August 1959 was a very good month and year!!!

We had a very busy month but had a lot of great Celebrations!!

Melissa took these great photos of our recent celebrations.
I was to busy with other things to even think about taking pictures!

First my parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

We had an "Ultimate Soda Shoppe" open house for them. They love the 50's so we served ice cream sundaes and Root Beer floats. Mick was a great "Soda Jerk" and provided humor for the guests. We had great 50's music playing that my brother, David, prepared for the party. Mike and Ike's, hula hoops, 50's cars and gas pumps helped complete the party. Melissa put together a great music video on my parents life and we had that showing at the "Movie Theatre". My dad has a garage with old car's and 50's memorabilia. Every one had fun walking through "Route 66". Jennifer did a great job on the cake and it was delicious. My sister's, Debra and Amy, also helped in so many ways to make this day special for my parents.
I have been so blessed with good parents. They have set such a good example to me and my family of love, kindness, and service, ect. It was a fun day celebrating with them and their guests.

Mick's 50th Birthday Celebration!!!


A couple of days after my parents party we celebrated Mick and Kaylie's birthdays.

Mick reached the milestone of the big 5- 0 and Kaylie is 17.
We had a Mexican fiesta with family for dinner. Thanks to everyone for helping with the dinner! Especially Rachelle for saving the rice! We then had friends come to help us celebrate Mick's birthday and also honor him for receiving his PhD. from the University of Nebraska. We had the graduation march playing as he walked up and down among the group. Mom and Dad Smith then presented him with his Degree. It was a nice evening spent with family and friends. Melissa made a fun video for Mick with some great music, pictures and stories from family and friends. Jennifer was the cake queen of this past weekend. She made both Kaylie and Mick's cakes. They looked and tasted awesome. We were so happy that almost all of our children were able to be there. Carly was able to come for my parents 50th but had to miss Mick and Kaylie's party because of classes and distance. We missed Brianna at both events but are so happy with her missionary service in Texas.

I am so thankful for a wonderful husband. I have been so very blessed to have him in my life.
50 is not seeming very old. Mick just gets better with age! I hope to be celebrating many more birthday's with him.

Pioneer Trek

The last week of July we went on trek with our Stake.
Mick and I were a Ma and Pa.
We had 7 children in our family.
They were a great group of kids and had good attitudes.
We walked over 25 miles in 3 days.
We had a great experience at Martin's Cove.
It wasn't easy but we learned many
lessons while we were there.

My handsome pioneer with Martin's Cove in the background.

Our trek family.

Preparing for our daily walk.

Here are a few "pictures" that have been impressed
into my mind during this experience.

~Loading the buses for the 6 hour ride to Wyoming.
We were fresh and clean, excited but a little apprehensive.

~Coming into our camp after walking 3 miles.
The wind was blowing like crazy.
It took everyone in our family to set up out tents.
It was a struggle but with a group effort we did it.

~Oscar the Dog
Good watch dog that follows our trek group.
Protects us from the Coyotes at night.

~Walking into Martin's Cove.
Wondering how the pioneers did this in the cold and snow.
Sacred spot. So many died here.

~Crossing the Sweetwater.
Cool and refreshing for us.
Cold and Bitter for the pioneers in October.

~Women's pull.
The men left us for the Mormon Battalion.
Talk to the young women- We can do hard things.
Looking to the hill.
It is steep and sandy.
The men and young men silent, watching us
pull our handcarts.
Watching the women ahead of us.
They are strong and make it to the top.
Other young women come back down
to help them.
"As Sister's in Zion we'll all work together".
Our families turn to pull our wagon up the hill.
It is so hard. Harder than I could have imagined.
I'm praying for strength and pushing the wagon
from behind.
I pass Mick and he gives me a thumbs up for encouragement.
It was so hard...but we made it to the top.
I can do hard things!

~The Storm
We made it to camp and had a wonderful dinner.
The sunset is beautiful.
We can see rain in the distance.
We gathered our family in our tent.
We get settled and begin a discussion.
The wind, lightening, thunder and rain come.
It is very scary.
We feel so unprotected.
But we are together and are silently praying.
Our tent rips and pole breaks.
Now we are getting wet.
How could the pioneers have endured such weather?
After the storm we discover our other tent was ruined.
We all fit into a dry tent.
We talk of our experience.
Letters are shared from home.
The youth in our family are so happy to receive
their letters and some shed tears.
It was a tender moment.

~Final Trek
We are a little weary.
Sore feet and blisters.
It is amazing what duct tape can do.
Walking a fast pace.
Can't keep up!
Put into the wagon for a couple of miles.
Disappointed that I didn't walk all the way.
I am so thankful for my trek family and
group captain.
They pulled me along!

~Last 1/2 mile.
I walked the last 1/2 mile of our trek.
I was very sore and tired.
I felt a sweet feeling of peace as I finished.
I shed a few tears that my journey was done.

I am Grateful for the experience.
I am glad that I didn't have to do more.
I am thankful for the sacrifices of the early pioneers.