Our Graduate

Jon was once going to school for finance and wasn't enjoying it. He later decided to go to helicopter school. Two weeks after starting helicopter training, the school went bankrupt, which the timing and happening of turned out to be a blessing.

Jon pretending to fly his helicopter just after receiving his new helicopter gear.

He then switched gears and began working towards a major in geography. And boy! It was the perfect thing for him! It was easy for me to see the added motivation and enjoyment that Jon had after working for a major he was truly interested in and loved. After Jon took as many and all of the classes he could make work while working at a bank, he left his job and continued his schooling unemployed. Heavenly Father has greatly watched over and provided for us all throughout Jon's schooling, and really, our marriage.
Jon worked hard at doing his best in every class. He worked hard applying for scholarships that have paid for so much of his schooling. He re-took a class that he passed but hated, just so he could bump up his GPA to graduate with honors (which he did!) He got involved with geography club. And Jon did an awesome job at making time for his family often without putting off his schoolwork. I am so grateful for that! Can you tell that I am extremely proud of my husband?

Jon's hard work and dedication has blessed our family. It has brought us to St. Louis where we are happy to say will be a long-term home due to the career Jon has begun and is greatly enjoying. It was not long ago at all that we wondered where our family would "end up" or what our next "stage" would be. And now, we've reached the beginning of that next phase! There's something exciting about knowing we can begin planning long-term decisions because we know we'll still be here for several years.

Jon finished his schooling at the University of Utah last December. However, we traveled to Utah at the beginning of May to go to his graduation ceremony and celebrate his accomplishment with family and friends.

Koen LOVED flying!

Koen and I got to go early and spend extra time with my Mom and sister. Thank you to my sister who kindly watched Koen for two days so that Mom and I could go to Women's Conference together. It is so much fun to have girl-time with my Mom. We loved the speakers we got to listen to and the time to hang out together.

At Women's Conference with Mom

A picture of Koen and I because I feel they are rare

Jon drove to Utah on his 28th birthday. (We both have now spent our last birthdays driving between Utah and Missouri.) Not long after he arrived, we celebrated his birthday with family. It is always enjoyable just relaxing and hanging out with those you love most. Koen was extremely excited for Jon's birthday candles. He blew them out before Jon could a couple of times.

We had family come from far away to celebrate Jon and go to his graduation ceremony. It was so great to watch Jon walk and receive his diploma. He earned it, and his whole family is very proud of him! We had a bbq to celebrate that evening and it turned out great. We went to the perfect place for Jon... the mountains! It was comfortable up there and so beautiful. There weren't many other people up there so I felt that we had the place to ourselves. The kids were running around everywhere and loved throwing rocks into the river. I gave everyone a geography quiz to test their knowledge in Jon's major. We had mountain cookies because Jon loves both cookies and the mountains. We made chocolate desserts that looked like graduation caps, and I made a banner out of a map for some extra decoration. It couldn't have turned out so well without the help of my family, especially Mom, who helped me remember many things I never would have thought about without her. :) Thank you to EVERYONE!

Cool dudes wear their sunglasses in dark-lit places too.


The end of the ceremony when Jon's smile is the biggest. :)

Our Graduate

Thank you everyone!

It was also my Grandpa Stanger's birthday that day! How sweet of him to celebrate his big day with us too! :) I hope it was an extra enjoyable day for him too.

 Happy Birthday Grandpa Stanger!

We are so grateful for the opportunity we had to see family again. Thank you all for your support and congratulations to Jon. We feel very loved.

We are so proud of you Jon! Way to go and we wish you the best of luck in your current efforts towards your masters degree!