Lisa & Greg

We both grew up with Christian beliefs and continue to practice our faith together. At our local church, we’ve found a supportive community. We attend a Bible study group every week and have made good friends there. Lisa enjoys playing the violin during church services, and Greg helps out by mentoring a boys group at the church’s middle school. Our faith in Jesus has been important in our marriage for the past ten years, through good times and tough ones, and it remains so as we look forward to becoming parents.

My parents have been married for 41 years, and I’m the third out of four boys—our house was never quiet, that’s for sure. Childhood was all about being outdoors, getting into friendly chaos with my brothers, from bike races to exploring the local river, and yes, plenty of Star Wars reenactments. With five grandkids on my side of the family, it’s awesome to see them create their own adventures. We’re also blessed to have two of my brothers and my parents in the same town. Us boys try to get together at least once a month for a “guys night”. Our family is still very close and we try to get everyone together at least once a year.

Mom and Dad have been happily married for 40 years. Dad is a music professor and loves to grill, while Mom is the heart of our family gatherings and is happiest with everyone gathered around one of her home-cooked meals. My two sisters and their husbands are some of our best friends. My middle sister has a toddler who’s a bundle of energy and welcomed another boy in May. My youngest sister and her husband recently moved to the Southwest where he was assigned to serve as the pastor at a local church. We all love to get together, whether it’s for Taco Tuesday at a restaurant or just to relax and play some board games at home.

We’ve been lucky to travel to some incredible places including Mexico, Paris, and London. We love exploring new cultures, trying the local foods, and checking out the unique architecture and museums that each place has to offer. We both enjoy the outdoors and have explored many state and national parks. Our favorite so far was hiking around the base of Mount Rainier! (Check out the picture) While we love to travel, we’re just as content in our hometown. You’ll often find us relaxing around the fire on our front patio, getting lost in a good book, or hosting friends and family for dinner and game nights. On the weekend we like to shop for fresh food at our local farmers market and try out new dishes at our favorite restaurants.

Greg is one of the smartest people I have ever met, but also one of the most caring and generous people I am lucky to know. When my sister and brother were struggling as first-time parents to navigate a tricky sleep schedule with a new baby, Greg did not hesitate to take the 9 pm-midnight shift for a few weeks until everyone was settled into a good routine. He is a great uncle to all of our nephews and loves to play with and read books to them. Watching Greg interact with our nephews or our friends' children gives me a glimpse of the incredible father he'll be. Beyond family, Greg's heart shines through his service. Whether it's volunteering at our church, serving as a mentor at a local school, or simply being there for someone in need, he embodies kindness and selflessness. Greg is a hard worker. He served in the Navy as a submarine officer for seven years. Now that he is no longer active-military, he works for a company selling engineering equipment. In his leisure time, Greg enjoys paddle boarding whenever possible. He is also amazing in the kitchen, whipping up delicious dishes that bring joy to everyone around him. With a love for learning fueled by books and podcasts, Greg is always ready for engaging conversations on a wide range of topics. Board games are another favorite hobby, where he loves to compete with family and friends. He has a great sense of humor, making everyone feel at home and included. Greg has a talent for creating meaningful connections, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he meets.

Lisa is one of the kindest and most compassionate people I know. But that isn’t just something I talk about; it’s recognized by everyone who knows her. As a middle school counselor, she is a beacon of support for kids who are dealing with the ups and downs of school life. I really admire how she has dedicated herself to a career where she helps others. Outside of work, she is always quick to lend a hand or just listen when a friend needs help. She has so many cool talents. She started an Etsy business painting watercolor house portraits. More recently, she learned how to make pottery at a local studio where she creates amazing pieces both as gifts and to sell at craft fairs. She also is a talented violinist and often plays in both our traditional and contemporary worship services at church. I’m always passing along compliments to her from other members. We make a great team and balance each other’s personalities. While I am a great planner, Lisa keeps things exciting by suggesting spontaneous weekend trips. We’ve both had fun trying each other’s hobbies. I never liked country music before I met Lisa, but now she has caught me singing along more than a few times. I’ve always enjoyed science fiction and fantasy book series, and now Lisa lists some of those as her favorites as well. I know that Lisa will be a fantastic mother and is already a cool aunt. Her warmth and generosity, her laughter that fills a room, and her ability to make anyone feel included and loved are just a few of the qualities that will make her an incredible parent.