Update from Austin!

Hey everyone! I finally had some time on the computer to write about what's going on in Austin and how life and work is. First off, the family is really great so far! Caleb, who is three, is just adorable! Today he started randomly saying, "Tanks fowa being my fwend" which, honestly, melts my heart! He has a dimpled grin and these big brown eyes. He's definitely a boy who likes to wrestle and play and run, but he is also a snuggle bug through and through. He is one of the easiest kids (along with his sister) to put to bed. I read him a few stories before naps (usually Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Dr. Seuss's ABC book, and Guess Who with Elmo) and then I lay him down and that is that...he rolls over and essentially falls asleep right there. No tears, no fussing, no fight! I am spoiled! But it's the hours that he is awake that make up for the easiness of his going to sleep. He rarely speaks when he isn't whining or raising his voice, he repeats the same phrase about 20 times despite any attempts at consoling or understanding, and, my favorite, he puts his little hand in my face and yells, "Don't say dat to meeee!" And then, if that weren't enough, he sleeps for two solid hours at least giving me a wonderful break in the middle of the day to do whatever work (or rest) I need. Eiliana (pronounced Haley Ana...without the "H") is eight years old, a gold belt in martial arts, and a girl through and through. She reminds me a lot of Tavy with the energy, the way she talks like a baby when she wants something, and the way she hangs all over me whenever we are in the same room. She's pretty fun and good natured, but she is certainly a challenge in that she struggles with staying focused in school and with homework, she lacks the needed work opportunities that I was blessed with growing up, and desperately wants attention and affection from her parents but doesn't have the opportunity to receive it.

The parents though are pretty good so far. The last couple of working days have been somewhat awkward simply because one of them have been home consistently but regardless of that, it's great with them. Monte, the dad, told me that I don't need to ask about using the car when I'm not on duty and he is also pretty laid back with how I manage the kids. He is particular in the end result with them however. He wants me actively involved in Eili's school work and to teach her the importance of her actions now. He is very much about the consequences that come from his kids' action and inaction. Nalie, the mom, is more...demanding when it comes to the kids. She has very high expectations of me and is constantly telling me how to do things and what to do with them. It is to be expected though, so I don't mind it much. I do my best to follow her instructions and still find ways to be myself with Caleb and Eili.

I have a private bedroom and bathroom with a walk-in closet (WOOT WOOT!!!) and a car that I have for my personal use...an amazing silver '08 Audi that drives like a dream and is just pretty! My bedroom is gorgeous! The bedding is so pretty and the walls are a golden yellow with black picture frames and a black bookshelf as the accents. The bed is a queen sized bed and it's actually the same bed as the one Mom and Dad have...with the pine cone looking things on it...I think it's the one in the guest room, if I remember correctly. They have a baby grand piano that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen! They have a home theatre room, complete with awesome surround sound, big screen, and over-head projector. The house is really an amazing thing to see...it's insanely gorgeous and well furnished.

The singles ward is also great so far! I had lots of people come up and introduce themselves to me within the first hour of church and right after Sacrament meeting I was set up with FHE information as well as meeting both counselors in the Bishopric. I am yet again, one of the youngest members in the ward, but I'm used to it. So far it reminds me a lot of the ward I attended in Alexandria except that I'm not as intimidated by this group. Pretty much everyone is very friendly and warm which makes it easy to feel welcome and a part of the ward.

I got to see Juliana Herzog this weekend and I expect to be seeing more of her in my time in Austin. I don't think I'll be getting much time off for Christmas so I'll be heading over to her house for Christmas. Ju says hi to everyone (that she knows, anyway) and Rachel sends her love as well...especially to you, Mom. And for now, I guess that's it. I can't think of anything else to write about...I hope you are all doing well! Love you and miss you all! And when I get pictures of the kids, I'll post them so you can see how cute these two are! :)