Another year goes by....

So another year has gone by and my, how the time flies when so much has been happening.

To make a very long, yet interesting and great past year a short story.... Ryan and I are doing well. We have been very blessed this past year.

We started hardcore searching for a house November of last year and there were a few let downs and yet, we knew it was time to buy a house (or move to Africa, even though that was more my idea than his). So, after much searching, many offers, and all the other craziness, we became homeowners on May 31! God is so good! We have throughly enjoyed getting our "nest" together and sharing in our joy and blessing from God!

I guess that's the biggest thing that's happened for us this past year. So, for those few that's been looking for a new post, here it is. Ha ha Enjoy!

Life as I know it

Well, with keeping people up to date on Facebook, I have completely abandoned my blog. Sorry. Lots has happened since last April. HA! I haven't written since then. So, hey, at least it wasn't a WHOLE year.

Ry turned 25 last year and I think he enjoys it. He's a guy so he doesn't really say much about his age. I continually tell him that I'm a cougar for marrying a younger guy. Ha ha Yeah, I'll be the big 3-0 this year. Although, a lot of people freak out about it, I'm totally calm. Actually, I can't really believe that I'll be 30. I feel like I should still be 24 or 25. Only I want the wisdom of 29/30 with me. I guess we can't have it all.

We also added an addition to our family, but he may be leaving us for another home soon. Mr. Ulrich is great, but he's too much for an apartment and I don't think we can handle it much longer. We're hoping he can get a home with a big back yard to play in. He'd love that. We are taking him to training courses though to help him with his social issues. He just takes a long time to adjust to other people and dogs. What can I say.... when we got him we were (still are) in our honeymoon phase, so we didn't have much company to socialize him with. He's a sweetheart though. I love cuddling with him when he's in his "lovey" mood.

We recently purchased two new to us cars. A 2010 Chevy HHR and a 2002 Saturn Vue. God definitely blessed us during that situation. We had already been looking to trade in Ryan's car because we live in Ohio and winter and a Z28 convertible Camaro does not mix well. Then Herbie (my Civic) died. What fun. Thankfully, we were blessed to have a few weeks of me driving my Mom's van while we looked around and God just did everything all at once. What a blessing!

Life has been amazing though. God has never failed us. We are blessed and so thankful for all He's done for us.

Hmmm.... well, most of you knew that my Uncle Ronnie passed away on March 29th, it's always bittersweet when your loved ones, who know God, pass away. On one hand, you're thankful that they aren't in any more pain and that they are in Heaven where you know that you'll see them again. On the other hand, you'll miss them and it's okay to grieve. Even the Bible says so. My uncle was hilarious. He would always come up with the silliest stories. He never did get me that monkey he said he'd get me. Ha ha He was always jolly and definitely would have and did make a good Santa. :)

Sunday, April 3, was the 2 year anniversary of my friend Matt's death. It didn't hit me so hard on Sunday as it did on Monday. I think sometimes we keep ourselves busy just so we don't focus on something and in this day and age it's SO easy to keep busy. Randomly throughout the years though, he would be on my heart and that would persuade me to pray for his family and friends who were so connected and whom he made such an impact on. I can still hear his infectious laugh sometimes. It makes me smile.

Oh yes, our dear friends Jennifer and Brandon are expecting Preston and Alexis in May, personally, I think they will be April babies, but that's just me. Also, our other dear friends, Beth and John are expecting a new little one in October! How exciting! No, don't even think about it. We're not ready for children of our own, but no doubt that I will enjoy the new joys that are coming. :) My other dear friend Heather and her family moved to Florida last fall, that was difficult. I miss them something fierce, but I am happy for them. Yet another dear friend (yes, I have quite a few), Andrea and her family moved back to Ohio. I can't wait to be able to go visit her soon. I'm so thankful she's close again!

In August we will be celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary. It's unbelievable. Time has went by so fast. I am even more in love with Ry than I was then. It's amazing when you think you love someone soooo much and yet it grows even more. The great part is that he loves me just as much and he never ceases to tell me or show me that love. Sometimes it's a glance, a touch, a smile, or a kiss that just tells me how much more in love he is with me every day. God's love is just the same. I wish the whole world knew about the amazing love of God. I can honestly say that my understanding of God's love has grown since I've been married. It's such a parrallel of what God feels for His bride, His church.

Well, that's all I can think to really write about, so at least you are updated and I'll do my best to keep it under a year again. Hee hee

7 1/2 months later.....

