Families Supporting Adoption American Fork, Utah

Meet Matt and Crystal

2011-04-06T15:25:00.006-06:00

Our adoption story is not your typical one, but really what adoption is. We knew before we got married that we would be building our family through adoption, we just didn't know when we would be building our family. We prayed for years about if it was time to start the process but the answer was always not yet. That all changed in February of 2005.

About a week after deciding it was time to get things started we received a call from Matt's Mom. She had gotten a call from her brother about his daughter, who was pregnant and due to some life choices was not going to be able to raise the baby. They knew that Matt and I had always wanted to adopt and were wondering if we would be willing to adopt this beautiful little girl who was due soon...very very soon.

After calling Crystal's parents and chatting about things we decided we wanted a week to pray about it. We didn't need a week. The following day we started calling our family to let them know that we would be adopting a little girl in a couple of weeks.

We hadn't talked to any agency and knew nothing about open adoptions and the few adoption situations we did know about were closed adoptions with no contact. With our daughter's (Samantha) birth family already being family, and the fact that she is the youngest of 4 children, we didn't want anything to be awkward, but we knew we wanted to keep the family relationship that was already there. We don't get to see Sam's birth mother very often due to her life choices, but we have a very open relationship with the rest of her family, we have never met Sam's birth father or anyone from his family.

We love to talk about our adoption story and how this time around we feel like both first timers, as we didn't have paperwork or an agency with Sam's adoption, and second timers.

We would love to help with questions about: Kinship adoptions- when you are related to the birth family

When your child's birth parents have other children and how to maintain a relationship with those children

What if your open adoption relationship is with the extended birth family instead of just the birth parents.

Matt and Crystal

Email us at mattandcrystal@rocketmail.com

Adoption Tax Credit

2011-01-20T15:13:00.002-07:00

Two Sides of the Same Story

2011-01-12T14:21:00.002-07:00

Enjoy this great story about an adoptee who recently reconnected with her birthfather.

It can be found at this link http://birthmothers4adoption.blogspot.com/2010/08/two-sides-of-same-story.html

Retreat for Adoptive Couples

2011-01-12T14:12:00.002-07:00

One of our amazing birthmoms puts together an adoptive couple retreat for couples involved in adoption coming up shortly.

March 18-19th
$40 a couple
Orem, UT

Check out http://www.retreatforadoptivecouples.blogspot.com/ for more information.

January Chat Night

2011-01-06T23:55:00.001-07:00

FSA Chat Night

Thursday, January 13th

7:30 pm @ the Agency

Does your profile need revamping? Could you improve your finding ideas? Would your extended family benefit from some education about adoption?Celebrate the new year by setting adoption goals!

Join us to discuss ways to improve and grow in your adoption journey throughout 2011!

Adoption Presentation Volunteers

2010-12-31T09:32:00.001-07:00

Do you love promoting adoption? Do you enjoy speaking to teenagers? Are you looking for a way to be finding rather than waiting for your baby? Do you like telling your adoption story?

We are still in need of volunteers willing to speak to students about adoption.
It’s a fun way to positively promote adoption.
If you’d be willing to help or if you’d like to know more, please send Alisa an email at hoping4.1more@gmail.com.

Meet Jeremy and Melissa

2010-12-11T15:15:00.004-07:00

Hi, our adoption story is uniquely ours and we’re grateful to share it with you and wish you the best in your adoption pursuits. We are a family of four with our 4-year-old son Boston, and our 1-year-old daughter Ashlynne.

Our son, Boston, was 7.5 weeks old when his birthmother placed with us. Because Boston was already born and living with the birth mother, the adoption process was about 2 weeks from the first phone call to placement day, which was just what we needed after several failed adoptions. Boston was placed at his birth grandparents’ home in Colorado. It was a powerfully emotional day that we’ll treasure forever. The birth family was amazingly strong and knew they were making the right decision for Boston.

We love Boston’s birth family and keep in regular contact with them via visits to Colorado, Facebook, a regularly updated blog, email, phone and mailed pictures and gifts. We expect a long relationship with the birth mother and her family.

Ashlynne’s adoption story is entirely opposite of Boston’s. We met Ashlynne’s birth mother through itsaboutlove.org, when Ashlynne’s birth mother was barely four-months pregnant. The birth mother found us on the website, sent us an email and everything clicked into place. The birth mother and I became emailing buddies. We scheduled a “formal” face-to-face at the agency a few weeks from the first email; and then had two more “informal” face-to-face visits on our own after that. When the birth mother was five-and-half months along, she officially notified us that she had chosen us has her adopted couple. Placement occurred at the hospital 2 days after Ashlynne’s birth and was amazing; no words to describe it.

Since placement we’ve had consistent and regular visits with the birth family. Because they live here locally, we usually see them at least once a month. They are an extension to our family and we exchange gifts, letters, email, Facebook and access to our family blog.

We also have a relationship with Ashlynne’s birth father. His visits are less often, but we enjoy having him in our lives and appreciate his support in the adoption.

We look forward to helping you with any questions you may need. Particularly in regarding:
· Birth father relationships
· Open Adoptions
· Post-placement Out-of-state Visits
· Failed Adoptions

You may contact us at jeremymelissa123@gmail.com. Thanks for reading.
Sincerely,
Jeremy, Melissa, Boston & Ashlynne

Meet Dan and Alisa

2010-12-05T13:08:00.004-07:00

We are Dan and Alisa, and we have two little girls (our oldest will be three in March). We learned about Anna from our caseworker when he came to update our home study. He told us that Anna was due to arrive in seven weeks and that her birth mom wanted a closed adoption.

After all the training on open adoption, we were a little surprised, but, at the time, it felt right for our family. Originally Anna’s birth mom didn’t want us to know even her name. When Anna was born, her birth grandparents asked to meet us at placement, and by then, her birth mom had decided that she wanted to be the one to place Anna in our arms. We got to talk to her for just a few moments.

At the time of placement, the caseworkers asked Anna’s birth mom if she wanted any letters or contact from us. She said she’d like some photos when Anna was a year old, but nothing before then. So once a year we send photos to her through the agencies. Anna was born in Utah and placed with us here, but her birth mom moved out of state soon after placement.

We first learned about our second daughter, Evie, when her birth mom emailed us after seeing our profile on itsaboutlove.org. She had a little over three months left in her pregnancy, giving us lots of time to get to know her. We felt a connection with her almost immediately and met with her and her parents about a month after we first exchanged emails.

We were always comfortable with continuing to exchange emails, but because of Anna’s closed adoption, we were uncertain about whether an open adoption with Evie would be hard on Anna. After giving it some thought, we agreed to visits with Evie’s birth family.

Evie’s birth mom lives about an hour and a half away, so we see her about every other month, if not once a month, and we continue to email, text, call, etc. We love seeing them, and Evie’s birth family has been wonderful about loving Anna as they love Evie.

That’s not to say that it’s all been easy. As much as we love Evie’s birth family, some of our extended family has struggled with our relationship with the birth family. At times, we’ve really agonized over how to navigate these extended family relationships.

Often strangers like to point out how different our daughters look, and their adoptions have been very different too, but we know that they are both meant to be a part of our family and we’re grateful to both their birth mothers for choosing adoption.

We would be happy to offer support on:
Closed/Open Adoptions
Communicating with Birth Families
Post-placement Emotions
Relationship between the Birth Family and the Extended Family
Face to Face Meetings

If you have any questions for Dan and Alisa you can contact them at hoping4.1more@gmail.com

Meet Matt and Evige

2010-12-01T13:07:00.004-07:00

Matt and Evige have been blessed with 2 beautiful children, 2 beautiful birth moms, birth fathers, birth grandparents, birth Aunts and Uncles, birth friends, and a creative family tree--all through adoption!!

Their oldest child, Jorgen was born in Texas 3 years ago. Because they adopted a child from another state they had to comply with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) before they were able to leave Texas and bring Jorgen home. The Warner's love it when Jorgen's birth mother or birth father come for a visit and stay with them.

Sara, their youngest child, was born here in Utah. Her birth mom lives in the same county as they do so visits are a frequent treat from her as well. The Warner's have met Sara's birth father only once at placement and continue to write emails and share pictures with him. Although they have never heard from him, they love him dearly and recognize his love for sweet Sara.

(picture taken by Jessalyn Bills website http://www.birthmothers4adoption.blogspot.com/)

Matt and Evige talk to their children about their birth families often, the words "birth mother" or "birth father" is like water in their home...normal. They are excited that their children came to their family through adoption and want Jorgen and Sara to be excited about that as well.

The Warner's enjoy sharing their adoption experiences, they can be a help to anyone with question regarding:

ICPC - Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
multiple birth family relationships
emotions felt after placement
multiple children who have different relationships with birth families
birth families that live nearby

If you have any questions for Matt and Evige they can be contacted at mattandevige@gmail.com

Meet Bart and Crystal

2010-11-21T20:15:00.006-07:00

Bart & Crystal

Emails: bartmills81@yahoo.com

millscrystal@yahoo.com

Phone: 801-787-9507

Mentoring

2010-11-21T19:08:00.008-07:00

As a benefit to all those involved in adoption, LDS Family Services has worked with FSA to create a mentoring program.

Mentoring will be a great benefit to help in all aspects of adoption. Our mentors have been through a variety of adoption experiences and are eager to help others throughout their adoptions.

You can be involved in this program by contacting your caseworker or the adoption managers to be paired up with a mentoring couple or you can contact any of the mentoring couples listed on the website. Each of the couples will be introduced on the website and their information is included when you click on the mentoring tab above. Also, we will be doing a question and answer panel in which we will send many of the frequently asked questions to our mentoring couples for their response. So if you have any questions include them in the comment section.
Please feel free to contact these mentors if you have any questions. Utilize this great resource.

November Chat Night

2010-11-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

FSA Chat Night

Thursday, November 11th

7:30 pm @ the Agency

Our topic for November is We Are Thankful for Birth Parents. Come participate and gain a valuable perspective through the eyes of those who help us build our families. Attend a panel of birth parents as they share their stories and answer questions that are posed! Please come prepared with questions to ask! Feel free to email them to trentncarlie@gmail.com if you would like to submit them ahead of time, fill out a question card at the agency or ask your question when the discussion begins. We'll see you Thursday!

October Chat Night

2010-10-12T11:27:00.001-06:00

Topic: Other adoptive couples aren’t as scary

as you might think… come get to know

the other families at the American Fork Agency.

It’s no trick… you’re in for a treat!

Date: Thursday, Oct 14th

Time: 7:30pm

Location: LDS Family Services

Boondocks Family Fun

2010-09-28T12:20:00.004-06:00

Bring your family to celebrate

National Adoption Awareness Month

at Boondocks on

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Adoption Walk

2010-09-27T22:17:00.003-06:00

Join us for the Annual Adoption Walk at Liberty Park

November 6th, 2010

Registration begins at 9:30AM

School Presentations

2010-09-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

We still need adoptive parents (including potential adoptive parents) and birth parents willing to talk about adoption in local schools.

If you’d like to help, please join us Sunday, September 26 at 6:30 p.m.

We will be meeting at the Lehi Gateway Stake Center located at 2150 N Pointe Meadow Dr. in the Relief Society room on the east end of the building.

Directions:From I-15, take the 1200 W exit in Lehi and head west under the freeway. Continue through the four-way stop on 2100 N. The Church is about a mile from the freeway on your right. If you’re coming from the west, please take note that 2100 N is closed for construction just west of the building. You will need to take 1500 N. Heading east on 1500 N, turn left on Trinnaman. Turn left again at 2100 N. The Church is on your right.

