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This is our self-timer engagement picture!
First, a confession: I’ve been keeping some pretty big secrets from you. But I’m not sorry. 😛
I’d like to introduce you all to someone very special today. Friends, meet my fiancé, Ryan Burkholder!
Yes, I am getting married – on February 17th, 2018, to be exact. 59 days. I don’t keep track of the minutes and seconds because I’m not that desperate (‘specially not now…bahaha). In 59 days I will be marrying my miracle. Why do I call Ryan my miracle? I hope to show you that right now!
Our official “first date” picture
How We Met
The first weekend of April, a stranger showed up at my church. He was good-looking, and the first thing I noticed about him was his classy shoes. I love when guys dress up for church, and the vast majority of them seem to have lost the art these days. “Hmm,” I thought, “I wonder who that is and what his connection is to our church.” During the course of the morning, I heard whisperings that this handsome stranger was in medical school in Florida, which piqued my curiosity further. He obviously had dedication, drive, and a fair amount of brains if he had made it through 8 years of college. “But,” I thought to myself, “He’s probably just a ladies’ man. College student, good looking…I wonder how much depth he actually has.” I’m an optimist by nature, obviously.
While I was interested in who he was as a person, my interest was more along the lines of curiosity, not love at first sight. Our first words were exchanged when he came up the stairs to our youth Sunday school class. There weren’t enough chairs set up, so I grabbed him one from the stack against the wall and made some sort of wisecrack about it being more his size than the smaller, little-kid chairs stacked alongside the adult chairs. (Ryan remembers this encounter vividly and was apparently impressed with my presence of mind and the fact that I wasn’t bashful, so much so that he mentioned the incident in an email to a friend a few days later.) Our Sunday school class that morning was fairly interactive, and I noticed that the visitor had good thoughts to share; he obviously had more than a few things connected in his brain.
After church some of us youth were practicing some songs for a fundraiser event coming up, and I asked one of the youth guys from my church to invite the visitor to join us because all of the youth were downstairs singing and I didn’t want him to think we were avoiding him and not being sociable. Ryan did indeed join us to sing, and believe it or not, he actually had a pretty decent voice and appeared to be able to read music. (+10 points) Unfortunately having this educated, handsome stranger in our midst unnerved me more than I liked to admit, and I remember kicking myself afterwards for being obnoxiously loud and commanding. (He obviously wasn’t scared off.)
I went home with my family, had my typical Sunday afternoon nap, then went back to church in the evening for a time of food and fellowship. (It’s not just a Baptist thing; Mennonites fellowship around a table more often than not as well…haha.) Whaddya know…the guy was still around! He had changed out of his white shirt and black dress slacks, but he still looked classy. Not that I was looking. I carried my cheesecake past him and over to the dessert table. (It was the first try at what became this Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake, and it was a little dense.) Before too long, I started talking music stuff with some of the youth at one end of a table, and the Med Student seated himself across the table and started talking to some of the other youth nearby. “Are you in school? What do you do for a job? Is this your sister?” That kind of thing. He talked with my sister Katelyn for awhile, then turned to me and asked, “And what do you do?”
I’m sure I blushed, because I do that often, especially when strangers ask me awkward questions. When you blog for a living, it’s hard to explain your job. When you’re passionate about entrepreneurship and have put a lot of effort into building a brand, it can be frustrating when people listen to your job description and don’t realize that what you do is actually a paying job and not a writing-diary-entries-in-my-pajamas-and-sponging-off-my-parents gig (although to be fair, I’ve done a bit of both in my day). So imagine my dilemma when a handsome, hard-working, educated young man asks me what I do for a living. Depending how much he knows about the current blogging world, he might think that I’m just too lazy to get a real job. I sat in silence for a few seconds, grasping for a balanced answer, and thankfully my friends jumped to my rescue and explained to him that my occupation can be hard to explain. His interest was piqued, he asked some intelligent, probing questions, and our conversation quickly spread to other topics. I soon found out that he already knew who I was through my blog. In fact, he was very familiar with my trip to South Africa in February. (I’m used to being recognized, but usually by middle-aged women, not young men in their mid-twenties. Oh well…small detail, easily dismissed.) We discovered some mutual friends and I found out that he had gone to music camp in Ohio the year before I did. By this time we were going through the food line together, then ended up sitting together, of course. Our conversation bounced from one thing to the next – his field of study (Internal Medicine), his upcoming graduation from UCF in May and subsequent residency in Louisana, my time in Africa. He was so easy to talk to! (And he even liked my healthy cheesecake.) My dad was preaching in Missouri that weekend, so the people at church jokingly told my mom she should keep her eye on me because the conversation seemed to be moving pretty well. I enjoyed myself immensely but wasn’t about to let myself think he was interested in me. As far as I knew, I wasn’t going to see Ryan Burkholder, for that was his name, for the rest of my life after we parted ways that evening. Instead of fantasizing about the what-ifs, I decided to just enjoy the conversation of the evening and leave it at that. How mature.
At Niagara Falls together a few weeks after we started dating
The youth had some more singing practice after we ate, and Ryan joined us again. When he made a move to leave and was talking to some people (my mom among them) in the foyer of the church, I found an excuse to slip back there because I wanted to say goodbye before he left. It seemed a shame not to after getting to know him that evening. He turned toward the door, and as he turned, he caught my eye, smiled, and motioned me to follow. I still had no idea what was up. (I’m not normally that naïve.) As I followed him out onto the porch, having no clue what he wanted, I said, “So I never did ask – what brought you to the area?”
He shut the door behind us, looked me in the eyes, and said, “You did.”
Inside I was an odd mixture of incredulous and slightly amused at the whole situation. On the outside I was quite proud of my composure. 😛 He went on to explain that he had seen my blog, was intrigued by some of my articles, and decided to drive up from Florida that weekend to meet me. (I live in South Carolina.) He had called a few people for references on me first, but apparently he liked what he saw when he got there and asked if I wanted to go out for coffee the next day to get to know each other better. He wasn’t asking for a relationship at that point – just another conversation. I asked him if I could give him an answer the next morning because I really did want to ask my dad about it first, even though it was just coffee. (One thing he hadn’t found out yet was that I don’t like coffee.) Of course he agreed, we exchanged contact info, and I beat it to the van, collecting my mom and siblings as I went, telling them that we needed to get home, pronto. I was sure that if anyone saw my face, they’d have some questions about what had happened to me because I was feeling “considerably rumpled up in spirit.” (Kudos if you caught the quote.)
