What does "Family Life" mean to you?
Family life is being together having fun, exploring new places, learning new things, and sharing joy. It means working together to create a life that nurtures and encourages each family member. It means unconditional love and abundant opportunities for a fulfilled life.
Describe your childhood:
Adoptive Mom?
My childhood was filled with love and play. My three brothers and I always knew we were loved and supported. We felt safe and protected by our parents. As a family, we spent time camping and skiing at the river. We had a pool in our backyard which provided endless hours of fun. I had several close girlfriends, and we did many activities together.
Adoptive Dad?
I grew up knowing I was safe and cared for. My close friends and I went to many sporting events, and we
participate in challenging games. I spent hours outdoors and enjoyed many different activities.
Tell us about your home?
We live in a comfortable 3 bedroom 2 bath house on 2/3 of an acre. A couple of years ago, we made many improvements and upgrades to our home. We have several fruit trees, including peach, plum, cherry, apricot, and apple. We grow delicious berries and tomatoes in our garden. We have numerous rose bushes and lavender plants which Karen loves to arrange into bouquets. Deer and quail are frequent visitors to our area, and we welcome seeing the new fawns each spring.
When you have a 3-day weekend, what do you like to do?
We like to unwind and spend time together. Riding our mountain bikes, driving up the coast, or working in the yard are just several ways we spend our time together. Getting together with family and friends is another favorite pastime on a long weekend. Taking a short trip is another way we enjoy a 3-day weekend.
Do you have pets? If so tell us about them?
We have 2 cats, Lila and Striker who are both sweet and love a lot of attention. We like to give them all the attention they desire. Lila is the older of the two, and she rules over Striker who does whatever he can to be with her. They make an interesting and fun pair, and they bring joy to our lives.
What is your favorite food?
We love fresh fruits and vegetables. We love Mexican cuisine, especially, and Italian food. Jim has a sweet tooth and loves cake, cookies, and ice cream. Karen is a huge fan of dark chocolate.
What do you hope to teach your children?
We will teach our child love, tolerance, and respect. We will teach our child that self-respect and self-control will guide her/him through life’s challenges toward a fulfilled and joyful life. We will teach the value and importance of education and pursuing individual goals. We will teach the value of a life lived with integrity, responsibility, trust, and honesty.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Karen has taken piano lessons, and Jim’s musical talents remain undiscovered.
Describe your neighborhood?
Our neighborhood is a popular area for people to walk because of its scenic value, rolling hills, and lack of traffic. Our neighbors are friendly and we watch out for each other.
Share something about your spouse that only you know:
Adoptive Mom? As a young girl, Karen dreamed about being a flight attendant.
Adoptive Dad? Jim wanted to be an astronaut.
Describe the last romantic thing you did together?
We walked along the beach, holding hands, as the sun set.
What will you tell your child about their birthmother?
We will say that she was a courageous and unselfish woman who wanted the best for her baby.
It's Daddy's day - what activity do you want to share with your child?
Play a game Daddy likes with the whole family, like softball, badminton, tennis, or horseshoes. Spending the day swimming and having a barbecue would also be some favorite activities.
Do you plan on sharing with your child what their birth parents were like?
Yes. Absolutely.
What kind of education are you hoping to provide for your child - Private or Public?
We are both public educators and believe with parental support public education is fantastic.
How did you come to the decision of adoption?
We have always dreamed of being parents. We have been unable to have children, so adoption is an incredible way for us to fulfill our dreams of being a daddy and a mommy.
What faith will you raise your child?
Non-denominational.
How will you help your child accomplish their dreams?
We will provide many opportunities for our child to explore and develop whatever interests her/him. We will encourage and support our child’s natural tendencies and talents while guiding her/him to make sound decisions which will lead to the fulfillment of her/his dreams. We know through our own life experiences that pursuing passions, setting goals, and working hard have incredible benefits, so we will instill these in our child.
What kind of a relationship do you hope to build with your birthmom through her pregnancy?
We will respect the wishes of our birthmom and build a relationship that fulfills her needs.
How did you meet?
We met on a pool deck during swim season.
What was your relationship with your parents like?
Jim had very supportive and involved parents who made sure he applied himself in school, earned good grades, participated in sports, and learned the value of hard work. His parents continue to be involved and interested in his life, demonstrating their love for him. Karen had a close, loving relationship with her parents, and it continues to this day. They live near us, and we see them regularly, sharing family time.
What attracted you to each other?
I was attracted to Karen because of the bounce in her step, her smile, her athleticism, and most of all her inner beauty. I was instantly attractive to Jim’s strength of character, gentleness, loving ways, and handsomeness.
Please describe your personalities:
Adoptive Mom?
I’m outgoing, friendly, and compassionate. I’m always interested in learning new things and meeting new people. I like to be challenged and always try to see the humor in situations. I’m serious and committed to those things in my life that I value and love.
Adoptive Dad?
I am quiet and reserved when meeting people for the first time, but I open up when I get to know someone better. I have high morals and standards. I believe in doing my best and treating people with respect. I thrive on setting and attaining goals.
What are your hobbies (please share those you enjoy as individuals and those you enjoy as a couple):
Adoptive Mom?
My hobbies include swimming, dancing, gardening, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with girlfriends and family. Jim and I love being together, we always have, whether we’re doing projects around the house, cooking together, or preparing for family celebrations. We especially like to take trips and share new experiences together.
Adoptive Dad?
Coaching, coin collecting, working in the yard, and spending time with Karen while walking and talking,
riding bikes, playing tennis, and traveling together.
When you close your eyes and see yourself holding your precious baby in your arms what are your thoughts regarding the birthmother?
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
How will a child enrich your life?
A child will enrich our lives with wonder, surprise, joy, and completeness. Raising a child together will be
the ultimate adventure we experience and desire as a couple.
Why did you each choose the career path you decided on?
Adoptive Mom?
Helping people learn and providing an avenue for them to improve their lives through the benefits of an education were and continue to be reasons I choose to be a teacher.
Adoptive Dad?
I always desired to coach water polo. I wanted to teach and guide young athletes to learn and master a
game I love. Becoming a teacher was a logical choice if I desired to make a living coaching. I truly
enjoy the rewards that I reap from both my students and athletes.
What makes a birthmom special?
She carries the precious being who can make dreams come true for adoptive couples. How could anyone
else be more special?
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