From Lisa Paxton (Katie's sister)Katie and Derek are the happiest couple I may have ever met. They have fun together, attend church together, and often even workout together. They have a zest for life that is palpable and contagious and have learned to find happiness in even the smallest details of life.
More than all that, however, Katie and Derek have always wanted children. They often watch their nieces and nephew, even for extended times, a week or more, and always manage to have a good time. Now having finished school, having settled in good jobs as a physical therapist and recreational therapist and having bought a home, they are ready for what may be the only step forward they have, adoption. And they are ecstatic to take that step.
From Bob Paxton (Katie's Dad)
Katie and Derek have each completed their formal education: Katie with a B.S in Recreation Therapy from BYU, and Derek with a B.S. in Exercise Science from BYU and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University. Katie works for the University of Utah UNI Behavioral Health Network as a Recreation Therapist and Derek with IHC as a Physical Therapist full-time with medical/retirement packages.
Katie and Derek possess great qualities that will help them in the rearing of children. They are honest, kind, loving, actively religious, and tolerant of other people's viewpoints. They formed an instant attraction when discovering (while in college) that they were both river guides on the Colorado River during the summers. They enjoy many other outdoor activities, as well as music, art, and dance. Additionally, Derek is fluent in Spanish.
Katie and Derek spend considerable time, and have gained much experience, watching their nieces and nephew - even for extended periods. I feel they are totally ready to become parents, and as Katie's father, hope you can assist them fulfill their ultimate dream.
From David Storrs (Derek's Dad)
As an Eagle Scout, leader, and honor student, as well as service-focused, and dedicated friend, business associate, brother, and son, Derek Storrs consistently demonstrates the critical attributes, dedication, and moral clarity worthy of the title, "Father."
Katie is of the strongest moral and matriarchal fiber. She comes from a background of nurturing and personal responsibility. She has constantly been focused on (and demonstrated) excellence in her personal life and is the consummate wife, sister, and daughter. In her job working with special needs children and adults of all ages I have seen an extraordinary compassion forged in her life of love and service to others facing difficulty in their lives.
I highly recommend this fine couple as the parents to a deserving child. They make up the very best of what a family will have to offer.
From Beth Parker (Katie's sister)
people around them is contagious.
Katie is the sister everyone wishes for. She is constant, kind, loyal, and giving of her time and
her many talents. Her creativity inspires others and is a blessing to all those who come into
contact with her. She is organized and reliable.
She acts without being asked, which is a rare quality indeed. Last summer I was quite sick, and Katie came to my house every day for more than a week to play with my children, take them to the park, cook, and clean while I was in bed. I could not have gotten through that difficult time without her.
Derek is the happiest person I know. A smile always graces his face and he is thoughtful and kind. He is so full of light that it is impossible to be upset around Derek. Derek is just plain fun. The other day I was looking through my daughter's pencil drawer and found a hand written not that said, "Derek was here," so my daughter would find it later. Imagine her joy when she saw it! Derek through small, kind act, which individually may seem insignificant, has a profound impact on my family. Whenever we get together without extended family, the first question out of my kind's mouths is, "Where is Uncle Derek?" Katie and Derek are both so full of energy and love, that is constantly flows outward to everyone lucky enough to know them.
Derek is a physical therapist for Intermountain Healthcare at one of the most reputable clinics in Salt Lake City. Katie is a recreational therapist at the University of Utah, which is the premier teaching hospital in Utah. They are both so fabulous, dependable, and valuable to their employers, that both employers expedited the process to hire both of them.
Katie and Derek are both faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They both work with the youth in the Young Men and Young Women's programs of the Church, and the youth love and are inspired by them. They actively fulfill their callings, and their faith and religion fill their home and everyday lives. In addition, they both are dedicated to service and helping lift others and bring happiness to others around them. Katie and Derek also love the outdoors and have a great respect for nature, which has been a blessing in my life and my children's lives as we go on many outdoor adventures with Katie and Derek.
Katie and Derek are hands-down my children's favorite aunt and uncle. A special light sparks in my children's eyes what Katie and Derek come over. They watched my three children for a week while my husband and I went to Italy last year, and when we returned, my children wanted even more time with Katie and Derek. A few months ago, they watched my children overnight and when my husband and I returned we were amazed by all that they had done. In the space of 24 hours, they had helped my children practice their instruments, done art projects, created a large paper mache project for my daughter's Valentine's box, and taken them rock climbing. Needless to say, my children wanted Katie and Derek to stay longer.
I cannot think of two better people to be parents. Katie and Derek have the perfect balance of living a life full of fun and adventure, while maintaining a structure, consistency, and deep spirituality that will bless the lives of any child who is luck enough to have Katie and Derek as parents.
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