I'm on a board!!

One thing I've been especially drawn to is leadership positions in organizations. I was an officer in the many clubs I was in during high school and college (some of my unique organizations include the Penta Club - our high school math club - and Aggie Toasters - part of Toastmasters International). Yet, when you come out of college, you are often "too young" and "not experienced" enough to be on boards.

There are several I would love to be a part of. I would love to help in the development of the organization and play a role in its direction.

So, for the first time since college, I'm on a board!! I'm the secretary of DOVIA - Directors of Volunteers in Austin. It is a local organization that allows volunteer directors a chance to network, share ideas, etc. You can even check out my bio on the site - DOVIA.

I hope that this is just the beginning. As my life changes as our family grows, I hope I will still have the time (and energy) to assist other organizations.

starting to feel pregnant...

Well, yesterday I really started to feel pregnant.

First, my friend Katie let me borrow some maternity clothes. I have a few, and with her donation, I have doubled my wardrobe. I've read that you should raid your husband's closet, and his sweaters are quite comfy!

Second, while washing my hands, I ran into the sink. Guess my belly is a little bigger than before...

Third, while at Macy's finishing up our Christmas shopping, I had a hard time getting on the escalators. Seems like seeing my feet was a feat in itself!!

Now, this may be because I had a little "pooch" before, but Ry was gone for a week, and he says he can see the change!!

I think now that we are in our 2nd trimester (whoop!), I'm a little more comfortable with the pregnancy and will have Ry document my growing belly.

It's official...

We are expecting! Here's our little pumpkin, who is growing soo fast - now already at 3 inches! amazing!!

We are at 13 weeks, and hope to welcome the arrival of our little on at the end of June! Whoop!

trip down memory lane...

My uncle has been visiting us this past week. He is Tessa's godfather, so we made a trip to Aggieland. It was soo nice to be back!

We went to daily Mass at St. Mary's, and it was a different experience. 10 years ago I was a Senior at A&M, struggling to figure out what I was going to do with my life. I remember the fall semester well - what will I be doing after I graduate? Where will I be living? What is God's will in my life? Does he want me to be married? single? religious?

And I looked around. It was the Thursday before finals. Many of those (200 - 300 in attendance) looked the same. Such a time of discernment.

Here I am, 10 years later. Little did I know that I would have met my future husband a few months later. Little did I know that I would move around Texas and eventually make Austin my home. Little did I know who I would be today - a wife, mother, godmother, director, international traveller and more!

It was fun being in Aggieland. I have often wondered about going back to school. Now I firmly realize that that phase of my life is over - and I have the wonderful memories and friends to cherish that time. No need to relive it!

Logan talking about God...

A friend of mine Marcel posted this on his blog. It touched me, so I thought I would post it too!

Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf . His words have wisdom beyond his years.

Meeting Baby Sebastian

IMG_1843.JPG
Originally uploaded by ryandobson

Last week I got to meet this cutie! Yes, this is my good friend (and former roomie) Lorena's son! He is 8 weeks old and going strong.

I made a little jaunt to Houston on Thursday, and got to spend lots of time holding him and seeing how wonderful a mom Lorena is and how caring a father Humberto is. Lorena and I even escaped for a bit for some dessert - without the baby!

Thanks for the great visit Lorena!! Can't wait to see you and little Papi soon!! Click on photo to see more from my trip!!

beautiful Pennsylvania

IMG_1611.JPG
Originally uploaded by ryandobson

You can check out more photos of our beautiful trip up to Pennsylvania last week! What a perfect time to go! We had a great time!!

Our Halloween Party - Party Hosts

Party Hosts
Originally uploaded by ryandobson

Okay, Ry finally showed me how to post Flickr photos to my blog! Click on the photo to see more photos, especially our creepy decorations! I good time was had by all - so hope you can join us next year!! yea!

Bella

Well, a great movie comes out tomorrow - Bella. I had a chance to see a preview, and meet the director and lead actor. Very well done and a beautiful movie. We are hosting a screening with Texas Alliance for Life on Sunday (bought a big block of tickets), so if you are free, let me know and I'll email you the info.

It opens in several cities Friday, and the rest on Nov. 9.

To check out where to see it, go to http://bellathemovie.com/theater

we're back!

