My Family

 

Behind every strong Councilor is a strong support system. My support system involves my church, my family and my friends. I have been happily married since June 28, 2003 to my better half, Krystal. Krystal grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana where her family ran a store specializing in retail mattress sales, long before such stores became common country-wide. They eventually closed the family business due to the passing of her father while she was still in high school. Following graduation, Krystal, her mother and stepfather moved to Tulsa where she pursued an education in medical office work. I met Krystal while she was still working her way through school. We hit it off instantly and dated for two years before finally getting engaged underwater, in the shark tank dome at the Oklahoma Aquarium months before it opened.

In 2003, during our wedding preparations, we decided we wanted a home to call our own . We gave our real estate agent our price range, house size, and geographic location preferences. Coincidentally, the geographic range we gave was very similar to the District 8 boundaries. We found the house we currently reside in and began our lives as newlyweds in our new home in District 8. We soon starting looking at community needs and getting involved. Krystal was working in the mental health field, we volunteered at the Oklahoma Aquarium for a year, then got more involved in civil issues and even a car club for a time.

In December of 2004, we had our first child Natalie Diane, born 6 weeks early due to preeclampsia. Her middle name is the same as my only sibling, Amy Diane, who passed 10 days after birth. Being a preemie, Natalie had a rough start at life, and we spent most of the Christmas season with her in the special care nursery. After a year spent focusing on her development, we decided to have a second child. In September of 2006, Logan Manuel was born. He was twice his sister's birth weight and full term, but even he spent several days in the special care nursery due to an infection.

While raising our children, Krystal has worked part-time, currently at Tulsa Pediatric Urgent Care at 91st & Memorial. She puts a lot of volunteer time in with online support groups for mothers, specifically those who suffered from preeclampsia. In addition, Krystal and two of her friends are starting their own business called "Tulsa Makes Cents" which teaches people how to budget and save money on everyday items like groceries and household products. They teach classes, give hands-on training, and also "pre-shop" every store in the area for the best deals weekly.

Natalie is now four and a half, and Logan will celebrate his third birthday right after the election. They are still just preschoolers but their favorite activity is the same as their parents; helping other people.