ryan? who's ryan?

en·dur·ance

Pronunciation:
\in-ˈdu̇r-ən(t)s, -ˈdyu̇r-, en-\
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1: permanence, duration

2: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity

3: the act or an instance of

enduring or suffering

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Speaking of enduring...this is the final lap in my summer alone!

Hooray, hooray, he's on his way!

Ryan's coming home TODAY!It actually wasn't as hard and bad as I thought! He's only been in Boise, but that's plenty far away from here. His absence was still felt by my heart and the emptiness in my children's lives. Eleven weeks! That's 77 days. That's just a couple weeks short of a TRIMESTER of a pregnancy. That's approx 1/5 of a year! Eleven weeks of being with my children night and day. Eleven weeks of no breaks, except when my gracious friends would relieve me for a couple hours so I could shower or grocery-shop in peace. (thank you!) I have talked with some people that have said to me, "Well at least your husband's not in Iraq or somewhere like that!" While this is true, it didn't make me feel ANY better. Absence is absence!

Some things we've done this summer:

-I actually read a book! I neglected the kids, but hey! I finished a BOOK!

-I got a terrific bread recipe and I can now make homemade bread

-I got ALL THREE of the baby books current
-I got ALL THREE of the kids' scrapbooks current

-I got new furniture for the living room (oops, Ryan doesn't know yet, I totally forgot to tell him! My grandparents gave me a brand new couch, a loveseat, two end tables and matching lamps)

-I turned 27, Carter turned one, Ryan turned 29 -Ryanna lost her first tooth (and the Tooth Fairy slept in and forgot and barely was able to sneak her 'payment' under Ryanna's pillow in time!)

-Carter started to walk (actually, run is more appropriate)

-Dawson discovered Transformers

-Carter said his first word which was "LOOK!" (huh? Where did he learn that? Or am I more impressed and enthused by my daily life than I thought, therefore repeating it often enough to make it my son's very first word??)

-We went to the waterpark a whole bunch!

-I've made several things on my Janome machine

-I've been released from Nursery and I'm now the Primary Pianist (hooray! Easy calling) -Saw Mamma Mia in the theater a couple times, but not enough as I wanted -Taught Ryanna and Dawson the words to a few ABBA songs (by accident! But, I'm so proud) I'll hear this around the house, "Don't go changing your emoooooooshun....lay all your love on meeeeeee!"

-Had family at my house to visit, went down to Boise and visited more family, went around Idaho, Utah, Montana and Wyoming to visit more. (whew)

-Watched more movies and episodes of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Family Matters" than I care to admit (yes, they play between midnight and 2 am daily)-As the children and I went through the FORCED togetherness time, I have learned more about them and I love them so much more. They are truly the most wonderful and precious spirits and I believe they have been chosen to be put on this earth at this time. They are simply amazing.

On the other hand, I have started to lose it, I think. I couldn't find the remote control to the t.v. and after I gave up looking for it, I finally found it. IN THE FREEZER.Ryan, I cherish every day together and am so proud of you for the sacrifices you have made for the investment in our future. You are my love, my ballast and my dearest friend. Welcome home.

(Wait, before you take your shoes off, would you mind taking out the trash?)

To my dear family and friends, thank you for your calls, your notes and your prayers/fasting on our account. Your support and love was (and IS) felt by our family. Every effort in our behalf is sincerely appreciated. Love to you all!