Julia & Edward In Missouri

We have lived two very different but incredibly fascinating lives, both individually and together.

JULIA
Julia has dedicated much of her life to mastering various aspects of health and wellness. From a young age, she immersed herself in dance, beginning her professional journey at just fourteen, which spanned thirty-three remarkable years. She earned her BFA in Dance from the University of Iowa and then moved to Long Beach, California, to join the Axxiom Dance Collective. Alongside her dancing career, Julia ventured into personal training, nutrition, and fitness, quickly becoming a respected personal trainer in the South Bay. Her passion for martial arts led her to master kickboxing and boxing, disciplines she views as forms of aggressive dancing, rich in beauty and spirituality. She also pursued an Ayurvedic Practitioner program at Southern California University of Health Sciences, equivalent to a master's degree.

Julia has brought her passion for health and wellness to our current hometown by opening her gym, W’holeistic Athletics, and her Ayurvedic practice, The Practice: An Ayurvedic and Healing Company. She is also currently finishing her doctorate program in Naturopathic Animal Sciences, so that she can bring holistic care to her animals.

EDWARD
Edward, born in Joplin, MO, and raised in Modesto, CA, is a true maverick and jack of all trades. After exploring various career paths, he became a self-taught chrome artist and coatings specialist. Edward's impressive portfolio includes chroming pieces for celebrities such as Lady Gaga’s, Haus of Gaga mannequins, Justin Bieber's microphone, Dita Von Teese’s set pieces, and projects for Disney, like C-3PO and Captain Phasma. His work has also been displayed at SEMA, one of the largest trade shows in the world. Despite his remarkable achievements, Edward remains humble about his work.

Edward, the incredible handyman and craftsman, has built our forever home from the ground up, including the boards, plumbing, electrical work, as well as constructing the horse barn, sheep barn, gym, and his Chrome shop, The Chrome Factory. He currently runs The Chrome Factory, manages the family farm, and along with Julia, has opened several businesses in downtown Sheldon; bringing his vision to life. His skills and dedication are truly remarkable.

LIFE TOGETHER
Our bond is extraordinary! We are truly best friends who continually elevate each other. We knew each other for many years before our relationship blossomed. In 2016, after months of deep conversations and countless car drives between visits, Edward asked Julia to move to Las Vegas to be with him. This marked a beautiful and exciting new chapter in our lives, filled with the promise of unforgettable memories. After a year of living together, we decided to elope, getting married at The Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, where our happiness has only grown since.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we made a heartfelt decision to leave the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace the tranquility of Sheldon, MO. We now reside on a beautiful 900-acre farm, where we lovingly care for cows, sheep, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, mini cows, and rabbits - all of whom are treated with the utmost care and allowed to roam freely. This farm is not just a home for us, but a sanctuary for our animals. Edward's parents also have their own space on the property, ensuring they are well cared for as they age. This means that grandparents are always close by, ready to shower a child with boundless love and affection!

We value living life to the fullest, while balancing hard work with pure joy. We are both artists at heart, finding inspiration and beauty in all aspects of life. Together, we enjoy drawing, coloring, watching our favorite shows, and taking our dogs for walks; finding solace and joy in each other's company. Our evenings are spent communicating about our day and sharing our thoughts and dreams. Our shared adventures, from festivals and movies to dinners and trips, highlight our zest for life. The recent addition of trail bicycles has opened up many new adventures for us to embark on!

We are deeply invested in our community, tirelessly working to rebuild downtown Sheldon and inspire growth. We have opened several businesses, breathing new life into the town. We have supported the local youth by providing chromed football helmets and cheerleader jackets. Julia also coached a hip-hop after-school program for middle school students.

When Edward set out to find the perfect home in Missouri for us and his parents, he had a clear vision. He wanted a place that was not only beautiful and private but also full of potential for growth and adventure. He discovered an idyllic plot of land outside Sheldon, MO, spanning about nine hundred acres. Our home offers breathtaking views of rolling fields, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. A serene river meanders through our land, accompanied by several ponds perfect for fishing and water activities. Edward dreams of creating hiking trails throughout the property, providing endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.

The property is a sanctuary for our farm animals, ensuring daily interaction with the outdoors. The peace and tranquility of this setting are unmatched, providing a perfect backdrop for family life. The nearby town, just fifteen minutes away, offers activities for children, whether or not they attend the local school. Larger cities are one to two hours away, and we are more than willing to make the journey to meet our child's needs.

Our home is a haven for our beloved companions, both indoors and on the farm. With five dogs - three Great Pyrenees, one Golden Retriever, and a mutt - and four cats, three of which found their way to us thanks to a caring neighbor in Vegas, our family of furry friends is as diverse as it is cherished. We also have a chinchilla named Scarlett, adding even more joy to our household. We care for our animals in a way that reflects our deep love and respect for all living beings. This profound love and dedication will wholeheartedly extend beyond our animals and will undoubtedly shape our approach to parenting. Our future child will be raised in an environment filled with love, care, and compassion.

Our journey has been filled with remarkable ups and downs, deeply intertwined with our love for family. Julia's father, one of the most significant people in her life, shared a heart as open and generous as Edward's. Losing him to cancer at the tender age of eighteen changed Julia's world forever. Her quest for understanding and solace in spiritual sciences began with her father's passing, a path she cherishes deeply. She knows her dad would have adored Edward, not only for his handy skills and love of fishing but for his genuine ability to connect with and help others. These two men, her father and Edward, have profoundly shaped Julia, molding her into the wonderful person she is today. This deep connection to her father makes the idea of starting a family with Edward even more precious, something they both hold in the highest regard.

Another beacon of family love in their lives was Edward’s grandmother, Grandma Ducky. Her vivaciousness, curiosity, and strength could light up any room. She was the epitome of joy, finding delight in every moment, big or small. To honor her memory, Julia and Edward named their coffee shop “Grandma Ducky’s.” This act of love reflects their deep appreciation for family and ancestry. Edward, being the fourth in his line named Edward, holds the family name sacred. Our dedication to family is a testament to the love and respect we have for our roots.

Family traditions are cherished moments. We enjoy intimate gatherings during the holidays, spending quality time with Julia's brother, sister-in-law, mother, and nephew. These moments are filled with love and togetherness. On the farm, shared dinners with Edward's family are equally important, celebrating the simple joy of being together. While we may not be big on grand events, we know how to make every celebration meaningful and filled with love.

As we anticipate the arrival of our child, we are excited to celebrate every milestone, every first, and every achievement with boundless love and support. Our child will grow up surrounded by warmth, joy, and a deep sense of belonging, cherished and celebrated every step of the way.

We have always felt a deep calling to adoption since the beginning of our relationship, believing that every child deserves love, stability, and the opportunity to thrive. We see adoption as a beautiful way to create a family while also contributing to a greater good, ensuring that children find safe and nurturing homes. For us, adoption is not just about growing our family—it’s about making a meaningful difference in a child's life.