Denise was born and raised in Oregon.  After a year at University of Oregon, she transferred to Saint Joseph's College, a small school in Indiana.  That's where she met Phil.  After Denise moved back to Oregon, Phil eventually followed.  They have lived in Oregon City since 2001, are raising two very energetic boys, and work to find time for their hobbies.  In addition to photography and crafts, Denise works part-time and plays soccer.  Phil is an avid mountain biker and cyclocross racer.  Like most Oregonians, they love the outdoors and spend most of their family time exploring, camping, or taking the boys to their various sporting events.