Book CoverJENNIFER'S STORY

I can’t remember a time in my life where I did not know God.  I have always relied on him for all of my needs big and small.  Therefore, when I was told at a very young age that I may never have children, I knew that God would answer that prayer as well.  After all, the only thing I truly knew I wanted in life was to be a wife and a Mommy.  God finally answered my prayer for children in his perfect timing.  He blessed my husband, David, and I with Ashley right before she turned two years old.  We were able to foster then adopt her.  Then God “granted” us another prayer with a son, Grant, when he was only four days old.  We were able to take him home from the hospital.  We fostered Grant for eighteen months before we were able to adopt him.  We were actually present for the birth of our youngest daughter, Brooke.  Brooke was a private adoption. 

They each have amazing stories that I hope to write about one day and share with the world.  I know they will touch the lives of many people.  I have written my first book about Ashley which gives raw details about raising a child with fetal alcohol syndrome.  She was diagnosed with this life-long disability when she was five years old.  I hope to follow her story with a book about Grant who has been identified as a Child Prodigy.  I have been told you only meet people like Grant once in a lifetime.  Grant also has a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome.  My book about Brooke will hopefully touch many teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.  I’ll never forget the day Brooke’s birth mom handed my tiny pink bundle to me with the most self-less heart imaginable.  She had this strong smile and said, “There’s your baby.”  Not only did we adopt Brooke but we gained an entire family.  We have a very open relationship with Brooke’s birth family and there are few people I trust more with my children than them. 

Please pray for each and every book.  I never prayed to be an author but I did pray to follow God’s plan, share his word and minister to others.  He has given me three little gifts in order to use my gift!  I actually went to college to be an Interior Designer.  I changed my major to Human Development and Family Studies my senior year because I felt this strong nudge to do so.  I then went on to work specifically with children with special needs.  Once David and I became parents, we agreed that I would stay home with the kids.  I began taking pictures as a hobby which quickly blossomed into a full time career.  I remember taking the triple stroller to every photo shoot and tossing crackers at the kids so I could capture the perfect shot!  I truly believe God puts you in places for a reason.  My path has been made clear and he is allowing me to follow my dreams.  I am so thankful for the gifts he has given me.  I pray that I use them wisely.

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Please visit the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders website for more information about FASD.