July 3, 1996 ... 17 Years Ago Today

Today is Rylan's Birthday!

It's hard to believe my "Little Buddha" is already 17!

I know I haven't been the perfect mom, but I sure do love that boy with everything I have. There is nothing I wouldn't do for him. Knowing he is leaving in 27 days is really hard to think about - I think I'm in denial that he'll really be gone (I like to think of it as making the most of my time with him while he IS here with me).

In a week and a half he and I are going on vacation to Phoenix, AZ (of all places -- in the middle of JULY) to stay with Uncle Scott, "Aunt Sissa," and their girls. We love them so much! We can't wait to actually BE there. I'm not thrilled about the drive but we're breaking it up into two days each way so that should help. Having a new driver is not the most relaxing thing when you're a passenger on a long road trip but we'll do the best we can.

Last night we had one of the best nights we've had in a long time. There wasn't any BIG thing that made it good - it was just nice. We didn't fight at all and with a 17-year old that can be a rare day. We went on a hike with the Young Men and Young Women up to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. He was so nice and helped his old mom across some treacherous slippery wet rocks. That meant a ton to me. Most teenage kids wouldn't be caught dead walking next to their moms. Then it was time for a Cookie Sundae at Chick-Fil-A.

Anyway - he is my center. He is my rock. He is who keeps me going and trying to be better. I want so much for him to know he is loved!! He has been through a lot in his life - more than any kid should - but he is going to be stronger for it. He will love others more and be more compassionate and understanding - and those things will make him an incredible missionary (...and eventually a better husband and father someday).

I'm so proud of the man he is becoming. He is a very thoughtful person. He is somewhat private about his thoughts, but once in a while he will give me a glimpse into what is going on inside his mind. He has a good head on his shoulders and wants to do the right thing.

I love that he is taller than me. I love that he cares about his friends. I love that he is so good with younger children - they magnetize toward him. I love that he gets goofy at 9:00 every night. I love that he can joke around. I love that he loves his Heavenly Father and has a testimony of Joseph Smith. I love that he loves dogs. I love that he loves shakes at Arctic Circle. I love that he is a fish and would rather be playing in water than almost anything. I love that he loves good music. I love that he cooks and bakes with me (or without me). I love that he has a great voice. I love that he loves his younger cousins and isn't too cool for them. I love that he loves to laugh. I love that he knows how to do his own laundry - and sometimes even does it. I love that he is passionate about the things he loves, including the Celtics. I love that he is so darn handsome.

I love that he IS who he IS!

*HaPpY BiRtHdAy*
RyLaN-RoO BuGaBoO