Please feel free to email Alisa Brough at alisa.brough@gmail.com with any questions.

BYU Homecoming Parade

2010-09-22T09:42:00.003-06:00

Join us at the 2010 BYU Homecoming Parade!

Meet at the NE corner of the Marriott Center

October 9th at 9am.

Wear your FSA shirts (or white shirts).

FSA shirts will be available to purchase

for those who are interested.

We hope to see you there,

this is a great activity and fun way to

promote adoption and get

to know other adoptive families!!

Scholarships for Birthmothers

2010-09-20T21:05:00.001-06:00

Birthmothers are now able to apply

for scholarships during

October 1 - November 1 2010 at

www.scholarships4birthmothers.blogspot.com

They are also still looking for donations

so check out the website to see how you can help.

September Chat Night

2010-08-30T23:24:00.000-06:00

It’s back to school time and that means FSA is looking for volunteers for our school presentations.

We need adoptive parents and birth parents willing to make presentations about the benefits of adoption in our local high schools and junior highs.

We’ll be holding a training meeting during our regularly scheduled chat night on Thursday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Fork agency.

You don’t need to have adopted to participate; you just need to attend one of our two upcoming training meetings. The second training will take place on Sunday, September 26 in Lehi at 6:30 p.m. We will meet at the Lehi Gateway Stake Center at 2150 N Pointe Meadow Dr.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Alisa Brough at alisa.brough@gmail.com.

**If you attended the training last year, you won’t want to miss this meeting. We’ve revised the presentation and will be distributing new information.

August Chat Night

2010-08-09T10:58:00.000-06:00

FSA Chat Night
Thursday, August 12th
7:30 pm @ the Agency

You’ve heard the saying “the only thing that is constant is change”, and the adoption world is no exception. We must each be able and willing to adapt and be flexible to change in the journey of adoption. This includes understanding and embracing LDS Family Service’s new adoption policies.

You won’t want to miss this chat night where we will discuss the nitty-gritty details of the new policies, dispel myths, and have the opportunity for Q&A with a caseworker extraordinaire!

Highland City Parade and Booth

2010-08-01T21:53:00.003-06:00

Saturday August 7, 2010
9:30 am Spot 37 (click here).
Parade starts at 10:00 am Parking lot of Highland Elementary (10865 North 6000 West, Highland). There will not be parking, please drop off people and park at the end of the route (Heritage Park LDS church on Alpine Hwy, just south of Heritage Park)

Following the parade we have secured a booth (thanks Josh and Tara Spray).
Click here for location. The booth will be a great opportunity to have pass along cards and any other adoption information. Birth Moms and Adoptive couple will be there to answer questions. We could use MORE volunteers to help out at the booth.

We will have stuff from the FSA store, so at least stop by and purchase the new t-shirts.

If you are available for either the parade or booth, please email Matt or Evige Warner.

If you missed the American Fork parade, you don't want to miss this one.

Couples Find Peace, Through Adoption Agencies

2010-07-16T22:39:00.004-06:00

BYU's newspaper The Daily Universe published a fantastic article about adoption and specifically highlighted LDS Family Services in the article. Our wonderful Melinda Buchanan was quoted in the article discussing LDS Family Services and adoption specifically.

She stated "Adoption is beneficial for all parties...Children who are adopted do better on virtually all measures than children who are raised by a single parent,” Buchanan said. “Couples who are unable to have children on their own are given the gift of parenthood.”

Enjoy the full article here.

2010-07-07T09:43:00.002-06:00

Don't Forget!

FSA Chat Night

Thursday, July 8th

7:30 pm @ the Agency

Summer is time for watermelon seed spitting, backyard barbecues, endless parades, family fun, keeping cool at the pool... and Adoption Advocacy!

Join us to learn positive ways to be an advocate of adoption not only through the hot days of summer, but all year round!

We will also be doing prep work for FSA's upcoming appearance in the American Fork Steel Days Parade. Hope to see you there!

Conference Service Project

2010-06-15T22:00:00.000-06:00

The best way to find yourself
is to lose yourself in the service of others.
~Mohandas Ghandi

This year, Families Supporting Adoption will be hosting a service project at the annual conference. Collection baskets will be set up for conference participants to have the opportunity to serve two great organizations in collecting items that they are in need of. Please bring your donations with you to the conference.

The first organization we will be collecting items for is Birth Mother Baskets.

Birth Mother Baskets is a non-profit organization started by Gina Crotts. Gina is a birth mother and refers to the daughter she placed as her "little butterfly." In an effort to give back to the adoption community and serve other women who have placed and may need some additional love, Gina created Birth Mother Baskets. Donated items are arranged into beautiful baskets and sent to birth mothers in need. We are honored to be part of her cause this year.

Items that we would love to collect for Birth Mother Baskets include:

Journals
Lotions
Bath Salts
Bath Bubbles
Movies
Jewelry
8 x 10 or 5 x 7 photo frames
Music CD's
Inspirational Books
Hair Products
Make-Up
Fingernail Polish
Manicure/Pedicure Sets
Photo Albums
Magazines
Small Blankets
Slippers
Stuffed Animals
Gift Certificates (massages, spa treatments, pedicure, manicure, movies or book store, etc.)
Large Baskets (Gina recommends laundry sized wicker baskets at Wal-Mart for only $4.00)
Tissue Paper
Ribbon
Candles

We will also be collecting school supplies for The Christmas Box International.

The friendly environment of the Christmas Box Houses are unique. Children are brought into the shelter program after being removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Instead of spending the night in less comfortable circumstances, they are able to arrive at the House were the staff is immediately available to talk to children and explain what is happening, what will happen, and why. The House staff provides a sense of caring, warmth and continuity at a very difficult time in a child's life.

Currently there are three Christmas Box Houses located in the state of Utah in Salt Lake, Ogden and Moab. The Houses all have the basic concept of a child-friendly, calm, home-like atmosphere and have added programs and services to meet the unique needs of the children in the communities they serve.

School supplies that we would love to collect for The Christmas Box House include:

#2 Pencils
Glue Sticks
Backpacks
Boxes of Tissue
Pink Erasers
Broad Tip Markers
Scissors
Pencil Cases
Wide-Ruled Spiral Bound Notebooks
Pocket Folders
Crayons
Packages of Wide Ruled Loose Leaf Paper

We can't wait to see you at the Conference!
Don't forget to register HERE.

Recent Adoption Article

2010-06-15T21:54:00.003-06:00

Recently Newsweek posted an article title Birthmom's Deserve Our Respect.

This article highlights the courageous women who put their children first by placing them for adoption.

We encourage everyone to make comments on adoption related articles so that our voices can be heard in many different ways.

FSA 2010 National Conference

2010-05-27T16:25:00.001-06:00

FAMILIES SUPPORTING ADOPTION
2010 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

‘TOGETHER BY DIVINE DESIGN’
DAVIS CONVENTION CENTER
LAYTON, UT.
JULY 30-31, 2010
TO REGISTER:
https://www.regonline.com/2010_FSA_Conference

Foreign Exchange Program

2010-05-17T14:24:00.000-06:00

Have a little extra space in your homes and in your hearts? Not sure how to fill it?

If you answered yes to these questions read on... Join with us in hosting a foreign exchange student for the year.
There are many students from all over the world that WANT to be here!
They want to experience american schools and the american experience!
Have questions? Feel free to contact Janelle Smith (An adoptive mom and host mom)801.735.9016 or Kristene Baldwin ISE (International Student Exchange) rep 801.822.2590.

May Chat Night

2010-05-11T22:23:00.004-06:00

Come Join us for the FSA Chat Night
Thursday, May 13th
7:30 pm @ the Agency
We will be discussing how Losses are an Inherent Part of Adoption

Nothing in the adoption world is as heartbreaking as dealing with the challenges of a failed placement. Join us to learn how to cope, find a support system, and seek for hope through difficult times. This Chat Night is not only for those who have experienced a failed placement, but also for those wanting to learn how to better support and show empathy to those who have been impacted by loss.

Utah Adoption Council Conference

2010-04-26T21:44:00.003-06:00

Perspecitve on Adoption

Annual Adoption Conference

May 12th - 13th, 2010

South Town Expo Center

9575 S. State Street

Sandy, Utah 84070

801-565-4490

Click Here for more information on the conference

Celebrating Adoption Walk

2010-04-26T15:24:00.003-06:00

Saturday, May 8, 2010

10:00 am

Provo High School Track

Adoption Family Photo Day

2010-04-25T21:26:00.002-06:00

Adoption: Including the Whole Family

2010-04-18T22:02:00.003-06:00

This month's Ensign included a great article on how to include the whole family and especially older children in the adoption process.

This article can be a great tool for everyone connected with adoption.
Involving family members throughout the process can be a blessing to all those involved.

Enjoy reading the article here.

Support Team Adoption

2010-04-18T21:49:00.002-06:00

Come and watch Team Adoption play softball this season!
The softball games are at 1850 W 400 S, Orem, UT.
Cheer our team on.

The schedule is below:

April 20
9:00 pm Field 3

April 27
6:00 pm Field 4

May 5
8:00 pm Field 5

May 11
6:00 pm Field 2

May 18
7:00 pm Field 2

May 25
8:00 pm Field 3

June 1
9:00 pm Field 5

June 8
9:00 pm Field 5

The Finding Game!

2010-04-06T21:12:00.002-06:00

FSA Chat Night

Thursday, April 8th

7:30 pm @ the Agency

Stop playing the waiting game and start finding! Join us as we turn waiting into finding and learn proactive tips and tricks for taking control of your adoption experience. Feel free to bring ideas to share that have helped your family find its newest member.

Team Adoption...Final Call

2010-03-31T15:45:00.001-06:00

Men of FSA,

We are still looking for 3 more players to play on our mens softball team. We will be playing every Tuesday night starting April 20 – June 27. Lakeside Sports Park, located at 1850 West 400 South in Orem. Game time will vary any where from 6pm, 7pm,8pm and 9pm depending on the schedule that is given to us. Cost per person is $35.00 which includes your t-shirt. If you want to play email me your name and t-shirt size by Friday April 2nd.

If you do not want to be one of our "regulars" but want to fill in when one of our players is out of town, let me know. You do not have to pay to be on our sub. list, however I need your name to add to the roster...to comply with the league regulations.

Contact Matt Warner with questions. mattandevige@gmail.com

Skate and Celebrate Night

2010-03-31T15:31:00.003-06:00

A fun time was had by all at our “Skate and Celebrate” night held in February!! Our Skating activity drew a good crowd from the American Fork FSA Chapter, we had several birth moms attend and a lot of adoptive families.

There was plenty to keep us entertained: mingling with all our fellow FSA friends, munching on the goodies, visiting the variety of display booths,

and doing the Hokey Pokey…that was entertainment enough! We can’t wait until next year for “Skate and Celebrate”!

Adoptive Couple Retreat!

2010-03-11T13:43:00.002-07:00

Our FSA board was notified about this retreat today. I've been thinking about it all day and thinking how much fun this could be! It's not just for the American Fork Agency - couples from all over are welcome to attend.

So far only 4 couples are registered!
Gather your fellow adoptive couple friends and come party with us!

