E I T A K & S I LU
dear BIRTHMOTHER We appreciate you taking the time to look at our profile.
W
e would first of all like to thank you for having the courage and strength to consider adoption. Your strength and integrity are evident as we hopefully travel together through this journey. You are giving a gift that we have only dreamed about and look forward as we start the next chapter in our adventure of life. THANK YOU DOESN’T SEEM LIKE A BIG ENOUGH EXPRESSION TO SHOW OUR GRATITUDE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
WITH GRATITUDE G SON WHO LUIS HAS AN AMAZIN BIG BROTHER! CAN'T WAIT TO BE A
katie a luis
MAKING FOOD FROM SCRATCH TOGETHER
OUR DOWN TIME
we enjoy
JOGGING/HIKING IN THE LOCAL MOUNTAINS RENT MOVIES AND CURLING UP ON THE COACH CAMPING DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS PLAYING BOARD GAMES WITH FAMILY
M ee t A l e x
ALWAYS LAUGHING
ALEX IS LUIS’S 15 YEAR OLD SON. Luis adopted Alex through international adoption 12 years ago from Mexico. Alex is an easy going teenager who adapts well to any situation. He’s excelling in school and is respectful of all adults. He has recently realized he’s a natural runner from his participation in our morning runs and is turning his sights to cross-country. We cannot wait for cross-country season to start so we can cheer him on at his races. Alex is close with his cousins and great with the little ones. He’s looking forward to becoming a big brother and teaching his younger sibling(s) all the typical games and tricks big brothers pass along.
WE HAVE A LOT OF FUN TOGETHER!
FAMILY TIME AT THE
ALEX AND KATIE EXPLORING THE RIVE
R
OUR VIEWS
Because of our professions, we both value education greatly. We believe that learning does not just take place in the classroom in the traditional sense. Katie’s teaching style is one where students are actively involved in their learning. One of her algebra students’ favorite projects during the year is relating Angry Birds to quadratic equations. We both believe some of the greatest lessons are through experience. When Alex had his
h
education
fourth grade California mission report to write, we made a weekend of driving to the actual mission and exploring it firsthand. When we go camping we enjoy the campfire ranger talks in the evenings, during the day learning about the different volcanic rocks that make up the mountains surrounding them and the signs of life that live in them. WE BELIEVE IN READING TO CHILDREN EVERY NIGHT AND THAT THE BEST WAY TO STIMULATE A CHILD’S IMAGINATION IS THROUGH EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORATION.
FALLS
our SUMMERS
WE ARE SO LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY OUR SUMMERS OFF TOGETHER!
ONE OF THE GREATEST GIFTS IN WORKING FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS THAT WE HAVE SUMMERS OFF. As much as we are passionate about what we do, we do appreciate our special schedule. We are always off when the kids are off. This is something that as parents, we both look forward to and already enjoy with Alex. We are active people and love to be outdoors exploring. Katie has been looking forward to being a mom long before beginning her career. Because of this, she has saved up months of vacation time in order to spend it with the baby when he or she arrives. Luis has also saved up a significant amount of time and plans on taking time off when the baby arrives, in addition to both of them having the holidays and summers off.
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e are proud of the work we have done with our own hands on our home and enjoy having our families over on a regular basis. We have plenty of space and are looking forward to the day when we begin to fill our home with the pitter-patter of little feet.
e 7 neighborho m o h od our
Our little city has a great sense of community. The schools are ranked amongst the top in the state and the local elementary school is just two blocks away. Our community is known for its activities such as the Holiday Celebration with the local high school bands and decorated trees auctioned for charity, Easter egg hunt and trick or treating at the regional park as well as our own Fourth of July firework show. We look forward to sharing all of these wonderful activities with our growing family!
