tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69814536528646979532024-03-19T14:44:47.570-07:00Getting to Know Ryan & AmandaAnd Why We're Choosing Adoptionchoosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-23025401905081826272014-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:002015-01-13T19:25:08.378-08:00WELCOME - Thanks For Visiting Our Blog!<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dear Friends,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would like you to know how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">grateful</span> we are to you, for your willingness to consider adoption, and for taking the time to read our blog. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In this blog</span> we have tried to include everything we could think of that you may want to know about us. But if we have missed <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">something please <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">don't hesitate to ask</span>. You can also find out more about us by visiting our </span></span><a href="https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/30607167/ourMessage.jsf" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">adoption profile</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/whywechooseadoption" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">facebook page</span></a>,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> or our </span><a href="http://bigadventuresblog.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">other blog</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> about our adventures together. (Amanda also has </span><a href="http://deepintheheartofamanda.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">another blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> where she writes about things close to her heart - recent posts have been about our experience with infertility</span> and adoption.) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We would love to hear from you and to get to know you better.</span> Feel free to email us at choosingadoption@gmail.com. We would be honored to meet you and to learn more about you and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">your hopes and dreams for your child.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan, Amanda, and Abby</span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04889691877084505249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-81360858401421664132011-04-01T14:42:00.001-07:002015-01-13T19:01:02.490-08:00Let's Get Down To The Nitty Gritty - Who Are Ryan, Amanda, and Abby?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3EeVv28Ea8oH4272ZkXoQrowcyHIOQ9-IH0f0_wBYrkSgt4_OMIBdXq4EJffUVS9kPoF6faoFR57ldb3Tnpw-xpNB0lXlKl9kprS55w83ig0OeUVr4RWdyXjVbNEhMmrCrRaBS2oa6I/s1600/049cropped.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3EeVv28Ea8oH4272ZkXoQrowcyHIOQ9-IH0f0_wBYrkSgt4_OMIBdXq4EJffUVS9kPoF6faoFR57ldb3Tnpw-xpNB0lXlKl9kprS55w83ig0OeUVr4RWdyXjVbNEhMmrCrRaBS2oa6I/s320/049cropped.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591052589687918114" style="float: right; height: 248px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a> <u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan</span></span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Age: 36</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: 5' 10"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight: 160 lbs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eyes: blue/green</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hair: brown</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occupation: Financial Analyst</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Degree: Masters - Information Systems Management (BYU)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claim to Fame: Won a Razor scooter at Fuddruckers</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS8UEcd7Zx-j8odLlHO-u5m5W9zNZ2_vQCiBpaB5IeoKWCkl3FNoyQ9eKXW9OjwdhlBVOsW8pomZS2FCzIek_BgGn0wbCr97zChii6eRxCoeUIB5hZj726exxeKWYhoHQ-_gWMb84vQ0/s1600/IMG_0517+moose6%2526Amanda.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS8UEcd7Zx-j8odLlHO-u5m5W9zNZ2_vQCiBpaB5IeoKWCkl3FNoyQ9eKXW9OjwdhlBVOsW8pomZS2FCzIek_BgGn0wbCr97zChii6eRxCoeUIB5hZj726exxeKWYhoHQ-_gWMb84vQ0/s320/IMG_0517+moose6%2526Amanda.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591052044639952642" style="float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda</span></span></u> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Age: 34</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: 5' 5.5"</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight: 125 lbs</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eyes: blue/green</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hair: blond</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occupation: Stay-at-home Mom</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Degree: Ph.D - Neuroscience (Baylor)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claim to Fame: I know Jon Heder (aka Napoleon Dynamite). I was friends with him and his twin brother Dan my freshman year of college. I actually have a video the two of them made with a bunch of our friends - several of the things Jon did as Napoleon he also did in the video I have - pretty funny.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tCC90AivjbHoON1djuXfY7aF7mMJnpJIPFX5EkDz_hjMbgwXWz79clKfELe-yLO_dYCRsLCFtaw2DfEBXYt7YOWVh_ZYWJb8mUxuuvS_aRE1AD_A3HFMBj90R-Bj1Vf4Nf3gQP2mozQ/s1600/IMG_0204edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tCC90AivjbHoON1djuXfY7aF7mMJnpJIPFX5EkDz_hjMbgwXWz79clKfELe-yLO_dYCRsLCFtaw2DfEBXYt7YOWVh_ZYWJb8mUxuuvS_aRE1AD_A3HFMBj90R-Bj1Vf4Nf3gQP2mozQ/s320/IMG_0204edit.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u>Abby</u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Age: 2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Height: around 2'6"</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight: 30 something lbs</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eyes: brown</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hair: brown</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Occupation: Helping Mom (she would like to become the best big sister)</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Degree: Hasn't gotten that far yet</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claim to Fame: Being the cutest little girl in the world - which has been verified by MANY people</span>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oHWD2kQJtQW6elxkON6Qf0VBzcJbvgkuyf2orD3nsHbcAzhp0h7qKChInA9Ry0ptLRhSU2SPYesNLpCBViarGt0ap4LBMWW9KdTQ07s-s7FXSr3RYxA3tNY2YWQVU1Bl_dp6tLeum5w/s400/100_0434cropped.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591062987513937858" style="display: block; height: 308px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the San Diego Zoo</span></em> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I0hFYAptopbfgK3L2OniwS4IkxzNxp7fwHKjuaxb9W64pwYD52lTvypZ7SaImfQKxKoZzOY36gs9-lzM7esjEprs9gVfzkYYdhlcZzRJsKo2n0bxQxGtpJISWZBTW-7tzvQP-bk7PRo/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2I0hFYAptopbfgK3L2OniwS4IkxzNxp7fwHKjuaxb9W64pwYD52lTvypZ7SaImfQKxKoZzOY36gs9-lzM7esjEprs9gVfzkYYdhlcZzRJsKo2n0bxQxGtpJISWZBTW-7tzvQP-bk7PRo/s400/IMG_8596.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The day after we brought Abby home</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Our beautiful baby girl!</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSlIzH5SB1dwGHKDf9-LwO692k-P0rvD3wzq0nF1JPkJB_gphH4QRvsH2rxNp6N319Stq89AtGTWmCRXubE81rr8lFcME64Nm-FwNnetmCV1xBuIl8URyaad8BhUNWZ1l9Ht9EbXkNVI/s1600/IMG_2456crop.jpg"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSlIzH5SB1dwGHKDf9-LwO692k-P0rvD3wzq0nF1JPkJB_gphH4QRvsH2rxNp6N319Stq89AtGTWmCRXubE81rr8lFcME64Nm-FwNnetmCV1xBuIl8URyaad8BhUNWZ1l9Ht9EbXkNVI/s400/IMG_2456crop.jpg" height="308" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591062995381994402" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Visiting the wildflowers</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Hiking at Mammoth Caves National Park</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>She may not have a degree yet but she is super smart. Her spatial skills are out of this world. She started completing jig saw puzzles on her own just after her 2nd birthday. Here's one of them.</em></span></div>
<br />choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-72207718995461445892011-03-31T19:16:00.000-07:002015-01-13T19:05:04.916-08:00Some Things To Know About Ryan - By Ryan<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ9eogw_rxcGZMEBlH04cm5TBRxe_Y254QqdDNmXh9ZAEq-TqWetkmvieUW7gmukeT04kxaDBMeh38EDhL0La4yPtQKGSeqZPc7QLndGxJob3LJe1aR0PedwlCu9-tANK8Bp-GOS6KhI/s1600/150.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ9eogw_rxcGZMEBlH04cm5TBRxe_Y254QqdDNmXh9ZAEq-TqWetkmvieUW7gmukeT04kxaDBMeh38EDhL0La4yPtQKGSeqZPc7QLndGxJob3LJe1aR0PedwlCu9-tANK8Bp-GOS6KhI/s640/150.JPG" height="426" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591069422072656434" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Prague, Czech Republic</span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My family moved around a lot when I was a kid due to my father’s employment. My life began in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Omaha, Nebraska</span> followed by an in-state move to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lincoln</span>. Then we were off to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Kansas City, Kansas</span>. After only 9 months in Kansas we headed down to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Birmingham, Alabama</span> for a couple of years. Finally, we moved to the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dallas/Ft. Worth area in T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">exas</span> when I was about 10 years old. Once in Texas we stayed in Texas. All in all I attended 5 different elementary schools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Texas is now home to me although most of my extended family lives in Utah. I have lots of memories of loading up in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">family station wagon</span> and driving across the country each summer to visit grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was 19 years old I served a two year <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">mission for my church</span> – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – in Utah. In many ways this experience and my faith in general have defined who I am. I really liked Utah and decided to return there for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">school at BYU</span>. My final year at BYU is when Amanda and I started dating. But that story is told in another section…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fast forward to today and I am happily <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">married to the best person</span> in the world. I also have a great job at BNSF Railway where I have worked for about 8 years now.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my hobbies and interests include hiking, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">scuba diving</span>, wildlife watching, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sports</span>, listening to audio books, running, games, gardening, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">travel</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>My first Father's Day as a dad</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fFliMFU4eoE_ETXdJDJ87px3glIFTHuyMQhpVFOMwN0yaDS59gXUM-o4ui17wh1-qzSOt25oFKEa4-VMDlI2lALYLPl_Frx58Lq3ubq62VpxXCa_OdoX2jdBTITl4kMTfXQ5G6Kxc_8/s1600/100_1486.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fFliMFU4eoE_ETXdJDJ87px3glIFTHuyMQhpVFOMwN0yaDS59gXUM-o4ui17wh1-qzSOt25oFKEa4-VMDlI2lALYLPl_Frx58Lq3ubq62VpxXCa_OdoX2jdBTITl4kMTfXQ5G6Kxc_8/s400/100_1486.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591071669356784178" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hiking in Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii</span></em>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH5um1zrYolD_82wTYkxzVYy4Sak2eKTpF-Fi1tw89aZ3KwRXcZPSKPYi60toL_pRozoBiodkfIZ6oLJ6nGZCE2WpNbNcK1cQsnDFcR1rb3XYWScWEXshaQjyA6t-gCbCC9aR7Rd18CY/s400/IMG_0681.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591071663845906322" style="display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">On a dive boat in Lake Superior</span></em> </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh998_uGMcBjnPsfRbSEg7BhDAV7xjGtytYdsaiseSlYQ3GRx0NBMat0L-EDGXICmWPu7V71RakOSraFA9ZkfxysoyWm2y0MEQ8-EHEGL5Vw_JTSQ7kSTvF6wPf0wrNgtmMqS8rh3fF7oY/s400/IMG_0465.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591070978329793138" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Denali National Park (in Alaska) - There's a dall sheep off to the right, </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: verdana;">in case you didn't notice</span></em> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68ASMNRWR2mqeZnz7wzisZoTKA6N1HvHMQMMTg8nFjN8p6cD4qrhL49q6szPEezlfhBYFwQplP8kIkZGXNmf6R6llCA-O3nrwO5oAAA9dTLuBaFR1y7bybahck96OdpU681PZziZAQ-k/s1600/IMG_1564.JPG"></a><br /></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68ASMNRWR2mqeZnz7wzisZoTKA6N1HvHMQMMTg8nFjN8p6cD4qrhL49q6szPEezlfhBYFwQplP8kIkZGXNmf6R6llCA-O3nrwO5oAAA9dTLuBaFR1y7bybahck96OdpU681PZziZAQ-k/s400/IMG_1564.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591069430652726082" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the BYU vs OU football game at the new Cowboys Stadium</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: verdana;">BYU won - Go Cougs!</span></em> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Reading books with Abby Girl</em></span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiM_0KSV_Q12g8RFd9AM7iRSeguE1nJSE-l6b6YqNdwjVu8HbwG9GGrY50c4CsuMNu4HFrbVELzcvNHQn-1Qc2lmBJbvWXyR8_HQztydiI4zUxbWf8ikP6GmvCtdWynn0kMTdcQTv-CWE/s400/IMG_3344.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591070974541030770" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">A little jog along the coast at La Push Beach in Washington</span></em> </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPSgrk8Ib_QT82j0TShci6EeCfcJYEYetVvGcezvfsle9h-gQ-13ae8q3GQIsvbfuDb3u-mv7WX2WqI9u5q7HKXWrIjqnnhF1z46XblUvXqrt1r0ryKMVtrrhjuIg2DL0opIEVULUivQ/s400/IMG_0456.JPG" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591069428108056418" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 225px;" width="225" /><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Playing a round of mini golf as we waited for our movies to start at the drive-in</span></em><br />
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Having a good time at Brazos Bend State Park - watching some alligators</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Best buddies</span></i></div>
