Monday, June 9, 2008

Day 43

Okay, we're finally getting somewhere on the profile! I've picked our layout, now I just have to finish all the writing! We're taking a little more creative approach and are ditching some of the traditional methods that others use (but are still confined to the layout). So here's what we have so far. Please give us honest feedback. If you don't think a picture is good, or if something doesn't make sense...or you think it might look negative PLEASE let us know. We've been over the few paragraphs we've deemed "finished" several times, but our opinion is a little bias. Here's what the front cover will look like (we are able to use cooler fonts than blogspot has available!):

Ben and Rebekah

"You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes."
Song of Solomon 4:9


If we had to explain our life in two words, we would choose passionate and genuine. We embrace life, cherish family, and relish our friends. We've been married for 6 years…together for 10 (we were high school sweethearts!) and still feel like newlyweds. Our life is marked by passion and we have learned to serve one another in everything that we do. Our secret is pretty simple: we love each other more than we love ourselves and we choose to view each other through the eyes of God. We are quick to forgive, easy to please, and willing to see the best in one other. Although we've experienced struggle, marriage has always come easy and because we married right from college, all our life experiences have been together--from making pot roast dinner to buying our first home. We enjoy mundane chores like laundry and grocery shopping by adding elements of fun. (We often can be found sword-fighting in the aisles or racing carts in the parking lot!). We are laid back, energetic people that work hard and love life.

Inside the folder, Ben and I will each have a section. Mine will read "Rebekah Loves..." and Ben's "Ben Loves..." Ben is still working on his, but here's mine (It looks cooler laid out on the profile, but I'm limited here on blogger!):


Rebekah Loves...










…that her girlfriends are few, but forever...curling up with a good book on a snowy afternoon…nibbling on dark chocolate...writing…eating fajitas at Don Pablo’s…roller coasters…watching old Cosby re-runs…a crisp fall day…being home…slipping into clean sheets…thunderstorms…color coordinated clothes closets...Christmas…staying up all night talking with Ben...laying on a raft in the middle of the pool on a hot summer’s day...Oreos...smelling BBQ chicken on the grill…game nights with friends…quilting...getting the mail...cleaning her house...presents... Target...getting a new hairstyle... pineapple...going on vacation... people ... having dinner parties ... learning ... reminiscing ... babies ... seeing old couples in love…gardening...walking on the beach...camp fires...road trips...driving her Jeep.

This is our "Friends and Family" section:

Friends & Family

Rebekah's Family this past Thanksgiving

Family and friends play a significant role in our everyday life. We wear our “Uncle Ben and Aunt B (for Bekah)” titles proudly. We have three “nieces” by way of our best friends and will soon add a fourth when Rebekah’s sister has her baby—she is due any day now! We both have fairly large families with multiple siblings. Family gatherings are loud with lots of food and laughter! We are lucky to have Ben’s parents nearby and enjoy getting together for family dinners. Most of our family and friends live close, some even within walking distance, which is great for bike rides and quick walks to the ice cream parlor.


We have three sections to complete--Ben's section, "Our Faith", and then one more large section (300 words)--that section will hold our jobs, education, future plans, reasons for adopting, and whatever else we come up with...

So what do you think???

8 comments:

  1. Looks great! The only things that pops out at me is "Although we've experienced struggle, marriage has always come easy..." I'm wondering if that should be struggles (with an "S")

    It's looks FUN (which is good) and real, which will give the birthmom a glimpse of who YOU are! Nicely done!

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  2. I love the list approach that you used to describe yourself. You can fit so many more details about yourself, than using full sentences.

    The first paragraph describes you guys perfectly. I love it.

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  3. First, I LOVE the pictures, ya'll have the best smile!

    And I love how you laid it out and the content as well. It is unique and interesting and I am sure it will catch the eye of the right person. I started reading and couldn't stop, smiled and even teared up.

    I am praying for ya'll.

    L-O-V-E it!

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  4. Honestly, this is one of the best profiles I have seen. And I have seen a LOT!! I musta studied a hundred of 'em when we were doing ours. I love the changes you made - and that will make it memorable, it will stand out. That's good. I love the "loves..." list idea!!! Also, the pictures look friendly and inviting - good! Extended family pic is good - the birthmoms like to know they are going to a family atmosphere. Which is why the auntie nickname is good too.

    From what I have read so far I think it is very effective and will stand out in the readers minds. Good luck! BTW - what agency are you going through? We did Adoption Assoc. and LOVED it!

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  5. i think it is that perfect mix of informational and comfortable. It would make me feel like I knew you and could relate to you :)

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  6. This is really terrific, Rebekah. I love the fact that you fold in personal stories -- like sword fights in the grocery store aisles. The "Rebekah Loves" part is really good. It's a very quick portrait that effectively shows who you are. Anyone reading it can immediately see that the two of you are a loving couple who will be great parents. I love the way you both did this. Great work.

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  7. I think you have done a really great job of making it unique! I love that it isn't like any other that I have seen, and I think it bodes well for you guys. Keep posting as you get furhter along!

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  8. Your profile looks awesome. I really like your pictures. Everybody sees that you will be wonderful parents. I am sure it won't be long until a birthmom picks you.

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