Well, we finally made it back! Midnight last night! yea! and our luggage followed 5 hours later!

The weather was great - the perfect time of the changing of the leaves, something I don't experience here in Texas.

Here are a couple of my favorite photos!

Will post more later!

we're off...

We are heading out in 10 hours to go up to Pennsylvania to visit Ry's extended family!

We'll be back soon with photos!!

my friend Dawn

I've been thinking lots about my friend Dawn. Yesterday was her funeral. It was beautiful - saw many friends from the Diocese and was able to catch up. Also, I was able to add some humor, asking them what do they think Dawn would have thought of her funeral. I bet she would have been suprised on a few of the faces.

I stared crying at the beginning and couldn't really stop. At one point, I almost forgot why I was there. It just doesn't seem real. I felt that Dawn was just hiding and was going to come through the door at any time. The Bishop made numerous references that they still do not know the cause of her death. That is hard - I feel many of us would have closure if we knew that.

These past few days have been very interesting. Dawn did not know that last Tuesday would be her last. Neither do we. I am trying to live as she did - in the moment. Provide love and encouragement to everyone I meet (and add a little cynicism here and there).

Dawn, I know you are heading up to see God now. We just miss you and the love and support you gave us! I know always wanted us to be pregnant together, so I ask that you intercede for us on this journey to parenthood.

with a sad heart...

It is with a sad heart that I share that my friend Dawn Faye Hogan Havalda died last week. Dawn and I worked together at the Diocese - I in the Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Office, she in the Stewardship office.

She was part of of a group of friends that I would have lunch with after I left. It was great to catch up, hear how the Diocese is doing, walk with her through her pregnancy, etc. I think my most touching memory was when I had my 3rd miscarriage in June. She didn't know what to do, but she said she could take me out to lunch. So, that is what we did. We just went and talked. She never dealt with infertility, but was there when I needed her. Just to give me a hug and listen. Boy will I miss her!

Please pray for her family (husband and 14 month old daughter), extended family, friends and co-workers. She leaves such a hole in our hearts. Her visitation is today and funeral tomorrow.

Dawn, we love you and we miss you!!

yea!

Well, Tuesday was a great day! We had our 15th Annual Benefit Dinner for Texas Alliance for Life, and it broke all the records! 820 people, records raised in the Silent Auction and with donations!

At the event, I was unable to speak with our keynote speaker and now presidential candidate, Dr. Alan Keyes.

On Wednesday, he invited us over for a chat, and it was amazing! We were with him for over 2 hours and had such a wonderful conversation! Even got my photo with him!

Now on to plan the next one!!

this week...

So, this week has been interesting.

First, we are getting ready for our annual benefit dinner. Lots of work! I think I have already put in my 20 hrs and it is only Wednesday.

Second, I have spent a wonderful time with our friends the G's (www.sharonandadam.com). Both our husbands are away, and they just added the 3rd child to their family 2 1/2 weeks ago. What fun has it been to be with a family full of children!! It has also assisted me in my discernment of our family. I have always had "my plan", and just hoped God would fit in.

Yet, as our desire for a family grows, we must look into other options. So, this week has taught me that babies are wonderful and beautiful, but older children have much to offer and bring so much love to a family too! Even more to think about!

Please pray for us as we discern how God is leading us.

the reason...

I have been trying to think of the reason why I haven't felt compelled to post.

I have wonderful friends who post quite often. I feel that I know exactly what is going on in their lives.

But, every time I think about posting, it is about something sad, something bad - like the due date of Mary Isabelle (our 2nd miscarried baby) was in August, we found out we had a chromosomal abnormality causing our infertility, Ry is travelling all the time and my big, crazy dinner is coming up next week.

I just can't seem to want to write about the good. Like beautiful new babies coming into the world - our god daughter Emma Sophia and good friend's Gianna Maria. Or that I has a great birthday and am excited about going to Aggieland this weekend.

Maybe I just needed to get this all off my chest. And maybe people will post a response. But is that what I want? Knowing people read this infrequent blog? Maybe yes :-)

I'll try harder!

thanks Brian, Darrell, and Tristan!

