Kara and Dave are two of the most awesome people I have ever
known! I had the privilege of having Kara as a roommate when she was in
college and was there when she met Dave, as well as through their courtship and
marriage. I can't express how excited I was for them to find each
other! They are perfect together! The love they shared from day one
was inspiring to me in more ways than they know. I still remember when
Kara was getting ready to tell Dave that she may never be able to physically
have children. She was scared to death that perhaps he wouldn't want to
marry her, knowing the possibility that if he did he may never father a
child. Knowing what I knew about Dave, it was apparent she had nothing to
worry about, and I assured her the same. Of course I was right, and he
accepted that possibility with open arms because he loved her enough to
sacrifice anything. Additionally he brought her comfort and security when
she needed it most.
They are both incredibly talented people in their own spheres of
influence, and are very service oriented, loving people. They are the
types that would drop anything to help someone else or lend a listening
ear. After they were married, they continued to include me as a part of
their lives, like family, and I always appreciated that. I was so sad
when they moved away because they were such a blessed part of my life! I
know any child would be more blessed than words could say to call Dave and
Kara, Mom and Dad. In fact, I have such faith in them as parents that I would
trust them to raise my daughters if something happened to my husband and
I. I am not generally a very trusting person so that says a lot coming
from me! :) They have been waiting so long for this opportunity to have a
child of their own that I hope and pray the Lord guides those who are looking
for a good home for their child to see in Dave and Kara what everyone who knows
them sees! You can't get much better than them!
~Bridget Munger, Kara's College Roommate
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I have known Kara since I was 59 days old--the day she was
born. Since our mothers are sisters, I
would spend several weeks at her house every summer, jumping on her trampoline,
collecting pretty rocks, fighting over barbies, and sleeping head-to-toe each
night. We grew up as pen pals and
playmates, roughing even the hardest of our teenage years.
College brought us within a few miles of each other, and
Kara took it upon herself to bring me--gently--out of my shell. Invitations ranged from dances and plays to
shopping trips to Sam's Club and the local craft store. One day, she informed me that she had gone
out with the same guy, Dave, a few times and she was really starting to like
him. That Easter, Kara reminded me that
I was invited for dinner. Knowing that
Dave would be there, I hesitated, "are you sure I wouldn't be a third
wheel?" "No!" Kara
declared, "you are the original wheel!" We both laughed; Kara let me know that she
would always value our friendship, even as our lives progressed. Luckily for me, as Dave and Kara fell in
love, Dave decided to take me on as a little sister. That is who they are to me today: my surrogate sister and brother.
Over ten years have gone by since Kara and Dave got married,
and I got married in the meantime. Wanting to see them both, they graciously
opened their home to us last summer (not for the first time!) and served as
tour-guide-hosts to me and my husband.
Not only did they take us shopping at the farmers market and hiking at a
state park (since they know I love to do those things), Kara filled a basket in
the guest-room with local maps, brochures, and tasty treats. That is just who she is. Kara is the nicest
hostess, most patient listener, and kindest friend. Dave looks out for me and always makes me
feel good about myself. That is why they
mean so much to me. That is why I named
my little daughter "Kara" after a person I very much hope she will
grow to be like. I cannot think of any
couple that would make better parents than Dave and Kara.
~Cynthia Green, Kara's Cousin
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Dave came from a large family that had to work very hard to
advance in life. He learned many
valuable life skills and the ability to cope with difficult circumstances. He has a good education and provides well for
his family. Dave is a faithful and
loving husband and would likewise be the same type of parent. He has good judgment in dealing with people
and situations.
Kara is a kind and loving wife and daughter. She is
caring and loyal to family and friends. She
has a great gift and eye for design, colors, and shapes and their home is a
reflection of her talent. She is
resourceful and loves to refurbish furniture using it to make her surroundings
appealing and warm. She appreciates beauty in nature and in those
she loves. She is tireless in
researching all her options before investing time, energy and money into her
amazing creations.
Dave and Kara maintain a lovely, clean and well organized
home. They both work hard and share the
responsibilities of home life. They
enjoy cooking together, trying new and interesting foods. They are both health conscious, eating
nutritious foods and exercising regularly.
They are reliable people who can be counted on to keep their word. They
have conservative Christian values and are devoted to doing what is right. They are good, responsible citizens and
considerate neighbors.
Dave and Kara have
longed for children and would cherish a child.
Any child raised by them would be fortunate to have the kind of home and
environment they would provide. They are
stable, strong and steady. This may seem biased, coming from their
parents, but it is entirely true.
~Jim and Nancy Eastham, Dave's Father and Stepmother
..........................................................
