Dear Birth Mom:

We hope you enjoy our Blog and use this site to get to know and understand us more. We thank-you for your time that you are taking to look at our wonderful memories that we have made together. We were unable to get PDF files of our photo album, so we decided to upload it for you so you are able to see our pictures and family fun on our blog; below we included all the text found in our book. Thank-you again for the taking the time to look at our blog.

Dear Friend, 

We can only imagine the turmoil, excitement and nervousness that you are feeling at this time. We understand that you might be unsure of your decision and trying to figure out what is best for you and that of your child. This selfless act you are considering will bring such joy and happiness to our lives. We thank you for that. You are wonderful and special. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude.  Chris and I have been married close to five years and have been trying for a child for 3 years. Approximately 2.5 years ago, we met with a fertility doctor, that stated we have a 50% chance of getting pregnant if we try Intrauterine Insemination. We decided at that time, we would try to conceive and try other methods of getting pregnant. After another year of trying to conceive, we sought another experts opinion that told us that Intrauterine Insemination is not an option and that our only option would be In Vitro Fertilization and that the statistics would not be very high. Upon this discovery, Chris and I decided that we would adopt. As Chris and I were dating, we discussed the option of adoption.  We came to the conclusion that one day, no matter what the circumstance, we would adopt and since then, we have nourished that thought. We are extremely happy with the decision we have made to adopt a child.  Chris and I, more than anything, we want you and your baby to be happy, whatever that entails. We would love to form a relationship with you before and after the adoption takes place. We are open to sending letters, phone calls, emails and sending pictures. We want to meet you and get to know you. We want the adoption process to be as wonderful and special as possible. Know that our personal desire for our child is to grow up knowing of your love for him or her and how important you are to their life story. We have been ready to expand our family for a few years now. We pray that the affection and excitement we feel for our child can be felt in the words of this letter, as we would love to be the family you would entrust with your precious baby. We thank you again for considering us and wish you nothing but the best in your decision. 

 

About Chris and Monika

  Chris and I have been married for over 4 years. We are a fun, loving, caring and outgoing couple who encircle our lives around family. Chris and I love doing tasks/ activities together or with our family members and friends. We are members of The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter Day Saints and believe in making God and our family the center of our lives. We want our child to know and understand that we love them for who they are and will always be there to help them along the way.
     Chris and I strongly believe in Love and Logic. We want to instill trust, love, kindness, worthiness, responsibility, friendship into our child. We will strengthen him or her and help them to be superb family members and citizens of the world. We encircle our lives with love for all those around us, we are actively involved and are are currently mentoring a child from Africa. We follow the saying that we need to treat others the way we want to be treated.
     Chris and I have a cute dog named Madison who is a Puggle; half Pug and Beagle.  When we first got Madison four years ago, we were unsure on what to name her so we wrote a list of names separately and the only name Chris and I had in common was Madison.
     We are excited for this new journey in our lives and are grateful to be sharing this experience with you. In our home, we will embrace the birth parents; you will always be honored, respected and remembered.

About Chris and Monika Continued

Monika Duke

  I was born and raised in Canada. I come from two loving parents who I consider to be not only my rock, but my best friends in life. I have 2 older sisters and a younger brother who were my companions growing up and my support when I needed it. My siblings names are Melanie, Melissa and Helmut. My dad is German. He decided to name my brother and I with German names that resembled our family tree; I am named after my grandmother whereas my brother is named after my father. My mom and dad instilled family into me by being such great role models as they packed up their hecktic lives and moved across country for jobs that would have them home when I left and returned for school. My sister Melanie is married to Ronald Green and they have two boys, Johnny and Colton, and one on the way. My brother Helmut is engaged and will be getting married in June. My second oldest sister is Melissa who has an adorable dog and loves to travel. I came to the United States in 2009 to attend Brigham Young University- Idaho to get a bachelors in Elementary Education. During my studies, Chris and I dated and got married a year later in 2010. As I was in school, I took my schooling seriously and completed three semesters in one year. By following this path, I graduated 2 years earlier than planned. I officially earned my Elementary Education degree in 2012. I then used my degree to teach sixth grade in Idaho. I then moved to Utah to teach at a Charter school in West Valley City, Utah. I have always loved kids and enjoyed being a voice for those who do not have one for themselves. I love my job and enjoy every single day of it. I enjoy seeing the light bulbs on their faces when they learn a new concept. I am currently working at a Charter School teaching fifth grade. I am a very outgoing individual who is loving, caring, responsible and very trustworthy. I grew up on a farm where my parents instilled trust, responsibility and a work ethic at a young age. I learned to be independent on my own, reliable, responsible and trustworthy. I am very grateful for the habits my parents have instilled in me, for the love that we share and for the respect that we have for each other.

