Showing posts with label Ryan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2016
TOP TEN 2017
As is our tradition...we all remembered 2016 and the fun things we have done, places we have been, and people we love doing life with!
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Missing Ryan
My firstborn is capable, confident and strong. If he didn't have the skills and the mental toughness I know he has, or he wasn't firmly secure in his relationship with the Lord, I'd definitely worry about him more. The last phase of Ranger school is swamps and he completed it 5 days ago. Unfortunately, with crazy circumstances, he didn't pass and will return to Florida after the holidays to brave the water, the cold and the training again. He can do it. I have no doubt.
Disappointment, discouragement and melancholy have filled my days here. He is my sill my boy. Not because we don't believe in him, or the USA, or Ranger program. But because when you don't get what you expect or what you believe you deserve, it can be a storm to get through, and family stands by you.
I'm thankful that we tried to teach our children (from early on) that they weren't going to get everything they wanted, every part they tried out for, every grade they expected. We taught them life wasn't fair but it didn't matter because God wants our best and that will always be good enough. It doesn't make things easier to take, but knowing that God has our BEST in mind, and He works through all things, and He works before us, with us and after us...well, it is comforting and gives me hope.
I can't wait to hug my son, and of course, Katelyn too. He's made every effort to be with us every single Christmas, well, except the first one when he was due, and I'm ready for us all to be in the same house again.
Disappointment, discouragement and melancholy have filled my days here. He is my sill my boy. Not because we don't believe in him, or the USA, or Ranger program. But because when you don't get what you expect or what you believe you deserve, it can be a storm to get through, and family stands by you.
I'm thankful that we tried to teach our children (from early on) that they weren't going to get everything they wanted, every part they tried out for, every grade they expected. We taught them life wasn't fair but it didn't matter because God wants our best and that will always be good enough. It doesn't make things easier to take, but knowing that God has our BEST in mind, and He works through all things, and He works before us, with us and after us...well, it is comforting and gives me hope.
I can't wait to hug my son, and of course, Katelyn too. He's made every effort to be with us every single Christmas, well, except the first one when he was due, and I'm ready for us all to be in the same house again.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Fastest 8 hours...
We all anxiously awaited a call from Ryan on Thursday night. It was to be a 15 second call to say "GO," or "NO" which means he would have to recycle the first phase of his training. The call came in around 11:15 Georgia time and Kate called us to say he was a "GO!"
He passed his first phase, and was to be picked up on Friday for an 8 hour pass. SO thankful Kate is in Georgia to pick him up, take him to get supplies, food, laundry done and some sleep. We listened to him for about 30 minutes during the day. I've never been so encouraged about something so hard!
Ryan is EXACTLY where he wants to be. He told us that when he was in school in Fayetteville he would wake up and wonder what it would be like to wake up at Ranger School. All the physical training he has been doing for the last years has been leading up to this extreme challenge. He has made friends, he has kept his cool during the lack of sleep and food times and has a laminated card with verses in his front pocket.
He now moves to the "mountain phase" and may get to contact Kate at the end of the month. We are SO THANKFUL for his wonderful wife who is so supportive and loving and strong for him! If all goes as we expect, graduation is December 9th.
Still praying...
He passed his first phase, and was to be picked up on Friday for an 8 hour pass. SO thankful Kate is in Georgia to pick him up, take him to get supplies, food, laundry done and some sleep. We listened to him for about 30 minutes during the day. I've never been so encouraged about something so hard!
Ryan is EXACTLY where he wants to be. He told us that when he was in school in Fayetteville he would wake up and wonder what it would be like to wake up at Ranger School. All the physical training he has been doing for the last years has been leading up to this extreme challenge. He has made friends, he has kept his cool during the lack of sleep and food times and has a laminated card with verses in his front pocket.
He now moves to the "mountain phase" and may get to contact Kate at the end of the month. We are SO THANKFUL for his wonderful wife who is so supportive and loving and strong for him! If all goes as we expect, graduation is December 9th.
Still praying...
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Thursday, October 13, 2016
Ryan
Two weeks ago I was deep in sale-mode and everyone around me was pulled into that. However, Ryan and Katelyn were doing their own thing in Georgia.
1. They celebrated Thanksgiving early.
2. My cousin's daughter came and stayed with them a few days when she was evacuated from her home in Florida due to a hurricane. I would've expected nothing less than for Kate and Ryan to welcome family...even though Ryan hasn't seen Ashley since they were around 5!
On Sunday, October 2nd, Kate took Ryan to the drop off point and although it was a hard day for Kate, it was what Ryan has been prepping for. He looked at possibly hardest time of his life as a great challenge. He saw the hardships as opportunities and he was mentally, physically and spiritually ready to go.
We are praying for him everyday. Every time I think of him, I just ask God, who I know can see him in the mountains of Georgia, to watch over him and keep him safe. And sometimes I feel a little guilty because Ryan is in training and there are SO MANY active military on the front lines of all kinds of battles around the world. Ryan is being trained to do that very thing and his confidence, leadership and sound mind will be an asset to our country.