Why Dave
and Kara would be good parents:
It is
easy to find many good qualities that Dave and Kara both have. They are
patient, kind, educated, talented and stable. Their longing for a child has
brought them to a cross road in life. A new path for a couple that cares deeply
for each other has a place for a child as well. I am confident that the loving
and caring that Dave and Kara can provide for a child will not only bring
happiness to both of them as a couple, but will also bring happiness and love to
a child. I am proud of both of them and their accomplishments and feel that they
will love, teach, guide and be the best parents that they possibly can be which
will provide a happy, loving and faith based home for the lucky addition to
their family.
I wish
them the best of luck in their family endeavors and my prayers will be with all
individuals involved.
~Mark Cox, Kara's Father
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My name is Laura Frazee, and I
am lucky enough to call Dave and Kara friends. I have known them both
only for about five years, but have grown to love them both like family.
I was lucky enough to serve in
our youth program with both Dave and Kara, and I have enjoyed watching how they
interact with the youth. Always involved, always listening, always with
love, patience and time.
Kara has an especially special
place in my heart. She has been there for me when I was down. She
has been there for me when I needed help. She has been there in every way
possible. Never in a hurry to get back to her lists. She ‘s got
time for everyone, even at the expense of what she needs to do for
herself. I have learned from her, even though I am her senior and no, I
won’t say by how much!
I remember just a few months
ago, I called Dave to see if he might be available to come over and administer a blessing with my husband, Brian. Before I could even suggest a time, he was on his
way over. This day, he reduced me to tears. He is a kind,
loving friend. This is the kind of thing that I see Dave and Kara
do. Time and time again.
I can’t think of two people
I’d like to see become parents more than this amazing couple.
~Laura Frazee, Family Friend
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I've known Dave ever since both our families moved to Spokane
Washington summer of 1984. Our families
shared Thanksgivings together and we had a great time.
Dave's dad, Jim, is great.
With a light, jovial demeanor Jim always brought life to a get-together
and he was like a second father to me.
Dave and I spent plenty of time together at his house or mine. Jim pretty much had an open-door policy and I
was always welcome. When we were
teenagers Jim hired us on to work for him.
Jim would always whistle to the music while driving in his truck, he could
have been a professional whistler. I've
been an aspiring whistler ever since, which drives my wife nuts but it's a
habit I can't shake. Jim was that guy
who would do anything for anyone. One
night we had a burst pipe in the basement and didn't realize it until we had 6
inches of water. Jim rushed to our aide
with a wet/dry vac in spite of his other obligations and lightened the mood
with his friendly attitude. He helped my
parents poor cement patio's, build decks, replace the roof, take down old
trees, and replace a broken air conditioning unit just to list a few things I
remember. There was nothing I would
rather do at that age then get my hands dirty on home repairs so I spent lots
of time with Jim.
The reason I tell you about Jim is because Dave absorbed all
of Jim's great qualities. Hard working
and fun, he is a great friend. One
summer night I stayed over at their house and Dave and I were watching a
movie. During commercial breaks we would
entertain ourselves by sparring with well padded professional boxing
gloves. At some point a commercial break
came on so I jumped up and popped Dave right in his face with a right jab. I knew something was wrong when Dave's
expression changed to concern. He raised
his upper lip to reveal a dislodged upper left maxillary incisor (I'm a dentist now) which was bleeding down
his face. I looked down at my right hand
and was horrified to see that I didn't have any gloves on. Dave stared at me in disbelief. Visions of my best friend, toothless, with a
future void of any possibility of getting married passed through my mind. I screamed for Jim. Jim came running and they both took off for
the bathroom where Jim shoved that tooth back up into it's socket.
Dave was a big, handsome guy and our high school football
team captain. He could have put me down
with one punch if he really wanted to.
But he didn't recoil and hit me back.
He never yelled, threatened me, or even let one expletive or unkind word
leave his lips. This is the guy I have grown to claim as a brother. We have shared years camping, rock climbing,
and water skiing together. We were
practically room-mates in college, and used to enjoy planning where we would
live as neighbors.
Even though his tooth was knocked out, it re-adhered to his
socket and is healthy to this day.
Indeed, he was able to find love and married beautiful Kara. They're a great team. It humbles me to be blessed with children in
my home when I see friends like Dave and Kara unable to have kids of their own. I have never known Dave and Kara to treat
anyone as anything less than family. You
have found the home heaven has prepared for the child you bring into this
world.
~Merrill Bassett, Dave's Friend
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I am Kara's maternal Grandmother, and know that many have written about what a good mother Kara would be, and that Dave and Kara would be good parents, and I agree with them. I would like to write about Kara's extended family if I may. We have been a religious family and quite close. This child or children will not be the first to be adopted into our family. My Grandmother raised one of her sister's children, after her sister' death.
