About Austin

Here, we talk about Austin - which works out well! I happen to really like him.

Just look at that cheeser! I love when real, genuine smiles are caught on camera.
Photo Credit: Mattie Graham Photography

I'll start out by telling you that Austin is one of the most patient, understanding, kindhearted people I've ever known. You've heard it said that so and so has a "heart of gold," right? That always makes me think of my sweet husband. He is a hard worker - that's for sure. He works well with his hands and honestly has so much determination. I love hearing Austin tell me about his passions. You can hear it in his voice and see it in his eyes. Life with Austin really is so much fun.

Austin has always been more reserved. His parents and siblings joke that, because he always had his two older brothers, he never needed to say anything. They did all the talking for him. Fortunately, he eventually did learn to talk. I'll be the first to tell you that Austin is a knowledgable, opinionated, well-informed person. He loves laughing and being around people. He is a quieter person, in general, but when he's in his comfort zone, he'll always open up.

(from left to right) Gardner (2nd oldest) , Jerry (Austin's dad), Max (oldest), Sherrie (Austin's mom), Austin

Austin at 3 years old (left) and 26 years old (right)

Austin has always been a loyal dependable friend. He keeps in close touch with friends from all different phases of life. In fact, his group of friends from high school refer to themselves as "VH7." As a group of seven boys who all lived in an area of town called "Valley Hills," they (almost jokingly) started the nickname for the group. Since then, it's actually stuck.

In high school, Austin with some VH7 friends
(from left to right) Jake, Sam, Austin, Carson, Greg

After his first year of college, Austin spent two years serving an LDS mission in West Africa. He spent about 6 months in Sierra Leone, moved to Liberia for about a year, then spent another 6 months back in Sierra Leone. He learned to speak Krio (a form of Pidgin English) fluently, despite arriving in Sierra Leone only speaking American English.

During his time there, he really learned to love the people (& the food) in a way he never thought he could. It's been over five years since Austin moved back to the States. Although distance makes it hard to actually see those friends, he still keeps in contact with them and plans to visit again. Every so often, I'll have him talk to me in Krio, just to see how much he still remembers.

While Austin and I were dating, (about a year after he'd moved back from Africa), he took a job as a surveyor on a major pipeline. Because he was working with a couple other guys from the area, he would commute home with them each weekend. He would work throughout the week, drive almost five hours home each Saturday morning, then turn around to drive all the way back to the pipeline each Sunday night.

At this point, we'd been dating for a while and had even talked about marriage. Although it was a tough few months for both of us, we had some really good conversations. I'd say the majority of our early relationship was built over the phone. I'm so grateful he gave up (what could have been) relaxing weekends to spend time with me instead. It was nice to see him at least once during the week.

Our first demolition derby together in July of 2010

While visiting my grandparents in September of 2010

On our way to a masquerade party in October of 2010

Something I love about Austin is that, even though he has responsibilities, commitments, and the usual time constraints, he hasn't forgotten how to let loose. Like I mentioned, Austin is a really dependable person. He would do anything to support and protect his family. Not a day goes by that Austin doesn't make me laugh or share a new idea with me. He loves adventures. He's spontaneous. Whether it's a day trip, camping, a project, or getting milkshakes and a movie rental, he's always looking for ways to de-stress and have a good time.

When Austin and I started seriously talking about starting a family, I began to see a whole new side to him. His heart is so big. I love the idea of Austin being a father and I know that day will come. The man I married has grown and changed into the incredible husband I have now. I've always loved Austin. A few years ago, I didn't know what a real relationship was and I can only imagine how I'll feel about our marriage in years to come.

I'm so blessed to have Austin in my life. I love that we are growing together. As a team, we've made our fair share of mistakes, but we've also had some real accomplishments. I feel so much comfort having Austin by my side through it all. I trust him more than anyone else in the world and look up to him as an example of how I can become better. When I think about Austin becoming a father, I'm not so much thinking of him "throwing the baseball in the yard" as much as him teaching our future children what's most important.

I'm convinced Austin is meant to be a father. He is so patient, kind, and understanding. He is such a hard worker, a great leader, and has so much love to give. It's my dream that Austin and I raise a family together. I feel so lucky. I don't know how I convinced Austin to marry me. I just love him to pieces. I have no idea what's ahead of us.. but, I have no fear. I'm so excited for us to grow and face the years to come head-on. I feel prepared. I know that, together, we can do anything.

Written by Austin's biggest fan, Molly.