People Who Love Us

Nathan's parents

2010-05-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

To Whom it May Concern:

We write this letter as the parents of Nathan. Nathan is the youngest of our seven children and has always been such a joy to us and his siblings. His whole life he has worked hard in all he has endeavored to accomplish and at the same time has maintained his fun loving nature. Although some of our family have moved to other areas of the country, Nathan still remains close to each family member.

In his growing up years we did everything together, from the family farm to the family band that took us to many places performing. We enjoyed camping, family reunions, snowmobiling, games and so many other wholesome activities. Our home was always filled with much laughter and love.

I will always remember the time another son of ours had to be away from his family for 6 months and left his son without a dad to help him on the pinewood derby. Nathan stepped up and spent countless hours helping and teaching his nephew, making sure he was ready for the derby. Nathan took front seat at the race and was probably the most excited to be there…and their car did come in first!

Nathan grew up being loved very much. Everyone in our family loved him and he thrived on that love. For the first 6 years of his life, he didn’t have a bed to call his own as everyone wanted him to sleep with them; it didn’t matter if it was a twin bed and very crowded still they wanted Nathan to sleep in their bed. Of course he later had his own bed but this goes to show the love Nathan had growing up.

Nathan was also good with his brothers and sister. He has always had an unselfish personality and did all he could to help anyone in our family. I will always remember when our daughter was married and I wanted the carport to be clean so I could display the gifts. Nathan took it upon himself to get down on his hands and knees and literally scrub every part of the carport. It looked so nice afterward and I couldn’t believe all the work it took for him to do that.

Nathan has always been close to his brothers and sister and to us. I appreciate the closeness I feel with Nathan. I think I could tell him anything and he would listen. When all of his brothers and sister left home for college or an LDS Mission or to get married, Nathan was alone with J. Golden and myself. We purchased a used bike and he and I would ride all over town together. He spent a lot of time with his dad on the farm and I know J Golden loved being with him.

Nathan has always been responsible. J. Golden could let him drive the tractor and the combine and knew he would drive them carefully. Because of this he could be trusted with almost everything.

Nathan knows how to work—this is one of his greatest attributes because it benefits his family in providing a living for them. He is a worker.

And Nathan loves children. He has such a good relationship with all of his nephews and nieces—I know they consider him their favorite Uncle. He spends time with them and can get down on their level as well as be a teacher to them. I know Nathan has a desire to have children. He would be such a wonderful father and example.

We love Holly. She has been so good to J. Golden and myself. I know she loves children and her greatest desire is to be a mother. I can see the ache in her heart because this desire has not as yet come to pass.

When we first met Holly it was in our home. It was a Saturday night and the doorbell rang. It was Holly standing at the door with a bunch of games in her hand. She had come to spend the evening playing games with Nathan and the family. Before the evening was over, I was so impressed with her. She was bubbly, fun, and so enjoyable to be around. Since then we have spent a lot of time with her and that feeling has not changed. She still loves to play games and she still is that fun-loving person. We have learned much about Holly since that first time we met. She is a talented person: she plays the piano and the flute - she is a great organizer - she knows how to decorate a home or anything - and everyone is impressed with how she handles any job she has ever held in the workforce.

I remember the times we spent together finding BIG rocks on our property so she could haul them home to make their yard more beautiful. I was amazed how the yard improved drastically under her hand. We also spent time finding different colored Iris to plant in their yard. As a result I have those same colored plants in our yard.

Holly is family oriented. I love this about her because she and Nathan have spent quality time with us and her family. She has spent time with me helping me to understand the computer. I also remember after work one fall evening we spent the whole evening making apple pie filling for she and Nathan. That was so much fun because with four people it went fast.

Holly loves children. I have observed her as she interrelates with the nieces and nephews we have in our family. The children all love her and they love to be around her. She always has something fun for them to do - like painting toenails with different fingernail polish. I even had my toenails painted.

I know how much Nathan and Holly want a family. Holly will bring these same qualities: patience, love, talent to being a parent. Oh, and Holly is a good cook. Her brothers love her to come home to cook for them. I saw her compassion when her mother had heart surgery and she would make an effort to be with her, helping her through that difficult time.

Nathan and Holly are an amazing couple. They support each other in everything and have established a cooperative and loving home in which the spirit is truly felt.
I know it is the deepest desire of their hearts to become parents and we likewise so look forward to another grandchild that we can spoil, hug and give our unconditional love.

Respectfully,
J. Golden and Alice

Nathan with his parents at his college graduation.

