Adoption: A Dream To Come True

Eternal Family

2009-12-08T13:46:00.003-07:00

We have adopted our first baby: Gracie

2009-06-07T20:36:00.004-06:00

Born June 1st 2009

A Little About Us!

2009-02-24T10:17:00.006-07:00

We went to high school together and graduated in 2002, yet we didn’t know each other. It wasn’t until a week after Blake returned home in May 2006 from an LDS mission that we were introduced on a blind date. Things went very quickly from there and we were married in September that same year. Amanda had been going to Utah State University for 3 years majoring in Interior Design before we got married, so Blake moved to Logan so Amanda could finish school; at least that was the plan. After less than a semester we decided the drive was too far away from our families so we made the move back to where we grew up. We love being near our families and being able to attend all of the family get-togethers. Where we live now is a 30 minute drive or less to our parents, brothers and sisters. We see them often and get to be a part of our many nieces and nephews lives.

We wanted children right when we got married. After nearly 3 years of trying with no success we found out we can’t have children. Our thoughts and hearts immediately turned to adoption. We have always wanted to adopt, so we were thrilled to know that’s how we would build our eternal family.

We are close with every member of our families. Blake loves Amanda’s family and Amanda adores Blake’s family. Blake’s family loves golfing and being outdoors while Amanda’s family loves the comfort of home and watching old movies. We travel with Blake’s family to Park City often for getaways, his parents own a timeshare there. We try to go to Michigan with Amanda’s family as often as we can since Amanda’s dad is from there. We have family in Michigan and Idaho so those are places we visit as regularly as we can.

Both of our families are extremely supportive of us adopting. Our children will be surrounded by cousins and other loved-ones who will help teach them and share their love with them.

Amanda’s aunt and uncle adopted 2 children through LDS Family Services and we see how it has blessed their lives. Their children get along well, even look alike, and add so much to the lives of their parents. Another aunt and uncle to Amanda had adopted 2 children from Africa. She remembers helping them raise money to bring them to America. It stood out to Amanda how the whole family was so supportive of the adoptions.

Blake

2009-01-18T17:42:00.009-07:00

Age: 28
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Height: 5'11"
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hobbies: Playing sports, hunting, shooting, golfing, snowboarding, watching sports, camping

Favorites: Blue, Orange, Green, Black, Grey, Mexican food, movies of any kind, Cheetos, sweets
Education: High School
Job: Zagg Inc

Amanda

2009-01-18T17:34:00.008-07:00

Age: 28
Ethnicity: Cacasian
Height: 5'4"
Hair Color: Naturally light brown- but I change it a lot.
Eye Color: Blue
Hobbies: Crafts, scrapbooking, decorating, cooking, baking, sewing, writing, blogging
Favorites: Green, Mexican food, comedies and romantic comedies, vacations

Education: High School. Then 3.5 years at Utah State University. First year's major- Journalism~ then switched to Interior Design and minoring in Art

Job: Homemaker and Wife

Junior

2009-01-18T17:20:00.012-07:00

Age: 3 RIP

Ethnicity: Miniature Dachshund

Height: Very Short

Hair Color: Black and Brown

Eye Color: Dark Brown

Hobbies: Chewing bones, sneaking people food, running around, licking

Favorites: Red (assuming), his toys, his sister Lilly, having his neck kissed

Education: He has learned to sit, stay, roll over, play dead, lay and stand

Job: Keeping us company and giving unconditional love

Amanda- In Blake's Words

2009-01-18T17:14:00.006-07:00

There is no better way to describe my wife then pure love. Our time together has been more than I could ever ask for, and I owe it all to her. I can completely be myself around her, whether I am being a complete dork, or a tired and boring man, her love for me never changes. No matter how bored she gets with my sports watching, she still comes home and lets me know what channel my favorite teams are on and when they start. This may not sound like anything big to some, but it shows to me that I mean the world to her and she wants more than anything else to make me happy. This is in her nature, it is who she is. She strives with all her strength to share her love with everyone, and she does an amazing job at it. There is not a person that knows Amanda that has not put a smile on their face when she was around. She can make anyone smile and laugh, whether it is because of her cute sense of humor and personality or because of the pure love of Christ that shines through her. She will cheer up your day, especially mine. I know that when she holds her future children that they will be held with this pure love. I also know that those children will feel that love and reach for it. They will do all they can to be near her. Just like our little puppy Junior. He will stop at nothing to get into her arms. He will fall asleep in her arms just like a little baby. And at night no matter how hard I try to keep him on my side of the bed, he always finds a way to squirm over to her. This is all because of her amazing motherly love; you just can’t help but to feel comfort and warmth in her arms. I love my wife with all of my heart and I am grateful for her in my life. Nothing will make me happier then to see our future children in the arms of an angel, my beautiful wife Amanda.

Blake- In Amanda's Words

2009-01-18T16:35:00.007-07:00

Blake is a kid at heart. He loves to be active. He loves hunting, snowboarding, golfing, playing basketball and softball. He also loves an occasional video game. Blake is a big movie going fan. One thing that he and I like to do together when we can is go to a movie at the theater. Blake is great with his nieces and nephews. They love playing with him and he loves playing with them right back. Watching him interact with them I see he is going to be a great dad. He is loving and fun and full of energy. However, he also knows how to be firm. He protects what is sacred to him which is family and the gospel. He is a great teacher. He will teach his children well and raise them the best he knows how. I know Blake loves me. Not only does he say it often, he treats me well too. He keeps me safe. Blake is known to take my hand and lead me in a dance. Whether we be in the living room, kitchen or at the park he’ll sneak in a slow dance. Blake is a leader. He is a great speaker and a loyal friend. I notice people flock to Blake. He is great at making friends and great at keeping them too. I admire him in many ways. The way he can speak to others, his animated way of telling stories and being a loyal friend. Blake is my best friend. I trust, love and honor him.