Brian, Darrell, and Tristan came down this past week from Toledo! We had fun showing them the sights of Austin, and the surrounding areas. From wine tasting in the Hill Country, to watching the sunset over Lake Travis, I think they saw some of the greatness Austin has to offer!

Hope they had a good time! They are probably almost home now - that 24 hours of driving does take awhile!

Thanks for visiting!!

a week (or 2 or 3) in review...

well, it has been a few weeks since I posted. Life has been crazy! Justin returned from Ohio with his wife Danielle, and they lived with us for a couple weeks until their apartment was ready. Wow, did I get used to someone else making dinner!

Also, I was honored to be on the team that put on our good friend Lorena's baby shower! We had a great time in Houston putting on the shower, and visiting some old haunts!

Then we came home, and hosted an Aggie Catholic party at our home. Fr. Brian Eilers has been transfered to Temple, so we had a good-bye party (and had some birthday cake too, since his birthday was the 4th).

Then we moved Justin and Danielle into their new apartment. Despite the loads of rain we've been having, it only sprinkled on us a bit. whoop!

Then this weekend we had the Texas Alliance for Life Dinner and Boat Cruise. It was for those who have raised over $500 (Cruise) and $1000 (dinner and Cruise). It was lots of fun, and for the first time in awhile, it didn't rain!

And lastly, Harry Potter #7 came out this weekend. We only have 1 book between us, so Ry and I are sharing. At least I won't be watching much TV this week...

Can't figure out how to link photos - I think our oh-so-cool new camera makes photos too big! Maybe my techie husband can figure it out!

Happy Feast of St. Bridget!!

thank you Justin!

Tonight is Justin's last night at our home as a "bachelor". Tomorrow he's off to Toledo to bring his beautiful wife to Texas, and in a couple weeks he'll be all moved out.

These past several months have been a wonderful time. I met Justin about the same time I met Ry, the summer of 1998. Justin even dated my good friend Lorena for a bit. I didn't get to know him very well then, and over the last 9 years I spent time with him just when we went to Toledo or they came here.

Over these last several months, I have gotten to really know this great man. From late night talks about spirituality, to protecting the house from those crazy people who like to play their music behind our house, to the extensive kitchen remodel I feel I've really gotten to know Justin, and in a way learn more about Ryan. Justin and Ryan met in middle school, and only lived in the same town for 4 years, until Ry moved to Texas. Yet, even with the distance, they have been best friends since.

So Justin, thank you for living with us! I will never forget this time! I think one of the best parts is having another person to cook for! We have our family here in Austin!!

As Ty Pennington says in Extreme Home Makeover, and now we say to you - "welcome home Williams family, welcome home!"

another beautiful soul...

It's with sadness that I write this...

About 3 weeks ago we found out that we were expecting our 3rd child. Last weekend I started having some complications and on Tuesday of last week we found out that our little one has returned back to our Lord.

Even though she was with us just a few weeks, she is greatly missed. I miscarried her at around 6 weeks.

I had strong feelings that it was a girl (as did my friend Robin), and we've named her Lucy Grace. Lucy, after St. Lucy, an early martyr and woman strong in her faith. Lucy also means light, and she brought light to our lives, knowing that we could get pregnant again after the miscarriage in January. Grace, for the grace we received in having her in our life. Now she is reunited with our Lord, and with her brother and sister in heaven.

Please keep us in your prayers. This week has been difficult for us. We also begin the hard road of further testing, both of me and of Ry. May the Lord provide us with guidance during this time.

4 New x 2 Meme

A friend from college (http://www.blairandsteven.blogspot.com/) did this meme on her blog. Looks interesting, so I thought I would try...

4 new things of the past 4 years

1 - 2 wonderful babies in heaven! We love you and we miss you Philip Gabriel and Mary Isabelle!!

2 - We have purchased our first home! yea! And put in lots of elbow grease in it these past few years!

3 -I've become a FertilityCare practioner. I love teaching, and working with couples to understand their fertility. Now just waiting for a baby to be named Alexis...

4 - Travelled to the southern hemisphere! Our great trip last year to Australia and New Zealand!! And a passport with my married name. Ry and I have also been able to travel to many other new places in the past 4 years!


4 desires for the next 4 years

1 - That we would be able to welcome our arms to our own baby (or babies). May God entrust us to a few little ones!!

