The Joergers

We both graduated from California State University at Fullerton (CSUF) with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Accounting. Those days were extremely special and we owe lot to our parents for giving us an educational opportunity. It wasn't all studying and tests. The people we met while participating in The Accounting Society and Beta Alpha Psi remain some of our closest and dearest friends.

After spending most of our lives growing up in Anaheim, California, we settled in the beautiful Northwest -- Portland, Oregon to be exact. We live here with our two dogs, Dusty and Sandy. While the pace of life is a bit more relaxed, we seem to get just as much accomplished. The weather has been extremely sensationalized, at least based on our limited experience.

It took over five years of paper work, classes, and much frustration, but we have finally expanded our family. December 29, 1997, will be a day we remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. And the best news of all is that the children are the three boys we were working to get for the last year and a half.

Oregon's Services to Children and Families took custody of Nicholas, Christopher, and DJ because their birth mother was unable to provide for their care. They bounced around the system awhile before landing with us. The older two have been through one failed adoption and 3+ foster homes.

The boys are actually distant relative of ours (by marriage on John's side of the family). They are John's Dad's twin brother's 2nd oldest boy's wife's sister's daughter's boys. You draw the tree -- there isn't enough room here. We are very grateful that Rich (cousin) and Pat let us know about these little guys. Have a look at the happy faces after less than a month living with us.

Nicholas was born on April fools day and turned 4 years old on 4/1/98. He likes teaching his younger brothers how to do things. He really likes playing with his toy hammer and building with blocks.

Christopher is almost exactly 1 year younger than Nick. He turned 3 on 4/9/98, the same day John's best friend turned 40! He has all the makings of a true member of the family. Stubborn, hard headed, and truly dedicated to getting his way. He is our instigator.

DJ turns 2 on 8/28/98. If there is such a thing as an athlete at one year, he is that person. He loves the three Bs -- Bear, Bottle, and Basketball. He shoots baskets for hours on his "hoops". He eats like a whale and is as strong as any brick wall we have seen.

At this point, it is appropriate for us to plug the many people and agencies that helped make this possible. As mentioned above, Oregon's Services to Children and Families played a big part in our success. We started with a private agency in California called Holy Family Services. This is a United Way agency that was created through the combined efforts of the Roman Catholic church, and Bob and Dolores Hope. Although we were unsuccessful in three years with them, they provided time saving information to Oregon that made our experience a lot less stressful -- Thanks Linda!