Who Are You?
You know a lot about us! Now it’s your turn to introduce yourselves. You can tell us as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. Dave and I will totally enjoy “meeting” you! (Even if we already know you, feel free to introduce yourself.)
So, who are you????
Hi Dave, Lana, Lauren and Carmen. I’m Kara and live in upstate NY with my husband and three kids. Chloe and Hannah are bio and Dillon is adopted from Guatemala. I’m a funeral director and my husband is going to college to become a RN.
Best wishes,
Kara
http://www.hanksadoption.blogspot.com
ahhh i love this post!
well, my name is Juliana Mazali Vanzella, I’m 18, I’m from São João da Boa Vista (State of São Paulo – Brazil), I go to business/administration college (UNIFAE), I was born and raised here in São João, it’s a small town (=~ 80.000 inhabitants), I live with my parents, two older sisters, 3 dogs and a bird, I work as a trainee in a public intitution, I have no boyfriend ( =[ )…
I love photograph, biology, differente cultures, english, traveling, animals…in my free time I like to watch tv (sky) , spend time with my dogs, play in the computer and of course check my favorite blogs! =p
I plan go to the US as an Au Pair (2012) but this is just a plan I am not sure yet…oh yes and I admire you guys so much, you have changed my life!!! Thank you so much!!
kisses from Brazil
- Juliana
Well, you already know about me from Amelia’s website – mom of two beautiful girls, one with Tay-Sachs and going through a divorce. I grew up in the San Francisco bay area, and all of my family still lives here. We’re very close. My mom helps me all of the time with Amelia. My brother lives with me. I’m sort of a geek. I have a math degree from UC Berkeley. I worked as a pension administrator before I had kids, which is like an accountant for retirement plans. I’m always taking a class at one of the local junior colleges, because I love school. Right now I’m taking an online nutrition class. I’m thinking about getting my RN after Amelia passes. I know I want to work with sick kids, and the nursing aspect of caring for Amelia really fits my personality.
This is a good idea. I often wonder who the people that sign Amelia’s guestbook are and what they look like. I might steal your idea for Amelia’s caringbridge site.
I’m Allison, a friend of Rashmi’s through Baby Bargains. I am married have two boys, 5 and 19 months, and we live in Atlanta. I was an HR manager for about 13 years before quitting to stay at home with my oldest, which was intiutive since we ended up with tons of speech therapy appointments to go to. I always wondered how people with children with much more serious needs, like Carmen’s, manage–speech therapy required so much time in appointments, etc, that I’m not sure how I would have done it if I had to work. How do people manage this and keep their children healthy??? So, so difficult. Oh, and as Dave may have determined by my recs of Mother Theresa writings, I’m Catholic, although relatively new at it.
Hi, Boy to be 18 again…, Follow your dreams Juliana. I am 46 married to Renee 15 yrs, one son Isaaac, 14, 1 dog, 1 cat, 3 chickens. I was in the Marine Corps 4 years ‘82-’86 retired a corporal. In Case you don’t know there are no ex-Marines, once a Marine always a Marine. That is why Marines only retire. Little trivia
) . I worked in the H.V.A.C. field for about 16 years. I never had formal schooling but I was a Engi-tech at Honeywell writing software for building automation and over saw the installation as well as did the commissioning. That job required a lot of travel and was not worth the toll it took on my family so I took a job with a local mechanical contractor that kept me home more. May 4 2004 a condensate pump blew apart and I was burned from my head to my knees from steam and hot water. I received a brain injury so now I don’t work or drive. I used to be able to read and write complex programming algorithems but today I can not do a 2 part problem. I do not complain one bit. Today I pray for people, clean my house and help my older neighbors. I am very blessed to serve God and I will do it how ever he wants me. I hope this makes sense. God bless. In Christ, Joe
ps. Never feel sorry for me, come what may, I rest in my God, Jesus the Christ
Hi,
My name is Pam and I live in Iowa. My husband and I adopted a little girl from Guatemala. We brought her home in January 2008, right after she turned 1.
