{March 24, 1988}
Meet Ryan.
The Most Handsome Man in the World.
And I have thought that since I was 14. I didn't know him at all, but I wanted to get to know him. I finally had a stroke of luck Christmas of last year, and remember being nervous for one reason: that my expectations were too high, that I had dreamed up this idea of Ryan and would be disappointed. WRONG. 100% entirely and completely wrong. He exceeded my expectations, and continues to every day. And here are some reasons why...
1. Is there anyone more fun? Ryan is upbeat, happy, positive, full of energy and always looking to have a good time, with anyone and anywhere! He has made me appreciate the small things, and learn to enjoy life in any situation. He is someone that people crave to be around, because he lifts everyone around him. I would be a pretty boring girl if I didn't have a little "Vitamin R" to spice up my life ;)
2. He is diligent. Oh my goodness. For example, no matter what, before any kind of studying, he reads his scriptures. What an example. When he sets his mind to something, it'll happen. Whether we go to bed at 8pm or 1am, he is up at 5:30 to study MCAT notecards. He plans out his day with studies and exercise, and hardly ever does he not follow through with his original plans. It is no coincidence that my grades have tremendously improved being married to Ryan, he is such a hard worker and a wonderful motivator/example.
3. He make me happy. I love listening to his made up love songs about me ("lauren, my honey, she is...my honey. I want to be with her right nowwwwwwwww.") He just knows how to make a gal smile. Washing dishes turns into Ryan's Famous Rap Song Sessions and a bad day at school is forgotten with one big squeeze.
4. He is so tender. That is one of the things that I love most about him, and one of the things I wasn't expecting. You would think a rugged, handsome manly-man wouldn't be so kind and gentle, but he treats me with such tenderness and affection. Not only me, but his family. On our first or second date, I remember watching in awe as he sweetly spoke to his sisters and mom, and treated them all like little princesses. I can't wait for our own little ones to be treated by such a caring father, and set the standard for their future husbands. He respects, honors and cherishes the women in his life.
5. He is my best friend. After a long, hard year of getting to know each other in every kind of circumstance, Ryan knows me. He gets me. And he loves me for it. Yoga, running, reading, games, cooking, cleaning, cuddling, bike rides... it never gets old or boring. And those things are so fun and wonderful, but what I appreciate most is how well we get along. He lights me up with his infectious energy and I might need to cool him down every once in a while, reel him in to focus for just a few more minutes :) But it is so perfect.
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I love birthdays. I wanted to plan out Ryan's entire day with things he loves, and make him feel special for a full 24 hours, because isn't that what it's all about? Your birthday is the only day that is allllll yours, so why not make the most of it one time a year. So....8:00 am - I let him sleep in:) But as soon as he woke up, I had him change into some athletic clothes, put on some pre-packed backpacks (with some goodies) and hop on our bikes!
9:00-11:00 We rode up to a beautiful park in Provo. We laid out a blanket and ate a breakfast picnic (homemade egg mcmuffins and fruit/granola).
It was so wonderful to be outside, to talk about our future, to enjoy the weather, and to feel a sense of peace and quiet out in the "wilderness."
12:00-1:00 - We went to the Football spring game. It was a little bittersweet for Ryan. He said he misses the game, but not the atmosphere or the politics. We are both happy he is done, but I am sure there will always be a special place in his heart for BYU Football.1:00-2:30 - TENNIS!
3:00-6:30 - We sat in line and waited...
... and waited...to get some good seats for the Hunger Games! It was a great movie, but the books are better :)
7:00-9:00 Dinner at Tucanos. A man's dream. For dessert, Kate, Ryan and I shared a delicious homemade Pzookie...nothing better :)