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-55595096141211404292011-03-30T19:41:00.001-07:002015-01-13T19:02:42.765-08:00All About Amanda - By Amanda<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIR-Eyp9WCJNy_2ZZD-OJJxHSOrmx3i6D2OLf9FSvjozohcJMpsFNEYfCRki_lUpQSrX6cJzkjuLgj1AjAdHWUxsJy2lfISZJV5zRyomWgqbMxdJlfYC7TLoKSU5bwdGcPpoFKLD44Fb0/s1600/100_0497.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIR-Eyp9WCJNy_2ZZD-OJJxHSOrmx3i6D2OLf9FSvjozohcJMpsFNEYfCRki_lUpQSrX6cJzkjuLgj1AjAdHWUxsJy2lfISZJV5zRyomWgqbMxdJlfYC7TLoKSU5bwdGcPpoFKLD44Fb0/s640/100_0497.JPG" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591084032194987154" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="480" /></a> <em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hiking along the beautiful coast in Guadeloupe</span></em> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my life in a nutshell</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">: I was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">born and raised in Las Vegas</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - yes it is true, there are people actually from Las Vegas. (In fact, my mom was also born and raised there and my dad was born just a couple hours away and moved there a few years later.) I lived in the same house from the time I was one until I graduated from high school. For college I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">went to BYU</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> where I majored in Biology Teaching and minored in English. After doing my student teaching I graduated and then a couple months later I started an 18 month mission for my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). After I returned from my mission I had a year before I could start graduate school so I decided to go back to BYU to take some classes that I hadn't had time for before that would be helpful for graduate school. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan and I started dating</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> right away, got engaged 7 months later, and married 3 months after that. We moved to the Ft. Worth area the day after our honeymoon where he began working for BNSF Railway and I started </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">graduate school at Baylor</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> studying neuroscience (which is just a fancy way of saying I study the nervous system, which is mostly the brain - I study memory). After completing graduate school I did a three year post-doctorate fellowship studying memory at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the University of Texas at Dallas. Following that I spent a year teaching in the Psychology Department and Texas Christian University (TCU). About a month before the end of the last semester at TCU we were <span style="font-size: large;">able to adopt Abby</span>. With that I made a radical career change and became a <span style="font-size: large;">stay-at-home mom</span>. I always wanted to be a mom, and I always wanted to stay home with my kids. I enjoyed both doing research and teaching but I wouldn't trade the opportunity I have to be with Abby to go to work. And that's it - the Cliff's Notes version of my life. I love my life! I have had a lot of fun, and am still having fun.</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would describe myself as faithful (both to family and friends and to my beliefs), kind - hmm, well, I guess I don't really like describing myself, better just to get to know me and then you can decide for yourself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's move on to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">things I enjoy</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - a lot, it doesn't take much to keep me happy. I love </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dancing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, both watching and doing (I was on a ballroom team in high school - loved it). Dancing is probably my favorite physical activity, but I also love swimming, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hiking</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, scuba diving and snorkeling, kayaking (pretty much</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> anything water related)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and yoga and pilates. I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">love </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">animals, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the outdoors, going new places, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kids</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (really people in general), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">reading</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, my bed, my pillows (they have been all around the world with me), math, science, creative writing, teaching, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">learning new things</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (I may be a little bit of a nerd), gardening, cooking new recipes, photography, blogging, camping, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my family, my friends, and my faith</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. I LOVE spending time with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan and Abby</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't think of anything else of interest so if you have questions ask.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Taking Abby swimming for the first time</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCxh48NAo9SmrZy8rSKoMLwncGEx_llUIg4Pq_wAoOxNXuTmEPu90L3eH61EyRNwESuk2hwHTVUCU8e1gAS1w0J_dO6dI1tkPWxR9N6eIccIUGV3Y9laBVrIvAUNt9qFDIcPq9Qg4sks/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCxh48NAo9SmrZy8rSKoMLwncGEx_llUIg4Pq_wAoOxNXuTmEPu90L3eH61EyRNwESuk2hwHTVUCU8e1gAS1w0J_dO6dI1tkPWxR9N6eIccIUGV3Y9laBVrIvAUNt9qFDIcPq9Qg4sks/s400/IMG_0498.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591083280185784914" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Holding a sled dog (puppy) in Denali National Park, Alaska</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>A quick picnic in Mammoth Caves National Park, Kentucky</em></span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJFVQ516TiZzsU2DFzz2L6DrEYYahrzwHQG-C02Zu7aaDhHluXlwuDC4XH5dbZU_GULqIGanM_veDdDuOB1UEpcUUKYwZb6n6x3mBzopndV_B-mZN5r0RCLH9bFZbp5WYEFQlrxZfjH4/s400/IMG_0757.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591083270653234114" style="display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our nephew Jack likes to scrunch up his face and blow air through his nose, </span></em><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">so sometimes I do it back at him</span></em></div>
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<align center=""><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAwVcOwwAk3UiuS8SO-O3AAap1WGanby_s2BCljRtN2ckcm0INJNoC3ge6A6CKX8ppMCMQ1gskJwr_arTFNwaiM0AIiFwocuUH5SKl2ye2rRnYKdh7mQQppgwp5w47JSfJRm2IG2WW5k/s400/trampoline+pics+nov+2009.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591081159629423490" style="display: block; height: 309px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Playing around with some of my sisters on the trampoline one Thanksgiving</span></em></align></div>
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<align center=""><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_gWyVg7gAIx_OfG8Z4ygNxihKkh1baXVSOgFrOWsA_2bgtF9_hjCdDGXoYJwcz5GM1a22U4nATLsG2h1Ex58acwINiFeye7m2WbKlLaJ32bylQD9tIEXNrur4wjjo9VlBeMmezfmng8/s1600/IMG_0372edit.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_gWyVg7gAIx_OfG8Z4ygNxihKkh1baXVSOgFrOWsA_2bgtF9_hjCdDGXoYJwcz5GM1a22U4nATLsG2h1Ex58acwINiFeye7m2WbKlLaJ32bylQD9tIEXNrur4wjjo9VlBeMmezfmng8/s400/IMG_0372edit.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591081158127571602" style="display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <align center=""></align></a><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of my friends from growing up - I like to get together with them when I am in Las Vegas (most of them still live there, lucky)</span></em><align center=""><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu0kqXEzn006kbKMb_qtWWpzgG7AH9wAvCE4d9fOCTdjvVp-n6NhJdlYRzKiXjQSGwIh3osHMAJKMKHVpzM0MBBHH3KSqRHldOBFkkmu2eRRUM5nRQc9x6-aQeFe5SgnMkFhi08MqoG0/s1600/IMG_2964.JPG"> </a></align></align></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu0kqXEzn006kbKMb_qtWWpzgG7AH9wAvCE4d9fOCTdjvVp-n6NhJdlYRzKiXjQSGwIh3osHMAJKMKHVpzM0MBBHH3KSqRHldOBFkkmu2eRRUM5nRQc9x6-aQeFe5SgnMkFhi08MqoG0/s400/IMG_2964.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591081148222392898" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /> <em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Having fun on the swings up at the family cabin</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Three generations</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>My first Mother's Day as a mom</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Being Abby's mom is the best job ever!</em></span></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-57221156743137696392011-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:002013-07-09T18:45:41.517-07:00What's So Great About Ryan - By Amanda<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7Ep4NF7cwRPMXmfTtf4y3Va0VbRt4RiwC4MXcMkwb6U_0RKBbjyHBob5OJ1_QCqa55bYwufaLkRzcoBPiUbs_pNDot8dv3YDWTCETWMWPqe-DhONst0BvsogTnagBGTOoquJyn53J0Y/s1600/100_0869.JPG"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span></em><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591093735312104626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7Ep4NF7cwRPMXmfTtf4y3Va0VbRt4RiwC4MXcMkwb6U_0RKBbjyHBob5OJ1_QCqa55bYwufaLkRzcoBPiUbs_pNDot8dv3YDWTCETWMWPqe-DhONst0BvsogTnagBGTOoquJyn53J0Y/s640/100_0869.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan is amazing - I am continually impressed by him and grateful that I am so lucky to get to be with him forever. Ryan is the kind of person <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">others are drawn to</span>. He is super easy to get along with. You could say there are two types of people in this world - those who love Ryan, and those who don't know him. He is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">funny</span>, but doesn't have to be the center of attention. He is super <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">smart</span>, but doesn't need to let everyone know it. He is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">hard worker</span>, but is happy to do so behind the scenes. He is considerate, honest, peaceful, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">humble</span>, creative, energetic, motivated, and fun. Ryan is the kind of person that<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> when you are with him you just feel good</span>. He is fairly private but will also open up to those who are close to him. He has always been very <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">supportive</span> of me and helpful to me in my endeavors. He is a great friend and the best husband in the world, and he is a <span style="font-size: large;">fantastic father</span>. Anyone that sees Abby and Ryan together knows this. There is a very strong bond between them - they adore each other! Ryan's favorite thing to do when he comes home from work is play with Abby. I picked Ryan because <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he is the best</span>, and am so lucky he picked me back.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Out to dinner to celebrate Ryan's job promotion</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfgnugmhnIWxFGQtoW5vAj5SfIap7nYeJAZUNWv0iGl5YrDztliH4ehCF46oQfKK_WLT-tXRmXZ9_T9TOYQnmmI_BpLB90yZuXye70cxfBJ4JXY-R8TPr4uEw9k3pmsIExL1QiFQOX80/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591092202361442370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfgnugmhnIWxFGQtoW5vAj5SfIap7nYeJAZUNWv0iGl5YrDztliH4ehCF46oQfKK_WLT-tXRmXZ9_T9TOYQnmmI_BpLB90yZuXye70cxfBJ4JXY-R8TPr4uEw9k3pmsIExL1QiFQOX80/s400/IMG_0404.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 225px;" width="225" /></a><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sledding with our nephew Ben</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>In Timpanogos Cave, Utah - Abby's first cave</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0-hAU_ijIWcH7fJJlk0y8mXjs1Jfdf5nWgcYYfq9hb7lMDzH1nAZhtgRy0wxElFFVewqxVs-Ztq9ilsy8qlZSUQ2rKkH-LIT_XG8ps0KoSC_p2gkmvsr9xJfSt604TCnHivRTNbKPjQ/s1600/100_0699.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591093456845645170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0-hAU_ijIWcH7fJJlk0y8mXjs1Jfdf5nWgcYYfq9hb7lMDzH1nAZhtgRy0wxElFFVewqxVs-Ztq9ilsy8qlZSUQ2rKkH-LIT_XG8ps0KoSC_p2gkmvsr9xJfSt604TCnHivRTNbKPjQ/s400/100_0699.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>In Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas - We went on a quick trip after Thanksgiving with Amanda's parents</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sharing some sports love at Abby's first baseball game - Go Rangers!</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNmWPXE0vYKcR_ZEQTmtodXn1_U-U5Y_JselDqi-7nN4SCb715zZdLGes_CH0GCHt2ioDRP3apZooejEsSG7-sJ0j3CifqG4IWoG4dyHLqqXRHWk1SwCZxunDxlGr48c5hStsfLiM5wE/s1600/100_1262.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591092209943375522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNmWPXE0vYKcR_ZEQTmtodXn1_U-U5Y_JselDqi-7nN4SCb715zZdLGes_CH0GCHt2ioDRP3apZooejEsSG7-sJ0j3CifqG4IWoG4dyHLqqXRHWk1SwCZxunDxlGr48c5hStsfLiM5wE/s400/100_1262.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">Carrying our niece Lissa while hiking with our family around Lake Mead, Las Vegas</span></em> <span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having some beach fun in San Diego, California</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Cracking up in the sweet pea maze - Carlsbad, California</em></span></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-81946618247090794412011-03-27T18:11:00.000-07:002015-01-13T19:11:06.063-08:00Beautiful Abigail Marie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of adoptive parents know about their children before they are born, especially now that open adoptions are so common. We did not know about Abby until she was <span style="font-size: x-large;">10 days old</span> and she was not placed with us until she was 3 weeks old. The way Abby came into our lives is a <span style="font-size: large;">miracle</span>, and a very long story (we have documented in great detail how it all came about, from the moment we learned about her until the adoption was finalized, on our family blog in a series of posts called "Abby's Story" - there are 17 posts all together and you can get to the first one </span><a href="http://bigadventuresblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/abbys-story-part-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here)</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> but a very brief version is that Abby's birth mother, Cheyenne, had picked an adoptive family for Abby and they were there when Abby was born. There were complications with her delivery and the couple backed out (they did not want the possibility of having a special needs child). Because of the complications Abby was rushed to a children's hospital where she stayed in the <span style="font-size: large;">NICU for 3 weeks</span>. Cheyenne's mom worked with Amanda and upon learning we were trying to adopt reached out to us. We met Abby a couple days later and the day she was released from the hospital we were able to bring her home - it was an amazing day, to say the least!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abigail Marie is one <span style="font-size: large;">fun, cute, adventurous</span> little girl. She loves to read books, to play hide-and-seek and other games, to play with our dog Penny and us, to dance and sing, to swim, and to be outside. Not only is she just physically cute but she has a very cute <span style="font-size: large;">personality</span>. Abby has been very observant and interactive with people since she was a month old. She loves to learn and explore. She loves to laugh and make people laugh. She's going through a shy phase right now but she will warm up to people after a little bit and she is very social. She's very smart, a good eater, and a good sleeper. We think she is <span style="font-size: large;">pretty much perfect</span> (we may be a little biased, but we don't think so).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abby will be a <span style="font-size: large;">great big sister</span>. She is already a great sharer - she loves sharing in fact. She will be a good example as she already picks up her toys (well, not always, but often). She is very gentle, at least as far as we can tell through her interactions with animals and other children. And she <span style="font-size: large;">loves playing with other kids</span>.</span><br />
