New to this stuff

     I want to start by saying that I've never blogged in my life, and I never thought I would. However, the last few days have been a little rough, and I thought it might make me feel better to put my thoughts on "paper." I named this blog "Life's Pure Joy" because I figured I would mostly be blogging about my daughter, who is absolutely the biggest blessing ever given to me. She is pure joy...words just don't do her justice. My heart nearly bursts when I think of her or see her sweet smile. I thank God over and over throughout each day for the privilege of being her mom.  Her name is Ryan Isabella, and she turned 11 months old yesterday.  I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that it was almost a year ago that Alan and I were rushing to the hospital for a last minute unexpected c-section. Time is flying TOO fast!! I just want to soak it up and not forget ANYTHING!!
     I'm married to Alan, my college sweetheart, and we've been together for 10 years (married for 6).  Alan is retired from the NFL and is currently a Logistics Account Manager (Transportation Broker) for a transportation company in Plano. He's the love of my life, and I thank God for him daily. He works harder than you can imagine every single day, and he puts up with a whole bunch of ---- so that I can stay at home with Ryan. (Thank you, babe, for the sacrifices you make for us every single day!)
     If you know me personally, you KNOW that I went to Texas A&M (WHOOP!!), and my whole family bleeds maroon. My dad is the class of 1968, my husband '03, and I have a myriad of extended family members that are former students, and even some current students.  Ryan is already catching on quite nicely, as she falls asleep to me singing or humming "The Spirit of Aggieland" at basically every nap and "night night" time.  We're hoping this football season we'll be able to head to College Station for most of the home football games, and maybe Ryan will have her first religious experience at Kyle Field! ;)
     Speaking of religion, our family attends Preston Trail Community Church here in Frisco, and we love it. They have rockin' praise and worship music,  and the two senior pastors, Paul and Jim, are awesome. If you're in this area and looking for a church I highly recommend it. Alan and I would love to have you visit with us sometime. Ryan recommends the nursery as well.