I am a member of the adoption.com Guatemala board and saw a posting from you. I have never written anything on the board but look at it often. I visited your website and it has become one of my favorites. Not just because you have adopted from Guatemala….I think that your family is very strong and supportive or each other, you seem to take every moment and make the most of it! I really enjoyed your theme night dinners with the girls, etc….I have learned a lot about the value of life from you guys. You have 2 beautiful daughters and I’m so happy that I ran into this site!
Good luck to your family on the changes you would like to make. I think about Carmen often and pray for her and your entire family.
Thanks,
Pam
Hello, My name is Kristian Johnston, I am 26 and I have 3 kids. I have a 6 year old little girl, Kaylee; a 2 year old little boy Kaiden, (who has Tay-Sachs), and a 9 month old little girl Layla.
I have lived in Louisiana my whole life, I moved away once and only lasted about 6 months, then I moved back to be with my family… I am extremely close to my Mom and Dad and my husband is my best friend.
I love to read and once I get started reading a book I usually end up finishing it in one or two days. I love movies, including the Disney ones…lol
And I think that this is a wonderful idea getting to know everyone that signs your guestbook a little better!!
Thank you for the opportunity to share!!
I check out your blog everyday. Praying for Carmen. I am a mother of 2 young boys in Longview Texas.
I am Ruth, husband to Chris, and mom of 2 kids – Samuel Christopher (6/21/06) & Addison Faith (1/21/08). We live in Hamtramck, MI & are part of the team of Real Church here.
becky married to dan 32 years mom to 3 and gigi to 3
love people’s stories and yours is no exception
Hi there! What a great idea!
I am Amy-married to Matt with a set of virtual twins-Olivia is 4 and Maya is also 4-just 4 months younger. Maya came into our hearts through adoption-she is Chinese. We live in the frigid-today RI and blog over at amyruggiero.wordpress.com. I love your blog and your family is in our prayers, always.
I am the ‘New York” grandmother of Lauren and Carmen. Mother of Dave and mother-in-love of Lana. God has blessed me with 4 birth children and 4 “love” children – i.e. spouses of my birth kids. The beauty of the last 4 kids is that I did not have to go through birth pains or their teen-age years!!
I am a grandmother to 6 other grand children other than Carmen and Lauren. They range in ages from 8 1/2 down to 5 months. They are, of course, the most beautiful, smart, and gifted grandchildren in the world!!!
I consider parenting and grandparenting a gift from God and find I can talk non-stop when it comes to talking about my kids/grandkids.
I am an educator and am looking forward to retirement, when I can grandparent semi-full-time. I hope to fit in some mission trips in between – something I have never done, but all my children have done. I also look forward to catching up on reading all the books I have purchased over the years. I would, also, love some book recommendations from Kristian and others on this blog.
I love being a World Vision sponsor and would love to travel to meet some of my “other” children some day.
I have been married to Doug for 38 1/2 years and he shares my love of all things children and grandchildren (We reserve our opinion on their dogs!! – just kidding). We count it a privilege to be available to babysit and help out when possible – and the summer vacation with the grandkids and NO PARENTS is our strongly held “right”
I LOVE how this site has allowed me to “meet” people from around the world. It thrills me to read a post from Juliana in South America (we’ll have to pray for a Godly boyfriend for you!), know someone like Joe is praying daily for my family, and hear stories from other families with adopted children! I love to hear how Sarah is taking what she has learned in difficult circumstances and is planning on using her knowledge and love to help others as a nurse (I think all you Tay Sachs moms and dads should have honorary doctor degrees). I can’t wait to meet some of you at the Tay Sachs conference in Boston.
Hey you guys! I’m Meghan from Atlanta. I found your blog via someone elses blog while i was blogstalking! I am 24 and still in college. I enjoy reading your stories a lot. I have an aunt who was born handicapped due to arsenic poisoning during pregnancy. both my grandmother and aunt almost died. While that isnt the same thing as Tay-Sachs i feel a kinship to anyone who cares for a child or adult even with special needs. I especially love hearing stories about Lauren, she cracks me up! Having Carmen in your family is going to help shape Lauren in so many ways. Having my aunt in my family definitely makes me see things differently out in the “real world”. Anywho, I’m enjoying hearing about you guys!!! Keep up the good work, God’s got something big for you guys I can feel it.