Yes, I liked him and thought he was nice, but I didn’t know him from Adam! I had always vehemently declared that I wouldn’t date someone I didn’t know. Too risky. Now I had to reconsider. Did I have to give him a chance? What were his personal convictions like? What rock did he crawl out from under?? And he’s a doctor? I mean, the money’s nice, but I don’t need money and that’s a pretty brutal schedule to put up with! All these thoughts were whirling through my head as a whole new world opened in front of me. I called my dad that night, and he did not feel comfortable with my meeting up with someone that he had never met and I had no background on. I let Ryan know the following morning and basically wished him a safe trip home, giving him an easy way out if he didn’t want to go to the trouble of pursuing anything further. Very quickly he responded with, “Is it OK with you if I call your dad and ask to meet him when he gets home?” (My dad was flying home that day.) I felt bad that the guy had driven all the way from Florida and thought we should at least give him a chance if possible, so I gave him my dad’s number. To make a long story short, they talked, a huge storm came through Monday afternoon, our power went out, Smokey was born Tuesday morning, and Ryan came to visit Tuesday afternoon. 😛 I introduced him to the horses, he had supper with my family, and we talked for several hours after supper during which we swapped family information (he was the oldest of 6; I am the oldest of 4) and talked about our hobbies. He drew me a map of Florida and taught me some geography and history; I told him about my blog and cookbook and explained in further detail what I do for a living. He was so intrigued with my business pursuits and asked all kinds of questions, even taking a stab at guessing how many books I had sold. (He was way off.) His interest in my work really meant a lot. I learned that Ryan had been born in Pennsylvania, grew up in Ontario (where his family still lives), and went to college at the University of South Alabama and medical school at the University of Central Florida.
That Tuesday evening when Ryan came to meet my family…and this is the ONLY picture my sister got of him!
By the time Ryan left that night, I was very interested in pursuing a relationship with him, but when we said goodbye I didn’t know if I would ever hear from him again. Fast forward to the end of the week and he had already called my dad asking what it would take to move things to the next level! A decisive man who doesn’t beat around the bush is highly attractive to me, and that is Ryan all over. Being a doctor has definitely honed his decision-making skills, and his wasn’t a wimpy personality to begin with! (This is very important, since I once told my mother that I wouldn’t marry someone who can’t control me. I will do my best to submit, but submitting will be a whole lot easier if I’m married to someone who can stand up for himself and tell me when I’m getting out of hand! I want that kind of leader.)
I was still pretty skeptical about this guy because I didn’t feel like I knew him very well, but my dad talked to some of Ryan’s references and they all gave very positive reports, even specifically addressing some questions I had without my ever voicing those questions to anyone but God! I talked to a friend of Ryan’s who gave me a very balanced viewpoint on what it’s like to be married to a soon-to-be doctor. Everyone I talked to encouraged me to give it a try, including my parents. My mother has viewed Ryan as her answer to prayer from day one. Apparently she had really stepped up her prayers for a good man for me not too many months before this, and she felt from the beginning that Ryan was God’s answer! I sought God’s will myself, and in the matter of a few short days I went from feeling extremely skeptical to completely at peace and confident in God’s leading, and there has never been a doubt in my mind since then that Ryan is the man God has chosen for me.
My dad gave Ryan his blessing to ask me for a more serious relationship, and a month later we had our first official “date,” although I’m not sure that some people would call it a date. He came to my area for the weekend. The first day we talked for about 7 hours straight before we decided we should probably go do something, so we went hiking. The next day we biked 14 miles, went canoeing, took a picnic lunch to a park, and went mini-golfing. It was several months until we ate at a restaurant together, which I suppose would be some people’s idea of a “date,” but I was very glad to learn that Ryan thinks outside the box and likes to be active and save money. And…*drumroll* he likes to eat healthy. He will eat practically anything and genuinely enjoys a more diverse food group than anyone else I know. I always wondered, “Will the man I marry demand mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese at every meal?” I was willing to work with whatever the Lord sent, but it sure is easier this way and I breathed many a prayer of relief that Ryan loves vegetables and doesn’t need a sugary dessert with every meal!
Our first picture together on the hike we took on our “first date weekend”
Why Did You Wait to Tell Us?
1) I’m a private person, and in the interest of transparency and connecting with my readers, much of my life is open to the world. My love life was one thing I wanted to savor before sharing it.
2) Just because someone is in a relationship doesn’t mean that that relationship will last long-term. I believe that marriage is for life, but the dating/courting stage is meant to get to know each other and see if you are suited for marriage. Sometimes you’re not and a break-up is necessary. Explaining to the whole world why things didn’t work out is just awkward and adds an extra level of stress to an already-dramatic occasion.
Why Is Ryan My Miracle?
1) The way he found me was pretty miraculous! Who would’ve guessed that my blog would’ve played such a key role? Not me! And when I think of how the blogging started, the story gets better. I was always planning on going to college, but I decided to wait a year after graduating high school because of my OCD. School triggered it and I knew I wasn’t ready to jump into college just yet. Soon after graduation I started blogging as a hobby, found out that I could make money off of it, and the rest is history. I quickly figured out that I didn’t need college to succeed in what I felt called to do. (Even though I still love to learn and would totally consider taking some courses in the future!) So…if it weren’t for my OCD, I probably wouldn’t be blogging for a living, and God only knows if Ryan and I would’ve met some other way.
2) Because of various circumstances, neither Ryan or I would’ve been ready for a relationship before he came across my blog in late March. I had just finished up my life-consuming cookbook project in December/January and gone to South Africa in February. I was traveling so much that it’s really a miracle that I was home the weekend he decided to come visit my church!
3) The way he just showed up on my doorstep was so outlandish that it had to be a God thing. OK, don’t take that as a life philosophy, but it was just so totally different from the way I was expecting to meet Prince Charming that it sure got my attention and I had an easier time accepting that it was from God than if it had come by more conventional means. The funny thing is that one time an observant blog reader commented here on my website and told me that if I didn’t quit working so hard and go out and meet people, my only option would be the UPS man. Now I completely believe in fellowshipping and meeting people and being approachable, don’t get me wrong, but I just thought it was kind of ironic that despite all the traveling I’ve done and people I’ve met in the last two years, the right one walked into my home church one Sunday morning. I totally believe in free will, but I also believe that God has a very active hand in our day-to-day lives…and I believe it much more strongly now than I did a year ago.
