In the Blink...

...of an eye:

Your friends have children that walk and talk. They point to something in a book and speak the words to you describing what is on the page. How did they grow so fast already? They have a full head of hair and teeth! And now a baby sibling. Sigh.

You're looking at your husband's clothes hanging in the closet - slightly wrinkled dress shirts hanging in a row. Your marriage is over two years old already. How you thought about these beginning days of adulthood and marriage when you were small! Now they've arrived, and with you barely noticing. You fold socks and underwear on the bed, and put them neatly in a drawer, eyeball the little tufts of dog hair gathering in every corner of the house. You'll get to that later. Your husband pecks you on the mouth as he leaves to play tennis with his Dad down the road. You walk the dog, brush her, and do some laundry. This adult life falls into place in the blink of an eye, and then...you're living it.

Puttin' On the Ritz

Ryan and I celebrated our 1st wedding Anniversary yesterday. We were so excited to celebrate, both of us daunted by the rapid passing of time and rejoicing in all that we have done in our first year of marriage, such as starting a business. We also thought about our family and friends who gathered with us a year ago to witness our marriage in Pennsylvania. What a wonderful, albeit blustery, day it was. I have posted below a handful of photos from our anniversary celebrations, followed by a few reminiscent shots of our wedding day a year ago. We enjoyed our anniversary immensely, first getting muddy while hiking, swimming, and picnicking with friends, then getting gussied up and dining at the Mansion on Judge's Hill Restaurant here in Austin. Drinks and dinner were divine and we enjoyed the juxtaposition of the activities we partake in and enjoy together (getting very muddy, then allowing ourselves to be pampered). We hope you enjoy these photos as much as we have relished in the experience.

Wedding: June 10, 2006

Me and my "girls" at the rehearsal

Sadie, the flower girl

The handsome groom

Ode to a Husband

I write this entry not to brag, but to encourage readers to write an ode to someone special in their lives (or several people). In addition, I encourage you all to pat yourselves on the back for having had the insight to make these people part of your lives! Go ahead, gloat! I hereby give myself permission to do so as well:

I have married an amazing man! I have only known him for seven years of my life, but have learned so much about myself during that time through his eyes and his outlook. Everyday I see examples of how my natural instinct to choose a mate has proven successful. Allow me to gloat a bit…to “count the ways,” so to speak:

1. He is handsome (see below).
2. He bears a wonderful blend of each of his parent’s personalities in his ability to be extremely levelheaded (his Father) and sensitive (his Mother) at the same time, which leads me to...
3. He has given me the two best in-laws I could ask for .
4. He achieves balance every day by working hard but allowing himself time to play and enjoy life.
5. He is flexible and open to the world, always ready to learn and try new things.
6. His capacity to make me laugh in stressful or tense situations is uncanny.
7. He writes the most poetic love letters.

Gosh, somebody stop me…I could go on, but I’ll do you all a favor and keep some of this gushing between husband and wife.

Owning a business has given my husband and me even more opportunities to learn about each other and develop our relationship. I have remarked many times in the past several months since we have started our venture how well my husband deals with frustration. While I tend to bubble over easily, Ryan’s unwavering, even-tempered perspective allows him to handle each trying situation with grace and to move on quickly, not wasting time dwelling on negativity. This has been an important life lesson for me. I have learned great things from this man!

So here’s to Ryan! And may all of you take some time today to gloat about your loved ones.