Well, hello, hello everyone! I have no idea who still reads my blog, but here's to hoping that there is still someone out there. =P

Anyway, life is grand. I am loving marriage. God is so good to His children. That's the bottom line. Yes, there have been those little things that you find out after you're married, but in all honesty, there has been nothing major and we work with the differences and not fight against them. It's great. It makes us stronger as a married couple. Our families are doing great too! We are all so blessed!

It's still funny sometimes though, when I still think as an individual (I mean, hello, I was pretty much alone for 28 years) and try to "take care of things" by myself. Then I finally share the load with Ryan and he reminds me that is what marriage is about. He will pray and speak over me and because of the covenant we have with God and each other, it's amazing how much brighter the situation looks. No one is perfect and I definitely realize that a lot personally. The key, however, is to notice what needs to change and change it.

I have recently realised that I have gained some post-wedding pounds, but am happy to say that we are working on that. My hubby bought me a new computer AND a new Wii. The Wii is for EA Active. You should look it up if you haven't heard of it. It really is an awesome workout and it's fun. I love it!

There are lots of changes coming for our little family, for the good. Just be praying that we make the right God sent directional changes that we need to. I'm excited about it and so is Ryan and we feel a confirmation in the spirit to go forward. So, in Jesus name it will be so!

Jasper is doing well, turning gray. It's kinda funny. He's healthy and loves to play. We call him our, "brown eyed, black haired child." No worries, no human children in our near future. :)

Anyway, I just wanted to update you all on the happenings and hopefully I will be able to keep up a little more on here, so check for updates or I'll post them on my facebook.

Newlyweddedness..... (yep, this word only exists in Mary's dictionary)

Can I just say that I LOVE married life? Well, I guess that I can because this is my blog which gives me the right to say whatever I want. Well, we have been married for 2 months (tomorrow) and I couldn't be more ecstatic about life and the future. God is amazing. I'm tellin' ya. He will never cease to amaze me in His consideration for His children and for giving them even beyond their dreams and desires. It's awesome!!!!

I had the amazing privilege to be in one of my best friends weddings a couple of weeks ago. Andrea Lorenz is now Andrea Dennis!!!! Woo hoo! I'm so happy for her! :) It was so cold that day, but it was worth it. It was beautiful outside.

Ryan's Pop-pop (Grandfather) went to be with the Lord last week, so that was a sad time for him. I wish I could have met him, but I will someday. His life seemed full and purpose filled. I'm sure everyone who knew him will miss him. We went to Massachusetts for the funeral over the weekend (26 hours of driving in 48 hours). It was a fun trip. Bittersweet, but it was nice to meet the family. (Now, I wish I had a pic of Ryan and his Pop-pop to post.)

It's interesting that I haven't had very many best friends in my life and that within a year, Ryan has become the best friend of my life.... literally and in so many ways. It's great having a husband, but to have a husband as my best friend.... that's irreplaceable. I'm very cautious about who I let in my life (well closely that is) and God just has the most amazing plans for our life even when we only see in part. This time last year I was just starting to talk to Ryan after church services and realizing that he was a fun guy.... now, he's still fun, but he's my husband. Don't give up on your dreams and definitely don't take second best because you're tired of waiting for something. If you say you trust God, then trust Him, don't take things out of His hands. He's got this. I learned that the hard way. If you're tired of being patient for something, then give it to God and stop being impatient; the dream is probably right around the corner.

Anywho, I guess that's an update of my life that I love.

Post wedding life

Wow, what to write. The last post was a month BEFORE my wedding. Let's see. If you want to see pics, you need to look me up on Facebook under Mary Hallquist.

The wedding week was really smooth. I had Thursday and Friday off before the wedding, so that helped a lot, but the over all process and day went VERY stress free. It was literally the wedding of my dreams, but it was even better than that. I can say that about Ryan too. He is the man of my dreams, but he is even better than that. It's amazing what God will do for you when you give yourself completely to Him and let Him run your life. Ry and I still look at each other and say, "Wow, am I really married to the person I was just an aquaintance with 7 years ago?" and "This time last year we had barely said a few words to each other and now we're married."

(The above pic is when he met me halfway down the aisle and kissed my hand before we walked up to the front. Awwwww.) The wedding day was beautiful, it started at 5am for me. Got to the church by 7am. It was fun in the girls room, there were about 5 different "stations" going on at once. It was great! I actually saw Ryan before the ceremony. That was a precious moment for me. Once the photographers and the videographers got what they wanted, we were actually alone for a few minutes. It was very, very precious. Plus, doing it that way, we got to go take pics off location and that meant I got to spend most of my wedding morning with my hubby. :) I can honestly say that I didn't cry the whole day. I got teary eyed a few times.... well, more like 8 or 9 times, but that's it. I was proud that I didn't mess up Robert's make-up job.

