Turning 30 by Lucas Anderson

Turning 30—what have I accomplished? Not what I had thought…

I haven't found a cure for a widespread disease...

But with a kiss and a band-aid I can fix the most common ailments.

I haven't been awarded with any major titles nor set any world sporting records...

But I have been given the best title of "Daddy" and, according to some, I am the best at: piggy-back rides, pulling a sled and pushing a swing.

I haven't taught great, life-changing lectures at prestigious universities...

But I have taught a child how to pray which has changed my life forever.

I don't drive an exotic car nor rub elbows with famous people...

But I do drive around in a minivan with the most important people in the world.

I haven't gotten a standing ovation for an outstanding performance...

But, even on the worst of days, I have come home to the warmest of welcomes filled with excited cheers and sincere joy.

I've never engineered sky-scrapers nor sculpted works of art...

But I have manufactured some of the best blanket forts, snowmen, and sand castles ever.

I've never performed a mystifying allusion or dazzling magic trick...

But, amazingly, I have turned a frown to a smile and a cry to a laugh with just the simplest of gestures.

I've never climbed a treacherous mountain peak nor rescued someone from imminent physical danger...

But I have climbed out of bed at the latest of nights and the earliest of mornings to rescue a child from a scary dream.

I haven't been to see the wondrous art in Paris being displayed in the Louvre...

But I own some of the most beautiful and creative pictures ever crafted by crayon and are currently being proudly displayed on my refrigerator.

I've never gone to hear the legendary sounds of Pavarotti nor the London Philharmonic, nor even composed any symphonies...

But I have heard Primary songs sung by what sounds like angels and can create the most beautiful of sounds just by tickling some feet.

I haven't won the lottery nor accumulated massive amount s of wealth...

But I have won the respect, admiration, and love of my children, which makes me the wealthiest person in the world.

I don't converse with presidents, kings, or powerful people...

But every day I speak directly with the King of Kings and omnipotent deity and they know me personally.

I didn't see the water turned to wine, the 5000 fed, the sea parted, the lame made to walk, the dead risen, the lepers healed, nor the blind cured of their sight...

But I've had prayers answered, the Spirit testify, burdens lifted, sins forgiven, and spiritual wounds healed. And every day I get to see the miracle that is life.

I never would have thought that by the age of 30 I would have accomplished so much.

Las Vegas Trip

This spring, Amie and I went to Las Vegas with some friends of ours. When we weren't out partying, drinking, and gambling we managed to see the Blue Man Group and the Variety Show. We were also able to go on all the crazy rides atop the Stratosphere. Lots of fun.

First Day of School

My girls were much more ready to start school than I was. We were fortunate enough to get them into the brand new Montessori school just up the road from us. So far they love it, but I'm not quite sure what they are really learning. I think it was started by a bunch of hippie liberals. Time will tell.

I am shocked that we are old enough to have kids in school. We seem so much younger than all the other parents who drop their kids off. I guess we run with a different crowd now.

Trip to the Zoo

We figured out that the best time to go to the zoo is first thing in the morning. No one is there and the animals are very active.

Getting Bigger

Here are some pictures of the kids.

Youth Spectacular

This summer, the youth of our stake were invited to participate in an event held at Weber State University; the largest Church gathering in North America this year and the largest event ever held on campus. It was a musical program with singing and choreography (naturally I was involved) that had more than 3,000 youth. We practiced the entire summer, but it was all worth it in the end. The kids did a great job during their two night performance in front of the First Presidency and 40,000 spectators.
The following video is of the finale practice. Watch for clips of the event in-between General Conference sessions this fall.

Retirement Party

My parents are now officially retired as of the beginning of the year. These pictures are from the party held at the Snake River Library.

I am so grateful for your years of selfless work. You are tremendous examples to me. Congrats to Mom and Dad. You deserve all the good things that happen to you.