I will, Joe, thank you!
Oh and thank you so much New York Grandma! hahaha
I feel really happy to be able to talk to people like you too! ^-^
Hi! I’m a single mom to one (Gregor, 2.5 years old), and am in the process of adopting a second (just waiting for that phone call!). We live in Minnesota, where I work as a police officer. I found your blog when I was researching adoption…been following your family ever since!
My son was born very premature and has had some minor health problems as a result. When I’m going from medical appointment to medical appointment and feel overwhelmed, I stop and say a prayer for you. Just hoping to have at least of tiny fraction of your patience and love!
Lauren,
My little guy wears glasses too! Except he likes to throw his, just to see how far they go before landing. He thinks it’s funny, I think it’s frustrating! Hopefully someday we will come to an agreement on this:)
Hi Guys! I’m Shannon and I found your blog thru Heather Whittaker’s blog. I absolutely fell in love with your family when I read your adoption story, and have been here ever since. I live with my husband and our 5 year old son in Fresno, California. We are sturggling with infertility right now. During such a frusterating time in my life, I find comfort in your blog. I wish I had half the patience and faith that you and Dave have.
Hi,
I’m Debbie. I am a single mother of two amazing little girls from Guatemala. We live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I found your website while reading a post on the Guat forums. I felt such a connection as Carmen looks so much like my three year old.
I work full time and all my free time is spent yelling…..just kidding!……..is spent loving my girls. We like take walks, play at the park, feed the ducks at the park, swim, hike, garden, shop, bake cookies, and visit with friends and family.
We pray for your family every day. Over this past weekend, my three year old drew a picture for Carmen. She said it was of her and Carmen playing at the park. It was so sweet. It was just a bunch of circles and scribbles, but if you look really hard, you can see Carmen in the swing.
Thank you for sharing your family with us.
In our prayers,
Debbie
Hi, I’m the Texas Grandma. I live in Lufkin about 2 hours north of Houston. Like the other Grandma I have a daughter (Lana) and then three sons. I have one other grandchild, Nicholas, who is 7 and lives 20 miles away. I love being a mother and a grandmother and really miss getting to be with Lana and her family more.
I went back to college 3 weeks after Lana’s wedding and got my master’s in psychology. I worked at a prison for the mentally ill for almost 6 years, a state hospital for 2, and now at a state school with profoundly mentally retarded adults since July, ‘08.
I just bought a house and had two of my sons move back home. Jay is 30 and needed some time at home to make career changes. Micah is 18 and in junior college. Next year he may go to University of Texas at Dallas. Another son Kevin also lives in Lufkin.
I also love to read. My favorite fiction writer is George MacDonald. I also love non-fiction writers Andrew Murray, Miles J. Stanford, and because of Dave, Andy Stanley especially “Fields of Gold.” I love spending time with my kids and playing games and garage saling with my sisters (all 5).
The most important thing to me is growing ever closer to Christ and watching the beauty of His love, wisdom, power, and other attributes in all the circumstances of my life and the lives of others. I’m currently reading Ian Thomas’ “If I Perish, I Perish” which is a beautiful explanation of the victorious Christian life based on the book of Esther.
Thanks everyone for sharing on this blog. It is wonderful to be able to get to know you better. And thanks for your love and care for Dave, Lana, Lauren, and Carmen.
Love, Charlotte
Hi, my name is Teri and I live in Missouri with my beautiful daughter Mia who was adopted from Guatemala in 2005. We spend our days working (well…me anyway) and then going to either gymnastics practice or taekwondo practice. We are also planning a birthday party because Mia turns 4 in a week and a half!!! She is very excited.