4) Ryan is a miracle because of how well he fits my personality and interests. God made him just for me, that much is obvious! He has personal experience with OCD and similar issues. He eats healthy and loves running. He has a very quick mind and can track my train of thought and all the nuances of an inside joke. His memory is impeccable. He has a keen head for numbers and business acumen. He is very well-read. He’s driven and loves his job. For those of you who are familiar with the 16 Personalities test, I am an INTJ and he is ENTJ; we have a lot in common which is necessary for such…intense…personalities, but we also have some key differences that balance each other. Ryan has a great sense of humor, which I find to be a necessity in life. One of his comments to a cousin soon before meeting me: “If she’s into volleyball, frappuccinos, and can’t find 2 Kings, it’ll be a hard sell.”
5) I get attached to things quickly if I feel they are worthwhile, and when I get attached, I fall hard. For this reason, I always dreaded the thought of breaking up with someone because I knew it would be very hard to recover and trust again. I feel so blessed that Ryan was my first and only relationship, and I am his. That’s actually even more amazing for him because he’s 26 (he’s got 4 years of wisdom and maturity on me) and has been through 8 years of secular college! I thank God for saving us for each other!
Update: Click Here for Part 2
Click here to see wedding pictures!
I plan to share a Part 2 of our love story very soon, so if you have questions that you would like me to address in the next installment, please comment below and ask! I don’t promise to answer, but I’ll consider it. 😉 You can CLICK HERE to sign up for email updates if you like to make sure you don’t miss Part 2.
love your love story!
Hi Brianna I enjoyed your blog very interesting I have the first book you put on I use it a lot blessings to you and Ryan
You asked for corrections if you made a mistake. On your introductory page in the lines, “2016 and 2018, went to South Africa for a 3-week tour with Aspire Ensemble in 2017, and participate in a community choir in Louisiana,” “participate” should be “participated.”
You are beautiful and have such a clean, healthy glow that I wanted to get to know you just by looking at your picture. You can fix that dangling modifier! Reading a little, I understood the Mennonite background contributed to the clean, healthy glow and the modesty that attracted me.
Hmmm. You don’t have to pay my comment. It was the only way I saw to respond!
Thank you!! I appreciate the edit! A fresh pair of eyes is always helpful. 🙂
I was expecting to read some geeky story and ended having flashbacks from when I was an exchange student in Arkansas and the butterflies I used to feel when meeting a girl and church (Baptists). Because I am from Caracas- Venezuela, a 8 million people city in Latin America and has nothing to do with that way of life. That is how people should meet, by “coincidence”, being vulnerable, being truthful, well manered but with the heartbeat of the charts. I was reading your lines and I was in that church, I saw the kids, I saw you both on the table, I had the entire experience… I have been there and the same thing happened to me, you want to behave normal but your heart… is out of control. I wish you both all the best and thank you for sharing your experience.
Such a very sweet story, so glad I stopped by for the read. Best wishes for you and your husbands future!!
Hi Brianna,
Quite often since reading this post (and I read it when it was fresh), I have thought about your comment that you still “believe in free will.” Since it is something that keeps coming to my mind, I thought I’d share a series that I have been listening to that addresses the issue in what I find to be a remarkably clear way. Each section builds upon the previous, but episodes 3 and 4 address freewill the most directly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o5m-eYUibQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXTcMXOOJZk
Blessings!
Looks interesting! I’ll have to check it out!
What an amazing story!! Wishing you all the best as you continue your life together. Gods blessings to both of you.
What a beautiful story of God’s provision. Many blessings for a wonderful lifetime together.
Ahhh, how well I relate to your description of what kind of man you needed. This year I will be married to the strong man who can tell me when enough is enough but doesn’t get too rattled over the little things. Two strong personalities can have a great marriage and live out the biblical roles God has set forth in His Word—we are living proof! 🙂
What a cool story! If you see a random google search of “Briana Thomas engaged” on your alerts, uh, that was me. 😉 I was reading your tips for THM strategies that are working for you (a-hem. Definitely a timely read for me. :/ ) and saw a comment about you being engaged. Now, I obviously don’t know you, but I blog stalk you every now and then (and despite my reluctance to admit it, would probably be one of those – gulp! – middle aged women who might recognize you in a crowd (Hilarious comment you made, by the way.), and your cream cheese and berry tacos alone have made me curious, so I had to pause my reading (Actually, I should get back to that….) to see if I could find more about this. Such a great story of God orchestrating the details of our lives. 🙂 <3 (And as a side note, I had some friends who told me I would never get married if I didn't go to a different church; my church was too small and I needed to go to one of the bigger churches with a big young adult group in town or I'd never find anyone. I knew where God had called me to be, though, and thought if God wanted me to marry, He wouldn't be deterred by the size of the church – but I never expected the guy I married to actually walk into our 40-50 person congregation. We shared a love of missions (and eventually served in Nigeria for several years and are still working with a missions organization) and clicked in other areas, and nine months later, we were married.
Thanks for sharing your story! He sounds like an upstanding young man (and like several of your other readers, we're also in Orlando. My cousin is in UCF med school, too (or maybe it's pre-med – all these details…), so that's kind of funny….); I love that he was so intentional about his pursuit.
May God continue to lead you both as you seek to honor Him. (And feel free to pass on any parenting tips. 😉 Anytime I encounter a young adult who has grown up in the church and still has a passion for Christ, I ask if they have any tips for raising children who know and love God. At the end of the day, of course, everyone has free will – but tips and ideas about what we can do as parents sure are helpful! 😉 )
p.s. Why, yes, that is a lot of parenthetical comments…. I bet you couldn’t even tell that parentheses and ellipsis are my favorite punctuation marks. And yes, I’m just nerdy enough that I have favorite punctuation marks.
A-hem. I’m done polluting your blog.
Thanks for your very interesting, entertaining comment, Christie! I checked out your blog and have to say that I was disappointed that there was nothing that recent on it. =P I had fun poking around. Thank you for sharing your story as well! I think YOU need to write the child-training post so *I* can read it when the time comes. 😉
Congratulations, Briana and Ryan!
