Our Story
AJ and I were both born and raised in Arkansas no more than 30 minutes apart, and there is no telling how many times our paths crossed without knowledge. I wish I could say it was love at first sight when AJ and I first met. Actually, it was quite the contrary. I believe my words were, “I never want to speak to him again!”. Ha! But luckily, fate was on our side and had other plans. We met when we were 19 years old in college, and after our true first date I knew he was the one.
We married in 2007, and had a healthy baby boy in 2009, named Gage. Life was good, but the challenges were real. We both worked, went to school, and cared for an infant. Whew! We were busy! I remember us having $15 to make it off until we got paid on Friday, and it would only be Tuesday. We are living proof one can thrive off a case of Ramen Noodles, but we survived! It was some of the happiest moments in our life. It proved no matter the struggles, we could keep it together.
Fortunately, all our hard work paid off and we have moved on to a new stage in our life. AJ was able to finish his degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I went on to complete two masters in Instructional Technology and School counseling and Leadership. Lifelong learning is a staple in our home, and an important value.
In 2015, we were blessed with our baby girl, Kylie Jo. Life with two children has made us realize that your heart only grows with the love of children in your home!
We have a good life. We live modestly, so that we can go and experience the most of what the world has to offer, and help others when needed. We have recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, ad what we have is real. This is exactly why we hope to adopt. We want to offer a real child, with a real family, a real life, and real chances to succeed.
We married in 2007, and had a healthy baby boy in 2009, named Gage. Life was good, but the challenges were real. We both worked, went to school, and cared for an infant. Whew! We were busy! I remember us having $15 to make it off until we got paid on Friday, and it would only be Tuesday. We are living proof one can thrive off a case of Ramen Noodles, but we survived! It was some of the happiest moments in our life. It proved no matter the struggles, we could keep it together.
Fortunately, all our hard work paid off and we have moved on to a new stage in our life. AJ was able to finish his degree in Mechanical Engineering, and I went on to complete two masters in Instructional Technology and School counseling and Leadership. Lifelong learning is a staple in our home, and an important value.
In 2015, we were blessed with our baby girl, Kylie Jo. Life with two children has made us realize that your heart only grows with the love of children in your home!
We have a good life. We live modestly, so that we can go and experience the most of what the world has to offer, and help others when needed. We have recently celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary, ad what we have is real. This is exactly why we hope to adopt. We want to offer a real child, with a real family, a real life, and real chances to succeed.
About AJ
Occupation: Engineer/Operator
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, cars
Talents: Can build anything
Personality: Relaxed
Religion: Catholic
I admire my grandparents more than anything. They truly have the marriage everyone hopes and dreams about. My grandpa (Papa) is respected by so many. He is a strong Christian that would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need – no judgment. One of the proudest days of my life is when my grandma told me how much she loved AJ. She told me, “You know who he reminds me of? You’re Papa!” She was correct. He is the most selfless person I know, the calm to my storm, and my ultimate supporter.
Since we have a son and daughter, I can tell you exactly what kind of father AJ would be. He is an AMAZING dad! I never really had a father figure growing up, so when our son was born I didn’t really know what a dad’s role should be in the family. I only knew the mother had to do it all. I couldn’t have been further from the truth.
AJ is the kind of dad that shows up for every school function, every after school activity, helps with homework, reads bedtime stories, acts like a big kid, gives his time and attention, teaches our son how to be a good man, and our daughter what expectations she should have in a future husband. He shows our children how to pray and love God. One of my favorite quotes from our son comes from one night as we sat down to dinner. AJ was just pulling in the drive and our son looked out the window and said, "I have the best daddy in the whole world, because he teaches me to hunt, eat good food, and pray!".
