There are always people out walking, jogging, taking their dogs for a stroll, riding their bikes, or working in their yards. We are close to everything... pools, a water park, the Metroparks, libraries, stores, restaurants, ice cream shops, you name it.  Our city even has its own baseball stadium! Most importantly, we have wonderful neighbors who all look out for one another and help each other out when needed.

Our backgrounds

Paul - I was raised on a farm in Wisconsin with six younger brothers.  Although life on the farm came with a lot of hard work and daily chores, my family remained very close and we share many fond memories.  I remember struggling a bit with my schoolwork and having to keep extra focused with my studies. But my hard work and dedication paid off when I advanced to the University of Wisconsin where I received an accounting degree.  I continue to keep up with the education as needed for CPA purposes and my family is very proud of what I've achieved.  Karin - My background was quite the opposite. My parents divorced when I was a baby and I was raised the first half of my childhood by my mother and the second half by my father.  Although I was a very shy kid, I loved to draw, daydream, and keep up with the boys at sports. I moved to Texas when I was 19 and remained there for 16 years until moving back to Ohio.  My passions have included playing drums, flag football, competitive volleyball, and outdoor roller skating marathons.

How we met

Ironically enough, we both moved to Ohio from Texas. Karin is originally from Ohio and returned home when her mother became ill, and Paul was transferred here by his employer. We both happened to be attending the same church and met during a singles class there. I was first attracted to Paul by his kindness and wholesome nature. And I was impressed with Karin's responsibility and sense of humor. After continuing to get to know each other by dating, playing volleyball together, and taking classes at the church, it didn't take long for Paul to propose, and we were married a year later in the same church where we first met.

Our families

Although Paul is the only one in his family who does not live in Wisconsin, we are all still very close and keep in touch quite regularly.  We visit Paul's family once or twice a year, and also every Thanksgiving. Three of the seven brothers are married, and there are a total of three nephews and four nieces. Unfortunately, Karin's mother and only brother have passed on, but her father and stepmother also live here in Ohio. We visit with them every few weeks for dinner, and also get together with them every Christmas.

Our interests

We enjoy backyard barbeques, traveling, camping, hiking, festivals, watching movies, going out to eat, playing board games, and visiting family and friends. Paul's interests include working out at the YMCA, visiting hobby shops, model railroading, sailing, and constructing things. He recently built a small sailboat, and hopes his adoptive child will enjoy spending time with him on his boat. Karin loves all kinds of animals, enjoys art, photography, roller skating, and anything to do with drums. We hope our adoptive child will also have interests of his/her own, whether it is in the arts, sports, or something else, we look forward to encouraging and supporting our child with whatever it is he/she is passionate about. We attend a church service every week and are usually enrolled in one of the many Sunday morning classes they offer... currently we are involved in a parenting class.  The church also has a large youth ministry, and something to offer everyone.

Our careers

Paul is employed as a Financial Analyst. Some of his responsibilities include monthly forecasts and related reports, income and cash flow statements, and special projects. Karin is employed as a Human Resource Assistant.  Some of her responsibilities include administrating benefits, conducting orientations, safety training, and writing the company newsletter.

Why adoption

We never had any biological children of our own.  Although we always longed to have children, things just didn't work out that way. Then we met each other! Although we are in our 40s, we can still try to have a child the natural way, but prefer to provide a home for an older child who is already out there waiting. We are a happily married couple with lots of love and laughs to share, and we have hopes and dreams about adopting that special child.