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Abby and her awesome birth mom</div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04889691877084505249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-7955528253433412902011-03-27T15:10:00.002-07:002013-07-09T18:56:06.843-07:00Our Story - How we met, fell in love, and got married<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-sty<div class=" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6SKYnXokJ_6ueJjuxqEt_tWalmQtN7UBeHZA4lInrbA2WwrfqlDNeUE1cM7kPwc7o58Ur1m4CfuHb_1Sxt3RBhjLdY590_GUksyohaIrRfAhXnhLRNs3mfjTmVXm56ykBaYyDBB1j5W6/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6SKYnXokJ_6ueJjuxqEt_tWalmQtN7UBeHZA4lInrbA2WwrfqlDNeUE1cM7kPwc7o58Ur1m4CfuHb_1Sxt3RBhjLdY590_GUksyohaIrRfAhXnhLRNs3mfjTmVXm56ykBaYyDBB1j5W6/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-sty<div class=" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our story (at least Amanda's side of the story):</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-sty<div class=" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If someone were to ask us where we <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">met</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> we'd say in college</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span>- that is what we'd say if we didn't really know the person, or didn't really have time to tell the whole thing - and it is true. But if you were going to be my friend and had a few minutes to hear <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the whole truth</span>, this is what I would tell you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I graduated from BYU I served a mission for our church - it was an 18 month mission in Northern California. Ten months into my mission I got sick - super sick. After going to several doctors and getting lots of tests with no firm diagnosis I was sent home to get well. I was home for 3 and half months before I got well enough to go back. But during that time my two younger sisters were at BYU so I went to visit them a few times. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While visiting, my youngest sister, Maggi, told me about a few <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">guys she had crushes on - Ryan was one of them</span>. When we went to church a couple days later, Ryan was there, so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Maggi introduced us</span>. We only talked for a few minutes, maybe 5, and I was definitely still in missionary mode, but those 5 minutes ended up being kind of important for us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For various reasons it would not have been appropriate for me to pursue a relationship with Ryan at that time, and so I didn't even consider it. But there was something about Ryan that made me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">want him in my family, in my life, forever</span>. So I did what any rational person would do - I told Maggi she should marry him. Ryan is over 7 years older than Maggi (who was 17 at the time) so she just laughed and told me that he was too old.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I got home from my mission I had a year before I could start graduate school so I decided to go back to BYU, spend a year living with Maggi and taking classes that would help me prepare for grad school. On our way to school Maggi and I started talking about Ryan, and I was instantly excited about the possibility of getting to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">know him better</span>. The first day of school Ryan and Maggi ended up walking home together (he lived across the street from us). So the next evening we took our roommates and went over to his apartment to visit him. He wasn't there; we did get to meet his new roommate, which was fun, but disappointing for me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan may not have been as smitten with me as I was with him, but <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he did remember me</span>. He remembered Maggi's sister would be at school that year. So the day after I tried to visit him, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he came to visit</span> our apartment (even though he didn't know that we had tried the night before to visit them). I was in the basement when he and his roommate got there. But I could hear them talking. Even though we had only talked those 5 minutes six months earlier I knew right away it was him - and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was excited</span>!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">that was it</span> - we've seen each other pretty much every day since then. We went on our first date a month later, kissed a month after that, decided we wanted to get married about 2 months after that, got engaged 2 and a half months later, and then married 3 months after that. There were a few bumps along the way, but mostly it was fairly smooth. We never broke up or anything. It did take Ryan a little longer to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fall in love</span> with me than it did for me to fall in love with him - but that is understandable, he is much more lovable than I am.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We got married</span> June 13th, 2003 (it was a Friday - but that is okay because we aren't superstitious) in St. George, Utah. You may be wondering why we got married in St. George. Well, I'll tell you. My grandparents, my parents, and all 6 of my sisters have all been married in the same room, the east room in the St. George Temple. I grew up going to that temple, my grandparents lived down the street. I think it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, and I wanted to get married there my entire life.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had our reception in my parents' backyard in Las Vegas the next night. Then we headed off for a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">honeymoon in San Diego</span>. The day after we got back we moved to Texas, and have been here over 10 years. Some people say the first year of marriage is tough - it wasn't. Some people talk about a 7-year-itch. We never got too itchy. We have a great marriage, fall in love more each year, and are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">so grateful for our lives together</span>. And we are loving our current lives together, being parents and raising our family!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkIQNnJXmr7PT4qoxK8TjUbHBIVZtuAGikXDDbxcedg2g_EcmkF3kgyQ8bdhymeXM8Xy3WLf8NX0IowuqoBA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: ";">This is a video we had playing at our reception. It contains pictures of us from the time we were born until we got married. It is rather long - 20 minutes - so feel free to scan through it. The pictures of us when we were dating are in the last 4 minutes or so. You can make the video full-screen by clicking on the little icon in the bottom right corner.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The building behind us is the St. George Temple - where all of Amanda's family has been married.</span></em></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanksgiving 2011</span></i></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On our 10 year anniversary - June 13, 2013</span></em></div>
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-24946438994223457042011-03-26T15:55:00.000-07:002013-07-09T19:11:36.476-07:00Our Families<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever seen the movies <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Big Fat Greek Wedding</span> or Fools Rush In? If so, you have an idea of what our two families are like; not so much in personality, but in size.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda's family is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HUGE</span>! She has 6 sisters (Amanda is the 5th of 7 - so 4 older and 2 younger sisters), all are married, and all have kids (the oldest, our niece Michaelanne, is 22). We currently have 6 nieces, and 21 nephews! Almost all her extended family (cousins/aunts/uncles) lives in Las Vegas. So holidays at her house are pure <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">chaos</span>, and oh so much fun.</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: verdana;">This picture is almost 2 years old - so even though it is a lot of people, there are more (we are missing 1 nephew that has been born since and of course Abby)</span></em></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="225" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591138672472059666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk9oKPWbJ6Y5Q1ChXvnxdZk35mpqtaUuYINzeD7v1pNTaqSM0L9JtdXUZVxYeFkup1VfuKjzH67dI7876Qy6OTo9YO_s7JJG8qmOLvTiFyg_d1p4KjQ8zc_SLgk9U5m0pcklqzdCJ-74/s400/IMG_0364.JPG" style="display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" />
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<em><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: center;">Christmas with Amanda's family</span></em> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan's family is quite a bit <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">smaller</span> - 2 sisters (neither are married yet - Ryan is in between them in age) - no nieces or nephews. His extended family is spread throughout the country but mostly in the western states. Holidays with his family are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">quiet</span>, and peaceful, and fun.</span> <img alt="" border="0" height="428" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591104214668597138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TqNLTytV7n1dBz7Q32JdULcxJ6234hy-moXi5h4gc4JP57RD2SBkfSpNYiGKzlHKHmwgIRXBQhs9TdCxyOQJamYtkZqBFkqoo5_ES9BBQm8eDtSSiLz61XhFFuQfYV4pLw154CUmeQU/s640/_DSC1663.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This picture was taken in 2007 - but we all look pretty much the same. (We need a new one with Abby though!)</em></span></div>
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></u><br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan's Family</span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dad</span> - retired from BNSF Railway where </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he worked in sales for years. He is currently working as a consultant.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJZyS-C59EQE7uIke6pRqw8gLw6XPi6D3q63qXt4UzsYPY06gUWkAalKNKiQ2ZLp63efndh-1Swx_eCPNPsjDMgminTCT-uVsceAfsIr1-7woyamqtOjVkwPSJXdjX9gM5GC0eS-b_4o/s1600/DSC00032.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591150874200762818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJZyS-C59EQE7uIke6pRqw8gLw6XPi6D3q63qXt4UzsYPY06gUWkAalKNKiQ2ZLp63efndh-1Swx_eCPNPsjDMgminTCT-uVsceAfsIr1-7woyamqtOjVkwPSJXdjX9gM5GC0eS-b_4o/s400/DSC00032.JPG" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mom</span> - stay-at-home mom but now substitute teaches occasionally</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUAY5cMmurYveYNRns4CMhEF_zcIR8ciQlZ4hAnj2MaThCrJjDJnkA5e0tTI4Fu9e0ptCv4p9l5S4oxwH0maOS-ZNlGCZHwo15VOIbDGxakuA5KjpVMlnDtCu_Zme5FsJEpOduqp-s48/s1600/IMG_0261.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591150876064484546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDUAY5cMmurYveYNRns4CMhEF_zcIR8ciQlZ4hAnj2MaThCrJjDJnkA5e0tTI4Fu9e0ptCv4p9l5S4oxwH0maOS-ZNlGCZHwo15VOIbDGxakuA5KjpVMlnDtCu_Zme5FsJEpOduqp-s48/s400/IMG_0261.JPG" style="display: block; height: 225px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sherri</span> - master's and doctorate degrees in English and Education, now is a professor at Texas A&M-Commerce</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4TdP4sSorgUuOFCJY-idfOAsK8SCJSkhBG3OITrsPdmoy1cDGf6HK8kibheWWe8H7rDop8K6MMIAl4Hc1KqZ5dHl_bzp0R4XGxIMaBl7mtFSkbQ8BHBMYUcNH-_pyBst3epYpsiFmuM/s1600/reception+001+%25283%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591162566846774626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4TdP4sSorgUuOFCJY-idfOAsK8SCJSkhBG3OITrsPdmoy1cDGf6HK8kibheWWe8H7rDop8K6MMIAl4Hc1KqZ5dHl_bzp0R4XGxIMaBl7mtFSkbQ8BHBMYUcNH-_pyBst3epYpsiFmuM/s400/reception+001+%25283%2529.jpg" style="display: block; height: 280px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Heather</span> - master's in social work and now has a private counseling practice</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApCx0pr8PdRuGrGnQGVOvMIa-mR9-RSWRNDiKHpGfLvFMM2RlyacVQfr0QqtAjL6wB6pvNsh2VGbM2lj9sX8_BB5yBIju-ew1dhxPtyd_aoFRlehn-v2FSszVGnvE58lvtZw0Yz11AHs/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591152732767535266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApCx0pr8PdRuGrGnQGVOvMIa-mR9-RSWRNDiKHpGfLvFMM2RlyacVQfr0QqtAjL6wB6pvNsh2VGbM2lj9sX8_BB5yBIju-ew1dhxPtyd_aoFRlehn-v2FSszVGnvE58lvtZw0Yz11AHs/s400/IMG_0371.JPG" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all live within 45 minutes of each other so we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">see them pretty often</span>. We get together for all of our birthdays, Easter, Mother's and Father's Day, and then either Thanksgiving (even years) or Christmas (odd years: we alternate between the two with Amanda's family). We see them other times as well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things to know about Ryan's family:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a lot of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">game playing</span> when we're together (board games, card games, lawn games, Wii - we are open to all kinds of games)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all like to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">travel</span> and sometimes do so together (We have been with them to Arkansas, Padre Island, Hawaii, and Heather came with us to Alaska)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are very <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">accepting</span> and non-judgemental of people - doesn't matter where you are at in life or what you have going on</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They <span style="font-size: large;">adore Abby</span> (she is far and away the most popular person in the family) and would <span style="font-size: large;">love to welcome more kids</span> into the family </span></li>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda's Family</span></u> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dad</span> - dentist (the best dentist in the world, if you were wondering)</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAlaC7T2uhjVTqRWnrpgg-xkRsR6kpm-ZaraC0Iw8MKyDCp8zTOE9XZVtEBN0XTA0dL28tSegTSYqGiyvlbWJtq1WZsm2mYVOrL2F_MxsyhlUTsPQ34xswcoLSbSsd1Fb8b7yA85gkTo/s1600/100_1053.JPG"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAlaC7T2uhjVTqRWnrpgg-xkRsR6kpm-ZaraC0Iw8MKyDCp8zTOE9XZVtEBN0XTA0dL28tSegTSYqGiyvlbWJtq1WZsm2mYVOrL2F_MxsyhlUTsPQ34xswcoLSbSsd1Fb8b7yA85gkTo/s1600/100_1053.JPG"></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mom</span> - PhD in organic chemistry, but she chose to stay home to raise her kids</span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591163576181280674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3n_osjivPvd0KXJVKk-hpsL8KcEuZaZopj07GndI_ZZ7K-K-8r_JGCBoZ6RRufnR7S-eAToFia7LaXwlUEG75QWMA73b7Sg3VYsexxd5FAsvlAdn2Xstn80ZucaGntoVLnDofTOp6lY/s400/mom.bmp" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" width="267" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Missy</span> - masters in math, stay-at-home mom, married to Christopher (lawyer), and they have 4 children</div>