CONGRATS Carmen for reaching your 2 1/2 year birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m married to Dave’s younger brother Steve. We live in a log cabin in (COLD) Massachusetts. We have a 5 month old son named Nathan who brings us joy every day. We have a needy but loving dog named Skittles that NY Grandma and Grandpa are taking care of right now (and I am ever so grateful to be living “bark free” during this busy time!)
We love knowing what’s going on through the blog as we keep you in prayer. Thanks for sharing your lives in this way!
I’m Kim, married to Jay, mom to Alex (2 1/2 – born in Guatemala). My husband works in politics and I work as an Account Manager for a Human Resource Consulting Firm. I’m also on the a.com forum.
Hi y’all,
I’m Dawn from Covington, Louisiana. I live here with my husband, Kevin, and daughter, Madelyn, who came home from Guatemala in December 2007. I’m currently a stay at home mom, although before Madelyn came home I was a Parole Officer in New Orleans for 13 years. Kevin and I are currently in process to adopt a boy from Russia and we’re trying to decide where to go for our next daughter (Russia, Taiwan and Ethiopia are in the running….oh and of course Guatemala if it opens back up). I’m dawnb93 on the a.com forum, Dawn Anderson on Facebook, and our blog is http://journeytomadelyn.blogspot.com.
Hi! I’m Sarah and I found you through Rashmi. She did my maternity, newborn and 1 yr old pics for us. I live in Manassas, VA and have one son, Max, who just turned 17 months old. My husband is a United Methodist pastor. Prior to having Max and being a stay-at-home mom, I was a special education teacher in Prince William County for 7 years. I taught teens with autism for 4 of those years and I loved it. One of my jobs was supposed to be to design programs for the kids to fit into society better. I had a really hard time with that because I loved them the way they were and felt like some of the things we were supposed to work on were what made them “them”. I didn’t WANT them to lose their quirky-ness!
In my first year with these students, one of my kids (students) had an accident and died. I had the most vivid dream of him soon after in which I saw him as he was in heaven – perfect and whole. It was so amazing to me because I could never imagine what he would be like without his disability, but in that dream I did. Even now it gives me chills.
So that’s me! Thanks for asking! Thanks for your site. I always look forward to seeing what’s new with you all. Thanks for being willing to share your valleys as well as peaks with us. Sarah
Hi! You brought me out of my lurking status on this one. My name is Sue and I live in South Carolina with my husband Nate, our daughter Ella (2 years old), and our son Evan (18 months old). We adopted both of our children from Guatemala. I am a stay at home mom (formerly an elementary school teacher) and my husband is a doctor. We have been following your journey from the very beginning on a.com and keep you all in our prayers on a daily basis.
Hi Guys,
We ‘met’ through Adoption.com forum through mutual friends. I too have a daughter we adopted from Guatemala. She is 3 years old. I also have 2 sons here on earth(10 and 14) and one very special son, Blake, in Heaven. Blake dealt with many of the things Carmen is dealing with just with a different diagnosis. My heart goes out to you as I know the challenges and the heartache you face each day. I also know and understand the complete JOY that Carmen brings to you.
I stay at home with my kiddos and love being a stay at home mom. It’s a busy life, but rewarding. We live east of Seattle and are enjoying some cold/sunny weather.
I love reading your blog. I am inspired and care for Carmen and her well being. My prayers are with you.
