Life

Isn't life an amazing adventure?

This week we have taken several different turns on our journey through life...

First of all, I have decided to stay home with Kate full-time. Growing up, I always said I would stay home when I had children, but this has been such a difficult decision for our family, especially me. So, I met with my boss on Tuesday and explained my intentions, not expecting him to fully understand. It was difficult for many reasons. I loved my job. I loved the people. I loved the work. I loved going to the office (most every day) and interacting with the various teams. I loved the travel that resulted from my manager role. I loved it.

So, why leave it? I think I realized that my identity was more wrapped up in my career than I would like to admit. I realized that I am a calmer, nicer person when I am not in the intense NY corporate environment. Thus, I realized that I would not be able to give to Kate as much as I would like to if I stayed working, even part-time. So, the decision was made, and...

I feel peace. I feel relief. Most of all, I feel excitement of staying home with Kate and being a role model to her and being there for David and his growing career. I feel as though I will not take one day for granted that I am staying home with her, because of what I have given up to be there. I remain ever so thankful I have this option and a husband who encouraged this decision and is supportive of it. The last 5 years are closed and I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life.

The second major event is that my parents just bought beautiful mountain property in Colorado. Our house in Texas is on the market and a move is inevitable. What a strange feeling. This will be the last year we will be in Texas for holidays with my side of the family. Home is not home as I once knew. Strange, but SO exciting. I am super excited for mom and dad and for their future in Colorado. There is no better place to be, if you aren't in Texas...so here we come!!

Next, David and I are leading a "family" community group through our church. We are going through a book called, Money Possessions and Eternity, by Randy Alcorn. I have only been through the first chapter and it's rocking my world. I hope you'll check it out, too. I am sure there will be blogs to follow about the things God is teaching us through this book. I would love for you to join me in reading it.

I will leave you with this quote to sum up this entire blog and to sum up our entire lives.

"He who has God and everything has no more than he who has God alone." C.S. Lewis

CD thoughts

No...these are not Shawna's dirty thoughts. Get it? Seedy/ CD? OK, nevermind.

Those of you who know me, know my CD collection. So, I thought I would blog about a few of my fav CDs in my recent collection, by genre.

I bought a new CD and I LOVE it. You may know of her already, but if you don't - it's a MUST for Fall. :) The CD is called CoCo by Colbie Caillat and she is amazing! I love every song, but my fav and one of her well known singles is "Bubbly". Check it out!! So good.

She sounds like a young Sheryl Crow and looks kind of like Jennifer Aniston in a weird way, don't you think?

On the Country side, I have Miranda Lambert (LOVE "Everybody Dies Famous in Small Town" and The Wreckers (a.k.a Michelle Branch and another girl) . Because Country is my favorite (yes, I admit it) I get to have 2 picks. Ooh wait- I love Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood too. Oh gosh.

For the Christian side, I bought a new CD for Kate and I actually like it for me. It's a compilation of several female artists, including Nichole Nordeman - who is my all time fav artist. There is one song called "You Are Good". It's amazing. You've GOT to listen to it.

Speaking of... I've really been wanting some new worship CDs and I went to Best Buy and was just disappointed in the selection. There aren't really Christian bookstores here in the City, so I need YOUR help. Do you have any that you recommend that are your favorites?

I want some for me and then some for Kate...so if you have any worship CDs that you recommend for children, too, that would be great. Thanks, friends.

You know what I always say...enjoy the music!

Happy Birthday!

Two of the three most important men in my life share the same birthday. My brother, Rhett, turns 19 today and my best friend, David - exactly 10 years older. Who is the third you ask? Well, that would be my father, who turns 60 !! in November...so we'll talk about him at a later date. :)

In honor of them, I wanted to just share a few of my favorite things about two of my favorite people.

David (a.k.a Husband, Sweetheart, Daddy)
* I love the way he listens with his heart and his eyes no matter what time of day it is or how tired he might be.
* I love how he finds joy in serving and is an example to everyone around him of his selflessness.
* I love how he is respected by everyone who knows him, including his wife.
* I love that his character is impeccable and he is first to admit a weakness, making him ever more valiant in my eyes.
* I love how his face lights up when he sees Kate and how she looks when she's staring in his eyes.
* I love his jokes and his sense of humor. He can make me laugh harder than anyone and it's always when I least expect it.
* I love that he never has to be right despite the fact that he mostly always is, never has to be the center of attention despite the fact that people love to talk with him, and he remains so humble despite the fact that he is so successful and is the smartest person I know.
* I love that how he tries to cheer me up when I've had a bad day and always makes me feel like I am the most important person in his life no matter what.
* I love that he comes home from work as early as he can every day to spend time with Kate and I.
* I love that he always offers to help with anything I am doing - no matter what it is or how he feels.
* I just love him. He is truly my best friend.

I love you, sweetheart, and am completely humbled and honored to be your wife and the mother to our daughter.

Today, Kate and I surprised him at his office with cupcakes in hand. It was SO fun to see his face, when we walked into his boss's office during their "meeting".



