The Port Charlotte Sanders

Brianna's Sealing & Blessing

2009-06-12T21:52:00.007-04:00

How can I describe the joy and gratitude we feel as an eternal family who just experienced one of lifes greatest moments. That is the moment when we knelt across the alter and had Brianna sealed to us for time and all eternity. Then on Sunday to be surrounded by so many of our family and friends as I gave Brianna her name, Brianna Kay Sanders, and pronounced upon her a blessing.

How could our joy be any more full than we feel now? I feel as though I must live up to being worthy of having her to be an eternal daughter along with Brandon an eternal son and my queen of all queens, my sweetheart Debbie to be eternally by my side. We shall never forget this great weekend and want to thank all of you who travelled from Idaho, Utah, Kentucky and all over the state of Florida to be with us to celebrate this great occasion.

Camera Fun

2009-06-01T16:02:00.007-04:00

Brianna's Adoption is Finalized

2009-05-30T23:48:00.002-04:00

It was an emotional ceremony as we promised to love Brianna as our own child for all of her life. Certainly we will love her for all eternity. Here we posed after the ceremony with the judge. What a great day in our lives!

Sunday after Church

2009-05-24T19:04:00.002-04:00

Just a Few Pictures...

2009-05-20T13:06:00.003-04:00

Three Months Old

2009-05-16T10:46:00.007-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T20:53:00.004-04:00

Life lately has been crazy to say the least... but through it all it has only served to strengthen our bonds and has grown within our hearts a greater appreciation for our wonderful children. Tomorrow is Mother's Day. There are some special mother's in my life I want to express special appreciation to for the sacrifice and love that goes into their motherhood. First to my mom, you have always been there for me. From the time I was born when I needed you to protect and love me with every breath until now when all you have done for me, what you have taught me and the example you have set serves to direct my moral compass. I also have a great apprieciation for Beverly, Debbie's mom. She raised a wonderful daughter. The things she taught Debbie has made her the wonderful wife she is today. Beverly is so wise in how she raised and continues to support her daughters. She is a great example and as I have watched her over the years I have learned how to become a much better husband and father. Finally, for my sweetheart, this is a special Mother's Day. Debbie, we have a fantastic son and I largely credit you for what a great young man he is becoming. His character is among the best we could dream and hope for in a son. This Mother's Day will also be special for you because it will be your first with our new daughter, Brianna. She is so beautiful. We feel her giant spirit through her big brown eyes that stare up and make you love her! Sweetheart.... who could know that life could be so wonderful? Thank you for being such a great mother for our children!

Happy Mother's Day to all my sisters, sister's in law, Aunt's, cousin's and especially Granny and Nannie! You are all special to me, but especially to those who are your children. Thanks for being the special people you are... Mother's!

Brianna meets Daddy's Family

2009-04-12T17:17:00.016-04:00

Cousin Dustin & Cousin Conner ... his son

Uncle Darrell & Cousin Conner

Uncle Blake - nice hat!

Cousin Aurora

Cousin Mia

Cousin Kenyon

Cousin Jayna

Great grandmother "Granny"

Uncle Eric

Aunt Debbie

Aunt Amy

Aunt Tina

Cousin Jaime

Uncle Faron

Aunt Erin & Cousin Brayden

Brianna's first Easter was spent meeting a lot of family.... but there are still more to come. We are looking forward to June when we can take her with us to the temple. We know there will be lots of family to meet then as well! We love you all. Thanks for being such a great family. Thanks for your love and for making this a great Easter!

2009-03-29T17:36:00.005-04:00

Brandon has been a big help to us taking care of his little sister Brianna. Looks like he is worn out as they both fell asleep. Debbie thought it was soo cute and made me run to get the camera. She was right!

Daddy's Photo Shoot

2009-03-19T14:03:00.009-04:00

I had a fun morning with Brianna taking pictures. Debbie was giggling to watch me set-up all the props and having so much fun with our little girl. It has been great to take some family time. I love her more every day!

Baby Shower with Friends from Work

2009-03-16T13:00:00.015-04:00

Thanks to everyone for an evening we will tell Brianna about for years to come. We really appreciate all the wonderful gifts, your warm thoughts and kindness. We had a great time and will have so much fun dressing our baby in all these cute outfits, cleaning her with all the bath-time stuff, playing with ladybugs in her bouncer and feeding her in her new high-chair! You are awesome! Thanks so much!