~Denise
Thanks for this invitation. I’m Betty from Sprout Brook, which is located in very very rural upstate NY. Where my home sits there is no cell phone service, no cable, no dsl internet connection. I have to drive a few miles from my house to use the cell, have a satellite dish for TV and one for internet. And, the view is outlandishly gorgeous. The coyotes howl at night, the squirrels and rabbits and blue birds lurk and swoop around the windows. Last summer a bobcat strolled across my lawn in front of my livingroom window which looks out to the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. The back of my house leads to the Mohawk River and the Adirondack Mountains. It’s God’s country and I’m so blessed. This is the second I’ve ever lived in. My husband built it when we were married in 1970. He was a dairy farmer on the land all around our house. He died in a farming accident 24 years ago when our kids were 12 (Carrie), 8 (Michael) and 5 (Jim). That’s when God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit made the calls and I’ve been growing and growing with them ever since. My daughter and her wonderful husband have a son (James Michael 8-1/2) and my son, Michael and his glorious wife have two daughters (Annalese 3 and Sophia almost 8 mos). Jim is marrying a terrific Texas girl in Austin this coming March. I’m a blessed child of God and worship Jesus more and more everyday. I work at the school that NY Grandma works at. And, recently found out that my husband and I were married one week before NY Grandma and Grandpa. Good friends and sister and brother in Christ. For a secluded country woman, I’ve been surprised by my trips to Florida, Texas, Midwest, New England and even Israel. And, it’s always delightful to come back to this home-away-from-home. I truly look forward to going to the One True Home when my work here is finished. Hallelujah!!
Thank you sincerely, Dave and Lana, for this tremendous forum to share our lives together and with you. I’ve read every word posted here and every message you’ve sent previously and look forward to each new entry. Lauren and Carmen are such important parts of our daily existence. And, you are the inspirations to ignite us all. God’s Blessings and Joy and Peace to you.
Thanks everyone! It is great to “meet” you. We enjoyed reading your stories and learning more about you!
Now I feel like I need to write something profound rather than my daily fluff!
Anyone else who would like to introduce yourself, please do so!
I didn’t realize so many parents who have adopted read our blog. That means a lot to me. You guys are the ones who understand all that we went through to get Carmen- the paperwork, wait, the excitement, the frustration, the fear, the joy, etc.
P.S. Sarah M, we lived in Manassas for a few years. We LOVED Tony’s New York Pizza. Totally yummy vegetable pizza (my favorite) and cheese pizza (Dave’s favorite). We haven’t found a pizza place here that we like as much as Tony’s! http://www.tonysnewyorkpizza.com/
There was also a really neat tea shop downtown where NY Grandma, TX Grandma and I went for tea and sandwiches.
I am Elaine. I am a member of adoption.com although my husband and I decided not to adopt since we are over 50. Collectively we have 3 grown children all in their 30’s with grandchildren.
We live in NE Ga and go to a very small holiness church.
I have to say reading your blog daily truely inspires me. To see the faith you guys have is truely amazing. The love you have for God and your children! wow! May God continue to hold you stedfast. Love in Christ…Elaine
Hi!
I am Rebecca, wife of RJ, and Mom to 4 children through int. adoption. Gannon and Ruthie were born in Guatemala and we most recently adopted 2 yr old twin boys, Andrew and Peter, from Ghana.
I stumbled upon your blog some time ago and I was struck by the resemblance of Carmen and Ruthie. I have never seen another Guatemalan little girl that looks so much like Ruthie. Both of your girls are beautiful.
I love your blog and we are praying for you.
Rebecca
http://www.ourhappysong.blogspot.com
http://www.weavingfamilies.com
I was Lana’s roommate for the first couple of weeks in college. The school matched us and later we discovered what a good job they did as we became the kind of friends who can go a long time without seeing each other, then talk like it was yesterday when we do. I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in their wedding too!
I have two children and am a stay at home mom in Ohio. My husband is the avionics manager at our local airport. We are currently looking for a new house with more land (we have 1/8th of an acre right now) so our kids can play outside easier. I like to blog and read other’s blogs, but find both difficult to do more than once a week with two kiddos. We’re very active in our starter church (it’s Mennonite). I sew and I pray, often at the same time. I’m praying for your precious family and am thankful to know you. Love, love, love, Becca
I’m Carrie. Single-mom to the best kiddo in the world, Bella, 2, who came home from Guatemala in March 2008. I came across your site via adoption.com and have found your family an inspiration. You are so strong and wise, I learn a lot from you guys. Bella and I live in Montgomery Village, which, I believe, is not too far from you! I am thankful everyday for Bella- she and all of these children are a true blessing from God! Take care!
