Together Forever | Our Adoption Story: Part 9

Feb. 7, 2009

The sealing was absolutely fabulous! At the temple they treated my hubby and I as if we were getting married all over again! Literally! We had our own little temple worker with us that took us everywhere, I changed in the bridal room, the temple workers helped me get dressed (which was sort of funny since they were helping all the other girls with their big wedding gowns and I just had a very comfortable skirt and shirt), they let us spend time in the celestial room before entering the sealing room, etc. It was just fun because I was able to remember little things about our wedding day that I was too anxious to enjoy on our wedding day!Family with 4 girls and 1 boy modeling outside of a church

Having all our friends and family waiting for us in the sealing room was awesome! We only missed those that couldn’t be with us! The sealer was great.

Young infant boy wearing a white sweater

He provided his counsel, more than he had likely intended, waiting for the kids to come up the stairs. But about 5 minutes into his 15 minute counsel, we could hear the kids out in the hall. The sealer must have been a little deaf, because he could not hear the kids.  Little “D” just kept squawking and babbling out there! He was making so much cheerful noise! He was like a spring bird… chirping in the temple hallway! Everyone was having a hard time not laughing. Finally the kids came in… and they all looked like little angels all dressed in their white clothes! They were, of course, starry eyed as they entered.

4 sisters posing in front of a church

The ceremony was short and sweet, pronouncing all the sealing blessings on our sweet little “D” as he became eternally ours! It was emotional, yet oh so beautiful!  Little “D” didn’t move the… entire… time… and had his huge baby browns just staring up at the sealer. I think he literally listened to every word (which had us both bawling)! He seemed to know what was going on, almost like he had been anticipating this moment!

Infant baby boy starring off to the distance

After the ceremony, everyone congratulated us and we had the chance to spend a few minutes with the kids as a complete family in the sealing room… gazing into the reflecting mirrors, representing eternity. It was very emotional and such a unique experience this early in our children’s lives! Truly memorable.

Afterwards, we took pictures in our whites outside with the kids, since the weather cooperated, and it was a beautiful warm day for February.

McKnight family picture
Father with his infant baby boy

We also ate lunch with many of our family and friends at the Lion House. It was truly a glorious day ranking in my top two (only behind our wedding day)! Life is wonderful!

May 11, 2010

Since I know this is going to become “public” to everyone on my hair blog soon, I thought I would just add one final update. Little D is now almost two years old! How times flies! I’ve just re-read all these post entries and it just feels jst like yesterday that I experienced them. It is really incredible!

I simply need to state emphatically for everyone that this boy is my little man! He is the sweetest, charming, (a little rowdy) little guy and we love him dearly. I can’t, nor do I want to, imagine my life without him in it. I’m so grateful for his personality in our home.

Infant baby boy in matching sweater and hat

I was reading another favorite blogger of mine the other day and she was talking about moments when “Your spirit taps your heart” to remind you of the joys of life. I had one of those moments this week. To explain, you must understand that when we go to church my husband does not sit with us in our pew. He is a member of the Bishopric in our congregation and this means he sits up on the stand with two other men, all three presiding over the church meetings. I know this may be confusing to people not of my faith, but ask you to just bear with me.  So I sit by myself in a pew with all five kids. The four girls are pretty good, but Little Buddy is at that really awful age where he is just too restless to sit still. Instead he wants to run up and down the aisles, screams, kicks, and just generally has a fit if I try to keep him still for too long. On days like that, when I get frustrated by him I often point out his daddy to him and send him up to sit with my hubby for a few minutes on the stand.

So last Sunday my little man ran up, climbed up in his daddy’s lap, and promptly turned around to look at the congregation.  He quickly scanned for me, found me, and gave me this look as though he had gotten away with something naughty! But when he could tell I was looking at him also, he threw his arm up in the air, waved his hand emphatically, yelling (loudly) “Momma, Momma, Momma!” When I and most of the people sitting near us started to giggle, he waved even harder! It was seriously one of those moments when “Your spirit taps your heart.”  This… is our son!

McKnight family modeling outside

For more information on our experience, including a Q&A, read Adoption 101.

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Comments

  1. Hello Mindy I just watched your adoption 101 video and xame upon this blog from it. I read this in a matter of 30 min my phone died but got right back to it! I see all your cgh bideos on youtube love your family wish you could do one on sweat pea please its just so touching i have a daughter of my own and know the meaning when you say the baby is ours i dont know about adopting but knowing the love for daxton nd sweatpea seems alike to youre 4 girls thank you hope to read a blog about sweat pea

  2. It was an amazing story. Daxton has grown up and he is an amazing young boy. You all are a beautiful and wonderful family. Paisley is adorable as well and it shows that I hope to be like your family when I get older. It’s a touching story. God bless you and your family

  3. I know this was written a long time ago but I just happened to stumble upon it and I want to let you know Mindy, that you have such a beautiful family. One day, when I have a family of my own, I really hope it is as wonderful as yours. This was such a touching story and I congratulate you and your hubby of your bravery to go through with such a big moment. Your son is beautiful and he adds such a wonderful touch to your awesome family. And now that you have sweet pea, your family is just so amazing. I hope the lord will allow me to have such a beautiful family one day as well…❤️xo

  4. Your story toched my heart. You are a real life hero. I want to salute you. ❤️God Bless You and Your Family

  5. This story was so amazing for you to share! what a roller coaster life before a happy and wonderful ending. My husband and I are expecting our first baby due in February and ever since we started dating we both discussed adoption. I don’t know when we plan to adopt or if we want to continue trying to have our own for awhile but we are planning to go through the process one day and reading your story just made me want to more. However, the timing has to feel right and we have to be emotionally ready for a chance that we don’t make it or receive an amazing child, but even though i am sure i do want to adopt one day your story has made me feel 1,000% about it.

  6. This is indeed a very touching story, no matter what your religion is. Being adopted myself, it is really interesting to see what adoptive parents feel through the whole process since since the “overwhelming joy they felt after 13 years of trying to have a baby shadoes every other feeling” (their words not mine). It’s also nice to know that you got to now the birthmom. Like you said some adoptions are very “impersonal” and that was my case and there’s alot of things that i would like to know that my parents can’t answer, so i think it would be great for your son to know that kind of things. Anyways, just a great story!

  7. Mindy, thank you so much for sharing your story. I have cried, laughed, and can relate to your story a little. My husband and I married in June of 2005 and I found out I was pregnant with our daughter in July. She is now 7 will be 8 on March 3rd. We started trying to expand our family when she was 2 and didn’t have any luck. In December of 2012 I had a miscarriage and was devastated. My first thought was how could God do this to my family when we were trying so hard to have another child. My husband reassured me that God has a plan and purpose for everything He does. So in January of 2013 I had gotten a positive reading on a home pregnancy test when we made the apt with the doctor they told us we were not pregnant, so again here we were faced with another disappointment. I then changed doctors and went to one that was really good in this field, I mean he specializes in this. We prayed for guidance that we were doing the right thing. When we met this doctor for the first time, he told us that if God didn’t want us to have another child that it wouldn’t happen, but with God’s help he would do everything in his power as a doctor to help us. After meeting with him in a months time I had 7 people my husbands mom, my very best friend, my husband, my daughter, my husbands boss, my husbands grandma, and a complete stranger approach me and tell me that God told them to tell me that I needed to plan for a baby. Shocking I know. First reaction was ok Lord you have my attention and I hear you and I am listening. LOL! My doctor had put me on Clomid hate it made me very moody and hormones were flying. I was on clomid all last year. I finally came to the realization that I wasn’t fully relying on God. I know that God is going to bless me and my family with a beautiful baby boy it has already been seen and promised to us. I was feeling discouraged and as I read your story it gave me peace and understanding, and made feel at ease again, thank you so much, and remember to pray for me. Thanks again!

