February in Texas

Freakishly hot today, so I petitioned for the kids to wash the car.

Libby liked the worms that came out. Ewwww!

Avery in the Middle of It

Why look on from the outside when you can experience things from the inside?

Why Austin? Does it Matter?

It's official.

Karina and I just got our Texas driver's licenses today. We moved here in June of 2008. The transfer is finally complete.

Here's the thing -- we don't really know why we're here. In fall of 2007 my mentor, Oliver DeMille, told me about a school in Austin, Acton MBA. He said that every time he thought of it he would think of me.

I went to the website. After reading just the home page, I knew that we would move to Austin. Without really researching it further, I called Karina downstairs to break the news to her.

And that was that. We made preparations and came to Austin.

After eight months, it's pretty clear that I won't be attending Acton MBA. At first, money was the issue. Now, I just don't think it's necessary for many reasons.

I did, however, find Wizard Academy and Roy Williams, which has been a pleasant surprise. But I wouldn't say that it's the reason why we were directed here.

I still don't have what I would call the definitive answer for that.

Here's what I do know: Our family has never been happier, stronger, and more full of faith. We've bonded with beautiful people. We've been blessed with opportunities to serve. We love our house and our ward.

We love sitting on our porch swing and watching our kids jump on the trampoline in 80 degree weather in February. We're excited to grow a garden this year for the first time in our marriage.

Our kids get to see homeless people and associate with kids and families of widely-varying faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Of course, they could have equally-valuable experiences elsewhere. And we do miss family.

But all things considered, we know it's right for us to be here. We just don't know why.

But does it matter?

Avery's Sleeping Habits

Avery has had a very consistent sleeping pattern for the whole 16+ months she's been alive. She's never slept longer than 2 hours at a time, and she sleeps with me because she wants to nurse all night long...and because I let her.

Avery has slept countless hours in my arms. Most people will know me as "the woman with the pink, big-flower nursing blanket around her neck."

No bottles, no binkies, not even a special blanky. I'm it!

We've grown accustomed to each other. It's not one-sided; we're both addicted to each other. Steve and I are fully aware of the monster we've created -- the squishy, joyous, huggy, loveable monster we've created.

It's been exhausting at times, meaning I've been sleep-deprived for 2 years (I'm totally counting pregnancy 'cause it's awful). But it's also been so totally bonding and special and sweet and natural.

I wasn't ready until now. She obviously hasn't been ready either. But it's time.

It started out like a typical evening. She nursed at 7:30 and fell asleep in my arms. I laid her down in her crib. She slept a whole two hours...awesome! But she nursed again at 9:30, then again at 10:30.

By 11:00 she was more than full and I decided to lay her down in her crib again instead of letting her thrash around the bed with Steve and I all night, which doesn't seem to bother Steve but I'm an extremely light sleeper.

And then, something wonderful happened. It was a gift. Or perhaps the start of something new?

She slept...and slept...and slept...for 8.5 hours she slept, through Libby crying out in the night because she was sick she slept, and through the morning light she slept...till a beautiful new day dawned, and didn't wake up until 7:30!

I'm singing "Wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles" right now.

"Scars are Cool"

Alex was super stoked to get this one the other day. See the great big smile?

He fell out of a tree, of course!

And ever since Barry & Trisha Perkins were here to show him just how high he can go and that he can get onto the roof too, he can now escape from Libby (and Mom) when needed.

He picks it to make sure it leaves a nice scar because - don't ya know - "Scars on boys are cool!"

Angelic Avery

Silly Rockstar Libby

Classic Alex

A History Lesson Might Be In Order...

This afternoon Alex asked me, "Dad, when you were a kid did they just have log cabins?

The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make

Who you marry is the most important decision you'll make in this lifetime.

When I was dating Steve, I told my mom, "I just can't imagine anyone more perfect for me."

Steve's not perfect, but he's perfect for me.

How did I get so lucky?

And I am convinced that it truly does have a lot to do with luck. I mean, we both happened to be married once before we met each other; we both happened to go to the same singles ward on the same day in St. George, Utah; he didn't have to completely suck up all pride, forgive me, and write me that unbelieveably romantic letter after he had broken up with me.

I've known people who were inspired to marry someone only to have it end in divorce many years later. I've known people who got married very young and are very happy. I recall the time when I realized that there are a lot of couples who look like they're doing great, but the truth behind closed doors is ugly.

There's also the opposite of that, which is Steve and I. We've had friends feel uncomfortable with our open disagreements, but it works for us to not hold our feelings inside where they stew, or are forgotten, only to come out later more fierce.

I am married to my true love, to my best friend, to my mentor and best adviser. He inspires me daily -- to serve more, to learn more, to be healthier, to work hard, to be devoted to a cause, to communicate better, to be silly, to have faith, to find happiness.

He makes sure I know I'm the reason for his being, that I get more beautiful every day, and that we're a team come what may forever and ever.

He's not posing for this picture.


If I could spend the day with only one person, it would be Steve. If I could go anywhere, it wouldn't make any difference to me unless Steve was there.

It just so happens that I found a man who chooses each day to be unselfish...for me...and for our kids.

If you've met Steve, if you've worked with Steve, if you're familiar with his family or any of his causes or projects, then you know what I mean by unselfish. He lives to make this world better. And I couldn't be prouder.