Ahh...28 and 2! YIKES!

Birthday Boys!

At 28, you need to have a Thomas the Train birthday cake! You just gotta!

Thomas the Train is numero one in Ryu's eyes.

Unwrapping presents this year was Fantastic! Ryu totally caught the excitement of it all! It was so much fun to watch him! TWO is my favorite year so far! I cannot believe this kid is 2!! He speaks a ton, is potty training, and has become quite the character! Lately, he loves to be the center of attention and is willing to make you laugh at the drop of a hat. How are we so lucky??? We love our Ryu!!

Noah had to check out Ryu's new snow sled!

See...totally loving it!

He he he... we love these goofs too!

Okay, so Ryu has been trying out a new smile. What do you think??

This is what I get when I say, "Say cheese!"

Smile with your eyes closed...

With one eyebrow up...

Really close up...

Or a combination of facial expressions.



HOT Chocolate on cold days!

Ha ha...barely peeking out of his bundled body!
You thought of the Christmas Story didn't you?? I did! He kind of looks like that when he walks too! It is great!

We tried the new sled this mourning. We both had tons of fun! It was a little more exercise than I planned on, but definitely needed! I actually like the snow this year. I think I like it more for Ry than myself! I am sure we have lots of snow moments to enjoy together!!

This is another new smile!! Ha ha...he is so silly! Daddy looks pretty hot though!! I love this picture of Chris! I am liking the long hair. Honestly, it had to grow on me BUT now, I like!!

Oh, how I love my little family! They are so great! I love every second with my boys and appreciate their silly ways! You guys are the BEST! Thanks!

09 Family Pictures

Okay friends...we need some help. We needs you to help us pick our BEST family picture for a large clock that will hang in our living room. These clocks are AMAZING! Check them out here. http://www.foralltimeclocks.com/

Our pictures were taken by Tiffany Jackson. She is so great and we love her. Thanks guys...It is always nice to have some other opinions since we tend to be more critical of ourselves....
Thanks for the great pictures Tiff!!



PHOTO 1



PHOTO 2PHOTO 3PHOTO 4PHOTO 5

PHOTO 6PHOTO 7 PHOTO 8
This little guy is just cute no matter what... By far this is my favorite picture.

Cute in any color too!

He is almost 2! Can you believe it??? Me either!

To infinity and....

...Trick-or-treating!!!

Buzz Light Year

Ry had a blast this Halloween. Chris and I took him to a few houses this year. Ry was a little unsure what we were doing, knocking on random doors and saying "tick-or-treat!" Although, he liked the end result... CaNdY!!!

Decorating pumpkins this year was fun. Daddy was on a hunting trip so it was just Ry and I for this festivity. Good times. I was glad that we skipped the "guts" this year. I found these great potato head decorations for pumpkins at Walmart.

Aquarium

The aquarium was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. Ry, Jessica, Cindy and I took the trip and enjoyed every second of it. Ry was thrilled to see Nemo and froggies...two of his favorite animals.

Caterpillars!

A few weeks ago, I was driving home from work and I saw these little fuzzy things scurrying across the road. Curiosity got the cat and I had to pull over. I caught four little caterpillars to take home to Ryu. Needless to say, Ryu loved them. Ryu got to feed them and hold them every day, which was the greatest thing ever for him. After doing a little research, turns out these little guys are called Woolybear caterpillars. They turn into moths after they cocoon in JUNE. I was not wiling to keep them that long so after a week we let them go so they could find a home before winter came. It was fun while it lasted.

Things are going well at the Whiteman house. We Had a great Halloween and can not wait for Christmas. Honestly, I think about it every day. I can't wait to see what Ry thinks of this season. I think he is going to catch on to the "spirit" of Christmas and totally eat it up! As will I!!

For graduation, Chris bought us a time-share on a house boat in Lake Powell. I have been so excited to go on this trip! We were thrilled to take Ryu to one of our favorite boating/camping destinations! Lake Powell has a certain "feel" to it. If you have ever been, you know what I am talking about. The place is simply beautiful, and in September, the weather is too perfect! I am already looking forward to next year!

Ryu was not thrilled about the cooler water but he seemed to enjoy floating around a bit.