I also married my miracle, whom I met in a way I completely did not expect. There is great peace in that overwhelming recognition that only God could have worked such a situation out and God does what he does for our good and his glory.
May you have a long and peaceful and joyful life together!
P.S. One more piece to my miracle: we got married old enough that I wasn’t sure we really had time to have much of a family. Ha. We now have had four children in six years. Apparently we’re going to end up with lots of babies around here even if our time for having them was shorter than usual!
Thank you for your kind comment, and for sharing your story, Lauren! We serve an amazing God!
Ok, I’ve been lurking on your site for a while now…beating around the THM bush and now that I’m over the yucky 1st trimester nausea period, I’m jumping in! I was looking for a few smoothie recipes when I stumbled upon this wondrous story!! I’m so happy for you! I actually feel a little thrill from your story personally because I know the Burkholders from Ontario (at least some of them…who knows if they are related!) I went to Bible College with one young man and my cousin married another 🙂 They are a Godly upstanding family, with a great sense of humour to boot! You are so very blessed and I pray that your marriage is so much more than you could ever imagine! xoxo
Welcome, Judith! And thank you so much!
1st Congrats! And how nice of you to share the whole story with us 🙂 One thing I may have missed, and still need to read pt 2 in case it’s there: is he part of the Mennonite community as well? Or if not, does he share your spiritual values, convictions and faith? To me, that is a key part of the foundation of a lifelong God-honoring marriage! I have deep respect for the Mennonite ways, though I admit to not being very well-versed in them, so please pardon my ignorance or any unintended intrusion 🙂 I think it is an incredible story and am excited for you! Just curious about how your spiritual values/culture will mesh together, since you also will have adjustments to make in regional and lifestyle differences too…..(I think you know what I mean, even if I’m not expressing it the best). God bless you both!
Yep, I answered that in part 2, so you probably already saw the answer to your question! You’re right – spiritual values are the most important!
Wow!!!!
So very exciting for you!!! Praise God for his blessings and steadfast ways. When we trust in him, the blessings are endless. Congratulations!!
Brianna,
I am so happy for you!!! I have been following you (discreetly) ever since I tried one of your first THM recipes. I appreciate your discretion, and have actually prayed for you to find a husband as well. Odd? Nah. I think you’re awesome, and I have a motherly affection for you.
God bless you both. Thank you for sharing your story, and your joy!
Congratulations to you and to Ryan!
Beautiful story! Very similar to my daughters – in the miracle department! She was running an orphanage in Bolivia and was the cover story for a Christian publication. Her “miracle” signed up for the publication the day before they published my daughter on the cover holding triplets from her orphanage. The rest is history 🙂 You should read it – her blog is: casadebeaty.BlogSpot.com
Iam so happy for you.I know God put .y husband and I together,we are so I live.We just celebrated our 40 the!
Yay, so happy for you!! What an awesome love story ??? You sound like the perfect match! I love how God brought you together, and what a strong leader and pursuer Ryan is!
Met my hubby when he was a regular customer and I was a barista at Starbucks, and he wanted to share the gospel with one of the employees there and thought I seemed nice and might be open to it. When he found out I was a believer it turned into a date and we married 6 months later ? He is a godly leader and I thank God for how he pursues and leads me in our marriage! It really, really matters!
Blessings to you as you begin your life together!!
I’m so excited for you both! There are many similarities in our love stories this is like walking down memory lane!! To God be the glory!! Love you. Xoxox
Where’s second Kings? ? Lol
Hmm…right after 1 Kings, I believe. 😛
Isn’t God so amazing? He brought my husband and I together rather miraculously, too. I’m so happy you found a godly leader and someone who fits you so well. You’ll be able to build a strong, healthy marriage.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. What an amazing story of your meeting.
I see myself in your comment about wanting a leader that will tell you when you’re getting out of control, and you wouldn’t marry a man who couldn’t stand up and be a man when you’re maybe going over the top. Yes, I’m paraphrasing! 🙂 But, that’s how I feel. I also have a…strong personality.
I’m happy for you, and I absolutely understand and respect your decision to keep your love life personal and private. That’s your right. God bless you, sister! God is faithful. He’s got both of you.
Congratulations and blessings to you both! It’s obvious you were made for each other! I’m looking forward to reading about your journey in future blogs! You did a great job of keeping it all a secret!
Yay! Congratulations! My two favorite parts of your story are: Your mother’s prayers and that God saved you for each other! He is faithful!
I’m so happy for you both! Congratulations Briana & Ryan. Blessings on your upcoming nuptials and marriage. May God Bless you richly. ❤️
Ps: I love your love story. ❤️❤️
Briana,
Your story is so sweet. Your first date is perfect-just what I would have wanted to do. We hiked a lot before we were married-got engaged on a 17 mile trail! We backpacked on our honeymoon! I am curious about your horses….are they coming with you? Or are you waiting to see where you will settle down before you decide that? Kansas has some great places to live..hint hint
First of all, Congratulations to you both on your engagement! I am very happy for you, you are such a fun person! And you look so very happy! One question: I never seen you mention if he believes the same as you do. Is he a Mennonite as well? Wishing you God’s Blessings always!
Delightful story! Praying for the Lord’s blessing upon you. Your maturity at 22 is refreshing. God bless your parents!
What a wonderful story, Briana! Thanks so much for sharing it with us, especially at this special time of year. It feels like we’re sharing a super Christmas gift to you, even though it occurred earlier. You are a jewel and Ryan obviously realized that early on. And he seems to be your perfect match. I look forward to hearing more of your love story and of your upcoming nuptials.
Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
Congratulations!
I do have one question for you. Has Ryan ever told you what it was about you on your blog that made him look twice. Maybe that’s too private a question to address and that’s okay.
Also, thank you for the tips about blogging, networking etiquette etc. I have a blog of my own, but it’s not recipe focused. Still, your advice was beneficial.
We got married when I was 22 on February 17 2007! It’s a good day to get married. Although up north it was pretty freezing!
Your story is so beautiful and a wonderful testament to our God. I loved reading about God being so present in your life and seeing how He is in the details. Thank you for sharing your story, it brings tears to my eyes as I see His love for His children.
Ahhhhhh!!!!! Congratulations!!!! I’m so so so happy for you! Many parts of your story were similar to my engagement story so it brought back a bit of nostalgia. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the story!
