Hard to believe it's 2020. Just wanted to write a quick update so you don't wonder if this blog is ever going to be updated at all. We're still alive and well, still enjoying marriage after more than 8 years, even when we hit bumps in the road. I've been a Lyft and Uber driver for a while now, working on starting a business of my own, so I haven't had much time for blogging and stuff. I'm still planning on adding more to this blog at some point, but not sure when I'll have time, there's so much to catch up on. As always, feel free to send us an email, I'll try to check it from time to time.

Blog updates

I have not been keeping up much on updating the blog, so be sure to subscribe to the blog or follow us on Twitter to make sure you know when we do update things (or you can follow by email). I plan to add more photos, and I'm still organizing our wedding photos (a year and a half later, I know). Email us if you have any questions.

New car

You may or may not have noticed the beat up, old pickup I've been driving (it was briefly seen on the show when I arrived at the wedding location). Well, we finally got rid of it and got a nice, used Honda Accord (1996 EX model). It's in pretty good shape for it's age and mileage, just needs some basic maintenance work done. The truck was falling apart and the heater didn't work, so it's nice to have a comfortable car where everything works and it drives smoothly.

I got the truck a few months before we started dating, so we have a lot of happy memories in that thing. We went on our first date with it and I accidentally hit a telephone pole when I was trying to back up into a driveway because we got lost, I picked her up at her parents' place and dropped her off so many times while we were dating and engaged, then I used it to move my stuff when we got the apartment, etc. All throughout our relationship the truck has been what got us around. It will be missed, but we're glad to get rid of it too. It reminds me though to be thankful. Even when all we had was an old truck that didn't work very well, at least we had transportation. Even though we just have a small apartment, we have a place to live. Even though we're not rich in money and nice things, we are rich in the Lord, our marriage is strong and it continues to be a blessing to us both. We have such a strong bond and connection, and we are each a treasure to the other.

Now we have a nice car to be together in, and that's what counts... being together.

Bible study

Recently we began going to a Bible study with other married couples in our church. It has been great to meet new people and talk about the Bible, while at the same time pray for each other and our marriages. We're making friendships that I can already tell will last.

New Episode of Virgin Diaries

Tonight TLC is airing the first new episode of Virgin Diaries since last December, and we're in it. The focus is on new people, but there will be a few minutes of us. Comment below and tell us what you think.

10 Things About Marriage

Every marriage needs a firm foundation, so check out the marriage page to learn 10 things that can make your marriage strong.

1 Year Anniversary!

Here we are, we made it... all the way around the sun once since the day we were married. We have seen so much, been through so much and changed so much in just one year. We have faced some of the most difficult situations in our lives, some of the happiest times, and through it all we have been there for each other, and our marriage continues to grow as we grow in our faith and continue to trust in the Lord each day.

This past weekend we took a trip to the Oregon coast for our anniversary and enjoyed some time alone, just the two of us. It was nice to get away from everything and just relax. We look forward to our second year and happy times ahead.

6 Months of Joy

Tonight we celebrated our 6-month anniversary. We had dinner at a nearby restaurant and they even gave us a free dessert. It's only been half a year, but marriage has certainly been a life-changing experience, and it makes so much about our relationship so much more enjoyable. The challenges we have faced so far have mostly come from the outside, not from our relationship with each other. I'm realizing that, at least so far for us, marriage itself is not that hard, but life is more challenging when you're married (there's a difference). Our relationship continues to grow and we just can't seem to get enough of each other. We continue to live each day thinking of how we can serve and bless each other, constantly expressing our affection, love and gratitude for each other. We both know that we are committed to each other always.

Married life

In case you're wondering how we're doing... it's been 5 months since Shanna and I got married and we couldn't be happier. Marriage is amazing. We each had certain expectations like everyone does, and so far I'm pleasantly surprised. I was expecting more conflict, but we get along wonderfully with only occasional disagreements, and we quickly resolve things. We enjoy being together all the time, and when I'm at work we both miss each other. She's so happy to see me when I get home and often has dinner on the table. She enjoys cleaning everything in the apartment and we both give each other time to do our own thing. We sometimes get annoyed with little things about the other, but marriage is about being patient and putting the other person first, serving one another and always seeking the best for them. It just gets better and better all the time.

Virgin Diaries on TLC

Ryan and Shanna are featured in the new show Virgin Diaries, premiering on TLC Sunday, December 4, 2011 (9PM). The promo for the show has caused quite a stir in the media, and everyone seems to have an opinion. In this blog you will hear from Ryan and Shanna directly as they share their story, their beliefs and other thoughts.