    1. Thank you so much for the feedback, Earlean! I totally understand your desire for another child, and the frustration at it not happening. What I do know is that God love us, and wants us to have families. If we place our trust in Him, in full faith, without placing requirements on Him for how a baby should come to us, He will bless you. I promise you that! I have seen it happen in our family, twice now. You are definitely in our prayers, along with many other mothers out there who are in similar situations. xoxo

  8. I am not religious at all, but I think that the emotions and experiences you have shared with us here are universal. As I am myself adopted it has been very interesting and emotional for me to read how this experience has been for you and your family. I have often talked with my mom and dad about how my adoption was for them, but as none of them wrote journals, some memories are fading. Thank you for sharing.

  9. Mindy, i read your whole adoption story and i am so touched by your story. How even in the hardest of the days, the most stressful, the ones that you feel that God is not with you, that you continue to have faith in the Lord, that he will take things into his hands, that he is saying “step back, and let me take the reigns”. You have an amazing perspective of this whole thing, and i was almost at the point of tears. I think that the the bond between you and the birth mom is so cute. I’m only 12, and have not experienced this, but i feel in a way that everyone can connect with what you and your family were going through. Everybody has those days when you feel like shutting the world out, but God says “its okay, im in this with you”. So i feel that even if we have not gone through this exact thing we can relate.

    Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
    Isaiah 41:10
    Well Mindy, God bless you and your beautiful family, and keep making AWESOME hair styling videos!!!

  10. Mindy, although I am not a very religious as you are, I have to say that I did find your adoption story very inspiring and at moments as you put it in your last blog “I felt as the divine spirit was tapping my heart”(I apologize if its not a word by word quote). And I wish your kids the best, and I promise you this, in the 12 of December when I go to church to thank “la virgen de Guadalupe” for everything she has given me, I will give a prayer to your family and lit a candle in your behalf. I hope that you don’t mind.

  11. What a beautiful story :’) I’m not a religious person but I’m amazed and proud that your family have such strong faith. I hope you, your husband and children as well as the birthmum are all okay and I wish you all the best for the future <3

  12. Beautiful family! I loved reading this story. I came to your blog for ideas on how to do different hairstyles for my daughters, but I was drawn into the story of your family. We are Christian as well, though not Mormon. Anyway, I would love to read your daughter’s adoption story, if you get a chance to post it (with all that free time you must have as a mom of six 😉 Also, my daughter is a quarter black and her hair is really curly but not kinky – would be great if you have any resources/videos/tips on curly hair as well. Thanks, and God bless you!

  13. I am a 20 year old girl, I follow you on youtube and love your hairtutorials. But mostly, I ended up here because just today, yes, beginning of July 2013, I learned that you had two adorable little members in your family that were adopted.
    I was baffled, as I could not understand how had it been even possible not to notice this little fact before.

    I have always thought that multi-cultural families tend to enjoy life at their fullest, and as you said, are more open to opportunities in life.
    I myself am Latin, I do not necessarily fit in the typical stereotype of a Latin woman, but in a way it does represent me.
    And when you are part of such a special family, as is your own, you gain so much respect for that person, for being brave enough to go through something as heartwarming and scary as you did. It brings a smile to your face when you meet someone who has done everything so right, and that you can see and feel how right it is.
    So thank you for sharing your story, I may be here a couple years too late, but it still moved me to the core (tissue in hand and everything!)
    Hope to keep seeing more from your lovely family!
    xx.

  14. I just finished reading you story and it is truly amazing. you have made me want to possibly consider adoption later in life.

  15. I just read your article in the Family Area of the Deseret News. My family is a little similar to yours, but a little opposite. We had one boy, then three girls. I thought I was done having kids and got on the IUD. A few years later I decided I didn’t want to be done and wanted one more. It took me a few months to get my period, I could tell the IUD had messed up my cycle. I became pregnant within five months and then lost the baby at four months. I became pregnant a few months later and found out I was carrying twin girls. I am also grateful for them. Thank you for sharing your story.

  16. Such a beautiful story!!

    In one of the earlier posts you said that your Birth Mum went over a few things with you like how to do his haie and certain moisturisers ect – i can honestly say that that sort of thing has NEVER corssed my mind. I mean ppl have diff types of hair curly, straight, dry, oily ect and you have diff products to use but it was a *huh he has diff colour skin and needs diff products moment* with a forehead meet palm movement.

    Also whats a sealing?

    How old are all you kiddies now?

    Oh and i can’t wait to read about your daughter!!

    1. Allison, I just saw your comment and hope I can help answer your question. I belong to the same church as this family ( I was sealed to my husband in the same temple, by the looks of the pictures!) and we believe that families can be together forever, not just for this life, but after we die and are resurrected as well. For this to be possible, a family needs to be sealed together by someone with the priesthood who has authority. This priesthood and authority is what Jesus was talking about when he told Peter that he gave him power to bind on Earth and in Heaven. So, when a couple, or family, go to an LDS temple to be sealed, they are promised that if they are righteous they will be together forever. I hope this helps answer your question!

      Here’s a link to more information: http://www.mormon.org/faq/topic/marriage/question/together-forever

      If you’d like to ask me any more questions about this, comment back and we can find a way to get in touch 🙂

  17. That is so beautiful! I read the whole thing and it was really amazing to finally see how you adopted your cute little boy!
    ~Hayley

  18. This story made me laugh and cry. It was heart wrenching and unbelievable. The amount of love and blessings in your family will be eternal. You are truly inspiring as a woman, a wife, and a mother Mindy. Thank you so much for sharing your life and experience with us. May god continue to bless and love your family.

  19. Mindy,

    I have just read all of this, I am not religious at all but just reading all of your beautiful feelings, emotions and thoughts nearly brought a tear to my eye. This is extreamly touching, I hope all the best for your four enchanting daughters and you delicious little man!

    All the Best,
    Abby x x x 🙂

  20. Thanks Mindy for sharing your wonderful story. I am also a member of the Church and my three younger siblings are all adopted. I remember being sealed to my youngest sister and it is an amazing experience. I am glad you were open to share your experience! You are very inspiring! Also wanted to let you know that I love your CGH youtube channel and I follow your girls channel! Your family is amazing!

  21. Thanks for sharing! I’ve been sitting in front of my computer reading this amazing story for about one hour straight. Some of them even brought a tear to my eyes… You have an incredible family <3

  22. Mindy, I hope you read these, because I would really just like to say that you have been a HUGE inspiration to me. I LOVE doing hair and even before you posted your adoption experience, you inspired me to want to adopt when I’m older. I’m almost 16 now, but when its time for me to have my own kids, I want to have some of my own and adopt a few, and now after reading your experience straight through, I feel that choice is right even more. so, thank you, Mindy. Thank you.

  23. I read this in little under half an hour and let me just say, I could not stop reading. The more I read, the more the joy was spread within me. Thank you for sharing this. Reading this made me realize you shouldn’t stop because you don’t get what you want. I loved reading this and I hope you put up your story of your daughter because it’s so joyous to see how the love overflows between each letter and each post you put up! ♥

  24. I just read your story. It’s amazing, makes me think of how much trouble my parents had to go through to get me.

    I am adopted, I have two little brothers, one is 13 and the other is 11 (i think, I can’t believe I don’t know my own brothers age) I don’t get to see them that often, but I love it when I do.

    My Bio mother rang me on 19 jan (this year) to wish me a happy 14th birthday, it was really nice,

    Your story is very touching. I found this story thanks to the latest vid you posted on your YouTube Chanel.

    I really commend you on all the things you have been though, to get your little boy. I am more appreciative of my adoptive parents that have gone though so much to keep me.