My Aunt Grace adopted two children,
one who was of Navajo decent, and one Anglo, They were almost the same age as I am and we grew up together.
Darryl's youngest son and his wife have adopted three children who are triplets
and of African American decent. I feel that a child adopted to Dave and Kara would readily be accepted into our family.
~Grace Reeves, Kara's Maternal Grandmother
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Living FAR from home is
NEVER easy...especially when it comes to adding another to your ever growing
family...you do not always have a "Go To" reliable person, such as
family, to count on when you need help with your little ones... Kara has been
that gift...she has watched my children on numerous occasions because she is
one of the sweetest, most attentive, caring and loving individuals I have ever
known to care for my children, that is NOT family. Having her two amazing, fun
loving dogs, Sadie and Tucker, are a big bonus (for my kiddos) when it comes to
my children playing over at her home, they just can't get enough "Dog
Time" and although her sweet dogs seemed big at first, the kisses and
tender hearts both had once they realized "little ones" were about to
wear them out, made it easy for me to watch them interact with my children! SO
when it came to having our third little one, Kara was the first person on my
very short list of people whom I truly trust and know will love and treat my
children as if they were her own...and she did, which was shown in sweet text
photo's she'd send me... putting my mind at ease while I was in the hospital running
into various complications...
Having a C-section was NOT in my
plans...it was a tough five days, being, once again, far from those I love the
most...But when I found myself getting emotional, for lack of any family
support during recovery, Kara would magically appear and spend HOURS with
me...No One will EVER know what a gift and blessing this truly was for me...She
came every day I was in the hospital, she took new born photo's of our
beautiful baby and comforted me often as I experienced terrible pain from
various "hiccups" that come with having a c-section...She has become
my sweet sister, my friend, my baby sitter, my blessing, my gift, when no one
else was...She is so talented, her big heart and love for others is very
apparent in the way she carries herself, in her work and all she does. I have
been honored to call her my friend and sister, to say she would be a good
mother, would be an understatement... She would be The Most -Amazing,
-Incredible Mother's, one could only hope and pray for in choosing the
"perfect-ideal" mother for their little one. I pray she is blessed
and given this wonderful opportunity to shine where she was always meant to
shine, as a beautiful mother to another!
Dave and I were chatting at church
one afternoon...and I was expressing a few of my many struggles of not having
enough time to do all that needed to be done...His sweet and simple reminder
has never left my mind. "Jamie you are doing what you need to be doing
right now...you are being a mother to your children which is the MOST important
role you have." During this same chat he got tears in his eyes for just a
moment as he expressed how blessed he was to interact with some of the youth in
our church, whom he was just amazed at how spiritually gifted these youth were!
Dave comes across as a serious individual, but the second you get to know
him... you can easily see his big heart and fun personality, is worn right on
his shoulder. My children LOVE being around him, he says silly things and makes
them laugh! He has been a dear friend and example to my family of always
striving for what is right... in this tough world...
I love watching Kara and Dave together...you can visibly see the love these two have for one another...they have had so many difficult trials, and yet you would never know it...because of the love and connection these two share. Eating dinner together is a priority for them, communication, respect and love are just a few of the many amazing qualities one can visibly see these two have and share towards each other...I only pray they are given this wonderful, amazing, opportunity to be the incredible parents they were ALWAYS meant to be, so very soon...I know how much it means to them both. Having a family has always been their dream! They would be some of the most amazing parents one could ever hope and pray for. I pray their dream comes true....
I love watching Kara and Dave together...you can visibly see the love these two have for one another...they have had so many difficult trials, and yet you would never know it...because of the love and connection these two share. Eating dinner together is a priority for them, communication, respect and love are just a few of the many amazing qualities one can visibly see these two have and share towards each other...I only pray they are given this wonderful, amazing, opportunity to be the incredible parents they were ALWAYS meant to be, so very soon...I know how much it means to them both. Having a family has always been their dream! They would be some of the most amazing parents one could ever hope and pray for. I pray their dream comes true....
~Jamie Hatch, Family Friend
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When I think about my niece Kara, I think about the
kindhearted woman she has become. As a
child she was always full of energy, a little mischievous, and happy with
life. In other words, she was a typical
kid. Some aspects of her childhood were not typical, however. Kara faced several surgeries as a girl, and
many more as an adult. I have seen how
these trials, which would have made many hard or bitter, have softened Kara. She is more compassionate toward others, more
empathetic to another’s pain. I am
impressed to see how these struggles have led her to a closer relationship with
her Heavenly Father, family, and friends.