Hi Briana! Congratulations! I am very happy for you both! 🙂 My question is: what are you’re convictions during dating? It is such a blessing from the Lord and something to honor him in as well, I’d love to hear about what you think about appropriate dating and spending time together 🙂
God bless you!
Congratulations! I am so thrilled for you. My friends used to tell me all the time “You got to get out there and meet people…God ain’t going to bring him to your front door:. Well God did bring my husband to my door, just like he brought Ryan to your door.
Awww…so happy for you Briana!
Congratulations Briana!! I met my husband in a similar way that you met Ryan. I’m so happy for the both of you!!
Blessing in YHWH,
Kelli
PS. I also live in Upstate SC
Congratulations on your engagement and allowing God to choose your mate for you and bringing him straight to you so you knew he was God sent! What a wonderful love story, but one of God most importantly!!!
Valeria
Congratulations to you both! It’s such a sweet story and I’m so excited for you! God’s best is always worth the wait!
My teenage daughter loves to read Christian romance stories. Yours is better than any I’ve ever read because it is real life! Congratulations!!!! My questions have all been asked by others so I look forward to part two of your story!
Best courtship story ever! We are devoutly Catholic, and our oldest son has chosen not to date until he was ready to pursue marriage. He is bringing home his first girlfriend in a few weeks to meet us. This gives me so much hope! Our second son has only dated one person also, and they are headed for marriage as well. Congrats to you and Ryan – such a beautiful story. I can’t wait to read the 2nd part!
Thank you for sharing with us how God has brought you two together. Isn’t He wonderful?
So happy for this special blessing you have received – it’s so deserved! What a wonderful testimony that will bring so much hope to many young women and men. May God continue to bless your union.
What a beautiful, God-given Love Story, Briana! We are so excited for you and happy to meet Ryan!
Oh, Briana, I’m so over the moon happy for you! Thank you for sharing your love story with us. I admire you on so many levels — especially for talking with your dad about meeting up with Ryan. And what a wonderful dad you have for being your protector. And Ryan for respecting you and your dad in those decisions. He’s a keeper, for sure. I can’t wait to read the rest of your story.
I live near Orlando – on the Space Coast, so if y’all come over to visit the Space Center some time, let me know and we’ll show you around. Tell Ryan we’ll be watching UCF in the Peach Bowl and rooting for them all the way. Our son-in-love has worked for UCF for twenty years, so we love the Golden Knights.
I’m so happy for you and Ryan. I pray for showers of blessings on you both.
Such a sweet story!! How did he come across your blog?
What a wonderful story!
And though I’ve not met you in person; my husband Duane and I had the pleasure of meeting Ryan last Feb. at a health care seminar. He was indeed very easy to talk to and so unpretentious.
Our congratulations and best wishes for beautiful life together!
The Lord bless y’all abundantly!
What a wonderful story, Briana! i pray the Lord will continue to bless you and Ryan in your journey together!!
Soooooooo exciting!
I am very thrilled for you both! Blessings!!!
Congratulations! I am happy for you both! You don’t know me, but my dad was Ryans upper grade schoolteacher, and Glens are dear friends of our family. Many blessings!
Briana, What a beautiful story! God is so good! Thanks for sharing with all of us. February will be here before you know it….and we look forward to part 2…and 3 …and 4 ❤️
Congratulations!
This could be made into a Hallmark movie! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and admire you for keeping it private for so long – very mature!
I think everyone loves a good love story, but yours has God’s hand all over it!!! Thank you so much for sharing.
– Lisa ( One of your biggest ice-cream fans)
P.S… You are getting married on my birthday. Good choice!
Congratulations! This is a beautiful love story. I wish you and your fiancé a beautiful life together as you make the journey with Him in the center of it all.
My beautiful cookbooks just arrived today! One for me and gifts for my two daughters.
Congrats! You have no idea how hard I googled to try to find out whose wedding you were planning- could find NOTHING! ? Ryan may not be a football fan, but I am guessing he knows Scott Frost (UCF football coach) is coming back to Nebraska where I live; please don’t hold it against the Huskers. Most of us will be cheering fir UCF come New Year’s Day. I wish you both the very best God has in store for you.
What a wonderful sweet story. Blessings to you both. God is good.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!! Interestingly… Was your 14 mile home ride the Doodle Trail??!! We’ve booked that as family! So fun! God bless you in your wedding plans and future marriage!! ❤
Yes, that it was! It’s a really nice trail!
Congratulations n best wishes. Our family brushed shoulders briefly in Myerstown, Pa. when they lived here a short time! So I feel like I “know” you both slightly! You through blogging n cookbook! God’s richest blessings!!
Oh, Briana, I am so happy for and Ryan. IMO, God does indeed create one for the other, and I find that amazing. I pray you’ll spend many long years together, and look forward to reading Chapter 2 of your love story. Be Blessed.
WOW! Congratulations Briana (& Ryan)!
Isn’t it totally AMAZING when God orchestrates the meeting of your future spouse! He had me & my husband come together in an unexpected way 13 years ago. After the 2nd time of talking to this young Iowa man on the phone, I knew he was “The One”! It took him a little longer (2 weeks), but after enduring a long-distance relationship, we got married 9 months after our initial meeting over the phone! And we were definitely made for eachother!
I don’t blame you for withholding this info! You are very transparent with your readers, & you were right to not share about your “love life” for the reasons you so clearly stated.
I pray God will continue to bless your relationship/engagement & continue to guide the both of you on this very exciting journey! Again, congratulations!!!
Briana, I am very happy for your upcoming marriage to Ryan. I shared your blog post on my own FB wall because I want others to read about your example of good character and wise choices that honor God and are leading to good things.
Wow Briana congratulations, I am so happy for you. Waiting to share this precious, personal news was absolutely the best thing to do. I’ve been happily married for 22 years and highly recommend it 🙂
I love how you said “I once told my mother that I wouldn’t marry someone who can’t control me. I will do my best to submit, but submitting will be a whole lot easier if I’m married to someone who can stand up for himself and tell me when I’m getting out of hand! I want that kind of leader.”
I’m also very grateful for my strong-willed (and healthy-eating) husband! Best wishes to you!
Congratulations, Briana!! I’m very happy for you. It’s neat to hear how God providentially brought you together.
Awwww. I love it. God is good! Blessing on you and Ryan and your upcoming marriage!
Oh Briana, I am so very happy for you and Ryan!!! Congratulations to both of you!!!
