PairTree

Danielle & Steven

Photograph of adoptive Family

Danielle

Caregiver

Gender:

Female

State:

Montana

Religion:

Spiritual

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree

Profession:

SAHM/Farmer

Political Affiliation:

Independent

Steven

Hero

Gender:

Male

State:

Montana

Religion:

Catholicism

Education:

Some College

Profession:

Multi Franchise Owner

Political Affiliation:

Lean Right

If I could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be:

Thai food. Used to be Mexican food, but I feel like Thai food is a little healthier, so more practical. We (including our kids) are big foodies and cook basically all our meals at home.

-Danielle

If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?

Interesting question. I don't like being the center of attention, so I'd prefer not to have anyone play me in a movie. I have favorite actresses and love movies, but I would avoid fame.

-Danielle

In five years our relationship with our child’s birth mother will…

Be whatever is right for our kids.

-Steven

If I could have dinner with anyone—dead or alive—I would pick...

My Dad. He died this year from skin cancer. We thought he was beating it, but he died suddenly. I said all I needed to, but he was uncommonly wise and loving, and I wish I could ask him more questions

-Danielle

I hope our child’s birth mother is…

Safe, healthy, and supported.

-Steven

My best friend would describe me as...

Funny and very fun, caring, smart, successful, and a great Dad.

-Steven

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

Family, food, and fun.

-Steven

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

Religious and spiritual. I take my religion seriously and make sure I think about how I can serve others when I make decisions.

-Steven

If you had to pick a famous person to play you in a movie, who would it be?

Carson Wentz. I'm an NDSU Bison and I also like how much he seems to care about helping other people.

-Steven

What scares you?

Skunks! I had one attack me when I was little.

-Steven

In five years our relationship with our child’s birth mother will…

Be based on what is best for our child.

-Danielle

I hope our child’s birth mother is…

Able to come through this with peace in your heart, confident that you did the best thing for your child. I hope you can come from a position of strength to decide, and that you can trust yourself.

-Danielle

If you had to live on an RV or sailboat for the rest of your life, which would it be?

We have an RV and love camping. However if it meant we couldn't leave the RV, I'd say sailboat. That way we could explore more countries and cultures than we could in an RV that can't cross oceans.

-Danielle

What is the best word to describe our family?

Rad!

-Steven

Do you consider yourself religious or spiritual?

Spiritual. I am Catholic, but I don't support many of the churches actions. "Love thy neighbor" and "judge not" are the real basis of Catholicism to me, so I can't get behind judgement and cruelty.

-Danielle

My neighborhood is a good place to raise a family because…

We live on a cul de sac in farmland, 10 minutes from big towns in either direction. Our kids have so much freedom to play and explore safely. Their background while they play is a National Park.

-Danielle

We are the best choice because…

We have an amazing life and family. We designed our life to be able to raise a family, that's our focus.

-Steven

When we argue, what’s it about?

I don't like to argue. I like to listen then make a decision as best I can.

-Steven

The most special thing I own is...

I'd say my engagement ring. My husband made it with a diamond from my grandmother that I was extremely close to. It symbolizes our belief to look 3 generations ahead and behind when making decisions

-Danielle

My favorite place in the World is...

My home. We live in a tourist destination for it's beauty, and I wanted to raise a family on a farm since 5th grade. My husband and I often stop and look around and say "We live here."

-Danielle

I would never...

Let my kids suffer alone. I will be there for them no matter what, whether I'm angry at them, disagree with them, am stressed, busy, whatever. I am 100% on their team, always.

-Danielle

When we argue, what’s it about?

Injustice and protection. I've learned to choose my battles carefully. If I argue, I'm passionate about the subject. I will defend and protect my loved ones, and I cannot ignore injustice or cruelty.

-Danielle

My philosophy on parenting is...

Consistency, intention, and love. I have high expectations and have firm rules, but I keep them minimal. I think natural consequences teach best. I lead by example and am my kids sounding board.

-Danielle

Favorite season and why?

Summer. It's the season for growing things. I also am a water baby - I spend hours and hours in the water when I can, in lakes or oceans. All seasons have their pluses and minuses though.

-Danielle

We are the best choice because…

We may not be. I feel that when you have enough, you share with those that don't. We have more than enough love, time, experience, and support to give to children that need it. So we want to share.

-Danielle

Dogs or cats?

Cats. Growing up I was the "cat rancher" on my family's farm. Cats are easier to take care of.

-Steven

Complete the sentence, “I can’t live without……”

My family, love, honesty, and growing things - from children, to pets, to plants, to friendships, to my community.

-Danielle

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

Cruelty. If we were all just nice to eachother, the world would be better.

-Steven

My best friend would describe me as...

Loyal, loving, nurturing, determined, strong, honest, adventurous, and stubborn. I have 3 friends I've had since kindergarten (over 30 years!) and I was definitely stubborn as a child.

-Danielle

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you look at the night sky?

Wonder, awe, and peace on clear nights. Clouds/storms I look at more practically and consider if I need to do anything to keep our farm safe.

-Danielle

What scares you?

Honestly not much. I worry about plenty of things, but I've survived quite a bit. What I've learned is for me, acting out of strength and love is vital. Fear gets in the way of that.

-Danielle

If I could choose one type of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be:

Smoked food. I have a Traeger I love to BBQ on, we make so many different things on it.

-Steven

Dogs or cats?

We have 3 cats and I love them, but dogs are my favorite. Our dog goes with us everywhere, while our cats stay home (as most cats do). I love animals in general though, so it's by a small margin!

-Danielle

Do I have kids? How do they feel about a sibling?

Yes, 3 kids. They would like more siblings. They have lots of friends they love, but siblings they can play with all the time. Our littlest has even made himself an imaginary brother!

-Steven

What is the best word to describe our family?

Stable. My dad's death. We spent 4 months in VRBO's so we could be there for him. Despite deep grief and huge responsibility we were unprepared for, we were present for our kids and eachother.

-Danielle

Do I have kids? How do they feel about a sibling?

We do. They are 6, 4, and almost 3. I have asked and they would love another sibling. We teach them to feel grateful for eachother, not jealous or competitive.

-Danielle

Three years from now, I hope our child’s birth mom is…

Safe, healthy, and happy.

-Steven

Three years from now, I hope our child’s birth mom is…

Chasing her dreams, supported, and loved.

-Danielle

My philosophy on parenting is...

I defer to my wife some because she worked for over a decade with kids with special needs, especially behavior. It's important to be involved, loving, and a teacher, so that our kids are good people.

-Steven

If I could change one thing about the World, it would be...

Fear. I think fear drives hate, judgement, weakness, basically all of the wrongs in the world. Our family just watched Reya and the Last Dragon, and I loved the message of trusting and loving.

-Danielle