Design Without Boundaries

Happy Birthday to Ryan!💕✨🥳 I met him in his 20s, and somehow he’s 44 now… which is wild, because I swear, just yesterday we were those two in the picture. And at the same time, it was another lifetime. This is a picture of us the first time we came to San Pancho, MX in 2018. Dropped off our bags at the Airbnb and went to the beach. Those two had no idea where the next 7yrs would take them. For one, Ryan has long now and we share hair ties.😄

Exactly one year ago yesterday, on his 43rd birthday, Farmers Insurance had a reorganization and he got laid off, after 17yrs. Not only was it his birthday but he was on medical leave after his achilles surgery. At the time, it all felt uncertain, definitely not the kind of birthday gift you hope for but I told him it would be the best thing that ever happened to us. I could feel it.

This video is us watching the sunset the other day, something that’s become a normal part of our days now when we are in Mexico. Watch until the end, a guy took this video of us and came to show us.😆 The same beach in that picture, where we were starting our vacation in a new place. It is so crazy to me how amazing life can be. Our lives changed on his birthday last year and I was shown once again Ryan’s resilience and determination. He did a massive life pivot. It is the kind of courage it took for him to step into the unknown, bet on himself, and completely change the course of his life, our lives. He went from a world of PTO requests and vacation day counts to us building something togther, a continuous effort living the life of our dreams. And now huge jumps with building and designing homes here. To see his business background and creative spirit paired together has been amazing. I joke that he always wins employee of the month. More to come on that because it has been an amazing ride that a few of you already know.😉

This past year has been life-changing, for both of us and I know it’s only the beginning.

Here’s to 44 years old, sunsets, big leaps, and building something beautiful together in so many different ways. We are truly I love you, Ry🥰

Snuck out for an early morning fishing trip with Ryan’s dad, Randy, before we hit the road. 🎣☀️ If I catch the first fish, I like to use it as a teaching moment. 😎

I told Randy some people are just born with the gift but don’t worry, I’ll send him some YouTube videos so he can work on his technique while I’m gone. 😂

Fifteen years of fishing together and him untangling my line.☺️ Still one of my favorite traditions when we are back in Michigan. Xoxox🎣

Well, we’re getting MARRIED!💍💖✨ Some of you already know this but here it is social media official.🎉 14yrs in and we’re doing it! Ryan completely surprised me on our terrace with a proposal. We try to do a gratitude journal in the morning and this particular morning he came prepared with notes on his cell phone. Even when he pulled his phone out, I just thought he was taking our gratitude thing to the next level. I thanked him for coming prepared.😊 I was completely floored as he said the most beautiful words to me as the birds sang in the background. I was so shocked that it was even happening. I couldn’t believe he picked out a ring that was so perfect for me, I quickly said, “yes.”

We have talked about getting married over the years and knew we eventually would but this was an absolute surprise. I had no clue it was coming. We started recording the gratitude conversations a while back, so it’s all on audio.🥰 When we listened to it again together it was magic. We are both so excited and I was so surprised. He later told our friends, “I was pretty confident going in.”😅

While I always knew I would spend the rest of my life with you Ry, you made me realize I want to be married, I want a beautiful ring that symbolizes our love and I even want to be a WIFE! Oh my goodness! I can’t wait for the celebration with our friends and family! I love you so much!🥰😍 PC-