Rhett (a.k.a Buddy, Peter Pan)
* I love how he makes me and my family laugh. He is by far the comic relief in the Richardson household and he is truly hysterical!
* I love that his favorite part of being an Arkansas Razorback is the opportunity to make kids smile - those who are less fortunate, or who get to come to the game and see the players due to a sickness - that is really and truly his favorite part of this new found fame.
* I love his sweet spirit and big heart. Example, read above.
* I love that he loves my husband as if he was always part of the family, and how he loves Kate and tries so hard to be her "favorite uncle".
* I love that he loves family and would still rather just hang out at home with everyone than go out with his friends (or even girl-friends!). ha.
* I love his prayers before mealtime and the insight that he has always possessed for as long as I can remember.

I love you, Buddy, and am SO proud of you!

You can see Rhett again this Saturday on ESPN 2, as the Razorbacks take on Kentucky (don't know their team mascot) at 6pm Central! He is #51. We'll be cheering for you, Rhett!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOYS!!! I love you!

Bumbo Baby

Kate is 12 weeks old and we have had a milestone week:

* She sat up in her bumbo seat for the first time. Don't you just LOVE those rolls?

* She slept in her OWN room for the first time and slept 9 hours straight!

* She started sleeping on her stomach during nap times and sleeps SO much better.

Yay Kate!

6 Degrees of Blogness

The other night I was up late and thought I would play a game. I wondered where one blog would lead if I clicked on one of their friends, that I didn't necessarily know, and then click on one of their friends, etc. I was having fun. So, I started out at my friend, Courtney's blog, and then went to one of her friends that I don't know very well. Then from there I went to another one and it was amazing after just a few clicks who I ran into.

Here are a few examples of where my blog game led me:

1. I found my long lost friend, Mallory (Cross) Krieger, who was my little sis in DDD at Baylor. She and I lost touch after I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. She is precious and is a mommy! They live in Frisco and she has an amazing photography business. Check her out! Funny that we lost touch and I was reconnected with her through a friend of a friend in the small blog world!

2. I even found Steven Curtis Chapman's blog, who is a friend of a friend of a friend of my friend. Get it? How crazy!?

3. I came to the realization that we all operate in this circle of friends. It's so true. I saw some of my friends on blogs that I've never heard of and found through a completely different path. So strange, isn't it?

So...I challenge you to a game of 6 degrees. Try it! Click on a friend's blog and then see how many blogs you go to before you see people you know or maybe a friend you haven't talked to in years!

So fun. By the way - I won my own game. :)

Rhett Recap - Game 2

I have to say that it was absolutely THRILLING to watch Rhett on TV last night. We had an Arkansas Game party at our place and hope that you were able to watch as well. So fun to see his cute little face on TV and we would pause it and rewind so we could watch him longer. :)

Unfortunately, the Hogs lost in the last few minutes of the game, but it was such a good one to watch, none-the-less, and it was completely surreal to see my little bro out there with all of those BIG boys. ha!

Here's the recap, in case you missed it:

Score by Quarters..... 1st .....2nd......3rd......4th..... Total

Arkansas ..................0........ 10......... 7........ 21........ 38

Alabama.................. 21......... 0 ........10 .......10 .........41

As you can see, Rhett was VERY busy. Thanks for joining with our family as we celebrate each weekend with the Hogs.

See Rhett on TV!

Yes, you read correctly. Rhett will be on TV this weekend! ESPN will be airing the Arkansas game tomorrow, Saturday, September 15th vs. Alabama at 5:45pm (Central). You can do the math on your own time zone. :)

It should be a good game and a great chance for you to see his deep snapping in action!!

Rhett is #51 - so look fast before field goals, extra points, and punt returns! :) Regardless of whether you are able watch the game on TV, you can keep Rhett in your prayers.

Go Hogs! Go Rhett!

Kate's Slideshow

Just some random shots today. Enjoy!

2 and 1/2 months (10 weeks)

Kate LOVES hanging out with her daddy and listening to his stories. It is the most precious thing to watch.

What Is This I Hear?

So, I've heard the most interesting thing lately from my fashion-forward friends and family (ahem...Stephanie). Supposedly, the new thing is to continue wearing your white jeans and pants, even though it's AFTER labor day. I'm not kidding. I know. This morning, I passed 3 very stylish women of all ages still in their white jeans/ pants.

I thought to myself, " Can I do this, or is it ingrained in me from my Texas days that this is forbidden?" I don't know, friends, I really don't know. Can you do it?

Are you still wearing sandals? Are you wearing linen? Are you still wearing white pants or jeans? Do tell. Could you, if you knew that was the "new" look during the Fall? Random, I know, but this is what's on my mind today.

6 Years Later, We Still Remember

You cannot live in New York without feeling and remembering the 9/11 tragedy and hearing various accounts of that day. Today marks the 6 year anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center. A Tuesday - just like any other day. I remember when I first heard of this horrible tragedy; I was in Waco, Texas attending grad school. As bad as it sounds, at first I dismissed the impact of the planes crashing into a building, thinking it was in another country and another tragedy, of which I would not ever feel the true impact. Well, here I am; in the middle of New York City, six years later. I feel it more today than the day it happened.