Chris Duke

 I was born and raised in Idaho. Growing up, I was raised by my father and grandparents who instilled trust, love and obedience into my life.  Though my parents are divorced, I am grateful for all of the many things that they have taught me as well as my grandparents. They instilled the values of being a true gentlemen and I implement that into my daily life as well as my marriage. I believe in working hard and cherishing those things close to you. Family is my number one priority and I am grateful for this opportunity to expand on mine.  I come from a small family and I am the only child. I attended Idaho State University in 2007 and I temporally halted my education to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints. When I received my mission call, I was called to serve in the Canada, Toronto Mission, where I met my wife. I then returned from my mission and transferred to Brigham Young University- Idaho in 2009. One year later, I married my wife. I attended Brigham Young University for three years and graduated with a Bachelors in Exercise Physiology. I am currently working for a spinal implant company.  I am also attending school to get a second degree in athletic training. After I achieve my second degree, I will be furthering my studies to get my doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. My degree encompasses many sports. I enjoy being healthy, watching or playing sports. I love going to the gym. I practice good/ healthy habits.  I love doing all of these activities with my wife. I love to foster my academic development.  I have been grateful to be given an educational trust fund where myself and my children will have all of their educational needs paid for. I am grateful for the many blessings that I have been given in my life. These blessings have molded me into the person I am today.

Our family story: How we met

Chris and I have an Epic love story that has spanned two countries. At the age of 19, Chris was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was sent to serve in the Canada, Toronto mission.  He dedicated the next two years of his life to serve for the Lord. Near the end of his mission, he was transferred to my hometown, Timmins, Ontario. I remember the first time seeing him, I thought he was the most handsome, jaw dropping, man that I have ever seen. Since my dad was the Bishop, my family had him and his mission companion over for dinner once a week and during that time I was able get to know them better.  I found Chris is to be kind, caring and illuminated joy into the lives around him. I remember that he once asked me to sing my favorite hymn in front of him and I was so nervous, but I did it anyways. That Sunday he gave me Mike and Ikes, wrapped in newspaper, with a note attached to it saying, thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone. To this very day, our favorite candy is Mike & Ikes (we served this to our guests at our wedding as a thank-you gift). When Chris was going home to Idaho Falls, I was preparing to drive from Ontario, across America to get my degree in Education at Brigham Young University- Idaho. When Chris was leaving his mission in Timmins, Chris then stated that if I needed anything, to Facebook him and we can find time to hang out. I, being an 18 year old girl, was stunned and assumed he was interested and waited for the day for him to call me. Chris, being an amazing man, wanted to be friendly and polite, and wanted to welcome me to America and make sure I was comfortable and adjusting well. During the next couple months, we became really good friends. Our friendship grew stronger but in the end, I was really attracted to him and wanted more. After much thinking and conversations with my family, I decided that I needed some time to find out what I wanted in my life, which was Chris, but he wanted to be friends. During our two weeks apart, Chris contacted me. He wanted to develop our friendship into a relationship.  Chris and I love each other so much. We are so very grateful that we made the decision to get married 4 years ago.

Letters to our Spouse from our Spouse

Letter to Chris from Monika

  My husband is a wonderfully kind, caring, cuddly teddy bear and the most supportive individual I have ever met. No matter how long of a day I have had, or how tired I am, he always is there to make my day spectacular. He is very athletic and also loves watching sports. Chris has always imagined the day when he can take him or her to go play basketball or go swimming. Chris is very patient. He is constantly making our lives fabulous. His heart is strong and full of love that it encompasses all around him. Chris is my support, my rock and whenever I need him, for the good or bad, he is always there. Chris is very kind and is constantly looking for ways to help. He is an amazing role model and will be an incredibly great father. I am glad that we have experienced so many great memories together and we look forward to building upon them. Chris is an incredible man and I am so glad that I decided to marry him 4 years ago.

Letter to Monika from Chris

Monika is the most caring women I know. She is always going out of her way to brighten my day. She loves to leave me little notes on the refrigerator or in my lunch pale. Each time I read one of those notes, my day is automatically brightened. Monika is such a kind hearted person and it shows in the way she teaches her students and those she mentors. She is a great home maker and if it weren't for her, our home wouldn't look as beautiful as it does. I lover her artistic style when it comes to decorating the house, it brings brightness and love to it when you step through the door. I knew Monika was the person I was to marry and I'm so grateful for her in my life. She is my other half and I wouldn't be the person I am today without her by my side. She will make the most wonderful mother with all her amazing attributes. She is loving, kind, selfless, patient, outgoing, etc. I can't picture a better companion and partner to raise a child.