___________________________________________________________

My name is Jessalynn Bills, I run a website called birthmothers4adoption.blogspot.com. As a birthmother I have a very special love for adoptive couples. I am a firm believer there is an adoptive couple for every birthmother. I wanted to find a way to get more information out to adoptive couples. I also wanted to create and experience where both Veteran and Prospective adoptive couples could ask each other questiona. That is why I decided to create an

ADOPTIVE COUPLE RETREAT!!
A very kind person decided to donate his cabin for a weekend for an adoptive couple retreat. The retreat is on the 16th and 17th of April 2010! The cabin is in Heber, Utah.

www.utahvacationcabin.com

Mrs R. from the R House blog and her husband will be speaking on Saturday.

Important info:

Its going to be 20.00 per couple
There will be childcare provided on Saturday if needed, just let me know so I know how many babysitters to grab.
For an extra 5.00 we are taking donations for blankets4birthmothers and you will be entered in a raffle for some fabulous prizes
My phone number is 801-699-4092
My email is birthmothers4adoption@gmail.com

I hope that we can get a lot of people!! Because we are having it catered please email me or call me by April 1st! Thanks so much!!

FSA Chat Night!

2010-03-09T12:23:00.002-07:00

Thursday, March 11th
7:30 pm @ the Agency

Extreme Profile Makeover... Adoption Edition!

J. Golden Kimball was once asked of his opinion on women wearing cosmetics, which some General Authorities in the early part of the 1900's frowned upon. When asked, J. Golden replied, "Well, a little paint never hurt any old barn."

There comes a time in the adoption journey for each of us when it might be time to repaint the barn!

You've painted the old barn once, but have you noticed it may be peeling, fading, or not getting any attention? It's time to give your profile (the barn!) a fresh new look! Join us to learn how to give your profile the makeover it needs and to better promote your family and put your best face forward.

Adoptive Parent Training This Weekend!

2010-02-18T13:42:00.002-07:00

It's our Adoptive parent training this weekend!
Friday starting at 6pm
Saturday starting at 9am

New Location: 1136 W 700 S
PLEASANT GROVE , UT

Dinner will be provided on Friday night as well as lunch on Saturday.
See you there!

If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Casper at (801) 674-4292 or at jeremyandleslie@netzero.net

Skate Night

2010-02-10T22:30:00.008-07:00

When: Tuesday, February 23rd

from 7:00pm to 9:00

Where: Classic Skating in Orem
250 S. State Street

What: Enjoy a family fun night of skating and come support FSA

Admission and skate rental is free.
Scooters and rollerblades is an extra $3.00.
Strollers are allowed.

Bring a finger food to share.

And the concession stand will be open.

Come even if you don't want to skate and enjoy getting to know other members of FSA.
Feel free to invite your friends and family.

We will also have a few companies there to show their support for adoption and to display their products and services.
Birthmother Baskets are a non-profit company that receive donations and use those donations to create and deliver baskets of goodies to birth mothers.
Spaces for Faces create pass along cards.
Tiny Touches do hand and foot impressions.
We will have a table of children's adoption books for your reference.

Feel the Love!

2010-02-08T20:08:00.001-07:00

Adoptions open or closed can bring an onslaught of questions and anxiety from extended family members. Join us as we discuss how to better educate and help our loved ones to “feel the love” of adoption! We are delighted to have a guest “Birth Grandma” who is also an “Adoptive Grandma” come to share her unique perspective.

Thursday, February 11th
7:00 pm @ the Agency

Ask a Birthmom

2010-01-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to say, what NOT to say in an email the first time a birth mom contacts you??? Wondering how to spice up your profile or what you can do to be noticed??? Who better to ask then a birth mom!!

We are happy to have our lovely guest birth moms with us at CHAT NIGHT tomorrow. They will be there answer any your questions, give you ideas and inspire you!!

Hope to see you all there!!

Tomorrow night (Thursday Jan. 14) at 7:30 in the “couch room” at the agency.

Upcoming Infertility Forum

2010-01-13T10:19:00.011-07:00

I'm Infertile...Now What!?!

learn . share. network

Infertility Forum/Discussion Group

Wednesday, January 20th

7:00-8:30 PM

Cambria Clubhouse

129 N. 1270 W. (Proctor Lane)

Pleasant Grove, UT

Come join us for an opportunity to talk about infertility. make some new friends, and go away with tangible ways you can deal with infertility.

The event is offered FREE to anyone who would like to attend

(that means infertile/fertile, men/women, yount/not-so-young)

Be Prepared for a drawing for FUN prizes.

Discussion will be led by Kerstin Daynes, LDS author creater of ldsInfertility.org

Federal Tax Deduction

2009-11-06T20:32:00.001-07:00

Please go to the National FSA Blog to learn more about the Federal adoption credit and sign the petition to keep it instated. Click here for link.

School Presentation Training Meeting

2009-11-03T21:54:00.003-07:00

If you're interested in giving school presentations about adoption, a training will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at an LDS Church in Lehi. The address for the Church is 2150 N Pointe Meadow Dr.

If you are heading north on I-15, take the 1200 W exit and turn left off of the off ramp (heading west). Continue through the next stoplight onto 2100 North. The Church is about a mile down the road on your right across from the Pointe Meadows branch of the Lehi library system. We will be in rooms 114 and 115 on the south side of the building.

Another training session will be held in the spring if you can't make it to this training. Please contact Alisa Brough at hoping4.1more@gmail.com with any questions.

Adoption Walk - Nov 7th

2009-11-03T21:19:00.004-07:00

The Adoption Walk with Me is a walk planned to gather people together that have been touched by adoption and to help raise awareness of the positive outcomes of adoption to our community.

The plan is to meet at the Rice pavilion at Liberty Park and start with a welcome/ introduction to the event. Next will follow the walk which will begin at the pavilion and follow the paved circular path around the park (1.7 miles) After the walk we will gather again at the pavilion and award prizes and conduct a closing to the event.

9:30 registration/ mingle

10:00 walk

11:30 prizes awarded

12:00 closing/ event finish.

This is a free event. Come for fun and celebrate adoption with others during National Adoption Month. Make sure you where orange! "Orange' you glad for adoption.

Contact: adoptionwalk@hotmail.com

Required Meeting

2009-10-29T23:43:00.004-06:00

The American Fork LDS Family Services in conjunction with Families Supporting Adoption is leading a discussion on:

Creating and Maintaining Relationships with Birth Families

This is a part of the required preparation for your adoption experience.

Please make arrangements now so you and your spouse can attend.

Date: Thursday November 12^th

Time: 7:00-9:00 PM

Location: LDS Church 56 S. 1300 W. Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062

Directions: Take exit 275, go past the first light, past the little shopping are with Jones Dental, turn left onto 1300 West, the church will be on the left hand side.

Please meet in the Primary Room

Note: You will be filling out a form indicating your attendance at this meeting.

So Excited to See You There! ;)

with love, Sandy, Loni, Melinda, Adrienne, Hayley, Alisa, Kristel, Chelsea, Katherine & the AF FSA chapter

UVU Conference NOV 2nd

2009-10-18T22:31:00.002-06:00

Please join us at the UVU Adoption Conference on Nov 2nd. Here is a brief list of speakers and workshops:
Michael McLean
Judge Lynn Davis
Financing Adoption: Grants, Loans and Tax Benefits – Kelly Grove
Birth Parent Panel
Adopted Child Panel
and much much more, click here for the entire program.

Parent Training

2009-10-18T22:23:00.002-06:00

A big thanks to Leslie and all of those that participated and assisted with the Parent Training, it was a big success.

The next parent training will be the first part of 2010.

Thanks

Adoptive Parent Training

2009-09-26T20:58:00.004-06:00

Friday October 9th from

6:00 to 9:00p.m.

& Saturday, October 10th from

9:00a.m. to 3:30p.m.

Where:

56 S 1300 W
PLEASANT GROVE , UT

Take exit 275, go past first light, past little shopping area with Jones Dental.

Turn left onto 1300 West and then the church is on the left hand side.

This is our summer training.

We will have only one more this year in October.

Talk to your social worker if you are not sure you need to attend.

You can pick up your training binders beginning June 8^th at the agency. Price is $20 for the binder.

Friday dinner will be provided and Saturday lunch and snacks will be provided.

RSVP to your social worker!

Adoption Walk

2009-09-21T22:25:00.006-06:00

Click on the image below for more information on the adoption walk.

School Presentations

2009-09-21T21:57:00.002-06:00

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS. Our local FSA chapter, under the umbrella of the Utah Adoption Council, make presentations about adoption to local junior and high school classes. Under Utah law, students are required to learn about adoption in health class. This gives us a great opportunity to talk about adoption. You don’t need to have any special talents, just a desire to help and be available during school hours. Presentations are twice a year.

If you are interested, there will be a training this Sunday, September 27th at 6:00pm.

The training will be held at the Red Brick LDS Chapel in Alpine located just east of 200 North and Main. (It is the only Red Brick chapel in Alpine). It is just east of the Peppermint Place Candy Store and south of the My Comfort Outlet.

The training will give you all the information you need to make a presentation. We'll review a generic presentation and go over the guidelines for making these presentations. In every classroom, it's very likely that at least one person knows someone who is pregnant out of wedlock, so this is a great opportunity to spread the good word about adoption.

When we share our positive adoption stories they are powerful, but when birth parents do these presentations and share their positive adoption stories...wow!! If you are a birth parent and are interested, or know a birth parent who might be interested, please invite them to come! You don't need to have adopted to volunteer and this might be a great way to help you feel like you're doing your part to find your birth family while you are waiting.

Unfortunately, adoption is the least popular option. The world needs to hear as many positive experiences as possible.

If you are unable to attend the training but are interested in participating or have questions, please email Alisa Brough at alisa.brough@gmail.com.

CHAT ROOM Surviving the Roller Coaster of Adoption

2009-09-01T09:57:00.003-06:00

Okay it’s Back to School and back to our regular Chat Room schedule! We will meet the 2^nd Thursday of the month at 7pm.

That means we will meet next week on Thursday, September 10^th.

Our meeting place is Cranberry Farms Clubhouse 2451 W 2400 N Lehi, Utah 84043

Directions From the South:

Heading north on I-15, take the 1200 W exit (#282) and turn left onto 2100 N. into the far right lane. Go through the stop light and stay on 2100 N. for about 1 mile. Turn right at 2300 W., then left at 2150 N. and right again at 2350 W. Turn left at 2400 N and the clubhouse will be on your left, the one with the porch. We’ll have signs on the door so you know you’re at the right place.

The topics for the next few months are as follows:

September 10^th Surviving the Roller Coaster of Adoption

October 8^th Transracial Adoption

November 12^th Communicating with birthparents via E-mail

December—Happy Holidays…No Chat Room

Chat Room is very informal and a stress free environment. You can ask questions about any portion of the adoption process. The topics listed are just to jump start the conversation. Come share your ideas and experiences or just come to listen. This is a great way to meet other adoptive couples. If you have any questions or would like to suggest a topic for Chat Room contact Sheri at shaynuff@att.net.

Adoption Stories Full of Heart, Hope and Tears By Sharon Haddock Mormon Times

2009-09-01T09:47:00.004-06:00

Family Services Adoption Conference birth parent panelist Lauren Nelson. Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

LAYTON, Utah -- The four people on the panel at the LDS Family Services-sponsored Families Supporting Adoption conference Saturday looked like four ordinary folks: a soccer mom; a housewife with a toddler; a young, engaged man; and a fresh-faced office secretary.

Who would suspect that each of them hides a precious secret -- a hurt that never quite goes away?

Each is a birth parent who placed a baby up for adoption.

