7
Minnesota
Lutheran
None
1
We were married in 2017 and made our home in southcentral Minnesota. We were SO excited to start a family! God led us on a challenging journey with the loss of our boy before birth. After the losss of Samuel, doors were further closed as we pursued infertility treatments. We knew we were meant to be parents with God leading us to adoption. During this growing time, we realized more deeply how blessed it is to be given the opportunity to adopt. God has made us stronger as a couple through the challenges we have faced, and we have learned the importance of self-sacrificial love. We have come to believe that families are created, not born. God is the Master Designer of all families, and we trust his architectural plans for our family.
As a couple, we enjoy spending time outdoors and engaging in activities like hiking, camping, skiing, walking our dog Maverick, going to the lake and biking. We also have a love for Friday movie night, playing games and watching Minnesota sports. We feel blessed to have the opportunity to go on many travel adventures over the years, as we both love experiencing different cultures, visiting family and exploring the many beautiful places around our world.
Devin grew up on small farm in Minnesota. With just one older sister, he often found ways to entertain himself. He spent endless hours playing outside especially with the farm animals. In the winter, he has fond memories of building snow forts with his dad and sister, sledding, and snowmobiniling. His mom worked from home with her hair salon, while his dad worked for the county. Devin has fond memories of his dad coming home for lunch with his road grader. As Devin grew older, he would enjoy riding four-wheeler across the fields to his buddy's house. They would spend summer afternoons down by the small lake behind their farms cooling off in the water Even though there was lots of free time on the farm, he always had chores and responsibilities too. Whether it was feeding the cows or mowing the lawn, he was taught the value of working hard and being responsible at a young age. Devin's parents ended up getting a divorce when he sas older, yet they remained supportive of him and do to this day.
Devins' family shares life with us! We enjoy supporting his nieces and nephew by traveling to watch anything from baseball to barrel racing at the rodeo. Devin's sister recently purchased a horse ranch, and we see a future of horseback riding ahead. In the summer, a trip up to Devin's sister's cabin can be fun for reconnecting. Time is spent playing games, fishing off the dock, and trying watersports. We also live close to many of Devin's 1st and 2nd cousins. From double-date nights, to going to their cabins up north, to boating trips on the local rivers, to celebrating their special events; we are present.
Devin's Dad: He lives close by on the family farm with his collection of tractors. He enjoys spending time in the fall deer hunting with Devin and will be ready to give four-wheeler and snowmaobile rides. He has a love for lake fishing and winter brings him out to our lake with his ice fishing gear. His barn is a treasure trove for newborn kittens in the spring.
Devin's Mom: She lives in a town close by and loves sharing her love of gardening. She keeps busy encouraging her three grandchildren; she is their cheering sections at every event! She has lots of toys, books movies, and games just waiting for her next granchild.
Devin attended a private school for elementary education. After completing public high school, Devin graduated with an associate's degree from a business college. After working as a business manager in various situations, he decided to branch off on my own. He now has been blessed to be a business owner for eleven years. As he works with people and their insurance needs, He finds joy in building relationships with my clients. He has learned it is essential to be patient and not judge others. He likes to put himself in their shoes, that is, to see what life looks from their perspective. He feels successful when he is able to see their needs met during critical times of their lives. God has blessed his business greater than his expectations, and he is looking forward to seeing how God will lead him in his future goals.
Devin loves staying fit whether working out at the gym or taking his road bike out. He also enjoys working in the garage and maintaining the engeines on the vehicles, yard equipment, boats, and snowmobile. In the summer months, heading out after work for paddleboarding or boating can't be beat. Being involved in his parents' lives, from helping with yard work or cutting wood keeps him busy too. And, of course, time playing with Maverick is always top on his priority list. Friday nights are a faovrite of his with pizza and a movie with his wonderful wife, Anita.
FAVORITES
Anita grew up driving tractors, and having lots of animals around on her parents farm. Her favorite was probably her horse Zeke. Living on a farm nestled in a river valley, she was encouraged to explore, work hard, and treasure the importance of faith and family. With three older brothers, she found hockey and football to be her favorits sports, but still loved playing the piano every chance she got. Having grandma and grandpa on the connecting farm, she was never lacking for an abundance of cousins to play with. They loved playing in the river or riding horses for hours. She knew the importance of having fun while working hard with her family whether it was weeding the garden, chasing cows, or painting the barn. With 11 nieces and nephews to play with/babysit, Anita grew up loving children. From planning camping trips, hot dog roasts, waterpark trips, ski trips, biking adventures; Anita loved building memories with them. With a famly that liked to have fun, Anita learned to love a life of laughter.