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><em>Back: Michaelanne, Zander, Chris, Sophie </em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><em>Front: Missy, Christopher</em></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mindy</span> - went to medical school but chose to stay home with her kids instead of finishing, married to Brian (business guy), they have 7 children</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkXp5IbSxaYXOmlyIimAj8yt0m3UQnluWnZS_CvUo4U9qlnHfbv4jrpRx_bOEmX6dWhYqvChlzr10hH9dNHeOHlhf87D0HvNHCUFyNARDQgg5GP_KkHb_y7zFXmpmpChnuh_xDpdXCe4/s1600/Asthons.bmp"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Back: Braeden, Spencer, Jacob</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Middle: Ellie, Brian, Mindy, Ethan</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Front: Wesley, Daniel</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Molly</span> - masters in marriage and family therapy, stay-at-home mom (does family counseling one day a week), married to Bruce (therapist and flight attendant), they have 5 kiddos</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><em>Back: Adam, Mary</em></span></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Middle: Molly, Lissa, Bruce</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Front: Paige, Timmy</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Emily</span> - bachelors in interior architecture and design, stay-at-home mom, married to Mark (sales/business), they have 5 sons </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Back: Sammy, Matthew, Emily, Mark, Andrew</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Front: Luke, Seth</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Jenny</span> - bachelors in psychology, stay-at-home mom, married to Cameron (veterinarian), 4 sons plus another baby on the way</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Ben, Caleb, Jenny, Nathan, Cameron, Jesse</em></span></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maggi</span> - bachelors in psychology, stay-at-home mom, married to David (dentist), they have 2 sons</span></span></em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">David, Jack, Maggi, Liam</span></em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past couple years Amanda's family has spread out quite a bit. Her parents, Missy's, and Molly's families live in Las Vegas, Emily's and Jenny's families are in Utah, Mindy's family is in Texas, and Maggi's is in North Carolina. (We're hoping this seperation won't last long.) Even being spread out we still get together quite often. Her parents have come to visit once or twice a year, almost every year at least one of her sisters has come to visit, and we go to Las Vegas 2-3 times a year. We are always there for at least Christmas or Thanksgiving, generally go in the summer some time for a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">family reunion</span>, and generally something else comes up to bring us there. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things to know about Amanda's Family:</span> </div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is always a LOT of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">good food</span> at family gatherings. Food may be the reason they like to take any chance to celebrate - well, in addition to being together of course</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When together the girls like to spend time <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">talking</span>, the guys like to watch and play sports (they play a lot of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">racquetball</span>)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cousins are best friends</span>, they have so much fun together and are always cooking up reasons to get together</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There may not be a more <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">welcoming and including</span> family than Amanda's family. It is a bit of a tradition to bring people into the family - Amanda never had a Thanksgiving while in college that she didn't bring at least one person home with her to share in the festivities. There are always random people living, visiting, and celebrating with the family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Even though there are lots of kids in the family <span style="font-size: large;">each one is celebrated</span>. Everyone was especially excited to welcome Abby into the family</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Family is everything to us</span> - we feel so blessed to be part of two great families!</span></div>
<br />choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-64417090444039444052011-03-25T18:52:00.001-07:002013-06-19T12:38:09.281-07:00Our Faith<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were both raised in very religious homes - and are both very grateful for this. We, as well as our families, are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). We feel that our faith has helped us develop <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">strong values</span>, build our character, and become the people we are. Our faith has provided us with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">direction, peace, and joy</span>. <span style="font-size: large;">Jesus Christ is the center</span> of our faith, and of our lives. We try to live our lives in such a way that would be pleasing to Him and in accordance with His teachings. We will raise our children with the same opportunities to develop their faith and hope for them the same happiness we have found.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We additionally wish peace and joy for you, and as we keep you in our thoughts and hearts we pray and know that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">God holds you lovingly in His heart</span>.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjZzcGv4RlEPHsAfU-qvbrC2s2WiLqBkHtY2z6iJifNJ2Ln-KU7LBUtmeaMqhKQ5IwHSK14O8_uUbboX2k3CKcMu3hliRdMZ_e-nofWQJuOFi_5ooMvbhbMSlVq_IJdpWlTc-_4ivuNw/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591177648142579730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjZzcGv4RlEPHsAfU-qvbrC2s2WiLqBkHtY2z6iJifNJ2Ln-KU7LBUtmeaMqhKQ5IwHSK14O8_uUbboX2k3CKcMu3hliRdMZ_e-nofWQJuOFi_5ooMvbhbMSlVq_IJdpWlTc-_4ivuNw/s400/IMG_0527.JPG" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><em><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we are on vacation we like to visit temples if possible - this is at the Anchorage Alaska Temple</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you would like to read about how our faith has helped us have peace and joy during our trial of infertility click <a href="http://choosingadoption.blogspot.com/2011/03/christ-carries-our-burdens.html">HERE</a>. This article was included in the online version of "The Ensign" (a monthly magazine published by our church). </span></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-1823287237908512562011-03-24T15:26:00.001-07:002013-07-28T10:56:36.352-07:00Penelope - But We Call Her Penny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We wanted a dog since before we got married. Due to our work/school/church schedules we were not home too much the first 8 years we were married. We feel like it isn't nice to leave a dog alone all the time so we didn't get one. Instead we pretended that other people's dogs were ours. When we visit Amanda's family we borrow her sisters' dogs to take on hikes and walks and such - we really love them. We also get to dog-sit for Ryan's boss occasionally and have always had a lot of fun with that.<br />
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But, once Amanda finished her post-doc and was then teaching only 15 minutes away 3 days a week and only working at the temple every other week we felt like we could finally get a dog. We spent a lot of time looking for dogs on-line then finally decided we would just go to shelters and find one. The second place we looked we found her - our perfect dog.<br />
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She was adopted from a local shelter/rescue. We always wanted a lab but Ryan's mom is a bit afraid of large dogs so we didn't think we could get one. But we saw her and she just looks like a 6 month old chocolate lab but she was 3 years old and hasn't gotten any bigger. She only weighs about 40 pounds. She came house-trained, good on a leash, and fantastic at riding in the car. She is not at all destructive. We couldn't think of anything more we would want in a dog. Her name is Penelope, we call her Penny. We just love her and are so excited to have a dog of our own!!!!!!! Abby and Penny are great friends. When Abby wakes up in the morning Penny always joins us in going into her room to get her up. Penny is fiercely protective of Abby and Abby repays her for this by giving her pats and rubs and sharing her food with Penny. They are best buddies.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Amanda's mom, Penny, and her cousins</em></span></div>
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04889691877084505249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-40263616589084155262011-03-23T19:16:00.000-07:002013-06-19T12:41:48.036-07:00Education<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan got both his bachelor's degree and master's degree in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">information systems </span>at BYU. Information systems is kind of a combination between computer science and business. </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Maggi, Amanda's mom, Jenny, Cameron, Amanda's dad, Amanda, Ryan</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">(Ryan, Cameron, and Jenny all graduated together)</span></em> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda got her bachelor's degree in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">biology teaching</span> at BYU, and both her master's and PhD in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">neuroscience</span> at Baylor. Her reason for studying neuroscience was so she could study memory (specifically, what makes one person's memory better than another person's), which she did, and still does.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm2XZ00DdS1BHaxfRaMXsnxO-4nMogS20MEGDGXRgWoVoG64ztmYwbXPo1BlO8tz0q8Btv_TFx1S6ynxMfPLPV1ZNPJvWaHGYV22DMknvTJ-JX1SffM6Wbu42e2zFJJeRM34k1uDurEU/s1600/IMG_6666.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591179173771723698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm2XZ00DdS1BHaxfRaMXsnxO-4nMogS20MEGDGXRgWoVoG64ztmYwbXPo1BlO8tz0q8Btv_TFx1S6ynxMfPLPV1ZNPJvWaHGYV22DMknvTJ-JX1SffM6Wbu42e2zFJJeRM34k1uDurEU/s400/IMG_6666.JPG" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sherri, Ryan's dad, Ryan's mom, Amanda, Ryan, Heather</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Education is a pretty big deal</span> to us. We were both raised in families where education was stressed and are very grateful for the education we have received. We feel that it not only makes us more productive members of society, but also helps us to be better parents. W</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hile we would not want our children to feel pressured to receive advanced degrees, we will raise them with the expectation that they will learn all they can, they will work hard in school, and they will attain sufficient education to support themselves and their future family. </span></span>choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-49542676132658395962011-03-22T17:56:00.001-07:002013-07-09T19:24:21.451-07:00Our Work<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan has worked for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BNSF Railway</span> for over 10 years. When we tell people he works for the railway they always ask if he drives the train. No, he doesn't. He spent the first 7 years in the marketing department in 3 different positions. The past few years he has been in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">finance department doing analyses</span>. He really enjoys his job, has learned a lot, and is grateful to have such a wonderful and stable job, especially in this current economy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>Ryan went to an "Intermodal Bootcamp" where he learned all about the day-to-day operations of the trains - and they let him drive one</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda completed a postdoctoral research fellowship, which basically just means that she did research - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">brain research</span>. She studied memory using functional MRI - her participants did memory tasks while they were in an MRI magnet so she could see what areas of their brain they used to complete the memory task. She had two studies - an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">autism</span> study and a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">healthy aging</span> study. The year following her post-doc she taught in the Psychology Department at TCU. She taught research methods, general psychology, and memory and cognition (her favorite). Her favorite thing about both research and teaching (besides the fun people she works with) is that she got paid to learn things that she was interested in and to find answers to questions she has and then teach these things to others. Now that we are Abby's parents Amanda stays home to raise her - being a <span style="font-size: large;">stay-at-home mom is the career of her choice</span>, and she loves it!</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although Amanda most recently used fMRI to study memory, in graduate school she used EEG - here she is filling an EEG cap before the testing begins</span></em></div>
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Being Abby's parents is our best job!</div>
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-63819566259219031232011-03-21T19:43:00.000-07:002013-07-09T19:26:32.936-07:00Our Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have had our house for 9 years now - we bought it a year after we'd been married. We love our house, it fits us well. We have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3 bedrooms</span>, 2 bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and dining area. We picked our house because one of our extra bedrooms has a fantastic window at the front of our house, and we thought it would be a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">great room for our foosball table</span>. Okay, so that wasn't the only reason, but it was a big influence. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That room is our study/game room. Our second bedroom is <span style="font-size: large;">Abby's room</span>. Abby will share this room for a time with her little brother or sister once she <span style="font-size: large;">has one to share with </span><span style="font-size: small;">(and she is very good at sharing). We have a decent sized backyard with plenty of space for children to play. We also have fruit trees, an herb garden, and a vegetable garden.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fantastic neighbors</span> - we feel so blessed. We are all looking out for each other and helping out. There are lots of children in our neighborhood, it is very family friendly. We also live essentially across the street from an elementary school, which is very convenient.</span><br />
