Lawmakers and adoption

I don't usually write about this kind of thing. I try to stick to what happens in our family and stay away from politics and such, however, I am asking for your help. As many of you may know, adoption is not a cheap process. It is worth every penny, but I am sure you would agree that if you could receive some of the cost back through tax credits, your would want them. Well, as of this last legislative session, our state lawmakers decided to take away the Utah Adoption Tax credit. This little credit helps many families after they have spent thousands of dollars out of pocket. It is not much, but it would be enough to buy diapers and formula for a year. This bill will not save Utah enough money for anything. All it does it make it a little harder for people to afford adoption. When you consider the adoption amount itself, plus the legal fees, then for some of us travel expenses, it can add up to quite a bit. Again, if we didn't get a cent back from the government it was still so worth it. We couldn't love Lia any more than we do now. However, this credit will help us and many others, so I ask that you write to your congressmen and to the state senators on not only our behalf, but on behalf of any family that will be able to experience the miracle of adoption. Here is the link to contact the state's lawmakers.

http://www.utah.gov/government/contactgov.html

Thank you.

Hannah the destroyer...

I would be tired after making that mess myself...funny, funny Hannah.

Bumbo mania! And fun with friends...

We had a lot of fun with our friends...and as you can see so did our kids. Lots of chocolate covered faces!


So, the Sniders are letting us borrow their Bumbo for Lia. She has wanted to sit up for awhile now and this is helping her do just that. She is so cute just hanging out in her little seat. Hannah, of course had to get in on the action and try it out herself...

Happy Anniversary!

I can't believe Flavio and I have been married for five years. I know that may not be long compared to many, but the time has really gone by. We have been through so much together already and feel that we have really weathered the storms well together. I am so grateful to have such a kind and loving man to spend my life and eternity with. We have two beautiful daughters that we couldn't love more. I know I am being gushy...but that is how I feel. I am so thankful for all that I have and I can't wait until Flavio and I celebrate 50 years of marriage. What a crazy, fun, trying, scary, wonderful ride this has already been...I hope the next five bring us just as much joy. I love you loves!

Hannah the artist?

Here is a picture Hannah drew. I was so proud of her...she is anatomically correct and everything. She came in and said, "I drew Gramma and Grandpa!". Not sure which one is which, but I was impressed.

The last few weeks...

Lia with her aunt Natalia...she is such a fun aunt!

Happy New Year! We ate over at Flavio's sister's house...she is such a great cook!

Lia has been smiling and cooing these past couple of weeks and I finally got it on camera...isn't she so cute?!

Here is a little bear outfit my mom got Lia...so cute.

Hannah has such a fun dad...they both love to play in the snow together....

Hannah's new princess jacket...

Hannah and her alien snow man...

Here are just few fun pictures from these past few weeks. We have had so much fun with our girls and we are so thankful for them. Happy New Year everyone!
LOL

Merry Christmas!

We wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and let you know that we do know that our Savior lives. Let us remember Him in all we do this Christmas season and hopefully throughout the year. Let us be kinder and more generous to those in need. We love you and wish for you to feel all the magic this time of year has to offer.

LOL