Basic Info
Shayla
Age: 29
Ethnicity: White
Religion: Christian
Brett
Age: 29
Ethnicity: White
Religion: Christian
Shayla & Brett
Texas
Intro
About
Work & Education
Shayla
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Profession: Elementary Education
Brett
Education: Master's Degree
Profession: Teacher/Coach
Post-Adoption Relationship
Open (Open to contact, phone calls, in person visits before adoption. Sharing photos and letters after placement. Visits at neutral location after adoption, etc.). If you want a more closed adoption, we would honor that request as well.
Semi Open (open to an in-person visit before adoption placement, phone, email, sharing pic/letters after placement
Closed (no contact after placement)
Environment
Country: USA
State: Texas
Parent Relationship: Married
Parent Neighborhood: Country
Parent Years Together: 5 to 10 years
Parent Residency: House
Parent Pets: Yes
Children At Home: Adopted children
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual parents
Preferences for a child
Age: Newborn to 1 year of age, 1 to 3 years of age
Gender: Either
Multiple Children: Twins, Sibling groups
Race/Ethnicity: African American (Full), African American (Half), Caucasian (Full), Caucasian (Half), Hispanic (Full), Hispanic (Half), Asian (Full), Asian (Half), American Indian (Half), Pacific Islander (Half)
Special Needs: Open to discussion
Certification 
Gladney Center for Adoption verified this family completed an adoption homestudy including: background checks, character references, official interviews, required training, home inspection, financial review, etc. and are approved for adoption.
Shayla + Brett
Our Friends, Family, & Life
Our adventures
Videos
Nighttime singalongs before bed!
We read books before bed, but we always have time for a mini concert!
Baby Giggles
Daddy is always the tickle monster!!
We can't wait to meet you!
Dear Mama,
You are never too far gone or too far out of His restorative reach.
We believe you are looking at our profile and reading these words for a reason. We want you to know that you are truly valuable and cherished by God. You, sweet mama, are created in His image. You are never too far gone or too far out of His restorative reach.
We want you to know that we admire you. We can only imagine the pain that comes along with this gut-wrenching decision of choosing what you feel is truly best for you and your little one. We think the true definition of love means sacrifice and while we cannot fathom what you are going through, just know we are here for you and we love you, no matter what you choose. We will never question your love for your sweet baby because it is so evident in your strength that has brought you this far. If we are honest with you, we cannot ima...
We believe you are looking at our profile and reading these words for a reason. We want you to know that you are truly valuable and cherished by God. You, sweet mama, are created in His image. You are never too far gone or too far out of His restorative reach.
We want you to know that we admire you. We can only imagine the pain that comes along with this gut-wrenching decision of choosing what you feel is truly best for you and your little one. We think the true definition of love means sacrifice and while we cannot fathom what you are going through, just know we are here for you and we love you, no matter what you choose. We will never question your love for your sweet baby because it is so evident in your strength that has brought you this far. If we are honest with you, we cannot imagine how uncomfortable it might feel to flip through a family profile to choose the right one for your precious angel, but we promise to navigate through this journey together. We promise to never rejoice in your brokenness that has led you to this decision, but humbly take the baton and finish out the journey you began by loving this sweet little one for the rest of their days. You, sweet mama, can never be replaced. Please know that and please believe that.
Why adoption? We feel like we could write a book about the many reasons on why we want to adopt. But to be honest, we just felt God's calling for us to enter into the space of adoption. It is so hard to sit and explain "why" other than the ache we feel in our hearts. Adoption is something we advocate for, we believe in, and love.
Even though we have adopted previously, we would be lying if we said we weren't nervous about this journey. We know adoption can be hard at times, but we have seen the beautiful outcome it can lead to. We know that God's timing is perfect in all things. When it is meant to be, we trust that He will place our profile in your hands and His path will be what lead us to each other.
He heals the wounds of every shattered heart Psalm 14 7:3
Meet Shayla
She is kind, considerate, and always puts others first.
My greatest passion is being a mom.
