Senior Fun

Last weekend Dan and I had the opportunity to take John and 7 of his friends to Lake Powell.  We wanted to do something memorable with John as he is graduating from high school in a couple of weeks.  This trip was a pleasure.  The company was wonderful, scenery spectacular, and the rest was needed.  I was especially pleased because the kids were nice, helpful, funny and good.  There was no drama.  Everyone was friendly and kind to everyone else.

Our group on the Angelene

Lots and lots of water fun

Jumping off the roof of the houseboat

Heading into a slot canyon

We only dared enter this place on a day without rain

We could all chose the height we wanted to jump

We built a big fire

Me and my man in our raw beauty (uugh)

Defiance House indian ruins

I like this pic because you can see the group on the boat as well as John and Bretton climbing down the rock wall

Our last morning, the kids still sleeping as we head back to Bullfrog.

We talked about taking this group to Powell again in a few years when the boys are back from their missions but realized it probably won't happen.  By then some may be married or going to different schools.  Things will never be the same.  This was a fun way to celebrate years in high school.  From here on out things are going to be a lot different for these kids.

Another Graduation

After Mark, our oldest, graduated from high school in 1998 Dan and I each took a deep breath and braced ourselves for what was to come.  We were about to begin helping our 1st of 6 children get a college education.  We also planned on supporting 4 boys on missions.  How would we do it?

Now, it's 2012.  With Tom's graduation today, 4 of the 6 have graduated.  Karen has only one year left.  Four have completed missions including a daughter.  John begins college in the fall and also plans to serve a mission but I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thomas and Megan.  Megan had to talk Tom in to walking today.  We're so glad she did.

It's been a pleasure helping Tom with college.  He's a good student and a wonderful man.

Megan's good family came up from Springville for the event.

My parents never tire of graduations.  They support as many as they can.

Battered Husband

Dan and I went on a snow shoe adventure up Cottonwood Canyon in Logan Canyon.  See all the snow on the trees?

Dan was very good at hitting the branches just as I went under them to give me a  nice snow shower.

One time I saw my chance to get back at him.  He went under a pine tree covered with snow.  I put up my ski pole to give the tree a nice whack.  I swung as hard as I could.  I MISSED THE TREE!  My ski pole hit the back of Dan's head straight on with all the power my arms could muster:-(  

I am such a loser.  

I love my husband.

He fell to his knees.  I'd given him a nice bleeding bump on his head.

He was kind.  He forgave me.  We still had a good time the rest of the trip.

On the way back he was well enough to...

slide down the...

frozen river.

I did not try to batter my husband.  I'm glad he's okay.

Love that man.

Last Homecoming Dance

I've had 6 children go through high school and high school dances.  It's hard to believe, but last night was my last child's last homecoming dance.  For me, it's bitter-sweet.  Be what it may,  I'm going to try to enjoy all these lasts this year.

This picture cracks me up.  Boys together, girls together.  

Hartmans set a beautiful table in their beautiful backyard.

John and his lovely date, Shay.

I'm always grateful when his date chooses a modest dress.
I'm also thankful when her hair is longer than his( hehehe)

The whole group.  

 I'm go excited for my son, John, to enjoy these times.  He'll never have another homecoming dance but he's got many many exciting and wonderful times to look forward to.  This momma is going to try to enjoy them right along with him.

Making Memories

Every family has something or a few things that define them.  They may be close relationships, consistent scripture study and family prayer, regular family home evenings, laughter, hard working, service oriented, scholars, musical, social with lots of friends, athletic, world travelers, hunters, campers, bookworms and on and on.  I think one of the things that defines my family is fun outdoor activities.  (Another is that we are all stinkin' hot but that is another post haha) The one regular, consistent outdoor activity we do is Lake Powell.

Meet the Angelene, our house boat.  We've been a part of this house boat (owning it with 16 other families) since 1995.  Since then we've spent at least one week and sometimes two weeks a year on it.  It's our home away from home.  This is where we've created countless family memories.  We've had tons of fun and a good share of problems while on this boat but the times we've shared and the bonds we've strengthened are priceless.

Below are a few of the memories from this past week on the Angelene.

Sunsets

Water sports

Cliff jumping

Hiking and exploring

There are a lot of other things that I wish defined my family.  There are a lot of things I could have done better as a mom but I am grateful for Lake Powell and the memories it's created with my family.

32 Years

 

Thirty three years ago today I met Dan.  Thirty two years ago today I married Dan.  Best decision I ever made!

I'll never forget the day I met Dan.  I was living with my grandmother in Salt Lake and attending a ward at the U of U.  My grandmother told me I should visit her ward that day because there was a nice "Schmidt boy" who would be reporting his mission.  I was always open to meeting cute boys so I attended my ward but when it was over hurried over to my grandmother's ward.  As I pulled into the parking lot I thought,  "This is silly.  I've already been to church.  The only reason I'm going to this ward is to meet a boy."  I decided not to attend that ward.  I drove home.  As I pulled up and parked the car the thought came to me,  "The Lord helps those who help themselves."  I understood from that thought that if I was ever going to find my one and only I needed to do everything in my power to put myself in situations where I could meet him.  I drove back to the church, walked in late and sat on the back row with my grandmother.

I was impressed with Dan's talk.  He also sang a solo which melted my heart.  I went up after the meeting and met him.  He asked me for a date for that night.  There is a lot more to the story but the important thing is that I met him ( and I feel I was guided to return to that meeting) and we fell in love.  

I've always been grateful to my grandmother for inviting me to attend her meeting to meet that nice "Schmidt boy."  We were actually married on her and grandpa's golden anniversary.

And now, after 32 years, look at our blessings!

Our life hasn't been perfect.  We've had trials and our ups and downs but I've always loved Dan.  He's always loved me.

We've been blessed by our eternal marriage.

Happy Anniversary Danny Boy.