Once upon a time, in a city in Northern California, a handsome young man was born, 33 years ago today. He was the 3rd child in his family and the first boy. His parents were good and wise and he was a blessing to all who knew him. He was blessed with much humor and intelligence and a desire to serve others.
He was the golden boy where he lived (and not only because he was white in an area that had mostly Latinos and African Americans). Teachers, leaders and girls loved him and he had school accolades, children named after him (really!) and kissed LOTS of frogs/girls in his youth.
He was called to serve in a land far away (the Baltic nations) and learned a difficult tongue. He had incredible experiences and made friendships with companions that have deepened and lasted to this day.
He met the girl of his dreams after returning home. They quickly moved from his homeland and really quickly began having kids. Due to his amazing abilities, he was able to complete a bachelor's and a master's degree while working full time, serving in demanding church callings and parenting four children.
He is truly a hero to his kids, with whom he is deeply involved. They learn to laugh, work and serve the Lord because of him. He is a prince to his wife, who truly doesn't know why God blessed her with an almost-perfect man, when she is so far from almost perfect.
And he, truly, lived happily ever after.
40 comments:
As his 2nd grade teacher said one day, "He lights up my life!" We agree wholeheartedly. Happy Birthday, Ryan.
xoxo
So sweet, Jessica! I think how you said he was blessed with the, "desire to serve others" was a great compliment.
Happy Birthday, Ryan!!
I thought that was a lovely tribute. I am sure that all the women of his past truly were frogs compared to the likes of you, Jessica.
So...on a selfish note...does this birthday thing mean that we have to wait until next week, to hear about the "turning point" in your relationship? Fine, fine...Happy Birthday,(shmirthday)... whatever.
Very cute. Love your wedding picture!
Singing to the happy birthday tune....
Happy Brithday to you!
Squash, Potatoes and Stew
Eggs and Bacon for Breakfast!
Happy Birthday to you!
um...so now I am paranoid about saying, "Birthday Shmirthday"...I guess I am not really good at the witty quip thing...so, uh, Happy Birthday... :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN!! The Smart sisters all agree your McDreamy.
And there is no better way to make a birthday special than blog about it - good job Jessica!
Very sweet wifey thing to do.
Happy Birthday to Ryan. Hope it's a good one!
Happy birthday! What temple is that? It's beautiful.
This is my favorite part of your story:
"He is a prince to his wife, who truly doesn't know why God blessed her with an almost-perfect man, when she is so far from almost perfect."
BECAUSE I can relate 100%. Your Ryan needs to meet my Martin. I bet they're alot alike (especially since he's been talking the last week or so about taking our girls skiing and getting them lessons...)
Happy Birthday to your honey. Make it a great day.
i can't believe you said he had a difficult tongue. sounds like a personal problem, not for the blog.
totally hot lips in your wedding photo. (insert tiger-esque growl)
happy bday ryan!
Very good wedding photo! Aren't you glad you don't have to look back at super high hair, or something worse!?! You guys looked great!
I've always wondered about the "happily ever after"!?
Sounds like he is still on that white horse and the princess is living out her fairy tale! I AM SO happy for your sweet family! Just keep it going FOR EVER!!
Happy Bday, and is he going to open a plane ticket to visit Hawaii when he blows out the candles? You have an open invite!
SO sweet!! You have the wedding dress I wish I had. You look gorgeous. Oh yea, this is about Ryan...Uh...Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday big boy!! Lets hear about the frogs, cause those are always fun to laugh about.
This is so funny - sometime I'll have to show you a pic of Mike when he was a baby, bald, holding a football, and for some odd reason the pic was a hint of orange. It is IDENTICAL to Ryan's baby pic.
I always thought Ryan looked like a great dad - and from the way you talk about him I know he must be a great husband.
Happy Birthday, Ryan!!
Jessica-
I didn't get any email from you directly, but I have been getting some info. from the blogapalooza group?! Was there something else? Send it again to karajaynekelly at gmail dot com. Can't wait to get you on my contact list!! Then I can pretend that we are even closer friends than I already do!!
Happy Birthday Ryan! We'll let you have the day off from blogging, but you know you have a following that is anxiously awaiting to hear about the turning point in your relationship with Jessica. Please, please don't make us wait another week.
Happy Birthday Ryan!
Great blog Jess...way to keep raising the bar!
It's good he lets you have control of the blog now and then, especially when he's due for a birthday tribute.
Great post. Happy birthday to your sweet hubs!
I love a good true story with a happy ending. that perfect man deserves such a perfect wife...
Feliz Cumpleanos Ryan!
I would write 'Happy Birthday' in Russian but I don't know Russian. However, as a fellow Californian, I do know how to say it in Spanish so there you go.
Great tribute to a great guy! Happy happy!
Hope you have a great day, Ryan. Sweet tribute Jessica. Adorable wedding picture!
Happy Birthday Ryan.
You BOTH are amazing and completely deserve each other.
awww--what a sweet post! =)
Happy Birthday!
What a fun couple you are. We should hang out.
Happy Birthday Ryan. Sounds like you live a fairly charmed life with a woman who absolutely adores you and kids who are just like her. So happy for you and your cute little family.
Love the happy ending. Since Gabi completed dished out the skinny on what a great chef you are, I am curious to hear what you made Ryan for his birthday dinner.
Happy Birthday Ryan! What a great tribute to him Jess - you are a great writer and a beautiful bride :)
I love birthday tributes to husbands. He does sound perfect, but you got him for a reason... you deserve him. Hope he has a great birthday.
Happy Birthday, Ryan.
No offense, Jessica, but we're still in suspense over the ending of Ryan's last story.
Oh Jessica, I have been a fan of yours forvever (too chicken to comment)! I am related to Heidi, Heather & Anne. I married their brother. Yes, I will be at the Blogapaloza, and I can't wait to meet you! Come and visit my blog anytime, I can tell we are going to be friends! Let me know if you need anymore "Kids eat Fress" tips!
And Happy Birthday Ryan!!!!
(You are Younger than me, I hate you! J/K)
Hey, a 10 attracts a 10!
Very sweet tribute. Happy Birthday!
love the baby photo with the mini little football.
wow. what a tribute. you are a lucky girl.
Happy Birthday Ryan! I hope your brother called to say happy birthday to represent our family!
I love sweet posts like that!
So really quickly had kids huh? Um...how quickly are we talking about. :-)
Okay, okay, we get it- you guys looked like models on your wedding day! Stop making the rest of us feel so bad.
About Ryan's baby pictures, all I have to say is . . . Seth. Although, Ryan probably didn't use his eye brows & eyes as much as Seth does when he talks. I doubt anyone does.
Happy Birthday to Ryan!
Do you ever call him Rhino? We have a friend named Ryan and we call him Rhino. It's a term of endearment.
Ryan I am so lucky to have such cool brothers!!! You are so much fun and I am so thankful for YOU!!!! Happy 33!!! Wow how old does that make me?
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