James Galvin

You should read The Meadow.

It is now one of my favorite books.

Carrot Cake

Blend:

3/4 c. pureed peaches

1/4 c. oil

1 c. white sugar

1 c. brown sugar

3 eggs

Mix in:

3/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon

sprinkle nutmeg

2 tsp. soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp. vanilla

3 c. grated carrots

2 1/2 c. flour

nuts as desired

coconut as desired

crushed pineapple (drained) as desired

Bake in 2 round pans or a 9 x 13 at 350 degrees for about 43 minutes (depending on oven and elevation.)

I made this for Wesley's birthday and, amazingly enough, it was great. We didn't do coconut or crushed pineapple because he's not into that, but you might be!

Nonfiction

"Shall I confess a truth?"

I'm tired of it. I feel self-indulgent, boring, and not very literary. I hate the desire to theorize and defend everything I do and my aim has always been much more than telling stories. So if I never write another essay again, I think I'll be just fine.

I told PM that I haven't "lost confidence" as he suggested but that I don't care anymore. He kind of panicked (am I apostatizing from the sacred genre! Please--no more genre!) and said, "We need to talk." No thanks. That sounds too much like an awkward DTR. Too many people have asked if we're married already--I don't need to define any genre or relationship with him for a long long time.

This is not to say

that I don't like essays

or poetry

or writing

or that I think I've totally wasted the last lifetime

but that there are people and things that are much more important and I'm tired of the emotional roller coaster I am about writing. I can't stop, but I think I can stop caring.

Longhorns! (Do we need passports?)

After almost two months of discussion, tons of research, and even more prayer we've decided to go to University of Texas at Austin starting in the fall. Wes will probably do work in process control or biomass engineering. Last night we went to the temple (together! Bless our neighbor for sitting in our house while Levi slept!) and realized we've been asking a less accurate (wrong?) question. It's not where but what. Our first priority is serving God and building His kingdom. We can do that anywhere. And since we feel that He doesn't have a specific place we need to be for the next five or so years, as long as we remain focused on our covenants and serving, He'll help us become/do what we need to. The next what question is Wesley's research. Since he'll be living that for a while (his entire career) doing something he's passionate about is vital. Texas has more options and more areas he loves (although he's already missing the trees and seasons of the East). We're happy about this choice.

And I don't mind 70 degree Februaries.

Levi Bug

So Grateful

"[...] I am crazier than shirttails

In the wind, when you're near, a wind that blows from

The big blue sea, so shiny so deep and so unlike us;"

--Kenneth Koch, "To You"

Today is Wesley's 24th birthday. I thank his parents! I thank the world! And I thank Heavenly Father for such a wonderful man! (Yes, the exclamation points are merited).

He woke up this morning a little after 3 a.m., a tad after I returned to bed (mid-morning fiesta with Levi), then left about 4 a.m. to drive to the airport for his 6 a.m. flight to Austin, Texas. Happy birthday. Actually, we're all very excited about Texas because we can compare it to Penn State of two weeks ago (a marvelous experience in itself. We could have a cow!). And the Longhorns offered Wesley more money. And because Austin's housing market is lower than Provo. And because it's warm (okay, that's just me). Mostly because they have a lot of projects that Wes thrills over. (We're still waiting to hear from MIT; we don't know anyone who has heard yet and assume we're on a waiting list).

So yes. I've spent the day trying to be busy and not think about the fact that he won't be back tonight. I celebrate his opportunities. Our favorite thing to do is simple, though: be together. (I would not be a good military wife although I realize some relationships thrive on it).

I often think about how my life would be different without Wesley. Then I pray and cry because I am so happy. Sappy. I hate that I can't articulate what matters most (relationships with God and Wes and family). Every morning I wake up and think (even now after almost three years) "WOW! We're married! How can I ask for anything ever again? This is the best!" I am even more grateful when I think of others I might have married, then I wonder how I could have imagined myself with them. I honestly believe that Heavenly Father put Wesley in the same place and the same time so that we would start our life and family together; my gratitude increases daily. Wesley is prioritized, honest, tender, and good. Before anything else I felt spiritually drawn to him. Happily I report that my love continues to increase and usually I feel like I'll burst with joy for living with such a devoted husband and father, such a thoughtful and intelligent man. We thrive on our distinctly different perspectives and experiences. If anything ever happens to Wesley, I will endure (as cheerfully as I can) and rejoice in our eternal life together. Oh, how I adore my Wesley Joseph.

Happy birthday and goodnight.

Lost Time and Sanity: Can't Post

Have a picture. Or two.

As Wes says: "Cassie is currently out of order."