Friday, August 25, 2006

"I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. 'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A.!"
-Lee Greenwood

What a special day it was for our family! We met as a group for the babies to take their picture on the famous "red couch." They all looked darling, and Ellen wasn't going to give her bottle up if the world was ending, let alone for a picture. Following a nice photo session we headed off for our appointment at the US Consulate. It was located on the 4th floor of the building and there was such a sense of security when we passed the American flag. It was a sweet reminder of what our flag represents and I am so grateful to live in our great country with all the blessings freedom brings. There was an excitement in the room as we took the oath which was the last step in our adoption journey. Now, when we hand over Ellen's visa in San Francisco Sunday morning, Ellen will officially be a U.S. citizen!

I am continually thankful for our blessings! I have felt Heavenly Father watching over our family through our entire trip. Ellen is feeling much better and as our trip comes to an end I am in disbelief at all we have been given.

We bought Tara and Ellen their temple dresses yesterday and it was exciting just thinking about being together in the temple very soon. For those of you who are unfamiliar with our temples, we have the opportunity to be sealed to our families for eternity. So when Jason and I were married in the Oakland temple nearly 12 years ago, we were sealed for time and all eternity. Since Connor, Tara and Spencer are our biological children they are blessed with being sealed to us already. Because Ellen is joining our family through adoption we will be sealing her to our family when we return. And for those in the Sacramento area who haven't taken a tour of the new Sacramento Temple, I hope you have a chance to visit before the tours end this weekend!

Our warm congratulations and love go out to my sister Becky and husband Brian who welcomed a baby boy into their family today (actually, Aug. 24). He was 7lbs. 14 oz. and 18-¾ in. long. He has a lot of dark hair and is absolutely beautiful!!