A Very Special Day

Engagement, May 2008

Tomorrow is a very special day. It's special because 23 years ago, on August 19, the man to whom I am now married arrived in this world. I always love celebrating people's birthdays because they are such wonderful reminders of God's incredible gift of life! Not to mention they give me the opportunity to rejoice over the presence of loved ones in my own life.

I truly feel blessed beyond words to have Ryan as my husband. Even though I am sure I take him for granted throughout our days, weeks, and months together, I realize how much he adds to my life. Eleven years ago, when I first met him at youth group, I would have never imagined that I would someday be happily married to Ryan Foster. But now that I am, I could not be more grateful to God for carving this path for our life together.

August 2008

I love so many things about my husband. I love his adorable smile, his amazing green eyes (which I really hope get passed down to at least one of our children!), the way my hand fits in his and the way I have to stand on my tip-toes to kiss him. I love his adventurous side, his role-with-the-punches attitude, and his ability to calm me down. I love his understated sense of humor, his willingness to serve, and his desire to be a good and godly man. I love the way he looks at me and how he tells me every day that I am beautiful. I love his dedication, hard work, devotion, and encouragement. Basically, I found all that I wanted from a husband in him, the boy I dated for an hour during middle school, ate lunch with as a high school freshman, and fell in love with once my college years began. It's crazy the turn both of our lives took, but thank God things happened the way they did!

July 2010

Happy birthday to the best husband I could wish or pray for! I love you more than all the stars in the sky and fish in the sea, and I couldn't be more thankful that you love me :-).

Back Again

After more than a month, I'm finally deciding to update my very neglected blog. We've had a lot going on over the past month: a trip to Colorado, our one-year anniversary, a visit from one of my best friends, and more.

To start, our two weeks in Colorado during July were incredible! Not only were we able to spend time with family, but we also shared a perfect weekend in the mountains to celebrate our anniversary. One of our friend's family owns a cabin in Red Feather, and they were generous enough to let us use it for a weekend while we were in Colorado. Ryan arranged the whole weekend getaway, and I was completely surprised and thrilled. We had so much fun relaxing with each other, going on hikes, canoeing, and roasting marshmallows over the campfire. I enjoyed every minute with my husband of one whole year!

The view while driving in Red Feather

Enjoying a fun hike together

During the rest of our visit in Colorado, we enjoyed seeing family members and friends. Almost every day that we were there, we were able to see another much-missed loved one. We also had fun seeing my sister's boyfriend (also named Ryan... funny, I know) and going to one of his baseball games in Wyoming. Because his parents were also visiting at the time, it was a full house at the Burks's residence, but we loved the energy and the constant fun of it all. Toward the end of our trip, the whole gang made it up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a breathtaking summer hike. I was certainly reminded of why I want to move back to Colorado someday!

Daddy and his girls in Rocky Mountain National Park

The ladies of the family

Ryan and me with Jordan and her Ryan

When we got back to Florida, Carol, one of my best friends from high school, came to visit us for a week. She arrived the day after we got home, so there wasn't much time for unpacking or settling back in. But it was so good to see her and to have some one-on-one girl time. The weather cooperated enough for us to have several sunny days on the beach, and we also got some shopping squeezed in while she was here. During Carol's visit, I decided that she must be my good luck charm. We went bowling with some friends one evening, and I bowled over 100 for the first time in my life (135)... I even beat my husband! Ssshhh... don't tell him I told you :-).

Carol and me at St. Pete Pier

After Carol left, it was back to reality, which was not easy I must admit. But I'm extraordinarily grateful for our amazing vacation time and our chance to catch up with the people we love and miss so much every day. I'm already counting the days till I get to see my wonderful family again :-). Until then, I'm looking forward to sharing the rest of the summer with my loving and adorable husband. Even though I miss Colorado and my family, he makes Florida my 'home sweet home.'