The Secret Mission of Bradley Dean

Movin again... And Owning it!

2011-05-13T20:23:00.001-06:00

Hey friends... Live has been BUSY! However, that is a good thing. Ihave actually received a promotion to become a Regoing Sales Manager over the West Coast Region of the US.

With this we are going to be moving back to Vancouver WA where Angel and I grew up! This is very exciting for us, and we have decided that we are going to really stir the pot... We are going to sell everything that we own (Except for clothes and a few key keepsakes) and move out there fresh!

What an adventure... Some call it crazy, we call it life! We are going to OWN IT!

Stay tuned for more info!

Let HIM Own It...

2011-04-28T06:41:00.005-06:00

I've been shocked lately at how many close loved ones I know that are struggling in life. The economy has gotten bad, people cant make their payments, addiction, loss of job, under employed, physical pain and suffering, depression, and marital strife are all just to name a few without even spending time to really drill into the mountains of problems that I see happening to my friends and my loved ones.

My heart burns for those who are struggling... to each of you, family, dear friend, or stranger alike; I boldly declare that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

I know at times the suffering of life seems unbearable. the weight of past and or current sins weigh heavily upon ones mind and we turn to the heaven and say clearly I have lost the blessing of the Father... Or perhaps there is no sin, and yet still no blessing.

I promise each of you that your Heavenly Father is aware. I promise you that he hears your prayers... Hang in there. Be believing. Be Strong.

You were created and sent to this earth by the most high God. He is the creator and the great orchestrator of all of our lives. Remember that "this life is a time for men to prepare to meet God". You were not created and sent here to fail... In fact quite the contrary! You were created to be GREAT! You were created to WIN! You were created and sent here so that you could inherit all the blessings that Heavenly father has in store for you.

Don't you doubt that for a second... The enemy of all mankind would tell you different, but you know better. You are of a Royal Heritage... One day you will understand. For now, just have a desire to believe. Even that one small act of faith will generate HUGE changes for you in your life.

You may be passing through the refiners fire, the burden may seem more than you can bear. If you are at that point I urge you, I admonish you, to lay it all at the Savior's feet. Let him "OWN IT" for you.

He wants to take all of your problems, to hold you and to soothe you in his loving arms. But, he will not scoop you up when you are flailing and kicking like a 2 year old who wants to go play in the toy section... He will wait, until you humbly approach him, and ask.

Remember; "We cannot change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails" The winds will blow and the torrents will rage, but if we will allow them to send us where the lord intended them to, we will find that our lives are fuller and happy.

That is not to say that problems will not come. The storms of life will always blow, but how joyful they will be as we stand inside his love; protected by him and finding peace because we know he is our keeper.

I hope you all know how much I love you. Own Your Life, but let the Lord help. He knows the path to happiness and I promise you he will lead you there is you but ask, and then listen.

My testimony is that he loves us more than you could ever imagine. Your burdens can be made light, let him OWN IT, and you will see what I mean. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ - Amen-

Easter Reminiscing

2011-04-26T08:31:00.000-06:00

This past Easter weekend was especially sweet for me, and I don't mean in the Sugary sense (Although there was plenty of that too).

This Easter I was more aware of the true reason that we celebrate Easter, and the Atonement and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ than I ever recall. Something which made the whole celebration sweeter.

We sat down with the girls last night to discuss why we celebrate Easter and the lasting effect that his great suffering gives to each of us and my heart became even more brimming with joy and gratitude.

The lord loves each of us. I am truly grateful to know that he knows my heartaches, my sadness, my struggles, and my joys. I am grateful to know that even when times seem like they cant get any worse... He is aware, and anxiously waiting for me to have learned what it is that he needs me to learn, and then the burden is lifted....

However, sometimes even in the midst of my learning adventures, he still sends forth his tender mercies to carry me and to help me along the path.

Nobody has owned it better than the Savior. He had all power to turn away from the task, and yet he did not. He pushed through and owned it for you and for me...

Yeah... Pretty cool... I know.

~ Own it ~

My Wife Owns It!

2011-04-18T12:21:00.001-06:00

Today we are shooting for my new company Union Springs Wellness. They have asked my sweet bride, Angel to be the superstar and to present for us doing a series of videos. I am so proud of her and how well she has done over the past few days. It has been grueling, and she is presenting a product that she really is not very familiar with.