-Angela
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, cars
Talents: Can build anything
Personality: Relaxed
Religion: Catholic
I admire my grandparents more than anything. They truly have the marriage everyone hopes and dreams about. My grandpa (Papa) is respected by so many. He is a strong Christian that would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need – no judgment. One of the proudest days of my life is when my grandma told me how much she loved AJ. She told me, “You know who he reminds me of? You’re Papa!” She was correct. He is the most selfless person I know, the calm to my storm, and my ultimate supporter.
Since we have a son and daughter, I can tell you exactly what kind of father AJ would be. He is an AMAZING dad! I never really had a father figure growing up, so when our son was born I didn’t really know what a dad’s role should be in the family. I only knew the mother had to do it all. I couldn’t have been further from the truth.
AJ is the kind of dad that shows up for every school function, every after school activity, helps with homework, reads bedtime stories, acts like a big kid, gives his time and attention, teaches our son how to be a good man, and our daughter what expectations she should have in a future husband. He shows our children how to pray and love God. One of my favorite quotes from our son comes from one night as we sat down to dinner. AJ was just pulling in the drive and our son looked out the window and said, "I have the best daddy in the whole world, because he teaches me to hunt, eat good food, and pray!".
-Angela
About Angela
Occupation: Course Design Coach
Hobbies: Traveling and reading
Talents: Writing
Personality: Confident
Religion: Catholic
The thing I love about my wife the most is her drive. Without her support and motivation I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s always pushed me to be the best I can be. She’s very passionate in the things she does. Even though we are done with school she still loves to learn and increase her knowledge. One thing I’m grateful for is her ability to cook, because there’s nothing I enjoy more than a home cooked meal. She’s an amazing mother and wonderful wife. She always makes sure I’m taken care of along with our children, and makes sure we have everything we could need.
-AJ
Hobbies: Traveling and reading
Talents: Writing
Personality: Confident
Religion: Catholic
The thing I love about my wife the most is her drive. Without her support and motivation I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s always pushed me to be the best I can be. She’s very passionate in the things she does. Even though we are done with school she still loves to learn and increase her knowledge. One thing I’m grateful for is her ability to cook, because there’s nothing I enjoy more than a home cooked meal. She’s an amazing mother and wonderful wife. She always makes sure I’m taken care of along with our children, and makes sure we have everything we could need.
-AJ
About Gage
God blessed us with the most amazing gift in the summer of 2009; a healthy, beautiful blonde haired, blue eyed baby boy. We cannot imagine our life without Gage. He fills our home with love and laughter. He is the perfect mixture of us both. He is his father’s mini me as far as looks, athletic ability and engineer mind; but he has his mother’s personality and drive.
We always inform people when they ask us about parenthood that it is the hardest job you can ever apply for, but it is the most rewarding experience that we wouldn’t trade for anything. Gage is THE best big brother. He prayed for his little sister, and treats her like a princess. He is extremely excited about taking on the role of the big brother, again. He has already informed us that if it is a boy he will share his clothes and teach him how to play sports. If it is a girl he plans to take her hunting-Ha! He truly is a great kid.
We always inform people when they ask us about parenthood that it is the hardest job you can ever apply for, but it is the most rewarding experience that we wouldn’t trade for anything. Gage is THE best big brother. He prayed for his little sister, and treats her like a princess. He is extremely excited about taking on the role of the big brother, again. He has already informed us that if it is a boy he will share his clothes and teach him how to play sports. If it is a girl he plans to take her hunting-Ha! He truly is a great kid.
About Kylie Jo
This little princess came into our lives in 2015. Never did we know the love a little girl would add to our home. She is prissy, sassy, and the life of the party. She is a true joy to everyone she encounters, and has never met a stranger. Kylie loves jewelry, and all types of food. She keeps life interesting, and would love to play momma to a little brother or sister.
We always call her our miracle baby, because in a moment when we thought we would never have another child in our lives, God answered our prayers. We have faith He will do so again, and give us the chance to make her a big sister!
We always call her our miracle baby, because in a moment when we thought we would never have another child in our lives, God answered our prayers. We have faith He will do so again, and give us the chance to make her a big sister!