Our Sister-in-Law Michelle

2009-10-01T10:58:00.000-07:00

Michelle and Holly

My name is Michelle, I’m writing in behalf of Holly and Nathan who desire to adopt. My husband Mitch is Holly’s brother so I have known them for about 4 years now. Holly and Nathan are naturally good with children. I’ve seen them interact with our nephews and niece and they love their aunt “Haha” and uncle “Neet.” Although Holly and Nathan now live over 1000 miles away, 3 year old nephew Blaine still holds a special place in his heart for them. Holly would be a wonderful mother because she puts her whole heart into anything that she does. Holly is generous, kind, intelligent, funny, and talented. I admire how her house is decorated with a touch that has her signature on it, and it makes it feel like a home of love, peace and laughter. She also cooks like Martha Stewart! I should also mention that Holly is often the one that gets the family together to play games, she knows how important family is and she helps us maintain these important ties. The first time I met Nathan, I hadn’t even been kissed by Mitch yet and he was grilling me with questions the same way a dad would to his 16 year old daughter’s boyfriend! He wanted to make sure I was a good fit for Mitch. He is straightforward but keeps a sense of humor (as you can see from my experience). Nathan grew up on a farm so he is a little rough around the edges but a softy inside. His family learned to work hard on the farm and I am sure he would instill the same principles in his own children. This is particularly important today with the rising generation being somewhat lazy and expecting to be entertained all the time. I honestly believe that Holly and Nathan will be wonderful parents. They have had their hearts set on it for a long time and despite the trials they have faced in trying to conceive, they have kept a positive outlook on life and kept upbeat. Thank you for your consideration, please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

Michelle

Us hiking with Mitch and Michelle

Our friend Abby

2009-09-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have known Holly and Nathan for several years, having first met them while both my husband and Nathan were stationed together in the Navy in Virginia. Not only were they immediately easy to get to know, even for introverts like me, but were always fun to be around. I loved doing so many things with them: going to their house and relaxing with them while eating Oreos and laughing at easily-mocked reality shows, staking out the best crab dip at the grocery store, getting together for barbecue and game night with several young married couples and having an absolute hoot, or just hanging out at my house watching Holly work her craft/scrapbooking magic. Even when we seemed to be doing nothing in particular together, it always felt like we were doing something because it was so enjoyable to be with them. Their happy demeanor and fantastic senses of humor never ceased to make the mood brighter around them. I dare say that a nicer, funnier couple you'd be hard pressed to find.

Since I first met Holly and Nathan, there has been one thing I've always known about them: their love of children and how much they hoped to have children. Theirs is a happy home that could only be made happier by enlarging it. After both Nathan and my husband moved on to different assignments/chapters in our lives, we all kept in touch. It has been through letters and emails that we've kept up with each other, and I believe I have come to know them better as people than I had when they lived only minutes away from us. It is in thoughtful communication like letters that a person's true personality can make itself known at last. I'm so grateful to have kept up with Holly and Nathan in this manner, especially Holly, as I feel like I was only able to graze the surface of themselves before, when now I have such a wonderful glimpse into the inner workings of their hearts. And what a marvelous people they really are. Now I only wish they'd move closer again!

Abby

Holly's Parents

2009-08-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

Holly with her dad at her brother Brad's wedding

This letter is to express our unequivocal and wholehearted support and recommendation of our daughter, Holly, and her husband, Nathan, as adoptive parents.

Our daughter has dreamed of having children since she was a little girl, and even with her little brothers she took on an age-appropriate caretaker role, always looking out for them and keeping them in line. As a teen, Holly was sought after as the favorite baby-sitter in the neighborhood.
It has been amazing to watch Holly with children. She is patient, kind, sweet, and funny – she has earned the nickname of Aunt Ha Ha. Holly loves her nephews and niece and does not let the miles that separate them get in the way of their connection.

As for Nathan, we could not ask for a better son-in-law. He is smart, sensitive and a great provider. He has been a pillar of support for Holly as they have dealt with the frustration and disappointment of infertility. Nathan has a natural gift for relating to children. At family events, he can be found down on the ground playing with his little niece and nephews. They affectionately call him “Uncle Neat.”

Holly and Nathan are both upbeat, optimistic people and lead active lifestyles. Together, this couple is just amazing. Of course, they have occasional disagreements like any normal couple, but they are truly best friends. They enjoy music, exploring new places, hiking, and camping. They love to hang out with each other, family, and friends playing games, eating good food, and laughing!

If anyone is in a position to adopt a child, it is Holly and Nathan. They have a strong support system of family and friends. Holly and Nathan have dreamed of being parents for many years. They have so much love to give and any child placed with them would be a fortunate child indeed. Holly and Nathan are committed to dedicating themselves, heart and soul, to a child. Any child would be lucky to have them in their life.