Englewood Beach

2009-03-15T15:34:00.016-04:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day to spend at the beach. This was our first trip to Englewood since moving here. The water was just great as you can see. We found a great little spot and I have a feeling we will go back. We setup an umbrella for the girls and Brandon and Dad threw the football around. It was pretty much a perfect day!

Baby Shower by Friends at Church

2009-03-12T21:56:00.006-04:00

It's really great to have such wonderful people in your life to come over and spoil you. Thanks to everyone who gave gifts and a very warm thanks to Shalee, Christina and Megan for putting it all together. You all are sooo cool! We really enjoyed having you and most of all, feeling the love that went into this special evening to celebrate Brianna!

Brianna loves her new swing, and so do we! It matches her stroller and car seat.... yeah!

Three Weeks Old

2009-03-04T18:05:00.008-05:00

To say we are really enjoying Brianna is an understatement. We are having fun dressing her up. Debbie says "she is a little princess." Big brother Brandon is a big help and loves to feed her. He isn't quite so excited about diapers, LOL! We took a few pictures we thought we would share. Enjoy!

Only 13 Days Old

2009-02-28T20:07:00.018-05:00

Today was our first full day at home in Port Charlotte. We had a very nice morning with Brianna. We even had a visitor from a neighbor who was so anxious to find out if she was home yet.

After feeding Brianna she was looking up at us and smiling over and over again. I managed to catch one on camera, but you never get the good ones ya know.

We decided to do some shopping and later had lunch. Here she is all dressed up and ready to go. After we got home another family of neighbors stopped by and left a nice gift. Then we decided to take a walk to the mailbox pushing Brianna in the stroller. We stopped at the lake and sat on the bench and watched an aligator swim across. It was starting to get dark so we headed home.

Brianna was hungry and after eating Debbie cleaned her all up and got her ready for bed. Nite, nite sweetheart... see you in a few hours.

Brianna is Home

2009-02-27T22:32:00.006-05:00

Yesterday we were blessed to be able to have Brianna join our family. I cannot express what a wonderful experience it has been. The journey to get here seemed long, but oh how worth it! We spent the night at Debbie's parents... we even took our dog Blue to be a part of it all. Actually he just can't stay home alone, LOL! We spent most of the day in Orlando and drove home today to be in our home. Debbie is loving it that she gets to shop and dress her up like a little doll! We can't wait to go to church and show her off. We especially look forward to all the family getting to meet her. Here Debbie's dad gets to hold his newest grandbaby and gets the smile of approval! All the grandkids love Grandpa and Grandma Lichtenberg!

Now that's she's home with us, we hope to share her with everyone near and far.

My parents and little brother Isaac are planning a trip from Kentucky when we have her sealed to our Eternal family in the temple.

Debbies sister Dionne and cousin Ashley are coming from Utah in a few weeks.

We hope all the family here in Florida can come to visit soon as well. Our family is the center of our life and we are so glad to have their love and support in this wonderful time in our lives.

We're Grateful for Your Kind Words and Prayers

2009-02-22T16:03:00.028-05:00

Some have cried tears of joy over the phone. Some have expressed their love. Some have given gifts. Some have expressed special thoughts about our new baby we will never want to forget, so we have decided to keep them forever on our blog. Here's what you have said:

Chad's Mom wrote:

Today I was sharing our joy about the baby and I couldn't talk about it without crying. We are sooo happy for you. Love, Mom
P.S. What colors are favorite ones Debbie will use for the baby's room?_______________

I love you Chad, more than you know. I only want the best in life for you and your sweet, GROWING family. I am so glad you have found joy in the journey and are willing to serve our Heavenly Father and your family. I know that this sweet baby is going to bring much joy and happiness to all of your lives. Try to get some rest while you can. I know she will be a Daddy's girl. Of course when Mommie is in the room, no one else will do but Debbie. When you get home from work at night and this baby lights up just because Daddy is home, or Mommie is home, well, it doesn't get much better than that. Hope you have a rocking chair. Love, Mom

______________

Thanks for sharing your pictures. You guys look so different, like a light in your eyes that wasn't there before.

