We both are very fortunate to be part of such wonderful families. Our families have lived in the same country community for many years. The majority of our families live within ten miles of us. We are very close to our families and they are a big part of our lives.
Jason is close to his parents, though divorced, and is the only child. Due to his dad and stepmom living within one mile, we see them often. We have breakfast at their home every Saturday (pancakes are our favorite). His mom lives about forty-five minutes away, but we keep in touch by phone twice a week and visit two to three times a month (but without a doubt will increase with a new grandbaby). Jason's extended family, on his dad's side, is very large (which means your child will have and endless supply of playmates). They have a dinner once a month, which we always look forward to.
Teresa’s Mom, Sister and Brothers with Spouses
Teresa’s parents were married forty-six years before her dad passed away. She is the youngest of five children. Being a "surprise" she had the blessing of having a sister and three brothers but the perks of being an only child. She has a very tight knit family. Being so close is what has allowed her family to deal, cope and continue on after the death of her dad and brother. They have frequent family gatherings, which always involves playing games or sports. Teresa's mom and sister live less than ½ a mile from our house as did the youngest brother before his passing in 2004, and her other brothers live within a short driving distance. She has a ton of nieces and nephews and a ½ ton of great nieces and nephews.
Celebrating holidays is important to both of our families and since everyone is local we are very fortunate to be able to spend time with both. Our family is a great source of strength, support and encouragement. They are very supportive and excited about our decision to adopt. This will be the first grandchild for Jason's parents and for Teresa's mom; it will be her baby-girl's first baby. Your child will be a wonderful and precious gift for us and our family.
Our House and Neighborhood
Our Home
We built our home in the hope of raising our children in the same close country community that we grew up in. Our home sits on twenty acres approximately ten minutes from town. It has an open floor plan with three bedrooms, two baths, an office, and large kitchen, living and dining area. In the country there are endless things for a child to do and learn and there are several children of all ages in our community. There is plenty of open space for a child to play and explore. We have a pond for fishing, creeks for swimming and we have a driving range for hitting golf balls. We look forward to enjoying all of these things with a child.
Our Backyard and Property
Our small town community has several area parks, a city pool,
go-cart/putt-putt golf, skating rink, bowling alley, movie theater and is surrounded by area lakes. There are many different things for a child to do with family and friends. The church we attend is culturally diverse with many children. There are several excellent local schools-including the grade school and high school that we both attended. We fill that our community is a very positive and safe place to raise a child.
American Adoptions, a private adoption agency founded on the belief that lives of children can be bettered through adoption, provides safe adoption services to children, birth parents and adoptive families by educating, supporting and coordinating necessary services for adoptions throughout the United States. For more information on American Adoptions please call 1-800-ADOPTION (236-7846).
