Happy Birthday Ruby Katheryn Sifan!

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet Ruby. Although I was not there on the day that you were born and I don't know all of the circumstances of the first few months of your life, I do know that you were in my heart a year ago today. Your daddy and I were praying for you long before you were born. Today I think about your birth mom and pray for peace in her heart. I know the decision she had to make must have been the most difficult thing she has ever had to do and I know that she named you Sifan (meaning 'for your sake') so you would always know how much she loved you and why she had to give you up. You are a perfect fit in our family and I thank God for bringing us together. You are a true blessing and I love you so very much!

Why adopt?

And why from Ethiopia? Many people have asked us these questions. It's simple:

-One in ten children die before their first birthday -One in six children die before their fifth birthday -44% of the population of Ethiopia is under 15 years old -Half the children in Ethiopia will never attend school. -88% will never attend secondary school. -Ethiopia’s doctor to children ratio is 1 to 24,000. -Ethiopia has approx. 4.3 million orphans and the country is twice the size of Texas. -Per capita, Ethiopia receives less aid than any country in Africa

A fun weekend at our state capitol

Ruby and Destiny had fun hanging out at the hotel.

All of the kids heading up the big stairs during the tour of the capitol.

Brylie and her buddy Dannika.

Ruby just rode in the stroller with a smile on her face.

My sister-in-law, Kristi is the assistant majority leader in the House. Kristi took time out to get a picture with all of the kids.

Of course we had to get a silly one! :)

Jodi and I found the nice lady in the Sec. of States office that helped us with our adoption paper work. We only knew her by a kind voice over the phone...it was great to see her in person and show her the girls.

The Secretary of State hooked the boys up with these nifty state seals.

Governor Rounds was kind enough to let us get our picture with him.

We had 4 families in our group, 8 adults and 15 children. The tour guide didn't seem very excited to see so many children but we were so proud of how well behaved they were. They even sat through a Legislative session. Great job kids! Thank you so much Kristi for setting up the tour and pictures. We had a wonderful time and learned so much. Hunter is telling everyone about how he got to sit in the big chair by the Speaker of the House during the Legislative session. Great memories!

My little snow bunny

Today was beautiful so I took Ruby outside to experience the snow. She loved sitting in the snow and watching the other kids run around. I just stood back and took a lot of pictures! :)

All I want for Christmas.....