Grandma Linda


Grandma and Grandpa Whiteman taking it easy with Ry. Ry fell asleep shortly after this picture.

These pictures are a little out of order. This is on the way home. Like-farther-like-son. I do love these quiet moments though!

Miss Cindy and her Hersey castle.

Foot in bucket?

Ryu spent most of his time on the beach. With the rising waters, we were lucky enough to find a great beach with great sand. I was grateful. Sometimes at Powell, it is really hard to find a non-rocky-sharp stick-thorn in your foot-kind of beach.

Ah, we got to meet some great new friends that taught us how to surf the wake. This is not wakeboarding. This is actually surfing. It is so much fun and really easy to do! I have to say...I am addicted. I LOVE surfing. Unfortunately, surfing requires a really nice boat (a V-drive). Chris and I now have a "boat fund" for our surfing entertainment. Holy-cow, you need to try it!

More floating

Reema surfing.

"Serious" Chad.

Cindy was our flag girl.

The D man.

My ladies!

I love this picture, just because of Ry's ear. Ha ha...he really liked to ride in the boat after he got used to it. At first, he was a little un-sure about boating. But what can I say, he is born for Powell adventures. It is in his blood!

My Man....ooooh he!

Cindy was great for Ry. He loves to play with her. It was great for him to have a friend.

Nap time....He he he.

Bridey buried Ry in the sand. He absolutely loved every second of it. He would un-dig himself just to be buried again.

I got to teach Ry how to fish Hot dog style. I love to fish and so does Ry. This was his first time fishing where he was successful. Hot dogs...they work.

I lOVE, LOVE this picture. This is Ry's first catch. A nice big carp. As you can see, he is pretty proud of himself and totally soaked in dad's praise!

I think he still remembers this fish. He walks around saying "fishy?, Fishy?" all day. I think we have many fishing trips in our future. I am looking forward to some good mommy-son dates that I will enjoy as much as he will.

Again...a peaceful moment.

A toad! This little guy inspired Ry to learn to hop like a frog. It is really cute to watch as he tries his hardest to make a good leap and says "Ribit!"

Sandballs?

This is our house boat. It is a little older but serves the purpose! It was so much fun!

I Think I can, I think I can...

Yes...Mr. independent likes to use the "big-boy" potty. We really haven't been trying to potty train Ry...he is only 19 months old BUT, Ry definitely has an interest in learning. I think he just likes our reaction when he actually "uses" the potty. Oh, and it might just be all about the flush. It is pretty exciting to flush the potty.

4th of July

As you can see...Ry is in mid-egging-of-the-daddy to light "Mooore" fireworks. Ry really loved the 4th this year. We had lots of fun watching Ry. However, this could lead to a pyro problem. Should I be worried??

Cheesy-poofs... a must.

Stepping on snaps. This could have gone on for HOURS.

18 MONTHS OLD
I have been a serious slacker on getting these pictures taken and posted. I cannot believe that Ry is a year and a half already. Time has gone by so fast.

I really have enjoyed this stage of Ry's life. He is so funny and so interesting. He says so many words and tries new words everyday. He is interested in everything we do and say, which could be scary at times. He loves to learn and explore. He finds all of my soft spots and knows how to pull my stings. He has an uncanny ability to make anyone laugh. His smile almost makes me explode. I love him more and more everyday. I often see many of my family members in his expressions. He tells me he loves me. He gives me kisses and hugs. He tells me "nigh-nigh" after I read him a story. Ry loves Lucy and Lucy loves Ry...as long as he is not pulling her tail. He believes in me as a mommy. He knows that he is special and he is the life in me.

Dear Ry;

I am truly honored to be your mother and I am so grateful for the opportunity. You have changed me. You are a deep part of my being. I have loved to watch you grow and change. You have a beauty that cannot exist in any other way. I love you more than I could ever express. I hope that you may forgive me for my short comings in the present and in the future. I hope the short coming are few, however, I assure you there will be times were I will fall short. Know that you are my reason for this life and I plan to serve you well. Love you Ry-man.