I feel so blessed that you are sharing this beautiful love story with us, so Thank You!!!!
Beautiful love story! Please fill us Ontario readers in… you’re going to settle down in Ontario right?!!! ??
…or at least visit very frequently… a few book signings maybe….? ????
Congratulations!
I definitely won’t be able to visit as often as I’d like! Unfortunately Ryan’s schedule right now doesn’t let him do much traveling, but hopefully our trips will be more frequent in a few years. 😉
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! I love seeing how God writes our story. I love looking back and saying, ‘oh, that’s why You allowed that to happen.’ Congratulations to you and Ryan. I’m in Orlando, UCF is right down the road from me.
Congratulations!!! So happy for you! May God bless you!
Do not marry until you have had extensive premarital counseling.
Not a flimsy one-session deal.
Congratulations. My husband proposed to me 7 years and 5 days ago. We kept our relationship quiet for similar reasons. So many friends were surprised when I came back from visiting my family in another state and I was engaged. We had a May wedding. It is amazing when you see everything fall into place from specific prayers. I live near UCF.
To see that notification in the inbox last night was a surprise to say the very least. Wow! So happy for you and Ryan. He does, indeed, sound like a miracle. 😉 I love the detailed story, and look forward to part two.
Also, it is SO COOL that you mentioned your MBTI types. MBTI-typing people is a major geek-subject and hobby of mine, and I’ve thought for the longest time that you were an INTJ. I’ve even thought of asking you before but didn’t because you’re so busy you don’t need questions like that. XD I’m glad to know for sure now though! INTJ is one of my favorite personality types. And it’s really cool that he’s an ENTJ, because they’re another of the types I find really interesting, but…that would NOT be my first guess to pair with an INTJ. But obviously…you’re perfect for each other. That’s so great. Praise God, Who most certainly does have a hand in our lives even while we have free will.
I got tears in my eyes as I read your beautiful love story. God is so good!! To say I am so very happy for you two, is an understatement! Congratulations you two!! Such an exciting time for you. And I have never met you but through your blog and wonderful cookbook, I feel like we would be friends. Ryan is one lucky man!! May God continue to richly bless you as you prepare for your wedding. P.S. I have always loved your smile but the photos with your fiance you just beam love Briana!!
Congratulations! What a beautiful story God has written for the two of you. I love when I can see God’s fingerprints on my life & the lives of others.
Congratulations!!!!
I love a good love story! It is so neat how God orchestrates these things in our lives! Once my husband and I got married we got talking one day and God moved our families to the same area the very same year when we were just 6 and 8 years old! I had seen and admired him when I was 16 but didn’t know who he was until we meet when I was 17, by 19 we were married, and 28 years later I still love to tell our love story! Time only makes true love grow deeper and richer.
Congratulations!!
Congrats to you both! I loved your story of how you met and God’s Hand in this relationship! I am excited to read part 2. Thanks for sharing!
I would be curious to know more about his upbringing and church background, and how yours and his are different/similar.
So excited for you!!!
Congratulations! I’m one of your many ‘middle-aged chubby women’ followers too,…..less chubby now than I was a year ago, I have.lost over 40 lbs with many more to go due in large part to your cookbook and the blogs you write. I have also begun ditching my walker because I don’t need it anymore. Just letting you know there are more benefits to this lifestyle than just looking thinner!
That said, I’m so happy for the both of you. May God richly bless your relationship as you plan for your new life together. I’ll keep you in my daily prayers as you prepare for this next stage in your life.
I rejoice with you, Ryan & Briana!!! 🙂
Who are Ryan’s parents?
God bless yous richly!!!
Is he Mennonite? If not, what is his religious preferences? I am Pentecostal/Apostolic so I know the importance of having the same views on God!
I’m so very happy for you and Ryan, Briana! God is so very good to us down to the smallest details of the events of our lives! As I read this blog post it reminded me over and over how careful He is with every detail of His plan for us…so thankful for His careful and intentional love and plan!
I’m excited for you two and your families as you move through the next 50+ days of planning a wedding, but more importantly continuing to prepare for a lifetime of marriage to one another. Enjoy every bit of it!
Brianna, I absolutely loved your blog this morning, sharing how you and Ryan met! I am beyond excited for the both of you and praise God for His leading and guiding in both of your lives! Congratulations on your engagement!
My husband and I courted for 2 months before we were engaged and married 6 months later! We both believed God had given us a passion to serve him and wanted us to serve Him together! God also threw in good chemistry as a bonus! We were married when I was 19 and he was 24 and 18 years later we are still following God and loving each other! A verse God has given me this year with knowing whether something is His will or not is… “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”
Congratulations!
I have a son and four daughters (ages 20 to 4). We promote the courtship method of “dating”. Such a blessing to read this comment : “(This is very important, since I once told my mother that I wouldn’t marry someone who can’t control me. I will do my best to submit, but submitting will be a whole lot easier if I’m married to someone who can stand up for himself and tell me when I’m getting out of hand! I want that kind of leader.)” I have some strong personalities amongst my blessings which is amazing, and they will require very special spouses… such as your man.
May the Lord continue to bless you.
Sincerely,
(An older middle-aged woman, and avid reader 😉 )
So happy for both of you. Congratulations
Congratulations! I love reading your story! I would love to hear Ryan’s side of part one!?
So very happy for you. It sounds like you were tailor made for each other! Thank you for sharing your sweet love story. God is so good.
So happy for you and Ryan! I am a relatively new subscriber and has been wondering if you were courting or not 🙂 as you are a great “catch”.
Such an amazing story and definitely one set in motion by God! Thanks for sharing! You will make a wonderful doctor’s wife! Wishing God’s best for you and Ryan!
Thank you for sharing! It’s an amazing story! I work from home, and am single so I get lots of…”your never gonna meet anyone” comments. But I also travel a lot too. So I know God has a plan. And this just reinforces my faith. Blessings to you both and your upcoming marriage. 🙂
-also love your cookbook!!
So happy for you!!!! yay!!!
Congratulations Ryan ❤ Briana!!!
I loved reading your love story!❤
This is gonna sound weird, ’cause I’m pretty much just a lurker here, but I have been praying for someone for you for a LONG time! 😉 You’re such a wonderful spirit, Briana, and you share so much with the world. I truly hoped God would find you someone extra special to share your life! Congratulations, both of you!
