What does "Family Life" mean to you?
Being able to communicate and socialize together; to be able to listen to and care for each other as well.
Describe your childhood:
Adoptive Mom? From birth to age nine I was an army brat, moving and learning different cultures as well as languages. At age nine my father passed away and I was extremely lucky to have the best stepfather in the world. Life was normal as far as going to school, school activities (basketball, dances, etc.), with several brothers and sisters we did not normally do vacations so Mom and Dad got a pool for us to enjoy. Swimming is one of my favorite activities (not a fan of exercise), I learned to crochet from my mother who made my first purse and I did not learn to cook until I moved out at 17.
Adoptive Dad? I worked on our family farm all my growing years, and learned very young about pecans and raising animals. Most of my childhood was normal with school and school activities such as playing in the band (no sports). I enjoyed riding horses and motorcycles. I was an only child so I had no one to share chores with.
Tell us about your home?
Our home is very comfortable. We have a lot of collectables that we have gathered over the years: coffee cups, shot glasses, train items, airplanes, tins and more. Our décor includes a western theme in the living room, seaside/sailboats in the master bedroom, and the baby’s room has been painted yellow. We have a game room and a pool out back. The house sits on five acres and is beautiful with all the trees and wildlife. We are a few miles away from town but are not isolated.
When you have a 3-day weekend, what do you like to do?
We like to visit family in other states, some are three hours away, some are five hours away, and Sandy’s sister lives seven hours away. This is a nice get away and we enjoy catching up with loved ones we haven’t seen lately. Another thing we might do on a long weekend is stay at a hotel and go to a ball game or hockey game. That is a nice mini vacation for us.
Do you have pets? If so tell us about them?
We have two pets, a small dog named Jay and a cat named Simba.
What is your favorite food?
We visit a local Chinese restaurant in town at least once a week, but at home we like to grill everything. We cannot think of one food over another that would be a favorite. We are not picky eaters.
What do you hope to teach your children?
Life is wonderful if you keep a positive attitude and try to realize things in life happen for a reason. We may not know it at the time but there usually is a reason for everything that happens to you. We want your child to know unconditional love, trust and respect.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Franklin played in school but nothing at this time.
Describe your neighborhood?
Our neighborhood is full of young families and lots of children. It hosts several activities during the year such as hayrides at Halloween, family garage sales once a year, a Christmas yard decoration contest, and a 4th of July picnic with fireworks.
Share something about your spouse that only you know:
Adoptive Mom? He is romantic; always getting me something small or something that makes him think of me while he is on the road. A very giving person, but he does not like others to know that.
Adoptive Dad? She is very giving; always thinking of others. Only once have I seen her take a day for herself.
Describe the last romantic thing you did together?
On Valentine’s Day my husband remembered that a coworker is allergic to roses so at work he sent a spring arrangement, but when I got home, I found roses. He said I still deserved roses! Since he works on the railroad we usually do not get to spend a lot of time together so I slipped into his lunch pail a Valentine with sweets to remind him how much I love him.
What will you tell your child about their birthmother?
About her great kindness and thoughtfulness in giving her child a chance for a full and wonderful childhood and that her Birth Mother knew we would love and support her son or daughter and make him or her happy.
It's Daddy's day - what activity do you want to share with your child?
A lot depends on the age of our angel. When he or she is old enough I would love to teach him or her how to bowl and fish.
Do you plan on sharing with your child what their birth parents were like?
Everything that we learn about the Birth Parents will be shared as the child grows. We do not want to hide things from him or her but want to share as he or she grows.
What kind of education are you hoping to provide for your child - Private or Public?
Public - we have a very good school system in our town.
How did you come to the decision of adoption?
After we got married, we wanted to experience raising a child from infancy to adulthood together and since I am unable to have any additional children, adoption is the best way for us to experience the greatness of parenthood again.
What faith will you raise your child?
We will raise him or her with a belief in God.
How will you help your child accomplish their dreams?
Emotional support, encouragement, any training or coaching he or she may need. If he or she wants to become a singer then we will make sure he or she has a vocal coach. If he or she wants to be an Olympic swimmer we will make sure he or she has the coaching and place to swim. His or her needs and wants will be our top priority.
What kind of a relationship do you hope to build with your birthmom through her pregnancy?
We want her to know with all her heart that more than anything, we want to give her child a wonderful life.
How did you meet?
We were co-workers that became friends.
What was your relationship with your parents like?
Adoptive mother – my parents and I are extremely close. They know everything there is to know about me. We spend lots of time together; family gatherings are extremely important to me. We speak on the phone at least four times a week. Adoptive father – before my parents passed away we were very close, and spoke at least twice a week.
What attracted you to each other?
The important thing we share is communication. We talk about everything, and when we first dated that is all we did was talk on the phone for hours. Sandy is friendly and smart. Franklin is very kind and respectful.
Please describe your personalities:
Adoptive Mom? Outgoing, talkative, and energetic.
Adoptive Dad? Reserved, talkative, and proud.
What are your hobbies (please share those you enjoy as individuals and those you enjoy as a couple):
Adoptive Mom? Lately my hobby is selling charms; a small business on the side. I also enjoy baking, crocheting, and walking around the neighborhood.
Adoptive Dad? Since working on the railroad my hobbies have collected dust but I enjoy golf, fishing and taking care of our pets.
Together we enjoy the camper, four-wheeler and shopping.
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!!!!!! We could not be more happy and excited to raise this precious angel. We hope your life is going as planned and that you are happy and reassured that your gift to us is well taken care of and loved more than anything.
How will a child enrich your life?
He or she will mean everything to us and the joy and the love will be like no other. A child will bring such happiness that we will feel like we can’t stop smiling. We will feel like everything we are working for has a purpose.
Why did you each choose the career path you decided on?
Adoptive Mom? After my divorce I moved back to my hometown when a job opportunity came up in customer service. I am now a homemaker, waiting to be a stay-at-home mom.
Adoptive Dad? Everyone loves trains! I am aiming to be an engineer and at this time I have my license but there is no position available right now so I am currently a conductor. I have worked other jobs but like this one the best.
What makes a birthmom special?
A Birth Mother knows her limitation and what she can and can’t provide a child and her big decision is more than “special”, it’s unconditional love for that child. She wants what is best for her baby and that makes her special.
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