American Adoptions -- America's Adoption Agency

Mmm ... Blueberry Pancakes for Breakfast

We love being active as a family! Many Saturdays you'll find us pushing Emma in the stroller, with our dog, Lucy, in tote, ready for a fun morning at the park. We enjoy walking up to the local tennis courts too. Mark and Stephanie play a little game of tennis, Emma is our "ball girl," and Lucy chases her favorite blue disk around the court. We also enjoy a quick game of golf or a spirited game of tee ball in the backyard. We love to exercise and will try to sneak in a few jogs throughout the week. Mark likes to stay up-to-date by reading the Wall Street Journal, while Stephanie and Emma tend the garden or bake yummy treats for family and friends.

Enjoying Our Picnic Lunch

We value serving others and partner with our church for service projects. As a family, we participate in our church's "Do Something Saturdays" where we go into the community to meet needs and show love to others. Our last project was to spruce up a neighborhood school's landscaping. Recently, Mark helped complete a house with Habitat for Humanity. We also teach a preschool class on Sunday mornings and taught a preschool Vacation Bible School class this summer. We have a blast encouraging preschoolers through playtime, stories, and songs.

Yes, Lucy is Part of the Family

A little over four years ago Mark received a very special birthday prsent - our dog Lucy! Both Mark and Stephanie had dogs while growing up. We must admit; we are dog-lovers! We found our fluffy golden puppy at a rescue home and have enjoyed her since the day we met. She loves walks - especially walks to the park - and playing fetch. She's full of energy and excitement, but yet is the perfect snuggle buddy. When children see her at the park, she's either chasing her toy or racing Emma down the slide. Upon seeing this, giggling children ask if they can play with us. Lucy gladly complies because she'll do anything to run after her favorite blue disk.

Lucy's the first one to know Mark's home every day. After seeing his car pull in the driveway, she bolts through the house to greet him. Mark thinks it is rewarding to come home from a long day at the branch and find Lucy wagging her tail in welcome. -Of course, Stephanie and Emma aren't far behind. Lucy's energy and companionship create more fun! We think dogs are a good opportunity to teach children responsibility and care-taking skills as well as encourage an active lifestyle. It's probably safe to say we'll have a dog most of our lives. But for now we'll enjoy, as Mark fondly refers to her, "the best birthday present ever!"

Playing Together on a Saturday

As Christians, we take seriously our responsibility to honor God with how we live each day. We daily spend time in prayer and Bible reading to develop our relationships with the Lord so that out of it, love can flow over into our family, friends, and people we encounter throughout the day. 

Reading Together at the Library

We also value our family time and nightly enjoy a homemade meal around the table. Following dinner we may play a game of Candyland, pretend with Emma's dollhouse, burn energy outside on our play set, or take a tricycle ride.  Next, comes a soothing bedtime routine--a warm bath, snuggle and story time, and sweet dreams. Saturdays are often days we picnic at the park or feed the ducks.  We know one of the best things we can do for our children is have a strong marriage so we are sure to make time for each other. 

We have many meaningful relationships from serving and worshiping in our local church. We teach in the preschool department on Sunday mornings and involve ourselves in service projects with our church. Most recently, Mark helped build a Habitat for Humanity house sponsored by our church.  Additionally, he meets some buddies at Chick-fil-A each Thursday morning before work to encourage and pray for each other, while Stephanie is involved in a weekly ladies' Bible study.