WHATAGAL

Well, I'm finally breaking my bloggin' silence to wish my Holly a Happy 9th Anniversary! I could not let this day pass without telling the love of my life how much she means to me. She was, and still is, the answer to my prayers. I can honestly say that she is my best friend. I love you!!!

Memory lane...Time goes so fast, but I will always remember our first "notadate" at Whataburger and the dock. I bought us two chicken strip meals at the Whataburger on Ocean Dr. and we ate them at dock on the bay. She was still dating this pilot dude, so I told her it was not a date, but that I was just buying a good friend a meal. ;o) Hee hee hee...

Yeah, I'm a Lil Bit Old School.


A while ago I downloaded the original Super Mario Brothers to our Wii. The Wii is really cool in that you can go online with it and download nearly any old or new Nintendo game.


I loved playing SMB back in the day on the original Nintendo game system. I used to be able to beat the game in about 5 minutes with one life.

Well, this weekend I was able to beat the game! OK, it took me about 5 lives and around 10 minutes, but I still got it baby! The princess is safe once again! I was so proud of myself that I had Aubrey take a picture of me. I'm such a dork, but oh well...it was fun!


Apples to Apples...Our Style


Our family loves to play the game Apples to Apples. It is a simple and fun game to play with the family. You can read about it here.

My parents are in town and we decided to play tonight. Nana won by a landslide...almost twice! We love to look at our green cards at the end of the game. We say (in jest) that the green cards describe the person who holds them. Here are the results from tonight! :o)
  • Tata: Hot, Sour, and Strange

  • Nana: Spooky, Dirty, Lumpy, Important, Rough, Helpful, and Fuzzy

  • Joey: Brave, Dark, Great, and Exciting

  • Holly: Boring and Bad

  • Aubrey: Pretty, Slow, and Warm

  • Ella: Wonderful, Hairy, and Shaggy

  • Cali: ZZZzzzz


We also played a little Hullabaloo...





My First Blog Award

Thank you Aubrey for my first Blog Award!!!

I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only!







1. Where is your cell phone? pocket
2. Where is your significant other? office
3. Your hair color? black
4. Your mother? Cyndi
5. Your father? Joe
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? celestial
9. The room you're in? living
10. Your hobby? photography
11. Your fear? sharks
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Austin
13. Where were you last night? fireside
14. What you're not? mean
15. One of your wish-list items? car
16. Where you grew up? Laguna
17. The last thing you did? blinked
18. What are you wearing? pajamas
19. Your TV? HD
20. Your pet? fish
21. Your computer? fast
22. Your mood? OK
23. Missing someone? Dad
24. Your car? silver
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite store? Frys
27. Your summer? Disneyland
28. Love someone? Holly
29. Your favorite color? brown
30. When is the last time you laughed? earlier
31. Last time you cried? testimony

Happy Birthday Mama!

Today is my Mom's birthday. Happy birthday Mom!

As I grow older, I realize how wonderful my parents really are; especially my Mom. She is always thinking of others and their needs. She is such an example to me of sacrifice, service, and love.

When I was in the 3rd grade I was burned really bad. My pyrotechnic apprenticeship started at a young age...pretty much once I learned how to light a match. Anyway, my shenanigans landed me in the hospital for a week with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on my face, ears, and hands.

My most vivid memory of the whole experience was having my Mom by my side during my recovery. She was my angel. In those moments with my Mom, I caught a glimpse of the love a parent has for their child. Now as a father, I can't imagine what I put her through (on more than one occasion) ;o) .

Mom, you're simply the best. I love you and thank you for ALWAYS being there for me and my sisters. It is so comforting to have the knowledge that we will be together forever.

Happy Birthday Daddy-O

Today is my Dad's (a.k.a.Tata) Birthday. He is such an example of selflessness and true love of family. I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished in life. His simple charitable acts for others has made him great in the eyes of many. He truly magnifies his priesthood and his callings in life.

I remember so many fun times spent with my Dad. He taught me how to peal-out in car! Pretty cool eh? My favorite thing to do with my Dad is fish. I also love to jam on the ukulele with him. I remember how he used to gather us around and sing, "You Are My Sunshine" and "500 Miles". I now find myself carrying on the tradition.

He also taught me how to cook these bad boys. My Dad is famous for his ribs...they are the best!

Thanks Dad for always putting up with my shenanigans. I love you and hope that you have a wonderful Birthday.

Happy Birthday Baby? Aubrey!

Happy birthday Aubrey! I can't believe that you are 7 years old!! :o( When did this happen? I was a little sad watching you today walk to class. You looked so grown up with your camo bag and looking all stylish. I hope that you will still give me as many hugs in the future as you do today. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter.


