Memory Makers

Happy 9th anniversary, Ryan!!!

Nine married years have flown by at an unreasonable speed - a speed I begged for when I was single. But apparently single years aren't allowed to exceed five miles an hour. 

These nine years, though...they have been a joy and delight. Just a couple of days ago, when we left for our anniversary getaway, I noticed just how often we mentioned memories we had made together on other trips. I decided that is my favorite thing about having been married for nine years: we have reached a point where we have an entire bag FULL of memories we can look back on and enjoy together. That was something I remember looking forward to in those early years as we made the first memories. I couldn't wait to say, "Remember when we....?" And now, here we are!

Today, in honor of our 9th anniversary, I want to share 9 moments from the past year that stick out in my memory. They remind me of different reasons why I love Ryan and this life we share!

1.  We love small town life, and one of the things we love about OUR small town is the sledding hill! Last winter, on a particularly busy work day, Ryan took me aside and said we were going to take a midday break to sneak out to the sledding hill and enjoy a mini-date. In our work, this sort of intentionality is imperative, and I appreciate it that he makes US a priority, even in the middle of the madness. 

2. One of the hardest moments this year was getting the phone call that Allen had died so unexpectedly. Watching Ryan process that grief, listening to him speak at the funeral, and observing his unwavering dedication to the logistics of settling the estate (still ongoing) has reminded me how much heart and soul he puts into EVERYTHING - even the hard things. Maybe even especially the hard things. 

3. Finishing our renovations on Abby will always be one of my favorite marriage memories, and it's certainly one of my highlights from this year. When I look at the side-by-side pictures and see how far we brought her, I am amazed! Though the results are a combined creative vision of both of us, the bulk of the sweat equity went to Ryan. He was able to do things he didn't even know he COULD do - like upholstering! Seeing this dream through to completion together and then getting to enjoy it? This was huge for this year!

4. I realize our choice to celebrate monthiversaries may not be for everyone, but I am so grateful that Ryan enjoys it as much as I do and that he puts effort into making these days memorable! This year we reached triple digits, and it was even more fun to celebrate! Thanks, Ryan, for making the second day of every month a special memory!

5. One of the things I love most about Ryan is his work ethic. I have watched him - consistently - give a thousand percent to WillowBridge, caring for the building and grounds as though he owned it personally. I would imagine some of our former tenants remember the times he spent on the front sidewalk, on his hands and knees, scrubbing grease stains with a scrub brush and dish soap. (We had received a food donation and the pan dripped as it was carried up the sidewalk.) He works from early morning until late at night to make sure the property and vehicles are always clean, mended, and looking their very best. It's not just about what he's doing. It's about his integrity, and I love him for it. 

6. We have made a thousand memories this year investing in our little buddy...and let me tell you: he LOVES Ryan. He likes me a lot, but when Ryan is in the room, the world stops, and Ryan is the only one that matters. Ryan is SO good with him. Plays with him, helps feed him when he comes over to stay with us, and prays for him. 

7. Ryan invested in our variety show act more than anyone else in our group - including getting back up and finishing the act on a super-sprained ankle. We are four months out from his injury and he's still healing slowly. I will forever hate the song he fell on (I grimace every time I hear it) but I will forever be proud of him for how he pushed through the pain for the good of the group. And I will forever be proud of how diligently he did ice foot-baths, laps, wrapping, resting, elevating, and his own physical therapy in the days and weeks after the accident. He's amazing!

8. Camping has a hard work element to it that no one talks about. Sure, it's fun to set up the campsite with the lights and rugs and chairs, but there's also backing into the spot, hooking up the sewer hoses, leveling the rig, building the fires...and so much more. We had a great time on all our camping outings this year, and one big reason we did was because Ryan learned to do all those things so very well! We had some of our best talks and times of rest on these trips this year, and I'm so grateful.

9. And as we just talked about this week, one of our favorite things about this season is working together. We love getting to spend every single day together. We love knowing what makes it difficult and not having to explain it to the other. We love supporting each other and helping each other through the hard days - and celebrating the good ones!

So, Ryan, happy anniversary! Thank you for loving me so well - in mundane and major moments. These last nine years truly have been my greatest joy and honor. I am so thankful for you. I love you so much. I love every memory we've made. Thank you for choosing me, and thank you for living your vows so faithfully every single day! You're my joy.