My Letter For Debbie

Congrats ! We are so happy for you ! Everytime I talk to Chad, you are at work or in Orlando. This must be the most exciting, frustrating, etc... time of your life ! You must want to say, heh, this is my baby, I'm taking her HOME ! I imagine you are not sleeping well ! The only good thing about waiting is you have more time to prepare. Debbie, you know how expecting Mothers have this glow about them, that is what I see in your face. YOU look beautiful ! I know you will be a great mother ! I am praying for you all. This has to be hard. Hang in there ! We are all praying that your baby will be in your arms very soon. I can't wait to see and hold her too !!! Love, Mom Brenda

________________________

Thanks for sharing the new picture on the blog. I enjoyed reading the thoughts of others about how we all feel. It seems we are all having spiritual experiences about her. She will be blest to come to a family that loves and wants her so much. She really is a cutie. Most babies look even cuter a few weeks after they are born. I thought you looked perfect at two weeks. I took a picture with Pa holding you I think at two weeks. I thought that you were the cutest baby ever born. I didn't think I could love another baby as much as I loved you. She looks perfect. Most don't look so good the first day ! I love you all. Love, Mom

________________________

May our Heavenly Father bless you and your family for responding to the spirit and welcoming this sweet spirit into your home and making HER dreams come true. I love you son. Mom

Aunt Debbie wrote:

Thank you. She is beautiful!!!!!! I got your email while I was on the phone with Granny and read it to her. I cried happy tears. I cant tell you how happy I am for you all. I loved your wording in the blog. I think that's what made me cry. (Don't tell anyone, I don't want my reputation ruined). Ha Love Ya
Debbie

_________________________

I just checked the blog again. I owe you a bunch!!! Now everyone knows I cried. Well I least I wasn't the only one. :) I also read it to Gwen and David. They are both so happy for you all. I can't wait for the update that she is home with her family for good!!
Love ya
Debbie

Aunt Tina wrote:

Oh my gosh, when everyone said you were getting a baby, I thought this summer when you travel to what ever country and bring her back!! I am so excited for you and Deb and Brandon and little Brianna. Congradulations! You are great parents, and Brandon will be the best big brother ever! Love from our whole family, Tina

_________________________

Wonderful, its about all anyones talking about...you all getting Brianna, we are so excited for you. Let us know when you will bless her and we will try to carpool there. Love you all, Tina

Aunt Linda wrote:

Congrats to you all!!! She's so beautiful! We're very happy for you guys, and can't wait to see your Brianna. Thanks for sharing these pictures so soon. We love you, Uncle Ralph & Aunt Linda

_____________________________

OK, WE'LL BE PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS. LOVE YOU ALL, AUNT LINDA

Cousin Tersa wrote:

That is awesome!! I'm so happy for you guys! You look so happy! Brianna looks so sweet! Yay!Tersa

Andie Zimmerman wrote:

She is just beautiful!! Congratulations on your new baby girl!
Crossing our fingers and toes that your prints come back soon and clean. ;)

Can't wait to meet her!

Doug Conforti wrote:

When I opened up my email and saw that sweet child of God with you and your family, to see the glow in all your faces I started to cry. Knowing how long you all waited for this to happen. When that song started to play it was all over for me , I cryed with JOY like a baby. I'M so HAPPY for your family, and yes God answers prays, I had such a bad feeling with you all go to the Ukraine.
You can please share this with your family, I do not want anyone else to know I cried like a baby over an e-mail. But the tears of JOY sure put a big smile on my face! May the Lord watch over you and family. God knows who his children should be with. Your family is truely blessed.
I can't wait to see her and be at her blessing in church. All my love goes to your family and new child . Much love to you and family, Doug

_____________________________

Chad & Debbie,
Good things and blessings come to good people. When that baby is in your home I will join you all in praying for thanks to our Father in Heaven. What blessings come our way to those who give thanks to a God that makes all thing possible. May the Lord too with you and family during this great time in your lives.God bless you all, Doug

Richard Ribar wrote:

Crap, holy crap, holy moley what happened? How did it happen? I thought you were going to Ukraine? Orlando, tell me i didnt know. Why didnt you call? Oh, you did I didnt realize you called, it's on my voice mail. I was deep sea fishing when you called according to the time/date stamp. Congrats man, I am so happy for you I am rambling. Give me a call. I am on duty today as ems supervisor.

Love Richard, my friend so happy for you.

Jeramy Walsh wrote:

That is awesome! I had no idea you were going to have a new addition! My prayers are with you.

Jack Alexander wrote:

How wonderful. Edith and I wish you all the happiness you can stand.

What a blessing she will be to your family and someday her own little family when they all endure to the end.

God bless you and yours.

JACK ALEXANDER

Debbie's Mom said:

Today at church I heard a voice in my mind as if it were my own voice saying, "It will be a bumpy road, but they will be able to keep the baby." After knowing things were going to be alright I started telling everyone about Brianna.

Amy Sanders wrote:

I cannot wait too see her. This little miracle from heaven. I am so happy and excited for you and Debbie. May you get sleep and write down every moment..love you and I cannot wait to read your next blog.

