The Big Two - Our Second Anniversary

Today Ryan and I have been married for 2 years. That seems like both a long and a short time. In the overall scheme of life 2 years isn't very long. And we hope to be married for many, many years. At the same time, I can't imagine not being married. It's so natural to me - to be Ryan's wife. It feels like we've always been married, it's just so right.

It's interesting to think back on how our lives have progressed in the last two years. Here's a synopsis:

• May 2006: Graduate from Franciscan University
• June 10, 2006: Our wedding day
• June 2006: Move into a new apartment, town, and school; Prepare for graduate school
• August 2006: Ashley starts a temp job on campus and Ryan's graduate school classes begin
  
• October 2006: Ashley begins a brief entry into her favorite ministry, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• May 2007: Ashley's temp job becomes a salaried position, Ryan's stressful 1st year of graduate school comes to a close
• June/July 2007: Move to a new apartment
• August 2007: Ryan changes departments and advisors (the best change ever!)
• September 2007: Joel's accident happens and very long recovery begins*
  
• February/March 2008: Ashley & Ryan attend Christ Renews His Parish retreats, and enter into a new ministry with the church
• April 2008: Find out we're having a baby!
• May 2008: Ryan's 2nd year of graduate school ends

And coming soon...

• June 27, 2008: Lilo and Joel's wedding (postponed from December)
• June/July: Move to another new apartment
• August 2008: Begin job as Residence Directors and Ryan's 3rd year of graduate school
  
• December 2008: Welcome our first baby into the world

*Note: Lilo is Ryan's younger sister and Joel is her fiance. At the end of September he burned over 65% of his body when his car caught on fire while he was changing the fuel line. He spent 6 weeks in a coma, 2 and a half months in the hospital, and they had to postpone their December 2007 wedding until June 2008. This past spring he spent another 6 weeks at the Mayo clinic. He's had about 10 surgeries so far, but the end is not yet in sight. Right now Joel has partial use of his right arm and hand and very little use of his left arm and hand. His face and most of his legs were not burned in the fire - it was his chest, back, arms, and hands that suffered the worst burns. Prayers for our family are greatly appreciated - especially as their wedding approaches. Please pray that Lilo and Joel are able to enjoy their wedding day!