"Shayla is the most dedicated and determined person I have ever met. When she wants to accomplish something, there is absolutely nothing that can stand in her way. She has this unique bubbly personality that I was instantly drawn to when we first met and in all honesty, I can't think of a single person that doesn't love her. She is kind, considerate, and always puts others first. Watching her become a mom the last few years has been pure joy. She is the best mom and it just comes so natural to her. " -love, Brett
I have many passions that I have come to love over my lifetime, but my greatest passion is being a mom. I have been blessed to be a stay at home mom over the last few years and it has been the best thing I have ever done. I have enjoyed being able to watch every milestone Kollie has achieved and I plan on doing the same with our next little one. One day I will go back to being a teacher, but my best days are being a mama and I can't wait to do it all over again.
Plants. You can never have too many plants. Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. There is something about getting my hands in fresh soil, repotting, watering, and watching my plants grow. Gardening has always been my "me" time, but now I love to share that time with Kollie as she loves to help me.
My home is my happy place. I love having friends and family over so I take pride in decorating my home where anyone can come in and feel at peace. We all need a cozy spot in our life where we can sit back and relax, so that is why I am always changing out seasons and constantly decorating. Everyone who knows me says that I have a gift for gathering decor and turning it into something magical. Honestly, I just think it's HGTV.
I have many passions that I have come to love over my lifetime, but my greatest passion is being a mom. I have been blessed to be a stay at home mom over the last few years and it has been the best thing I have ever done. I have enjoyed being able to watch every milestone Kollie has achieved and I plan on doing the same with our next little one. One day I will go back to being a teacher, but my best days are being a mama and I can't wait to do it all over again.
Plants. You can never have too many plants. Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. There is something about getting my hands in fresh soil, repotting, watering, and watching my plants grow. Gardening has always been my "me" time, but now I love to share that time with Kollie as she loves to help me.
My home is my happy place. I love having friends and family over so I take pride in decorating my home where anyone can come in and feel at peace. We all need a cozy spot in our life where we can sit back and relax, so that is why I am always changing out seasons and constantly decorating. Everyone who knows me says that I have a gift for gathering decor and turning it into something magical. Honestly, I just think it's HGTV.
Meet Brett
My greatest achievement in life has been to not only watch my players be successful on the court, but watch them turn into young respectful men off the court.
" You are a dream that the world one dreamt and now you are part of its song. That's why you are here, in the place where you're meant, for this is right where you belong."
"I feel like I could write a book about Brett. He's one of the most caring humans with the biggest heart! Brett has taught me it's not about what you have in life, but who you have in it. He was raised on a farm, which means hard work and dedication flows through his blood. Brett likes to tell jokes, but to tell you the truth, his jokes are horrible. Even still, they make you laugh because he thinks they're hilarious. My favorite thing about Brett is how loyal he is. I never have to worry because it's evident how much he loves and cares about me through his actions. I truly believe that our marriage is strong and stable because we see each other as equal partners. When I am feeling sad or upset, he is the first person to encourage me and get me going again. I can't wait to start this new journey in life with him and watch him transition into the role of fatherhood." - Love Shayla
I love to be outside gardening or working in the yard. I'm also pretty good when it comes to mechanics. Living on a farm my whole life, I have learned to take things apart, fix them, then put them back together.
Another thing I love is coaching basketball. I jump at the opportunity. The game of basketball has taken me places I have never imagined and created memories that will last a lifetime. My greatest achievement in life has been to not only watch my players be successful on the court, but watch them turn into young respectful men off the court.
I guess at the end of the day, you could say I'm a pretty simple man. As long as I have good family and friends around me, then I am happy!
I love to be outside gardening or working in the yard. I'm also pretty good when it comes to mechanics. Living on a farm my whole life, I have learned to take things apart, fix them, then put them back together.
Another thing I love is coaching basketball. I jump at the opportunity. The game of basketball has taken me places I have never imagined and created memories that will last a lifetime. My greatest achievement in life has been to not only watch my players be successful on the court, but watch them turn into young respectful men off the court.
I guess at the end of the day, you could say I'm a pretty simple man. As long as I have good family and friends around me, then I am happy!
