Friends, fun, and changes...

One of the biggest changes that has taken place in our lives was the splitting of the Killeen Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We have been members of the stake most of the past 35 years.  When we moved from Killeen to Temple, we were still able to stay in touch with friends at stake activities.

Now that we are in the Waco Texas stake, we don't see old friends as often.  However, we have made some wonderful new friends right here in Temple.

Recently, we attended the annual High Priest Social at the McKinley farm near Academy Little River.  

Historically, the social has been attended by between 100 - 200 people.  Because of the split, the attendance is much more intimate and enjoyable.  Below are a few pictures I took Friday night.

Marilyn and Rick Stoner are also transplants to Texas, but didn't come here because of the military. They are originally from Pennsylvania, but moved down here to be closer to their grandchildren.  Their daughter met a local boy through an online dating service.  They met, married, and now have 2 little boys.  I think we were as lucky as their daughter because we met some wonderful friends.

Other friends from church include Elizabeth and Richard Grindstaff (on the right) and our wonderful Bishop Jim Prescott.  His sweet wife, Shanna somehow managed to lean back just as I snapped this picture.

In addition to the Prescotts, we simply adore Tim and Vicki New.  Tim and Vicki live on a little piece of heaven near Rogers.  I have the great pleasure of being Vicki's visiting teacher and Tim is one of our home teachers.  We think getting together for dinner might be the best way to get our 

monthly visits taken care of ;-)

 But, back to changes: you see that big smile on my Sugarbear's face?  That is not only because of the wonderful food and companionship we enjoyed at the social, but because he was recently released as the High Priest Group leader.  Which leads me to the third big change:  Leslie was recently called as our ward Relief Society President.

Today was her first day and it happened to coincide with the week that is traditionally reserved for the Presidency Message.  Her lesson was touching, heartfelt, hopeful, and filled with laughter and tears.  I think she will serve our ward graciously and compassionately.

And continuing with the theme of changes; I am coming to the end of another school year.  At times it is hard to believe that I have been teaching for almost 15 years.  But, as I looked at this picture below, I was reminded of that by how plainly the fatigue shows on my face.  I am looking forward to the summer and the time it affords me to rest, focus on the things that are important, and find new enthusiasm to begin a new year.