The Not-So-Ordinary But Definitely Fabulous Ryan

We were married 16 years ago this month.  It's a simultaneous feeling of "No way! How could it be that long?" and "Really??  Only 16??"  I don't mean that in a bad way at all, it's just that we've had a lot of change in our lives in the past 16 years.   More than I care to think about at times, but always so glad I get to share it with him.

Since it was just Father's Day, and since I missed blogging on our anniversary, I thought I'd dedicate this post to him.  I've been having a hard time trying to figure out what route I wanted to go with this (after all, when you meet in 7th grade, there's a lot of material to work with) but I finally got an idea from a friend who is recording 1000 gifts of things she's thankful for.  I think I will follow suit, but maybe pare it down a little for the sake of time and call it:  The joys of being married to Ryan.

1. Laughter.  Nobody can make me laugh as often or as hard--especially when the last thing I want to do is laugh.

2.Children. Five surprises--each in their own way.

3. Appreciation for technical audio/visual stuff.  I now know that when you see something cool, someone very well stayed up all night (or many nights) to produce it.

4. Pronunciation.  With him around, I know that I will not sound like an idiot for long.

5. Integrity.  He models it in every area.  If I were to pick one word to define him this would be it.

6. Closed doors.  They always should be closed.  It was probably a mistake that they even put hinges on them.

7. Delicious and creative food .  The man can hold his own in the kitchen. (The pizza dough experiment phase was awesome--I've never lost that weight.)

8. Well-behaved children.  He is a firm believer.  Doesn't matter if you're a neighbor kid either.

9. Thoughtful gifts.  Despite the fact that he isn't really a "gift" person.

10. Suspense.  He likes to surprise.  I didn't even know where we were going on our honeymoon until we got there.

11.Sky gazing.  He still runs outside to look at the sound of a Fighter...or anything military sounding.  We all follow because he's instilled in us a love for that, too.

12. Confidence.  He is my rock.  Where I waver, he is firm, assuring and constant.

13. Creative cakes.  Our kids are blessed to have a dad who likes to and is good at making amazing birthday cakes for them.  Where I would say "good enough with sprinkles"  he says "I think I'll Google homemade fondant right after I sculpt a pirate's treasure chest out of chocolate pound cake".

14. Overcomes the technically impossible.  Sometimes too well.  I'll never forget when the authorities showed up at our apartment because they detected that the aircraft navigation interference was coming from our living room.

15. Camaraderie.  He will not only watch a Jane Austen with me but enjoy it.

16. Friendship.  There is no one else I'd rather spend time with.

17. Conversation.  It's fun with him.  (Don't tell anyone, but he thinks there COULD be aliens.  I just about asked for an annulment when I first discovered this, but it's all good now.)

18. Adventure.  Like starting a business with zero capital, or camping with 4 little ones, or moving 10 times in 16 years, or throwing cranberries in the recipe.

19. Understanding.  When the house is a mess, or his shirt isn't ironed, or I'm feeling blue.

20. Faithfulness.  To follow the Lord, to lead his family, to love his wife.

21. Anticipation.  Dreams, plans, time together.  Looking forward to the next 16!

I love you, Ryan!