Every now and then, an event in life has the capacity to re-route our current way of thinking. This event has the power to remind us of our mortal condition and force a humility that brings us crashing to our knees. Humility...
In part, these events open wounds so deep that sanity seems over estimated and the fragility of our souls become exposed, without permission. A hurricane of emotions release, leaving a broken wake of what is real and the feelings that seem like part of a horror movie. These times have that ability to unearth even the heaviest of anchors. Our feet feel frozen in place while we watch the world continue... without even a blink of an eye. Amazingly, the sun will still rise tomorrow. Remember, our plan is not THE PLAN.
Eventually, time be-friends us and slowly dissolves the bitter emptiness left behind. The event looses it's sting, even while it's footprint is left behind...never to be erased. We grow. We change event by event. This too is part of THE PLAN. Today's event has forced me to reflect upon myself and who I should be. Time for new goals. I hope that you know that I love you all. I need to say it more. Forgive me for such a post...

To my Richardson family...
I love you so much. I wish you the best in finding the peace that you so need. So many love you and will always remember Mark for the footprints he has left behind. You are in our prayers.


New goal....
New post, unsaid thoughts.

To mom;
I know that we have had our rough times. There has been many times that I have been completely rotten. I hope that you can forgive me of those. I get caught up in wishing "things" were perfect. They never will be. You try so hard to make the broken fixed. I just hope you know that I love you and I really appreciate all that you have done for me. You are a great mom. I am so glad that I have you. I am glad that Ry has you too. Thank you for always supporting me...maybe, even when I didn't deserve it. Thanks mom. love you.

Happy

Life has been a lot more interesting since graduation...

We have been to the petting zoo.

PoNy RIdEs!!
Luckily, Hillary and Ammie joined us for the day!

Family Sunday BBQ.

A Marshmallow?? Tasty! Melts in your mouth and in your hand!

Snow cones and baseball games!

Kage, Babe Ruth style.

Pond adventures with Nikki and "baby."








Gigantasour SLUG!

We named him Smerg!

The rain that brings the enormous slugs out of hiding.

Ry-man and his coolness!

Dog food seems to be quite an interest.

Rhubarb with Keizya.

Water coloring....

Lucy. What can I say? A girl needs her hair done. Now, where is the dryer?

Life has been pretty great now that I am FINALLY graduated. I love to spend time with my boys and Lucy. There seems to be a new feel at home without the stress of finals and boards. I really feel like a different person...and this is a good thing.

I found a great job two weeks ago. I work for Aspen Family Dental. They are a newer office with lots of great perks. I love, LOVE it! It is a great environment and the staff is amazing. Lucky day!

Oh and, they take all types of dental insurance. They even have their own kind of dental plans if you don't have any insurance. SO... if want to come, DO! I LOVE to clean teeth!;)

la De Da..

Moving is the pits! I don't believe there is anything quite as tedious and exhausting as moving out of a house. We have gather many "extras" over the last five and a half years. Moving has given me time to think about how these "extras" come about... and a serious need for changing my strategy for the collection of "extras." At the time of acquiring "extras" it seems like a good idea. "I will need "this"...just in case, or "this" will come in handy if "this" happens, and my personal favorite... "If I work really hard, I am sure I will be able to fit in "this" someday...La de da! I guess on the bright side of moving, I found a way to "loose" some of those "extras." Somehow, this only seems like making more room for more "extras." Exactly how do we rid our "extras" permanently? Blah!

Ry's contribution to the moving process.

What do I do??

My little duck.

We discovered that the hose, water balloons, and a bucket is serious entertainment.

After Ry's clothes got soaked, I realized a bathing suit would suffice. A little late...

Keizya baby joined us for our fun in the sun.

Like Babe Ruth compassing the exact location of his one thousandth home run hit, Ry-man points the direction of his water balloon designation.

OOOPS!!! Get control of that hose baby girl!

Hey I found a caterpillar mom! But...it doesn't taste very good!

In a nut shell, we are still busy, even without school. I just received my dental hygiene licence yesterday and I hope to find a job very soon. I am so excited to start my hygiene career. Few...

We recently moved out of our house and moved to Woodland Hills with Chris's parents. We rented out our home and plan to make student loan payments a major priority for the next six months. We hope to purchase a new home as soon as possible and plan to work very hard to meet this goal. Are we crazy??? ALWAYS! But, we live for adventure. I guess...

Major update

Whoa...boy, has a lot been going on. Here is the skinny...

