Happy Birthday, My Love! (Part Two)

 

            Today is one of my favorite national holidays: it’s Ryan’s birthday!!! I started his blogging birthday party yesterday, and he said it was more than enough, but, well, it’s NOT! Today I invite you to celebrate with me the joy he has brought to me personally in the last year!

Ryan, what would I do without you? I don’t ever want to know.

This past year, you championed my wannabe gardener dreams by hauling home dirt and creating a garden bed for me. You helped me with watering duty on the days when I didn’t have time to get everything done, and you celebrated with me when the harvest came, and I was SO EXCITED that I actually did this thing. And you didn’t even get angry when my prolific tomatoes smothered part of the yard.

You were willing to pray and talk about major life changes that surprised us both, and even though God closed the door, you’ll never know how much it meant to me that you were willing to pursue its opening. You might have taught me more through your willingness than anything else!

You always set a good example for me by courageously learning new things – like paddleboarding! I love how you see everything as an adventure, and you call me to do the same, which I need. I’m not naturally courageous. Thanks for inviting me to join you in trying.

You helped me with our garage sale and were willing to do all the math! You helped me sort all the things we sold, took vacation time to sit with me for the sale, and handled all the handful of customers who made me leery. 😉

You drove to Ohio with me on a rainy night so I had company for a work event. In fact, you willingly learned all the facets of my job right alongside me so you could have conversations with me about what I do. You encouraged me when I was down and celebrated with me when things went well. And you held down the fort (and Lexi’s care) at home every single time I had to travel.

You encouraged me during the Amazing Race, when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. When I didn’t think I could hit the stupid nail one more time in the nail challenge, you stood right beside me and urged me to stop crying and keep going. You cheered for me through a two-minute plank and have told everyone that my shining moments were the Bible quiz and the plant alphabetizing. We all know I was the weakest link of that team, but thanks for finding what I did well and reminding me of it. 

You make every little date - even the ones to Aldi and Dunkin’ – so much fun (7/7, 9/22). I will say yes every time when you ask me out.

           

You make every vacation fun, too! Lighthouses…fish boils…hiking dunes…I pick you every time.  And I love it that our vacations are the most fun because we’re together, even if we’re just watching movies in an Airbnb because the weather is too gross to do anything else. Oh the stories we’ve accumulated from our trips. Gold. Pure gold.

You went with me to the flower patch date night, which I recognize was much more my idea than yours, but you had fun anyway, and I loved that night.

You have taken me on ice cream dates many times this past year, and I love you for every one of those times. 

We kayaked and enjoyed so many quiet days at home in the summer. Let’s not forget to be purposeful about time preserved at home together.

You learned to mill wheat and bake bread with me – and it’s one of my favorite things we do together. I know were a bit skeptical about the adventure when we started, but I think you love it as much as (or maybe more than!) I do. Let’s try more of that this year.

You accompanied me to every speaking event and pitched in every way you could. You ran the book table, my Power Point, and took pictures. And most of all? You prayed over me. I could not do what I do (at least as well as I do it) without you by my side. If you don’t get to be the package deal with me in this ministry, then I don’t want to go! (8/26, 10/15, 1/21, 2/8, 4/13).

You’ve made me treats on hard days, so I have something sweet and special to look forward to. Also – you’re a really good cook.  

I love all the walks we take and the talks we have on those walks. Whether we’re walking around the lake or hiking a new-to-us place, it’s always a fun adventure. Well. Minus the unruly dogs we sometimes encounter. But you handle those well! 

You recreate fun dates with me – like going on trips to the corn maze! 

You go on adventures with me – exploring new-to-us places. 

You are, without a doubt, the most fun road trip partner. You always make sure there is coffee in abundance, a chance for me to nap through cities (though I’m pretty sure that’s more for you than for me…) and some car karaoke. And also - thanks for getting us everywhere so safely!

You sit with me while I try new things that sometimes scare me to death. You encourage me to try and you document the experience. In fact, thanks for everything you do document for our family.

 You make every little dream come true – even s’mores at the zoo. Thanks for standing in line in the cold to buy me a kit and then sharing it with me.

You honor all the traditions we have established together. 

           

You take a bitterly cold outdoor date and make it warm and cozy!

All those years I dreamed about a husband, I hoped for one as amazing as you but kind of didn’t think they were real. Thanks for proving that wrong and being the best. I hope your birthday today is wonderful in every way. I hope you know how dearly loved you are. I will stop now before I cry. 😊

            I love you, Ryan Alan Shaffer. You are the best thing after Jesus that has ever happened to me in this life.