My Kirkie

Has a week allready gone by!!!???? This spotlight has been on my mind because it's about my very best friend. He's the one who knows everything about me and still loves me! It's my adorable husband of ten and a half years, Kirk James Banister. I will save you all the details, but this time of year brings me back to when I met Kirk at Utah State in Logan. He first came into my life when I needed help moving in to my third floor apartment. I knew his roommate and he invited Kirk to come along. I thought he was cute and very quiet, but too young for me so I didn't turn on my "flirt mode" yet. I later learned he was 3 1/2 years older than me! Our first official date was on October 19, 1995. We went to the movie "The Net" and then out to ice-cream. I really liked him. We went out the next day and saw each other a lot after that. We were together all the time. On December 19, 1995 he proposed to me and I said "YES!!!!!" We were married on April 4, 1996 in the Logan, Utah temple. We decided to move to Boise because jobs were scarce in Logan and Kirk didn't want to continue his schooling there. He made a huge sacrifice to live here in "the Desert" as he calls it. He grew up in a little Michigan town and had lots of green land, forests and ponds around his home. He misses it. It will always be home to him and a dream to return. I always tease him about being an "old man" He likes old things! He listens to the old classic country station, loves old trucks and tractors and he would choose to wear overalls over anything else. He likes the slower pace of life, and hates being in the city (even though I don't consider Boise a big city) He is very thrifty and finds all kinds of things to use again. I tell him if I am throwing away something, because it might be his next project! He likes to work with his hands and has an impressive collection of tools that will be used someday. Just kidding, he uses them. He is a great Dad. It's got to be hard to have four little shadows, asking you questions, getting into your garage, begging for rides in the truck and always asking if they can help. Kirk brings home old electronics for them to take apart with their screwdrivers and wire cutters and they love it! It has been fun to see him grow into his role as Father and head of our home. He is so supportive of me staying home with the boys and has never never pressured me to do any thing other than raise them. He works so hard for us. As long as we've been married he's had either two jobs or works at least 20 hours of overtime a week so we can get by. And he is a hard worker, he gets the job done right and is so dependable. Kirk has taught me a lot about service. He notices little things people say, or things they may need and he'll find a way to get them whatever it is. (All of our friends have grills now!) He never judges anyone, just helps them when they need help. He'll lend money knowing he won't get paid back, or give someone a ride, or take someone food from our freezer and storage. His heart is so big, I wish our budget was as big! He also has a strong faith in Christ and a testimony of the gospel. He is so faithful to me and the boys. He honors his priesthood and fills his church callings because he wants to not because he has to. He always goes the second mile. I have never had to worry a single day about Kirk's faithfulness. He is devoted to us and so strong and steadfast. I am so glad to have him in my life. I am still so in love with him and drive him crazy sometimes with my hugs and kisses! I just love him and his smile and his strong hands that make me feel safe and loved. I think I could go on and on, but I hope you get the picture of what an amazing man I married. Here's to eternity Kirk!
Love Beth