63 Months!

Last Friday we marked 63 months of marriage! It was the kind of day that was so busy, it almost felt like we didn't properly pause to observe the occasion, but it also was a great example of the ways in which we enjoy working together and just being together, and that's really what it's all about.

Last Friday was also my friend Michelle's funeral, and I was reminded in fresh ways how grateful I am to have another monthiversary with Ryan. We both have been reminded of the fragility of life and how an ordinary day can become a critical day with little warning. So despite our busyness, and despite the normalcy of a number like 63, we were grateful for it.

Michelle's friends and family offered a "wear red for Michelle" challenge that day, so we did. Ryan wore a red shirt to work under his scrubs, and I wore a red scarf with my outfit, and throughout the day, we were reminded to pray for Michelle's family and to cherish each other and our life together.

(Things you can't see in the background include our incredibly messy kitchen I hadn't gotten around to cleaning yet because curling my hair won.)

After Ryan got off work, we had to hurry to Marion to go to my friend Faith's 40th birthday party! I was on picture duty for her (she's a scrapbooker like I am) so I needed to get there early to make sure I had everything all lined up. I'll tell you more about the party part tomorrow, but here are a few shots of us at the party.

The party was at her church...no one was wishing the worship center a happy birthday.

The classic Shafferland photo attempt:

And then the "proper" photo:

After the party, we went to Culver's for dinner, but we were so hungry, we didn't document that at all. (But it was really good.)

We had to stop by my parents' house on the way home so I could drop off some business cards for my mom, and before we left, Ryan tried on my dad's sunglasses:

And this is why I love him. He never fails to make me laugh. Ever.

Thanks for 63 fun-filled months, Ryan! Thank you for being willing to go with me to my friends' parties and for making me laugh every day of my life. I love you so much!