You are a huge blessing to us and we are so lucky to have you in our family.



We love you more than you'll ever know. You are the best big sister and so sweet to others.

Happy Birthday to the One I Love

Happy Birthday hoLLy!!! "It's a holiday cause it's your birthday, today!" ;o)

Today is my sweetheart's birthday. Not only is she my sweetheart, but she also happens to be my best friend. She makes me want to be a better person. I couldn't imagine spending eternity with anyone else.




I cannot believe how much we've been through over the years. You are the mother and wife I always knew you would be. I love you for your righteousness and your good example to others. You are always thinking of others and you are so selfless. I love you and hope that your day is special.

Other Birthday Messages

"Happy birthday Mommy! I hope you have a wonderful daaay!" -Love, Aubrey
"Happy birthday Mom. I love you! And that's all..." -Love, Ella
"Mamba. Mom." -Love, Cali
"Weeeeeeee!!!" -Love, Baby

Little Lucy

A little story from the time I spent last year with my Sister, Watson, and Lucy...

When Lucy passed away last year I flew to NY to be with my family. The time that we spent together as we mourned her death was sacred. We spent many hours inside talking, crying, and comforting each other. We even had a laugh or two-something that I don't think Lucy would mind one bit, her being a clown and all. Needless to say, that time in NY was precious.

One day Christine and I were in the living room. She was at the computer while I was strumming softly on my ukulele. Christine didn't know earlier that month I had a desire to learn the song, "Let It Be." I had been playing it at home often and had the chords memorized, but I still kept the sheet music around to learn the lyrics. As I played that song in Christine and Watson's Staten Island apartment, the words, "Let It Be" burned into my heart. I came to realize why I was learning that song. Lucy was preparing her own special little way to comfort me; something she has done for many people actually.

Lucy truly was and still is an Angel. For as the scripture says, "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ." In that moment of realization through song, I gained an even greater testimony of the comforting power of the Holy Ghost. The awareness that our Father in Heaven has for each and everyone of us is nothing short of amazing.

We lit a candle for you today Lucy, in remembrance of those you lit in our hearts. "And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me. Shine until tomorrow, let it be." Lucy, please continue to shine on all of us...especially the ones that gave you your clown feet. We love you and know that we will see you again someday.

~Uncle Joey

Daddy Duty

Holly is away visiting her BFF in St. George, UT with little Cali. This was our gift to Holly for her birthday. Aubrey and Ella are here with me while Holly is away. We are surviving and having fun, but the we really miss Cali and Mommy. :o(

I have to admit, it has been a challenge picking out acceptable outfits and doing their hair. Aubrey has been really helpful in the hair department. She has become quite the hairstylist. I'm sure Melissa and Sheri will fill you in Holly on how I did. :o)

Whenever Holly is gone for any length of time we gain a greater appreciation for her. Mothers have such a great responsibility in rearing children. The job is so tough and I don't know how people can do it alone. Anyway, we really miss you Mommy and Cali and we can't wait to see you again!!

Here are some pics of the girls on Saturday at the ward's Primary Water Olympics....















Tony Hawk Sk8board Contest

Check out the sk8board design I made for a Tony Hawk contest. If I win, I will receive a trip to LA to the Tony Hawk Foundation event, meet Tony Hawk and other celebrities at the party, and my design will be made into an actual skateboard!

My odds of winning are probably less than 1/9000. That's not too bad considering what I could win eh? Wish me luck!!! :)

P.S. The "holsmi80" is not part of the design. I just don't want anyone nabbing my sk8board.


Happy 8nniversary!

Holly and I have now been married for 8 years! I have no idea where the time has gone. It seems like we were just at Schlitterbahn not too long ago. We are now 450 miles away from where we first met and living next to the temple where we were married eight years ago. It is neat how things have worked out.

Holly, thank you for being so supportive of me throughout our marriage. You do so much for me and our family and I'm truly grateful for you. When we were getting to know each other, I always knew that you would be the best mother. I also knew that we would end up together early on in our relationship. We've made so many memories together and here is a little quiz for you...


  • Docks

  • Chicken Strips

  • A Dime

  • Fence

  • Socks

  • Cyclone

  • Slides

  • Concrete

  • Broken Chair

  • Watts

  • Yellow

  • F, Bb, F, C7

  • Frank

Happy Anniversary Holly! I love you more than waves and Cadillacs.


P.S. Thanks for always making me laugh. Laughing with you is my favorite ting to do evefry daaay.