Welcome!

Our names are Peter and Linda. We are hoping to add to our family through adoption. We have a lot of love to share and a daughter, Madelynn, who is very excited to be a big sister. We are an approved adoptive family and are working with a licensed adoption agency. This means we are ready to adopt today! We created this blog as a way to share information about our family life.
Please enjoy our blog!

Thank you for considering adoption. We love adoption, it has blessed our lives immensely and has made us parents. Having adopted our daughter, Madelynn, we understand that adoption is a bittersweet experience for everyone involved. Adoption has shown us love beyond measure and a depth to emotion we never knew existed. We think it is amazing. It has taught us just how much our hearts can love. We have great respect, love and admiration for birth parents who make this decision for their children.

We invite you to read our blog and by reading it is our hope that it will help you get to know a bit about who we are and the kind of life we can give your child. We are open to a child of any race and either gender. We welcome your questions and would love to answer your adoption related questions and questions to help you get to know us better. We will answer you honestly and to the best of our ability so that you have the information you need. You can email us directly at this email (findourstar@gmail.com) or contact our caseworker, Julie Russell. You can also go to our online profile with LDS Family Services and anonymously email us through the contact us page there.

At this time we would like to share with you some of our hopes and wishes for our future children. First and foremost, we want any child raised in our home to know without a doubt that they are loved unconditionally. Family is very important to us and we want our home to be their haven from the world. A place where they can relax, be happy and feel, see and hear our love for them. We want to share lots of laughter with them. Life can be hard and we have learned that if we can just find something to smile about or to laugh about, even if it's at ourselves, that is often the best medicine. We hope to help them explore the world around them. We love nature and love being in it and hope that we can share that with them. Along with exploring nature we want them to love learning and to have a desire to learn throughout their lives. Education is so important and as parents we will do all we can to help them achieve and encourage their goals. We love reading books and enjoy the nightly tradition of reading books to Madelynn. Having the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our home is important to us and for our children to have that knowledge. We can't wait to love, adore and welcome our future children. We have been waiting a long time to meet them.

Thank you for taking the time to read and learn about our family. We encourage you to look around and learn more about each of us.

Sincerely,
Peter, Linda and Madelynn

Our adoption Information

We are working with LDS Family Services (Oregon office).
You can contact them at: 503-620-1191
Or toll free at: 1-877-936-7537
Our caseworkers name is Julie Russell.

Our online adoption profile with LDS Family Services:
www.itsaboutlove.org
Profile ID: 7117697


You can contact us via email with any questions you may have.
E-mail: findourstar@gmail.com

Us At a Glance!

Peter:
Education: college, 5 year Electrical apprenticeship.
Age: 34
Occupation: Husband, Father, Commercial electrician
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Dark Blond
Religion: LDS (Mormon)


Linda
Education: Associate degree (Horticulture)and continuing education.
Age: 34
Occupation: Wife, Mother, Domestic engineer.
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Brown
Religion: LDS (Mormon)


Madelynn
Education: Proud third Grader.
Age: 8
Occupation: Daughter, Future big sister, Smart 3rd grader.
Eye color: bluish-green
Hair color: Dark blond
Adopted: Yes

Our Family

We admit it; we can be one silly, goofy family! From snuggles on the couch to tickle wars to just enjoying a round of silly knock, knock jokes; we love a good laugh. In our house laughter definitely is considered some of the best medicine. Love and laughter has gotten us through many hard situations. I think it would be safe to say that our number one hobby is having fun and everything else falls in behind that. No matter what we are doing if we are together we can make it fun.

We always imagined we would have a family with several children spaced just a few years apart. We were ready to adopt again when Madelynn was one year old. However, it was not meant to be and so we had to wait. It was hard watching Madelynn grow older each year with out any other siblings joining our family. We were thankful for fun outings with cousins and family close by. During that time Linda did childcare in our home for friends a few days a week and we loved having those children in our home and Madelynn loved the playmates. We also treasure the special one on one time we have had and are having with Madelynn. Now, as we look forward to adding other children to our family, we see how lucky those siblings will be to have a big sister like Madelynn, who can understand the care a baby requires and be involved in helping. Madelynn can’t wait to help out and has even asked how old she has to be to babysit all by herself. The next child to join our family will get not only lots of time and attention mom and dad but lots of attention from Madelynn as well.

As a family we enjoy the outdoors and these include a variety of things: hiking, fishing, kayaking (we have our own kayaks), camping, playing in the backyard, working on the yard and garden, taking walks, riding bikes and more. We also love a good road trip to the beach, to relatives, where ever. We balance that off with enjoying just as much a quiet evening spent at home relaxing together, reading books, playing a game, doing puzzles, or watching a movie. We enjoy music of all kinds and like to have music in our home. Madelynn especially loves to make music, listen to music and dance to it too. Taylor Swift is a current favorite as well as Peter's old 90's dance mixes. She's been known to write, "Family dance night" as well as, "Family game night" on our calendar.

