Our Boatload of Dreams.....

Welcome to Our Place Called Simplicity.

We invite you into our lives with one goal in mind: that you would be encouraged to live simply and truly love one another.

Married for 33 years, we are the parents of many. Eleven {so far} children. Eight of whom are adopted. We also have four sons and a daughter that we are parents of in Uganda as well. They were raised on the streets and had no parents until we "adopted" them 3+ years ago. So we really have sixteen children total {with more on the way}.

After 7+ weeks in Uganda, Emma {18} and I recently returned to the United States with our newest addition - a baby girl named Ruby Grace. Dw and Emma were leading a missions team in June 2011 where they had the privilege of meeting Ruby - a tiny 11 month old gem weighing only 6 lbs.

Our oldest daughter Abigail and her husband finally{!} allowed us the privilege of being Mimi and Jaja by bringing us our very first grand baby {from Uganda}...making us now, officially, a multi-generational adoptive family. Proof that adoption is a very, very good thing!

We've had the privilege of adopting our treasures from all over the world, some dubbed "special needs" we are convinced that the only TRUE special need a child has is to have a family.

Our peers are empty nesters, but we are certain that given this option to any orphan - "old mom and dad" or "no mom and dad", all would still vote for the old ones. So here we are - the old ones....doing it again....

If you are need of encouragement or wonder if God is able to move your mountain, please head over to the sidebar where Special Posts are listed. Start at Our Wild Adventure Part 1. You will be reminded of Almighty God's deep love for the orphan and how He will move mountains on their behalf....we call Him the Miracle-Working, Mountain-Moving, Awe-Inspiring, Gasp-Giving God!! Yippee Jesus!!

I am humbled beyond words and ever so grateful that the Lord is fulfilling a promise He gave me way back in 1982..."making the barren woman to be at home - the joyful mother of children" (Psalms 113:9). How I praise His name!!

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas from Our Home {2011}

14 Simply Sweet Words:

Kimberlie said...

So incredibly beautiful! What a precious big brother Ruby is blessed to have!

December 25, 2011 7:30 PM
Jodi said...

ohhhhh so sweet!!!! and we love you and will continue praying!

December 25, 2011 8:06 PM
Faye Verquer said...

THANK YOU for sharing your family with ours!

December 25, 2011 8:45 PM
Justine said...

Miss Ruby is beautiful! What a gift from God! And Isaiah!!! He is just wonderful! Merry Christmas!!!!

December 25, 2011 9:25 PM
GA Foster Mom said...

Great video of Christmas & also of Jubilee hearing--sweet voices.

December 25, 2011 10:22 PM
Holly said...

Couldn't be any more precious!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!!!

December 25, 2011 11:57 PM
mama2 said...

Merry Christmas to you all! Your children are adorable, and Miss Ruby is just too precious for words!

December 25, 2011 11:57 PM
becky.coates said...

beautiful, Miss Ruby . Thank you this has made my day. Looks like you had a fun day.

December 26, 2011 1:27 AM
Shelley said...

Me and my 3 yr old daughter just watched video clip. She just loved Ruby. She says,"Momma, I want a baby sister!" Then she points to your little Ruby and says "I want her." Uh, oh watch out. Be glad we don't live in the Arizona area, she might just try to maker Ruby her little sister (hehe). She is smitten with your little gem. Merry Christmas and what a sweet clip.

December 26, 2011 7:35 AM
Emily said...

Oh SO sweet! I love how Isaiah was just loving on his little sister. Love how God knits the hearts of families, no matter how they come together!

December 26, 2011 7:45 AM
Sunshine and Sand Dollars said...

Awwwww......to see sweet Isaiah stroking Ruby Grace's cheek, giving her a kiss and saying "I love you" completely melted my heart. :)

We won't stop praying for you sweet Ruby Grace! :)

Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Wishing you all peace, love, joy, health and loads of happiness in 2012!

God bless!

December 26, 2011 1:43 PM
Marie said...

Merry Christmas to you and your family! We have not quit praying for Ruby Grace...our kids still mention her at bedtime prayer. She is adorable, as is Isaiah!

December 26, 2011 8:19 PM
valerie in TX said...

Beautiful beautiful beautiful!!! LOVE these precious kids and the sweet way Isaiah loves his sister!!!

December 26, 2011 8:38 PM
The McKinnon Crew said...

Just warning you in case you have a view counter or something on that video...I watched it like 14 times! Very sweet...love the vocalizing & the big brother loves!
Merry Christmas to you guys!

December 27, 2011 11:40 PM

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