Hello, thank you for taking a moment to read our letter. In this letter we've shared our story and hope this will help you feel confident in selecting us. We would be delighted to share our love with your child in our family.

ABOUT US...
We were friends in high school, began dating during college and married a year later. We operate the family business that Todd's parents began when he was just a toddler. We both love having children around us. Although we can not have more biological children, we have a deep desire to open our arms and share our love with more children. We are committed to each other and have been privileged to watch our boys become wonderful people. We believe in teaching good values, honesty, trust and being the best you can be.

As parents we nurture, foster individual strengths, guide and encourage children. Seeing our children becoming the individuals they are we know that we have succeeded. As parents of four boys we have experienced the joys, challenges, and rewards of raising children. We are ready and excited about welcoming another child into our home.

LAURA TALKS ABOUT TODD
Todd grew up the second youngest of seven children. He is especially close to his sisters. He was active in sports and band in school. I knew he would be an awesome dad; he was so patient, kind and really encouraged me and my younger sisters. He is caring and loves to teach children to hunt and fish. He has taken our boys to the Boundary Water Canoe Area and shared his interest of the great outdoors with them. He patiently teaches them many things from constructing houses to vehicle maintenance and understanding nature. Todd Is very supportive and knows how to be firm when needed while instilling a strong sense of self respect and pride In themselves, family and country.

TODD TALKS ABOUT LAURA
Simply put, Laura loves children. As the oldest of four sisters her mothering skills come naturally. She always puts children first and they love and respect her for that. Having an educational degree she has the unique opportunity to spend time with them in school as well as giving them all the time they need at home. She is actively involved in Sunday school, confirmation, and sports. Often times she would help coach, be a leader or volunteer.

Laura loves to read, many evenings have been spent with the children curled up in bed to explore new things and places through literature; first picture books then on to novels. Children are naturally attracted to Laura and she enjoys spending time with them immensely. Many people raise children because they are parents, but, for Laura it is a passion and she should be very proud of the wonderful job she has done with our boys. A favorite past time of hers is to work on photo albums for the boys.

OUR FAMILY AND TRADITIONS
Thanksgiving finds our family gathered around tables enjoying the food prepared by many hands and giving thanks to the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Christmas always includes baking and decorating cookies, often little (and big too) are caught snitching cookie dough and decorations. We trudge through snow to find and cut our tree and go on hay rides at Grandpa's farm. Easter morning starts with Sunrise service, hunting for baskets and the traditional egg hunt. The Fourth of July each year is celebrated at our lake lot with family and friends of all ages. We gather for a picnic and water fun. Halloween is a fall festival that includes carving jack-o-lanterns, scavenging for coins in the leaves and roasting marshmallows around the campfire.

Each year we take a family vacation. Sometimes we pile into the van to travel and explore a new destination with the boys as our guides. We have gone horseback riding out west. camped at Gooseberry Falls and enjoyed rushing down the slides of Wisconsin's water parks. Florida has been a getaway many times, always getting soaked by Shamu each time. We have explored Mexico with its endless white beaches, the Mayan culture and the awe of climbing the steps of a Mayan ruin.

OUR HOME
Our country home is on a large parcel of land. We have ample room for children to run, play and explore. Children have space to fly kites, ride bikes, and build forts and other activities limited only by their imaginations.

At the cabin site on a nearby lake friends and family build sand castles and forts on the beach while sunfish are netted off the dock. Water fun is a must with water skiing, wake boarding or tubing for the adventurous teens. For a quiet, peaceful time on the water we take a paddleboat, canoe, or kayak. As the sun sets, all gather around the campfire.

ANDREW, STEVEN, BRANDON and TRAVIS
Andrew and Steven are off to college and are home often. Brandon and Travis are in high school. They all have been involved in different activities over the years. We support our children's endeavors and embrace their independence and differences. They enjoy having friends over to share our family time, to play ball, computer games and hang out at the lake. They and their friends are excited about the arrival of a new sibling.

We invite you to contact us and thank you for taking a moment to read our letter allowing us to share our family with you. Please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-820-0640 or by email at if you feel we may be the family for your child. Please take comfort in knowing that you and your child will always have a special place in our hearts. We wish to share your hopes and dreams and know that you are a very special person.

With warm regards.

Todd and Laura