New York, which was so distant from me then, is my home now. I work with these people. I live with these people. I have grown to love these people. Today, my heart is heavy for those children growing up without a mother or father, for those living with the overwhelming despair of loss, and those who do not know the hope and love of Christ to carry them forward. The memorial ceremony began at 8:46am, when the first plane hit the north tower. Now it is just an hour later at 9:59am, when the south tower collapsed, and we are only on G in the alphabet of victims. Think of that number. It is overwhelming.

So, how do we move forward? How do we as believers, in Christ's redeeming love, answer their questions? Rudy Giuliani said in his speech this morning, "It was a day with no answers..." John Piper puts it best in a previous blog, "How Shall We Minister To People After the World Trade Tower Terrorism of September 11, 2001?". Take a moment and read it. You never know when you will need to sit down and comfort one who is hurting from a loss, from an overwhelming loss. Let these be our answers, as a family of those who believe.

Today, I choose to do this and urge you to join me: "I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”- Psalm 121:1-2

Things That Make You Go... Hmmmm...

Here are the things that made me go, Hmmm...this past week:

* I went to buy stamps at a local neighborhood post office store, like UPS or Mail Boxes,Etc., and I ordered 2 books of stamps (20 stamps at 41 cents each, mind you) and paid $20. Hmmm...

* Last week Kate and I were crossing the street when the white walking signal was up, so I had the right away, and the cars were all stopped. All of a sudden, a guy on a bike comes barreling through the stream of pedestrians, almost knocking us over, all the while cussing all of US out. Hmmm...

* The other day, I was trying to get in a shop door with my stroller and my other hand full with a package. There was no one else in the store and the guy behind the counter just watched me for like 3 minutes struggle to get inside. He didn't say anything - just stared. Hmmm...

* Today, the sweet woman cleaning our apartment pulled out a bag of potatoes from under my sink that had to have been there for over a month now. Oops! I mean - Hmmm...

* After our walk this morning in Central Park, I sat on a bench to talk with Kate and rest. A gentleman next to me leaned over and asked if Kate is a girl or a boy...then commented how cute her PINK outfit was that she was wearing. Hmmm...

* Today, I was eating lunch at an outdoor cafe and overheard the conversation next to me of a mother (I'm assuming) and her daughter and a friend. One of the little girls says to the other - no older than 8 or 9 - "do you want to come over and have a sleep-over? my mom will take us to get a massage." What?! Hmmm...

* On my way home from the park, I turned on 72nd Street and there were many trailers that are indicative of filming a movie or a TV show. The gear was ready, the cameras were out, and stage crew standing by. I was curious. There are always parking permit signs on the telephone poles that say what it is they are filming, so I peeked over on one and it said, "What Happens in Vegas". Wait - aren't we in New York? Hmmm...

Do you have anything that's made you say Hmmm... this past week?

The Green Mountain State

For Labor Day this year, the Sullivans went to Vermont! It was absolutely beautiful! Here are the highlights from our trip. Enjoy!

Rhett Recap

So, I think after each game, I'll have a special "Rhett Recap" for those of you who don't watch ESPN at night for all of the college football highlights. :)

#21 ranked Arkansas was victorious over the mighty Troy State (unranked for all practical purposes) with a score of 46 to 26. As you can tell by the score, Rhett was very busy for his first College game and did a GREAT job!

First of all, let me describe the important job of a deep snapper, for those of you who are not football savvy. A deep snapper (a.k.a. long snapper) goes out for all extra points after a touchdown is scored and snaps to the kicker, goes out for all punts and snaps to the punter (when the team changes possession of the ball), and goes out for all field goal attempts (when the team fails to make a touchdown, they can still try for the 3 point field goal).

OK, so now...here are the highlights for # 51:

1st Q: 2 field goals

2nd Q: 2 extra points, 1 field goal

3rd Q: 2 extra points

4th Q: 1 field goal`

* Rhett snapped his first 15 yard snap of his career in a live game

* Rhett was hit by a Troy player after a snap, illegally, and earned a 15 yard penalty for Arkansas (way to sacrifice your body for the ball, buddy!) He has since been to the chiropractor and is feeling a little sore today. He is just fine!

* Rhett was named "player of the week" for the special teams, an honor bestowed by the coaching staff after each game for "game-makers". (Kind of like "Stingerette of the week"...hahaha) A HUGE deal for the first game for a freshman. Go Rhett!

Side note: My dad went into the college bookstore (where they know he and my mom by name, doncha know) and asked to buy a #51 hat. The guy told him they have only 6 left and he is not allowed to make specific team member hats anymore. So...Papaw Dennis bought all 6. Then, he asked about getting a #51 jersey made and the guy said he will order them and have them ready for the next game. The only catch is they come in quantities of 18. Hmmmm.... Guess I know what the family is getting this year for Christmas!