~Sharron Cluff, Kara's Aunt
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I remember watching Kara play with her dolls as a little girl, she loved pretending to be a mother. She would carefully cover them with blankets and kiss them goodnight. Or sit and rock them to sleep in her rocking chair.
Kara wanted a sibling very much. She was nine before her little brother was born, she was so excited! She and friend saved money, and went and bought him a little outfit. She would rush home after school to play with him. She would be so disappointed if he was taking a nap. She loved to babysit him, when her dad and I went out. She would plan special activities for them to do. One of her little brother's favorite memories is of spraying their moths full of whipped cream, when she would babysit him.
Kara wanted a sibling very much. She was nine before her little brother was born, she was so excited! She and friend saved money, and went and bought him a little outfit. She would rush home after school to play with him. She would be so disappointed if he was taking a nap. She loved to babysit him, when her dad and I went out. She would plan special activities for them to do. One of her little brother's favorite memories is of spraying their moths full of whipped cream, when she would babysit him.
Kara was heartbroken when she was told that she wouldn't be able to have children on her own.
All most as much as Kara wants a child, I would love to be a grandmother! She and I share a love for the Holidays. She will make Holidays very special and magical for a child. As Kara's mother, I know she will make a wonderful mother.
Sometimes, Kara's younger brother will go to her for advice. She is always there for him. She will give him a different perspective, or sometimes just listen. She will always tell him that she loves him, even if she doesn't agree with him.
~Terri Cox, Kara's Mother
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I have been friends with David for
about 17 years. David has also been my
brother for 32 years. When I was
younger, I didn’t realize that I could be friends with my siblings. Before we became friends, I looked up to
David for a couple of years and now that we are friends and talk regularly I
admire him even more.
I have known and been friends with Kara for about 10
years. From the first time I met Kara, I
really liked her. She was smart, witty,
driven and she loved my brother.
David and Kara are both wonderful people. I am amazed at their generosity, their love
for family and friends, their willingness to serve and help others and the
compassion they extend. They are both
diligently engaged with church service and are strong, positive influences
among the youth.
David served an LDS mission in Ecuador for two years. This was the point in his life where I saw
the most significant change occur in him.
David put his education on hold so that he could help others feel the
spirit and gain a testimony of Jesus Christ.
Throughout his mission, David gained a stronger testimony himself,
became selfless in his actions, and truly loved those he taught and
served. His letters home to us (his
family) showed the continuing changes that occurred throughout his
mission. David has lived a life worthy
of the constant companionship of the Holy Spirit which he relies on to
influence his decisions. David works
diligently to provide a good life for his family. I am impressed with all that David has been
able to accomplish in his career and how much his employers rely on him.
Kara is a great cook.
So much so it puts me to shame (and I am not an out-of-the-box
cook). My family loves the great lengths
and preparation that go in to Kara’s meals.
There are no details spared when she cooks and the results are
heavenly. Kara is also a compassionate
person willing to serve when needed. When
I was pregnant with my second child, I knew I would have to schedule a cesarean section
birth due to complications with the delivery of my first child. I told Kara how great it would be to have her
stay with our family and to help where needed and without hesitation she
cleared her schedule and booked her flight.
I will forever be grateful to Kara for the kindness she has shown me and
my family and the help she provided during the delivery of my second child and
during my recovery.
My children love David and Kara. My daughter carries around a crystal that
they gave her when they last visited (my son received one too, but he is a boy
and doesn't appreciate small shiny rocks).
I appreciate knowing my children are loved by their Aunt Kara and Uncle
David. David and Kara have made it a
priority to budget trips in to visit their family on both sides regularly.
David and Kara own two of the best cared for dogs known to
the human race. I am not saying the dogs
are spoiled, but they are loved, nurtured and considered as family to David and
Kara both. I love to hear about what
mischief the dogs have gotten in to at the creek behind their home.
It has been sad watching David and Kara both go through the
agony of infertility. Since they got
married almost 10 years ago, they have wanted to have children. I know how much my children are loved by
David and Kara and can only imagine how intensified that love will be once a
child has found his or her way into their family. They are both devoted to providing the best
life they are able to their future children.
They are unified in their beliefs.
They have prayed unceasingly for children to bless their lives. I pray for the day when their joy will be realized
in children of their own, whether by adoption or some other means. I love David and Kara both so much and know
that they will be incredible parents.
