"Chalk It Up"

Isabelle had a blast at "Chalk It Up," in downtown Edmond this last Tuesday! They always have activities going on for the 4th, and our mom's group checked it out. We had our own little square of cement and the kids could paint and use chalk to make their own little "art" masterpieces. Of course Izze's masterpiece is just lines everywhere, but to her and I, it is something very beautiful! She also enjoyed getting to play with the bubbles. Did I mention that she loves doing bubbles! They had a little pool with bubbles and wands and she started out with one wand and at one point had at least three in her hand. Also, she almost took a swim with the bubbles, she got her right foot in before I could slow her down from getting all the way in. She just knows that she likes it, that's all. Maybe next year she will be brave enough to jump in the big blow-up things (whatever those are called). She almost made it in this time, but in a moment she turned around and asked me to hold her, so I don't think she was ready for such an adventure! Ian was just relaxing (in the heat) in the his car seat, next year he will maybe be able to keep up with his big sister a little better! Have a great 4th!

Father's Day Times 2!

This Father's Day was a little more special for Brian! This year we not only had our precious little girl, but we had our little guy here to celebrate being a Daddy! Izze did the sweetest thing. We had bought daddy a card and she had made her doodles inside and I told her when daddy gets home meet him at the door with the card and tell him "Happy Father's Day". She did it perfectly. I enjoyed hearing her say it and the look on his face said it all. Brian bent down to her level and said "I love you baby", and thank you. You could tell that she knew she did something great for her daddy by the smile on her face. Of course lets not forget about Ian, he shot his daddy one of those toothless smiles that just melts your heart and that did for his daddy. Love like no other. We also got to take Brian's dad out for lunch on Father's Day, so it was a great day in the Rush household. Happy Father's Day babe!

9th Anniversary!

Wow, how time flies when you are definitely having fun!! Brian & I just celebrated our nine year anniversary on the 13th of June. We went out for dinner, and it was so nice to just talk, and have no other distractions. Some very dear friends of ours, the Hood's watched the kids. Izze always likes going to their house because they have a swing-set. We have been in full time ministry for about eight of those years. Oklahoma City/Edmond is by far the best move we've made! Not knowing exactly what the future would hold we moved here in Jan. of 2002 to help start a church with the Cooper's! Church planting is much different than we could have ever known. It has been an exciting and learning adventure! While here we have had two amazing children, who continue to grow and shape us just as we are growing and shaping them. We have made some friendships that will last forever, and we are apart of an amazing team of Pastor's and leaders. How could we ask for more, we are truly a blessed family. My husband, where to begin. I am so thankful for him in my life. He is the best husband and father that you could ask for. I love that he knows me so well, that while at a store he could pick out an outfit for me, and I would love it. He always thinks about me, even little things like my favorite candy. He wants his kids to know him, and to love God with all their heart. I would have to say that he is great at what he does in ministry. He is the love of my life! So to many more happy and adventure filled years!!

Fast Forward!

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of keeping up with our blog, but mom's (me) been a little sleep deprived lately. Just a little thing we like to call NEW BABY BOY!! Despite the lack of sleep, it is truly an amazing adventure. Those of you with kids or new little ones on the way know that it is true.

We have had a great summer so far. We just got back from staff retreat at Grand Lake. Izze had a blast. She swam a lot and got to go on her first boat ride, with Daddy driving! Ian got to come along as well, so he has had his first boat ride without knowing of course. He slept through the whole thing, even when we hit a big wave and Izze and I got really wet sitting up in the front part of the boat. It is always a great time with the other staff, just to hang out and relax together. We eat way to much and stay up late talking or playing games and then eat some more. What a great team we are apart of!! Can't wait for next year!

Ian is changing almost daily it seems. He is more alert with his big blue/gray eyes and smiles when I or his daddy talk to him. He is starting to gurgle and coo some, which brings a smile to our faces. There is just nothing like it to light up your face and make the day a little brighter even if it has been a challenging one. We have been through the first smiles and coo's with Isabelle, but it never gets old. It's still new, just like the first time she did it. You can already tell his voice is different than Izze's (which it should be right, he is a boy of course), but it is still interesting to me. He seems different than Izze in so many ways. He is more cuddly, and eats faster than Izze ever did. It will be interesting to see their different personalities as they grow. Izze I think for the most part likes him. She likes to give him kisses and rub his head and say nice baby. I think she realizes that he is here to stay.

Isabelle and Ian both had their doctor's appointments today. Izze her two year check up and Ian's two month check up and both are doing good. Ian is already 12lbs. 8.5oz. (75%), 24 1/4 inches long (95%), so he has out-grown Isabelle when she was his age.

Well, until next time, may your days be a little sweeter as we take a moment to appreciate the simple things in life, like the love of family and friends.

more pics

new baby pics...Ian Cole, 7lbs, 11oz. 20" long

Almost Baby Time(?)

Well, baby is getting very close to coming!! Doctor said she would be surprised if I lasted until Monday (23rd)! I am 3 to 4 cm dilated and 50% effaced already, but you never know, so we just wait in anticipation for his arrival!! Feelings and emotions of excitement, joy, and the what "if's" all flood through our heads. That's when you say to yourself just take one day at a time, and everything will work out fine. Wondering how Isabelle will adjust to the new bundle of love, and at the same time excited to see them grow up together with the sister & brotherly love that they will share! Well, let the adventure begin, for in a few years we will be on a new adventure, wondering what to do next, or how it will all play out! We'll keep you updated!!

Baskets & More Baskets!

Isabelle enjoying the spoils of Easter basket fun!!

Daddy and Me

Easter Fun Time!

This Easter was even a little brighter, because Izze was able to have her first Easter egg hunt! We had so much fun watching her run around the yard to find the eggs and put them in her bucket. As she ran she didn't notice that the eggs she just picked up were flying from her bucket, which made it even greater for us to watch. "Paw Paw Jack" came over for Easter lunch and then outside to get some picture time in while daddy hide the eggs for Izze. Nanny and Papa Lin got her pretty little Easter dress and the bucket filled with all sorts of goodies! Even if mommy & daddy took care of most of the candy inside! Izze got another basket from a couple from church that had all kinds of girl stuff inside, she loves to carry around the purse, phone, & lips that the basket displayed. She had plenty of Easter goodies to last until next year! So much fun to watch her grow and explore new things!!