And Carson Makes 3

On July 25th, our amazing little boy named Carson Kona Weck Roark was born. Today he joined our family forever when we finalized the adoption. He's changed our lives completely and we're so happy to be able to share the news!

The wait continues...

Hello!

Just keeping this updated for the new year - we are still looking to adopt. If you know anyone that is looking to make an adoption plan, feel free to reach out to us! Thanks and have a great 2015!

On Gull Lake - Brainerd, MN

Hey there! We’re Jason & Rodney: two travel-loving, video-game playing, poker nuts with two great dogs and we are looking to grow our family! Sounds like you? Want to learn more? Read on!

Who We Are:

Our relationship started 15 years ago – we both rushed the same fraternity at the University of Minnesota in 1999. (Go Gophers!) We quickly found out that we had a lot in common, and eventually married in 2003 in Vermont. Flash forward 10 years later, and we got married again in 2013 when it became legal in Minnesota. (We jokingly called it “I Do, Take Two!”)

Jason grew up in Ramsey, Minnesota with two younger sisters who he remains close to. He currently works for a video game company on the business side of things. Rodney likes to joke that Jason just plays games all day. Outside of work, Jason loves to cook and read. We host several large family gatherings each year, and Jason loves cooking a big meal for a house full of family!

Jason in Sweden

Rodney grew up in Michigan in a small farming community called Reed City. He is a middle child with one younger sister, one older sister, and one older brother. Although Rodney’s family is a bit more spread out than Jason’s family is, we find time several times a year to get together with Rodney’s family. Rodney currently works in management for a bank in the Twin Cities area. In Rodney’s spare time, he is an avid landscaper. Every year Rodney adds a few things here and there to our yard. Additionally, Rodney loves to write. He maintains a blog chronicling all of our travels each year.

Rodney with the Dogs

Finally, there are our two white dogs Andre and Winston! They are West Highland Terriers, which is kind of like a Scottie. These two little guys love kids and play with our nieces, nephews, and friends’ children regularly.

How we spend our free time

With family in Hawaii

Hiking with family in Ireland

Both of us love to travel! We both love the excitement of waking up in a new city and taking it all in. There’s something incredible about meeting new people and seeing parts of the world outside of MN. We can’t wait to share that experience with a child, and show them cultures outside of their everyday life! Besides traveling, we’re pretty big card and board game players! The joke in Rodney’s family is that kids learn to play cards before they can hold them all in their hands! It seems like every time we get together with family, it’s time to play poker, get out the Uno cards, or get a game of Monopoly going. Game time is a big part of how we spend time together with our extended family.

With our niece at Disney World

Visiting family in Michigan

With our parents in Mexico

Time spent with our 3 nieces and 3 nephews is some of our favorite time each year as well. Whether it’s taking a trip to Disney World, or just hanging out at our house, we have a great time with the whole crew. Our child will definitely have a great group of cousins to pal around with!

Rodney with our nephew

Jason with our niece

Life With Our Family

Our house

We've lived in our blue, craftsman-style house for seven years now. It is located in a suburb just 1 mile outside of Minneapolis. Our yard has room to play, and there are several parks and schools within walking distance as well. We love being in the city and close to everything that the area has to offer. We love to entertain in our house more than anything else. Instead of going out to eat with friends or family, we typically have everyone over to our place for a nice night on the patio!

Why Adoption?

Our wedding day!

Both of us have pictured children in our family, and adoption seems like the best way to make that dream happen. We’re thrilled to be in the process now, and have a couple friends who have adopted children of their own. Their adoption plans are what led us specifically to Lutheran Social Services.

Christmas at our house

Our Hope

Is that you’ll consider us to be part of your adoption plan. Our hearts go out to you as you continue your journey. If you feel that our family would be a good fit for you and your child, we would be honored to take that next step with you, in whatever way you are comfortable! 

If you'd like to learn more, please contact our adoption case worker, Miriam Reisetter at Lutheran Social Services at 651-255-2420 or miriam.reisetter@lssmn.org.

In our living room at home.