In the end

Just over a year ago, Steve was called to serve in a BYU singles student ward Bishopric. At the time I sort of thought is was the end of the world and I cried a lot. I couldn't see how Steve being in law school, being an editor of a law journal, a father, working, in a bishopric and me having a new baby would all come together. Many of you will remember THIS post. Well, just yesterday Steve was released. Let me just say it was a very emotional day for us. I cried a lot too, just because I was so sad to leave them. I guess things have really changed in a year.

So many wonderful blessings were poured out upon us during the past year, that I don't know where to begin. I can't put my finger on specific blessings, but I could feel them in every aspect of my life. Steve's service seemed a small sacrifice compared to the abundance of blessings we know we received. Those students are amazing. Their love for the gospel, each other and our family was often overwhelming. They love to serve and still have a blast doing it. My testimony was strengthened just from being with them. We also got to attend some seriously awesome activities too. Here are just a few of the things I'm going to miss:

• A 75 foot long slip-n-slide down a huge hill

• Grass volleyball tournaments

• Our door being "attacked" with kind notes

• Being judges for their dessert Iron Chef challenge (the secret ingredient was Peanut Butter Captain Crunch cereal!)

• Attending wedding receptions of students who met in the ward

• The endless supply of babysitters

• Our children being treated like rock stars

• Staying after Relief Society to answer the girl's questions about what it is like to be a mom

• Asking Steve who he could see flirting with each other from the stand

• Teaching Temple Prep to such eager good people

But most of all, I'll just miss my association with such wonderful, faithful people. All of it was a privilege. I feel blessed beyond measure that I was able to be in a small chapter of their lives. In the end, I will always look back on this past year with thankfulness. I guess I'm also thankful that I will now have Steve's help getting the kids ready for church and during Sacrament meeting. That part will be nice!