Anita's family is always active. With 33 members and growing (expecting two new ones soon), there is never a dull moment. We love to get together with them at the family farm where Anita's mom still lives. Holiday are always spent with the traditional dinner and then outside sports for everyone. These include Thanksgving football, Christmas hockey, and Easter whiffle ball. Outside the holidays, there is always the fun runs and trout fishing opener in April, woodcutting the the fall, and the annual river camping trips in May and July. Now we have we have added lake day at our house as well. We all live withing a 1-2 hour raidius and like to find an "excuse" to get together. As a family, we enjoy teasing sharing stories, giving hugs, and just laughting! Sampling Grandma's tasty treats is always a necessary part of together time. Anita loves her mom's cinnamon rolls, and Devin devours her chocolate chip cookies. Anita's family is waiting with open arms to welcome someone new!
Anita's Parents: Anita's dad has gone to his eternal home. His presence is seen in the family's deep love of God and family which he instilled so well. Anita's mom is ever busy with her 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. She loves to keep her family fed from her GIGANTIC garden to her never-ending supply of cookies. As a talented seamstress, she is shortening Devin's pants as well as creating beautiful quilts. As a former teacher, she loves teaching piano and drawing/painting lessons to her grandchildren. Her rocking chair is always ready for a snuggle with a good book and a blankie.
Anita completed her schooling by atteding private schools from kindergarten through college. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. With a deep love of children and en ever-creative mind, Anita chose to pursue a career in elementary education. Her teaching adventures began 20 years ago, and God has led her to serveral schools scattered throughout the country while teaching preschool to eighth grade. Her strengths lie in her calm and gentle manner, her enthusiasm for learning, and her sincere interest in the personalities of each child. She loves building those special relationships with each students and finding how she can help them grow individually. Her students enjoy her silly, yet orderly classroom centered in respect for all.
Being active and outside are essential for Anita whether it's paddling across the lake or skiing at the park. She also loves building relationships and staying connected with friends and family. She keeps her creative mind engaged with new learning projects for school and dreaming up woodworking projects in the garage. It's a joy for her to be able to share her talents in music while accompanying others, particiapting in musical ensembles, or organizing musical groups. In her free time, she enjoys writing and hopes to write children's books one day. Finally, to add tranquility to her day, she like puttering around in her gardens, playing arrangements on the piano, reading a good book, or watching football with Devin.
FAVORITES
Our home is nestled in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of a small town. The spacious one-acre lot is perfect for whiffle ball games with many mature trees waiting to be climbed. You can enjoy lazing in the hammock while enjoying the beautiful flower gardens or tasty treats from the vegetable garden. Our lake is a short walk away and a favorite escape all year. Whether it's swimming, boating, water skiing, kneeboarding, paddleboarding, fishing or winter ice hockey; the lake provides a wealth of activity and fun that can be shared with friends and family. Outside our neighborhoood, we are surrounded by many more neighboring lakes and great hiking parks. It is fun to jump on our nearby bike trail and peddle to the ice cream shop. (Yummy!) When winter arrives, the snowbovile can find it's way buzzing up the bike trail or cross-country skis will be headed for the parks. We are 15 minutes from a larger town which provides many opportuities for fun and culture. Here we can also find an amazing private school and our church. The educational standards and character-building opportunities offered there are exceptional.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO . . .
Our journey together began in 2015. We laughingly love to recall the train wreck of our first date! Yet, the laughter and stories we shared on our next date had us hooked. We are not perfect We are growing together, making dreams, and always remembering to find joy in ALL things. Anita keeps things fresh with her spontaneity and love for new adventrues. Devin's quiet practical side and teasing manner keeps things moving with a light-hearted smoothness. Through the ebbbing and flowing of life, we strive to work as a team with the Lord.
Our free time is shared with family and friends, being active, traveling, or just living life. (There are alwyas the grocery trips and yard work days!) We both work at staying healthy with active lives and wise food choices. Finding the joys and memories in life's simple moments is key in our life. God has blessed us with an incredible life together, and we are so excited to welcome a child into it!
We love discovering new places and learning as we travel! Devin is always excited to play in the ocean while Anita cannot wait to wander in the mountains. As a result, we find ourselves headed to the coasts often. With Devin's interest in history and Anita's love of science, the adventures have been amazing and educational? Since our extended family and friends are scattered all over the country trips often include stopping in to say hello.
