6.01.2008

Summer Reading

It's been almost a month and I'm sure my readership has dwindled considerably. So, here's a nugget for ya...

It's summer again and time for our ward's Book of Mormon reading challenge! Our ward has started a tradition of reading the BoM over the summer months. The program started with the challenge issued to the youth and then to the entire ward. I participated last year and received so many blessings for following the council of our Bishop. We used this website last year to help keep us all on track and I loved it!

I'm excited about reading the BoM cover to cover once again. I feel an added measure of the Spirit in my life when I'm reading from the scriptures daily. I'm always amazed at how much I learn each time I read it. I know that as human beings we tend to forget and the BoM helps us remember who we really are and why we are here.

Holly and I just watched Prince Caspian the other night. What an awesome movie and book. Afterwards, Holly and I talked about how much we forgot about the book. I remembered the general story, but some of the details were lacking. One bit of detail that I did remember was the amount of time that it took the Pevensies to remember where they were; once back in Narnia. In the book, it took nearly all day/night, but in the movie it took them about 10 minutes.

The scriptures help take us back to where we came from. The scriptures help us remember why we are here and who we really are. The amazing thing about them is that we don't have to read all day and night to gain back that "feeling" of comfort and understanding. If we just take a few minutes out of our day to "remember", then we are so much the better. When we stop reading from them, we tend to drift away from our understanding that we are literal spirit sons and daughters of God; with the potential to become like Him. When that occurs, then we are more susceptible to making bad choices.

I hope you will join me in reading the Book of Mormon this summer. I know the Book of Mormon to be true. I've read it many times and receive that confirmation every time that I read it. I encourage you to do so and I know that you will be blessed.

5.08.2008

Tops in Ops

May 1st - 4th Holly and I were able to go to Miami, FL for my Tops in Ops award. We had a ton of fun as you can see from the pics. It was like a second honeymoon for us. We both were able to just kick back and relax for a few days. My favorite activity was of course golf at Doral and the coolest venue was by far Vizcaya. Both places (Doral and Vizcaya) were ridiculous. Note to self: become a pro golfer and buy a castle someday.


Anyway, I feel so blessed to have won. Here is a picture and video of me receiving my award from the head of Engineering & Operations and our Regional VP.














And last but not least, a big shout-out to my Mom and Dad! Without them Holly and I would not have been able to go on this trip. They watched the girls for us while we were in Miami. Aubrey, Ella, and Cali all had a ton of fun with their Nana and Tata.

4.20.2008

"The Best Daddy Daughter Day Ever!"

I was able to spend the entire day with my little girls yesterday and it was a blast. We wore each other out big time. We had so much planned for the day that we had to write it down to make sure that we got everything in.

Here is everything that we did yesterday:
  • Ate cinnamon rolls and three fresh strawberries for breakfast



  • Constructed Lego works of art


  • Went to Chuck E. Cheese for lunch, fun time, and mad dashes from the big mouse



  • Watched Meet the Robinsons DVD with freshly popped corn



  • Took a nature hike at town lake



  • Played air hockey at the rec. center



  • Had Leftovers!!!



  • Went bike riding at Glen Oaks Park



  • Gave Mom BIG hugs


Here are the highlights:
  • Three strawberries can go a long way when they cost $80



  • Legos are still my favorite toy for booby traps and hours of imagination/creativity time



  • Ella won the jackpot on the Deal or No Deal game (aren't you proud, Grandpa Smith?)


  • 2 Minutes and 45 seconds for perfect popcorn



  • Gotta love free rec. center games



  • Always good to $ave some sweet mula



  • The girls are pros on their bikes!!?? Where does the time go?



  • We really missed you Mom!!!!
It was a great day that every Dad should get to enjoy. I've been wanting to give Holly a day off for a while now...she so deserves it. It also gives you such an appreciation for your wonderful wife and all the hard work she puts in every day. Aubrey and Ella ended the day with saying, "This was the best Daddy daughter day ever!!" I would have to agree...

4.08.2008

Hola SeƱor!

I got the promotion I was up for and I'm the newest Sr. Engineer for T-Mobile! I just want to thank all of my family members for their prayers on my behalf. I want to especially thank my sweet Holly for all of her encouragement and support. I'm so happy and humbled at all the Lord has done for me and my little family. We have come a long way and the Lord's arms are extended still. I feel so blessed to have so many opportunities and I know that I have my parents to thank for that. Thanks Mom and Dad for being such great examples to us kids and for your endless support. Now it's time to partay!

P.S. I love working in the wireless industry and especially for T-Mobile. They have taken really good care of my family and I stand 100% behind our new tag line, "stick together." What did I do when I found out the news? I called two of my faves (my wife and my mom) on my cell phone to let them know.


4.06.2008

Spotlight: Ella

Here are a few pics of my little Ella. Yeah, her hair isn't done, but this is her in her natural state. :) She said the sun was too bright while she was swinging in the backyard so I let her wear my shades.

4.04.2008

My Real Name...

OK everyone, I've been living under an alias and Aubrey cracked the code to my true identity.

4.03.2008

Plano Balloon Festival...Say Wha?

It's late once again, but I have to post some pics. I've been wanting to post some more of my photos and here are a few more of my favorites. These are from the Plano Balloon Festival that we went to back in September 2007. It was awesome.