And each is an ardent supporter of the adoption process, a process that not only allows young girls and boys to move on from a painful time in their lives but gives waiting, generous couples a child, and a child a loving, stable family.

Family Services Adoption Conference birth parent panelists Ian Adams, right, and Taneil Hirschi. Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

"It's about what is best for the child," said the moderator of the panel after hearing the stories from Lauren Nelson, Ian Adams, Taneil Hirschi and Martina Muir.

Nelson said she was excited at first to learn she was pregnant but soon realized she couldn't, at age 18, care for a baby on her own. After her mother told her she would need to move out and care for the child herself, she decided to find a family for her baby.

Adams, who is adopted and comes from an adopted parent, lobbied to keep his and his girlfriend's baby but finally acquiesced to her wishes. Today, with three other children in his home and a wedding in the future, he openly weeps when he reads a letter about his firstborn.

"The two toughest questions from my 5-year-old son are 'Am I going to die?' and 'Who's Clara'?" he said.

Hirschi said her boyfriend -- with whom she had broken up with just before she learned she was pregnant -- wanted to get married. His parents had done something similar and he was convinced they could make it. After seven contentious months, she realized she loved her son enough to put aside her own needs and put him into the arms of an ideal family.

Muir was a senior in high school who decided to place her baby for adoption only to discover the baby's father was going to court to block the placement. Although she felt she'd chosen a family with the Lord's help, it was five months later and a second family who got her baby boy. (The second family had only just registered with Family Services and would have missed out on her child if she had placed him immediately.)

In each case, the path to placement was emotionally taxing but, in the end, tremendously rewarding.

The panelists teared up as they discussed the past, the future and their love for their babies.

"It was and remains the single most painful moment in my life," Adams said.

Each agreed that good communication with the adoptive family makes the situation bearable.

"I can't keep dwelling on what I don't have," Nelson said. "These are tears of gratitude that this family would do this. They all saved my life."

"I now have four children," Muir said. "Each time one of them reaches five months, that's the hard time because that's the age my son was."

The panelists suggested couples hoping a birth mother or father chooses them for placement need to be as real and honest as possible in their profiles and conversations.

"Honesty and openness counts," Adams said.

"Put in details about yourself, like what do you like to eat, what sports do you enjoy," Muir said.

"Have faith and find comfort," Hirschi said. "There will be a tailor-made situation for you. Have faith. It will come. Don't lose hope."

"We're able to bless each other," Muir said.

Failed placements can hurt as much as loss of a child By Sharon Haddock Mormon Times

2009-09-01T09:41:00.002-06:00

LAYTON, Utah -- Brad and Brenda Horrocks have three beautiful adopted children.

They also have three heartbreaking stories to tell -- stories where the birth mothers changed their minds about placement.

That's one of the most difficult parts of the adoption process, according to participants in the Families Supporting Adoption conference sponsored by LDS Family Services July 31-Aug. 1.

"Even now, coming from a good place, it hurts. It hurts to go back," said Brenda Horrocks as she presented a workshop on "Coping With Failed Placements."

"I have never shared these stories out loud before, except to friends and family."

Horrocks said while it's tough to revisit the past, it's also important to share some of what she and her husband learned.

"Are failed placements and infant loss the same? Yes, the grieving is much the same," she said. "You are losing an infant."

Feelings of rage and frustration over infertility issues come back.

It's hard for others to appreciate the enormous loss and therefore, there's usually little support, she said.

In addition, the couple loses a birth mother who has become a friend, Horrocks said, even while there can be anger and confusion about the birth mother's decision.

Horrocks described the circumstances where a young mother chose the Horrocks for her baby girl only to change her mind under family pressure. The Horrockses had bought pink dresses and told their family they were getting a baby.

"I fell into a deep depression. I did not have hope in my life," Horrocks said. "I would sit and sob and rock, holding a dress in my hands. I didn't get out of it until my oldest daughter was placed eight months later."

The second birth mother had found the Horrocks via the Internet and wanted to place a baby girl. She withdrew as her delivery date approached and finally cut off contact altogether. The Horrockses eventually found out from a hospital Web site that the baby had been born.

Brad Horrocks said he was angry about this placement because he felt manipulated and used.

"She was scared. I understand," said Brenda Horrocks. "but it took me a full year to recover."

The third interrupted placement involved a couple who didn't feel prepared to deal with a fifth child. However, they later decided not to place the baby for adoption.

The Horrocks suggest couples formulate a "just-in-case" plan so that when and if a placement fails to materialize, they have a contact person who can inform others and share information.

They said would-be parents left with empty arms should seek professional counseling and learn about coping with grief and about dealing with their spouse during a very difficult time.

"Let yourself feel, give yourself time, pamper yourself, find an outlet," said Brenda Horrocks. "Don't push yourself for others and allow yourself to feel joy again."

"Remember, the Lord knows of your situation. You will not miss out on your child," she said.

New Itsaboutlove.org Is Unveiled by: Lisa Christensen Church News staff writer

2009-09-01T09:26:00.002-06:00

The site, itsaboutlove.org, replaces the previous LDS Family Services Web site, a "significant enhancement" from the first site launched in 2002, said Steven A. Sunday, manager of adoption services. The new site allows people to communicate 24/7, and is more exposed to adoptive parent and expectant parents than before, he said.

"The Web site has been much more friendly and informative," he said, as far as letting prospective adoptive parents and women in crisis pregnancies learn more about their options.

In an effort to make it a "non-threatening" environment, Brother Sunday said the new Web site features real stories from real adoptive parents and birth mothers, making it less canned."Their stories are emotional, powerful, from the heart," he said. They also had past parents and mothers answer frequently asked questions and forward questions received from their "Contact Us" section to them. Brother Sunday said it is important for people to realize their questions are being answered by real people, not by someone behind a curtain.

TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE CLICK HERE

Troy Dunn had us Laughing & Crying

2009-09-01T09:20:00.003-06:00

What an honor it was to have Troy Dunn speak at the conference. His realistic, personal and unique look at adoption was both entertaining and inspiring.

A gift storyteller, his experiences and anecdotes had us laughing one minute and touched to the point of tears the next.

The Church News covered the event and highlighted excerpts from his address, including how his mother explained to him the concept of adoption as they were waiting to adopt Troy's youngest brother.

Celebrating adoption - 'Letting love lead'

"My mom introduced the beautiful concept of adoption in a very simple manner," Brother Dunn said. "She said, 'There is something that is called prayer trading, and we're going to trade prayers with somebody. Somewhere out there is a girl praying for a good family for her baby. We are going to pray for a good tummy with a baby in it, and we are going to answer each others' prayers.' "

To read the full article, click on the title above.

A heartfelt thank you to Troy for his willingness to leave his family vacation and come and share his thoughts with us, shake our hands, listen to our stories and share a piece of himself with all of us attending the conference.

Many of you have asked if any of the conference will be available to those who were not able to attend. Once duplicated, a DVD will go to each chapter chair and each LDS Family Services office. There will also be a video stream link on the FSA site. This includes Troy Dunn's address.

Book Review by: Alisa Brough

2009-09-01T09:19:00.000-06:00

When we first began the adoption process, I wanted to know about books—any books that would help me better parent an adopted child or even just know how to make decisions about things like open adoption. But overwhelmed by everything else we were learning, and not knowing where to start looking, I put off my search. It turns out that there are plenty of books about adoption: picture books, young adult novels, and non-fiction books written for tweens, teens, and adults. And they are written about a variety of different adoption situations, from domestic to international adoptions and infant adoptions to foster care. In fact there are so many books that determining which ones would be most helpful for a given situation can be a little overwhelming.
After gathering books from the Lehi and Orem public libraries and borrowing several more from a friend, I’ve compiled a list of picture books and grouped them into different categories to make the list a bit more navigable. With so many books, it didn’t make sense to try to describe them all. Below you’ll find a synopsis and discussion about a few of my personal favorites, and at the end of this post is the complete list, including a few categories that I don’t discuss, simply because this post was already getting too long.

Domestic Adoption Stories

When it comes to adoption stories, there are several books that tell the story of a domestic placement. My favorite is Jamie Lee Curtis’s Tell Me Again about the Night I Was Born. In the book, a young girl asks her parents to tell her again about her adoption, asking for specific details about her story. While the text is able to re-create the wonder and anxiety that are part of placement, the pictures add a delightful bit of humor to the story.

Birth Mother Stories

Most adoption books tell the story of the adopted child or the adoptive parents, but there are a few out there that focus on the birth mother. Did My First Mother Love Me? by Kathryn Ann Miller uses a letter from a birth mother to her unborn baby to tell of a birth mother’s love for her child. Written by the foster parent of a birth mother, Never, Never, Never, Will She Stop Loving You by Jolene Durrant explains that as soon as Annie realized she was pregnant, she loved her baby and made choices and sacrifices to give her baby the best life possible: “ She loved you before you were born. She loves you now. Never, never, never, will she stop loving you.”

Books for Infants and Toddlers

While many adoption books have paragraphs of text on each page, there are a few books out there that are just right for the youngest readers with short, rhythmic or repetitive text. Two great books are We Belong Together by Todd Parr and I Don’t Have Your Eyes by Carrie Kitze. Parr’s book lists several simple reasons that brought children and parents together such as needing a home or someone to kiss a child’s boo-boos. In I Don’t Have Your Eyes, the author explains that even though a child might not share her parent’s physical features (e.g., eyes, hair, nose, hands, etc.), they are alike in other ways: “I don’t have your eyes, but I have your way of looking at things.” My little girl loves the bright, simple pictures in Parr’s book, while I love the message in Kitze’s book. Note: Because Parr’s book celebrates all types of families, some illustrations show single parents and others show two moms or two dads.

Animal Stories for Multicultural Families

In all of these books, A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza, The Lamb-a-roo by Diana Kimpton, and The Little Green Goose by Adele Sansone, an animal adopts a baby animal of a different species. When the baby animal realizes that he doesn’t look like his parent, he experiences some distress but ultimately decides that the animal that takes care of him is his real parent. Because the stories are about animals these books can be applied to a variety of situations, including multicultural adoptions, both domestic and international. One drawback to these books is that in the beginning of the story the baby animal seems to be lost and abandoned, rather than thoughtfully and caringly placed with an adoptive parent. Because of its Australian flavor and soft, chalk illustrations, The Lamb-a-roo is my favorite of the three, but the other books also have great qualities.

In Kasza’s book, Choco is looking for a mom, but can’t find anyone he looks like. Instead he finds Mrs. Bear who knows how to hold him, kiss him, and cheer him up just like his mother would. When Choco decides to let Mrs. Bear be his mommy he discovers that she has other children (Hippy, Ally, and Piggy) who don’t look like their mom either, but they all love each other just the same.
When the lamb, in The Lamb-a-roo realizes he doesn’t look like his kangaroo mom, he puts on springs so that he can jump like her and she puts on a wooly blanket to look like him. But the springs mean he can’t sit in her pouch and the blanket covers up her soft, brown fur. So they decide to embrace their differences.
When the other chicks in the farmyard tell the little green goose that he doesn’t look anything like his father, he runs away to find a mother who looks like him. Feeling abandoned and alone, the little green goose, suddenly remembers that he is loved by his adopted dad, Mr. Goose. This story is unique for telling the story of an adoptive father.

