About Us
Leah
High School Athletic Trainer-Employed by Mayo Clinic
Adjectives: Energetic, loud, creative, passionate, sassy, spontaneous
Jamie
Aviation Meteorologist-Employed by a private company that forecasts for airports and airlines
Adjectives: Dedicated, reliable, loyal, loving, direct, calm, patient
Grayson
Full Time Toddler-Specializing in Water exploration and tomfoolery
Adjectives: Curious, thoughtful, playful, cuddly, talkative, friendly
Family
Jamie's Side
Mom: Owns travel agency and loves to explore the world, 1 sister (4 children)
Dad: Partially retired teacher, writer, 2 sisters (collectively have 6 children). Spends the occasional weekend traveling the Midwest to craft shows and such to sell his books!
Sister: Labor and Delivery Nurse, married with 2 kids (who really hate to sleep for some reason)
Brother: Working full time at a manufacturing facility (pictured with a chicken on the right).
Love to find reasons to get together and hang out as everyone is within an hour and a half of each other.
Jamie's extended family is mostly found in South Dakota and we love to take trips out their during the summer to visit and explore!
Leah's Side
Mom and Dad: Pre-K Teacher and Computer Senior Programmer. Still living in Leah's childhood home. They come to Minnesota or we make it to Illinois almost every month.
Brother, Sister-in-Law, and 1 Niece: Stationed in England with the Air Force. We have family video chats regularly to stay in touch with everyone scattered all around.
Large Extended Family that we get to see often, especially at Christmas! (Mom's side pictured to the right)
While we both went to college in Wisconsin, we did not meet until Leah moved to Minnesota for her first job. What was supposed to be a 2-year position turned into a forever job after she met Jamie.
Leah didn't know anyone and with her weird work hours it was hard to meet people. She joined Hinge and when asked what she was looking for selected "Friends" and then on a whim, "Serious Dating".
Jamie joined Hinge after returning back to Minnesota after ending an engagement. In a rough place and struggling with trust he didn't think he would find his forever person.
We went on our first date at Baker Square and to see the Kiwanis light show. We ended up closing down Baker Square and on the drive home, Leah called a best friend and stated "I think I just met the man I am going to marry."
How We Met
We both work weird hours so our days don't look like the average individuals.
Leah works with high school athletics so isn't into work until around 2. She is then at the high school until the last practice ends or until after that days games. A typical day is 2 PM - 9 PM. Weekends are hit or miss. During the fall season she typically works every other Saturday. In the winter, it is typically 2 times a month, and rarely in the spring. Leah enjoys that Wednesday is always the early night, with no games, and we often aim for a date night out once a month and a family night every other week. Over the summer, Leah helps cover the Mankato Habaneros softball team and attends all home games. The rest of the summer is family time!
Jamie works for a private meteorology company and works 12-hour shift. This means he doesn't work every day, nor does he work the same days every week. One week he would work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and then next would only be Wednesday, Thursday. While it isn't the same days, it is consistent. He works from home most days, going into the office once a week.
These weird hours, and working from home, means that one of us is almost always home. This has allowed us with the opportunity to stay home with Grayson. As he is getting a little older, we have started looking at day cares that allow for only a couple days a week, so he can start interacting more with other kiddos his age.
Every winter Leah and Jamie take a 5 day trip within the U.S. to explore a new state and enjoy some time as a couple. Every other trip we take, Grayson tags along for the adventure!
Real Life
What Leah has to say about Jamie:
Jamie is the type of man I thought only existed in fairy tales. He is supportive, caring, and would do anything for his family. I often have to remind him to take care of himself! Personally, I think there are two people inside of him. In large groups or crowded places, he gets quite and reserved. When you get him to yourself, in a group with friends/family, or in small groups he comes alive. When he is overwhelmed, getting him to talk is like pulling teeth. When he is comfortable it can be hard to get a word in. He is loyal to those he cares about and once he starts something, will see it through to the end. He is an exceptionally hard worker and will go above an beyond the expectations.