    Again well done

  25. You are one of the best mommy in all the world, sorry if my english is not very good,(i talk spanish).
    Your story is soo wondefull and beautiful, i was crying when i read and i think is really wondefull, you have soo much love to give, i wish all the mommy’s in the world, think like you, i really want read the history of your baby girl, she is the most cute baby, i watch your videos of hairstyles every sunday and i love it, i think you are a great person.
    Love <3
    -Alexandra,15 years

  26. Oh Mindy, this story was absolutely beautiful. It made me laugh and it made me cry. I am extremely happy for you and your family. You have 6 very adorable children and you and your husband are so cool haha. Best of luck to future days. I know God is definitely watching over you and your family.

  27. I just read the entire adoption story and it was SO beautiful! I haven’t been close with anyone in the process, so the details are quite interesting to me. Your little man is so adorable, and I see you have another little lady, too! It was so great to meet you at Blissdom, and I would love to swap tips (you tube/photography) when I come to Utah next month, let me know!

  28. You are such a lovely family and this is an incredible story. PLease let us know if you are still in touch with his birth mother and if so, what that is like for you all.

    LOVE your hair styles, by the way!!!

  29. well I wasn’t expecting to see so many comments on this last page hahahah I wanted to comment before but I really wanted to read the whole story. Hi, my name is Candy and as most of these girls i was looking through some videos on youtube because the heart and clover ones are amazing (I’m from Argentina and I’m definitely buying the topsy tool on Ebay! my hair is too long to do those hairstyles myself -and I am 21 and would look kinda ridiculous at college but I’ll get someone to do them on me some other day-

    anyway, I read the whole story because I found your blog and it caught my attention. Specially when I saw the pics of your family, you guys are so cute! It’s like a movie family, seriously. You should write a book and/or make a movie out of this. Truly heart melting.
    The girls are so beautiful and they look just like you and your hubby, perfect match!
    (I love the little one from your heart hairdos videos)

    I don’t believe in God and sometimes wonder about religion and how wrong it is when it’s not used right. I mean, there are many things religions forbid that could make a world a better place, and I am against that but I do support it in cases like yours, when it keeps a person happy, and comforted, and feeling that someone is watching their back.
    I completely understand your point of view even if I don’t share it but Mindy, you need to know that most of the times it is you making the good things happen, so give yourself credit for that. You did do everything you could and you ended up with a cute little piece of chocolate, you deserve it!

    I only wonder how you can live, I mean I’m 21 and studying but always think of how families can support their kids and live a good life economically and your family intrigues me hahah but I’m really happy to have read this. My boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years and we plan to stay together forever as adults and there are plans for babies in the future but in a very distant future, say 10 years or more! but I hope we get to be as happy as you two are with your blessings:):)

  30. Hi Mindy,

    I stumbled on your youtube channel and loved your videos. I was particular drawn to the bantu knots video. I guess there was bit of curiosity involved since I had never seen them done on a white child before. It came out beautifully. Then I came to your site after seeing the announcement about your little girl and had the pleasure to read through the adoption story of your son. It was amazing and so touching. I laughed, I cried, I got nervous when things were in limbo, I cheered when you got your baby boy. He is simply delicious! So handsome!!! I am Black and from time to time I hear people debating over transracial adoption. Asserting that white people can’t teach their child about being black. Or that white parents want Black children because of the novelty. It breaks my heart when I hear that because love is love and clearly you and your husband have kind loving hearts regardless of race. I am sure the encounters you have had with people have ranged with a Black son but it is incredibly clear that your love for him is unwavering. I wish the very best for you and your family. You are all so very lucky to have each other. I can’t wait to read the adoption story about your new daughter. Thank you for sharing your story.

  31. This was an absolutely beautiful and truly inspiring story. Your children are adorable and your faith is incredibly strong. It’s wonderful to hear a positive story like this today when there is so much negativity in the world. I am looking forward to the story of the adoption of your daughter. I love your family so much! xoxoxo Danielle

  32. I came across your videos a while back but I didn’t know actually search it. So last night I was looking for help with the 5 strand braid and was led to your channel. I automatically fell in love with your channel this time. I’m thinking it was because i found it it was all about hair. And more importantly for me you had a huge family and so I felt some kind of connected. I then went to your CGH Into video and saw your chocolate boy and had to know the back story. The twins Q and A made me even more intrigued.
    Well as you see lol I found your site. Last night I stayed up because I had to read it in one sitting. It was that interesting. I’ve read some of the comments and they suggested a book, I would have to agree. I’m just saying I would read it. To read something and its something I’m passionate about makes it that much more interesting.
    Adoption has been on my heart since I can remember I’m sure its because my aunt was suppose to adopt me a cousin when i was little and he or she never made it. So I’m sure that’s what nurtured a love for adoption. Anyway I’m starting to ramble. But, Loved your story. Thank you for sharing the literally details, and my God keep you and your family. Grace and Peace

  33. Your story was amazing!!! It took me forever to read, but I am so glad I did. It was like reading a great book. There were high’s and low’s, but the outcome was fantastic. He is a beautiful baby and I hope someday maybe I can adopt. I just had my third baby this past July and I am not quite ready for another, but I also feel like my family is not done yet. I am with you on the new born stage. I don’t sleep much, but they are so fun and the best snugglers ever.
    I love the hair do’s especially the braids. My daughter gets up and says what hair do are we doing today and we check out your sight and pick one out together. She loves it and I really enjoy experimenting with her hair and trying fun new things. Thanks!!!

    Darla

  34. I just read your entire adoption blog tonight, though my intentions were to read little by little. I couldn’t stop reading and just want to thank you for sharing your story. I laughed and cried reading your journey and it is as though I was meant to read it. I watch your hair tutorials all the time but just have visited your website a couple times. I was told at a very young age that it would be hard to impossible to have children and it’s been something that I have struggled with emotionally my whole life. I have help raise two step children, whom I love like my own flesh, but I still yearn for a baby of my own. My husband has talked about adoption or even foster parenting, as I love kids, but I know fostering would not be for me as I would become too attached, but adoption is always in the back of my mind. When reading your journey and your miracles that The Lord laid out for you so your little D made it into your arms moved me completely. Maybe adoption is in our future and maybe I was suppose to read this blog to get me to think about it more.

    Thanks Mindy……

  35. I have never read a story more beautiful. I felt something I cannot put into words after I read this. They have such an amazing family. I cried reading this story and I bless their family. I want to write more but I can’t seem to put my feelings into words. God Bless You!

  36. Mindy
    I want to thank-you and your family for opening yours to two different children and taking them in as your own! God had truly bless you with your children and family. I just recently had my first birth child on Aug. 14, 2012 to a beautiful baby girl named Holley Temperance! My first child is adopt he was my nephew, that I cherish so so deeply. My sister was 18 when she had him and was not done with all of her partying. When she left him at my mothers on the day he was one month I cried not knowing what was going to happen. I told my mother I would take him and give him the life he deserved. My mother was willing to keep him, but her hands were so full, she is a full-time foster parent. She loves her job,but hurts to see all the kids come and go not knowing what is going to happen. My son (aka was my nephew) Ashton Connor is my greatest decision I ever made before my husband and before my baby girl came along. We love Ashton and Holley to death, and would do anything for them. We adopted Ashton together and gave him my husband last name. Ashton change my life, I’m the one who never partied, who never got in trouble with the lawsuit. Needless to say I was the good child out of three besides my brother who was the oldest and had downs. He does December 23, 2004 before ever meeting his nephew and niece. I’m the middle child I felt it was my responsibility to take Ashton. So I did and I never regret it, now my sister has another baby and she is raisin this one. I can honestly say I’ve never been so bless with my little family. Thank-you again for given your home to two wonderful,beautiful children. Your family is so adorable.
    Sincerely
    Samantha Treul!

  37. Mindy,

    I just read your blog about adoption and it was very touching. I just had a few questions for you.

    1. I thought you had adopted two kids?
    — if so how was this process different from your first?
    2. How did you explain your decision to your girls?

    I also love all of your hairstyles and just hope in the future that I will be blessed with a baby girl that I can do her hair.

    P.S. How is your niece Rachel doing?