Books for Kids Angry or Anxious about Adoption

There are a few books written for children beginning to understand that adoption means that their birth stories might be different from most of their friends’ stories. When a young girl tells her adopted mom that she’s not her real mother in Molly Friedrich’s book, You’re Not My Real Mother, her adoptive mom lists all the ways she shows her love for her little girl. The mom also explains that they look different because she’s not her little girl’s birth mother, but all the things they do together make them a real family. Although the text doesn’t identify the race of the little girl, the illustrations are such that the girl could be Asian or black.

Linda Walvoord Girard has also written at least two books for older readers. Adoption Is for Always is written for children who are beginning to understand that they are adopted, but doesn’t emphasize differences in physical appearance between the parents and child, while We Adopted You, Benjamin Koo is about a boy born in Korea and mentions the adoption of his sister who was born in Brazil.

Stories that Include Adoption

I read just a few books that include the idea of adoption, and I’m sure there are many more out there. With text full of beautiful imagery and captivating illustrations so lovely you’ll want to spend time looking just at the pictures, my favorite book in this group is The Sea Chest. This is a story about a family who, after a particularly terrible storm, discovers a baby girl wrapped in a bundle of mattresses inside a sea chest, washed ashore their island. Some parents might be concerned that this book romanticizes adoption and promotes the idea that birth parents are more exotic and wealthy than adoptive parents.

A complete list of the books I reviewed follows, but if you know of other books, please let all of us know about them by sharing them in a comment. I’m hoping that this overview will give those of you who want to know more, a good starting place.
The List

Domestic Adoption Stories

I Wished for You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond

Tell Me Again about the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis, illus. by Laura Cornell

My Adopted Child, There’s No One Like You by Dr. Kevin Leman and Kevin Leman II

This Is How We Became a Family: An Adoption Story by Wayne Willis

The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler

Birth Mother Stories

Did My First Mother Love Me?: A Story for an Adopted Child by Kathryn Ann Miller, illus. by Jami Moffett

The Tummy Mummy by Michelle Madrid-Branch, illus. by Marin Thurber

Never, Never, Never, Will She Stop Loving You by Jolene Durrant

Books for Infants and Toddlers

Happy Adoption Day by John McCutcheon, illus. by Julie Paschkis

I Don’t Have Your Eyes by Carrie A. Kitze, illus. by Rob Williams

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

Disney’s Tarzan Me and You by Victoria Saxon, illus. by Kim Raymond and Philippe Harchy
Animal Stories for Multicultural Families

The Lamb-a-roo by Diana Kimpton, illus. by Rosalind Beardshaw

A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza

The Little Green Goose by Adele Sansone, illus. by Alan Marks

Books for Kids Angry or Anxious about Adoption

Adoption Is for Always (technically non-fiction) by Linda Walvoord Girard, illus. by Judith Friedman

We Adopted You, Benjamin Koo (technically non-fiction) by Linda Walvoord Girard, illus. by Linda Shute

Allison by Allen Say

You’re Not My Real Mother by Molly Friedrich, illus. by Christy Hale

Stories that Include Adoption

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

The Rainbabies by Laura Krauss Melmed, illus. by Jim LaMarche

The Sea Chest by Toni Buzzeo, illus. by Mary GrandPre

Books for Kids Adopted When They Are Older

Welcome Home, Forever Child by Christine Mitchell

Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights by Julie Nelson, illus. by Mary Gallagher

Books that Explain Adoption (Juvenile Non-fiction)

Let’s Talk about It: Adoption by Fred Rogers, photographs by Jim Judkis

Talking about Adoption by Jillian Powell

We Are Adopted by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illus. by Rosa M. Curto

Let’s Talk about Adoption by Diana Star Helmer

All about Adoption: How Families Are Made and How Kids Feel about It by Marc Nemiroff and Jane Annunziata, illus. by Carol Koeller

Why Was I Adopted? by Carole Livingston

My New Family: A First Look at Adoption by Pat Thomas

How I Was Adopted by Joanna Cole, illus. by Maxie Chambliss

Adoption Lifebook: A Bridge to Your Child’s Beginnings by Cindy Probst

Books about International Adoption

Over the Moon: An Adoption Tale by Karen Katz

My Family Is Forever by Nancy Carlson

Heart of Mine: A Story of Adoption by Dan and Lotta Hojer

Jin Woo by Eve Bunting, illus. by Chris Soentpiet

Books about Adopted Chinese Girls

Waiting for May by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Just Add One Chinese Sister: An Adoption Story by Patricia McMahon and Conor Clarke McCarthy, illus. by Karen A. Jerome

Finding Joy by Marion Coste, illus. by Yong Chen

The White Swan Express: A Story about Adoption by Jean Davies Okimoto and Elaine M. Aoki, illus. by Meilo So

Three Names of Me by Mary Cummings, illus. by Lin Wang

Mommy Far, Mommy Near: An Adoption Story by Carol Antoinette Peacock, illus. by Shawn Costello Brownell

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis, illus. by Jane Dyer

Every Year on Your Birthday by Rose Lewis, illus. by Jane Dyer

Most Updated Conference Information

2009-07-27T14:35:00.001-06:00

This blog is the "Internet Headquarters" for all National Conference Information.

CONFERENCE BASICS

July 31, 2009 to August 1, 2009

The conference will be held for a second time at the Davis Conference Center.

SCHEDULE

Below is the schedule overview at-a-glance. For a more detailed description of the classes including the class descriptions, times and locations as well as bios on the presenters, click HERE.

Friday, July 31st

Registration	9:00-9:30
Breakout session 1	9:30-10:30
Breakout session 2	10:40-11:40
Lunch on your own	11:40-1:10
Breakout session 3	1:15-2:15
Breakout session 4	2:25-3:25
Breakout session 5	3:35-4:35

Awards Banquet	5:30-7:00
(Semi-formal dress)

Saturday, August 1st	8:00-9:00

Registration	9:00-9:30
Keynote address by Troy Dunn	9:30-10:30
Birth Parent Panel	10:45-12:00
Lunch	12:00-1:00
Breakout session 1	1:00-2:00
Breakout session 2	2:10-3:10
Breakout session 3	3:20-4:20
Closing session and raffle	4:30-4:45

REGISTRATION

To register, CLICK HERE.

This is for registration and payment purposes only. Please disregard any information related to Temple Square events.

Some clarification for registration:

Couples are $60 each, so they only need to register for ONE ticket. This is located toward the bottom of the registration, and is not part of the special code. Once they select one ticket and click continue, it will ask if they will be coming both day, ($60), one of them both days/both of them one day ($30) or one of them on day ($15). Sorry for any confusion. Please email us at the email address below if you have any problems.

Adoptive parents and hopeful adoptive parents are invited.

We also are inviting expectant parents, birth parents, and their families again this year. A great amount of effort has gone into planning breakout sessions for them. Expectant parents and birth families may register for free by typing in “itsaboutlove” in the special code field on the registration form. Regular fees apply to their guests.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

A few hotel rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn (762 West Heritage Park Blvd, Layton, Utah, 84041) are blocked out for a discounted event rate. You may reserve a room by phone or through the hotel’s Web site. Call 801-416-8899 and make sure to mention the group code, which is “LDS” and the group name, which is “LDS Family Services.” You may also register online here. In the group code field, enter “LDS.” In order to get the discounted rate of $89, you must be registering for the blocked date (July 31^st). We will be posting other hotel options when the hotel is full.

CHILDREN'S ROOM

*The children's room is full. If you are interested in being placed on the waiting list, contact Narda Emmett (imaemett@yahoo.com).

A children’s room will be available again during the conference and banquet. Please email Narda Emmett (imaemett@yahoo.com) to register your children. The cost will be $10 per day, per child. She will provide you with the details.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE

From the airport Express Shuttle - 801-596-1600.

QUESTIONS?

If you have general questions, please email contactus@ldsfamilyservices.org with “National Conference” as the subject.

National Families Supporting Adoption Conference

2009-07-21T09:58:00.000-06:00

CONFERENCE BASICS

July 31, 2009 to August 1, 2009

The conference will be held for a second time at the Davis Conference Center.

SCHEDULE

Below is the schedule overview at-a-glance. For a more detailed description of the classes including the class descriptions, times and locations as well as bios on the presenters, click HERE.

Friday, July 31st

Registration	9:00-9:30
Breakout session 1	9:30-10:30
Breakout session 2	10:40-11:40
Lunch on your own	11:40-1:10
Breakout session 3	1:15-2:15
Breakout session 4	2:25-3:25
Breakout session 5	3:35-4:35

Awards Banquet	5:30-7:00
(Semi-formal dress)

Saturday, August 1st	8:00-9:00

Registration	9:00-9:30
Keynote address by Troy Dunn	9:30-10:30
Birth Parent Panel	10:45-12:00
Lunch	12:00-1:00
Breakout session 1	1:00-2:00
Breakout session 2	2:10-3:10
Breakout session 3	3:20-4:20
Closing session and raffle	4:30-4:45

REGISTRATION

To register, CLICK HERE.

This is for registration and payment purposes only. Please disregard any information related to Temple Square events.

Some clarification for registration:

Adoptive parents and hopeful adoptive parents are invited.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

CHILDREN'S ROOM

AIRPORT SHUTTLE

From the airport Express Shuttle - 801-596-1600.

QUESTIONS?

If you have general questions, please email contactus@ldsfamilyservices.org with “National Conference” as the subject.

National Families Supporting Adoption Conference

2009-07-14T21:22:00.001-06:00

National Conference Information

Mark your calendars!

This blog is the "Internet Headquarters" for all National Conference Information.

CONFERENCE BASICS

July 31, 2009 to August 1, 2009

The conference will be held for a second time at the Davis Conference Center.

SCHEDULE

Friday, July 31st

Registration	9:00-9:30
Breakout session 1	9:30-10:30
Breakout session 2	10:40-11:40
Lunch on your own	11:40-1:10
Breakout session 3	1:15-2:15
Breakout session 4	2:25-3:25
Breakout session 5	3:35-4:35

Awards Banquet	5:30-7:00
(Semi-formal dress)

Saturday, August 1st	8:00-9:00

Registration	9:00-9:30
Keynote address by Troy Dunn	9:30-10:30
Birth Parent Panel	10:45-12:00
Lunch	12:00-1:00
Breakout session 1	1:00-2:00
Breakout session 2	2:10-3:10
Breakout session 3	3:20-4:20
Closing session and raffle	4:30-4:45

REGISTRATION

To register, CLICK HERE.

This is for registration and payment purposes only. Please disregard any information related to Temple Square events.

Some clarification for registration:

Couples are $60 each, so they only need to register for ONE ticket. This is located toward the bottom of the registration, and is not part of the special code. Once they select one ticket and click continue, it will ask if they will be coming both day, ($60), one of them both days/both of them one day ($30) or one of them on day ($15). Sorry for any confusion. Please leave a comment on this post if you have any problems.

Adoptive parents and hopeful adoptive parents are invited.

We also are inviting expectant parents, birth parents, and their families again this year. A great amount of effort has gone into planning breakout sessions for them. They may register for free by typing in “itsaboutlove” in the special code field on the registration form.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

CHILDREN'S ROOM

AIRPORT SHUTTLE

From the airport Express Shuttle - 801-596-1600.

QUESTIONS?

If you have general questions, please email contactus@ldsfamilyservices.org with “National Conference” as the subject.

Summer Adoptive Parent Training

2009-06-04T12:25:00.009-06:00

Friday, June 12th from

6:00 to 9:00p.m.

& Saturday, June 13th from

9:00a.m. to 3:30p.m.