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-30312301325917833102011-03-20T19:06:00.002-07:002013-07-09T19:45:49.521-07:00Our Life From Day to Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>At the Blue Bell Creamery - Brenham TX</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our lives are pretty <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">busy</span>, but we are beginning to think it's not too likely that they will be slowing down. Ryan's weekdays are spent at BNSF working while Amanda and Abby are at home. Amanda and Abby spend a lot of time reading, playing, eating, napping, spending time with Penny, running errands, and having fun with friends. In the evenings we get things done (exercise, laundry, yard work) and play with Abby and Penny. We have always liked going on walks and now that we have Penny we get out pretty much every morning and evening for a walk if not a run.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday and Saturday evenings we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go on dates</span> - we'll go on a family date one night and a couple's date the other (sometimes with other couples, often just us). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sundays are pretty busy with church-related activities, but we also get to spend time together. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are always trying to spend <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as much time together</span> as possible - there is something about having been married as long as we were without having any kids that makes your lives revolve around each other. That dynamic changed some once we got Abby since now <span style="font-size: large;">our lives significantly revolve around her</span>, but we are all very close and love spending time together. Amanda does go to book club once a month and some other activities for just the girls, but generally we are only apart because of work. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we are together and have free time we like to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">play games</span> (we have a whole closet full of games and have even created our own game, we think it is pretty awesome), play disc golf, walk, do some <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">photography</span>, go to dinner, watch movies, go camping, kayak, hike, scuba dive, snorkel, <span style="font-size: large;">play with Abby and Penny</span>, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">try new things</span>. Oh, and we love to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">travel</span>!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every year, in addition to going to Las Vegas to visit Amanda's family a couple times, we go on 2-3 more trips. We've been to Hawaii, Alaska, Belize, Guadeloupe (a small Caribbean Island), Europe (Ireland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland), on a Panama Canal Cruise (we had stops in Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico), and all over the continental US. We have a goal to get to all 50 states (we have 5 left to go - well, Abby has 39, but she's young) and all the continents (we have been to 3 continents, so we still have some more work to do). We also really like going to National Parks and are trying to get to as many as we can.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few minutes after bringing Abby home from the hospital - so great to be a family, and be home!</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>At the cabin</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Just relaxing</em></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBZgPKBWENSo6nvJbT-_Xd5Shlt0rP7BXO7VE8CxNL6Kfv9vkaNT6kDy7jemsE_SHILdwZaeTvAgKOeHs6XUtYss31q8puaQOgfyZgJF9x_GP_ixsl0EMgX66cihsZEPgTlTkJIAzzoaO/s1600/000_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBZgPKBWENSo6nvJbT-_Xd5Shlt0rP7BXO7VE8CxNL6Kfv9vkaNT6kDy7jemsE_SHILdwZaeTvAgKOeHs6XUtYss31q8puaQOgfyZgJF9x_GP_ixsl0EMgX66cihsZEPgTlTkJIAzzoaO/s400/000_0015.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On our way to Guadeloupe</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Cheyenne (Abby's birthmom) feeding her some veggies - yum!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>Guadeloupe</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6VxcCh_Lwc/Udy3SNWf4TI/AAAAAAAAEL0/C73Y1GCtENc/s1600/IMG_7483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T6VxcCh_Lwc/Udy3SNWf4TI/AAAAAAAAEL0/C73Y1GCtENc/s320/IMG_7483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Bathtime fun</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Big Bend National Park</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>On a family walk through the wetlands in Las Vegas</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>Death Valley National Park</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFf6umFSU3M/Udy3cBYEJaI/AAAAAAAAEOE/0PePSmzdZXE/s1600/2012-10-20+17.06.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFf6umFSU3M/Udy3cBYEJaI/AAAAAAAAEOE/0PePSmzdZXE/s400/2012-10-20+17.06.11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abby's first football game - chearing for TCU Horned Frogs!</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>Hohenschwangau - Southern Germany</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9vGja4dsS4/Udy3oOAgRhI/AAAAAAAAEQU/GdE7gjLkUSg/s1600/IMG_8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9vGja4dsS4/Udy3oOAgRhI/AAAAAAAAEQU/GdE7gjLkUSg/s400/IMG_8337.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abby likes to send her dad picture notes while he is at work</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>Brazos River - Texas</em></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWUjXVdwKbs/Udy36YvKvZI/AAAAAAAAETU/WbyEzQ3QQ7E/s1600/IMG_8991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWUjXVdwKbs/Udy36YvKvZI/AAAAAAAAETU/WbyEzQ3QQ7E/s400/IMG_8991.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keeping warm while we walk Penny</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Amanda with some of her cute book club friends</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Having fun feeding the birds at the zoo</em></span></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-15795184423213461182011-03-19T20:12:00.000-07:002013-07-09T19:49:08.598-07:0010 Quirks (or at least interesting things)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzrntyMe55Y/Udy4GOfetFI/AAAAAAAAEWA/jy07XUlpyks/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzrntyMe55Y/Udy4GOfetFI/AAAAAAAAEWA/jy07XUlpyks/s640/IMG_2676.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>On a pier in Carlsbad, CA</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span">Ryan</span></u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">1. I am pretty <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">active</span> - I exercise almost daily. And it is this exercise that has caused me several <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">injuries</span>: messed up shoulder (when I was in college I had swimming and weight lifting classes back to back and somehow that put too much strain on my shoulder), torn ligaments in my ankle (basketball), broken thumb (basketball), and I've lost most of the hearing in my left ear (can't know for sure, but my best guess for why this happened was going down around 100 feet on a scuba dive, that's a lot of pressure).</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">2. If I could have any job in the world I would be a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">professional basketball player</span>. Unfortunately I don't have the height (or the skills). </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;">But I am grateful for all my 5 feet 10 inches. I tower over everyone else in my immediate family.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">3. I have an ongoing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">battle with some birds</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> that like to build nests in our attic. I block them out and they find another way in. Currently I'm winning the battle. However, I'm not ready to declare victory yet -- they have proven to be a resourceful foe.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">4. I like something <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sweet after dinner</span>. It doesn't have to be a whole dessert, a few chocolate chips will do.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">5. I lived on a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Navajo Reservation</span> for 5 months when I was a missionary. I spent all day every day visiting with the Navajo people. They are a proud people with a rich and fascinating culture. I was in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Monument Valley</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> on the border of Arizona and Utah. If you're not familiar with Monument Valley I highly recommend Googling it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">6. Before marrying Amanda I had never really been <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">outside the US</span> (I'd been to Tijuana, but that doesn't really count). Now I've been to many different countries.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">7. Have you ever seen the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Best Taste Award"</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> on items at the grocery store? I'm a big fan of those and have been known to buy something with the award just to try it.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span style="font-family: arial;">8. I really enjoy being around <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">dogs</span>. We wanted to get a dog ever since we got married. Before we got Penny I spent time with Amanda's sister's dogs on vacation and watched co-worker's dogs occasionally (still do actually). It has been so great having Penny in our family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">9. I drink a lot of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">water</span><span class="Apple-style-span">. I have a 20 ounce water bottle that I fill up 5 times a day when I'm at work. Of course the days I'm in meetings all day I have to scale back.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">10. I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">floss daily</span><span class="Apple-style-span">. I don't think most people do that. No wonder I fell in love with a dentist's daughter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span">Amanda</span></u> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: arial;">1. I have weird and specific tastes when it comes to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">chocolate</span>. I like real milk chocolate (like in candy bars), but I do not like dark or semi-sweet chocolate – at all. I like tootsie rolls, but other chocolate flavored things disgust me, including chocolate flavored tootsie pops. There are a few hot chocolates that I am okay with (although I would never crave) but the thought of chocolate milk, or even worse, chocolate ice cream makes me squirm. I like brownies (at least fudgie ones) but I have never had a chocolate cake that I like (with the exception of munchedoucious cake - if it can be considered chocolate.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">2. There are some processes that I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">can only tolerate part of and can’t stand the other part</span>. For example, I am fine with writing letters, but I am horrible at mailing things. I don’t know what it is about mailing, even if I have stamps it is still an obstacle. As a result I have tons of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">unsent letters</span>. I am fine with, and sometimes even enjoy, talking to most people on the phone – but I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HATE calling people</span>. The ONLY exception to this is Ryan, I can call him without having to give myself a pep talk first. I am fine with washing and folding laundry but I can’t stand putting it away. I’m fine with cleaning the bathroom, all except the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">toilet – it grosses me out</span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">3. I am an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Olympic junkie</span>. I generally really dislike watching sports on TV, but I don’t care what sport it is, if it is Olympics I LOVE it. I don’t get much accomplished whenever the Olympics are on – I am glued to the TV and I rarely watch TV. I think I inherited this from my mom - she is the same way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">4. I have a goal to go to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">every continent</span>. I also have a goal to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">go to all 50 states</span> – I think I have 5 left to go. Unfortunately, I also had a goal to be able to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">name all 50 states</span> and fill them in on a blank map before I had any children. (Abby came as a suprise and I did not meet my goal. Actually, I sometimes can fill them in and I can list them all, but sometimes I still make mistakes.) Yes, it is ridiculous that someone as educated as I am can’t already do that, but there is a big hole in my knowledge of geography…and history…and government. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">5. I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">read books multiple times</span>. There are books that I have read more than 10 times. To me it is like watching a movie more than once. If I know I like a book I know I won’t be disappointed when I read it again. I read a lot of new books as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">6. I one time <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">picked up a bird</span> I thought was injured on a package of tortillas and gave it a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ride home with me in my car</span>. (It’s kind of a long story and I don’t feel like typing out the whole thing but if you care and you get to know me feel free to ask – it was pretty dang funny.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">7. I get very <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">attached to people</span>. I have a hard time letting people I have cared about move out of my life. That is really the only reason I do Facebook – to try to find the people I have lost track of and make sure they are doing okay.