March 18th

...can't come soon enough for me, and may come too soon for Ryan.

March 18th is the day my sweet husband defends his Graduate Research Project, better known as a thesis (but I'm told they're two totally different things, yet the same.  hmmmm...)

If I'm going to be proofing this beast, I'm going to tackle it with ammunition on my hips.

Ryan has worked incredibly hard, putting in long hours, early mornings, late nights, and countless trips to a library, campus, or Barns & Nobel in search of references.  He's coordinated multiple mediation sessions (not to be confused with meditation sessions) and even mediated several cases himself.  That's just the tip of the iceberg though.  He's done so much work, and learned so many new things, over the past two years.

I'm so proud of my sweetheart, and soon-to-be graduate of graduate school.  Oh, I am so excited for him to be done and begin the undaunting task of looking for, finding, applying for, and accepting {the perfect job}.  I think I'm looking forward to being a stay-at-home mom even more than that though.

I have no idea what the title of this paper is, and to my knowledge, he and his professor haven't even decided on one yet.  It's not THAT important, right?!  When he's all done, he'll have earned his Master's in Human Resource Training and Development.  (He also has his Associates in Business Management, and Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.)  As far as careers and life-long dreams go, we're not sure where we're headed.  Sounds like a plan, huh?  Careers within the government spectrum are likely, and he enjoys training, putting together those types of events and coordinating programs, as well as developing new programs.  We haven't seen many opportunities within individual companies to do this, (and by we, I mean, WE, because I've been anxious and looking for prospective jobs for him, too), but are confident that faith, obedience, diligence, and our hard work will pull us through.

While I'd like him to have a job already lined up and to start working on March 19th, I've come to the conclusion and peace of mind that this whole 'job thing' will happen on the Lord's timetable.  I've had to really rely on my Father and Heaven and have faith in His plan for us.  It's been quite a learning and growing experience for me...and I know it's not over yet.  

That said, if you'll say a little prayer for us, it'll certainly be appreciated.  Already, we're feeling the prayers of those around us, including loving family members, and for that we thank you publicly.