Introducing Valerie By Brandt
Perhaps the thing I love the most about Valerie is that despite being incredible at everything she does, she is so humble and gives all credit to the Lord. Her faith has been unwavering and there has never been a moment where she has doubted that the Lord is in complete control. She proves this to me often as I see her follow the inspiration she receives to guide her life. Her life hasn’t been free of challenges, but I never hear her complain about the difficult times. I just see her faithfully seeking the Lord’s help to guide her where He would have her go. I have never heard her question why she would never be able to bare children of her own. Instead, we have celebrated together the blessing of adoption. I love Valerie, and I couldn't ask for a better person to spend eternity with or a better person to care for my children, no matter how they enter into our home.
My Soulmate
Valerie is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is beautiful inside and out and I literally knew the moment I saw her for the first time that I wanted to be with her forever. It took her a little longer than that to feel the same about me, but I honestly don’t know of a couple that is as in love as we are. Even after 16 years of marriage we still get told often that we look and act like newlyweds.
Valerie is the most amazing person I have ever met. She is beautiful inside and out and I literally knew the moment I saw her for the first time that I wanted to be with her forever. It took her a little longer than that to feel the same about me, but I honestly don’t know of a couple that is as in love as we are. Even after 16 years of marriage we still get told often that we look and act like newlyweds.
Ambition & Motherhood
Valerie has many talents and gifts. She is very crafty and is always looking for a new “project” whether it be another new piece of jewelry that she wants to make, another wall that needs to be painted, or even a piece of furniture that needs refinishing. One thing I love is the attitude she has that nothing is impossible. I have been amazed on many occasions when after hearing her explain a new idea that I think can’t be done, I come home only to find it finished and better than I could have imagined. That attitude has gotten her far in life as well. If she sets her mind to do something I have learned to either help or get out of the way, because with or without me, she is going to do it, and do it well. As a Special Education teacher for students with severe disabilities, she was recognized with countless praise from parents, administration and even won the KSL Teacher Feature award for her excellent work. It was difficult for her to leave a job and the students that she loved so much for nine years, but I know she wouldn’t trade being a mother for anything. She loved her job and it showed in the way she helped those most special spirits of our Heavenly Father. That caring attitude has carried over into motherhood in the way she cares for and loves our son. I can’t even begin to understand her patience, hard work, and ever-positive attitude. She is an amazing person in every way, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wonder what I ever did to deserve her!
Family
Valerie comes from a family of four kids where she is the youngest. She has a brother and two sisters who live as close as Salt Lake, and as far away as Australia. Despite the distance, Valerie and her family are very close and remain in contact often. Online video calls have been so helpful in allowing them to see and hear each other no matter where they are. It has been a huge blessing for us that right after Titus's birth, Valerie's parents left the warm climate they loved, and moved back to Utah just to be closer to their grandson. Titus loves his silly, true Texan "Papa Buddy" and sweet playmate "Lita" (short for Abuelita) SO MUCH! For those family members that live further away, we love the chances that it gives us to travel and see new places, and especially to spend time with Valerie's amazing family. Since they were all born here and still have ties, we receive frequent visits from her family to our home. We love that our house gets to be "Home Base" for everyone. Sometimes when the whole family comes, it feels like a crowded hotel, but full of the people we love most. The craziest times somehow always become our favorite memories.
Valerie comes from a diverse background which has instilled many great qualities in her. Her mother moved from Mexico as a teenager, but still carries on many traditions from their native land and through marriage her mom’s side has integrated people from just about every culture in the world. Most of her extended family lives pretty close and gets together often. The parties are amazing with plenty of food, music, dancing, and all around fun! I have to say that as soon as one party ends, I am already looking forward to the next.