Event # 1

Yeah...Spring has sprung! Oh, but it is the middle of May already! Ha ha... I am so behind!
We have been enjoying the great weather. Ry has so much fun being outside! It is a blast to watch him!
All of the great Spring flowers are in full bloom, including the rhubarb, which sparked an interest in the Ry-man.

Tasting some rhubarb....Mmmm.

Maybe Lucy wants to taste it too!

Event # 2

Spring weather tends to bring all of the little critters out of hiding. This is fun...fun to squish potato bugs, taste worms ( Yes. I said TASTE worms), and create with sidewalk chalk. Little boy adventures.

BBQ's top the list lately. Ry loves "Hambugabugers."

Event #3

Just before our last round of testing and graduation, my class decided to loosen up by stuffing our waist lines with great food! Is there a better way to relax?? I guess I should explain. This is My Lindsey. We got some silly awards from the class!

More silly awards.

Silly friends... Shawna, Jess, Ali, and lindsay.

Jess, Natalie, Linds, and me.

Apparently, it was the day to wear yellow. Yellow is just a happy color. Besides, it is a great change from the BLUE scrubs we have worn everyday for the last two years!

Hayley, me, Emily, Lindsay, and Amber.

Danielle and me. Miss you Danielle!!

Lauren, me, and soon to be delivered, "Chucky."

Me, Meagan, and linds.

Event #4

More eating to relax. We held a BBQ so we could "burn the blues" and roast some good eats!

And... MAJOR Event #5

IT IS OVER!

I finally graduated on the 27Th of April. I am so glad that this time in my life has finally come. I have now been in school for five years and I am not sad to close this chapter. However, I am really going to miss my great friends in my class. We have spent nearly everyday, eight to five, with each other for 24 months. Most of my comrades are from out of state and will be heading home in the near future. I miss my ladies!!!

To my ladies...I wish you the absolute best dental hygiene career that is possible. I love you and miss you so much! You are an important part of my life and I am thankful for the opportunity to know each of you! I am grateful we met!!

Event #6

Yesterday I received the results of my national tests. I passed!! Yahoo!! I did really and I am SO relieved! I am now and official registered dental hygienist! Time to get the resumes out! Here I come!!!

Going On An Ant Hunt

While we had a taste of SPRING for a few days, Ry-man got to spend a good amount of time outside. He LOVES to be outside. He actually waits by the door until the morning warms enough for the little critters to come out. As soon as he is set free, he is like a animal out of a cage. "WOW," Ry says as he picks up rocks, handfuls of dirt, and as he tries to walk on the lumpy lawn without falling too many times. He is so much fun to watch. I love his eager appetite for learning and I LOVE to witness his new discoveries. I am really looking forward to this summer. I can't wait for the new adventures ahead like...ant hunting.

This is Ry's belly. He loves to show it to me...and everyone else.

Looking for an ant...

Still looking...

FOUND ONE!

Whoops...I think I squished it when I tried to pick it up. "Uh OH!" Ry says with a very apologetic tone.

Oh well, I am sure I will find more!

Yup, right here! Look Mom, look!!

Who knew that ant hunting would be so much fun???

Other news:

Since the change in weather, Ry was unfortunate enough to catch R.S.V. as well as a double ear infection. He has been so miserable. He has had a temperature of 103, a horrible cough, and a crappy nose. It is so sad to see him so sick. I am glad that we didn't have to spend time in the hospital but it got pretty close. R.S.V. makes it difficult, for the poor little guys who catch it, to breath. I think we have had about 15 hours of sleep since last Monday. Of course this would happen the night before my National Boards test. This is my kind of luck. I got three hours of sleep before the test of my life. Truth is, I probably wouldn't have slept much anyway, nerves and all. I have been studying for this test since January so, I feel like a was prepared enough to wing the lack of sleep. The test took me SEVEN hours to take! It was very difficult and exhausting! Now I just have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for the results. I plan on a passing grade otherwise, Chris may have to start dancing tables! :) Anyhow, Ry is doing much better today. He is on a good dose of antibiotics, sleeping with a humidifier, and getting everything he wants...of course. I can't wait until he is on his feet and going again.