    Thanks,
    Megan

  38. Hello Mindy and Family. Just wanted to say how much of an inspiration your adoption story is. Very strong family and very strong beliefs. That is what will always carry you through. It’s really nice to know that there are such caring and loving people out there. Nothing about you seems to be unreal. Thank you for being you and showing that side of humanity. God Bless.

  39. After having viewed many of your awesome you tube videos for months, I wandered over here tonight on a whim, and was amazed to read your adoption story! We too have four bio kids, and an African American son, adopted at birth. I thought we were the only people to be crazy enough to want more after four! Then when I read about your newest little one, I laughed! We are adding another sweetheart in March when our son’s birthmom delivers his baby brother or sister. I can’t wait to read the addition to your adoption story!

  40. Thank you for sharing! While watching your videos on youtube I had a feeling you might be LDS and wanted to find out more about your family (lol i guess i was right but it takes one to know one right?). This has been such an amazing thing for me! Adoption is nothing to new to my family (my dad and a cousin are adopted) but I have been struggling with weather or not I should talk to my husband about it. We already have a beautiful little blond boy (lol we both have brown hair) and are so blessed with him. But since I was a senior in high school I have had problems with my ovaries and being affected by birth controls. So I have been thinking of adoption for a long time. This has given me strength to talk to my husband about it and also reminded me that God must also be involved in our decision and that he will lead us to the answer that is right for us. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

  41. Wow! I just finished reading your adoption story. and I am so touched by your entries. When I was 20 years old I put my son up for adoption after much contimplation that this decision was the right one I went to LDS Services and they helped me through the process, anyway I knew what I was going through a lot emotionally, but until reading your side of the story I never realized how emotional it was to be a potential adoptive family. Thank you for sharing your story. I was crying almost all the way through the story. Your family is so cute and amazing!!!

  42. Hi Mindy,
    I’ve always loved watching your hair tutorials ( thanks for those ) and somehow felt drawn to knowing more about you and your family…So while at it, I came across this adoption story of yours which made me cry a lot but most of it was realizing that your family n you’ve got such a beautiful heart n such a pure and amazing perception of life…I loved your feelings ( just can’t call them words ) in which you could express why you wanted to adopt your baby, which you actually couldn’t in court…one of the most beautiful things one could ever know about a person’s feelings when she adopts a child…The Baby looks like an angel…!! 🙂 God Bless you and the Family…Lots of Love <3

  43. Hi Mindy and Family,

    I just wanted to say that I think you have a wonderful, beautiful, loving family. I love that you are ok with adopting out of your race, and just wanted to help reassure you that teaching your son and youngest daughter that they are ‘black’ is perfectly fine. Being from a very bi-racial family myself (I am white, husband is Puerto Rican 2 girls and baby on the way, and my sister is half white/puerto rican who has 3 daughters with a black man) I can say from personal experience that you will always offend someone by saying either ‘black or AA’ My BIL prefers black. He is a black man and proud of it,and is offended by ‘AA’ where as his cousin prefers AA and is offended by ‘black’. It’s what YOU are comfortable with saying that matters. We have found that with my nieces, we teach them that they are perfect because they are who they are, not only because of the color of their skin, but because of what they bring into our lives and the lives of others. We teach them to be proud of both sides of their heritage, and that everyone is the same on the inside regardless of what they look on the outside. I also love how you say your son looks like he has been dipped in Chocolate. My oldest niece is a bit lighter, but we nick named her “lil miss chocolatess” and my middle niece is a lovely Mocha color and she is “mocha creme”. As long as parents are not aiming to hurt their children with their nicknames, then I think that any nickname is harmless. God Bless your family and may He give you the strength to brush off any negativity in your lives.

  44. My name is Katie and I’m a fifteen year old from Vegas. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I’ve known for a few years that I want to adopt children when I’m older — ever since I watched a video about the abandoned babies in China (kind of like the video you watched about the orphans) — and you have reinforced that desire with me. You are such a great mother and have such a beautiful spirit. I love the picture you shared with your family in front of the temple, holding hands together for eternity. Thank you so much for opening up to share some of your tenderest moments. Your sweet baby is beautiful. When I grow up, I want to be just like you. Thank you again!

  45. Hi Mindy 🙂
    My name is Rachel, and I am a 15 year old girl from a suburb outside of Chicago. Your amazing hair videos brought me here, and I am SO grateful! First of all, I think you have a beautiful family. I read your whole journal in one sitting (it’s 1:28 am, now, as I type) and I love it! I don’t think we share the same religion, but I am a firm believer in God and prayer, so I was inspired when I read your story. Thank you so much for giving me courage to do what is right in difficult situations. I have loved children since a very young age. I have no intention of bringing a child into the world for quite some time, though (I’ve only just turned 15!). I will, however, keep your situation in mind when the time comes for me to make a decision. I respect your family and the decisions you’ve made, and even though you don’t know me, I support you. I just thought I’d let you know that you’ve made an impact on somebody’s life. Oh, and your French Braid video is the ONLY one on all of YouTube that works for me. I can successfully French Braid my friend’s hair now — I’M SO EXCITED!
    Thanks so much, again. 🙂

  46. I loved reading your story. Thank you so much for sharing.
    I would love to hear the story of your newest addition as well.
    I think the birth mom is such a sweet girl, you speak very highly of her. As you should.
    Did she love her gift? That was very generous of you.

    Even though I respect them, I do not have the same beliefs as you but I definitely believe in miracles.
    I have watched your videos for years, but I have never actually looked at your blog until today.
    I immediately start reading your adoption story. And the day I am reading it just happens to be your son’s birthday.
    Coincidence? Maybe.
    Happy Birthday to “D” !

  47. I’m pretty sure you guys have the cutest family ever…Found my way here because of your awesome hair tutorials, saw a couple of your family pictures and was curious about how your youngest children came into your lives.
    Wonderful story…Will stick with me for quite some time.

  48. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m single, no kids, but I have always thought a lot about adoption. I love your story because it shows that even if I do have my own children some day, that if it is right for me and my family to adopt, it is just that: the right thing for us. Thank you for sharing your faith and this personal experience so that we can all feel the love of a God who fits all our lives into His glorious plan.

  49. I cried through the entire article. I am a mother of four with three living. My dauhter and I love your channel. She is tender headed and does not want me to practice the styles. She thinks I can do them fifteen minutes before her bus leaves and they’ll be perfect.I guess I should be flattered she thinks so highly of me. lol She is only in Kindergarten, so maybe`when she is older she’ll understand that I need practice. Reguarding the comments made about race. My hubby and I are not the same race. He frequently makes comments about me being white as snow. Even my own brothers comment on my inabilty to tan. My hubby means nothing wrong and treats me with love and respect. So I’m never offended when he`says something about my skin color. On the other hand, my mother-in-law often makes unkind comments on our differences. She has issues with race and unfortunately means to be hurtful. Because of my husbands behavior I am able to let those things go. People can notice a difference in skin tone and still be respectful. My husband is. All of our friends are. I am sure it helps that we both believe in the gospel. I believe your son won’t be offended by off-hand comments because he is being raised by a family who loves and respects him.

  50. Your story is amazing:-) you kept your faith even when you questioned God. But God so amazingly answered. Your family is beautiful, keep living for God, and seeking after His will for your lives. GOD bless

  51. Your story was amazing! It brought tears to my eyes more than once. Thanks for sharing it brought back memories of adopting my son who I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

  52. Thanks for sharing. I understand what you were saying, because i belong to the same faith as you. You are such an amazing role model to me. You have the cutest family and i cried through this whole thing.

  53. I read ALL in 2 hours and i must say this was such an emotional yet beautiful experience:) made me tearful but in.the end made me smile see what beautiful family you guys are. 🙂 thank you for sharing your Amazing experience to us despite the different beliefs we all but one thing we do have in common LOVE AND A BELIEVER OF GOD 🙂

  54. BTW….What drew me to your site was pinterest and then your method of curling hair using the headband. As I stated before, I have really long hair and the curls are gone before I leave the house :-(. I am going to try your method this weekend. I enjoy your ideas so much, I’ve bookmarked your site!