2 - no more mortgage! We have been saving for awhile, and hopefully in the next 4 years we won't have to worry about that expense.

3 - for good health! that we can understand the cause for our fertility problems and be able to maintain a healthier weight!

4 - more travel! from going to visit our goddaughter (in New Zealand), maybe Europe, and hopefully more of the US.

it's done!

I got my kitchen back!! yea!! We grouted and sealed this past week! yea! All that's left is some trim to do!! A special thanks to Ry and Justin, for all their hard work!!

We've got to show it off to my parents and sister who are visiting us for the Memorial Day holiday. Even have done some cooking in it too!! After 2 1/2 months without a kitchen, that's quite a feat!!

Now, what will our next project be...

the best of WDW

Well, I haven't posted much about our trip. Kinda seems like a dream now...

So, instead of all the details - here is my/our best list:

Best Roller Coaster - Expedition Everest (even got the shirt to prove it!)
Best Ride - tie between Tower of Terror and Mission Space
Best Night Show - Fantasmic at MGM
Best Mode of Transportation - the boats
Best Show - I loved the new Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor (a show that interacts with the audience - amazing), Ry loved the Lights, Camera, Action Stunt Show (race cars and motor cycles - and fire!)
Best Meal - our romantic dinner on top of the Contemporary Resort - great view (especially of the fireworks), free champagne (for our anniversary), and great food
Best Snack - Dole Whip Float (pineapple float) and Mickey bar
Best Resort I would wanna stay at - Beach Club (walking distance from Epcot, even have a sand-bottom pool)

It was an amazing trip! The weather was great, we didn't want to leave. The crowds and heat came the last day, so leaving that day wasn't as hard.

We're back...

from the happiest place on earth! What a great time we had!! Will post more details, but in the meantime, check out our website for some cute photos - www.alexisandryan.com!!

We leave...

in the morning! yea! and our 5th anniversary is next week too! whoop!

Will have some disney reflections when we return!

from death to new life...

Last night was a special night for Ryan and myself.

First, we went to the 100th Austin Area Aggie Muster. Aggie Muster is a wonderful Aggie tradition, to remember those Aggies who have passed away in the past year. It is recommended that if you lived within 100 miles of another Aggie, that you should get together and remember Texas A&M. I reminded them that Sean, my friend who was killed in Iraq in January, was from Pflugerville. When the read the list of those Aggies who have died, a friend or family member will say "here" for them. I was privileged to answer for him. He is gone but not forgotten.

While we were there, I got a call from my cousin Julie from New Zealand. She called again later that evening, and asked us if we could be her daughter's (who will be born in July) godparents. Of course!! yea! We were soo honored! It is also a Kiwi (probably by the Brits) tradition to have 2 sets of godparents. So, they have decided that 1 will be from the US, the other from New Zealand. How exciting!! The baptism will be in January, so we may heading down under again.

It was a great day! We also did lots of work in the kitchen - put in the countertops, doors, sink and dishwasher (or should I say the boys did). I did line all those cabinets... Check out the website for more info - Ry has updated the links so they should all work - www.alexisandryan.com.

it's official

our beloved houseguest has gottten himself a job! Yes, no more free labor during the day! We now just get him on evenings and weekends!!

Justin will be employed at his new church here in Austin, Gateway Church. We've enjoyed going there with him, and hope he will be very happy and challenged in his new position!

Thanks for all your prayers! Now we're ready for his wife Danielle to move down!!

You can find more info on Justin at his website - www.justindwilliams.com.

a well needed vacation!

Well, I've decided to focus my energies on some fun stuff - like out upcoming vacation! Walt Disney World - here we come! Only 15 days away!

I've had tons of fun (Ry may think too much) planning out trip, making dinner reservations, and doing research. I think I read a guidebook in 1 day! I'm soo excited.

It has been 15 years since Ry and I both went. We went in June of 1992. I went in the beginning of the month (we left when my parents picked me up on the last day of school) and Ry went the end of the month.

There is tons of rides and stuff for us grown-ups! We are also doing the Cirque de Soile show, as well as a Segway tour through Epcot (my anniversary gift to Ry).

If you've gone recently, send me your suggestions!

And to those who think I'm not blogging enough, I'll work on that! Feel free also to comment :-)

now I join most other people...

in that I got my first speeding ticket yesterday! Yes, my first one!!