We have a great big backyard for playing and running around in, complete with swings, a slide and fruit trees! When we are not working in it we love just hanging out there playing around and dreaming of the next big project. We grow a garden every year, which is something we enjoy as a family. Our house is out "in the country" and we love the space, but also that we are not far from town. We love to see the animals that visit our backyard.

We also enjoy getting together with friends and extended family. We both feel lucky to have wonderful families that love and support us in our decisions. The majority of our family is within driving distance (a few live out of state) so family dinners and gatherings with those close are frequent. Our family is very important to us. Like us, Grandpa and Grandma's on both sides of the family, as well as uncles, aunts and cousins; are very excited to have another grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin to love.

The two of us: Peter and Linda

We have been married for almost 13 years, but we have known each other for about fifteen. We met in high school on a blind date, set up by our best friends and even went to prom together. We kept in contact after high school and married in March 1996. We love being married to each other and enjoy being together. It is sometimes hard to believe that we have been married that long because it doesn't seem that long to us at all. We think this is a good thing because we truly enjoy being with each other. We wouldn't want it any other way. Our marriage and our family is something that we hold very dear. One of the most important goals we share is that of teaching our children to love the Lord and to have a family and home filled with love.

We look forward to growing old together and watching as our family grows in love. You know those cute elderly couples that you see that still walk hand-in-hand, that's how we want to be!

How we feel about adoption and birth parents?

We always knew we wanted children; however, we didn't realize what a journey it would be to bring them into our family. Adoption is a journey and while the journey hasn’t been easy we can honestly say we love adoption. We are grateful to have learned so much through what we have experienced first hand, by talking with birth parents and other families who have adopted. This journey has caused our hearts to grow in ways we never imagined.

Madelynn was brought into our lives in 2001 and what an amazing blessing that has been. We are grateful that we had the opportunity to meet her birth mother in person just a few days after Madelynn's birth. We love her so much and love hearing how she is doing. We know she made a huge decision to place her little baby girl with us over 7 years ago and we will be forever grateful for that choice. Adoption was different in 2001; she only had our adoption profile, a picture collage and letter, to go on. She had never met us or talked with us prior to asking us to be the parents of her baby girl. We met her for the first time when Madelynn was several days old. We know she prayed long and hard and looked through over 50 profiles of probably wonderful adoptive families before she found us. We have often marveled at what a brave choice that was. We are thankful to her birth father as well. We don't have contact with him but we are grateful that he allowed the adoption to go through.

We currently have e-mail contact with Madelynn's birth mom, have shared blogs with each other and have spoken on the phone on or around Madelynn's birthday the past few years. This past June we had the amazing opportunity to see her again and meet some of her family. What a special experience. Madelynn got to meet her birth mother in person after 7 and 1/2 years of talking only through letters, email and phone calls. We had no idea initially that this would be possible back in 2001. We imagined that one day when Madelynn was older we would help her find her birth parents. When we adopted Madelynn LDS Family Services didn't give out any personal information to birth parents and adoptive couples-just first names and perhaps the state you lived in. All contact was done through the agency with no identifying information shared between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. We kept contact through the agency with letters and pictures at first and then not wanting to lose that connect we each set up email accounts. Then things eventually evolved to what we share with her today. We are so glad to have this contact; it's been amazing and such a blessing for us and for Madelynn.

Madelynn knows she is adopted and that she has a birth mother and a birth father. We have always been open with her about this; it's something we feel is very important. She knows her birth mother's name and has written her notes, drawn her pictures and has spoken with her on the phone. People often ask us about adoption and we love to share our experience with them. Linda wrote Madelynn's adoption story down and made a special book telling about her adoption story. She plans on writing each of our future children their own book with their unique and special story as well. We want our children to know just how amazing their birth parents are and how much we love and respect them. We hope to have some contact with future birth parents as well and hope that we can establish a healthy, respectful relationship with them if they wish.

When we get the chance to adopt again, the birth parents of that child are going to be loved by us automatically. We will share with that child how they became a part of our family. We will show by our example how much we care about their birth parents. Really, we can't see it any other way. It matters not to us if future birth parents want a closed adoption with little to no contact or if they want a more open contact. We understand the circumstances and needs in each situation may be different and will respect that and want to work to create a positive situation for everyone involved, the birth parents, the child and our family.

About Peter

Peter was the only boy in his family growing up. He had an older sister and a younger sister. He remembers being so happy when his dad came home so he wouldn't be the only boy. Since his father's family is predominately on the East Coast his family would go for visits, particularly to the family cottage on a lake in New Hampshire. His family and relatives love their time at the lake; they still own two cottages on that lake. Peter really enjoys sharing this special place with Madelynn and looks forward to taking future children to the lake for a swim in the "baby bathtub", splashing in the water and boating.