So happy for you!☺☺ Blessings to you and Ryan.
Loved your love story!! So happy for you. This is how I met my husband. (Baptist Church) lol. He showed up one Sunday night. We met at the fellowship afterward. Best place to meet!!! We have been married 18 years. Two kids. May God bless this new chapter of your life!!
XOXOXOXOXO!
Dearest Briana,
It’s amazing how attached to someone we (well, at least I!) can get just by reading blogs and trying recipes. I have a feeling that I’m not the only one who has marveled over the last couple of years at your maturity, your deep faith, your intelligence AND your fantastic recipes!! If I had a son, I imagine I would have daydreamed about him connecting with you in a fairy tail of healthy eating and heavenly singing! ? Having said all that, I could not be happier for you!! God knew the desires of your heart and heard your parents’ prayers (and now He’s really set the bar high for your sisters! ?). I can’t wait to read Part 2, but in the meantime I’ll be praying for you both as you prepare – not only for a wedding, but for a marriage. May God continue to bless you, Briana. ?
Love in Christ,
Cindy
Truly the beginning of a beautiful LIFE LONG love story!!! And, I agree that God’s hand was/is all over it!! God bless you both!
I love God inspired stories. Life is just too amazing to not realize the Almighty’s presence in every detail of it. I got saved at 14 (I am now 59) and each year has increased my awareness of Him and how the details only fit together AND make sense when He is a part of it. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words are inspiring, uplifting and bring glory to our the only one whose pleasure matters. God bless.
I am so happy for you Briana! I absolutely love to read your stories because of the way you show your faith and trust God for everything! What ab inspiration you have been to me!
Praise God for bringing the two of you together! I love that your father’s opinion matters to you and that you check out things about people who are wanting to be closer to you. I thank God for you and your family and that he brought you my attention!
Praising God for your miracle! Congratulations!
This is such a sweet love story! I love it when God moves to bring two godly young people together. Thank you for sharing this huge part of your life. May God bless Ryan and you as you begin this journey together.
Isn’t God just so amazing?! Congrats to you & Ryan 😉 Praying for you two as you prepare the next 59-ish days!
That’s amazing. Such a sweet story! I have a blog too, and my husband says that reading it soon after we met was a big part in him pursuing a relationship with me. He liked what he read and thought, “I’d like to marry this girl!” God works in wonderful ways. 🙂
Congratulations Briana! How exciting! Sounds alot like our story… showing up on your doorstep, 4 years apart, personalities, etc. Happy wedding planning!
Congrats! I’d be interested in hearing Ryan’s side of the story… (even though he’s not a blogger). I love how God orchestrates beautiful things!
This reminds me so much of our love story!!! And we are in year 21 of living happily ever after!!! May the Lord bless your marriage as He has blessed ours!! 🙂
Wow ? That’s an awesome story! I LOVE how personal our God is. I’m so happy for you and Ryan ❤ I have never met you, never read any of your blogs, but the “you” that I met in reading this story. …. I feel like we’re sisters! I don’t know if I can describe my first impression of you but it was astounding! 2 words come to mind. 1-God 2-Strength. Those 2 words resonate through everything you said. It’s no wonder Ryan fell in love with you! God will use you both in His work, I’m sure. May God bless you with many enjoyable years together!
I’ve been watching for this post every day! As a long time reader and LOVER of your cookbook (as well as a fellow INTJ!) I feel like I “know” you and am excited for you and this next phase of life! Marriage is wonderful, especially when you wait for the one God has just for you! I can’t wait to read the rest of the story. Do you have a wedding registry? I know a few people who might like to send a little gift 🙂
CONGRATS to you Brianna ! Just wondering though….You did not mention anything about, “HIS LOVE FOR GOD” which surprised me.
I love your story!!? Thank you for sharing it. You are such a gifted young woman. He is truly a blessed man?. And if you’re ever down Hartsville way, would love to meet you.
What a beautiful story. The first thing we did in our pre marital counseling with our Pastor was the Meyers-Briggs. We learned soon after that session that we were ENTJ and INTJ. We just celebrated 24 years married. My hubs is still my best friend and we are absolutely crazy about each other. Four kiddos later and we still have never run out of things to talk about. God knows how to put people together!
Congratulations what a beautiful love story.
Wow! God bless you both and I can’t wait to hear the rest. You deserve every bit of blessing and happiness. Merry Christmas to you and your miracle!
Wow! Congrats! I met my husband at church also. He was older and I also knew nothing about him or his family when we met. We were engaged 7 months later and have been married 25 yrs.
I received your cookbook in the mail today! It is beautiful!!! I cannot wait to sit and pick out recipes to try.
So happy for you both. Knowing your personalities is so important, I suggest you work out a code for when you need to recharge (INFJ here). When it gets too “peoply”, you have to be able to let him know you need to be alone. Looking forward to reading about your adventures.
Dear Briana.
God-arranged marriages are the best! ?
Congratulations to the both of you.
‘Middle-aged women’ ?
Ok, I guess you’re right ? But did you really have to rub it in? ???
I become 35 next year ?
Looking forward to part 2… and 3 and… Please keep on blogging
I’m so happy for you, God does work in mysterious ways ?
Briana, CONGRATS to you both. Can’t wait to read part 2
Congratulations and God bless your marriage!!!
Praise God for a wonderful , encouraging story! I would love to know more specifically how he discovered you? Did he know your cousin, someone you went to South Africa with, or did he stumble across your blog?
You and Ryan are Blessed to have found each other. Your Love Story reminds me of my own story. My Prince Charming told his friend “See that Girl over there, I’M going to Marry Her” His friend asked ” Who is she, What is Her name?” My Prince answered “I don’t know her name, but She is the One” He asked me out two months later. Six months later we got engaged and that is when his friend gave me a note with the conversation he and my Fiance’ had eight months earlier. WE got married One year after his prediction AND will be Celebrating OUR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IN 2018
Wishing You and Your Prince a “Happily Ever After”
***One of your loyal middle-aged chubby women readers here*** ….I hope you loled at that, it was meant to be super funny, well, your “Part 1” did not disappoint, and I must say, I am so excited for you. I continue to be amazed at your maturity, and professional accumen. You are an “old soul” ….another compliment, that my grandmother would give to only the most special of people. I’m 49.999 as I like to say, and lived in Atlanta, GA for many, many years. There was a lovely community of Mennonites in the Auburn, AL area that made the best baked goods, granola and their “U-pick vegetable garden” was one of my cherished memories, of places I regularly looked forward to visiting on the weekends when I was in town. I always felt closer to God and at peace in the community of wonderful people when there. I married someone I met in college many years ago, and unfortunatley for me, I was no where near as stringent in my investigation of the man, nor had very strong, firm parents to “interview” him and get real informative pictures of the man he would end up being. Now, at 49.9999 I’ve spent the last 26 years single and too broken to find someone that would make the effort to be a good partner to me. I never knew until these last couple of years, there really ARE worthy men out in this world, though I personally have never met one, I do know they exist. Will you and Ryan reside in Lousiana after your wedding? Speaking for your other readers, we are all wishing you both “Congratulations & Blessings” I am so glad you two found each other!