Where:

56 S 1300 W
PLEASANT GROVE , UT

Take exit 275, go past first light, past little shopping area with Jones Dental.

Turn left onto 1300 West and then the church is on the left hand side.

This is our summer training.

We will have only one more this year in October.

Talk to your social worker if you are not sure you need to attend.

You can pick up your training binders beginning June 8^th at the agency. Price is $20 for the binder.

Friday dinner will be provided and Saturday lunch and snacks will be provided.

RSVP to your social worker!

Come Horse Around with FSA

2009-06-04T12:03:00.005-06:00

When: Monday, JUNE 8^th from 6:00-8:00pm

Where: Thanksgiving Point Barn

3003 North Thanksgiving Way

Lehi, Utah 84043

Cost: $3.50 for Everyone 3 and up. 2 and under are free :)

Come spend your Family Night with us at Thanksgiving Point. The theme for the night is Horsing Around - Horses play, and so do you.

Ride down to the farm for a night of horse trivia and horse crafts.

While you are here don’t forget to take a ride on the ponies or take a wagon ride around the farm. Giddy up!

We’ll have an area for FSA families to mingle and have some treats.

(There is no special price for us this year. L)

Chat Room Has a New Home

2009-05-01T16:11:00.003-06:00

We are officially moving the location of the Monthly Chat Room. LDSFS Offices are overflowing and we needed to move to make room.

Our New Address is:

Cranberry Farms Clubhouse is 2451 W 2400 N Lehi, Utah 84043

Our Directions From the South:

Heading north on I-15, take the 1200 W exit (#282) and turn left onto 2100 N. into the far right lane. Go through the stop light and stay one 2100 N. for about a mile. Turn right at 2300 W., then left at 2150 N. and right again at 2350 W. Turn left at 2400 N and the clubhouse will be on your left.

Save the Date:

The Next Chat Room is May 14th, 2009 at 7:00p.m.

Our Topic is:

Completing Your Online Profile

Hope to See You All There !

Celebrating Adoption & Birthmothers Walk

2009-05-01T15:27:00.016-06:00

Click on the image below for more information.

Waiting VS. Finding

2009-04-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

assess your attitude.

are you

FINDING or WAITING?

WAIT

Waiting is passive. It is being idle and is extremely unfulfilling.

W: WHAT IF?

As we wait, we may stay in a constant state of "What if?" We may put off plans and not take full advantage of our present opportunities while we sit by the phone waiting for that important call.

A: ANXIOUS

As we wait we may get restless and uneasy. We may feel a lot of anxiety and worry about things over which we have no control.

I: INSECURE

As we wait we may feel insecure and doubt our capacity to parent. We may feel unworthy and have a sense of low self-esteem.

T: TENSE

As we wait the tension may grow. If we are not careful, contention can easily enter the home and we may begin to blame and easily hurt other's feelings.

FIND

Finding is active. It is being proactive in the search for your child. It is following the principle of doing all that we can and then relying on the Lord to help all things work together for our good.

F: FAITH

It takes faith to search for your child: faith in prayer that Heavenly Father will guide us and place us in the right places; faith through fasting that we will encounter the birth mother carrying our child; faith that the Lord will direct our paths and help us find our children.

I: INSPIRATION

The Spirit can inspire us to talk with those around us about our desire to adopt. As we listen to the prompting of the Spirit, we can be divinely guided in our efforts.

N: NETWORKING

It is beneficial to talk to everyone. Using every possible channel to get the word out can expand our voice and can increase the likelihood of finding our child.

D: DIVINE INTERVENTION

Once we have done all we can do, we can rely on the Lord to intervene on our behalf. It is only through Him that all things are possible. The Lord will direct our paths.

Taken from Someone's Missing.

Utah Chalk Art Festival Needs Volunteers

2009-03-31T11:24:00.005-06:00

Volunteers and artists needed for UFCF's 2009 Chalk Art Festival on June 19-20th to benefit children in foster care. Sign up at www.chalkartfestival.org

Every year, the Utah Foster Care Foundation hosts the annual Chalk Art Festival to benefit children in foster care throughout the state of Utah. The Chalk Art Festival attracts thousands of visitors and artists from around the state and country, and aids the Utah Foster Care Foundation in creating awareness about foster care in Utah as well as the foundation's outreach programs that aid in finding temporary and permanent homes for children in foster care.

CHAT ROOM: FUNDRAISING IDEAS & FUNDING YOUR ADOPTION

2009-03-30T15:44:00.004-06:00

We are excited this month to have Wendy Simmerman come and speak to us about Fundraising Ideas and Ways to help fund your adoption. She presented at the National Families Supporting Adoption Conference last year and we are lucky to have her join us.

When: Thursday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m.

Where: American Fork LDS Family Services

Postponed Adoption Group

2009-03-30T15:28:00.004-06:00

The Postponed Adoption Group is this Thursday at the Sandy LDFS Office.

NOTE the time has changed since last month to 6:00p.m.

If you have questions email Tanya Martin @ daveandtanya@gmail.com

Utah Adoption Councils (UAC) Annual Adoption Conference

2009-03-04T15:30:00.010-07:00

Failed Placement Group

2009-03-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Transracial Adoption Seminar

2009-03-04T13:44:00.002-07:00

Transracial Adoption Seminar
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Brigham Young University
Conference Center
9:00am - 5:30pm

This is a free conference that will focus on issues in both transnational and transracial adoptions. Featured speakers will be Rita J. Simon (American University) and Howard Altstein (University of Maryland).

While the conference is free, it is requested that audience members register so that they can plan room sizes and locations within the conference center. Lunch can also be purchased in advance.

For further information about registering and luncheon details, send an email to Transracialadoption@gmail.com

Adoption Tax Laws Have Changed…and not for the Better!!

2009-02-12T00:15:00.006-07:00

Adoption Tax Laws Have Changed…and not for the Better!!

There are some changes to the Utah State Taxes this year regarding adoption. To see these changes you can go to the following site: http://www.dbntax.com .

Since many of you will have questions we are having a special Chat Room all about taxes.

Chat Room for this month will be Thursday, February 19^th at 7:00pm at the Belle Monet Condos Clubhouse. (Directions follow)

Donald Nelson, adoptive Dad and Tax Accountant, will be leading the discussion and answering your questions.

It will be helpful if you look at the website above and come prepared with your questions.

Belle Monet Clubhouse Directions

538 South 2220 West --Pleasant Grove

From I-15 exit 275 onto Pleasant Grove Blvd. At the first light, turn left. Turn left again (you can't really turn any other way). And almost immediately turn right. Belle Monet is on the right hand side past Hee Haw Farms. Take the 2nd entrance into Belle Monet. Head towards the back until you see a building that has a white banner on it saying CONDOS - this is the clubhouse. Visitor parking is in front of the clubhouse or throughout Belle Monet. Please don't park in a numbered stall. If you get lost call Leslie or Jeremy at 674-4292.

Would you like to share your Miracle with others hoping for their own?

2009-02-02T22:16:00.004-07:00

Publish Post

We are looking for pictures that capture your experience with adoption. So we are asking for you to share with us any pictures that capture your miracle. They can be placement, pictures of your children, a family picture, pictures of your sealing, pictures of court. Any picture that you would consider your favorite. This picture will be used in a slide show to be shown to couples at our quarterly training. They need to be in a high resolution jpeg format and emailed to Tanya Martin. The due date for these pictures is Feb 15th. If you have questions email Tanya Martin at daveandtanya@gmail.com

Adoption Fireside

2009-01-14T23:05:00.001-07:00

Salt Lake City FSA is partnering with the Salt Lake Wells Stake for an adoption fireside. This event is open to church leaders, families considering adoption, families in the "finding" stage, and the community. Perspectives from birth parents, families who successfully adopted children through foster care, and options for using LDS Family Services and other agencies to "find" your missing family member. This fireside is also an excellent opportunity to introduce your extended family to the adoption experience.
We hope you will join us...

Sunday January 18, 2009 7:00pm
Ivins Ward Building
1860 S 300 E
Salt Lake City

NEW National FSA Website

2009-01-07T11:07:00.002-07:00

FSA Member,
Greetings from the National Families Supporting Adoption Board! We are excited to announce that the Families Supporting Adoption website is live at familiessupportingadoption.org. In order to see the contents of the web site, you will be prompted to register, and to create a username and password for future use. The following are just a few of the many features you will find on this site:
*Calendar of upcoming FSA events
*FSA Chapter newsletters across the country
*Items for sale at the FSA store
*Detailed information on FSA's core efforts and activities
*FSA National Newsletter
*Presentations from national and regional FSA conferences
*Official FSA Handbook
*And Much More!
Please visit the site soon and tell us what you think and how it can be improved. Thank you for keeping the spirit and practice of adoption alive!

Chat Room

2009-01-07T10:54:00.002-07:00

Its a New Year and a new time to get things started!! Please join us Thursday, Jan 8th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. LDSFS for the Chat Room. An informal meeting where couples can speak with other adoptive couples about anything that comes to mind. Each Chat Room had a topic but this meeting is yours. This month topic is "Making your adoption happen" Come and ask your questions, get support from others going through the process or from those that have already adopted. Hope to see you there!

Join us as we Skate on into Adoption Month

2008-11-05T10:57:00.000-07:00

Tuesday November 11th.

We have Classic Skate in Orem reserved for a private FSA Skate Party from 7:00pm-9:00 pm!!
Admission is free and so is skate rental. They have skates for even the tiny tots. Families can bring scooters, strollers or their own rollerblades if they choose.
Rollerblades can be rented for a small fee. Bring a plate of goodies to share and come have a great time! Questions about this event contact Sheri at shaynuff@att.net.

Adoption Options

2008-10-26T21:01:00.003-06:00

We as the American Fork FSA, & the Staff at LDSFS would like to make sure that you know of all the options out there for you for making your adoption happen. So please join us for an Open House with representives from local adoption agencys, adoption lawyers, and the Utah Foster Care Foundation.
When: November 6th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The A Frame Church located across from the Mount Timp. Temple
There will be refreshments and it is casual dress.

Utah Adoption Councils Activity at Boondocks

2008-10-26T18:28:00.001-06:00

Celebrating Adoption Walk

2008-09-25T14:39:00.001-06:00

The air is getting crisp and fall has arrived. Time now for the 3rd Annual Adoption Walk With Me! Come join other adoption loving families and advocates for a 5k walk around beautiful Liberty Park near downtown SLC. Breakfast snacks, raffle items and a good time are provided at no cost!
Come be 'anxiously engaged in a good cause'! If we don't speak up about adoption... who will? Spread the word to all adoptive families! See you November 8th at 9.30a.m. at Liberty Park(1300 south 600 east, slc) Bring your family! Bring your friends! The more the merrier! make sure to wear some orange! ''Orange' you glad for Adoption!'
For more information.adoptionwalk@hotmail.com or http://orangeyougladforadoption.blogspot.com

Glen and Tania Beck's Adoption Journey

2008-09-11T08:44:00.004-06:00

We had the opportunity at the 2007 FSA Conference to hear from Glen and Tania Beck. They were the Keynote Speakers. Their story was captivating. It's a story we all can appreciate.

Introduction

Glenn Beck is arguably one of the most influential Latter-day Saints in the media today. As one of the nation’s most popular talk show hosts, he entertains, inspires, and informs millions of listeners. His talk show is broadcast on more than 230 stations, and his nightly show on CNN is the fastest-growing TV show on cable news.

