Happy Birthday hubby!

Just wanted to wish my dear husband a wonderful 32nd birthday and upcoming year! I have truly enjoyed these last 9 1/2 years getting to know the awesome man that you are! You continue to surprise and amaze me. May this year be filled with new adventures, new experiences and a true sense of contentment!

We celebrated tonight by going out for Greek food. yum! And this weekend Ry's parents came to help us install a beautiful new back door, as well as celebrate at Chuy's. Always revolving around food...

Happy New Year!!

Well, we are finally back and recovered from our ventures up and down I-35 - to see Ry's and my family! It was a great time away, but glad to be home.

Had my 16 week appt. today! Baby is doing great - 140 beats a minute!! The nurse even said he/she was kicking due to the sounds we were hearing. What an amazing sound - our child!

We'll have the "big" sonogram in about 3 weeks. And sorry to disappoint, we will not be finding out the sex! We will all have to wait!!

I'll update with some photos from Christmas and all. Just need Ry to upload...

Happy New Year! What a great adventure 2008 is going to be!

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

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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

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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!!