Charissa did an amazing job with my hair. I had, what felt like, 5 extra pounds on my head with the hair extensions, but it was worth it. That and the ribbon looked awesome! Rhonda did amazing on Ryan's hair, he looked like a rockstar. If you didn't see Ry's tux, it was amazing! He was hot! Definitely not your typical groom. All my bridesmaids were absolutely beautiful and helped me out a lot. :) The groomsmen looked very handsome. Thanks girlies. Nicole did an amazing job helping coordinate things the night of the rehearsal and the day of the wedding. Geez. So many thanks and people who helped us. Erik wrote us an amazing song called, "Silly Love." Very cool indeed. I know there are a TON more people but you are not forgotten, k? =D

Yes, my Mom cried, but I heard that a lot of people did. Ryan and I read our own vows (which most people cried about) and he also made a declaration of covering over me too. It was definitely a God ordained ceremony and I know that He was smiling about it. :) I missed a few people who have gone on to be in eternity, but I couldn't miss them for too long cause I know they are happy and I was happy, so it was okay. I was so happy to have our family and all of our friends there to help us celebrate.

The reception was pretty amazing too. We had a semi-masquerade and walked into The Phantom of the Opera. I was in pain from my dress, but I just tried to force that aspect out and just have fun and have fun I did. I loved having my first dance with my hubby to one of our fav songs. I loved dancing with all of our friends to the Cha Cha Slide. We cut the cake but didn't eat it (we heard it was awesome though), we fed each other strawberries. :)

Anywho, it was an amazing day and I am TRUELY blessed with Ryan. Married life is amazing. I love him even more every day, even though that doesn't seem possible. I am filled with joy when I can come home to him. He makes me laugh. We pray together and have a lot of fun together. He's already been sick in this short time and I am happy to say that he is well and I enjoyed being able to be his wife and take care of him.

Oh, the honeymoon was great too. We went to Oglebay Resort in WV. It was great, it felt like we were the only ones at the resort, so anytime we went and did anything, it was just us. The breakfast was amazing! I enjoyed my vaca with my new hubby too.

So, there ya go. There's my life thus far. I'm sure I will have some more to post about in the near future. <3>

Wedding and life update 3

Wow, it's been a while since my last post.... I think.... I don't know. Time is at hyper speed and it's just going faster and faster. We are 36 days from our wedding. That's 1 month and 6 days. Geez, it's going fast. I feel like I haven't stopped. Well, I have a bit this week. I've had two nights of just straight rest. It's been nice. I needed it.

What's new.... everything. Ha ha Well, my dress came in this week, everyone at Alan Ray was gushing over it cause none of them have seen it in person (yeah, for those who didn't know, I had to drive to Lima to check it out in person cause they were the only ones in ALL of Ohio that had even 1 sample of the dress). I'm really excited to try it on, that happens next Tuesday.

We just ordered our masks yesterday. They are pretty sweet. We had our couple's shower last Saturday, it was sooo much fun! I will be posting pics to facebook soon. I have Ryan's family shower tomorrow.

I need RSVP's from people for the wedding. Ha ha The deadline is August 1. Come on people! ;)

We are also getting an apartment for now. We just haven't found the exact house that we wanted, so we will continue looking after a few months. It's in Canal, so it's halfway for everything for the both of us. Ryan will be moving in the first of August and I will be joining him after the wedding (obviously). Although, that brings up a conversation that I had with a coworker, she's younger and when I said we were getting an apartment and he was moving in, she asked, "Oh, you're not moving in?" And I said, "No, not until after we're married." Then she said, "Oh, okay." Not that people at work don't know what I stand for, it's just that people don't even think about someone not living with someone before they are married to even be an option. It got me to thinking that in earlier days, someone who was living with someone outside of marriage would be the outcast and now, it's "normal" for that to happen and that the "outcast" or the "different" point of view is to wait to live together until after marriage. How messed up our views have become. Just some thoughts.

That's really all that I can think of at the moment. Adios!

Engagement Pictures!!!!!

Wanna see our engagement pics? Here ya go! The pictures are now up in the "preview" section now athttp://www.noahjoyphoto.com - password is "MaryRyan061409".