manipulate me

when pip was visiting over spring break she noticed (as i had...let me get that in there) that wil loved to play with all manner of knobs, switches, latches, etc. she told us about a board that is made with latches and such. she suggested to ryan that he could probably make one instead of us buying one for $150+. after some research we found out that they are called manipulation boards and they are used in both some preschool classrooms and rehab facilites teaching (and reteaching) fine and gross motor skills. we got some ideas and set off to lowe's to buy materials. two weeks later wil has his board and he loves it. thanks ry...it's awesome! and thanks pip for the inspiration!

the board

wil at work

wil supposed to be posing but watching basketball (it's march madness!) instead

7 years....no itch

it was on a beautiful day seven years ago that ryan and i said "i do." from the very first time i spoke to ryan i knew he was someone special. i have never met anyone like him - before or since. he is a laid back, kind hearted, funny, loving guy who lives his motto, "it is what it is." there isn't much that gets him upset and there isn't anything that he doesn't face with an open mind and a peaceful heart. ryan is a guy that everyone wants to know and be friends with. he is the most wonderful person i know and i feel so grateful that he chose me all those years ago.

the past seven years have been nothing short of interesting. we have experienced many ups and downs but we never lost sight of our humor and have laughed (A LOT!) through a lot of tough times. i believe that we truly were made for each other and i couldn't imagine my life without him. he is the perfect husband, a wonderful father and my very best friend. we balance one another well and have since the very first hello. there is no one else that i'd rather go through life with than ryan. borrowing from jerry maguire...as queer as it sounds....he completes me.

so thanks ryan for seven wonderful years. i love you more than anything and i enjoy every day of this ride with you. thanks for keeping me laughing and for loving me so fiercely. you are one of a kind and i love you very, very, VERY much.

that was then....

this is now...

***thanks to rob & jess for keeping wil so we could celebrate. we love you guys!