e l l e n & d a v i d

We know that we don’t have the perfect words to express how we are feeling, but we want you to know that we honor and respect you. We can’t pretend to understand or imagine what you are going through, just as so many people will never know or understand the loss we have experienced through infertility. It truly has been a long and difficult journey for us. However, through our faith and our relationship with God we have been able to grow closer and stronger in unimaginable ways. Now we firmly believe that, through the gift of adoption, our miracle will come. We promise you we will love your child unconditionally forever. As a family, we will cherish every single moment. We are humbled by your strength and courage in considering adoption.

Our letter to you,

O ur relationship began our freshman year of college. We dated for six years, mostly long distance, before we were married. Although it was difficult to be apart, the distance strengthened our love for each other. We believe

this helped form the solid foundation for our marriage – a foundation built on communication, sacrifice and love. We enjoy spending time outdoors doing anything from yard work and gardening, to camping, canoeing and fishing. And the beach is our favorite place to go when we are lucky enough to plan a vacation. Most of our time is spent with family and friends. Ellen’s parents, two of her four sisters, and six nieces and nephews all live close by. It is a blessing to watch the kids play together and we sincerely can’t wait until our child gets to join in the fun of ice skating, bowling, jumping in leaves and sleepovers. We love getting together with our friends for dinner and games. Our family and friends have provided an incredible support system, always praying for us and letting us know that we are in their thoughts. We have been completely amazed at the strength and love we have had for each other throughout this journey. And we have relied on our faith to help carry us along the way. We cannot wait to share our faith, love and joy with a child.

David designed our wedding invitations and a friend had one framed for us

this was our first ski trip

backpacking through the Smoky Mountains

we are both nuts about

the St. Louis Cardinals

Here’s what I know about her: She cares more about other people than she does herself. She is honest and true, even when its hurts. She doesn’t pretend to be something she’s not. She loves children. She loves family. She loves God. She is strong, except when it comes to chocolate. She loves movies, except for the ones I pick out. She doesn’t need me as much as I need her. She knows what she wants … she kissed me first because she wouldn’t wait for me to. She is a beach bum stuck in the Midwest. She works hard. She loves running but hates the thought of it. She has a killer laugh. She has an amazing ability to connect with children. She was put here to be a mother. She doesn’t know how beautiful she is. She is the best thing that ever happened to me.

ellen

Ellen loves planting flowers every spring

by DAVID

Ellen & Gram hanging out at the annual 4th of July block party on her parents street

Ellen loves animals,

growing up she had a

bunny named Bridget

Ellen is wonderful with kids so, naturally, she became a teacher

Ellen and her sister Vicki

The beach has always been Ellen’s favorite place to be

BE

AC

H b

um

Our dog Murray is super lazy and he loves to snuggle

Making chili with

our niece Brooklin.

David loves taking the canoe

out to fish and explore new

lakes and rivers

David and his sister

Kelli making a mess

I feel incredibly blessed to share my life with David. I have never met anyone more sincere, or kind. When I say he would do anything for anyone, I mean it. Dave not only will help, but will do so without ever a complaint. He irons my clothes for work, helps grade my papers, and does laundry and dishes (I help too).I also want you to know that we have fourteen nieces and nephews and they all love Dave. When we get together with our family, sometimes the kids run right past me to give Dave a huge hug. They love him because he always takes the time to talk to them, listen, and play with them. I usually find Dave at my parents’ house in the driveway playing wiffle ball, basketball or kickball with the kids. I can’t even believe how blessed a child will be to have him for a Dad.

DAViD by EllEN

David got tired of looking for the

perfect scarf so he decided to

learn how to knit and made his own

These are David’s parents, Joyce (Nana) and Clarke (Papa)

Nana and Alice

Ellen’s Dad (papa) is always

gardening with the grandchildren

That’s us in Tulsa with our niece Malorie

Ellen with her four older sisters: Vicki,

Kathleen, Megan and Maribeth. They are

each married and have three children

Madison, Bridget, Molly, Sarah & Maggie

This is my sister, Kelli. She was adopted and I came along soon after

Christmas morning at Ellen’s

Parents’ house

Ellen’s Mom (Nana) lives for spending time with her twelve grandchildren. They love spending the night

All of the Nieces and Nephews on vacation

Our home is located on a beautiful tree lined street. We have a large fenced in backyard with a patio and garden where we plant flowers, fruits and vegetables. And we have a perfect bedroom for a nursery and a large finished basement that will make a wonderful playroom. We are so blessed to live in an amazing community. Our neighborhood has one of the top ranked public school districts in the area, where children receive top testing scores. We also live close to several outstanding private schools. The suburb we live in has a historic downtown within walking distance from our home. Huge trees, a farmer’s market, little shops, a train station, and lots of wonderful restaurants line the streets. In addition, we’re only twenty minutes from a city with an outstanding zoo, parks, children’s museums, and theatres.

OurHOME

This is our goofy dog, Murray. Ellen’s Dad comes over to walk him all the time

RandOm THInGS

David

Ellen

4. I still love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

5. I wear a tie on “Casual Fridays” to drive my co-workers crazy. Now

everyone calls it “Tie-Fri.”

3. I never thought in a million years I would let our dog up on the couch ...

then I caved!

3. I could eat Mexican food

every day.

1. I absolutely love wearing comfortable shoes, flip-flops are the best.

2. I love fishing but am happy just to be out on the water. Catching fish is a bonus.

2. I hate the thought of going running, but once I’m out there I love it!

1. I have a crazy big collection of German nutcrackers.

5. I plAyEDFIElD HOCkEy AT MISSOurI STATE uNIVErSITy.

4. Last year I fInaLLy Learned how to whIstLe!

t h a n k y o u

Our hope is that you can see and feel the enormity of our love for each other, our family and our future child. Our unconditional love, along with our financial stability will enable a child to

reach for their dreams. Our home is one filled with love, support, laughter and faith. Thank you so much for taking the time to

get to know a little more about us.