Smith Family Christmas Letter

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! The Smith family just got back early, early this morning from a wonderful nine-day trip to ID/WA with family. More on that later. Here is our Christmas letter, just in case you didn't get a hard copy (due to our lack of an address, our forgetfulness, or what naught...it's definitely not because we don't love you!). Enjoy!

DATE: Thursday, 12.06.2007
TO: Commissioner S. Claus, 1225 North Pole
FROM: Committee on the Ethical Distribution of Christmas Cheer
SUBJECT: David and Elizabeth Smith Family Christmas 2007 Status
C.C.: Mrs. S. Claus

Commissioner of Naughty and Nice:

We, the Committee on the Ethical Distribution of Christmas Cheer, present the following findings to the Commissioner. After spending nearly 365 ¼ days scrutinizing, analyzing, and several other forms of –izing the David and Elizabeth Smith Family, we hereby propose that they officially be granted the status of Nice for the year 2007. Such a pronouncement would naturally bring with it an abundance of yuletide happiness bestowed upon them by S. Claus and his elfish assistants. So as to provide evidence for our conclusion, please allow us to present a brief dossier on each relevant party within said family, accompanied by facts that will display an overwhelming case that Nice is indeed the clear and proper decision.

Name (nickname):Tayah Smith (Tayah Boo)
Age: five months
Occupation: porcelain baby doll
Likes: eating, sleeping, being entertained by her sister, her play mat, cuddling M & D
2007 Accomplishments: Was born 06.26, one week before her due date. This suggests that she is a punctual infant, a good trait to have…So far, she has mastered smiling, laughing, rolling over, eating solid foods, drinking, and being simply adorable…Sleeps mostly through the nights…Brings her parents and sister incredible joy.

Name (nickname):Kadence Smith (Princess)
Age: 21 ½ months
Occupation: big sister (although the committee finds it difficult for her to be a big anything)
Likes: reading, puzzles, stuffed animals, walks, princess stuff, dogs, anything sweet
2007 Accomplishments: Started walking, talking, running, jumping, singing, dancing, hugging, and kissing, all in one year’s time. Hence, shows all the signs of prodigious baby girl…After learning a great deal of sign language, has developed into one verbal wonder…Is head of her nursery class at church (sometimes)…Has managed not to “love” her sister too much (i.e. laying on top of her)…An absolutely sweet, adorable, loving daughter and sister who also brings her family such happiness.

Name (nicknames):Elizabeth Torgesen Smith (Mommy, Sweetheart)
Age: 28 years (on the verge of 29)
Occupation(s): mother supreme; holder-together of the Smith Family
Likes: crafts and projects, reading, working outdoors, visiting with family and friends
2007 Accomplishments: Gave birth to daughter #2, easily the most impressive accomplishment of the Smith Family in 2007…Set family record by holding four church callings in one year (Enrichment leader, Primary secretary, Visiting Teaching leader, and now, Young Women advisor)…Painted girls’ rooms.

Name (nicknames):David Jonathan Smith (Daddy, Honey, Hey You)
Age: 30 years (but, just barely)
Occupation(s): proud (sometimes too proud) father; LDS Philanthropies donor liaison at BYU
Likes: time with family, early mornings, Utah Jazz victories, falling asleep during movies
2007 Accomplishments: Handling the passing of his 20’s reasonably well…LDS Philanthropies continues to be his only post-mission employer…Unlike his wife, maintained one calling all year (1st counselor in the bishopric)…Was a front-row witness to the Jazz’s return to the Playoff prominence.

Family Highlights of 2007
Celebrated third anniversary (a lot has happened in that time!)
Attended Torgesen Family Reunion in northern Utah in July
Attended Smith Family Reunion in Provo, also in July
Took mini trips to St. George and Pocatello for family events. David took a business trip to Hawaii.
Welcomed many nieces, a nephew, and a sister-in-law into the family
More often than not, ate ice cream each evening (a truly great highlight)

As you can see, contrary to previous years, the Smith Family has diligently worked hard to fit the qualifications of Nice this year. It is the finding of this committee that they have successfully achieved this goal and wish for the Commissioner’s approval. They will be hard-pressed to improve in 2008, but we are keenly interested to see what they can do to build upon their apparent momentum toward an annual rating of Nice

Signed by members of the committee,

Dasher Dancer Prancer Vixen Comet Cupid
Donner Blitzen Rudolph the R.N.R. Frosty the S.M. The Grinch Ralphie
Mr. Krueger George Bailey