~Amber Oliphant, Dave's Sister
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Kara and Dave would be wonderful parents. I have watched them interact with my friend's grandchildren and they were immediately loved and respected. They have been through a great deal in their efforts to have a child. They have a strong and supportive family who would also love and cherish any child they might adopt. They are both well educated, have a beautiful home and take excellent care of it. Their marriage is strong and loving with great respect for each other. They have a very religious background and serve in their church. Also, they take time for date night once a week and enjoy outdoor fun and their dogs. I am Kara's grandmother and feel that any child would be fortunate to have Kara and Dave as parents.
~Jerry Butler, Kara's Paternal Grandmother
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We have known Dave and Kara for approximately four years. My husband and I met the Eastham's when we moved to the Little Rock area so I could attend law school. As I have gotten to know them better, I have been incredibly impressed with how caring, generous, and strong they are. They are both truly wonderful and strong individuals, but they make an even stronger family unit. They are both completely devoted to each other and to their marriage. I truly believe that they have a strong foundation and will be able to afford a wonderful home to any child that they are blessed with.
Dave and Kara
both exemplify the trait of kindness and truly look for ways to serve
others. They are generous with their
time, money, and talents. They are
always going out of their way to support someone that they sense is in need and
are always willing to lend a listening ear.
Kara can often be seen using her talents to help friends in need. For example, when I was pregnant, I spent a
few months on bed rest. My husband
worked full-time and had a forty-five minute commute in good traffic. Despite living about thirty minutes away, the
Eastham’s would often bring us dinner so Matt would not have to cook. In addition, I have many memories of Kara
stepping in to help young mothers at church with their children so that they
could listen to the message being shared.
Dave is constantly worrying about the welfare of others and is always
looking for someone to serve.
Both Dave and
Kara are also very active in our church.
Just in the past four years, Kara has donated countless time to
different organizations in our church.
For a few years, she taught a class of teenage young women before
volunteering as a primary teacher for the young children. Recently, she was asked to help with the
women’s organization on a stake level.
Though I have no doubt that this can be a challenging role, I have heard
Kara express nothing but excitement and a love for the women she is
serving. Dave fully supports Kara in
these endeavors, just as she supports him in his. Though he is currently serving in the
bishopric and helps to oversee the local church, he spent a lot of time in the
young men’s organization. While in the
young men’s organization, he helped prepare weekly lessons and activities. He encouraged the boys in scouting and
attended camps with them. Most
importantly, however, he strove to be a positive role model, mentor, and friend
to those teenage boys. The love and
concern he felt for them was evident.
These experiences of selflessly serving others and developing a genuine
connection with the youth they serve have helped prepare Dave and Kara to
become parents.
My daughter and 12-year-old nephew have both spent time with the
Eastham's. Emma loves both of them and
just flocks to them when we are together.
My husband and I have my nephew, Andy, stay with us at least a few times
a year. He gets very excited when we spend
time with Dave while we are with him.
The two of them immediately developed a good rapport. Dave makes sure to spend time listening to
Andy as Andy shares what is happening in his life. Both Dave and Kara really make sure that,
when they are talking to a child, they listen to them and treat them with
respect- they try to get to know them and figure out what they are interested
in. It is so easy for me to envision
them spending time with their children- whether it’s Kara baking Christmas
cookies with their child or Dave “camping” in the backyard. They put a great emphasis on their family and
spending time with one another- I do not doubt that they will ensure that they
spend time with their children and really engage with them as they help them to
discover the world around them. I am confident
that they will strive to make sure that their children feel comfortable and
secure while still setting age-appropriate boundaries.
We are so convinced that Dave and Kara will
make wonderful parents that we recently asked them to serve as the guardians
for our own daughter in the event something were to happen to us. We believe that
this is one of the most important decisions we can make for our daughter. We carefully considered our siblings,
cousins, and other friends, but ultimately decided on the Eastham's. This decision was made because we know that,
if we were unable to raise Emma, they would provide her a good home, instill
good values in her, give her opportunities to grow and succeed, and treat her
like their own. They have prepared their
entire lives to become parents and will provide a wonderful home to any child
lucky enough to call them “Mom” and “Dad.”
~Matt and Noelle Skaff, Family Friends
..........................................................
As
an adoptive mother myself, I want to say what an incredible and selfless gift
adoption is. It is one of the most difficult decisions that a birth
mother can make, and I know that it is made out of pure love for that
sweet child. Your precious child will be so treasured and loved by
David and Kara. They are such kind and good and loving people. They
will make sure your child will be showered with love and nurtured physically,
emotionally and spiritually. They are fun and creative and love to
celebrate life. They truly love each other and the gospel.
They can give your child a firm foundation with opportunities to grow, and
to discover, and to learn. I have watched them both work with the
children and youth at church, and can tell you that they lead by example and
give correction with love. They will be wonderful parents in a home
filled with laughter and love.
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