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: arial;">8. There are certain jobs that I think I should take up if I ever find some time. For example, I think at some point <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I should become a locksmith</span>. It can’t be that hard to learn how, the overhead can’t cost that much, each job takes about 5 minutes and you make $50. Sounds good to me. I also think I should become a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">speed walker</span>. I have two reasons for this. It is my only hope at getting into the Olympics and I already walk pretty darn fast. I can generally out-walk pretty much anyone I know, even if they are taller than me. I can walk fast for a long time too. I think the reason for this is because my dad is a fast walker and he would always hold our hands and we would have to keep up with him. I have contemplated being a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">speed-walking locksmith</span>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">9. If I intended to be the one providing for our family I would be an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">exotic animal veterinary dentist </span>– I think that would be the best job in the world (next to being a parent - of course). The reason I went into neuroscience instead is because I didn’t want to have to pay off a ton of school debt (instead I got paid to go to school) when I didn’t plan to work all my life and I think as a stay-at-home mom the things I learned in my graduate program are pretty valuable. I did really like my grad program and I liked working after so that is good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">10. I think being a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">full-time, stay-at-home mom is the greatest job</span> in the world and I am so grateful to get to have my dream job. Before recieving this opportunity I really enjoyed my life because I have the best husband in the world, he is my best friend, we have so much fun together on all of our adventures, and we are way blessed. Still, I'm grateful for my change in profession.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Abigail</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">1. Abby <span style="font-size: large;">loves water</span> - she loves swimming, she loves splash parks, but for some reason she won't sit down in the bath. She prefers to take her baths standing up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">2. Just about any type of music can get <span style="font-size: large;">Abby dancing</span> if she's in the mood - she'll even dance to hymns at church.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">3. People often tell us what a <span style="font-size: large;">calm, peaceful</span> baby is. That is because she does a shy act when others are around and just sits calmly in our laps without really talking. That is NOT how she acts when she is home with us, she is very <span style="font-size: large;">active and talkative</span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">4. Abby has the loudest, highest voice of any little kid we have ever met - so loud and high-pitched that she even surprised her pediatrician. He's suggested we <span style="font-size: large;">keep ear plugs around</span> the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">5. Abby's <span style="font-size: large;">taste preferences change</span> from day to day. This may be typical of all children her age, we don't know, but we've found it hard to predict what she will be willing to eat on any given day. She will almost always eat rice and black beans though.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Abby <span style="font-size: large;">loves to laugh</span>, and she loves to make people laugh. She will laugh along with you just for fun, she loves to be tickled, and she has a fun sense of humor and personality that keeps us laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">7. She is almost always <span style="font-size: large;">happy outside</span>. Even when she was colicky as an infant she would often calm down if she was taken outside. We've spent a lot of time outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">8. Abby seriously <span style="font-size: large;">loves animals - all animals</span>. She loves going to the zoo, she loves looking out the window while we are driving to see what animals she can spot, she loves Penny - she gets super excited to see animals and does not appreciate being taken away from being with them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">9. Abby is smart - she has met all her milestones early, has a larger than normal vocabulary for her age, is very oberservant and explorative, and continues to surprise us with her <span style="font-size: large;">quick learning</span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">10. Abby is the greatest little person we have ever known. She is going to make one <span style="font-size: large;">fantastic big sister</span>!</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Big Beach - Maui, Hawaii</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saguaro National Park - Arizona. Abby's first national park, it won't be her last (actually, she has already been to several more.)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ryan and Bella - Valley of Fire</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At Graceland (one of Elvis' planes) - Tennessee</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Exit Glacier - Alaska</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>World's cutest butterfly!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><em>Impromptu trip to South Carolina (It was on both of our lists of states to get to - we got these blueberries for $1/pound!)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Cheering for some horses at the Kentucky Horse Park</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Redwood National Park</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Our first Christmas with Abby</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Waimea Canyon - Kauai, Hawaii</span></em></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-4907812875634429472011-03-18T19:47:00.001-07:002013-07-28T11:00:51.669-07:0010 Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></u> </div>
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan</span></u><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">TV shows</span> - It's a bit dated now, but I really liked "24" when it was on TV</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thing to collect</span> - p</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">laying cards with pictures from our vacations</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sport to watch</span> - football; I also love the Olympics when they are on</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sports to play</span> - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">basketball and racquetball</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Flower</span> - bluebonnets;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Amanda and I make sure we get out and see them each Spring</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Food</span> - anything barbecued</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Color</span> - blue</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dessert</span> - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">most desserts with chocolate</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Exercise</span> - playing sports, swimming, and running</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Vacations</span> - Alaska and Guadeloupe</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda</span></u></span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sport to do</span> - swimming (I would much rather swim a mile than run a mile)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sport to watch</span> - gymnastics, but I am an Olympic junkie and love anything Olympics</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Smells <span style="font-size: small;">- freshly cut grass, sheets just out of the dryer, skunk (but from a distance), indoor pools - these are smells that make me pause and smile; but I also love the smells of vanilla, amber, coconut, cinnamon, citrus (I like them all), and daffodils</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Flowers</span> - </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">yellow roses, daisies (especially Shasta and Gerber), lilies (especially calla lilies and water lilies), daffodils, orchids, tulips, wild flowers</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Books</span> - I love too many books to pick just one (or even ten), and I love pretty much all genres, but if I just had free time and wanted to read something for fun I would probably pick historical fiction</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Song</span> - don't so much have a favorite, but I love "I Think I Loved You Before I Met You" by Savage Garden because it is the first song Ryan and I danced to</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Date activity</span> - dancing</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Restaurants</span> - in Ft. Worth Blue Mesa and Pappadeux; in Las Vegas Ricardos; in Provo Thai Chili Garden and Ottavios; Cheesecake Factory may be my favorite national chain (I love cheesecake, it's my favorite dessert, our wedding cake was cheesecake)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Games</span> - we have a whole closet full so it is hard to choose: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cranium, Settlers of Catan, Canasta, Hearts, Rook, Farm Hands (a card/board game we made up) - I also like active games such a croquet, bocce ball, ladder ball, foosball, ping pong, and snake in the grass</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Food</span> - my mom's tacos, but I may live on fruit if I thought that was a good idea</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Abigail</u></span><br />
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dinner</span> – black beans and rice</span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Snack</span> – rice cakes</span></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fruits</span> – bananas, watermelon, and clementines</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vegetables</span> – sweet potatoes</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Animals</span> – dogs, cats, birds, bonobos, meerkats</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Books</span> – “Baby Einsteins First Words”, “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”, “A Very Hungry Caterpillar”</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Person</span> – her dad (she loves her mom too but she is around more so not as exciting)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Game</span> – hide-and-seek</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Activities</span> – dancing and swimming</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sign</span> – more (we do sign language with her for important words) – she also loves to clap, wave, and blow kisses</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>In Lexington KY</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At a BYU vs TCU football game</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Daddy/daughter time</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Getting her groove on</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At the bayou - Monroe LA</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kenai Peninsula, Alaska</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Beach fun - Solana Beach CA</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Catching a Ranger's baseball game in Seattle</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Enjoying the Las Vegas sunshine in her favorite way</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That may look like any ordinary wedding cake, but don't be fooled - it was cheesecake, and it was delicious!</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Looking at fish with Grandma at Scripps Aquarium - La Jolla CA</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Abby's first Halloween</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Helping Dad celebrate after he finished the 10k at the Cowtown</em></span></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-36645759034422966722011-03-17T18:07:00.000-07:002013-07-28T11:04:46.632-07:00Traditions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At The Kentucky Horse Park - Lexington KY</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><em></em></span> </div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We enjoyed the traditions we grew up with and so still keep many of them - plus we've added some of our own. Here are some of our favorites:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teenager books</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Amanda's family started a tradition when her oldest niece was turning 13 of putting together </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">books of letters </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">written by family members and friends to the person. In the letters we include things such as what we wish we had known when we were 13, memories we have with the person, what we think the person's gifts are, the most important things we have learned, important qualities we think all men/women should have, what we wish for the person, our favorite things in life, what we believe, pictures with or of the person, and anything else we think would be helpful. So far we have had 6 of our nieces and nephews turn 13. They have all really looked forward to getting their books.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Family Reunions</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - at least yearly</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas Traditions </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We both grew up reading the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas story</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as a family (Amanda's family actually acts it out) on Christmas Eve as well as singing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas carols</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. While we love this, our favorite tradition is actually having a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas family</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (a family in need that we do Christmas for). Also, Christmas Eve we eat fajitas - yum!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rebel basketball</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Amanda's parents have had season tickets for Rebel basketball games since before the Thomas and Mack (the stadium they play in) was built. Her dad's enthusiasm has rubbed off so that the whole family (including sons-in-law) are all Rebel b-ball fans (unless they are playing BYU Cougars, then it's debatable). We always try and get a game or two in when we are in Las Vegas during basketball season. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go Rebels!</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birthdays</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - The b-day girl/boy gets </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">breakfast in bed</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, as well as picking what's for dinner or where to go for dinner. Also, Amanda's parents have started a tradition to celebrate their grandkid's b-days. They take the grandkid on a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">one-on-one date</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to do whatever they are interested in, and then to get a gift. The grandkids LOVE it!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Travel</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - We both grew up going on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">family trips</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> every year. We feel these experiences helped us bond with our families and build lasting memories. Amanda's family generally went to their family cabin (about 4 hours from Las Vegas, it was built by her grandfather - we still go at least once a year, but those closer go many more times a year) or to San Diego. Ryan's family generally trekked to Utah to visit family. We both have memories of other trips as well though. We'll see how it all works out, but we have talked about a yearly </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">camping</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> trip, family reunion trip, a big family trip (somewhere different every year), and a yearly </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trip for just us</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (no kids - we feel that this will help us keep our marriage strong). We would also like for our big trip to be </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">international</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> every 5th year. Our idea would be to decide on a place we would like to go and then study their history and culture (including celebrating their holidays) leading up to it so not only will it be fun but super educational as well. If we choose to get very ambitious we will even try to learn the language before we go.