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!