He loves music, lots of different kinds and composers. When he was young he loved rock music and still to this day loves music with a good beat, talented drummer, guitarist or musician. His family is very musical, his father plays the organ and piano and his sisters and mothers all sing. He enjoys singing as well and was in an elite singing group in high school. He is a hard worker and takes the responsibility of being a husband and father very seriously. He works hard to have a happy home. He wants his children to grow up knowing they were loved no matter what. He likes to spend time with his family, creating happy, lasting memories with them. He likes to take them on adventures, to fun places and vacations. Peter loves going on road trips and the outdoors. He is great about finding ways for Madelynn to be included in whatever project he is working on.

Linda says, Peter is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it is around the home or helping out a friend. He has such compassion for others and is quick to forgive. He likes to laugh and have fun. Peter loves water sports, music and working in the yard. He is a great support to Linda in all she does and she appreciates how hard he works for his family. Linda loves watching him interact with Madelynn; they share a special daddy/daughter bond. She likes to say he’s wrapped around her little finger, but he knows when to be firm and when to silly. One of the things Linda loves best about Peter is how every morning before he leaves for work he gives both Linda and Madelynn a goodbye kiss, even if they are still asleep. Linda feels lucky to have a husband that loves his family and is not afraid to show it.

Some things that Peter enjoys are:
Boating and water sports
Camping
Hiking
Swimming
Gardening
Being silly with Madelynn
Music
Fixing things (tinkering)
Playing sports-watching his daughter play sports!
Electronics
Family time
Tools
Home Depot-and similar type stores
Traveling with the family

He sometimes wonders if he has too many interests as he would like to spend more time on each one.

About Linda

Hi, my name is Linda. I grew up in a family of 8-- 3 brothers and 4 sisters. I was number 6. Growing up in a big family was lots of fun. There was always something happening and fun to be found somewhere. We lived out in the country and at different times had sheep, cows, chickens, ducks, rabbits, a horse, a dog and cats, lots of cats. I love to garden. My grandmother always had a garden and growing up so did my parents. I grow a garden every year. I am excited this year because we have a house with a big garden spot and I am excited with all the space. I love to smile and to laugh; I like to see the good things in life. I learned to play the violin growing up and occasionally still get it out and play it. I enjoy music of all kinds and especially love to be silly and dance around with Madelynn.

I enjoy trying new recipes and baking yummy treats. Every year we go and pick berries and fruit so we can make jam, applesauce and can or freeze them so we can enjoy them all winter long. I have really enjoyed taking Madelynn with me to go u-pick whatever is in season. She's the best blueberry picker around! I love to read and enjoy reading to Madelynn. We recently read The Secret Garden. It's one of my favorites from when I was a child and I enjoyed sharing it with her. I also enjoy getting out in nature, hiking, camping, long walks and going to the beach. As much as I like getting out, I also love being at home, playing games, watching movies and just relaxing with the family.

When Madelynn started preschool I was able to be a parent teacher in her class. I loved it! I continue to volunteer in her elementary school class as well; correcting papers, working one-on-one with students and with class parties. I love working with the kids and watching Madelynn in her school setting.

Last year I was introduced to volunteering at the Stauffer-Will Farm, through the Aurora Colony Historical Society. I really enjoy it! School children come for field trips and learn all about life in the 1870s. I get to dress up in time period clothing, think Little House on the Prairie. I trained to work in the kitchen but I also help out in the barn. In the kitchen we help them learn about food preparation and cooking by making bread dough and then helping them shape a piece of dough into a roll which we bake in the wood burning cook stove (they get to take it home). In the barn we talk about farm life and help them make cedar shakes or shingles and candle holders.

I also love photography. I took a photography class in high school and every since then I was hooked! My parents gave me an Olympus manual camera for as a graduation present. I loved it. I still have that camera and use it for photographing certain things. Now I have moved on to digital and have a camera that I love. I like to capture nature shots as well as pictures of my family members. I also tend to be behind the camera a lot due to this and have to remember to hand the camera over to someone else now and again so that I am also in the pictures.

About Madelynn

Madelynn is spunky, energetic and adventurous. She loves playing outside and it’s not long before she is running barefoot, playing in the dirt or climbing a tree. She is very helpful and doesn't think twice about sharing, she just does it. We love that about Madelynn. She loves fairies (Tinkerbell), still enjoys dressing up and putting on lip gloss but at the same time she's happy making mud pies and soup in the backyard. She loves dancing to music, listening to music and making music. She's taking piano lessons and had her first recital this past May. She did great! She loves playing soccer and t-ball and ballet in the past. She loves a good book and will sit and read for hours if she could. She has a fabulous imagination and loves creating artwork of all kinds. We like to say she's well rounded in her interests!