I got a parking ticket in 1994, when I parked on the wrong side of the road when I was going to high school. $15.

Then about 4 months ago I got a warning because I was driving at night without my headlights.

And yesterday, since it was Easter Monday, I was just driving to work, and there was no traffic. I came over a little hill on I-35, saw a motorcycle cop, and he caught me. I didn't realize the speed limit went down to 60. It did, and I was clocked at 75. I was in shock! Couldn't even plead my case to the cop - I'm going go work, didn't know the speed limit, this is my first time...

So, I can either pay the $200 ticket, or the $100 administrative fee and go to defensive driving. Defensive driving looks like a good option (doesn't go on my record). Now I just need to find a fun one! Anyone want to go with me??

a friend...

It has been brought up to me that we do not update our blog enough. Funny, I write lots in my head, just don't get around to typing them out. Just need to get around to that.

This week I had an interesting discussion with a friend. Being the good friend that she is, she pointed out some problems our friendship was having. For me, it was just easier to be mad at her, and at God. But, it has been eating me up, and probably not making me the easiet person to live with and be around. So I thank her for pointing those things out, and helping me become a better woman of God.

Isn't it great how God puts people in your life? Friends to support you, to help you on your walk, to assist you in carrying your cross. Friends also to challenge you, to point out weaknesses, and treasure your friendship enough to do that.

We are soo blessed! May we be given the grace to always realize that!!

the reason...

for not blogging recently is our recent home projects!


You can see more at our website - http://www.alexisandryan.com/.

Will write more later, gotta work!

the end of February??

Wow, not doing too good on this blogging thing. It's like when I write in my journal, and when I write all I do is catch up on what's been going on, but not how I feel.

So, to briefly state what's been going on...

I've been trying to write about Sean. I think that is what got me stuck. I wasn't sure what to write. I wrote a reflection from the funeral for some Aggie friends, so you can read that below. I haven't even been able to muster the courage to look thru my old journals and photos.

February started off well. I went to one of those meal prep places the first weekend. It was soo much fun. I went with some girlfriends (thanks Paula, Kathy and Denise) and we made 12 meals. We are eating #11 tonight! It has lasted us awhile. The place is here in Austin (http://www.thestudiokitchen.com/) and the boys think it would be great to continue. All I have to stock is side dishes!!

Then we had Paula's baby shower. So much cute things for her little boy!! Despite what has gone on, the day went on much better than I expected and I am truly happy for her and her family.

For Valentine's Justin and I went to Chipotle. Yes, Ry was out of town. He was in Raleigh, NC for a business trip. And he got stuck there and had to be rerouted to Dallas to make it to our...

Marriage Encounter (http://www.ntexasme.org/) !! We did that a little over a week ago. It was amazing! What a wonderful time to refresh our marriage and focus just on us! I feel lately our marriage has had more stress, and this gave us the tools to deal with it. We had a wonderful time and a couple from the Austin area also attended.

Other than that Lent has started. I'm trying to include more Lenten traditions to our home. And trying to do more as a couple.

Ry is off today for Boulder. He will be back on Thursday. At least I got Charlie and Justin, and the wii!

More thougthts later...

reflection on Sean

Since many of y'all were joined in prayer for the repose of our friend Sean, I thought I would update you on the events the last 2 days.

Last night I attended the rosary. It was a beautiful liturgy, with readings, medals for the family, and stories. Some family,
Sean's flight instructor, and wives of buddies of Sean's in Iraq spoke. One of the most touching was a letter read by the wife of Sean's roommate in Iraq. He spoke about how Sean was so friendly and cheerful, carved pumpkins and put up Christmas
lights. And also how he grew his plants, and was even trying to grow some grass, even though the wind, birds, etc. were
against him. Lisa Morgan joined me at the rosary, and we also saw Nathan and Emily Swoboda, as well as many ags from his
outfit who we recognized.

The funeral mass was beautiful today. Bishop Aymond was the celebrant, with at least 5 other priests assisting. Gov. Perry
and Rep. McCaul were also in attendance. Bishop Aymond spoke of Sean's sacrifice, how when seeds are planted they are dead and then rise and bear fruit. And that is what he did! The wife of Sean's roommate also read an email her husband had sent her that morning. She said that the grass that Sean had planted had started to grow. It was 1 1/2 inches high. Even though he never thought it would grow, it has.

