Yeah, so I pretty much have the most awesome family ever. I got a letter in my mailbox yesterday saying that I had a package to pick up. I wasn't expecting anything, so with a slightly quizzical countenance I headed towards the Dean of Women's Office to pick up my mysterious package. Leanna slightly groaned as she picked it up off the floor and handed it to me over the counter. Now I'm really curious. I first check the return address and see it's from my Aunt and cousins. "Care package!" Ahh, the very thought of it.... Unless you've been a college student you simply could not understand this. I actually opened it right there. The first words out of my mouth were, "That, is a lot of food!" And Life cereal none the less, which I had just ran out of! I was slightly overjoyed. I could definitely use the encouragement this week with finals beginning Thursday (ughh...). So, my belief that I have the greatest family ever has been greatly strengthened. No, not simply because they were nice and sent me cool stuff, but because I know that the care and thought that went into putting this package together is evidence that I am loved and supported by my family. I never want to take this for granted because I realize just how much of a blessing it is to have them! So, to my Aunt Kathie, cousins, Travis, Olivia, Jacynda, and Heidi, "THANK YOU!" It definitely made my day! (it also made people jealous )

- Ryan
P.S. Yes, indeed, Heidi, we need to go ice skating again!
P.S.S. The toilet paper was a nice touch It definitely got some looks when I first opened the package. I also like your suggestion Can't you see me running around tee-peeing peoples rooms!

Tags: Family, Care

I got another care package today! My cousins heard that I liked to read the Sunday comics as a stress reliever, so they've been collecting them for a couple weeks now, and sent them to me along with two packages of mints and personal letters. It was so cool! I showed everything off at supper tonight. Where would I be without family. I also realized that I never posted any pictures of the newest addition to my room, my chair! My grandma was kind enough to purchase a chair for me and brought it down just before Homecoming (thanks, Travis, for helping me carry it up!). I love it! it is so nice to have. I also get more visitors now Not only did she get me a new chair, she also brought me a new mattress which is substantially thicker than my old one. It also seems that I have a steady inflow of food that my grandma and others send me! Cornbread & butter, homemade peanut butter cookies, homemade rice crispy treats, and other snacks to numerous to count. Life is good in my room right now! So to all of my family who has been so kind to me the past few months, my humblest, and most heartfelt gratitude! It has made my life much brighter. Here are a few pictures of the package and my room.

Ryan










lol, no idea why I did this...

Tags: Care, Family

Those of you who have ever been enrolled in college (or some such experience) know that one of the greatest joys you can experience is receiving a package from home or family. I was privileged to receive both in one day! I walked in the mail room this morning and happened to glance at the boxes and saw my name leaping off of the brown cardboard box on which it reposed. I quickly searched for a return address, and found that it was from my Aunt Kathie. I took the box up to my office, and opened it excitedly. I was greeted by a wonderful assortment of my favorite things (Wheat Thins, writing utensils, beef jerky!, crackers, mints, etc.). It lifted my spirits on an otherwise humdrum day. But probably some of my favorite contents were the letters and notes I found inside, one from my aunt, and each of my four cousins. I took them outside by the fountain to read them. People looked quite strangely as I smiled uncontrollably while carefully reading each hand written word. That was this morning. This evening I received my second package from my Mom. I wasn't expecting anything more than some necessary items she was sending for the Christmas play (e.g. items for my costume), but I was elated to discover that she had also sent me some 'goodies' including Wheat Thins (can you tell I like Wheat Thins?), a white board and some markers (which I have been wanting), SUNDAY COMICS (it's my secret vice), gift certificates to my favorite eateries, and my new Passport (more about that in a later post). Today, was a good day.

I was thinking about this long before today, but I am truly blessed with a rich heritage of family. I have always been surrounded by people who loved me, encouraged me, and cheered me on. I get calls every week from family members telling me that they love me, are proud of me, and are praying for me. I am blessed with heritage! One of my most deeply held goals is to pass on to my children the great heritage of family that I have been blessed with!

Ryan

P.S. This is one of my favorite items from my Aunt Kathie's care package. You bump it and it says, "I'm the coolest!" It makes me smile every time

Tags: Care