    Amy

  55. First off, let me start by saying that your story is very touching and I feel all of the actions and emotions that you shared were very genuine. A lot of women and families go through what your family went through and you offer hope and life to their dreams as well. I can identify with what Faith commented on 09.28.2011. I am an African-American female with and African-American husband and two African-American children. The comments that people say to you or your husband, kids, or family do not affect you, they affect your son. I know (hoping 🙂 that you are going to teach him the ignorance of racism and of the people that use it. But that will not stop the fact that words HURT and SCAR. I know your daughter meant nothing by the comment “just like my steak, etc… but she saw color. I know that you understand “African-American” because you have studied it and became familiar with what it entails, but it is very different that BEING African-American or Black. The comment “so black she called him licorice” was very, very offensive. It hurt my feelings and it had nothing to do with me, personally. But it had something to do with the Black race. I think Faith was trying to just tell you, don’t let people say things to you that will, not could, but will hurt your baby. Even in 2012, it is very hard being Black. The sly comments being made, the rude looks, the standoffish people you encounter. I am a red-skinned, 4’11” woman. I have very long brunette hair. I’m often asked what I am mixed with. The answer is simply Black. This is still offensive to me because it is as if Black cannot produce anything else except Black and Kinky hair (which is the same as curly. I’m ok with the word kinky :-). I guess to sum all of the up, do not allow people to say just anything around you regarding anything being black. If you do not tolerate it, then they will know that no matter how they feel about you, your family, or your new African-American additions, that saying anything about “black or color or race or black foods or black hair, etc…” is unacceptable and that you won’t tolerate it. This will also force them to really think about what they say. I mean afterall, can you recall anyone saying anything about your other 4 baby girls? Examples…Awwww, she’s as white as___, or look at her little features, or referring them to any foods. God Bless and I wish you many more adoptions 🙂 (if God puts it on your hearts!)

  56. THIS IS TRULY AN AMAZING STORY IT TOUCHED MY HEART I’VE EVEN TEARED UP A LITTLE. IT WAS VERY AWESOME OF YOU TO ADOPT THAT LITTLE PRECIOUS BUNDLE OF JOY HE IS SO BEAUTIFUL.YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AS WELL GOD BLESS YOU ALL XD.
    P.S. YOUR VIDEOS ARE REALLY HELPFUL AND AWESOME OF XD LOL.

  57. Mindy: Your Mom had told me about your story and today I took the time to read all of it. I cried all of the way through it, what an exceptional family you have. I would like to see your and your kids some time and to hear about your last adoption. Love, Aunt Barbara

  58. I cried while reading this.
    This is truly a beautiful story! There’s more I can say, but every one else has already put the words out.

    I’m just wondering though…can you do a picture update? On how he’s doing with your family? 😀

    Good luck to you!

  59. I am appalled that you let ignorant racist comments about your son go unchallenged. “It’s a generational thing.” you said. I say B.S. You have an opportunity to correct people, and you let it go. Why? Do you have so little confidence in your decision to adopt transracially that you will allow people to continue to wallow in their own ignorance? Where is your concern for your child? For that matter, why are you allowing people to get away with these statements in front of your White children? What if they think these things are acceptable to say because you didn’t call the offenders out on their racism? Why aren’t you defending your son? And now you’re going to adopt another Black child? Why? So you can prove how “tolerant” you are? I seriously doubt that any deity led you to adopt transracially. It looks to me like it was your own ego. The condescending tone you use when writing about the birth mother speaks volumes too.

    1. Hi Faith. I really appreciate you taking the time to read our adoption story, and to respond as well. I am saddened by your response, however, because if you knew our family even a tiny bit you would never have written what you wrote. Our faith in how our children ended up in our home by Divine direction is simply unwavering and without question. Ego nor sympathy has no part of this, as we adopted our children because they are truly our son and daughter and we love them dearly. Rest assured that we do not tolerate racist comments in any way, however it is how you deal with them that could make things worse. We are colorblind, and wish for all people to be so. Perpetuating the problem with arrogance and entitlement, in trying to be right, will solve nothing. That is how wars start. I live by, and truly believe, that it is always more important to “do what is right” than to “be right”. Some people won’t change their perspective, but we ourselves can control how we treat others and that, my friend, is of utmost importance. I love this children more than anything in the world. We feel the same way about our two wonderful birthmothers, who will always have a special spot in our hearts in helping us complete our eternal family.

  60. Once I started reading your story I couldn’t quit, even though I didn’t have the time to spare! So well written… I could feel your emotions as I devoured post after post. Thank you for sharing these personal series of events.

  61. I sure appreciated reading about your experience. It was moving and insightful. The birthmom was beautiful inside and out and very responsible in her decisions. I loved how you and her were both on the same page and how God helped lead you both together in your decisions. Thank you so much for sharing.

  62. I just read all the nine parts of your story and…I’m… I just can’t describe it! For the record, you made me cry! I’m not a mom, I’m still 22 years old, brazilian, fan of your youtube channel, sometimes I use your tips on myself (I know I’m a grown woman, but some of the hairstyles are perfect!) and your story made me cry! And I study psichology, I’m used to this storys. You’re an amazing woman, rare in this world, and I just wish you the best for you and your family.Thanks for sharing this with the world. (just don’t freak out right now!)

  63. THANK YOU for sharing this! I cried all afternoon reading it. And here I thought I was coming here to learn cute hair styles. I did the waterfall french braid in my hair while reading though. Turned out great! <3

  64. God bless you. You have such an optimistic outlook to life, and I love that about you. You have a beautiful, beautiful family. I hope that I will be given faith like yours. <3

  65. Hi Mindy,
    I am 25yrs old and got married 6 months ago to the love of my life and soon after 3 months in march i found out i was pregnant….since i live with my husband in the UK and our families are away in our home country it was shared happiness over the globe…. all was gr8 until upril wen i lost my baby….someone told me it wsnt meant to b mine and god has better plans for us….soon after dat i lost my job….its been a month and a half i am overcomin the sadness…..i had given u hope….but somewer in my heart i had a tingy ray that told me this was just a testing period and god loves us dearly….today after reading your story my hope has strengthened so much i cant tell you….i had tear reading ur blog…. i cannot praise u n ur family enuf for this gr8 deed…it is hard to believe that people like you still exist….god bless u and ur family….and may god shower upon you all his love and blessings….u have done a FAB job….i am so proud of u….thank you!!!

  66. I being 1 of 2 (fraternal twin) really wish i was part of a bigger family. I think your story of opening your arms and loving another child is amazing! You and your husband seem like really great parents..
    (you are also AMAZING! at hair!)
    avid watcher of your videos<3 (:

  67. You and your husband are truly wonderful and loving people.I recently married a black man(I’m white),i have 2beautiful angels ,and its hard in society to live this way.my husband tells everyone those are his 2 girls And noone can change it.i cried reading your story BC it is sad how many people can’t have kids and how many have them but don’t want them.you and your husband will truly be blessed for changing lil man life.he will forever be grateful to you bc you are a wonderful mother and father.

  68. mindy.. my heart et sprit were et are tapped by your story, your journey, faith et love..I could not help but get all teary eyed!! I loved hearing about enamored versus enraptured.. too cute!! Actually this entire story et continuing journey I love hearing about. To me it speaks of the highest love et faith.I believe that you et your little man were et are truly meant to be together..God, angels, sprit power.. sent him to you. I sense a love et bond that is so strong it taps into my heart et spirit.. Many blessings faith et love to you et your family.. Little d is way cute!! much love
    ameties
    mireille

  69. I am African American and it means so much to me that racial lines are becoming non existant. I’m sure you will encounter negativity from blacks and whites, but like you said, hes YOUR son and not even color can change that. Best of luck to you and your beautiful family.

