JOEL & KRIS

BLESSINGS TO YOU! We are thrilled and honored you are taking the time to get to know us, and consider us as parents. We hope our letter will give you hope and encouragement as you consider adoption.

ABOUT JOEL...I grew up as the middle child with an older sister and a younger brother. Over the years, we shared many adventures. I believe I can relate to being adopted because after my parents' divorce, my mom remarried and my stepdad loved us as his own. Gene, along with my mom, gave us lots of love and taught us to be truthful and respectful.

After High School graduation, I attended college and graduated with honors with a degree in aviation, and I work in that field today. With Kristen, I joined a great church that has enabled us to view the world in a wonderfully positive way.

I am a huge Vikings fan and also enjoy many outdoor activities; snowmobiling, biking, camping, car shows and traveling. Activities that will be so much fun to be able to share with a son or daughter.

I have been told that I am a "kid magnet." If there are kids around me, they are usually attached around my legs or flying in the air from my arms...their own personal jungle gym. I guess it's because I'm really just a big kid at heart. I can't wait to be a dad!

ABOUT KRIS...I grew up in Faribault, Minnesota as the oldest of three girls and had a wonderful childhood. My parents are loving, supportive and filled our lives with love, education and adventure. After earning two college degrees, I am currently working as a graphic designer and love being able to express my creative skills on a daily basis.

I am excited beyond words about becoming a mother and can't imagine my life without a child. I love cooking, gardening, music and sewing...I guess you could say I'm a bit of a domestic diva!

Furthermore, I love sports and outdoor activities like biking, snowmobiling and camping. My faith is also a very important part of my life and I can't wait to share God's incredible love with our child.

ABOUT US...We have been married for five wonderful years and grow closer every day. We have always wanted children and after experiencing the challenges of infertility we discovered that God had another plan for us...the wonderful path of adoption. We are filled with excitement and joy and are looking forward to loving and nurturing a child.

Many activities fill our lives, things we are excited to teach and share with our child. We love to snowmobile and take several trips a year. In the fall and spring, biking and gardening occupy our time, and the summers are filled with camping, car shows and gatherings with family and friends. We are passionate Vikings fans and can't wait to instill "purple pride" (and some great Packer rivalry) in our child!

We have 3 nieces and a nephew and enjoy playing with them and catching up on their activities. One of our favorite activities is in December when we gather as a family and spend an entire day baking Christmas cookies.

Our families and friends are very excited about our decision to adopt and are supporting us on the journey. Our child will be cherished by a loving extended family complete with doting grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many new friends!

OUR HOME...We live in a rural community in the South Metro where our child will experience the wonders of country living and yet be only minutes away from the cultural activities of the Twin Cities. We have a big back yard with several gardens, a nearby park and excellent schools. We are huge animal lovers and have two cats and a dog. Our friends often joke that when they die they want to be reincarnated as a pet in our house because they are so loved! We are excited to pass on our love of animals to our child.

A WORD TO YOU...We truly appreciate you taking the time to read about us and invite you to look at our photo album. Thank you for considering us as parents for your child. We would be truly honored if you choose us. We realize that this is a very important decision for you. We look forward to talking to you about your hopes and visions for your child. We promise to provide a home filled with unconditional love. We will teach your child the values that are so important to us, like faith, respect and honesty. Be assured that your child will always know that your decision was heartfelt and love driven. They will always know of your love.

Please call us at 651-460-6755 or email us at . We are hoping to meet and talk with you soon!

Our prayers are with you and your baby,

Joel and Kris