Should you decide that we are the right couple to parent your child, we would be forever grateful to you, more than words could ever say, for giving us the opportunity to be a family. Please know in your heart that your child would always have the best of everything that they could ever ask for, emotionally, spiritually, financially and educationally, plenty of hugs and kisses and a family who reminds them everyday what a truly special blessing they are and how many people love them.

Ryan Nicole Job Description Non-Commissioned Officer with The United States Army Custom Art & Photography Framer, (Future Stay-at-Home Mommy) Education B.A. in History Favorites Family Activity Playing with the Dogs Family Activity Swimming Form of Exercise Running Form of Exercise Kick Boxing Memory with a Child Helping with Mom’s Classroom Memory with a Child Being a Sunday School Teacher Movie The Matrix Movie The Notebook Song Philadelphia Freedom (Elton John) Song Tiny Dancer (Elton John) Children None

We enjoy being outdoors whenever possible whether it be a weekend with the family at our log cabin in the mountains or going to "Movie Night In The Park" where we grab a picnic basket full of goodies, meet up with the neighborhood families, and the city hangs up a big white sheet between the trees and shows a cartoon followed by a family movie.

On weekends we can be found in the swimming pool, or playing a game of soccer in the backyard with family and friends, followed by a BBQ on the deck, then inside for dessert and board games or to root on our favorite hockey or basketball team.

While Tennessee is the perfect place for us to lay down our roots, we also love to travel. The military gives us the opportunity to spend time enjoying the cultures of Germany, Italy and Korea as well as great places in the United States such as Hawaii and California on a regular basis. We have also just returned from Hawaii where we swam with the dolphins, built sand castles, and took an exciting helicopter tour of the islands! We have many more family vacations planned including a family reunion at Disney World and a road trip up the east coast to visit with family.

We feel that experiencing other cultures instills respect for all types of people, regardless of race or lifestyle and provides memories to last a lifetime.

In 2001, Ryan was a college graduate, happily working in the automotive industry. After 9/11 happened, he left that comfortable lifestyle to volunteer for the Army, because of his belief in protecting our freedom and our country, so that we are all able to live in safety and happiness. Ryan breaks the stereotype of the 'typical soldier'. While he is truly a dedicated and brave Army soldier, he is NOT one of those you see on television that goes to Iraq, breaks down doors and patrols the streets. He proudly leads his soldiers in the maintenance department and spends his time on the local military post, safely underneath Humvees, tanks and helicopters, making sure everything works properly so those that are on the front lines have the best equipment to work with.

Nicole is very active in her community, volunteering with many charities including Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and The Humane Society giving love and affection to animals that have been abused and neglected to help them on their way to a new life in a loving forever home. She has also worked with the church as a Sunday school teacher and worked in the day care room during church service.

We strongly believe in the workings of karma, in which you get back in life whatever you give to others. That is why volunteering is so important to us. We look forward to instilling this belief in the future generation, in hopes of making the world a better place.

Shannie and Jack Waiting for Santa “Paws” to Come

We have 2 Boston Terriers named Shannie and Jack. They are gentle yet playful. What they love most is a game of 'tag', swimming or playing ball with the neighborhood kids. Our house is always the hit of the neighborhood on Halloween as Shannie and Jack get dressed up in costumes and the kids bring dog treats to exchange for candy. Most people say that Shannie and Jack are quite spoiled, but we consider them to be "very loved".

Being pet-parents has given us the pleasures of knowing unconditional love, and the value of patience, which we believe are essential parenting skills.