It's Done!!!!!

Meet Doctor Smith!!!

3 years of class work.
2 years of dissertation work.
Hours and hours of corrections.
Final dissertation-319 pages.
1 1/2 hours defending his work to his
committee members in Nebraska.

Successful defense.
Graduation paperwork filled out.
Mick is relaxed and all smiles!

After Mick completed all of the paperwork they gave him this button.

When Kaylie's friend saw the button she said, "That's all you have to show for it?"

That's right!

Mick is feeling a great sense of accomplishment right now.

He is also amazed that he finished it.

We all knew he could!!!

Mick went to the University of Nebraska
this week to defend his dissertation.
After a lot of hard work he now has his
Ph.D. in Educational Studies, Teaching Curriculum and Instruction.

This is the title of his dissertation:
Understanding Obstacles to Developing and
Implementing Pedagogy and the Teaching Emphasis among Daily Volunteer Seminary Teachers in the Church Educational System.

We are all so proud of him and this great accomplishment.
We will go to Nebraska in August for the official Graduation.

Go Huskers!!!

Spring Break

We got almost 6 inches of snow the first day of Spring Break!
The rest of the week was nice.

We went to Snow College to check things out for Carly.
We had wanted to go to the Manti Temple but it was closed for cleaning.
We got a few great pictures anyway.

Friday we went to the Draper Temple.
It is so beautiful and we had a great experience there.

We met Brianna in Salt Lake and went to Temple Square.
I love walking around and seeing and smelling the flowers.

I think Spring is my favorite time to go there.

Easter Blessing

The Smith & Pratt Families


We felt especially blessed this Easter!

Jennifer and Jared made an unexpected trip to Utah
because of the death of Jared's good friend, Cameron Merrill.

They decided to have Amaya blessed here because so many
family members would be able to come.

All of our family including my parents, Mick's parents, sister and husband
came. Jared's Parent's, two brothers and family were also able to be there.
My two sister's and families were able to join with us for our Easter Celebration.

Jared gave Amaya a beautiful blessing. The spirit was sweet watching
the men in our families using the
Priesthood Power they hold to bless this angelic baby.

After Church we had a great time visiting and feasting on our Easter Dinner.
I am so very thankful for all of our family members who made this day
so memorable. We truly felt blessed this day!!

Saturday Night we colored eggs with the grandchildren.
Jackson loved coloring his eggs blue.

They all loved coloring the eggs.
After coloring one Rachel would say
"I want to color another one". It was so cute.

Madeline showing her bright pink egg.

I think this was the first time in at least
7 years to have the family all
together for Easter.

I am thankful for the Atoning Sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
It is hard to comprehend all that he has done on my behalf.
I felt strengthened and renewed as I heard Easter messages both in conference
and in our Sacrament meeting this special Sunday.
I know that Jesus Christ lives!!!
I love the renewing season of Spring. It is a reminder to me
that because of the Savior, I too will live again.

Our Newest Granddaughter!!!

Amaya Clarissa Pratt
Born March 23, 2009


-Amaya after her first bath-

We have a beautiful new granddaughter!
Jennifer and Jared have added this sweet baby to their family.
Amaya (pronounced A-my-a) seems to be a very happy baby
and is loved by her 3 sisters, Madeline, Aliza and Rachel.

-The Masked Pratt Family -



Jennifer and Jared have had an adventurous few months.
Amaya's birth was no different!
I drove to Idaho Saturday morning after finding out that Aliza had been admitted to the hospital for pneumonia.
Jared was with Aliza in the hospital and Jennifer at home with the girls.

Jennifer went into labor Monday morning and drove herself to the hospital.
I stayed with Madeline and Rachel. After Jennifer called to let me know that
they checked her in I called her friend to come and stay with the girls.

A nurse would stay with Aliza until I could get to the hospital.
About 10 minutes after I called Jennifer's friend, Jared called to say
that the baby had already arrived!!
It was a quick delivery...less than 2 hours after she had gotten to the hospital.

-Aliza the Patient -

Amaya was the newest grandchild I had seen at just 1 hour old.
It was fun watching her have her first bath and getting her footprints and picture taken.
Jennifer and Jared were both sick and exhausted from the events of the last few days.
They were able to sleep for a couple of hours.

-Amaya after her first bath at home-



Aliza spent the rest of the week in the hospital. I was glad that I was there to help out a little.
I spent sometime with Aliza in the hospital so Jared could be with Jennifer.

Jennifer and Jared are wonderful parents to their 4 sweet little girls.
Jared is such a great support to Jennifer.
And Jennifer is just amazing!
It is a lot of hard work on a day to day basis!

I had fun with Madeline, Aliza and Rachel.

They all have such different personalities and are

all so cute!

We are so thankful for this new addition to our family!