what our friends say

Ashley and Jess:

I have known Jen for almost 20 years. In that time, she has always been a true friend. She is always concerned about everyone else and how they are feeling. She has supported me through every big event and every big challenge. Even if it is driving hours just to leave a kind note on my door.

Jen has always had the desire to be a mother. She loves working with kids of all ages and all different temperaments and abilities. When she met Ben it was a perfect match; Ben is a Special Education teacher and like Jen he loves children. Jen and Ben know how to have lots of fun together, but they spend much of their free time serving others. With nieces and nephews on both sides they are frequent babysitters.

One of the things that I admire most about Jen and Ben is their determination and hard work even in the midst of difficulties. They have made the decision to be happy in life and when hardships come their way they continue on and work to make life better.

Jen and Ben would be wonderful parents because they have a lot of love to share. They will make sure their children get to do fun things. Jen and her family spend a lot of time boating, playing games, taking vacations and being at their cabin. Their children will have a strong extended family and lots of love and encouragement

Ashlee and Neal

Jenny is my cousin and we have been close our whole life. Jenny has a kind heart and is always thinking of others first. Jenny never forgets her family on their birthday and any special event in their life.

She worked as a nanny during a summer after High School for a boy with cerebral palsy in Nantucket. Jenny is big help to her sister in law and brother with their son who has a disability. She is always willing to help feed her nephew and keep him entertained with i.e. books.

Jenny enjoys spending time with her nephews,and nieces. Family is a big part of Jenny and Ben's life. Ben and Jenny would be amazing parents and would always put their children first.

Ben and Jenny are hard working individuals who strive to better themselves daily. They have a big extended family who love and support them. Jenny and Ben have an endless amount of patience for children with different abilities. Jenny and Ben love to make memories vacationing and spending time with family.

Jenny's biggest goal in life has been to become a mother. Jenny has never given up faith even during her struggles carrying a baby. Jenny and Ben are great supporters for each other. Jenny and Ben would give their adoptive children lots love, support and laughter.

Dee M

Jenny is a woman with a heart that is vast and open. She has been a mother for as long as I have known her, which is as long as anyone has- since we were born. When we were kids, she was the one to steer us to less troublesome activities that I would have preferred. As teens, she was always checking in on me, even though we lived in different states. She shared experiences and stories with me, while always encouraging us to be our best selves, to find the best in any circumstance, to look for the joy and blessing of this time in our lives, and to live by faith.  She was open and understanding. I cannot think of a single instance where she even hinted at judging me or anyone else for that matter.  As we continued into our adult lives we were able to see more of each other and celebrate each other’s milestones, and to console each other when life gave us stumbling blocks.  She has always been someone to turn to when I needed to feel loved and understood.  I will always be in awe of Jenny’s ability to overcome and still stay positive, it takes a special woman to see the purpose of many of life’s challenges.  To look to the Savior in times of heartache and to, in turn, show intense gratitude for the lessons of her life.  She has more life and love in her than anyone I’ll ever know.  She has found a wonderful and uniquely sensitive husband in Ben who compliments her in every way. I have enjoyed seeing their love blossom and grow to the wonderful companionship it is now. 

Here is the frank truth of the matter, I can’t imagine a world in which these two wouldn’t have a house full of children, but life isn’t what we expect.  Any little soul given into their hands would be cared for with oodles of love and devotion, they would be cherished and built up to be secure and loving people in turn. The cycles of love never come the way we think they will but one thing is so clear to me in their case, that the Lord has given them the challenges they’ve had to prepare them to be the parents they need to be, to care for the children that will come to their family.   Is this the type of endorsement I was supposed to give, I’m not sure, but I know with all my heart that my life would be less not having the wonderful friendship and example of Jenny.  I would want nothing less for my own children than someone who doesn’t know how to turn their back on someone she loves, and that is my friend Jenny, she’s a mother.

Mollie H.  

Ben and Jenny are two of the most giving people i know. I am Mollie, Ben's sister. Ben and Jenny are always offering their time and service to others. They are always helping family, friends and giving their time to serve in the LDS Church.  

I can confidently testify that these two amazing people will make amazing parents. I have personally seen how they interact with my kids and others kids. They are loving and caring in every way. They work had to be able to give their best. They are both educated. They are committed to each other. Ben and Jenny love each other so much. They are going to be amazing parents.