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We both work and like our jobs, but we’re still undecided whether Lisa will remain at work or stay home after we start a family. We are blessed that we have options available to us; Lisa has on-site daycare at work, but we can also afford to pay the bills if Lisa decides to stay home. Jim has a great schedule Mondays through Fridays, and has weekends off. 
yesterday that we met. Our understanding, support, and love for each other have only grown deeper and stronger, and we look forward to providing a lifetime of hugs, kisses, and love to a child. We have discovered adventures in everyday things, and the joy of simply being a family. Right now, our family includes a 12-year old Lakeland terrier, Abby. She’s really good with people, and also good for people with allergies! 
Within both of our families, we have fantastic role models. Our parents have been married for about 40 years, and fortunately there’s not a single divorce in either of our immediate families. We understand that a loving, committed marriage provides an optimal environment to support and nurture a child. We will provide excellent schooling; opportunities to explore and develop any interests or talents; and a loving, secure, fun home. Your child will also understand the love, personal sacrifice, and thoughtfulness that went into your decision and how we became a family.
I grew up about two minutes down the road from my grandparents, and they were a big part of my life. As a child, Christmas Eves were spent with my sister and cousins under the Christmas tree at their house. After school, Grandpa would occasionally make milkshakes. The neighborhood was teeming with kids, and summers were filled with four-square in the driveway, Hide-n-Seek and Ghost in the Graveyard in friends’ yards, soccer, roller skating, or gymnastics in the backyard were my favorite things. Many hot days were spent at the pool just hanging out with buddies. 
My family was supportive, and guided me toward goals. Yet, Mom and Dad let me take risks and gave me the freedom and safety to learn from my mistakes. Through these experiences, I developed life-long values like honoring commitments, treasuring relationships, and preparing for my studies! I learned that I didn’t have to be perfect, and that my best was fine. All throughout my school years, I participated in Swim Team, Diving Team, Spanish Club, and Student Government. I was also involved in our church’s youth group. Summer camps were spent white water rafting, and repelling down mountains, and horseback riding through the Rockies. These experiences both tested and bolstered my relationship with God. My parents are wonderful, hard working folks who recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. I also have an older sister, Lynette, who has been married to her best friend, Gary, for 16 years. Lynette and Gary have a precious daughter, Ellie, to whom Jim and I are the fortunate godparents. We talk frequently and visit often. It’s almost like we are living across town, rather than in different cities.
I adore that Lisa is a strong, hard-working, honest, kind, and loving woman. Her comforting and endearing manner draws you in, and immediately, you are her friend. Lisa is loyal to a fault, tender in spirit, and simply funny. She has an honest sincerity that takes people by surprise, and inner strength that shines most brightly under pressure. She is intelligent, and beautiful, but more importantly, she is accepting, open, and frank. She says what she means, means what she says, and doesn’t have to say it harshly. Lisa is a one of a kind. She is compassionate and caring, and concerned for others. She’s selfless to everyone she knows and a tireless worker when it comes to helping those in need. Some other things that Lisa enjoys are traveling, cheesecake, and cooking. She loves to shop, and do activities in nature like hiking, mountain biking, and rollerblading. Lisa is always planning our next vacation; there is never a dull moment with her. She will be the greatest mother, and she is already the best wife. She makes me a better person, and I thank God for each day with her.
I have close relationships with my two younger sisters, Kate and Christine, who both live in the Midwest. Kate and her husband, Erik, are expecting their first child and we are excited about the possibility of our children growing up together. My parents are retired and live in South Carolina. Although I can only visit them a couple of times each year, we stay in touch by speaking at least once a week by phone.
work. Making friends at that age could be rough; however, I learned that, as long as you’re friendly and willing to put yourself out there, making new friends is inevitable. I cherish and still maintain several of the friendships I made during this time. Always being the “new kid” instilled in me empathy and sensitivity to others going through transitions in their life.
Although I don’t have much musical talent, searching out new music is by far my most passionate hobby. I figure God put people on this earth to make music, and others to appreciate and support the music, and I’m the latter. I’ve attended Lollapalooza the past four years and attend concerts as bands I enjoy come through Chicago. I listen mostly to rock, with my favorite artists being Wilco, Ryan Adams, Pete Yorn, and Spoon (but it’s actually difficult to narrow down the list, as the “best” music at the time generally depends on my mood). Photography is another hobby I really get excited about. Taking pictures is fun and relaxing, and a good way to document our experiences. I like creating shots from unique points of view, and can hardly wait to photograph my growing family. My other interests include reading, golf, and hiking.
There are so many great qualities about Jim. He’s the most caring person I’ve ever met; he’s very concerned about other people’s feelings and their well being. Jim's patience and giving nature inspires me. He helps friends and family at a moments notice, and comes home grateful to have been of assistance. Jim can spend hours with our niece, and friends' children, playing the guitar, building domino rallies, or rolling around on the floor. When you watch them play, you can't tell who's having more fun! He’s full of life and always has a smile on his face. Jim makes friends everywhere we go and is constantly making sure that I’m happy. His humor is something I treasure, as well as his ability to joke about himself! He works hard to achieve his goals with the hope that he can be a father that his children will look up to and respect. I’m sure they will because I see how my niece, and my friends’ kids, admire him - and are drawn to him like a magnet. I just know that when we have children, Jim will be a terrific dad, and they will be his world. One of my favorite stories about Jim is how he paid for my engagement ring. When we started dating, he had a really nice truck, and it was very special to him. Then he sold it and bought a beat up old Escort. I could not figure out why he would do this, until months later, on Good Friday, he proposed. He gave up his one worldly possession to buy me the best ring he possibly could. Still to this day I feel honored and blessed to have a husband who is willing to sacrifice so much for my happiness.
Around 9 months of age, Jim was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer only seen in children because it attacks the stem cells. Following treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, his body was rid of the cancer, but the impacts of the treatments resulted in the inability for him to conceive a child. Today, Jim is as healthy as any other “normal” adult, and is comfortable talking about his medical history if more information is desired.