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regular dates</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - We plan to have regular dates on weekends with just the two of us as well as take one of our children on a one-on-one date. We hope these dates will help us maintain our strong marriage, as well as build good relationships with our children as we provide them with personal time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More as we come up with them</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Abby with her cousins, Michaelanne (the oldest cousin - teenager books started with her) and Ellie</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a family hike at Cedar Breaks National Monument - near the cabin</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At family reunions we often do a craft of some sort - this past year we made these shirts</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amanda's parents (and her dad's best-friend) came to visit us as well as to attend a Rebel basketball game (UNLV vs TCU)</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>In Valley of Fire - near Las Vegas</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sea World - San Diego</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPS47YyU37D7yYNhVPpnHvV0HGmuGEYzOsinCLATP14afjD2HRegvp4e6u1db04t4nJsfiYkFNDHo-4q2EMCrWB9LlWFwKtgaUDD3spVTrc8UlaIQs8s2ATnmONGzUxXYRTJnCE58yfqJ/s1600/Christmas+nativity+-+as+kids+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPS47YyU37D7yYNhVPpnHvV0HGmuGEYzOsinCLATP14afjD2HRegvp4e6u1db04t4nJsfiYkFNDHo-4q2EMCrWB9LlWFwKtgaUDD3spVTrc8UlaIQs8s2ATnmONGzUxXYRTJnCE58yfqJ/s400/Christmas+nativity+-+as+kids+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amanda as Mary</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Abby played the role of Jesus her first Christmas</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yJN_Yejm7qP7ofwTWkqQ1kocEnkG4QF8PjwD7TRn1B2EeUmqgE8d2qs2E_wFPy6tRcnmTOt2EsoEJNJXx6o6a8PxVOMVz13lXF4Xjwh86gsiU9Iaqr-MkhNICN3NY7zip8fBn9kJYb_G/s1600/IMG_2477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yJN_Yejm7qP7ofwTWkqQ1kocEnkG4QF8PjwD7TRn1B2EeUmqgE8d2qs2E_wFPy6tRcnmTOt2EsoEJNJXx6o6a8PxVOMVz13lXF4Xjwh86gsiU9Iaqr-MkhNICN3NY7zip8fBn9kJYb_G/s400/IMG_2477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heather, Molly, Ryan's mom, Ryan's dad - celebrating Amanda's 31st birthday with her</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>On an air plane</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our nephew Ben and Amanda's dad at the beach in San Diego</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Abby taking Grandma for a walk - San Diego</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amanda's parents and all the grandkids they had at the time (Abby and Wesley have since joined the family)</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We make a point to visit the wild flowers each year</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Abby's first 4th of July</span></em></div>
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-63523350443181482022011-03-16T18:35:00.000-07:002013-08-11T15:52:54.446-07:00Hopes For Our Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Glacier Bay National Park - Alaska</span></em><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As all parents, we have several things we would like to do with and teach our children, and things we hope for them. First and foremost we would hope our children would have a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> love of God</span> and a desire to serve Him. We will consistently teach our children about their relationship to Him and about His love for them. We will also want our children to feel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> secure in their family relationships</span>, to know and feel of our love for them, and to have good relationships with all their siblings. One of the ways we hope to do this is by building <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">family traditions</span>. Additionally, we hope that our children will <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">love the outdoors</span> as much as we do, and we’ll start out from their infancy taking them on walks and hikes and such. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Education</span> is also very important to us. We both have advanced degrees, and while we would not want our children to feel pressured to receive advanced degrees, we will raise them with the expectation that they will learn all they can, they will work hard in school, and they will attain sufficient education to support themselves and their future family. Finally, we hope to have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">family pets</span>. We both had family dogs growing up (Amanda had lots more family pets as well including cats, rabbits, and tortoises) and would like our children to have the same experiences.</span></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Paula (a lady Amanda taught as a missionary) and Amanda - Oakland California Temple</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Outside the Dallas Texas Temple just after Abby was sealed to us - a very important day for our family</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fun in the spring by the cabin</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Abby is much loved - with Cheyenne (Abby's birth mom)</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Playing with her cousin Luke</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Valley of Fire - Nevada State Park</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Olympic National Park</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Playing with her cousins Zander and Michealanne</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Abby's first Halloween dinner - witch fingers, ghosts, goblin boogers, brain, and blood soup - Yum!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At Cheyenne's (her birth mom) graduation</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Valley of Fire - Nevada State Park</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Grand Canyon National Park</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Best-friends!</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Fun in the leaves</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> We were pleasently surprised to find these owls while on a walk in Oak Mountain State Park - Alabama</em></span></div>
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Abby loves to swing!</div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-25256372710602225942011-03-15T19:39:00.001-07:002013-08-11T16:07:54.058-07:00Parenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tyler, Texas</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We plan to spend a lot of time just being with our children doing various activities that will help them learn. For example, it is important to us that we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">read to our children</span> a lot and help them learn to read as early as possible. (Amanda learned in graduate school about the importance of this to later success.) Also, we plan to teach them science related things, music, geography, math, etc. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Amanda loves teaching</span>. We're excited for the opportunity to teach our kids. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will also teach them <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">skills that will be important to life</span>, such as how to clean (we will do these things together), how to iron, cook, garden, sew buttons, etc. Beyond just temporal things, we will teach them about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Christ</span>, the atonement, that they are loved children of their Heavenly Father, and other gospel principles. As with the other things we want our kids to know, we will teach them through our conversations, through church service and attendance, through family prayer, scripture study, and home evening. Along with this, we will teach them to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">be kind to others</span>, to contribute to the community, and to establish a habit of doing service.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to helping them learn we also plan to provide lots of opportunities for them to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">build lasting memories and strong family relationships</span>. We will play lots of games, do physical activities, build traditions, travel, and find out what things our children most enjoy doing and try to include those activities as much as possible. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the advantages to having had so much time without children is that it has given us lots of time to observe the parenting of others and assess what seems to work and what doesn't. We especially learn a lot from parents who have well-behaved, respectful children. We have noticed that they <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">do not yell at their children</span>, but look them in the eye and calmly talk to them when the children need to be disciplined. We plan on following this example.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We feel very grateful that Ryan's job provides us with the means for Amanda to stay home with our children. We feel that having <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a parent in the home</span> provides increased stability, security, and love for our children. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abigail is only a year old so many of these ideas we have not yet had the opportunity to put into practice yet. But some ways we have begun doing these things are: reading to her (we read at least 30 minutes a day); teaching her signs for important words and helping her develop spoken langauge by talking with her a lot; teaching her to pick up her toys; including her in family prayer and scripture study and praying with her before she eats; weekly church attendance; taking her on walks/runs with Penny, hiking, and swimming; taking her on family vacations (she has already been to 11 states); playing with her and taking her to play groups so she can interact with other children; and having her stay in brief time-outs rather than any physical discipline. We are not perfect parents and will probably make many mistakes a long the way, but we love Abby and try each day to be the best parents we can be for her. We are so excited for our family to continue to grow and to spend the rest of our lives (and eternity) loving our children.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Amanda and Heather - celebrating Heather's birthday at the botanic garden</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Getting a little reading in while Mom makes dinner</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ryan and his dad</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Future Mozart?</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mindy, Emily, Maggi, Jenny, Amanda, Molly, Missy</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Sending Dad good-luck wishes the day he interviewed for a new position at work - he got it!</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ellie, Ethan, Lissa - they had a surprise birthday party for Amanda</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Uncovering dinosaur bones at the Fort Worth Science Museum</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Heather and Ryan - Maui, Hawaii</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Meeting famous race horses (including Da Hoss, Cigar, and Funny Cide) at the Kentucky Horse Park</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mindy, Amanda's mom, Maggi, Amanda, Braeden - Ireland</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Clearly she is a dentist's grand-daughter</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maggi and Amanda at the San Diego California Temple - being bride's maids</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Fun at the park with her cousin Liam</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In December 2009 Texas got a record amount of snow and Amanda had her first white Christmas - so much fun! We made snow angels and snowmen, and had snowball fights</span></em></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-33556894828733301272011-03-14T15:34:00.001-07:002013-07-09T12:33:21.074-07:00Choosing Adoption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhCU-58My8A/UdRnxBPRbmI/AAAAAAAADiE/f5ZlTKf-zvo/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uhCU-58My8A/UdRnxBPRbmI/AAAAAAAADiE/f5ZlTKf-zvo/s640/IMG_8424.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The day after we brought Abby home</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes.........infertility. Ouch.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We weren't super surprised that we didn't get pregnant right away and knew that once you were unsuccessful after a year it was time to go to the doctor. So we did. Several months and tests and doctors later we were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">shocked</span> when we were told that it was very unlikely that we would ever have biological children without medical interventions. After getting over the shock we realized we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">didn't really care how our children came into our family</span>, we just wanted the children meant for us. As we prayed to know Heavenly Father's will for us we considered our options and started pursuing them. We went to more doctors to try to better identify the cause of our infertility, but after tests and drugs there wasn't much left to do. Our options came down to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">adoption, in vitro, or just wait</span> and see if our bodies would ever cooperate. We met with our case worker, and although impressed with him and the agency, we didn't feel like it was time to pursue adoption. So we guessed that we should try for in vitro. But when we were about a month from scheduling it we felt that it wasn't right either. Both of us individually felt that we would absolutely have children one day, but that we were going to have to wait awhile, and that there wasn't anything for us to do at the time. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not too long after we were shown a video of a baby with her parents. When we saw that video Amanda <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">felt powerfully that we should adopt</span>. Ryan didn't have the same feeling while watching the video, but when he prayed about it later he also felt that we should adopt.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amanda grew up in a cul-de-sac. Her family was one of 5 in it. Two of the families had adopted children. Because of that, and also from knowing other people who have been adopted, Amanda has always been comfortable with the idea of adoption, as has Ryan. We were very open to adoption from the time we learned of our infertility. We just wanted to know what Heavenly Father wanted us to do. Since feeling this is the right path for us, the way we will receive our children, we have been <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">very excited</span>. Our love for birth parents and our gratitude for the opportunity of adoption has increased. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Adoption is a miracle</span> and we are so grateful to be part of it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At a park near our house</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Balancing Rock, Big Bend National Park - Texas</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Abby and Grandma</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Redwood National Forest - California</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The day Abby's adoption was finalized</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At Maggi's (Amanda's sister) wedding reception</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>At the San Diego Zoo</em></span></div>