5 PLACES WE ENJOY IN OUR AREA REGIONAL PARK FULL OF TREES AND HILLS WITH A LARGE POND & SEVERAL SPORTS FIELDS
OUR OWN AQUATIC PARK
LIBRARY THAT HAS PROGRAMS FOR KIDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
THEATER WITH PRODUCTIONS FROM KID SHOWS TO BROADWAY MUSICALS
CONCERTS UNDER THE STARS
LUIS BACKPACKING
LUIS & ALEX Luis is the uncle who the nieces & nephews adore and love to spend time with. When I saw Luis pick up his nephew for the first time, my heart melted. I COULDN’T WAIT FOR THE DAY WHEN WE STARTED OUR OWN FAMILY.
L
LUIS IS A TRUE ROLE MODEL NOT ONLY TO HIS SON, BUT TO HIS NIECES & NEPHEW S
uis is “that guy”. He’s the guy who is making people laugh in the group because of his humorous twist on daily stories. He’s the guy you call when you need help figuring out how to build something. Luis is the one I call when there’s a spider in the bedroom, and he will humanely take it outside. From our first date, which lasted 6 hours at one restaurant, I knew Luis was the man I wanted to talk to about everything.
meet
Luis b by katie c
Luis is the guy whose shoulder is strong enough to hold me up when I am sad and can make me laugh to feel better. He will make you a pot of soup when you don’t feel well and runs to the pharmacy at midnight for medicine just so you can sleep that night. He’s the guy who works side by side with me not only at the same school, but at home as we build our house into a home. Luis is the man I want to build our family with and he’s the one I’m very grateful I get to spend the rest of my life with. I'M SO EXCITED TO BEGIN THIS NEW AND EXCITING ADVENTURE IN ADOPTION AND GROWING OUR FAMILY.
LUIS HAS FOUND HIS CALLING AS A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST. He can connect with some of the toughest students in our school and get through to them to make a positive difference. Not only the students, but my fellow teachers and staff members look to Luis for guidance and support when dealing with tough situations within the classroom.
Things that make Luis smile: FAMILY TIME PASSING ON FAMILY STORIES LEARNED FROM PARENTS
TEACHING ALEX HOW TO USE TOOLS
TRIPS TO HOME DEPOT AND LOWES
WOODWORKING PROJECTS BEING OUTDOORS SPORTS
FISHING IN THE SIERRAS V BAR-B-QUE’S V COOKING TRADITIONAL MEALS
meet
Each morning, I see Katie smile and it brightens my day. Saying, "Good morning" to her has a special meaning to me b by luis c where each waking day allows me to fall in love with her again and again. What a great way to start a day! I’m a lucky guy.
Katie
Personally, Katie is a very charismatic individual that lights up any room with her bubbly personality, humor and intelligence. Katie is respectful to everyone, regardless of their physical appearance or intellectual challenges. FOR FIFTEEN YEARS KATIE HAS VOLUNTEERED HER TIME TO COACH A SOCCER TEAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES. It is a magical moment seeing Katie and her team having fun, with their parents on the sidelines with tears rolling down their cheeks with complete joy.
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Katie has taught me how to see nature in a more positive way which we can interact with. I was more of a city boy. Yet, with Katie leaves are greener, rocks reveal stories, mountain top views are absorbed, and wildlife is admired and respected.
Undoubtedly, Katie is a committed individual that does things very well. She helped swing a hammer when we built our home. Having a brain that is good with numbers helped me out a lot to take precise measurements when constructing home projects. But, Katie doesn’t stop there. Should we need to work on a vehicle for repair, guess who picks up a wrench and gets her hands dirty? Yes, Katie.
Things that make katie
I hope this summary allows you to see why Katie shines bright in my heart; for all the reasons I mentioned and many more. I’ve said this before and I will say it again... I’m a lucky guy.
smile:
FISHING WITH FAMILY BAKING DESSERTS AND WATCHING FAMILY'S REACTION
WHEN A STUDENT HAS AN "AH-HA" MOMENT
LEARNING HOW TO FIX MY CAR WITH MY DAD
DIY PROJECTS WITH LUIS HIKING & CAMPING GAME NIGHTS
PLAYING SOCCER WITH MY STUDENTS V ORGANIZING
GE PART OF OUR FISHING IS A HUN'T WAIT TO SHARE A LIVES AND WE CITH A LITTLE ONE! W E THIS LOV
m y c a reer AS A TEACHER, Katie’s students have an excellent role model in her and as their instructor she teaches one of the most difficult courses for middle school students, which is math. She holds high standards for her students and they come up to them. She never gives up on her students and is always trying to help them improve their grades; even if it means she tutors them an hour before school starts to prevent them from falling behind. It is very endearing to hear her tell me stories of her past students that often drop by to visit and thank her for her guidance.