Holly and Nathan’s strong faith has seen them through some tough times, and now it seems their dreams are about to come true. We pray every day that it is so. Please know that if they are able to adopt a baby, not only will they treasure this precious gift so will we. This grandma and grandpa will be there to love, support, spoil, encourage, and of course give out kisses and hugs!

Sincerely,

Faye and Duaine

Holly with her mom...this was the day Holly tried out for Deal or No Deal.

Our friend Lucina

2009-08-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Holly and Lucina

Our friends Denise and Louie

2009-08-24T09:32:00.001-07:00

To Whom This May Concern:

We have known Nathan & Holly for the past six years. Our relationship was here in my home state of Rhode Island while they lived here too.

Nathan & Holly are wonderful individuals as well as outstanding human beings. Kind and gentle, sweet and considerate to all those around them at all times.

While they were living here in Rhode Island, we spent a lot of good times with them and they always were very special to us. We miss their smiling faces as well as their good humor.

We would highly recommend Holly & Nathan be considered for whatever it is that they need! We would be happy to attest to their characters in any way necessary.

Louis & Denise

Denise and Louis took us to breakfast right before we moved.

Our Sister-in-law Cindy (& her hubby Jonathan...Nathan's brother)

2009-08-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

Jonathan and Cindy are on the right. We took this pic at the SPAM museum.

To whom it may concern:

I am honored to write this letter on behalf of Nathan and Holly.

I have known Nathan since he was 11 years old. He was a boy who always had a cheesy grin on his face and a sparkle in his eye. I married his older brother and Nathan was the youngest in their family. It was so fun to go back and visit, knowing we would have a chance to see Nathan as well. Nathan is very charasmatic, intelligent, hard-working and humble. Everyone loves Nathan, but kids absolutely adore him! Nathan is fun-loving with a great sense of humor. There have been many times in our married life that we needed assistance, and Nathan always came to the rescue. There is never any question that Nathan is the favorite uncle. He plays with, teaches, supports and encourages all of his nieces and nephews. Nathan was our oldest son’s basketball coach and the joy he got from working with those children was obvious to all. He will be an incredible father.

Nathan came to visit one Thanksgiving and all he could talk about was a girl named Holly. He had only known her for a couple of months, but he was head over heels in love. We met Holly for the first time 3 months later at their wedding, and boy did she have a zest for life! What I have learned since about Holly is that she is one of the most talented women I have ever known; there is nothing she cannot do! She is so kind, generous and loving. It is the deepest desire of her heart to be a mother.

We love Nathan and Holly and can attest that in their home, a child would not only feel loved, but that child would be treasured.

Jonathan and Cindy

Holly's friend Marie

2009-08-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

To whom it may concern:

My husband Adam and I have been close friends with Nathan and Holly since the spring of 2004 when Nathan and Adam were stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. Nathan was serving in the United States Navy Band and Adam in the United States Coast Guard. We met through our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Nathan and Holly were the first and most influential friends we made while on the East Coast. Unfortunately, we lost our close proximity with them when Nathan and Holly moved to Utah in pursuit of Nathan’s higher education. Luckily, we have remained close and in touch while visiting regularly when we can.

I was always impressed by the magnitude with which they fulfilled their responsibilities in their workplaces and in our church, all while staying unified and bonded as a couple. Nathan and Holly are older than us by a few years so naturally we looked to their lead and example on many levels. In our faith, the family is considered the most fundamental and important unit life brings. Couples have the opportunity to participate in a very symbolic and everlasting marriage ceremony in the temple. Nathan and Holly were our mentors throughout this process of performing our own temple marriage. Having their support not only meant the world to us, but was very critical to our spiritual progression at the time.

Holly and Nathan also lead a very active, inviting life that has impressed us. When the four of us lived in Newport, we usually congregated in their home where we were treated to Holly’s homemade meals and Nathan’s humor and wit. They are both very fun and exciting. We could always find the two of them taking long afternoon walks or at Newport’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” in the dead of winter. When they found time around Nathan’s busy Navy schedule, they would put their extensive collection of camping gear to use.

Nathan and Holly are very ambitious individuals. They both share a great love and gift of music. Nathan’s gift on the French Horn and general musical talent afforded him a dignified profession in the Navy Band. He was also successful performing musical ensembles on the side. We always enjoyed attending his performances in the community, such as at a church service on Christmas Eve. It was a wise decision for Nathan to further his education in music at Utah State University before continuing with the Navy Band. His recent completion of a Music Performance Degree will open up many opportunities to pursue his passion while nobly supporting his family.