Brad Hobson wrote:

Chad, Congrats! That's awesome! Love to you, Deb and Brandon!

Emily Walsh wrote:

I've been offline for a few days so I am just seeing this now! This is an amazing turn of events! She is a beautiful baby and the photos of you guys holding her are too precious for words. I am so happy for you guys. That is one lucky little girl -- what a great family to join!

Lynda Elliott wrote:

Debbie and Chad-
I am so happy for you. I need to talk to you and get all the details! I can't wait!

Aunt Heather wrote:

I love all the pictures. She is more beautiful than I imagined. I am so happy for each one of you. I know Brianna will have a wonderful Eternal family. I can't wait to meet her and hold her. I love and miss you all. Love Heather

Mauricio Gaertner wrote:

Hey man, congratulations on your new baby, I can't imagine how happy you two are at this moment, I am happy for you too, may God bless your family.

Mauricio M. Gaertner

Trish Knoch wrote:

Congratulations! I know how long you have awaited this beautiful baby girl. The greatest blessings come to those who wait on the Lord. She will bless your lives with her special spirit, truly a gift from our Father in heaven. I loved the blog. It's so good to see you all so happy!

Laura Lee McGovern wrote:

Oh my goodness she is so lovely, I'm so happy for you, Debbie and Brandon and I know that your fingerprints will come out just fine. You guys are wonderful and I can't wait till she is home with you in her own little bedroom. Kisses, Hugs, Love for the baby and the whole family. I may just have to come out this summer or Thanksgiving to see your new little one.

Much Love,
Laura Lee McGovern

Shalee Morrill wrote:

I'm so happy for you guys! She is beautiful and such a sweetie. Can't wait to see her. Congrats! You guys TOTALLY deserve her. LoveShalee

Steve Osteen wrote:

Chad & Debbie,

Our prayers are with you. I called the Orlando Temple and added your names to the prayer roll including Brianna. Your names will be there for approximately 2 weeks.

Steve & Karen Osteen

There are no words...

2009-02-21T18:48:00.015-05:00

This week has been one of unmeasurable joy. In contrast with the many years spent waiting, hoping, praying, crying, not understanding, pleading with Heavenly Father to have another child come into our family. Finally we are seeing what the Lord's plan has been all along. Our hearts are filled, enlarged and filled again to overflowing with love and gratitude for our new little blessing. Her name is Brianna Kay Sanders.

We are still waiting for our fingerprints to come back for our background checks. As soon as they do she will be able to come home with us. A friend of mine says it's kinda like waiting for delivery. For now she stays with a cradle-care family. Debbie and Brandon were able to visit a couple of days this week in Orlando while I was busy at work. All the while my mind and heart have been with them though.

Here is a picture of Brandon and his baby sister Brianna.

Finally the work week was over and I drove to Orlando to be with my family. Today Debbie and I were able to spend more time with Brianna. We love her so much already. We ask for your prayers that our fingerprints come back so we can bring her home this week.

Brianna, come home to us soon... we love and miss you! Daddy, Mommy & Brandon

Youth Temple Trip & The Holy Land Experience

2009-02-15T13:33:00.031-05:00

Rising early is usually not a youth's strength, but there were no complaints to rising at 3:00 AM for a trip to the Orlando Temple and afterward, The Holy Land Experience. We arrived at 6:30 AM while it was still dark and the fog made it look as if the temple were glowing with its lights shining upward as a beacon saying "this is the place."

Here are a group of wonderful youth and their leaders and members of the ward who helped to make this day a great success.

Our family is starting to feel at home the more we are able to work with and get to know and love our ward family in Port Charlotte.

At The Holy Land Experience there was a rock climbing wall in which some of the youth challenged their skills. Here Brandon looks like he is having a good time.

Fun in Naples Florida

2009-01-31T22:35:00.008-05:00

Today we had the rare occurence of having no obligations and no work on a Saturday. We took advantage of the beautiful day and took our first trip to Naples Florida. We found it to be all we had heard. It was very upscale in the area we ventured to on the beach. We spent the majority of the day wandering through Naples Zoo. It was a great day.

We reminised how Brandon used to love the petting Zoo at the small zoo in Sanford Florida on the east coast. He has grown-up too fast for Debbie and I and now has little to do with the "kiddie stuff."

However, doing fun stuff as a family brings out the kid in both Debbie and I. All the more we look forward to our trip to Ukraine to adopt a child and see our eternal family grow. Maybe we will see the days of "the petting zoo" once more, some time soon!