There were many Aggies (lots of Corps guys and gals) and members of our military. And the Church was full - and quite a
mix. People of all ages, races, and religions filled St. Elizabeth's.

When leaving the church there were members of the Corps lining the walkway to the parking lot. They stood at attention,
honoring our friend.

I did not go to the gravesite, but did watch the procession. It was lead by at least 35 members of the Patriot Guard
(www.patriotguard.org) who led on their motorcycles carrying Texas and US flags. Following that was over 100 cars in the
procession, and over 20 police officers both leading and guiding the group. Fortunately there were no protesters! It was easy to see how many lives Sean had touched and how much he will be missed.

I left a card with our spiritual bouquet for his family at the church, as well as a copy of what has been posted on the myfamily
site. In addition, some of you send stories about Sean to me, and I printed those off too.

I will miss my friend. And even though he is gone, he is still challenging me to be a better person. Thank you Sean!

too much stuff

Seems like the last couple weeks have whirled by. Here are the highlights:

1. Ice hit Texas! We had 3 days off work the week of MLK. We had fun just hanging at the house, but the boys did get a bit stir crazy... photos to come.

2. A good friend from college, CPT Sean Lyerly '98, was killed on Jan. 20 when the Blackhawk helicopter he was flying crashed in Iraq. He was 31, and left behind a wife and 3 year old son. I've been trying to think what I could write that would reflect the man that he was. Still working on that.

3. Lastly, my big event for work was this weekend - the Texas Rally for Life. The weather was perfect (clear, mid 60's), had great volunteers, and even had a few protesters. I feel at peace that it is over, now time to work on our next event.

I'm going to Sean's rosary tonight, and Bishop Aymond is presiding over the funeral tomorrow. I'm going to need to find some tissues.

recovering...

Well, these last few days have been great to help me in recovering. I thought I was good after 2 days, but God gave me 3 more! Due to the recent Ice Storm 2007, I haven't gone to work all week. It has been nice, catching up on some reading, writing, tivo, etc. We did get a little stir crazy tonight (and low on food), so we ventured out for some pepperoni rolls - and beer! yum!

I'll probably go in tomorrow. Looks like the roads will be better after 10. Still having a bit of pain here and there (quite intermittent), so I'll try not to overextend myself. It has been interesting how I have these last few days I have overextended myself - taking too long of a bath, walking around Sam's tonight, working with the laundry, playing pool). God quickly puts me back where he wants me - resting on the couch!

Ry made a cute movie of the snow and all. Maybe he can post it up here soon!

update...

Well, just and update on the latest progress. First, thank you for all your prayers (I know y'all read this blog). This has really been a difficult time, and I know your prayers have lifted us up and comforted us during this time.

We saw our doctor today, and my HCG levels (which were only increasing slowly), are now decreasing. The baby is just not growing as she should. I also have had no pregnancy symptoms, as I did have earlier in this pregnancy. We can either wait and have the miscarriage normally, or have a d & c. We have opted for the d & c, and that will be done this Friday at 12:30. If you could pray for us then, and for our continued health and fertility.

thank you again. may we be blessed to share some better news in the coming months!!

the new year...

Well, it has been awhile since my last post. So much has happened (Thankgiving, Christmas, our trip to the Grand Canyon, the baby).

Yes, the baby. Seems like our Advent gift was to find out that we were pregnant. When we got in for our first ultrasound 2 weeks ago, we were soo happy! We were 7 weeks, but the sac was empty. Over Christmas we waited for test results. Yea! They are going up! But not fast enough.

Yesterday we went in for our 2nd ultrasound. The baby is still growing, just not fast enough (currently sized at 6 weeks), and th sac is still empty.

Now we are waiting to see. If a miracle can start this baby to grow, or have a d&c to remove it. Not really how we wanted to start the year.

Yet, I can get pregnant! And hopefully it won't take 1 1/2 years between them.

Now, I plan to keep this updated, even if no one reads it. It helps me.

Many, many people have been praying for us and I am very grateful. May we be blessed with continued fertility this year!