While it isn't always sunshine and rainbows, I know that no matter what, he always has my back and isn't afraid to call me out on something. He loves me just as much on my bad days as he does on my good days and he looks at our family like we are the center of the universe. I cannot wait to continue growing our family with this man beside me.
What Jamie has to say about Leah:
Leah is very passionate about caring for her children and for anyone she cares for at work. She's very open and warm towards anyone, especially towards strangers who look like they need a bright spot in their day. She's the type of person who will spark up conversations in elevators, to compliment a person's outfit, and to go out of her way to compliment servers directly to their managers to make sure they're appreciated. The only fault that she has is her ability to say no when others ask her to help out, both professionally or personally.
Leah always makes sure that at the end of the day, both of us can fall asleep knowing that we did our best that day. She loves her family with all of her heart, and doesn't shy away at showing it. She will always be my anchor to keep our house steady in whatever storm life throws our way.
About Each Other
Our Story
We hope to raise children who are kind, curious, confident, and compassionate
Leah strongly believes that every child should always know they are loved and that we are proud of them
Jamie wants to ensure that our household is a safe, stable place where his children are comfortable becoming who they want to be growing up
We believe in being present. Taking time to eat together, read bedtime stories, attending events as they get older, helping with homework, traveling together, etc.
We aim to teach our children to be independent and curious. At the same time, we want to ensure they know we are always there to support them and that it is okay to ask for help.
Us as Parents
Our Neighborhood
We live in a quite town that is small enough to know someone every where you go, but you don't know everyone's whole life story. A very active community, we love to get out and walk, attend community events, and explore the nooks and crannies of our town.
Work in Progress
While our house was move in ready, it was outdated. We have been working room by room to make changes and update it to our preferences. The most recent project was installing new kitchen cabinets. We have completed almost all of the projects ourselves.
Play Room
With a large, finished basement we took the main room and converted it to a play room with a corner for Leah's desk This room contains a permanent cardboard fort, an alphabet wall, and rotating toys!
Library
When we bought the house, there was a built on room that used to house a hot tub. We have since converted it to our own little library and Jamie's home office. This has quickly become Leah's favorite room!
Cozy
Over the 3 years we have lived here we have worked hard to give our home a lived in feel. We love to have friends and family over and strive for a home full of love and laughter!
Our Home
Hobbies and Interests
In no particular order
Grayson
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Bath time
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Water exploration
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Playing
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Knocking over moms magnet tile towers
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Snuggling
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Babbling
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Music!
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Staring at new people
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Going to work with mom
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Dancing
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Playing with a ball....any ball
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Copying/following Dad
Jamie
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Golf
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Fishing
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Gardening
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Video Games
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Writing
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Hiking
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Driving
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Storm Chasing
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Hanging with friends
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Swimming
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Traveling (but hates flying!)
Leah
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Reading
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Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Horror,
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Arts and Crafts
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Diamond Art, Crocheting, Wood working, Building things
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Hiking
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Listening to music
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You can find almost anything on my playlists
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Baking
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Being Outisde
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Traveling
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Yoga
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Talking to friends/family
Education
Leah
Bachelors Degree
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B.S. in AThletic Training
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University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Masters Degree
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M.S. in Applied Exercise Science with an emphasis in human movement science
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Concordia University - Chicago
Doctorate
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in Education of Health Professions
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A.T. Still University
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Coming December 2026!!!
Professional Life Goal: Become a collegiate Professor for Athletic Training
Jamie
Bachelors Degree
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B.S. in MEteorology
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Northland College
Masters Degree
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M.S. in Meteorology Science
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Mississippi State University
Professional Life Goal: Live a fullfilling life surrounded by family, taking whatever route will achieve this
Grayson
bachelors degree
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Bachelors of Cuteness in morning snuggles
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College of Mom
Masters Degree
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Masters of Walking and talking
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In progress!
Life Goal: Currently Undecided. Parents want him to grow up kind, compassionate, and to follow his dreams