  70. I enjoyed reading about your adoption experience. My husband and I adopted our son 11 years ago. We also felt lead by God throughout the entire experience. Our birthmom felt the same. Sometimes you just know when God is guiding you. I was also present for appointments and at his birth. I know it was an experience that changed us forever. I wish more people would talk about their adoption experiences. Four years after our son, I was blessed to give birth to a beautiful girl. To see your child be born and then give birth to a child, really showed me that a birthmom makes a tremendous, selfless sacrific. Blessings to your family.

  71. All I can say is thank you for exsisting, people like you and your hubby make this world a better place. Your are very blessed and all your children are gorgeous even your new baby girl, very fortunate to have six kids. After reading this amazing story it made me realize I need to pray more & go to church more. The poem you wrote was amazing, truly came from the heart! God bless you & your family for ever! (:

  72. hey um i was wondering how to do a waterfall braid on my own hair bracuse i try and cant do it i know that you have all ready posted on and how do you curl long thick hair???????? i try and try and it looks like ewew it looks horible so pleaes help me!!!!!!!

  73. Wooooow, such a beautiful story. I truly believe every word you wrote here was from the heart. Congratulations with your newest addition, as well a beautiful child!
    Bless you and your wonderful family!

    A big hug, Samantha (the Netherlands)

    ps. I love your hairdo’s! I’m going to try all of them on my little sister, doesn’t matter if she wants it or not, haha

  74. Wow. When I read this story I had to keep wiping the tears away. Thank you for sharing it. Heavenly Father has blessed you with a beautiful family- including that handsome new little man. Congrats on all your many blessings.

  75. Wow everything u said and talked about sounded exactly like my husband and I situation . We have been married for 8 yrs and we were blessed with our beautiful son who is African American may of 2008. We are wanting to start another adoption trying to find what agency we want to do might just have to look at heart to heart. You should join the transracial adoption yahoo group. It is a support group where we all get together and kids can play together. We live in Utah and are of ur same faith. Thank u so much for sharing and I was just looking up how to do a braid to my hair on YouTube then found ur family and read ur blog. I saw ur video such a beautiful family. Maybe the lord is telling me to look at heart to heart . Thanks for sharing if u have any questions about the group u can email me at elijahsmommy123@gmail . Com

  76. Hello. I stumbled across your Hair video’s on YouTube and jsut sort of clicked around and finally ended up on your adoption blog. I thought “ok, work is slow today, i’ll read it to take up some time…” Oh my gosh! I am so touched and amazed by your story!!! So much more than I expected!
    I started off loving your hairstyles, and now i love you and your family!

    Such a great and inspirational story. CONGRATS!!
    (And i saw you just adopted a little girl…Double Congrats!!!!)

  77. Mindy & Family!

    Congrats on ur lil man! He’s adorable! I have always wanted to adopt. My hubby and I have been married for 4 yrs coming mar 31st 2011 but together for 5. We have four wonderful children of our own. Boy-4yrs Boy-3yrs Girl-2yrs and Girl-5 months. I cant have anymore since i have endometriosis and now started to bleed out which the doctors have under control for now. The doctor’s have said that if I was to have another baby I would most likly not make it and a 50% chance the baby wouldn’t either. So We chose not to… We have been blessed with our four Miracle’s! And two bys and two girls! We also lost a baby before our last one was born. It was one of the hardest things to go through for me personally. I just couldn’t let go of thinkink it was my fault or that I could have prevented it. But then the doctors did a D7C to remove the dead fetus and found that the baby had something wrong with him (I can’t remember the medical term) but I was only 11 weeks pregnant and you could already tell the sex of him and and he was way to over developed for my gestation period. So even though it was soo hard to go through, it was nice to know that he was ill and would have had a very hard life had he not have had died. My doctor said your body almost always knows if there is something wrong and will reject it. So anyways I was very upset because with my other pregnancies it was becoming harder and harder to concieve with my problem(endometriosis). And after losing our baby, Ithought what if I can get pregnant again? So night after night I was crying and not sleeping over it and finally I had a dream and it told me to turn to god and he will lead us to another baby if met to be! So i did and only 1 month and a 1/2 later I found out I was pregnant! The doctor’s were telling me it was still the homorne from the fetus that passed but for some reason I knew it wasn’t and finally conviced the doctors to do a ultrasound and low and behold I was right!? and after the doctors did the math I conceived the baby only 10days after my d&c to remove the fetus that passed away. Which was a miracle in itself, since It took me 8 months for one of other children. But the doctors explained –
    since they did a D&C to remove the baby that passed it also removed all the endometriosis tissue that was stopping me from getting pregnant more quickly because there was no place from the embryo to implant… so even though the tissue will grow back which it already has and is very very plainful…. It wasnt there when we did “you know” and the embryo was albe to implant right away and tere we had it I got pregnant ten days after!! So I took that as god leading you to have another baby GIRL! in our lives! So now here we are and I am complete for now, But i am only 21 and my hubby is only 27 so for me down the road I would LOVE to adopted and reading your story made it so much more possibe! The only thing holding us back right now is a few things 1 I am going to be having major surgery soon for a historectomy and we are also saving for a down payment for a house, and three the Finacials to be able to adopt.

    Anyways I just really wanted to share this with you and your family and tell you how much I loved hearing your story and I would also love to hear from you in my email. I also see that you have adopted a lil baby girl now! Are you going to be posting your story on about that one?

    Shes adorable as so are all the others!Congrats on her as well! God bless and I really hope to here from you! I would love to share some more stories with you and your family about ours but in private.

    You have touched my heart and I cannot stop telling my husband about you all and my Father & Mother. You are a insperation! Thank-you for that!
    GOD BLESS!
    Yours Truly
    -Carisa <3

    P.s I found out only by looking for some new hair styles for my two yr old lil girl! And Am so glad I did. I came into this site smiling and left it smiling and crying! In happiness tho!
    Hopefully will talk to you soon!

  78. I have been following your blog for a LONG time now and I’m not sure how I missed your sons story but I am so grateful to have been a part of this through reading! I cried and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed it! What a blessing to have him in your home. He is such a handsome little man. I am of the same faith as you and wanted to say I appreciate your comments regarding the priesthood and following the “promptings”! I am so blessed to have it in my home too! You wrote this beautifully. How lucky is your little man to have this recorded for when he can enjoy this as well! What a lucky guy to have parents that care enough to keep this for him! Thank you again for being so open with your thoughts and experiences!

  79. Thank you for sharing. I have 2 wonderful biological daughters and am thankful every day. Two was just the ‘right’ number for us, however, I am thankful for families like yours that want…no, NEED more to be fulfilled.

    Your story brought tears to my eyes, not something I expected when looking at new hairstyles for my girls!! Thanks again and may you continue to be blessed, your new daughter is breathtaking.

  80. Your family is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for opening up your hearts to bringing another child into your loving home. God bless you and take care

  81. this is a wonderful story i enjoy reading through all the parts of your adoption. your family looks very happy and the kids are just adorable.

  82. Dear Mindy,
    I’m am pretty sure i have watched all your videos on youtube and it was just earlier I came across you ‘Family Intro’ video. Which by the way was great 😀 your kids are amazing. Of course I had some questions about your son, but i found the link in the comments.
    As you said at the beginning of the Adoption story, you might want to read it in sections… as it is pretty long! 😛 Well I thought ok sounds good. But I will tell you what, as soon as I started reading, I could not stop!! I was completely intrigued! I read the though whole thing in about 20 minutes.
    I think it was amazing you shared all those experiences with everyone! I loved the way you were open about all your spiritual beliefs and how God guided you and your husband through the experience. Because I completely agreed with everything you said.
    I again want to thank you so much for sharing this with me. It has given me such an in sight in to your family and how much you have been through and done for your son.
    Also have you ever thought of adding something to this and making it a book?! Because it would definately sell.. I would read it!! And if u put it on youtube you would get so many more readers 😀 You should really consider it.
    Thanks again
    Hannah (16)

  83. Dear Mindy,
    Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful experience. It has touched my heart reading your adoption story. It is so amazing how beautiful it is. You, the birth-mom, your husband, your daughters, your son (who are extremely beautiful and handsome)… You are all amazing people. I look up to all of you. You were so strong through the whole process. You are absolutely amazing. I cannot describe how much I look up to you. You have opened my eyes to many beauties that life gives you. God bless forever!