I’m Julie (Spanish teacher), married for 12 1/2 years to Dan (Scary Government Guy) and our two children Libby & Derek were adopted from Guatemala. They give us so much joy, it’s just crazy!
Found you through the a.com forum and I really, really enjoy how you put your spiritual lives out there. Since we moved, we decided to find OUR church (rather than the one my inlaws would have us go to) and we’re still looking…:) Your posts are inspiring and just plain real. LOVE THAT!
Hello! You do not know but I found your blog through Whitaker Woman’s blog.
I am from Michigan but moved to Raleigh, NC 7 years ago. I met my wonderful husband and we have been married 4 years in July. I am mom to a 15 month old little boy and we have another precious little boy on the way – due June 27th. I am a part time 2nd grade teacher and teach in the mornings and then stay home with my son in the afternoons. I enjoy reading your blogs. I have cried, laughed, and smiled at your posts. You remind me to keep life in perspective and you remind me to pray for others. I read every post and each time I do it reminds me to pray for your family and others and not just always think about myself in this world that can be so “self-centered”. I especially love the post about “what is normal” and have gone back to read that post often. It directly speaks to me in so many ways. Thanks for blogging and being so open and raw with your ups, downs, and love for Christ.
Becca,
Oh my gosh. Yep, I consider that dumb decision of mine to be the dumbest decision I ever made. Thanks for being vague as to the specifics! I’m so glad we are friends!
Sarah M. I am United Methodist P.K., and my husband, Jerry, a very gifted songwriter, and we have a Music Ministry. My parents are both retired U.M. Ministers.
I’ve already talked a lot recently about myself, but I do tend to run on, so I’ll just continue.
I just read through all of the posts, and was extremely touched and inspired. God is using this site in a HUGE way, and I pray for a wonderful future for Dave and Lana and the girls!
I am in my late 40’s and I feel 30. I have 3 sons in college, an 11 year old daughter, and a daughter who is in heaven. My oldest son, Glen, is graduating from Harvard’s Divinity School with his Masters in June, and plans to go on to law school. He’s been accepted to Duke, NYU and Columbia, and is waiting to hear from Harvard and Yale. Glen is married to beautiful Lara. They were childhood sweethearts and went off to college together. Noah is a junior at the Music Conservatory at Baldwin Wallace in Cleveland, and Cory is an undecided Freshman at BW. Glen & Lara also did their undergrad there. My daughter, Abby, died at 3 weeks old and is with Jesus. My daughter, Lori Teh, is my precious 11 year old, in the 6th grade.
Jerry is my best friend, and we love to perform our music together, or just jam with friends. I play the cello and love to perform in local high school musicals throughout the year. You may visit our web-site, which we’ll be updating very soon at: http://www.jerryandsandirectenwald.com
I am a teacher and a proud Mom. My children have all had life-threatening illnesses or conditions, and all of them are currently healthy! I am pretty good at taking one-day-at-a-time, and thank God for our health!
Because of the loss of our daughter, and Jerry’s two nephews and one niece, teenagers, being killed in a car accident a number of years ago, we feel that God has called us to minister to folks who have lost a child. We have 2 very special memorial songs which Jerry wrote and have been used extensively by God to minister to those who have suffered a loss.
I am in awe over the whole adoption process. I can’t imagine what it must be like to wait for your child with such hope and fear and yearning… Wow!
We live in a lovely valley surrounded by old hemlocks and a creek in the middle of Western PA. The property we live on has been in my family for over 80 years. My parents live here in a house attached to ours, and we are so very blessed to have this living arrangement with them. My grandfather named our home “Sleepy Hollow”. I thank the Lord everyday for my home.
Okay that’s enough, thanks for listening!
God Bless All of You!
Sandi Rectenwald
Hi, Dave and Lana! This is Michelle…we were fortunate enough to meet in Guatemala in December 2006. Our family has grown since then, we now have 3…Emma (6), Michael (2), and Anna (1). Emma still talks about going to the zoo with Lauren…she had a blast!
