We are hoping to adopt!

We have created this blog in hopes of spreading the word that we want to adopt. We have tried for nearly two years to get pregnant with no success. After months, money, and tears we have counseled with each other and the Lord and we have come to the conclusion that adoption will be the miracle to add to our family. We are both very excited about adoption, and are looking forward to the day when we can bless the life of another and have our lives blessed as well.

Amanda Kate’s thoughts:

I have wanted to be a mom my whole life. I used to spend hours rocking my baby dolls to sleep every night. This might be a little embarrassing to admit, but I didn’t stop rocking my baby dolls to sleep until I was about sixteen. Then would share my small twin sized bed with nine dolls. I longed to be a mother. I love children so much. I dream of being a mother who will raise kids to be strong in the church and in life. I chose a career that would let me be home with my children as much as possible if I had to work. I worked hard in school and in life so I would be a good mother and wife.

I met Steve during my junior year of college. We dated and fell in love. There are so many things that I absolutely love about Steve, but one of the big reasons I wanted to marry him is because I knew that he would make an awesome father, one who would be dependable, responsible, strong, playful, and loving. I love watching him play with his nieces and nephews. We both were excited to start adding to our family soon after we were married. When it became obvious that I could not become pregnant, my lifelong dream seemed shattered. The hurt went so deep. I relied on the Lord and Steve. Through Steve’s positive attitude and the Lord’s guidance we started seeing several doctors. Months rolled by and still no hope.

We started looking at all of our options to become pregnant, but none seemed hopeful or right. Adoption at this point had never really crossed my mind. Our loving Bishop called me into his office and asked how I was doing. After listening to my troubles and tears the Bishop gave me some loving words and counsel. Then he asked me about how I felt about adoption. He told me that women like me are put in this world to care for babies from moms who are not able to care for them the way they would like to. I don’t remember what I said to him, I just remember this burning happy feeling inside. A feeling of hope, of peace, of love, of an answer! It just felt right! I raced to tell Steve about how I felt. And here we are 4 months later starting the adoption process!

We can’t process our papers until August 1st, because we have to be married for 2 years. Our plan is to turn all of our papers in on that date. We are so excited! We are starting to spread the word of our hoping to adopt even before our papers are processed because they say the best chance of being placed with a child is word of mouth. Although it is difficult for us to “advertise” ourselves, we are willing to go outside our comfort zone to be blessed with a child of God.

Steve's thoughts:

My hero is my father Jerry Calley. He raised me in such a loving way that I, too, want to raise children and love them as he loved me. Many times my dad has helped me in my life, and whenever I asked him what I could do to pay him back, he would respond by saying, "Just make sure you help and love your children someday."

However, my wife and I have had a hard time having children ourselves so we are choosing to adopt, which brings us much hope and joy! I look forward to the day when I can help and love my children as my father loved me. My hope and prayer is to become the wonderful "daddy" I know I can be, because of my father's wonderful example to me. I am excited to be a dad!