Decorating Halloween Cookies
with Our Niece

Lisa: I grew up nearby with my parents and two brothers, one older and one younger. When I was around 5 years old, my family began caring for foster children in our home. We almost always took girls who were younger than myself; so I had the benefit of having many younger sisters over the ten year time span that we were involved in the foster program. My brothers and I often recall family vacations by "who was with us then", referring to the foster child in our home at the time. I think this experience led me to appreciate my home and family and learn to accept and welcome others. Through different experiences in my life, I began to understand and appreciate the role of God in my life and the role faith plays in my life.

Looking back on my childhood, I appreciate the fact that my parents worked hard to give us opportunities and experiences to enrich our lives. I fondly recall our family vacations at the New Jersey shore. My family would spend a week at the shore with my grandparents. Our days were spent swimming in the ocean, flying kites, going crabbing, and playing miniature golf.

Celebrating Kip’s Birthday
with His Family

I admire my mother for supporting my brothers and I and single-handedly putting us all through college. I know this was not easy for her; she made many sacrifices for us and I will be forever grateful to her. My mother and I are very close. We enjoy shopping and antiquing together; every summer we plan a weekend at the beach and every spring I look forward to our annual pilgrimage to a nearby herb farm.

My two brothers and their families (which include five children under the age of 5!) live close by; we see one another often for holidays, birthdays, and summer barbecues.

Kip: I am one of five children. I have three older sisters and one younger brother. In school, I enjoyed art and played tennis in high school. When I was fourteen, I had the opportunity to go to Africa to visit my brother in law and join a safari. My brother in law's father was working as a doctor. When I was twenty one, I returned to Africa to work on building projects at a mission station for two months. During my childhood, I remember family trips driving across the country. We stopped to visit friends along the way and also stopped at various historical and tourist sites. I would want to give my children similar opportunities and experiences. My father gave me the drive to succeed. My father and I enjoyed working on antique cars and going to parades and other events. My mother gave me an appreciation for art and music. My grandfather was a violin builder. I keep in touch and visit with my siblings throughout the year. This year, I celebrated my birthday with two of my sisters; one who lives in Florida and one who is currently working in Australia.

The Front of Our Home

When we bought our house, it was in need of a great deal of tender loving care. Since Kip is a contractor, we knew we could do whatever needed to be done. We completed repairs to the existing house and added a family room and master bedroom a few years later. Our home is cozy and comfortable and we pride ourselves in making guests feel welcomed and comfortable.

We live in a middle class community in New Jersey. The neighborhood school is only a few blocks away. The schools in our town have a wonderful reputation for offering an excellent education to all students.

The Playground at Our Favorite Park

We enjoy walking in our neighborhood. There is a lovely "downtown" area only 4-5 blocks away with close access to local businesses, a wonderful town library, and a town gazebo which hosts summer concerts and a tree lighting ceremony in December. Every October our town has a street fair. There are several parks nearby; our favorite has a fish pond, tennis courts, and a newly installed playground area. The town pool is also a few blocks away. It has a playground, picnic area, snack bar, and children's pool. Our neighbors are friendly; we all help each other out and keep an eye on one another's homes when people are away.