Our family

A couple of months ago I was asked to write up a little thing about our family to be put in the ward newsletter. I really hate writing these things- want it to sound interesting, but not bragging. I thought I'd share it here since I put so much time into it. :)

We are the Austin family. We have a lot of fun together. We like to do things and go places together. We love to camp and travel. If there is ever an excuse to travel somewhere we will take it, especially road trips, we believe that getting there is most the fun. We like to play games and go to movies. We try to support each other and if someone has a game or performance you can be sure that most of the family will be close by. Whenever Stephanie has a race many of the other racers say how jealous they are of her cheering section.

Doug (aka Dad) - is a wonderful dad, he will take time with the kids. He works as an Electrician and loves to be able to climb up high and in dark tunnels (it probably makes him feel like Batman). He takes a lot of joy in seeing what he has helped build. Doug also has a Chemistry and Spanish degree. He taught for a couple of years but then decided that wasn’t for him. Doug loves to read and will read books multiple times, he is very smart and can remember everything that he reads. Doug enjoys music and likes to sing with the ward choir. Doug grew up in Hyrum but has been fully converted to a Smithfieldian.

Stephanie (aka Mom) - is grateful to be in this wonderful family! She works as a payroll specialist/bookkeeper and does foot zoning. She is able to work out of the home with both of these jobs and is very grateful for that. Her time is mostly taken up with being mom but when she has spare time she likes to read and has been working on trying to be a runner. Stephanie loves to hang with her sisters and Mom and knows that a “girls” weekend makes everything better. Stephanie grew up in Smithfield and is thrilled that she gets to raise her children here.

Kathryn (aka Katie)-12- Is our oldest child, and what a joy of an oldest child! Katie is super responsible and always willing to help cook or clean (well, most the time). She LOVES to babysit and it makes her so happy when she is left in charge. Katie has a beautiful singing voice and loves to share her talent. This is in her last year in Tavaci (a singing/dancing group) and she’s very disappointed about that.  She works hard to get good grades and has been on the honor roll every quarter. Katie enjoys reading, especially adventure or science fiction. She started Young Women this summer and she is having so much fun.

Madalyn (aka Maddie)- 10- Maddie is pink and sparkly, she loves “bling” and being girly. She’s a happy, friendly, loving person. She is always ready for a party! And constantly is surrounded by friends. Maddie never complains or fights back, she just takes whatever the situation is and makes the most of it. She doesn’t want to see anyone’s feelings hurt and tries hard to include everyone in her plans. Maddie sings with Tavaci too but loves the dancing part of it the best.  Maddie is very determined- when she decides she wants something she’ll work hard until she gets it.

Bevan (aka “B”) -5- Bevan is so much fun! He is full of energy and ideas. He has never met a stranger- they are all his friends. He has an amazing imagination and can have fun playing with about anything. Bevan sings with Tavaci and often steals the show because he forgets to stop dancing due to the music he hears in his head. Bevan just started kindergarten and enjoys going, especially with all his friends. He likes learning to read, but we’re pretty sure that recess is his favorite.

Mic (aka “Stinky) – almost 1- We consider Mic our miracle. He was born 5 weeks early, just before Christmas.  The Doctors thought that he would be in the hospital for a few weeks but after Mom had a talk with him (and he was given a couple of blessings) he made a complete turn around and wowed everyone by being able to come home on Christmas Eve. Mic is a very opinionated little guy. He is happy and smiley- mom calls him Guy Smiley, but when he wants something (or doesn’t  want something) he is sure to let us know.  He is learning how to walk. His first word was “doggy” and “banana” was second, yup, those are pretty much the most important things in his life. But he does love his siblings a lot, he’ll cry when they leave to school and get so excited when he sees them walk in the door.