Our adventures

  Chris and I were married on September 4, 2010 in the Idaho Falls Temple in Idaho. Shortly after Chris and I fell in love with this cute Puggle who has floppy ears and beady eyes. Our dogs name is Madison Duke and is the most sweet and affectionate dog I have ever met. She is constantly happy, loves cuddles and every single person she meets. Chris and I love spending time together and finding tasks that we need to do together. We love going to the gym, walking our dog, having date nights once a week, game nights, hiking, camping and traveling. We love to visit my family in Canada once a year as well as planning another vacation. Last year, we went to Vegas and had a blast shopping and visiting the sights. This year we are planning on going to Florida. Chris loves Harry Potter and wants to go to Florida to visit the beach but also to see Harry Potter World. For our one-year anniversary, Chris surprised me with a trip to Yellowstone; it was an amazing trip filled with hikes, sight seeing and a day at a waterpark. This last year, we recently returned from a trip from New York City where we shopped, took tours, enjoyed real ethnic food and went to visit many sites. It was so much fun and amazing to share that trip with not only each other, but with my two sisters Melanie, Melissa as well as our nephew Johnny. Chris and I also enjoy going to the beach with our dog and spending time outside in the summer/ winter. We are both interested in fitness and participate in them weekly. We enjoy going to the gym together; Chris plays basketball and I have recently trained for a triathlon. We love hiking and finding new trails to overcome and camping in the summer with our family and friends. Every summer, we head to Canada to visit my family and to enjoy quality time with them as well as my extended family. We are very outgoing individuals who love life. Our family and friends are the center of our universe. Chris and I are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We attend church meetings regularly and participate in our callings. We value family and friendship to the utmost degree and surround our lives with things that will uplift us and those around us.  We truly believe the saying that Families Are Forever.
     We want to raise a child in a strong, healthy home where two parents will love our child and love him or her for who they are and what they will become.

Our Family and Family Traditions

 (Monika) I grew up with one brother and two sisters; their names are Helmut, Melissa and Melanie. My Mom and Dad, Glenda and Helmut Neher, are very kindhearted individuals who serve their lives purpose helping people. My parents have been fostering for 17 years in the Timmins area; they foster from the age of 0 to the age of 18. My parents are hard working and own their own grooming business. My brother Helmut is currently going to school to eventually earn his doctorate in robotic engineering. My sister Melanie is married to Ronald green and has two boys, Johnny and Colton and a baby girl on the way. My sister Melissa works for Air Canada and enjoys her free time flying and traveling. My dad is from Germany and most of our traditions come from him. Growing up, every holiday, we celebrated it to the fullest extent. Birthdays were filled with breakfasts in bed, shopping, movies, and a full day of pampering. Thanksgiving was full of family, a fabulous dinner cooked by my mother and desserts made from my Dad. Christmas was my favorite time of the year. My mother would cook a turkey all day long on Christmas Eve that my Dad raised on his farm; my dad would also bake his famous German treats. On Christmas Eve, we would watch movies all day and eat our Christmas meal at night; we would sit around the table and tell everyone why we loved them as we began to eat. After that, we would move to the couch and sing Christmas songs. We would hear a Christmas story, sing some more songs and learn the true meaning of Christmas. Following this, we would open presents (this is the German tradition). On Christmas Day, we would open our stocking and all wear our matching pajamas. I am so grateful for the traditions that my parents have passed down to me.
    (Chris) My parents Gregory and Michael Duke only had one child. At a young age, my parents divorced and I resided with my mother. I moved in with my father and grandparents when I was 8 years old. My father was a pipe fitter and due to his work schedule, my grandparents help to raise me. My father and I spent a lot of time together doing BMX racing. My father instilled in me the value of athletic prowess. My grandparents nurtured and taught me many valuable lessons about life.  They taught me to be responsible, respectful and independent. We celebrated holidays together as a family.
    (Our Family Traditions)  We like to celebrate every holiday or event to the fullest. Every other year for Christmas we go to Canada to visit my family. When Chris and I celebrate Christmas together in our home, we incorporate our traditions. When we celebrate Thanksgiving, we always go to Idaho to spend time with Chris's family. We like to make breakfast in bed on birthdays and pamper each other with love, affection and gifts.

Thank-you

We want to thank-you for taking the opportunity to read our profile and for getting to know us better. We hope that this gives you a little insight into who we are and what we love and enjoy. We wish you peace and comfort as you progress through this experience. We can only imagine the turmoil, excitement and nervousness that you are feeling at this time. We understand that you might be unsure of your decision and trying to figure out what is best for you and that of your child. This selfless act you are considering will bring such joy and happiness to our lives. We thank you for that.  May you be blessed with strength, health and happiness. We would love for you to contact us with any questions or comments and especially to tell us a little bit about you. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with, and for you.

With Gratitude and Love,

Monika and Chris Duke

http://monikaandchrisduke.blogspot.com/

Thankful Thursdays

I have an amazing husband. I had to be at the school until 7:00pm today and so my husband surprised me with dinner from Zupas. I love Zupas, especially when I am working late, it is my go to food. I was booked solid with parent conferences so he went to Zupas and picked up my favorite meal and surprised me with it. I am so grateful that I have an amazing husband that is willing to go out of his way to make my day special.