How did your love story begin?

We met at age 7 in 2nd grade & were best frnds. In 7th grade, Joanie got permission from her friend to like James! We were too young to date but always found ways to be together. At 13, James won Joanie a teddybear, & we shared dances, classes, & phone calls. We reunited at 16, shared our first kiss as seniors, & at 17 James wrote he’d marry Joanie someday. At 19 James served a 2 yr church mission, the magic was still there when he returned & we married 3 mos later. 38 yrs later & still in love!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

One of our favorite memories was surprising our six children with a Disney World trip and a cruise. We told them we were taking someone else to the airport, but when we arrived, their suitcases were waiting, and we all boarded the plane together! But our favorite memories are really the everyday moments—raising our family, laughing together, and serving others side by side. Now we’re a family of 16 with three beautiful grandchildren. It just keeps getting better!

What would you do with $20,000?

In 2022, we sponsored a family of five from Ukraine and welcomed them to the USA.They have become family! We would use the money to help them achieve permanent residency and continue building their future here. It would be a blessing to give back to a family who has blessed our lives so deeply.