Our Promise to You
We promise to raise them to respect and honor you, as you will ALWAYS be their first mama.
Thank you for considering adoption!
If you choose our family, we want to leave you with a few promises we vow to keep. We promise to love your baby unconditionally. We promise to raise them knowing that they are loved by you and never forgotten. We promise to raise them understanding their identity is in Jesus. We promise to read them bedtime stories and to make sure they know how wonderful you are. We promise Santa and the tooth fairy will visit them often. We promise to kiss their boo-boos when they fall down and to always encourage them to stand back up and try again. We promise to teach them to dream big and to take risks. We promise to teach them that failure is simply the opportunity to try again.
We promise to raise your child understanding the value of family and to know they will always be loved, no matter what. We promise to raise them in an outstanding school district so they will have a good education. We promise to make every game, awards ceremony, band concert, recital, or whatever they grow up to love. We promise to tear down any lies from the enemy telling them that they were not wanted by you. We promise to raise them in community that will love them just as much as we already do. Know that your baby will be loved by so many of our friends and family and they will have a huge support system that will not only protect them, but believe in them. We promise your baby will grow up in a stable home and will always be given opportunities. We promise to educate ourselves on the cultural background of your baby so we can incorporate that into our everyday life. We promise to raise them in a diverse atmosphere where all culture is accepted and acknowledged. We promise to raise them to respect and honor you, as you will ALWAYS be their first mama. We will love them, protect them, and cherish them. We promise to allow them to grow and become their own person with their own beliefs. We vow to be patient with you during this process and to love you first. We promise to respect you and your wishes on how open or closed you wish to be with your baby. We promise to leave that wish up to you. The most important thing that we vow to you is that we will NEVER attempt to replace you as the woman who carried them, but rather to love them as the Mama and Dada God called us to be.
With love, Shayla & Brett
We promise to raise your child understanding the value of family and to know they will always be loved, no matter what. We promise to raise them in an outstanding school district so they will have a good education. We promise to make every game, awards ceremony, band concert, recital, or whatever they grow up to love. We promise to tear down any lies from the enemy telling them that they were not wanted by you. We promise to raise them in community that will love them just as much as we already do. Know that your baby will be loved by so many of our friends and family and they will have a huge support system that will not only protect them, but believe in them. We promise your baby will grow up in a stable home and will always be given opportunities. We promise to educate ourselves on the cultural background of your baby so we can incorporate that into our everyday life. We promise to raise them in a diverse atmosphere where all culture is accepted and acknowledged. We promise to raise them to respect and honor you, as you will ALWAYS be their first mama. We will love them, protect them, and cherish them. We promise to allow them to grow and become their own person with their own beliefs. We vow to be patient with you during this process and to love you first. We promise to respect you and your wishes on how open or closed you wish to be with your baby. We promise to leave that wish up to you. The most important thing that we vow to you is that we will NEVER attempt to replace you as the woman who carried them, but rather to love them as the Mama and Dada God called us to be.
With love, Shayla & Brett
Post-Adoption Relationship
Open (Open to contact, phone calls, in person visits before adoption. Sharing photos and letters after placement. Visits at neutral location after adoption, etc.). If you want a more closed adoption, we would honor that request as well.
Semi Open (open to an in-person visit before adoption placement, phone, email, sharing pic/letters after placement
Closed (no contact after placement)
Certification
Gladney Center for Adoption verified this family completed an adoption home study including: background checks, character references, official interviews, required training, home inspection, financial review, etc. and are approved for adoption.
Favorites
Posts
Playing Babydolls with Uncle Will
Always playing babies!
Playing Babydolls with Uncle Will
Always playing babies!
Hawaii
Hawaii is one of our favorite places!!
Us.
We love concerts!
Mama & Kollie Kate
Fun weekend with my girl!
Meet Brett
A little about Brett
Meet our Family
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State Tournament fun!
We love basketball!
Life on the Farm!
These two love to take a ride on the tractor together!
In-n-Out
Big Foodies!!!
Peppa Pig World
Had a blast this last weekend taking Kollie to Peppa World!
Fun time with Dad!
