning as fast as Austin is growing! There is not a car ride or conversations that does not include the words, "Why, mommy?" He will not take 'I don't know' as a legitimate answer so I spend a good part of my day coming up with reasons that will please his growing mind!

Wow! I can see how blogs can get forgotten in the shuffle of life. But I am here! I thought to make it easy on myself for today I would post some pictures.

Kellen explaining life to Austin. :)

Mini Ryan

My boys

Kellen loves to help me around the house. Takes twice as long but makes it so much better. :)

Austin is growing up too fast!

And has found his thumb.

Cousin Paige giving Kellen his first tattoo! Better watch those two! :)

Dr. Kellen "re-constructing" daddy!

Kellen helping make homework time for daddy tolerable! :)

Austin all ready to go to town!

Kellen and his good friend Violet

Out for a walk with Dee dee during Christmas!

Austin and Dee dee

Mr. Smiley

More walks

Kellen imitating daddy at work. The blocks are his computer. :)

Finding fun toys at Ethan and Caleb's.

Kellen and Papa at the beach

Kellen and his Auntie-auntie.

Next time I will make a slide-show. :) Off to clean up the house and get lunch started!