I read your blog daily and continue to pray for each of you. Take care.
My name is Karen and I live walking distance from Dave and Lana. I have 3 children Ted (31), TJ (4) and Andrew (1). I am currently snowed in so my kids are bouncing off the walls! It took me almost 45 minutes to dress my kids today so they can go outside to play for 15 minutes. I can’t wait to drop by your house unannounced.
I’m Kelley, 41, married to Craig almost 21 years, three kids, Zack 18, Alex 14 and Castle who is 4. We adopted Castle through a private, open domestic adoption at birth but she is 1/2 Fillippano. I found out about your website from the adoption forum at adoption.com and have been following you from the beginning. I live in Nashville, Tn.
Hi Dave, Lana, Lauren and Carmen, my name is Suzanne (35) and I live in Southern California with my Husband Jayme(34) and our 4 beautiful children, Paris (8), Roc (6 1/2), Rex (2 1/2) and Faith (20 months). Our youngest daughter, Faith, was adopted from Guatemala. She arrived home April 2007. Little to our knowledge we found out she has some special needs. Right now they are dx her as developmentally delayed. She has hyptonia and sensory processing disorder. She can’t crawl, walk or talk. Her progress since we have been home has been great, but slow.
My twin sister has a 3 yr old child that suffered a Near-drowning 1 1/2 years ago. He has significant brain damage and progress is slow. I tell you this because my sister Julie and Lana are probabaly the strongest woman I have even come in contact with.
You have an amazing family. My thoughts and prayers are always with you guys. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us in blog land
Hi everyone!
Lana was the last apartment-mate I had before I graduated from college.
I have always thought it was kind of funny that she married Dave from upstate NY (where my hometown is) and I married someone from (and now live in) Texas!
My husband and I have two kids – Wyatt is 6 and Lydia is 3. We are looking forward to the arrival of our third child in May. I am a “stay-at-home” mom, although it doesn’t seem as though we stay home much. Before Lydia was born, I was a design engineer for 8 years.
Thanks, Dave and Lana, for sharing your story with the rest of us.
Hi, I’m Ruth Koltonski, you could probably guess-I’m married to a polish man-Michael. Our daughter, Emily passed away from Sandhoff disease seven months ago. I work in home care as an RN (for almost 10 years now), my husband is an engineer in the technology industry (with the economy we’re thankful we can still say that). We miss our little girl every day, she was the most incredible person we’ve ever known, we’re grateful every day for the time we had with Emily. We do plan to have more children (through adoption and invitro w/ genetic screening), Emily would have loved to have a sibling around-she loved kids so much, but now she’s free to play with all the Angels in heaven, I’m sure loving every minute of it.
You take great pictures-even Lauren’s are very good-photography must be a family gift. Thanks for sharing your story. -Ruth
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/AngelEmilysJourney
Hi again. My name is Rikki, I am a mother to 3 teenagers, Kristina 16, Michael 15 and Johnathan 13. I have been married to my husband Marc for 15 years now.
I am a licensed practical nurse at a local hospital and am planning on returning to school to become a registered nurse in the next 2 years. I don’t recall how I came upon your site but I think it may have been through Lillies site before she passed. I have a friend who has a daughter with canavans disease and until I started reading her care page, I was really quite unaware of just how many children are living with (and dying from) these horrible diseases. I have always loved children and am interested in going into pediatric nursing when I finish school.
Getting to know your family through this site has been a blessing and I thank you for letting me (and others) in. God Bless. Rikki.
Hi Lane, Dave, Lauren and Carmen,
I am Ms. Judi on a.com and I adopted my angel Elaina in December 2006. I have been following your blog and we pray for all of you every night. Your words are so touching and the honesty of all you are going through is inspiring. I am amazd by your strength and your FAITH!!! the video Dave made of Carmen is just incredible. I cry every time I watch it. Lauren and Carmen are so blessed to have such wonderful parents. Your pictures of your sweet girls are just beautiful!!! I am an early childhood educator and I live in Kansas City.