1. They celebrated Thanksgiving early.
2. My cousin's daughter came and stayed with them a few days when she was evacuated from her home in Florida due to a hurricane. I would've expected nothing less than for Kate and Ryan to welcome family...even though Ryan hasn't seen Ashley since they were around 5!
On Sunday, October 2nd, Kate took Ryan to the drop off point and although it was a hard day for Kate, it was what Ryan has been prepping for. He looked at possibly hardest time of his life as a great challenge. He saw the hardships as opportunities and he was mentally, physically and spiritually ready to go.
We are praying for him everyday. Every time I think of him, I just ask God, who I know can see him in the mountains of Georgia, to watch over him and keep him safe. And sometimes I feel a little guilty because Ryan is in training and there are SO MANY active military on the front lines of all kinds of battles around the world. Ryan is being trained to do that very thing and his confidence, leadership and sound mind will be an asset to our country.
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."
2 Chronicles 16:9
Monday, May 23, 2016
Sheridan turns 13
May has been one of our busiest months for the last few years. I didn't want to leave Sheridan's birthday to the last minute so we've planned 13 surprises to liven up the month. SO FAR, the big kids and a few friends have helped us pull off 1-6.
SURPRISE #1: Lauren tagged her room with 800 sticky notes. This was a big surprise and the introduction of the surprises!
SURPRISE: #2: Sheridan's friend Caitlin came over and I took the girls out for CFA and a sno cone! She had no idea!
SURPRISE #3: Katelyn and Ryan took Sheridan bowling and to get ice cream!
SURPRISE #4: Sheridan was whisked away to her room on a Wednesday afternoon and Lauren and Erin helped her fix her hair, put on a little make up, and get dressed for a date! She had no idea Ryan was going to take her out to Chilis! This was Ryan and Kate's last week to visit us here in Russellville before they move to Georgia. I'm so very thankful they made these special memories with Sheridan.
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Fast Forwarded
I very specifically remember the day we took Ryan to school in Fayetteville for the first time. It's been a very fast (for us) four years and I can't believe we just witnessed his commissioning and graduation! What has he done in 4 years?
1. Bull pen catcher for one year with the Razorbacks
2. ROTC military science classes and physical training all 4 years
3. Played baseball in the Dominican Republic for one summer with Athletes in Action
4. Shoulder surgery and recovery
5. Lived in an apartment with 3 great friends for 2 years
6. Met, dated, and married Katelyn
7. Was discipled and led a life group with his church in Fayetteville
8. Went to Burundi, Africa, on a ROTC mission during one summer
9. Went to over 5 other SEC stadiums for football games with the university and 2 bowl games
10. Stayed in touch with his family and was intentional to build a relationship with his younger siblings
11. Received a degree with 3 majors: Spanish, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
Of course, there's more, but the boy has turned into a man and now has a job until he's 30 with the US Army! Katelyn is a super-smart gal who got her bachelors degree in 1 year and her masters this year. They both celebrated graduations this weekend and I'm SO VERY PROUD AND THANKFUL to have been a part of it all!
1. Bull pen catcher for one year with the Razorbacks
2. ROTC military science classes and physical training all 4 years
3. Played baseball in the Dominican Republic for one summer with Athletes in Action
4. Shoulder surgery and recovery
5. Lived in an apartment with 3 great friends for 2 years
6. Met, dated, and married Katelyn
7. Was discipled and led a life group with his church in Fayetteville
8. Went to Burundi, Africa, on a ROTC mission during one summer
9. Went to over 5 other SEC stadiums for football games with the university and 2 bowl games
10. Stayed in touch with his family and was intentional to build a relationship with his younger siblings
11. Received a degree with 3 majors: Spanish, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
Of course, there's more, but the boy has turned into a man and now has a job until he's 30 with the US Army! Katelyn is a super-smart gal who got her bachelors degree in 1 year and her masters this year. They both celebrated graduations this weekend and I'm SO VERY PROUD AND THANKFUL to have been a part of it all!
Friday, April 29, 2016
Chancellor's Award
We drove up to Fayetteville yesterday for Ryan's senior awards ceremony for ROTC. It's the third one we've been to and every time we've walked up the sidewalk to Old Main I nostalgic feelings for our days in school there. In 3 weeks Ryan and Katelyn will be done with their time in Fayetteville. We haven't gotten to NWA near as many times as we thought we would when he chose to go to our alma mater. Of course, it's not like we'll forget the good ole U of A, the alumni association and any every other fund raising office at the school has our number!
Ryan received the Chancellor's Award for "the highest personal and ethical standards, balancing academic and athletic achievements and superb leadership traits." He's made a lot of great memories on the Hill. I'm so thankful he will be able to look back with no regrets.
Ryan received the Chancellor's Award for "the highest personal and ethical standards, balancing academic and athletic achievements and superb leadership traits." He's made a lot of great memories on the Hill. I'm so thankful he will be able to look back with no regrets.
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