A bit of good news....I graduate in ONE MONTH!!! WAHOO! (If you could see my face, you would possible understand the excitement that I feel. Hell is almost over!! Not exaggerating!)

My Hands are FULL...

...yet proud.

OH MY!

Yes, I have gone MI...AND it is not quite over yet! This is my final semester of dental hygiene school. I can't even tell you how excited I am to close this chapter of my life. It has been so much work and frankly, I am not sure if I have much more to give. Luckily, I have a great family who supports me and my chaos and I also have an amazing camaraderie with my fellow tooth lovers. I am so grateful for the great friendships I have made over the last year and a half. They are the sole reason I will miss dental hygiene torture. I LOVE my ladies!

The annual dental hygiene convention.
Documentation of the night of continual studying. Lindsey and I studied for several hours in the attempt to prepare ourselves for the "test" of our life...NATIONAL BOARDS! Bring it on!!

This is my research team. Lindsey and Brandi. We were able to present our research project, Generation Y: Xylitol, at the convention. Lets just say that it was definitely an interesting experience and I am glad to have it past me.

AND...we found Julie! We use to work with Julie. She is a great hygienist!

Life is crazier than ever! I am so ready for "normalcy"...if there is such a thing. As long as these next two months go smoothly, I may retain some sanity and I will finally graduate with the career that I have always wanted. COME ON APRIL 27th!!!

I have posted this clip before. So for those of you who have seen this...I apologize. However, it is amazing how many people have asked me about this clip. This is one of my favorite memories. I can't help it, he is just too cute. I love Ry's laugh. It is as addicting as it is contagious. ENJOY!!

P.S. Ry is only four and half months in this video.

Anniversary Weekend

After packing our bags with our most prized possession, Chris and I spent our sixth anniversary in Salt Lake.

We stayed at the Little America. This place has the most amazing breakfast buffet EVER...the true reason we stay there.

Next stop was the Gateway Discovery museum. We really didn't have a lot of time before we had dinner reservations, so we learned about the museum for future stops. It is definitely a kid's place. FUN, FUN, FUN!!! I think Ry needs to be a bit older before we make this stop. However, it is a great place to go and we will be going, eventually.

After an AMAZING dinner at Biaggi's, we watched the Jazz loose to the Cleavland Cavilers- 97 to 103. It was actually a pretty good game. Chris and I were just excited we got to stay for the whole game. We didn't think Ry would make it through it, but for once, he did. We were so proud of him. Ry loved the game. He clapped when everyone else did and yelled with his kazoo in all of the off moments...pretty entertaining! I think I ended up laughing more at Ry than actually watching the game. O-well, it was worth it!

It was so much fun to spend the night with my boys.

After room-service breakfast for Ry at 8:00am, it was time for a swim. Lucky for Ry, he gets to sport some vinyl pants for diaper protection. Only Ry could make vinyl pants cute.





I better suck in for my side shot!

We spent about an hour in the pool, just enough time for our toes and fingers to become little prunes. I love the new saline pools. they are so cool! *This is a mental note for the one day that I "HOPE" to get a pool.

Ry's personal pool.

After baths and showers and a morning nap, we ate at our favorite breakfast buffet. It was FABULOUS, as always. A successful buffet includes; an amazing fruit selection, all the breakfast classics, and at least a gain of one pound while feeling enormous! PERFECT...we accomplished!!

What a great anniversary. We had tons of fun. I love spending moments like these with my boys.

Looking forward to next year!!!

Happy Anniversary

On January 24, we will be celebrating our sixth anniversary. It is hard to believe that six years has gone by so quickly. When I look to the past and reflect upon our accomplishments, it does seem that six years would suffice...a four week engagement, an eighteen month deployment to Iraq, purchasing a home, helicopter school, dental hygiene school, having the Ry-man, and all the stuff in between. I can not say that I would have life any other way. Chris is my source of clarity and my clam to our crazy life. I appreciate his belief in me and his wisdom in us. He fills in the gaps where I often fall short, and is somehow able to see beyond my chaos. Not only has Chris given me the companionship I have dreamed of, he has given me a son who, without a doubt, completes our existence. For him, I am forever in his debt. I love you Chris. Thank you for an amazing six years!

Sadly, this is our only recent picture together. We have too much fun taking pictures of small Chris. :)