Legacy Adoption Services

About Us

Facebook, prayer, and queso

We met in 2008 when Facebook had apps that became the precursors to today’s dating apps. After chatting online for a few weeks, we decided to meet for dinner after church. I (Mindy) spent the whole service praying Clay wouldn’t show up because I was so nervous. But he did show up, and we had a great evening. We talked for hours over queso and tacos. I was disarmed by his lack of pretense, his willingness to show me who he really is and not cover up rough patches in his life. We hit it off that night and began dating exclusively. A few months later, Clay wanted to be baptized at our church, and he asked me to do it. That afternoon was the first time our parents met each other, and it is a wonderful memory. After dating for about a year and a half, Clay proposed and we were married just three months later.

When we met, I had a degree in counseling and was working for Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. I felt called to teaching though, and shortly after we began dating, I accepted a position to teach 5th grade at a private Christian school. Sixteen years and so many good memories later, and I am still here and now our daughter attends as well. Clay was working for an accounting firm when we met. He has continued to work in office administration and finance, while also getting his master’s of education.

Our life is focused on our faith in Jesus and love for one another. We are surrounded by family and friends who love and support us and have fun with us. We are active in our church and school, and both of these communities are extensions of our family. We still eat lots of tacos and queso, and we are thankful that we both stepped out in faith through what seemed to be just a chance meeting online.

Our Family

Mindy's whole family has been grafted into Clay's, and most big holidays are spent with the extended family including all of the cousin's in-laws. Our 2023 Thanksgiving gathering included Mindy's parents and brother's family, all of Clay's cousins and their in-laws, and a few family friends thrown in as well. We are very much a "more the merrier" family when it comes to celebrating. Christmas Eve and Easter we like to be at our home church worshiping with our community.

Our Home

Our Home

We love our home! In 2021 we were blessed to move closer to school and friends in town. We have fantastic neighbors who share our faith and care well for our family. Everyone stops to talk when out for a walk, and we trust several to take care of our home and pets when we are away. We have a great mixture of young families with children and empty nesters who ‘dote on the kids. One of the best parks in the city is within walking distance, and we have access to a pool in the adjacent neighborhood with close family friends. School is just a 10 minute drive for Mindy and Emmalee, and the preschool Emmalee attended is just four minutes away.

Our living room and den are where we spend most of our time. We enjoy dinner together every night either in the breakfast nook or the dining room. We often call our parents to catch up on the week while we eat. We also love hanging out on the screened in porch where Emmalee and the cats like to play and Clay watches sports. Emmalee's room has been recently redecorated, and we are currently updating our nursery! Our home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an office, living room, den, breakfast nook, and formal dining. The front yard is perfect for climbing trees, swinging, writing with sidewalk chalk, and playing in the grass.

Our home away from home is the family ranch. It is about two and a half hours away from our house. When we’re there, we play cards, ride tractors, splash in the creek, and watch beautiful sunsets. The ranch is a gathering place for our immediate family (including both sets of grandparents), as well as extended family for holidays and birthdays. We are thankful for this place to slow down and unplug.

Final Thoughts

Thank you!

We are so appreciative that you took time to consider us to care for your precious child. We are excited and ready to welcome a child into our family. We are far from perfect, but we love the Lord, each other, and our families well. We will provide a stable, nurturing, fun, and Christ-centered home for your child. The decision you are making is far from easy. We are honored that you would consider entrusting us with your precious child. We are prayerful for your journey that the Lord would give you wisdom, direction and peace about your choice. Love, Emmalee, Mindy & Clay