Mr. Gatties fun!!
Getting the nursery ready
Kalls has been such a big help getting the nursery ready for her one day baby sibling.
Kollie Kate
Kalls is SO READY to become a big sister. We have been practicing on our baby dolls & she is the best already!
Go Cowboys!
We love college football!
Hawaii Summer Trip
This Summer we went to Hawaii with our family. It was a blast and one to remember. My little sister got married, we celebrated birthdays, and had an unforgettable week.
Meet Kollie Kate
Kollie Kate joined our family through adoption back in 2021. We traveled to a different state where she was born and met her in the hospital. After we waited out the icpc process, we took her back to Texas where she met all of her new family. Kollie just turned two years old and she is so excited to become a big sister. We have been practicing with her baby dolls, feeding and burping. She also has younger baby cousins that she has been around, so she loves to help take care of them. Kollie has three dogs that she loves to play with outside. She also has chickens, kitties, and cows that she takes care of at our family farm. She is the best farm girl and we can't wait to watch her and her sibling grow up together.
Corn-hole fun!
Weekends are for family, food, and a little competition!
Thinking of you.
Just wanted to stop in and let you know that we are thinking about you tonight, Mama. I pray that you find peace in your decision and that you never feel that you are alone. We are here to listen, here to help, and here to love. -Shayla & Brett
FARM LIFE
Today I became a chicken mama! We added 21 baby chicks to the farm and I am so in love. Look how cute!! Don't worry, our farm animals are our pets. Have you ever heard of a spoiled chicken?
Gator Ride!
Taking a ride on the gator around the farm! We love the farm life.
Our Traditions
One tradition we have is every holiday we spend time with as much family as we can. Family is very important to both of us and we both have big families, so we plan several days for visiting and making memories. We do travel a lot during this time, but we love the time we spend in the car together and we make the most of it. Another tradition we have is going to the State Boys Basketball Tournament every year. We started this tradition separately with our own families growing up, and now go all together in one big group. We have a blast! Family time is the best time, no matter where we are! Our favorite tradition of all, is muffins for Santa. Our very first Christmas Eve with Kollie, we were planning on making cookies. Come to find out, I forgot to buy some of the ingredients and all we had was strawberry muffin mix. So we started making muffins and now that has become a tradition we do every year together. Santa sure doesn't seem to mind.
Home Sweet Home
We both grew up in smaller communities, so when we got married we knew we wanted to raise our family in that same environment. We currently live in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house at the end of a cul-de-sac. Our neighborhood is mainly made up of younger couples with kids, younger and older. We live in a neighborhood where culture and diversity are celebrated. We chose this area because we wanted to feel safe when our children were out playing and we have loved living here! There are kiddos playing every day outside and Kollie has made some of the best buddies to play with. We often do big get togethers on our block where all the kids play while the adults cookout and visit. We always look out for each other and our kids, and this was exactly where we wanted to raise our kids. We also have a second home on our family farm. We have been given a 4th generation farmhouse that sits on about 160 acres. Brett farms this land so we are there a lot, especially during the Summer months. Our favorite things are to wake up in the mornings, brew fresh coffee, and sit out on the front porch and watch Kollie play in the yard. We love having the opportunity to bring the farm life to Kollie Kate and teach her the ways of agriculture. We have the best of both worlds!
Our Story
When we think back to when we first met, we can't help but laugh. We were both visiting our parents one weekend and they decided to get together and have a cookout. I (Shayla) had met Brett's family on several occasions but he was never around due to being away for college.We finally met that night and it was an instant connection.We talked for hours out by a fire we had made outside and laughed how neither of us were in any rush to get married or start a family. We thought it was ridiculous the amount of pressure we felt being in our early 20s and everyone around us was getting married and having kids already and we were just trying to make it day by day at that point. We spent every weekend together since that night and now we just completed our 6th wedding anniversary. Ironic? Fast forward a few years, we were blessed to be able to adopt Kollie Kate. We just celebrated her second birthday in July and we are so very thankful God put her in our life. We knew right away that our story wouldn't end with her. We knew adoption was the path God has set for our family.