I enjoy taking pictures and recording the important and ordinary events in life. I like to capture the magic of a moment. I am a wanna be crafter. I like to copy projects I've seen others do and add my own unique interpretation of their instructions.
I am a music junkie. I like to listen to music whether in the car, on my iPod or creating my own on the piano. I enjoy singing and dancing to music. One of my favorite shows to watch is "So you think you can dance?"
We have family dance parties every night. When we were first married Doug and I would dance in the kitchen. Now that Samantha has joined our family our dance party usually involve interpretative dance.
Growing up music was large part of my life because my father is an orchestra teacher. Each of my siblings plays an string instrument and we all took orchestra from my dad. I play the piano although I'm out of practice currently.
I'm a family historian who loves digging up old stories, or memories. I think that a connection to our past is helpful in looking toward the future. This love of history is what why I love and appreciate the joys of open adoption.
For Samantha's birth family I write a weekly blog entry with an update and pictures. We have visits with her birth family, send text messages, and send pictures. We think of them as extended family.
I love Samantha's birth family. They have given us a wonderful gift. It is such a blessing in my life to know Samantha's birth parents who wanted more for her. It makes me strive to be a better parent. Give her an extra hug, spoil her a little more, and spend more time with her.
I love watching Samantha learn and develop. Since she was about 6 months old we have worked on hand signing a few words. At 20 months old she knows over 15 signs. She also has invented a few of her own. Together Samantha and I have enjoyed swim lessons at the local pool and a tiny tots tumbling class at the local gymnastics center.
How would Doug describe Marianne?
Marianne is a tender-hearted woman with much love to give. She enjoys music and making up little ditties about what she’s doing at the moment. She has an amazing memory and an ability to observe. This ability helps her see when there’s a need. She reaches out and gives her all to help and serve others.
Marianne is fun and active. She can beat me at Dance Dance Revolution every time. She loves spending time outdoors and playing sports. She’s got a competitive streak that drives her to succeed. This gives her the determination to get through the hard times, whether on the court or just in life.
Intelligence and organization are traits that make Marianne shine. She seems to come up with solutions that are both creative and practical.
How is Marianne a great mom? (written by Doug)
Marianne is a good teacher. She can teach kids and adults and knows how to sculpt the message to the student. She can even communicate with her sixteen year old brother.
Marianne knows how to play. She knows how to relax and enjoy the moment. She creates a comfortable environment and puts people at ease.
Since moving to Colorado. Doug and I have enjoyed running in 5k races. We have enjoyed getting to know other people from running in races. Over the thanksgiving holiday I ran a 5k in Washington State with my two younger brothers. I love this quote about running
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn’t matter how fast or how far. It doesn’t matter if today is your first day or if you’ve been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." ~ John Bingham
I think this quote sums up me. I might not be the fastest, or finish first but I run because I love the feeling after I run. I try to run on my treadmill for 30 minutes every other day. My favorite show to watch while running is Biggest Loser.
There is something so motivating about it.
There is something so motivating about it.
Samantha and I are regulars at the library on Wednesday afternoons. As a kid I so enjoyed every time my mom took my sister and I to the library. I look forwarded to go to the library every week with Samantha. We play with the toys there, wander around the shelves, run into friends there, and also pick out a few books to take home. Samantha loves any book with birds, dogs or monkeys.