Madelynn is very excited about being a big sister and really adores babies. She thinks her friends baby has hair as soft as cotton. She likes to talk about all the different ways she can help out. When Madelynn was younger she talked about adopting twins, a boy and a girl, so she could be just like Dora the Explorer. She still likes the idea of twins and will often pray for twins. It is also her way of solving the decision of whether she wants a brother or sister more. She really just hopes that she will eventually be able to have both a little brother and a little sister. As parents, we have no doubt she will be an great big sister!

The 8 years since she arrived have been full of lots of fun watching her grow up and watching each other take on the role of dad and mom. We find so much joy in her silliness and in loving her together. It has only strengthened our relationship to see each other grow in those parenting roles.

Our Home

The fall of 2007 we started looking for a new house. We knew we wanted some space and a little piece of land to enjoy but we didn't want to live "in the boonies". Well, we think we found the best of both worlds! Our house, a one level ranch style home, sits out in the country on about one acre of land. It gives us that country feel, the space we want and at the same time we are minutes from town and shopping. Having some nature in our backyard is great. We love it when the deer visit, especially this summer when they brought their fawns.


While it’s all a work in progress, as we pull out shrubs and rearrange flowerbeds, we think our backyard is wonderful! It has the perfect amount of sun and shade and open space to run around in. We have a nice big garden spot and a small orchard with apple, plum, cherry and pear trees, grapes and we added in some blueberries this year. We look forward to creating a fun and relaxing place to hang out with our family.

This past spring we got some chicks. It was fun to watch them grow and have them eat out of our hands. Now they are all grown up and we enjoy fresh eggs! Madelynn takes great care of the chickens which we named; Barbara, Roja, Goldie and Mumble. Here is Madelynn with one of the chicks.

Now they are all grown up.

Just as we are working on yard projects we have house projects as well as we work to make this house our home. How the house looks isn't as important as the feeling inside of it (eventually all those home improvement projects will be done!). We are working hard on creating a house that is filled with love and that is welcoming and inviting--A place you want to come home to. We want our children to grow up in a home where they know they are unconditionally loved, listened to and cherished. We want it to be a safe place and a haven from whatever hard things they face in life. We want our home to be a place where Christ's love is not only taught, but shown by example. A home that is full of love, and lots and lots of laughter.

Fun photos of our family from years past (not necessarily in any chronological order)

We had fun on Halloween trick or treating and going to a haunted house. I went as a witch, Madelyn was Rosetta the Garden Fairy and Peter just had in a very cool pair of glow-in-the-dark vampire teeth :)

Madelynn got a fun decorating kit for her birthday. The cookies were delicious :)

Madelynn, in blue, has enjoyed playing soccer this year.

Fun at the 60's Cafe,

A day at the beach is always a great day

Madelynn took this picture of Peter and Linda at a view point.

Madelynn playing soccer with some of the cousins and uncles.

Peter target practicing with the brother-in-laws.

Linda and Madelynn while on a hike this summer.

Madelynn with a statue of Ramona Quimby.

A little tickle in the tulips-watch out for flying feet dad!

Celebrating Linda's birthday was so much fun.
We are so excited to have some chicks and look forward to fresh eggs in about 5 months!

(what makes me laugh with the picture above is Peter's expression)

We enjoy watching Madelynn play sports. Peter got to help out several times during t-ball season.


Madelynn enjoys cooking and helping out in the kitchen.


Here's a picture of us making homemade pizza together at the grandparents house. It's a favorite menu item.



We grow a garden every year. Last year Madelynn enjoyed helping Peter till and later she enjoyed the fresh produce!


Here we are on a fun canoeing outing! It was great fun exploring some of the local waterways.



We enjoy having fun around the holidays!



We always enjoy a fun time at the beach!



We enjoyed a fun trip to Fossil, Oregon that included digging for our own fossils, visiting a historic farm where we saw a rattle snake, enjoying the Painted Hills and going to an amazing paleontology museum. It was a great family vacation.




Linda and Madelynn and the snowman they made together.

Madelynn took the picture on the left of Peter and Linda while out in a boat on a lake in New Hampshire. Peter's family have a cottage there and we love to visit.

We had so much fun going bowling as a family. We can't wait to do it again!


A favorite series of pictures. We thought we would do a few family pictures. Madelynn started tickling Linda, Linda started giggling which lead to Peter laughing and pretty soon no one could even think of posing for a picture. Linda's sister, who was taking the pictures just kept on taking pictures and we laughed.

Peter and Madelynn in one of our kayaks.

Peter and Madelynn at the zoo, the chimps are behind them.

Linda and Madelynn enjoy a moment together on the swing.

Another fun moment where we were taking some family pictures and we just could not help having some fun with it. First Peter gave himself a mustache out of Madelynn's hair and then Madelynn started tickling Linda...fun times!