Just What I Ordered

You can't choose your kids. That's scary enough. What's even more scary, however, is trusting your kids to choose their mates. I've seen some "interesting" characters come through my front door - but, none more interesting than some invited by Kelly. There were some close calls, all thwarted I believe by the desperate pleas from Mark and me for divine intervention.

Kelly has always walked a somewhat convoluted path to get where she needs to be, so I shouldn't have been surprised when I saw her logging on to LDSplanet.com. But, I was. That is sooooooo not Kelly. Anyway, it only took a couple responses before Dave found her. They emailed, they talked, then they met. Kelly was pretty smitten - as was Dave. The entire courtship was about 6 months. They were married on July 22, 2006.

My first impression of Dave was.....we're going to eat him alive! He appeared painfully shy which did not compute in our family. What would we do with him? What would KELLY do with him? Would he ever be assertive enough to survive our crazy brood?

Those were all legitimate concerns, but proved to be irrelevant when I saw how much he loved my daughter. It's hard not to love someone who loves your daughter so completely. We later discovered that this union was meant to be. They both attended Utah State and one day while walking through the PE building, he saw Kelly's picture on a softball poster. The friend he was with knew Kelly and Dave asked if he would introduce them. They didn't meet then...but I guess it was destiny. Dave also has a certain "image" on his body that says Warnermaniacs.(I hope your Mom isn't reading this, Dave!) Sounds like a match to me!

Dave is one of the most patient people I've ever known. Any little thing that Kelly or I try to do that requires finesse and patience is usually, rather quickly, turned over to Dave. He fixes plumbing problems, electrical problems, and untangling. He also loves to do yardwork and, conveniently enough, I love to see him do it. He does the dishes better than anyone....well, he does finish the Sunday dishes on Monday...but everything is spotless when he's finished. He works hard and never complains.

So, all those things are good, but his real character came through when he survived Kelly's pregnancy. It was hard on Kelly, but it was brutal for Dave. He had never seen her without medication. It was the lamb and lion thing. Not many men could have maintained such devotion in the face of such stress. He didn't know what hit him, but he stayed strong and provided constant support during Kelly's most difficult time. That makes him a saint in my book.




I'm not sure I've ever seen such a devoted father as Dave. I marvel at his patience with Bailey. I've seen him sit forever on the stairs with her so she can walk up and down...up and down...and up and down. Often I see him on the floor in her room playing blocks or reading that favorite book again and again and again. He takes her for long walks, he bathes her, he changes as many diapers as Kelly, and he puts her to bed. He even joined her in "swimming" lessons. Bailey adores him.

In many respects the past few years have been difficult for Dave. Right after he and Kelly were married he finished his Master's Degree in Forensic Science. Seemed like a good idea. Then the recession hit and jobs have been very scarce. I can't even count the number of jobs he has pursued. He never lets up, but it has been hard.
We have assured him that he will get the right job when the time is right. Kelly has been very supportive, but still it's discouraging. We have prayed and fasted for him and we're absolutely sure that the tables will turn soon. He deserves to have that blessing in his life and it will come. Through it all, he has held his head up and continued to do what has to be done. I have genuine respect for his tenacity and complete trust in his ability to take care of his family.




So, I guess I got just what I ordered for Kelly. We love Dave. He still doesn't talk much, but that gives us more time to talk...and we don't mind that. He's good and honest (and handsome) and he has been a wonderful husband to Kelly and a truly amazing father to Bailey. He is devoted to the church and gladly fulfills his callings. He is neat, clean, dresses nice....and hold on.....he cooks! And cleans. And laughs at my jokes. And has a great body (see above).

What more could I ask for?