Happy Anniversary!!

Today is the 19th anniversary my wedding with Kristin. At this particular anniversary, she is in Idaho Falls helping her mother paint some rooms in their home. I think this is the first anniversary we have spent apart. I know that Kristin and I have talked before as the years have past, that we marvel how the time has gone by so quickly. There are times when it seems to have dragged on, but I know for the vast majority of the time, is has been such a pleasure to have Kristin by my side through this adventure we call life.

As I have posted before, I know that I would be an empty shell of a man without her. I know that we are trying our best to do what the Lord wants us to do; whether that is regarding my job or the finances or how we raise and discipline our children. We have always sought for the will of the Lord. I know this has helped stabilize us during the stormy parts and has been a source of strength for me.

Kristin is my partner, not my servant and I have found comfort in that as we go along in this world. I try to support the things she wants to do and put her needs before my own. I think we make a good team!

Kristin, thanks for all the years to date - I hope that we continue to go for at least 19 more in this life. I look forward to all eternity with you!

Changing Wards

Things are changing in Star. Last night we had a redistricting meeting at the Stake Center in preparation for our Stake Conference which occurs in two weeks. We have known for about a month that there are changes in the works - rumors have been wild with reports of a new Ward in Star among other possibilities. We know for sure that there will be a new Stake created at the conference, but other than that, it was all speculation until last night.

Here is some background: We knew that our Ward (Star Second) was the largest in the Stake. We also knew that we had one of the largest Young Women's programs (40 or so girls), one of the largest Young Men's programs (30 or so boys) and the largest Primary (about 164 kids - 70 or so between 0 and 18 months old). My prediction was that Star Second was going to be plundered by the adjaent Wards to help increase their numbers and that we would be lucky to remain in the Star Second Ward when the dust settled.

Kristin tried to nail down the Bishop, but he is apparently exceedingly skilled at evasive techniques when cornered. Needless to say, he didn't give us any useful information one way or the other. I took that to be a bad sign.

My suspicions were confirmed at the redistricting meeting, but the plundering wasn't as severe as I thought it might be. However, our house fell in the area of the map where the boundary was changing, so we are leaving the Star Second Ward for the Beacon Light Ward. The changes are effective on August 8th, so we have one last meeting with the Star Second folks. We will be given an automatic release from all our callings on that day (with a "please make sure you return the meetinghouse keys!"). I think this is the first time that we have moved Wards without moving from our house.

We probably know about 40% of our "new" Ward right now - we all used to be in the same group not too long ago. There have been new move-ins naturally, but there still should be a good number of familiar faces when we start attending at the new time.

I was surprised after the redistricting meeting about the reaction of some of the Star Second folks. I almost thought that we were moving to Europe instead of switching meeting times (we are staying in the same building). Lots of people were nearly crying over the news. I had no idea that my family was so beloved! Well I guess I knew everyone LOVES Kristin and her lessons (I just got used to the fact that I was the husband of the BEST teacher ever). And the kids are naturally wonderful, but I never really gave much thought to the fact that people would miss me. I will admit that I try my best to do whatever my calling happens to be, but I never think that what I am doing is anything special - in my mind I'm just doing what needs to be done.

I am sad to leave my Scouts. I love working with those boys and helping them have a great experience like I had. I put a lot of time into them and hope that much good comes from them. I don't know what the future brings for my new Ward and that is somewhat unsettling. I just know that whatever comes I will have another opportunity to learn and grow and help people with my skills. Kristin and I are speculating on what our new callings will be. I have no idea really, there are too many possibilities. I do know that it won't be Bishop, because they just put a new one in the Beacon Light Ward yesterday.