Glenn grew up in Mount Vernon, Washington. He started his career in radio by winning an hour of airtime in a contest launched by one of his hometown’s two radio stations. While still in high school, he worked as a late-night and weekend DJ at different stations about 40 miles from Seattle. He went straight from high school to full-time radio work, and by his mid-20s he was a successful radio DJ. With this early success, though, Glenn became an alcoholic and a drug user. At the age of 30 he lost everything: his wife, his job, his money, and all sense of who he was. With the help of Alcoholics Anonymous, he became sober.

Then in 1998 he met and fell in love with his second wife, Tania, who said that if they were to be married, they would have to find a church. They began what they call their “church tour.” Week after week, they visited various churches. After some urging from an old friend, they agreed to try the Latter-day Saint services. As they were leaving the meeting, his oldest daughter, who has cerebral palsy, said, “Can we go back there? I felt something special.” Glenn and Tania were baptized into the Church in October 2000. Almost immediately afterward, Glenn’s career took off, and it continues to grow today.

Glenn and Tania have a son, Raphe, whom they adopted through LDS Family Services in 2004. They also have a daughter, Cheyenne Grace, as well as two daughters, Mary and Hannah, from Glenn’s previous marriage.

At this time I would like to introduce our keynote speakers, Glenn and Tania Beck.

Tania Beck

Good morning. Thank you for that introduction; it was great. It’s such a blessing to be here with you. We have had such a warm welcome this morning. We were going to try to meet you all last night for the banquet, but then we had close to a two-hour delay getting out of New York, so we missed the banquet, which I was a little bit bummed about. But it’s been so nice to be here this morning and to meet with a few people. We are just so grateful to be here and so grateful for LDS Family Services and for the fine work that you all do.

We were given a topic to talk about, some general guidelines about this morning's talk. Glenn’s going to really go in-depth about our adoption experience, and I was just going to talk briefly, kind of leading up to that.

When I grew up, my mom was at home. I have a sister and two brothers. It was such a blessing to have her at home with us. I knew, no matter what, my mom was there. The person who loved me the most was there whenever I needed her. That was such a blessing for me and for my siblings. It was very important to me, as I grew up and thought about having my own family at some point, that I wanted to be home for my children. I went to college and worked and had somewhat of a career, but that wasn’t my primary focus. I knew that I wanted to be a mom and I wanted to be home to raise my children.

Glenn and I were married shortly after we were baptized, in January. We were baptized in October of ’99 and were married in January of 2000. And we moved. He got a new job, and things weren’t very lucrative for us. We wanted to have children but knew that we weren’t at a financial position where I could stay home. And so I went to work, and we just made the decision that until I could stay home, we were going to wait on having children. A year and a half later, through a series of events but mainly through, we both believe, our obedience to the law of tithing, we had great success. Things just continued to grow with his career and his business, and we were finally at a place where I could tell my boss, “Sayonara. I quit!” because we were ready to start a family. In October 2001 I did quit my job, and that’s when we were on the road to trying to conceive.

About three months into it, nothing was happening, and Glenn came to me and said, “I feel like we’re supposed to adopt.” Being a woman and wanting to give birth to my own child, I just said, “What do you mean we are supposed to adopt? It’s only been three months. It takes people longer than that.” I had siblings, my sister and my two sisters-in-law, who had no problem having children, and I thought, “Maybe there’s too much stress, or we’re just thinking about it too much.” You know those things that you always hear from other people: “Just relax and it’ll happen,” and the whole thing. When it doesn’t, you want to just hit them in the face and say, “You don’t understand.”

I said, “We’ve got to keep trying. This will work.” And he just said, “I feel like we're supposed to adopt.” And I just said, “Okay, we’ll talk about that later.”

And so it was difficult. In the time that we were trying to conceive, my sister and my two sisters-in-law each had a child. And so every time I get that call—that “We’re having another baby”—it was, “Okay, Heavenly Father, why is this not happening for us? Why is it happening for our family, our friends, and our extended family, and not us?” Those questions that I think we’ve all asked. It was just a time for me to kind of talk to Him. I knew that it would happen, and I had faith and I had hope, but it was just getting through it and trying to rejoice in everyone else’s happiness and still look to Him for strength to get through why we weren’t having children.

We were living in Florida at the time, and we moved to Pennsylvania in June of 2002. At that point we were still trying, and as Glenn will talk about later, Friday nights became science experiments for us, which was fun sometimes and not so much fun other times. I started seeing a doctor about some infertility testing because I was just on this “Maybe there’s something wrong that we can fix.” Glenn was still on “We’re supposed to adopt.” I went through some preliminary testing, and they didn’t find anything wrong, so we went through some cycles with Clomid and trying that out. That didn’t work, and he still was, “We’re supposed to adopt.” And I was, “I want to have a baby” and the whole thing.

So our bishop’s wife—I can’t remember; I think she was a counselor with LDS Family Services—she put a little bug in my ear. (This is in January of 2004.) We had lunch one day, and she just kind of mentioned what she did with LDS Family Services. At that point I had been through the testing, been through the drug therapy, and nothing had happened, and I kind of just said, “All right, I’ve had enough of this nonsense. I just don’t want to do this anymore!” So she put a bug in my ear about adoption at LDS Family Services, and so I had been thinking about that and had finally started praying about it, “Maybe this is the way we’re supposed to go.” We decided to make a temple trip and really pray about it, and through a lot of prayer and reflection I finally came to a place where I think I could move on from this period and really look at adoption.

And so we got in touch with LDS Family Services, and we started the process and the paperwork and putting our profile together. Someone had said to us—it was probably Merilee Edgley in the Maryland office; that was the office that we used—“Tell as many people as you possibly can; you never know who’s talking to someone who knows someone that is wanting to place a baby, or you just don’t know what the connection might be. So tell as many people as you can that you want to adopt.”

So Glenn got on the air, the radio (use what you’ve got!) to a couple million listeners and said, “We’re adopting!” and went into the story. He’s going to explain that when he gets up here. In April of 2004 we were contacted by a young woman who found herself pregnant—we did some checking into it because she sent an e-mail. Because, of course, after we announced on the radio that we were adopting, floods of e-mails came in with stories of people who have adopted or knew someone who was adopted. All these different kinds of letters started flowing in, and so we did some checking. This was a legitimate e-mail. And so we contacted her and spoke with her mom, and she went to the LDS Family Services office where she lives and started the process on her end. Glenn’s going to go in depth about all that, but on September 21st of 2004, our son was born.

We were blessed to be right there in the delivery room and had him from the moment he was born, and he is just one of the joys of my life. And we know that he chose us. He just needed a different channel to get to us. The bravery and courage that that young woman had—I don’t know that I would be able to do the same thing that she did to put him first, and the great love that she had for him to place him with us so that we could raise him. He’s such a blessing in our lives. It’s like I gave birth to him; he’s my son. It doesn’t matter where the body comes from; it’s the spirit that is important, and that was connected to us and had to get to us. He just had to find another way. He was sealed to us on July 23rd of 2005, and he’s part of our family for all eternity.

I am grateful for that, and I am grateful to my husband, who was so persistent, and for all of the people that came in and out of our lives at that time and for the Spirit that led us and guided us through our adoption process. I’m grateful for the love the Savior has for us, and I’m grateful for Heavenly Father’s plan for each of our lives. I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Glenn Beck

I am less than half the man that I am without my wife. She’s a wonderful woman.

Much of my life has been spent in selfishness. I spent a lot of time just thinking, “Dig me, man; I’m pretty cool!” Then I got to a point where “Ooo, not so cool!” and I destroyed myself. Then I slowly put it together, under my wife’s wing and her spiritual guidance and protection, and I finally started walking a straight line. I am very blessed in my life. I am blessed with two older daughters, I am blessed with such a wonderful wife, and I am blessed with a career that allows me to express the things that I believe in and do them in hopefully a creative way to where we can start to unite and realize how much we have in common: our pain and our suffering, our joy, our aspirations, and our dreams. I have been so grateful and so blessed to have the hand of Heavenly Father in my life for as long as He has. I have been so selfish most of my life and stubborn most of my life and think that I know better. I have learned my lesson, and I say that mainly to you. I learned my lesson.

It’s interesting how we could tell the same story but it will be slightly different. It was around October that we decided to have a child. For Tania it was because she wanted to be able to be home with the children. For me it was September 11th. I was a guy who, years and years ago, I didn’t want any children. Then I had one child with special needs, and she just rocked my world in so many ways, and then I didn’t think that I could ever love another child as much as her. Then I again made it about me and didn’t want a second child, and then we had Hannah, who is just a ray of sunshine in my life. Then I screwed my life up so horribly and broke up the family; the last thing I wanted to do was have another child. Tania did. It was a compromise that we made when we got married. I said, “One! One!” And she said, “We’ll see!”

Then September 11th happened. September 11th I realized that there is nothing, nothing more important than the family. There is nothing that in the end matters. Tania and I are going to be alone. Tania and I are just going to be together; we should be surrounded by family. When I started going to the temple, we were new members. We were going to the temple and we were seeing the eternal consequences of family and realized this is really, truly the cornerstone of everything that is really supposed to be happening in our life. And so it was just at this time that we had signed a new contract with Premiere and so we now had the money and we knew we had stability to be able to have her come home so we could start having a child. And as much as my beautiful wife saying to me, “I think we should have sex a lot”; as great as that was, it starts to lose its luster at the point where she stands on her head. Then you’re like, “Somehow or another all the hotness has gone out.” And as Tania said, it became a science project. It was, “I’m ovulating—GO!” And then—women, no offense here, but the guys can relate—just when you think a woman’s menstrual cycle is insane, you couple it with every 30 days going, “I’m not pregnant again!” and you really start to realize if there were a hell, what it would be like. And every 30 days it was hell because of the pain that Tania was feeling so personally, the questions that were going on in her head.

It wasn’t too far down the road that I really did in prayer—the Lord told me that we were supposed to adopt. And the reason why I felt this is because I had said to Tania, “I can’t wait to see your eyes in a child. I can’t wait.” That night I got down on my knees and I started to pray, and the Lord was very clear. He said, “Dummy, it’s not about you again! Stop making everything about you!” And I’m like, “Okay, but can we talk about me a little, God?” And so I went to Tania. That wasn’t a happy conversation. She didn’t want to hear it, and I understand, and it was honestly because I had made a pact with Heavenly Father: “You take the load off of me. You just take all the stuff that I’ve done. You just forgive me for my errors and my arrogance, and I will promise to listen to you and to do what you say.” So I got back to my knees and said, “Okay, it’s not me, it’s her!” And He was so clear I knew that there was a soul that was not going to come from us. And I said to Him, “Heavenly Father, are we going to miss this child?” and the answer was, “There is a son waiting for you, and when you decide, he will rush to your arms.”

