Our Family - November 2006

Our Family - November 2006
Standing: Nate, Lisa, Bill, Kadin, Ben & Alexis. Seated: Jillian, Morgan, Asher, Hailey (holding Mandy), Joel, Whitney, Ashley (holding Samwise). Notice Joel's 8-year-old picture on the wall behind Bill. He's a member of our forever family and never far from our thoughts.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Is school starting already?


Much to the disgust of Hailey, I had to take the obligatory first-day-of-school picture. I think she thinks she's a little beyond that -- hey, this isn't grade school anymore, remember? She is now a senior and Alexis is a freshman. Hard to believe but nonetheless true! It seems school starts earlier every year. So it's back to the grind of early mornings (seminary starts tomorrow!), homework and having to be organized again. I guess that's a good thing though.

The end of a season...

I know I've been a pathetic blogger the last ten months -- in fact, I can't even call myself a blogger since it's been so long since I've posted. However, I can't keep procrastinating because of how long it will take me to "catch up" on what's happened over the last year, so I will begin with yesterday...

Yesterday, August 17th, Bill was released as our ward's bishop after serving almost exactly five years. It's a little sad and exciting at the same time. I know it will be an adjustment -- for all of us! -- but we're ready to have dad home again. We feel truly blessed as a family over these past five years and have grown immensely from the experience. Obviously, Bill has grown the most, but much has also flowed over to the entire family. Hats off to my wonderful, patient, understanding and spiritual husband for doing such a fine job. There were many tear-filled eyes and heart-felt thank yous to him, which I thought was a nice perk, though not expected. I may be prejudice, but I think he did a wonderful job as our bishop.

Having said that, I am thrilled with our new bishop, our dear friend Doug Hansen. He is one of the most spiritual men I know. He and Bill are so similar (and very good friends). They are like peas in a pod, and the transition will be seamless. He has great counselors too, Gregg Lloyd and Roy Sorenson, and I'm sure the ward will see much growth under their leadership too.

Here is a picture of Bill and his counselors right after the new bishopric was set apart. L to R is John Larsen, 2nd. Counselor, Bill and Richard Jackson, 1st Counselor.