READING WITH ALEX AND OUR NIECE
so in
love k
c Y L I M A F ’S E I T KA
Katie has one younger brother, Joey. He is so excited to be an Uncle to a little one and take them on all sorts of adventures! Katie has several aunts, uncles, and cousins that she enjoyed traveling to the Eastern Sierra Mountains together every summer growing up. Everyone still remains close and we now enjoy having Luis's family come along for a summer filled with fishing, camping and hiking! Although they are divorced, Katie’s parents have maintained a positive friendship over the years, making sure the needs of their children
came first. Both of Katie’s parents and their spouses come over regularly to our house to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and other special events. Katie feels very blessed that she has been raised with this positive example. Katie’s mom is over the moon with excitement at the idea of a grandchild to read to and take to the park and museums. Katie’s dad cannot wait to have a little camper to teach how to fish and build things. Katie's family is incredibly supportive of our decision to adopt!
US WITH KATIE'S DAD & AUNT
ILL KATIE'S BROTHER W
OTHER
BR KATIE'S PARENTS &
KATIE'S MOM'S FAMILY
WITH OUR NIECE/GODDAUGHTER
BE A GREAT UNCLE!
KATIE'S DAD, LUIS, OUR NEWPHEW & ALE
X
LUIS DRESSED AS SANTA & OUR NIECE
Luis comes from a big family. In fact, his family was once on TV for being the largest extended family in Southern California! That being said, Luis grew up with three brothers and one sister in his immediate family. They are a very tight knit group which is evident by everyone getting together several times a month to cook dinner and hang out. If they are not at each other’s or their parents’ houses, they are regularly talking on the phone and catching up. The nieces and nephews love when their Tio (Uncle) Luis comes over because he’s the fun uncle. Luis plays, jokes, and mentors them all. Luis has taught them to fish, how to cook pozole,
We recently hosted a western themed mystery dinner that had the whole group in stitches as we laughed and all played our roles in the mystery.
and helps the older ones in their university decisions. Luis’s mother instilled a strong faith in them which is being passed down to the next generation. Growing up around the corner from the neighborhood church, that became the gathering place for the community. Many of Luis’s childhood stories are centered around the Church. Luis maintains his faith and is passing that along to his son Alex not only through words, but by example as well. Along with their foundation in faith, many of the recipes Luis uses today are those that were taught to him growing up. From handmade tortillas, homemade salsa, soups, and marinades, our home always smells delicious.
bLUIS' FAMILY
THANK YOU
so much
We appreciate you taking the time to visit our profile and get a glimpse of our life and hopes for the future. We have faith that you will make the right decision and know that you are admired for your strength. We are open to talking or a visit if you wish. If you have any questions for us or would like to speak with us please contact your Case Worker at ADOPTHELP by calling 1-800-637-7999.
katie a luis
Our promises to your baby: 7 You will be LOVED
7 You will be READ
unconditionally
BY FAMILY who are eager to meet you and love you
TO every day
7 You will be SURROUNDED
7 You will know that every day we CONSIDER
YOU A GIFT and a blessing and tell you that you are loved
7 You will LEARN
7 You will learn about, RESPECT and
TO FISH as soon as you’re old enough to hold a pole
7 You will learn to say PLEASE and THANK
experience different CULTURES
YOU
7 You will experience God’s work through NATURE
7 You will be raised with a strong sense of FAITH 7 You will be encouraged to let your IMAGINATION
7 You will know your BIRTH
grow
STORY and how much your birthmother loved you and how grateful we are for her gift of you every day.