Hi! We are Lamont and Bethany. Our journey began when we met through a mutual friend 12 years ago. Bethany’s friend described Lamont as a “nice, friendly teddy bear.” She was right. Bethany tells everyone she meets that she knew that night he would be her husband, and in 2014 that dream came true. Our journey has continued through two military deployments, a big move, and purchasing our first home. Lamont works as a heavy equipment repairer as well as being a Sergeant 1st Class with the Army Reserve. Bethany is a Board Certified music therapist with a huge passion for music. She is a singer and also plays multiple instruments.

We both grew up in large families, enjoying many family events with not just our immediate family but extended family as well. Bethany’s family shares her love for music, and they enjoy playing instruments with each other at family get-togethers. Her mom plays piano while her dad plays guitar and Bethany sings. Her sisters are singers and can play instruments too.

Holidays are also a huge part of our lives, and we love that our families all live within hours of each other, including Bethany’s parents being only 40 minutes away. Bethany’s parents throw a huge Fourth of July BBQ, and we enjoy a family reunion during Labor Day, when Bethany’s entire extended family goes camping.

Lamont grew up the only boy surrounded by sisters. His family lives just hours away, so we are able to visit often. They also share a love of holiday get-togethers. Their holidays center around food, which led to Lamont’s love of cooking. Growing up, they even held cooking competitions against each other. During family events, we also enjoy rousing rounds of board and card games. Lamont also shares a special bond with his mentor. They met during a mentoring program when he was a teen and still share a connection today.

We live in a three-bedroom, 1 ½-bath, split-level home with a nice backyard. Our neighborhood is quiet, safe, and kid friendly, and we are close with many of our neighbors. Our town is small but quaint, and we are also located 20 minutes from a large city full of restaurants, museums, parks, festivals, and other fun-filled activities for families. Bethany’s parents and extended family all live within 40 minutes of our home, and we visit them often. We share our home with our sweet one-year-old puppy, Darla.

Growing up in large families, we knew we wanted to have one of our own someday. After years of being unsuccessful in getting pregnant, we began discussing adoption. We have two close friends who have done the foster to adopt program, and we have shared in their joy of being able to bring a child into their home to be loved. This journey has strengthened our relationship and our love for each other in the process. With so much love to give, we are hopeful for the future and the possibility of growing our family.