Holly has never taken a private music lesson in her life, but can perform and teach in any musical capacity. She led our local church choir in many varieties of musical pieces and ensembles. When Holly served as Ward Choir Director, the choir was continuously invited to perform at funerals and Stake events, where multiple congregations assembled. She also complements her husband’s instrumental talent as an accomplished flutist.

Along with Holly’s musical hobby, she serves a wide range of additional hobbies in the arts. Shortly after meeting Holly, it became apparent how gifted and passionate Holly was in the area of scrap booking. Her scrapbooks were so exceptional that she was able to create a word-of-mouth side business, called Flutterbug Designs, making wedding and baby books.
They also both faithfully served in our church's Young Men's and Young Women's Program's in Newport. Nathan was the President and Holly a Counselor. Nathan and I served as President of the Young Men's and Young Women's Organization during the same time. He always had a way and connection with the young men that truly impacted their lives. When then there were difficult matters in the young men's lives, they could always confide in Nathan as a role model and father figure. When I served as a counselor with Holly in the Young Women's Organization, she brought creativity and fun into the young women's lives. The girls could see who they wanted to become as women through Holly's great example.

As I have described, Nathan and Holly live an enriching and fulfilled life through their own marriage, professions, hobbies, talents, and service. I truly see them when I envision the best atmosphere and family for a child to be brought up in. Their teamwork and commitment to each other has been timelessly apparent through their greatest challenge of infertility. Holly and Nathan have had the burning desire for a child since we’ve known them. They have gone through great lengths to conceive. I commend their efforts to bring a child into the world of their loving care. I also admire their commitment to having their own child through adoption. I am a strong advocate for appropriate child placement having personally been adopted. It would be my strongest recommendation to approve Holly and Nathan for adoption. A child would be very fortunate to gain the upbringing Nathan and Holly would provide.

Sincerely,

Marie

Marie, Heather & Holly at Heather's wedding.

Our friend Heather

2009-08-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to provide a positive recommendation for my friends Holly and Nathan. I met them when they moved to Newport, Rhode Island. We attended the same church for three years, and Nathan and I worked together in Navy Band Northeast as well. During our time in Newport, Holly and I became the closest of friends.

I have had the chance to observe their strong moral and spiritual values as well as their long struggle with infertility. I know that Holly and Nathan have dreamed of being parents for many years. They have so much love to give, and any child placed with them would be a fortunate child indeed. They are committed to dedicating themselves heart and soul to a child. Aside from the strength of their marriage they have a very strong support system in their friends and family.

When I heard that Holly and Nathan felt led to adopt a child, my heart was filled with joy. No couple I know deserves to be parents as much as these two. They are loving, patient, attentive and thoroughly committed to one another. This couple takes every opportunity to enrich children's lives, from serving as teen youth group leaders at our church to, to assisting in the nursery. It is amazing to watch them with children. They are so patient, kind and sweet with all of them.

Their strong faith has seen them through some tough times, and now it seems their dreams are about to come true. Together, this couple is just amazing. Of course, they have occasional disagreements like any normal couple, but they are truly best friends. They treat each other with mutual respect and have created a loving, stable home. They are also financially secure, with Nathan holding a high-profile job in the United States Navy Band.

Please know that if Holly and Nathan are chosen to have a baby placed in their home, not only they will treasure this precious gift, but also the child would be blessed to be part of such a loving home. It is my strong desire that they be able to expand their family through adoption.

Respectfully,
Heather

Our friend KaDee

2009-05-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

I have had the pleasure of knowing Holly and Nathan for three years now. I was in the Utah State University music program with Nathan and was able to witness his talents along with his professionalism. He has been a leader in everything he chooses to do and was always a role model to those younger than him, including me. Holly came to every football game, every concert and every event that Nathan played in to support him and I know that she will always support him in whatever he chooses to accomplish. They are both wonderful people with great senses of humor that love each other and those around them. Nathan and Holly will make amazing parents because they are mindful of other people’s feelings and they love to serve those around them. They will cherish a child more than their own lives and will bring that child up to be an ambitious and honest person. I have no reservations in saying that Nathan and Holly will be outstanding parents.

Us and some of our friends.
KaDee and her husband are on the right.

Holly's friend Sam

2009-05-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

I met Holly when she moved to Utah for Nathan to finish his degree. She got a job where I worked and she was the best thing for the business when she came along. She was always there with a smile and a laugh. She is such a sweet and kind-hearted soul and even though she moved away, I will never forget her. I know she will be the best mom, hands down! Her and Nathan are two people that love and care about all the people that they come in contact with. I'm a better person for having her in my life.

SandaLee Moss

Sam and her two daughters.
(Holly took this picture)