Congratulations! What fun to read your post! And it’s wonderful that God saved you for each other, as you mentioned. Your thoughts fall closely in line with how we believe also, and that is refreshing to see. Best wishes to you in your months of planning. It will be fun to read the next installment.
Awe…thanks for sharing! It’s so wonderful when God writes our love story!! My wonderful hubby strolled into my church one Sunday morning as well and we were married 4 months later! Now 11 years and 3 beautiful kiddos later we have a little piece of heaven on earth and Gis is just SO good to us! Congratulations to you are your fella!! Enjoy this special time and thank you SO much for your cookbook, totally reinvigorated my efforts to get healthy, I’m down 20lbs with more to go, but I’m feeling great! God bless you!
So sweet! I love your story. <3 How did he first come across your blog? How long was he "following" you before he came to see you? Is he also Mennonite? When you move to Louisiana, will you have animals to care for? I'm so excited for you! <3
Thank you for sharing this! I greatly enjoyed reading it, and your lives together are a wonderful testimony of God’s amazing work! I’m looking forward to reading more!
Oh I just LOVED reading this! Can’t wait for Part Dos! 😀
How did Ryan learn about your blog?
Congratulations ?
I think this is precious and I for one am so glad you waited to share. You deserve a little privacy too.
This is very exciting news! Praise God for your miracle. Thanks for sharing.
Praying for you both!
Love your love story. God is so Amazing how He works. He leaves me in awe with all that He does for each of us. Wow what a beautiful God written love story you both are in, and will complete. So very very Happy for you both.
I am SO happy for you, Briana! It is so beautiful to see how God orchestrated the details of your meeting, and I know He will continue to direct your paths as they merge into one! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you! When God lays the foundation for a marriage, it will be built to last. May your planning and continued courtship be blessed with joy!
That was one of the funnest posts I have read in a long time! Congratulations! My question is…from what part of Ontario is his family? I am from southern Ontario ( Mennonite country) and don’t know where there are Burkholders.
Huzzah, congratulations!!! What lovely, lovely news!! I can’t wait to see wedding pictures!!
“Considerably rumpled up in spirit.” Perfectly applicable quote from “Anne with an E!” God bless you both. Lovely story. Thanks for sharing with us.
Blessings!
What a great story! I’m interested in your siblings’ reactions to meeting Ryan, and also of how he proposed.
Congratulations once again! You look so radiantly happy in your pictures ☺️
Congratulations!! Your love story is really unique! Gods blessings on the both of you!
Congratulations!You two make a beautiful couple!
You are amazing! And so blessed to find each other with such love and openness. My heart is full of joy for you and my faith in God leaped even higher. Thank you for sharing and instilling us to listen and follow God’s plan and miracles do happen!
When I saw your wedding planning comment recently, I wondered whose wedding, and now we know! Congratulations! What a wonderful God we serve!
Yay yay yay! How wonderful! Congrats to you both. I’m married to a physician as well and know how challenging it can be. Make sure to look for a Side By Side Group in your residency area. They’re a wonderful Christian support group and have helped to get our roots deep quickly in our training towns.
Also, I’m a part of a larger, very diverse doc spouse group, if you’re ever interested in that. Residency is really, really hard and it always help to have more support than not enough. Feel free to find me on Facebook and I can connect you that way! Congratulations again!
As a single, you’ve given me hope tonight in relationship miracles. It’s all a God thing. So happy for you. Book to read: His Needs, Her Needs. Someone I know who had issues in their marriage and overcame through counseling and this book recommended it. So good!
Briana I’m so very excited for you and Ryan. I don’t know anything about the Mennonite beliefs and lifestyle but I’m a believer and know in my spirit that you both are so blessed to be brought together by God. I would like to know what it is like for Ryan to be in the medical field and practice his spiritual beliefs as a Mennonite. Also do you have an address you are willing to give out for those of us who would like to send a wedding card?
Oh congratulations Briana! What a beautiful love story you guys have! When I read that you had something personal to share and that you’ve been super busy I told my husband you must be getting married! ? I will be praying for you, Ryan, your upcoming wedding and most importantly your marriage!
Congrats to you both. What a lovely story of God’s loving hand on you both!! It sounds as if you are Kindred Spirits!! For the record, sharing recipes and sharing very personal information are two different things. You do not have to explain why you did not want to share. We are just thankful you share your kitchen experiments with us.
This. Excellently put. Happy for you Briana and thankful for your recipes. Thank you for sharing your good news! Can’t wait to read part 2!
What an amazing story of God’s leading!! So happy for you both!!
I wish God’s blessings on you and Ryan as you enter marriage. It sounds like a match made in heaven. 🙂
Congratulations!! So happy for you both!
~ Congratulations Brianna. I’m so happy for you! What an awesome story! I love how God brought Ryan to you! What a blessing. Thank you for sharing your story~
Wow! This may be the most amazing love story I’ve ever heard! I’m so happy for you both. Congratulations!!!
Praise God! Only He can connect two people in such an awesome way. Congratulations!
What a blessing! God is so good. Thank you for sharing with us.
Wow!! What a beautiful story! God works in the most wonderful ways. It’s nice to feel that peace from God when you know it’s the right one. So happy for you!!
So happy for you and your families! I had to re-read your email earlier this week – whose wedding is she planning?! ? Thank you for sharing your story. What was your siblings reactions to Ryan? My uncle famously kicked my dad in the shins early on in my parent’s relationship. ?
(And a thank you for your single serve brownie from the cookbook. Ah-mazing!)