Mari and I are in Decatur this weekend visiting friends! We had a great time with Natalie and Hans tonight- although they weren't feeling so well after their rumble with the madman last night. We both really, really enjoyed talking to them. Hans has such a great heart- I'm truly glad I've met the guy. Tomorrow, Mari and I jet to Springfield to visit a church. I recently had a really good phone interview with them for the position of Worship Arts Director! We're both pumped as we are searching for the first location of our residency/employment! Yaye life!

I love that girl...speaking of which, she is beckoning me!
For now, bye bye!

Beautifully, Spectacular, Marvelous News!

Mari and I are...

Well, let's see. How do I say this...

Mari and I are expecting...

Hmm...this seems so awkward saying these words...

Mari and I are expecting to be Aunt Mari and Uncle Ryan next October! Mari's big sister Jaime and her husband Matt are expecting! She is most likely around 13 weeks along already and we are crazily excited! As if that wasn't enough great news, there's even more. Jaime's doctor was showing them their little baby growing inside of her belly and said, "Look who's right next door, the twin." Rejoice! Be glad! 'Tis true! They just found out that they are having twins! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Isn't that wonderful! It brings so much joy to Mari and I to know that they are going to have the family they have been preparing for! It brings even more joy to know that we are going to be Aunt Mari and Uncle Ryan to the coolest twins in the world! If I am confident that any couple will be incredible parents, my confidence goes to Matt and Jaime.

Go Jaime and Matt- Get 'er done!
With love and congratulations,
Aunt Mari and Uncle Ryan

Riviera Maya, Here We Come!

It's official: our second week of our honeymoon is completely paid off as of today! Travel and Transport said that we should receive our paperwork at least 10 days before we leave. Wahoo! I (Ryan) have never been on an airplane before; needless to say, this is a big deal for me. I am glad that we get to spend this "Ryan's First Flight" experience together. We are SO pumped to go to Mexico and stay at the Moon Palace and Aventura Spa Palace; we've heard that anyone who goes to these resorts gets ridiculously pampered by their service! It's going to be overwhelming. After the labors of student teaching, my Subway job, Mari's full time job at the bank, and planning a wedding- our marriage will be wonderfully thankful that we are getting away for a full two weeks. We decided to sell our organs so we could go all-inclusive; we sold every organ except our stomachs. We need those for eating the incredible food whenever we want. Ah! Just to think that next month we can sip unlimited virgin strawberry daiquiris (and the occasional "non-virgin") as we chill on the beach and plan for "forever"...it's unreal! I thank God for our future. I thank God for the joy of anticipation. There is so much behind anticipation; our hope is merely a reflection of one that is greater.

Our Joy

Welcome, wonderful friends and family! You have arrived at the location where you may read all of the buzz on Ryan and Mari (that's us). We plan to journal about our upcoming wedding, family news, random fun stories (such as late night Denny expeditions), and lessons we've learned regarding how to maintain a healthy relationship. You may say, "What?" to the last thing I wrote...but don't be confused! I really meant it! One of the things we've learned as we are on the road to our marriage is what it means to truly love. We've had a wonderful season of engagement thus far and our lives just seemed to grow in love with the smile of every sunrise; we want to share our stories with you! So, fasten your seatbelts and get your foot ready to hit the gas. Life is flying by and there is so much to talk about, and there is so much for you to follow! It is our prayer that you can take something from our stories, learnings, and anything else we find necessary to post- even if it's just a smile :).

Also, we want to hear from you! Make sure you give us a call to catch up sometime!

Ryan: 630-292-0039
henrycobra@aol.com
Mari: 815-347-5777
stumpy17@ec.rr.com