5 Years!

5 Years ago today, I married this wonderful guy. We met so long ago, we don't really remember when, I must have been about 14 and he was probably 16. All through our teenage years, we were friends, but we never even considered dating each other.

*at Nan & Myles' Wedding, 1998 (?)

On August 19, 1999, when I was 16, I wrote this in my journal:

• "This is why I love Ryan- when he introduced me to his friends, he put is arm around my shoulders and said, 'This is Heather. She is awesome. Just look at her, she's one of the coolest girls you'll ever meet.' I LOVE him for that! That's pretty much the way he always introduces me to someone new. I don't think he'll ever know how much he does for me when he says those things."

To continue where I left off in my journal 10 years ago, here are some more reasons why I love Ryan:

He's a romantic. I can't tell you how many times he's brought me flowers when I've had a bad day, or how many little notes he's left around the house. Even this morning, despite the fact that he had to leave the house by 6am, he took time to leave me a very sweet homemade anniversary card where he knew I would see it as soon as I woke up. He gives me compliments- he always tells me if he sees something he likes (a new hair do, out fit, or if my daily treadmill time is paying off :). And after 5 years, he still calls me on his lunch break to chat every day.

He helps me out. Without me even asking he will do the dishes after dinner, fold the laundry, or play with Wendy so I can take a much needed nap. Also, I like to make "To-Do" lists (it makes me feel productive to cross things off). If he sees my list, or hears it verbally, he will quietly start doing tasks on it. I. REALLY. LOVE. THAT.

He's fun. Everyone knows that Ryan is silly. He can turn any boring evening into a party. I'm pretty sure he's made me laugh at least once every day for the last 5 years.

He's benevolent. (be·nev·o·lent adj. 1. showing kindness or goodwill; 2. performing good or charitable acts and not seeking to make a profit). He's the first one on the scene to help out if someone is moving, needs a ride, or needs his help in the middle of the night. He's ALWAYS got his cell phone on him, he ALWAYS answers it, and he ALMOST ALWAYS will drop whatever he's doing to help you if you need it.

He's talented. He can play any instrument he picks up (accordion, piano, saxophone, bass, harmonica, steel drum, I mean it ANY instrument) and make you think he's been playing for years. He has an amazing singing voice. He's been in numerous a'cappella and singing groups, and has even toured Europe with one of his choirs. He speaks spanish, which I love. Also, he never forgets names. Ever.

He's an amazing father. Wendy is such a daddy's girl already. She lights up when he walks into the room and freaks out if he leaves. He is so good with her. On the day she was born, though I was choked up, Ryan was the one flat out sobbing with tears of joy. I hope he doesn't get embarrassed that I wrote that- it really made me fall in love with him all over again.

So instead of making a card, I made this blog to let my husband know how much I love him. He really is my best friend. So thank you for all that you do babe. These have been five of the best years of my life. I love you.

*kinda cheesy, I know, but I love it.