Hugs, Judi and Elaina
Hi guys,
I am Magen, married to Tony we live in Wisconsin with our two little boys who we adopted from Guatemala. We are hoping to start a foster to adopt situation very soon. Check out our blog. http://www.mommyto2guatboys.blogspot.com
I am so thankful for the number of people who say that they are praying for you daily. What a blessing that is! It reminds me of our past pastor’s family. His father, Willard Aldrich (who I just found out turned 100 on 1-4-09), was asked once to what he attributed the way all his children turned out so well. He said that when his wife was killed in a car accident he got letters and calls from people all over the world saying they would pray for him and his children daily. He said that he believed all those prayers were what caused all his children to turn out the way they did. By the way, his 3 sons are ministers and his 6 daughters are married to ministers.
Hello!! My name is Brittany and I am 25 years old. I was born in Fresno, CA and lived there until about age 18. Then I moved to San Luis Obispo, CA for college. I went to San Francisco, CA to visit a girlfriend in 2006 and that is where I met my fabulous husband Aaron. I have a 4 year old Step son named Christian, who is so funny! He cracks me up everytime I see him. It was a transition for me to go from college student to wife & step mom so quickly. I think I am finally starting to get the hang of it. I love to scrapbook and read, although I dont find much time for either. I have a dead end job, that I hate, but at the same time feel grateful for considering todays economy. Well enough about me!!
Hope this helps!!
Hi Lana & family,
I’m Melanie from BBB. I’ve been following your family’s story since you shared with us the journey that Carmen was taking. You are an amazing family and have strength & Faith that I can only aspire to have 1/10th of.
–melanie
[...] you for introducing yourselves on http://www.beautifulcanvas.org/2009/01/who-are-you-2/. We loved reading your stories! It means a lot to us that so many are following Carmen’s [...]
I have been following your blog for quite a while. We have 2 kids from Guatemala and I saw you on a.com at least a year ago. I love to read about your amazing journey and the ways God has blessed you – and I pray for you all often. You have inspired me on so many occasions to stop and enjoy the gifts that these children are in our lives.
And to introduce myself we live in Columbus Ohio and our children are Elena (3) and Brandon (2).
Hi, I live in New Zealand and my daughter Brooke had Sandhoff disease. She passed away 12th of March 2008 3 days before her 2nd birthday. We don’t know anyone else in NZ with sandhoff disease and everyone from NTSAD and caringbridge has been the best support. I have an 8yr old son Riorden and we live in the country with some sheep and calves. We are travelling to the conference this year, I am so sad we won’t get to meet you. I check up on Carmen every now and then, she is so cute!
Hello,
Well, you all ready know me. I have been thinking of you guys often. Carmen is such a beautiful little girl and I loved holding her at the NTSAD conference in Tampa. I am sorry to hear that she is really sick. I will definitly keep her in my prayers, as well as the whole family. I am sad to hear that you will not be able to make the conference this year. I would have loved to have seen you again. I will keep checking back to make sure Carmen is staying strong. Take care. Love, Lisa (Gabby’s Mom)
Hello to your beautiful family!
I have been watching your blog regularly after I heard your story on the adoption.com Guatemala forum.
We have two children from Guatemala: Jacob (age 7) & Celeste (age 3).
I’m sure God is smiling as He watches you care and love Carmen. He sure picked the perfect parents for her (and for sweet Lauren)!! Your family is an inspiration!
I will continue to pray for all of you.
Cindy
Waiting4Celeste on a.com
Following your blog and praying for you family.
We live in Chattanooga, TN. We have 6 children, 3 biological, 2 through domestic adoption, and 1 Guatemalan adoption.
Both of your girls are so beautiful and you are a fantastic mother. I enjoy reading about your family and am honored to join you in prayer.
Tammy(momtojabe on a.com)
Hey! I know you from the board.
I’m AngelaS there.
[...] you for introducing yourselves on http://www.beautifulcanvas.org/2009/01/who-are-you-2/. We loved reading your stories! It means a lot to us that so many are following Carmen’s [...]