    Carolyn,
    Age 12

  84. Our oldest is adopted, and my husband and I were also in the hospital room with the birth mom. Isn’t that the most amazing experience? I enjoyed reading your experience and will share this story with my son. He is 10 years old. And when you talked about your twin who loves to cook, that is my boy. He wants to be a chef when he grows up. Our first biological child is 8 months and ten days younger than him, they are good buddies (Five years of marriage with no kids and I was two weeks pregnant when our adopted son was born, but we just didn’t know it yet.) I know it was Heavenly Father’s plan for them to be brothers. Adoption is a blessing. Thanks for sharing your story with me. (And my two biological daughters, ages 6 and 3, just LOVE your hairstyles blog!)

  85. Dear Mindy, thank you for sharing your wonderful story with us. Your story left me with tears and it touched me greatly. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. Take care!

  86. I….just want to thank you. Thank you for choosing to share such a beautiful story with us.
    I am only 19, only starting to truly live life, but I already think about the family I want to have. Part of me thinks about all the children out there that have no home, that deserve to be loved. After reading your story, I know in my heart that one day I too will adopt.
    You have a beautiful family. May God always bless your home.
    Thank you once again for sharing your story with us.

  87. Thank you so much for your blog! I originally stumbled upon your blog while looking for cute do’s for my little girl. You are so creative & have a real talent for teaching. I loved reading your adoption story as well. I have myself have always felt the pull to adopt a child. I think my husband an I might be ready in the near future to have some serious discussions. Your testimony was so beautiful & heartfelt. Your family is so lucky to have such a warm, caring mother! Lots of love from my family to yours!

  88. Mindy,

    I found your hair blog through a friend on facebook several months ago. My husband and I have a blended family of 6 children (3 boys 3 girls) so I was VERY excited to find your adorable hair site! Just this morning I read your whole story about adopting your sweet little son. I had a whole list of things to do today but have been sidetracked! I wanted to thank you for sharing such an intimate time in your life, it brought the spirit into my heart this morning. Your son is adorable and easy to see why he is such a light in your home!

  89. I found your site looking for hairstyles on youtube, I never thought I would find such a touching story here. As a child of adoption myself, I have to say that I think there is a special place in heaven for those wonderful families that adopt a child and love them as their own. Placing a child with the family that God intends them is a beautiful thing. I am so lucky to have the family the lord provided me, and I am sure your son will grow up feeling the same way. I just spent the last hour reading your story, crying, laughing and warming my heart with the blessings your family has. Your son is very lucky to have found his way to such a beautiful family who will provide him such love and grace throughout his life. Thank you for providing such an honest and humble account of your story.

  90. Thank you so much for sharing your very personal feelings and story. I was deeply touched by your testimony and your trust in God’s timeline. You have a beautiful family and I can see His light in your countenances. Thank you again!

  91. Thank you for your story. It was heartwarming. I also think it is so cool that the hair blog I like the most is done by a fellow Latter Day Saint 🙂 I’ve always thought about adopting, but we’ve been easily blessed with two wonderful children, but I know we aren’t done. I got the Mirana removed in May and I’m still not pregnant (which is longer than it took with our other two). Your experiences are good for me to hear, and I know I just need to trust in the Lord, and right now I feel good to just keep trying, but I wonder if adoption might be right for us. I understand it’s expensive, do you mind sharing how much it cost you? Thank you again for sharing your experiences.

  92. Dear Mindy, First of all I LOVE all the cute hair do’s on your site, so much fun to do on my two girls. I have four kids two girls and two boys! I just read your adoption story and am very moved and touched by it! Thanks for sharing your beautiful family and personal thoughts. I too was adopted my parents are caucasian and I am Filipino. I feel that I am truly blessed as well! 🙂

  93. Hi Mindy!
    My name is Kiara..! I watched today your video about your family on youtube, I susbcribed to your channel about a month ago. I’d learned so much from you..! Anyway I got back from work today, went to youtube and saw the update from your channel. I watched the video and even show it to my mom hahaha she knows about your videos and she likes watching even though she doesn’t understand a word of english!And then a read the comment about the adoption of your son, so I click the link and here I am..! I have to say I cried..but at the same time I’m really happy for you..I don’t know you but this is such a beautiful story and it makes me feel so good.
    I’m 21 years old and I’m not planning to get married anytime soon… but I know I wanna have a big family some day..If God wants me to. And I’d thought about adoption before..I mean..I hope I’ll be able to have kids on my own but adoption its a beautiful thing, a gift and a chance for a baby to have a good life. So in years to come when I decide that I’m ready to do it I’ll come here and I’ll tell about it..! Reading this make me realize that I really want to do that one day.
    Thank you so much for sharing these..!
    Big hug from Venezuela, God Bless!

    Ps: Sorry for my terrible english!! =D

  94. Thank you so much for sharing. I do not know you, although we have a common friend, Sarah. I was in tears reading your story. I work in the newborn nursery at the hospital and we have the great opportunity to work with adoption agencies. I see both sides, birthmoms and adoptive parents. I too admire the courage of the birthmoms and their unconditional love for their babies in giving them a better life. Thank you for making my day better by sharing this.

  95. We had secondary infertility as well. And we adopted our bi-racial son in August of 2008. He was born July 28th! What similar stories we have. He is a gift from God! Adoption isn’t butterflies and sunshine…it’s tears and heartbreak and love. I hate that my gain is at another’s loss but I’m so thankful my son has 2 moms that love him and 2 dads that love him. What a rare and precious gift. If you ever want to “talk” to all of the adoption triad I can give you an adoption forum to look up. I’ve learned so much…especially from the bio-moms on there. 🙂

  96. Mindy,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. It took me 5 years to have my first child, 4 more years for the next, 18 months for the next,(she’s always been in a hurry…) and 4 more years for my last. No one understands the devestation of not being able to have a child when you want one so badly unless they, too, have “been there”. Now I am also a grandma to 8 beautiful children. May God continue to bless your life. Thanks for your unselfish desire to bless our lives with your story.

  97. I found your blog by accident looking for little girl haircut styles for my little five year old. But I don’t think it was an accident. We have four children all adopted through lds family services, so reading through your story brought back so many emotions and I know exactly how you felt on so many levels!! It really is a rollar coaster of emotions, but its packed with miracles and blessings all along the way no matter how much we are tested throughout too. Another reason I don’t think I found your blog by accident is because our baby is turning one! and not such a baby anymore and I so feel like our family isn’t done but after almost 14 years of never once getting pregnant our only option really is adoption again but its hard to come to some decisions and want something so bad but not have control over it! Maybe I feel guilty because I have four already and should be happy that we have been blessed with the four we have but the other part of me says that if thats the only way then maybe there is another little baby meant for just our family! ITs so hard sometimes!
    You are amazing… your babies all of them are gorgeous!! What a beautiful eternal family you have! Thanks so much for sharing your story and journey through adoption! What a miracle adoption is!!

  98. Mindy,

    A truly inspiring story about your journey. It has inspired me to write my adoption story, so stay tuned it will be coming. My story starts out with a horrifying event, followed by the most sweet, spirit girl in the whole world. We just love her and feel truly blessed that God choose us to be her family. We are the opposite, I have three boys (twins the first) and we adopted a little baby girl. Many blessings to you, Shelley McIntosh

  99. Thank you for sharing your adoption story! You are such an eloquent person and I’m so impressed with how well you recorded your feelings – both difficult ones and positive ones. We’ve been blessed with both a son and a daughter through adoption and I’ve loved being reminded of my own sweet experiences as I read yours. Beautiful job and congratulations on your beautiful family!

