47 Reason's Why We Love Our Dad!

From his wife:

1. He's my best friends and makes me laugh.

2. He has great biceps!

3. He has awesome pecs!

4. He loves me even when I'm PMSy.

5. He really has a tender heart under that tough skin.

6. Is a total stud -- and he's forty-freakin'-seven!

7. Not afraid to take risks.

8. Is Temple worthy and has a strong testimony of the gospel.

9. Plays flag football even though he's the oldest guy on the league.

10. Always positive!

11. Loves the Lord.

From Megan: (age 19)

12. Because I'm his "baby girl."

13. He cries whenever I go to college.

14. "I love you because YOUR annoying!"

15. Because your a blondee -- and you're on MY team!

16. You are a good example and regularly attend the temple.

17. You diligently serve the Lord in all your callings.

18. Takes us to do Baptisms For The Dead.

19. Picks out cute clothes for me!

20. Strong physically, mentally and spiritually.

From Brandon: (age 15)

21. Takes me to seminary every day!

22. Attend Priesthood sessions together.

23. Let's me be the unofficial assistant assistant flag football coach.

24. Lets us beat up on him when we wrestle.

25. Taught me to LOVE white water rafting!

26. Teaches me how to work.

27. Let's me know it's best if Mom teaches me to drive.

28. He admits that I have un-humanly strength (without working out!)

29. Has pushed and pulled me through Scouting.

From Jason: (age 12)

30. Taught me to be a blonde-headed, bird-shooting, gun-loving red-neck.

31. Takes me to the gym and helped develop my guns.

32. Supports me in football and coaches my flag team.

33. Gave me my EGO.

34. Plays racquetball with me (even though I can be a pain sometimes).

35. Let's me win when we wrestle.

36. Let's me drink out of his soda cup.

37. Showed me what a good, proper wedgy is (we're talking first hand knowledge here!)

38. Is THE BEST DAD EVER!

From Madison: (age 10)

39. Because he calls me "Daddy's Little Princess!"

40. Drives me to places.

41. He's funny.

42. Plays Rummikub and "Golf" with me.

43. Gives THE BEST hugs!

44. Provides for our family.

45. Always makes me feel special.

46. FINALLY convinced Mom to let us have a dog (TEX).

47. He protects me!

Happy Birthday !!!

We Love You!!

Love,

Your family

Christmas Day 2009!

With Megan away at college, it's been fun having all our kids under one roof! Christmas day was full of surprises!


















The kids show off their Santa Gifts!


















After all the presents were opened, the Smith's brought over a Christmas suprise! Tex! A 5 month old Beagle for our family to have.
He came with a year's supply of food, dog training, toys, kennel and a bed!


















In the afternoon the family came out and we enjoyed being together.

Christmas Eve Day with The Connors

It's a tradition to spend Christmas Eve with our great friends, The Connors. Our kids have grown up together and we've been friends for 18+ years. Once again the kids shopped for each other at the Dollar Store and love the tradition of decorating Christmas cookies and of course, the famous Christmas PJs.

Thanksgiving in Thatcher!

Megan only had four days off for Thanksgiving so we decided to come to Thatcher to see her. The Daley's had a lot going on but still opened their doors to us. We had a blast being together as a family and hanging out. After Thanksgiving meal we went out to their property and shot claw pigeons and rode ATVs. Their son Derek has his mission farewell while we were there which was an added bonus.

THRILLER!!!

Madison participated in Cole Canyon's Got Talent through her VAPA Club. They danced to THRILLER at four different performances. It was a lot of fun and Mom came and helped out ratting hair --- Madison loved it. (Can't you hear the song playing in your head?)

Mesa High School Elections!

Brandon switched High Schools from Murrieta Valley to Murrieta Mesa -- a brand new campus that was open to Freshman and Sophomores. He wanted to run for USB President (United Student Body) so we went all out for the Nominating Convention. This was all a new experience for our family and Brandon did a great job with his speech and his campaign. He teamed up with Connor Jaegar, a freshman who is also LDS and they both won! Below are some pictures from his politcal campaign. (Boy is Mom glad this is over!)

Halloween 2009!

Madison got to be a Renassance Princess for Trick or Treat thanks to my dear friend Amy Rutledge who offered to make her a costume! Wow! How do I rate having such a friend?? Madison got to wear it to her friend Bailey's annual Halloween Party, Trunk or Treat and Trick or Treating! Jason was a Fat Ref for the party and decided to me more comfortable in his football unifrom for Trunk or Treat and Trick or Treating!