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.