DURAND -- November is national adoption month, a time of year to raise awareness about the adoption of children from foster care.
NBC25 talked with a family who's been given the best Christmas gift this year; two kids who desperately needed their love.
Shortly after Sherry and Martin Carsten were married, they found out they couldn't have children.
"A lot of grieving, mourning, held a lot of sibling's babies," said Durand Resident, Sherry Carsten.
But they were still set on being parents, so they decided to look after foster kids through Catholic Charities.
"She wanted so much to be a mother," said Martin Carsten, Sherry’s Husband.
Sherry’s wish came true. November first, 7-year-old Skyleigh, and her 9-year-old brother Zachary became their adoptive children.
"It's a real blessing, I’m very thankful; I’m glad it's all done and all over," said Sherry Carsten.
As foster kids, Skyleigh and Zachary had been living with the Carstens for five years, but now they can officially call this Durand couple mom and dad.
“It’s good to be adopted because it’s really special, because I was chosen, and I’m not just, oh this is my baby," said Skyleigh Carsten who is newly adopted.
"I don't think of them as being adopted, they're my kids and there's nothing different," said Martin Carsten.
Skyleigh says she loves spending her days playing dolls with mom, and Zachary is learning how to be a good hunter from dad.
"Be quiet and not be loud and stuff," said Zachary Carsten.
The Carstens say at times it’s challenging being adoptive parents because they've seen the pain these kids have been through.
"They are the only people that took care of me, and my other parents really didn't even take care of me," said Skyleigh.
Now, these kids feel love every day.
“She's taught me to be a good mom when I grow up too," said Skyleigh.
This Christmas the Carstens say they've received the best gift of all, being with each other.
"Adopting them is basically completing our family," said Martin.
To learn more about adoption, contact Catholic Charities of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties.