Years went by, and more science experiments. It was our desert. The great thing about the Lord is, He’s predictable. I mean, all you have to do is read the scriptures and it’s the same story over and over again. I don’t know if anybody notices really, but if you would just read one story it would be a lot shorter, so that when they say every year, “You know, you gotta read the whole thing,” it would be like, “Okay, it’s only like 40 pages. I got it.” ’Cause it’s the same story over and over again. Before blessings, before real blessings, the Lord just pounds you into the ground. He just takes you out into a desert, whatever it is. It’s like He gets in a tiff with Jesus and He’s like, “Go out in the desert.” Moses, “go out in the desert.” And He takes you and puts you out in the desert, and He just pounds you into the ground, and He does it—I hate this because I’ve now said this to my family—“This hurts Me more than it’s going to hurt you. I only do this because I love you.” But it’s true. He’s only doing it because He loves us. He’s stripping us of all of the crap that we put on ourselves, all of the untruths that we believe, all of the things that don’t make any sense. He’s like, “Before I can bless you, you need to . . .” I don’t know if anybody’s ever repaired a house before, but it’s like industrial-sized God Zip-Strip. It’s the stuff that He just puts on all the paint layers that you have on you that just boils up and strips off you until you have that raw person and you know what’s important. And that’s what the Lord did to us. Maybe that is what the Lord has done to you or is doing to you now. And in that trial, you can be saying one of two things: “Water, water! Help me! Why me? Why me? Help me, help me! Water!” Or you can be saying, “What is it You want me to do? I will do, I will give. I give! Just point me there. The water may be a long way away, but just show me, Lord, which way to walk.” And when you get there, eventually He’ll give you the answer, and then He will so richly bless your life.

So He pounded us for quite some time. And then He put, as he always does, strategic people in our path. If you’re just saying, “Lord, which way do I walk?” you’ll hear that message that He’s being trying to say: “I’ve had people in your way over and over and over again, and you wouldn’t listen.” And He’ll put that person in your life, and you’ll listen and you’ll hear it like you’ve heard it for the very first time. And then your whole life is about to change.

Tania said, “Okay, I think we should adopt.” We agreed on a Saturday—I think we started then; on a Sunday, we fasted on it, we prayed, and we decided. Monday we called a friend of ours and we were told, “Tell everybody,” and I’m like, “I’ve got eight million people I can tell tomorrow.” LDS Family Services didn’t think we should make it into a game show, so I was slyly saying, “We’re going to adopt; anybody have a baby?” It was Tania who came on the air with me; she’s never on the air. There was a story in the news; ABC was making adoption into a game show. And I brought Tania on the air, and I said, “How long have we been trying to have a baby? Would you ever involve yourself in a game show?” She said, “It’s not a game show. It’s a life; you don’t win it through TV. It’s a child.”

Unbeknownst to us at the time, there was a woman—she was 60? 50? 40? Whew, rough 40! No, she’s like 55 or 60 years old, and she was listening to us, unbeknownst to me, in Texas. She was listening and she said she was not listening to me, she was kind of only half listening, and then Tania came on, and she said she stopped to listen to her. And she went, “Wow! That’s an amazing woman!” Something about Tania spoke to her, and she noticed. She didn’t even notice me; she noticed Tania. “Wow, listen to that woman.” Then, not too long later, about 10 minutes later, the phone rang. It was her daughter. Her daughter was 14 years old. Her daughter said, “Mom, I have to talk to you, and I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while, but I’m ashamed and I’m embarrassed and I’m afraid.” She said, “Honey, what’s wrong?” Her daughter said, “I went to a party—I’m pregnant.” Her mother said, “Honey, come home.” So she went home, and the little girl said, “Mom, I’m too young to have a baby, but I can’t, I can’t abort a child. It’s a child. I can’t do that to a child. But I could never give this child up to a bunch of strangers.” That’s when the woman, who happened to be listening that day, who was stunned by Tania, said, “I think I know who this child’s mother is.” She said, “You should write.” So she wrote.

I have a woman who—shhh, keep this between yourselves—answers all of my e-mails in Florida because we get anywhere between a thousand and five thousand letters a day, and I can’t—it’s just overwhelming, so I get a summary of what people are saying, and once in a while I’ll get a few letters. She reads them all. She was going to bed— it was a Friday night, and she was going to bed and she hadn’t downloaded anything yet and hadn’t read anything, and so she decided to download all of the day’s mail. Once it’s downloaded off of the server, it’s erased off the server and is on her computer. She starts reading, and Tania was right—there was a ton of mail all about adoption: “Here’s who you need to talk to.” “This is what you need to do.” And she said that she was just looking through the subject lines, and she said, “I don’t know why; I just clicked on this one from a little girl named Hannah. It started with, ‘Dear Mr. Beck, I believe I’m carrying your baby.’ ” She said, “I thought I should get this one either to the authorities or to Glenn,” so it actually went to one of my good friends, who’s the general manager and the COO of my program. It went to him that night because she’s like, “If this is an adoption thing, I don’t want Glenn to even see this because it could be something crazy or whatever.” So she sent it off to Chris. She said, “Chris, you should look into this.” That was the only piece of e-mail she opened that day. There was a ton on adoption. The next morning she got up, she turned on her computer, and as all the mail came up, her computer crashed and everything was erased. Only one letter got through. It was from a little girl.

Well, Chris, unbeknownst to us, checked it out for a couple of weeks. Talked to the family and made sure it wasn’t insane. And so we flew down to Texas, and we met the family, and we met with Hannah, and she said always, always, every step of the way to Tania, “I’m carrying your baby.” She just knew it. With everything in her, that baby was supposed to come to her, to Tania. She felt strongly about it. So did we. Well, so a week after we had decided, a little baby boy rushed to our arms as promised.

And then the fun started. We went down for the birth, and we were fortunate enough to be able to be there. I was afraid that we weren’t going to feel the same, that I wasn’t going to feel the same way as I feel about my two other children that I had had. There is just a bond there, and something stupid in me—and I think probably more common than not—said, “You can’t. This is not your child. What happens if you want to give them back? Are you going to at some point say, ‘Look at what he’s breaking now! That’s not my kid.’ ” Actually, the answer to that question is, “Yes!” But unfortunately it’s for all four of my children that I say that.

We got to the birth, and we were there in the room, and we got to witness it. It was remarkable. The baby was handed directly to Tania, and it was a miracle! The minute he was born, he was ours. Unfortunately, that is not the way the state looks at it. It was the longest 72 hours of our lives because we knew, we knew this little girl was looking at that little baby and saying, “Oh my gosh, look at how remarkable he is. Look at his little fingers, his little toes.” And we just knew there was trouble on the horizon.

We were told to come in and look at the Texas contract. It is in bold font, parts of it, and it says, ‘You have no right to this child. You may never see this child again. You have no claims,’ and it is page after page of horrifying stuff. It all needs to be there, but it is horrifying. I said to Kim, who is with LDS Family Services, “Is there a softer way to put this?” I knew Hannah wouldn’t sign it. Kim said, “You guys should leave and go have dinner, ’cause I’m going to take this in to her now and have her sign it.” We’re coming up on 72 hours. She went in. Hannah went through the contract, and she said, “No, I’m not giving my child away. I won’t do it.” It was just then, unbeknownst to us again, that after she had chased everybody out of the room, she was in the room holding Raphe, crying, when a nurse walked in. The nurse later told me, “I don’t know what prompted me to do this. I don’t know why I did this; I’ve never done it before, but I was pushed into that room, and I lay down next to Hannah, and I held her.” She said, “I honestly don’t even remember what I said, because the words didn’t come from me. But after we spoke for a few minutes and I held her and we cried, Hannah said, ‘Bring everybody back in. I want to give Raphe to his parents.’ ” And so she did.

This little girl was a hero. She was a remarkable superhero. Raphe doesn’t need Spiderman or Superman; he’s got his natural mother as an example of what real superheroes do. Real superheroes don’t think about themselves. Real superheroes don’t make their life all about them. Real superheroes do the hard thing, and I can’t imagine anything tougher than giving birth to a child and giving that child away and then wondering your whole life what’s happening in his day.

We are so unbelievably blessed, and we are not alone. The Lord doesn’t treat us any differently than He treats you. We are all special children to Him. I know that there is a child waiting for each of us. I know with everything in me that our children selected us in the premortal existence. I know that we stood around and we were honored when that soul looked at us and said, “I want you as my dad, and I want you as my mom. Somehow or another we’ll find each other.” It’s not just getting any child. It’s sometimes waiting for that soul who is trying desperately to fulfill their side of the bargain and to fulfill what you guys set out to do in the first place and to be reunited with his family for time and all eternity. But getting there sometimes, you have to walk through the desert. But once you get out of the desert, water has never tasted sweeter. And I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

One Miracle at a Time FSA National Conference

2008-07-28T19:29:00.013-06:00

You've reserved the date.

You've canceled all other plans.

You've marked your calendars.

You've lined up your babysitters.

Your pencils are sharpened.

You're ready to take notes.

You're ready for more details on this year's

FSA NATIONAL CONFERENCE.

August 8-9th, 2008

Davis Conference Center

1651 North 700 West

Layton, Utah
Wait no longer.

Click on the link below for an overview of the conference

and a summary of the Breakout Session Topics.

Above all...

Click HERE to register.

Utah Foster Care Foundations Chalk Art Festival

2008-05-22T09:27:00.011-06:00

Utah Foster Care Foundation's Annual Chalk Art Festival

The 6th annual Chalk Art Festival will be held on June 13th and 14th in downtown Salt Lake City. Thousands of families will flock to the Gateway to watch dozens of artists create, beautiful, temporary works of art. Artists Register for the 2008 Festival To volunteer, contact Deborah at deborah.lindner@utahfostercare.org or call (801)747-0517

The festival benefits Utah's 2600 children in foster care who need foster/adoptive families to care for them. The Chalk Art Festival would not be possible without the support of our generous community partners. There are many ways for businesses and individuals to support the event and help us find foster/adoptive families for children in Utah.
Some of Last Years Winners

Celebrating Adoption Walk

2008-05-06T15:13:00.004-06:00

CELEBRATING ADOPTION WALK 05.10.08
Families Supporting Adoption:Provo Chapter
Celebrating Adoption Walk
Saturday, May 10, 2008
9:00 am
Provo High School Track
Purpose: Raise awareness about adoption
- Light Continental Breakfast
- Wear your adoption t-shirts if you have them or wear white
- Bring your friends (Invite everyone!)
- Come make difference and have fun
- May 10th is also Birth Mothers Day, so come celebrate with us

Adoptive Couple Online Profile - Policy Change

2008-05-06T14:54:00.004-06:00

MAKE A NOTE:
Adoptive Couple Online Profile -- Policy Change

There is a policy change for those of you who have posted your adoption profile online through LDSFS. Here are the details:
Due to requests from birth mothers and adoptive couples, the following policy change requires your attention. As an adoptive couple, you currently have the ability to add your personal profile to the adoptive couple profile section. This area enables birth mothers to view your profile along with other couple’s profiles. A search page allows a birth mother to search for couples that closely fit what she is looking for in a couple. Often she will have a search that returns hundreds of adoptive couple profiles.
The amount of information that is viewed on the search page affects the speed with which the page opens. When there are a lot of pictures and banners, the loading time is very long, even if the birth mother’s internet speed is fast. This can be discouraging for a birth mother.
In order to make the birth mother’s search a positive and productive experience, the following guidelines apply to the Brief Introductory Statement section on the first page (the basic information page) of your profile:
* If you would like to insert a picture link, the displayed picture must be no larger than 135 pixels x 135 pixels and no more than 256 colors (GIF files are recommended).
* Do not use fonts larger than 12 point.
* Do not embed banners, scrolling text or roll over images.
* Text links to your personal web site are acceptable. Additional pictures, links and banners can be added to other areas of your profile as desired.
Content in the Brief Introductory Statement section that does not fit within these guidelines will be removed by Family Services. The deadline for removing additional pictures or banners is May 1, 2008. Please note that this is a temporary solution until LDS Family Services is able to update the Its About Love website later this year which will have enhanced features.
(If you have questions, please contact your case worker.)