Thursday, March 19, 2009

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.

16 comments:

Melany said...

aww...that is so sweet. i can't believe it has been 5 years! our 4-year is coming up this summer - so crazy. i love the wedding pics - you were such a gorgeous bride! happy anniversary!

Ruth said...

Ryan really ha a gift of remembering peopl's name. it's freaky almost. My favorite part of the last picture is Ryan's manbag that probably has his snacks in it.

Shawni said...

AHhhhhhhhh I totally got goosebumps reading your post. I can't believe it has already been 5 years! How amazing. I love you both!

Ruth said...

Ok Ryan- Your are truly a very helpful person. I know i could alway count on you during YGG. Your commentaries at family parties always make me laugh. You and Heather are really made for each other. I am glad you guys are still in love.
(better?)

Shannon said...

Wow. That was so sweet I almost cried. It sounds like he's too good to be true, but not. You're a lucky girl. Happy Anniversary you two!

whitneyingram said...

Oh the memories as I read this post. Remember when you guys broke up? I had a vigil with pictures of you two and candles.

Thank heavens you guys got back together. Happy Anniversary!

Emily said...

Yay! Congratulations on your anniversary. You looked beautiful on your wedding day...This was a really sweet blog post- you are cute!

Emily said...

p.s. I found an awesome bird cage that I love...check out this picture:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CwOuRincuSI/ScDgiayavJI/AAAAAAAAOfs/2_baPwOAnzc/s1600-h/Picture+26.png

Anonymous said...

Yeah much better Ruth. thank you!!

amber buhrley said...

Heather, what a sweet post! The best part about it is you didnt have to candy coat anything. Ryan really is that way and all those things. You really are a lucky girl and a great couple that compliment eachother well!

Jones Family said...

1. I can't believe Garrett Lambourne in that pic from Nan's wedding. Those guys were so lame! I see my hubby!

2. You were a super-bride. Remember your LGN diet? You had an awesome wedding.

3. Ryan hasn't changed a bit! He will be all Ryan on your 50th Anniversary too.

4. Remember hanging out at Sam and Emilie's house right after you got back from your honeymoon? I couldn't believe you were married.

5. Happy Anniversary!

kristyn said...

That post made me a little teary-eyed. One of my favorite memories of Ryan is when he went swimming with Alta at Clyde and Sheldon's birthday party-- she's pretty demanding in the water and he handled her like a champ. He really is a sweet/loveable guy.

Sarah said...

Happy Anniversary! You guys make a cute couple.

Beth said...

I can't beleive it has been five years! Ryan has been a wonderful husband for you and a great son-in-law for me.

Okamoto Family said...

Hi Heather! We're doing great. Clint found a job and Kate is almost 1, as I'm sure you know! We miss Brea and still plan to move back eventually. Kate is having a birthday party April 18. We want to invite you. Could you send me your address please? My email address is madelynokamoto@gmail.com. Thanks.
How are you guys doing? How's little Wendy?

Lynsey said...

I will always remember your wedding day because Chris and I got engaged the next day, he wanted to do that day but found out we were going to your wedding and wanted to wait. You were such a beautiful bride!! Loved the hair!