Happy Holidays from the Ryans!

Christmas 2007

I thought this might be a fun way to keep up with friends and family.  Or rather, a fun way for friends and family to keep up with us.   The picture is from last Christmas, but hopefully I will have some from this year to add soon.

I just finished my third semester (including summer school) at Texas Women's University and am only a year away from my bachelor's degree in Psychology.  Hooray!  I've got a break for Christmas and am enjoying some much needed R & R.  I am looking forward to spending Christmas with our families, ringing in the New Year with friends, cooking, baking and hopefully getting our house clean!

Jason is doing well, too.  Actually, at the moment he is fighting off a cold, but overall he is good.  He is working as a web designer for the Hilton Hotels corporate office.  Recently he was given the opportunity to participate in a pilot program though work where he gets to work from home.  He spends two weeks at home and two weeks in the office.  It has been a huge blessing to have him home, even if it's only half the time.  And God has worked it out for him to be working from home during all of the major holidays.  It's great.

Jason and I also host a Life Group in our home for young married couples.  We have been meeting with them since August 2007.  Through our group we have learned much about ourselves, the Lord, had many fun experiences and had TONS of laughs.  It is truly a precious group of people and we are blessed to be part of their lives.

I also attend a women's Bible study group during the week while Jason volunteers with the youth in our church.  Jason has been working with the youth since 2003 and has quite a devoted following of kiddos.  He loves it and surprisingly, he comes home from spending time with a bunch of teenagers with more energy than he left with.  I guess that's how you know it's the Lord's calling for you.  He is absolutely gifted with those kids.  I've taken to photography as a hobby and have also had a chance to shoot engagement, bridal and even some wedding pictures.

And, for those of you invested in our 2 furry guys, they are doing great.  We moved into a small one bedroom apartment a few months before I went back to school, and they have made the transition beautifully.  Sometimes it takes some interesting dance moves for the four of us to maneuver around, but overall it is cozy and comfortable.  Cody is still all about the squeeky ball and Kadin has turned napping into an art form.  They are great dogs and we love them to an embarrassing degree.  :)

So that's a general update on the life and times of the Ryans.  I'll try to update regularly, but no promises.  Hope you are all doing well, and Merry Christmas!