  100. Thank you for sharing your adoption story. I cried and I laughed, as so much reminds me of my own family’s adoption journey. Much the same, but also so very different. My husband and I are the proud parents of three little boys and just completed our family with the addition of a little girl through adoption. Like your son, she is a BLESSING and a MIRACLE. Wishing your sweet family much love and laughter!

  101. I came to your blog for the hairdos, and stayed for your adoption story. It is so touching! Thank you for sharing something so personal and emotional. My husband and I are at the very beginning of this process, and it helps to see stories from people with such similar circumstances who have seen it through. We are also LDS, we have four girls, and my husband is in the bishopric in our ward! We’ll have to look at Heart 2 Heart more closely once we have completed our certification process.
    Thanks again!

  102. Wow, thank you for sharing your story. My husband and I have been discussing adoption for several years now. Up to this point, we have been unable to have our own biological children so, it has to be an option for us, if we want to have children. Right now, I am in nursing school so we are going to concentrate on having children, one way or another, when I graduate in a year. It is so helpful to hear other people’s stories. My aunt and uncle adopted two little African-American boys a few years ago and it is so amazing to watch them grow!!! They adopted from the foster system and so these two little boys had a hard background even though they were only 1 and 2 years old. However, they have blossomed into 2 wonderful little men with the guidance of my aunt and uncle. It is a blessing to watch them and to know that they are being taken care of. It is a blessing to know that there are families out there like yours and theirs that want to take care of children. Thanks again for sharing your story!

  103. Mindy,

    Thank you for sharing your story. We have two biological daughters, and we just added our adopted son this spring. We are still awaiting out finalization court date, but our case worker assures us it will be in the next few weeks.

    Our son came to us at 15 months, and like yours, is a different ethnicity. Although the situation of our adoption is different (he is a distant cousin of my husband who was removed from his mother by the state), I could identify with many of your feelings. I think about and pray for his birth mother daily. I pray for peace for her.

    I agree with your conclusion that God had a son planned for our families. There were so many times in our process that it felt like this adoption wasn’t going to happen. I understand your statements of having to “let go and let God” handle the process. So much about adoption is out of the adoptive parents’ hands. However, we now have our son! He grew in our hearts while his body grew in his mother’s womb. She gave him life, and we will give him a future. He is addition our family that was heaven sent.

    Take care, and enjoy your little man!

  104. Mindy,

    I look at your blog all the time to get ideas for my daughters hair, and today came upon this blog about adoption. In reading I also was in tears of happiness. As for why this touched me so much not only what a awesome life story of your family and the process it took to finally have your “entire” family together eternally. I too am adopted, I was adopted at the age of 4 and thank God and my Heavenly Father that I was given the family that I was adopted too. My life would have taken a completly different and horrible path if I hadn’t. I love my parent’s unconditionally every day for the sacrifices they made to make sure they were able to adopt me and give me the things in life that I needed. To top this, not only did this story touch me because I’m also adopted it touched me because at the age of 19 I was a Birth Mother. In reading this I could sooooo relate to the Birth Mother, and the pain and the hurt she was going through. But knowing my Son would be going to a family that I knew and had prayed for many many nights would be given the life I knew I couldn’t give him. I grew up in Utah, but for 7 years now have been living in Alaska. My son lives in Utah with the most amaizing family I could have ever asked for. My adoption was a closed adoption, I gave him up in 1998 so I know the adoption laws have changed. But with the family’s acceptance of me in their son’s life, I now keep in contact with him and have done for years. A blessing from those two wonderful people for allowing me to be apart of their sons life, even though they didn’t have to. I have actually met him twice now. Such an unbelivable feeling, so many emotions.

    Anyway I don’t want to talk your ear off, but I did want you to know that this story has touched me in so many ways. To see the other side of adoption, and here your trials etc as parents praying and hopeing for a child to come into their lives as their own. As me and my son’s Birth Parents always say, I was Gods stepping stone for him to get this little boy to his loving family and to this couple to finally have a child of their own. I truly put all my trust in God to give me the strength to give him up for adoption, and I know from the deepest part of my soul he was by my side every step of the way!

    Thank you so much for sharing this.. Your family is complete and perfect.. Love all the pics.. He’s adorable, along with the girls.. You can see love pouring out of all of the pics. Thanks again.

  105. this story is just beautiful. Your little boy was well worth the rollercoster ride of emotions. I wish you and your family the best! this is such an inspiring story and i thank u sooo sooo much for sharing it. god bless u all.

  106. Mindy,
    That was such an amazing story!!! It touched my heart more that you can ever imagine! Me and my husband have been considering adoption and your story just made it even more clear to me that this is the path I want to take. I have 2 children, a boy and a girl, but I also have a feeling like Heavenly Father still has one more up there for me. I am no longer able to have children myself and adoption has been in my mind for years now. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your little guy is such a cutie! On a side note…….thank you for sharing your hair ideas! Everytime I do one of your hairdos on my daughter, I gets so many compliments! And I of course tell them about your blog!! Thanks again!!

  107. Mindy,
    Thank you so much for sharing your story! It is always such a neat experience for me to hear how a child comes to be with “their” family! You see, I am one of those adopted children who was brought into my family through a series of prayers, fasting, and many miracles! I just want to thank you for all of the entries that you post! Not only do I love getting ideas of how to do my girls’ hair, but I admire the fact that you use your blog to make people aware of the children out there who need a loving home! Thank you so much for all you do, and thank you for sharing your wonderful story!

  108. Your story is beautiful.

    Do you have any contact with the birthmom at this point?

    Growing up my family fostered over 200 children. They called my mom “Extra Crispy Mom” (because they had an “Original Mom”), and they called my dad “Father Wayne” (he is a minister). LOL

  109. I just clicked on the BlogHer feed and didn’t know I’d be spending my morning with you in tears and joy. My parents adopted trans-racially and what a wonderful experience growing up in the mix! You have many years of hilarity and fun ahead with your group of five. God bless.

  110. Mindy,
    Thank you for sharing your adoption story. You brought back so many memories of my daughter’s birth and adoption, that only happened a few short months before your own.

  111. Mindy, you are a beautiful soul. I don’t know you, but I love your blog, and stumbled upon it today and read through tears the entire 9 part saga. What an incredible experience, and to see your family be completed on earth and sealed in heaven is a privilege for all of us. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey.

  112. Mindy,
    You and your family are truly inspiring! I have often wondered if I would be able to love a non-biological child as my own and you really show that if you open your heart it is all possible! You are a great writer, thank you for sharing your life in the most genuine way. May you continue to be blessed in your life.

  113. Mindy:
    Thanks for sharing something so personal with us! It sounds like you have a wonderful family and lots of love to share. Thanks for the tears today, my heart was touched!

  114. LOVED hearing this story. I have filled out adoption paperwork once before, only to find out I was pregnant. I still really feel like I need to adopt and this story made me feel that way even more. Finances have always been the issue, but you put that into perspective for me. Thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful family with us!

  115. What a beautiful story! I just spent nearly an hour reading and crying – and now it’s almost time to get the kids from the bus stop, lol. I will certainly be looking at my kids differently today and with my heart. Thansk so much for sharing. 🙂

  116. Thanks for sharing Mindy…Here I thought I was just gaining some knowledge of doing different things with my daughters hair and then as I clicked on here this morning I have laughed, cried and felt the spirit so strong. I have 7 children 3 of which are adopted. They are my heart and soul. My situation is much different but it’s funny how when you meet someone for the first time you just know they were meant to be yours for eternity. Your a great writer…keep it up! God Bless :]

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