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-56740685912117940452011-03-12T15:40:00.000-08:002015-01-13T19:22:24.905-08:00Open or Closed Adoption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9r5GIxiiH4/UdRnvNcLNhI/AAAAAAAADh0/E1Y6IQfgzLc/s1600/IMG_8199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9r5GIxiiH4/UdRnvNcLNhI/AAAAAAAADh0/E1Y6IQfgzLc/s640/IMG_8199.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The day we brought Abby home from the hospital - Amanda's mom, Ryan, Amanda, Abby, Cheyenne (birth mom), Cathy (birth grandma), Mike (birth grandpa)</span></em></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before beginning on this journey we hadn't ever given much thought to open adoptions, didn't really even know they existed, as they are fairly new. But now that we know about them we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">like the idea</span>. Our basic feeling is that <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">no one can be loved too much</span> or have too many people to love them. So if our children have birth parents in their lives, or even extended birth families, then that is just <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">more love for them</span>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We know of some birth parents that prefer little to no contact, and we <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">respect</span> that. We know that that choice is not due to a lack of love. Our feeling is that our adoption will be as open as we all feel <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">comfortable</span> with. But whether it is open or not, our birth parents will always have a huge place in our hearts, and our children will always know of their birth family's love for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Trick-or-treating at Mike and Cathy's - she got more than just candy there</em></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>After sledding at the cabin</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Cheyenne loves Abby a lot - we are so lucky to have her in our lives</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Michealanne, Amanda, Wendi (Amanda's best-friend since birth - her brother and sister are adopted) - having a slumber party at Maggi's</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Celebrating Abby's first Christmas - Cathy, Cheyenne, Heather, and Grandma</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Adam (one of Ryan's mission companions and later roommate) and Ryan - Columbia River Gorge, border between Oregon and Washington</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Cheyenne's friends who joined us for Abby's first birthday</em></span></div>
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-78627770874622538652011-03-11T18:32:00.000-08:002013-07-09T18:05:03.030-07:00Birth Parents<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would like you to know how <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">grateful</span> we are to you, for your willingness to consider adoption. We consider adoption to be one of the most <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">beautiful gifts</span> in this world. We are amazed, inspired, and humbled by the selfless sacrifice of birth parents, for their love and compassion. We are inexpressibly grateful for it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Amanda was in high school her older sister was faced with the decision of whether to place her child for adoption. She was 17 and unmarried. From this experience Amanda saw the challenges that face a person in such a situation and we have incredible <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">empathy for you</span>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our hearts ache for and with you as you face such a difficult decision and time in your life. We</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> pray and hope </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that you will be guided through this journey, that you will <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">find peace</span>, and that you will <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">feel the love</span> of your Father in Heaven and Savior.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will start <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sharing our family story</span> with our children at a very young age. As birth parents you will be an integral part of our family story. Our children will know of your loving sacrifice, of your amazing selflessness, of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">your love and your courage</span>. Our children will be taught to love and respect you. And they will know how grateful we are for you, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">how much we love you</span>, and honor you. <span style="font-size: large;">Thank You!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(If you would like to see an on-line copy of the book we created to share our family story with Abby click <a href="http://app.picaboo.com/WebView/Project.aspx?clientID=631c492b9f4e89e1386e1d2619c45c24&version=346326&siteID=ViaPreview" target="_blank">here</a>.)</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On our Alaskan cruise</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Newborn Abby - still in the hospital</em></span></div>
choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-19068615975251632612011-03-07T18:03:00.000-08:002015-01-13T19:20:19.400-08:00Cheyenne - Abby's Birthmom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Our favorite picture of Cheyenne and Abby - it is framed in Abby's room</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We love <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city></span>,
Abby’s birthmom. How could we not – she made it possible for us to be parents,
and not just parents, Abby’s parents. We will be forever grateful to her for
that. But she not only gave Abby life and then placed her with us, she’s just
<span style="font-size: large;">an awesome person</span> and are grateful to have her in our lives. She also respects our roles as Abby's parents, which we appreciate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Cheyenne was pregnant with Abby she was 17, still in
high school, living with her parents (of course), didn’t have a driver’s
license, and working at Panera. She had just broken up with her boyfriend. <span style="font-size: large;"><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city> loves children
and has always wanted to be a mom.</span> She really wanted to be able to raise Abby
but she knew she would not be able to provide Abby with the life she wanted her
to have, so she lovingly chose adoption.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We <span style="font-size: large;">see Cheyenne
regularly</span> – usually at least once a month. She’ll babysit Abby for us or just
come over to visit. We leave it up to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city>
how often she sees Abby. She used to live only 10 minutes away but now she’s
about an hour from us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city> adores Abby, is very good with her,
and will always be part of her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only do we we want Abby to have relationship with Cheyenne but with her family as well. Abby
(via Mom) sends out regular <span style="font-size: large;">emails to all of Cheyenne’s (and our) family</span> with
updates on what she is currently doing as well as invitations to an online
photo album of all the photos we’ve taken of her each month. Abby has her own
email address so when any family member emails her she responds with an
attached picture of her from that day. This makes it possible for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city>’s (and our)
extended family to feel connected to Abby regularly. We also invite <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:city></st1:place> and her family to
any significant events related to Abby (when she was blessed in our church as a
baby, Halloween, to Christmas, to her birthday party, etc.) and they invite us over when
they have family visiting and for birthdays. So <span style="font-size: large;">Abby is surrounded by people
who love her!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do not currently have a relationship with Abby’s <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">birth
dad</span>. He and <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city>
broke up before Abby was born and he chooses not to be part of Abby's life. Perhaps in the future that will change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have written more about <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cheyenne</st1:place></st1:city> and our open adoption on our family
blog in a series of posts called “<span style="font-size: large;">Abby’s Story</span>”. You can read two of them </span><a href="http://bigadventuresblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/abbys-story-part-2-why-we-had.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
and </span><a href="http://bigadventuresblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/abbys-story-part-16-abbys-amazing.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04889691877084505249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-49661054327213515342011-03-05T18:07:00.000-08:002013-06-18T12:40:36.301-07:00Share Our Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981453652864697953.post-45876594169775804542011-03-01T15:24:00.000-08:002011-06-07T14:23:49.970-07:00Christ Carries Our Burdens<div style="MARGIN: 0px">I have always been a planner. At a young age, I planned to graduate a year early from high school, graduate from college, serve a mission, get married, start graduate school, have my first baby just before finishing, and then live happily ever after. Everything went according to my plan—until it came time to have a baby.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Because of some of the wording of my patriarchal blessing, I have always felt that the timing of having children wouldn’t be what I wanted, so I wasn’t totally surprised when, after a year of trying, Ryan and I still hadn’t been able to conceive. We started going to doctors to see what we should do. I never expected major problems, but after six months of visits to specialists and testing, Ryan and I were told that there was very little chance we would be able to have children on our own.</div><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px">We were both in a state of shock for a while, then discouragement, and then disappointment. I also fell into a fairly significant depression. I could not stop crying.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Within a few weeks, we decided to tell our families. As soon as we did, they started praying for us, and as they did the depression lifted. It was a huge help. After that, and over a period of time, I was able to start having more faith in the Lord and His plan—not my own—for my life.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">One Sunday about six months after we found out we likely would not have children without interventions, I was sitting in church partaking of the sacrament. I felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude that even though my plan was not working out, I was still happy. I was so thankful that when my sisters and friends call to tell me they are pregnant, I am truly happy for them and not jealous. That going to baby showers isn’t hard on me but rather a time to have fun with and rejoice for my friends. That I could go with my sister to her ultrasound and be excited to experience that with her. That I could be nothing but thrilled for the birth of my nephews. These blessings were truly something to be grateful for.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">That peace and happiness has continued with me, for the most part, in the 4 1/2 years since Ryan and I started trying to have children. I am happy to be married to my best friend, and we have enjoyed this time to spend together, just the two of us.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">Still I know that the ache of wanting to have children is still with me, that I still really yearn for them and if I could get pregnant today I would, because once in awhile something will happen and I will have glimpses of the pain that is there, bringing instant tears to my eyes. But most of the time I am just happy and hopeful. That Sunday as I reflected on the joy I felt despite my wishes and plans not being met, and how grateful I was that during this waiting period I didn’t have to wait in pain, I thought of a scripture in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 24:14-15:</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">“And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">“And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.”</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I know that is what the Lord has done for me; eased my burdens so that I will not feel them during this time and so that I can still enjoy life. Even though I don’t comprehend how it works, I do know that it does work. Sometimes He takes the pain away. Sometimes He helps us carry it. And sometimes He makes us stronger so that we can carry our burdens.</div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who answers prayers and for our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, who through the Atonement made it possible for me to find strength and comfort and release in difficult situations. And so I will witness that He does visit us during our afflictions because of His great love for us. And I am so grateful. </div><br /><br /><br /><div style="MARGIN: 0px"><span style="font-family:arial;">(If you would like to go to the on-line article, click </span><a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2011/04/faith-and-infertility-expanded/amanda-colby?lang=eng"><span style="font-family:arial;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. You can also read article's from other couples faced with the challenge of infertility </span><a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2011/04/faith-and-infertility-expanded?lang=eng"><span style="font-family:arial;">here</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">.)</span></div>choosingadoptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02168005280628926318noreply@blogger.com