Six years ago our lives changed forever! Change is tough sometimes, but change is good. I love change, I love when summer changes to fall and there is a crispness in the air, I love the smells of fall when my neighbors start to burn wood in their wood burning stove. I love the frost on the ground, the first skiff of snow in the mountains. I also love the change from winter to spring, the air smells fresh and clear, my daffodils and crocus peek out from the last bits of snow, and as it warms the tulips burst out with flies, bees, and other insects that have been gone for the winter. I love the birds singing, chirping, and even screeching. I have always loved the change of the seasons!
Our lives have seasons too. Six years ago our family entered a new season, a season of service, sacrifice, joy, growth, fun, tears, and lots of laughter. It was the season of a Bishop. Shane served faithfully and whole-heartedly, and as a family he included us all in many acts of secret service. The past years have brought much growth. Nicole was 13, Megan 11, and Abbie was only 9 when we began and they hated having their daddy gone so much, but they adjusted as we all do with changes. They were able to have special experiences with their Dad as their Bishop. He was able to go to all of their Girls Camps, Youth Conferences, and Pioneer Trek twice. As part of his calling he had alot of interaction with the youth of the ward, and many traditions were started such as Bishopric Breakfast at almost everything (Ward Camp Out, Girls Camp, Camp Helaman, and once a year for the Primary) That was alot of cooking for those men! (Oh yeah and the Oreo Bar!)
During this time the girls and I bonded in a way that I don't know we would have otherwise. There were long Sundays without Shane, many weeknights with only us girls, and some unique feelings that come with being in the Bishop's family. It can be hard when people are afraid of socializing with you, or expect something from you because of the calling your Dad/Husband has, and it can be lonely sometimes. So we grew closer, and as sisters they grew closer, and sadly sometimes Shane felt left out!
Change is a constant in life, the girls are now 19, 17, & 15. Nicole is in her second year of college. Megan is a Senior, and Abbie a Sophmore in High School. We have lost six family members in the past 3 years, we have seen family members baptized, recieve temple endowments, and be sealed for time and eternity in the House of the Lord. We have made time for some great family vacations, Yellowstone, Disneyworld, New York, Nauvoo, San Francisco, Disneyland, & St. George and have made great memories.
Has it been hard to have my husband gone so much? Well, yeah, sometimes...but I would never change the experience for anything!! We have been so blessed through it all. We have been sustained through our trials, we have enjoyed good health, we have grown closer. Our testimonies have grown so very much. It has been quite a ride....and now that ride is over. While we will miss the blessings, we feel grateful for the opportunity to serve....and we are all walking around with big smiles on our faces!!
Shane / Daddy is HOME!!
