Our Story
Ben’s background is business, and Joy’s is performing and working with children. We met volunteering at church 15 years ago, and quickly became friends, which later turned into a crush. :)We were friends for two years, started dating, and fell in love quickly. After a year, we got engaged on Valentine’s Day, and were married four months later.
We are alike (hard-working, high-energy, love to have fun), and also different (Ben is analytical, Joy is intuitive). We compliment one another. Life brings twists and turns, but we are committed and willing to go through anything together (over a decade of marriage behind us).
We are grateful for one another, our church community, our families and friends. Ben is one of 5 children, and Joy is one of 3. We know our lives would not be what they are without siblings and want to provide that bond and relationship for our children. We come from beautiful, healthy families, who value and love our child well. Your child will be well-loved and nurtured in this way.
We Are. . .
high energy
love relationships
love being outside
playing sports
hiking, biking
ice-skating/sledding
exercising
playing in the park
On cold or rainy days. . .
we enjoy museums
indoor parks, reading, playing chess/boardgames, dance parties
At Our Country Home. . .
campfires/chopping wood
work in our yard
play in the creek
hiking
slower pace of life
nature!
Above Photo: 10-year Anniversary Getaway trip!
Joy
10 out of 1 million things I love about Joy, by: Ben
She truly loves God and grows in her relationship with Him.
Joy considers others’ needs before her own.
She brings joy and happiness to almost any situation.
She works tirelessly to keep our home clean, welcoming, and well-suited for whatever season we are in.
Joy loves and is extremely good with children. Working with children for over 10 year for families, as a part of the childrens ministry at our church, teaching piano lessons, and as a loving aunt, everyone who knows her comments on how gifted she is with love, taking care of, and teaching children.
She loves to be outside. Whether running, walking, skiing, hiking, canoeing, gardening or just playing in the leaves.
She knows the Bible well and has learned a lot from following God and doing ministry her whole life.
She has the strongest gift of mercy and empathy that I have ever seen.
She makes me laugh with funny comments, jokes, or being silly. She loves to make people smile and laugh.
Her resourcefulness can make the most of almost any situation. She is so creative, energetic and determined that she constantly surprises me with how well she can pull things off.
Photo: Apple picking in the country together.
Ben
The many sides of Ben, by: Joy
smart, devoted, disciplined man whose strength of focus and diligence inspired me.
playful, willing, and servant-hearted
handy around the house
cooks for our family sometimes
he’s up for any playful adventure (snowball fights, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, etc)
will pull the majority of the weight if needed
Ben loves the great outdoors
I always know if any of us needs anything, we can count on him to drop what he’s doing and help the ones closest to him.
Photo: Supporting one of our favorite non-profits!
Eli
In the Fall of 2017, we were surprised by the placement of a newborn baby boy. He is now 5 years old, and we have loved every minute of being parents. We knew we wanted it, but the reality of it has been a wild adventure of love, joy, laughter, fun, connection, and hope! We never knew we could love someone so unconditionally, and the process of adoption has taught us so much about the connection multiple people can have, who are all invested in the life of a child.
Our son is full of energy, loves people and relationships, is smart, outgoing, and super tender. He loves little babies, smaller children, and animals. Every night he asks God to give us a baby.
He loves to play outside, to do any activity with friends, and to explore! Whether it is going to museums, playgrounds, water parks, theme parks, playing sports, hiking, biking, and anything in between, he is always up for fun activities and energetic adventure. Especially if it involves other children or friends. We know he would be an incredible older brother, as he has proven this by the way he loves and cares for our friends’ children who are younger than him.
Photo: On our way to go sledding with friends.