Lisa thought she was bringing up the winning ticket for a CD. Little did she know she was about to get very embarrassed. She delivered the tickets, but was not allowed to leave the stage. Just then, Tyler saunters on stage holding his guitar. Lisa was instructed to read her lines from a cue card, which informed her that she was going to be part of the next song! Tyler sang “What Are You Doing Between Now and Forever” while Lisa played the spoons (not that she knew how to play the spoons). Fortunately her skills as a musician came in handy and she was able to keep perfect triple time as Tyler serenaded her. At the end of the song he got down on one knee and the rest is history . . .
Who We Are
We first met as music students at BYU-Idaho. We didn’t start dating until Lisa returned to BYU-Idaho to teach after graduate school. Tyler was completing an internship in audio engineering. We saw each other again at a very romantic place: Wal-Mart! After exchanging digits at the checkout aisle we went on our first date, and were married eight months later in the Idaho Falls temple. We both work at a local university. Tyler is the audio engineer for the music department, and Lisa is a full time faculty member teaching music history and viola. Lisa also has a private music studio where she teaches violin and viola to young children.
Music is an important part of our family, both as an occupation and for fun. We also enjoy hiking and camping in Yellowstone Park, spending time with the family members who live close by, and traveling. Some of our favorite places to visit have been Hawaii, Washington DC, Europe, and Disneyland. We are Disneyland fanatics and always look forward to returning!
Tyler (by Lisa)
Tyler is the second of five children, and comes from a strong Wyoming cowboy family. He grew up working the ranch, taking care of horses, and even milking goats! This upbringing taught him how to work hard and see things through until they are finished. I am always amazed at his ability to focus on a project for as long as he needs. He is a detail-oriented person whose greatest strength is organization. This organization brings peace and security into our home. As hard as he works, he also loves to have fun. He enjoys being silly, and he makes me laugh every day. He has child-like joy when we are making smores in our fire pit or when he is setting up his train set around the Christmas tree. He has a hard time passing up a good piece of homemade bread or a chocolate brownie. Tyler is also one of the most selfless people I know. He loves serving others and will take whatever time is needed. He has spent countless hours shoveling driveways, helping people move, serving the youth in our neighborhood, and helping family members with their computer problems. Tyler is also a spiritual rock in our home. He truly wants to be a good person, and is quick to apologize when he is in error. His knowledge of scripture and gospel principles inspires me every day. He has a gift for teaching youth and for helping them to grow in the gospel. I also love watching Tyler interact with our one niece and six nephews, as well as our friends’ children. He is patient and loving with children, and I know he will be an incredible father. Tyler is an inspiring person who makes me want to be a better person. I am blessed to have him as my best friend and companion.
Lisa (by Tyler)
Lisa is also the second oldest child in her family of five siblings. Her
father is an educator and her mother a homemaker. Her parents instilled
in her a love of learning and a love for family and other people.
Lisa’s students love the learning process because she also loves the
learning process. As an example, Lisa is a certified Ham Radio Operator
because she thought it would be fun to learn how to do it. Teaching is
most enjoyable to Lisa as she interacts with infants, toddlers, and
small children. They love being around her because they feel her love
for them and enjoy the experience of learning and discovery together.
Lisa loves crafts and enjoys decorating our home with Christmas bears,
snowmen, fall leaves, and whatever the season brings. Some of her
hobbies include “Sewing Olympics” with the women-folk in her family, and
crocheting. Some of my favorite crochet items she made were an old-time
aviator hat for my nephew and a Red Riding Hood cape for my niece. Lisa
enjoys being outdoors, reading, music, and family time. Going on day
hikes and getting ice cream on our way home is one of her favorite
activities. She always has a book to read just for fun and is studying
her third language. Practicing her viola for symphony rehearsals and
solo performances, as well as her fiddle with me on guitar brings joy to
her heart. Things I love about Lisa include her homemade bread and
brownies; fun, competitive, and spunky attitude; laughter; singing when
she thinks no one is listening; dedication to her family; and of course I
find her adorably cute.
Thoughts About Adoption
Our path to a family is through adoption. We are excited to be traveling this path, and have seen the joys of adoption in the lives of family and friends. Our families anticipate adding another cousin to fun family gatherings. When a child joins our family Lisa looks forward to being a full-time mom and teaching music lessons at home. We are open to all types of communication and relationships with future birth parents.
Closing
We have enjoyed sharing a little bit about us with you. We look forward to getting to know you!
“Where there is love there is life”. Mahatma Gandhi