She is standing in front of the camera, a producer, hot lights, the President of the company and a number of our colleagues. Through it all she is completely OWNING IT. She's owning it like shes has done this a million times and as if there is no pressure.

I am so proud of her, and delighted that I get to call her my Sweetheart...
I am so lucky...

Thanks for Owning it Angel, and teaching me how to own it every day of my life.

Now for the rest of ya... Get out there and Own IT! Then send me your stories so I can share them with the world.

~Brad~

DaKine

2011-04-13T16:12:00.000-06:00

"Dakine" is a Hawaiian word that is probabaly the most dynamic word on earth. My buddy from Hawaii told me that it is from Pigeon that the natives speak on the islands. The definition is whatever you need it to be when you use the word...

Sometimes when you own it, you may need something like Dakine, cause you are doing what your are gonna do, but you may not know everything about what you are gonna do... That is okay; like I always say... Just own it...

But when that frail moment comes when you fear that someone may find out that you don't totally own it... "Dakine and No Worries Bra! You got dis!"

This is where you would apply the saying "Fake it till you make it". 99% of the time you can pull it off and people will think you are amazing for it.

True courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is being scared to death and not letting anyone else know it.

Dakine~ (That means "Own it" right now)
~Brad~

What makes you so special!?

2011-04-07T08:38:00.000-06:00

I remember getting asked this question sarcastically back in the days of Junior High, and feeling so insecure, to be asked such a demeaning question if front of everyone...

Those days are long gone, and today I pose the question not in a demeaning fashion, but in one that is empowering... "What makes you so special?"

Take a minute to reflect on this question... This is a powerful questions when you really consider it.

Once you have a couple of specialties picked out... You guessed it! "OWN IT!" Make them a conscious part of who you are. As you do, you will build on strengths, propelling yourself towards happiness and fulfillment you deserve!

~Brad~

There is a line that needs to be drawn...

2011-04-04T12:18:00.000-06:00

When owning it, there is a line that needs to be defined... This morning I went to the gym and had a fantastic workout. It was leg day... When I was done I showered and began to get ready to go to work. When I pulled my trousers off the hanger, I noted that they felt a little different...

I proceeded to flop them open and went to put my right leg in as I always do, but suddenly I realized what the problem was. These were not my pants! They were my wife's pants...!

"Own it" came the thought to my mind...

Like I said "There is a line that needs to be drawn".

I drove home and retrieved my trousers and was off to work. (Owning it all the way!)

Get Owned and like it!

2011-03-31T19:14:00.000-06:00

So what is this crazy talk all about "Owning your life"?

Like I said before, the slogan was derived from one of my mentors who said "Just Own It". I was asking him about an outfit that I was wearing and I was not feeling very secure about.

He told me that if I just owned it others would follow... guess what?! I got so many compliments on that outfit, and have worn many other crazy mixtures just to see if I could get away with it. And every time I get compliments... Therefore, I have decided to not just own my outfits, but to own my life.

Sometimes "Owning It" is not easy... sometimes "Owning It" will require some risks... But it's like my buddy Seth Godin has been teaching me through his blog; You have to poke the box sometimes and make things happen (see Seth Godin's Blog if you are confused; He is the Man!)

So, the long and the short... You need to get owned by YOU and take control of your life. If others question you, don't let it derail your course. Who are they to tell you what is right and what is not.

... If there's one thing I've learned, it's that there is more than one way to skin an iPod. And doing things your way just might lead to something great.

Henry Ford said; "If I had asked the people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses". Henry Ford Owned his life and didn't worry about what others thought. Through that act he changed the way that the world did business.

Now get out there and Get Owned! (Only by yourself of Course). You'll love the results!
~Brad~

Powerful

2011-03-30T19:31:00.000-06:00

Think about yourself for a minute. Were you born to fail? Were you born and sent to this earth by God to suffer and to have sadness?

I boldly declare that you were not! In fact I know that you were sent to this earth to succeed! Remember that those who are successful are merely the ones that never stopped trying.

Those guys that did stop trying... They would have been successful if they had just kept going.

I know that sometimes circumstance requires us to change our course, but I would venture to say that in and of it's self is a blessing, and maybe you should stop fighting it and go with the new direction.

Steven Houghton Jr. said: "We cannot change the course of the wind, but we can adjust our sails" Wise counsel in my estimations.

Own Your Life my friends. You were created for greatness, and nothing less. You are POWERFUL!

Invictus

2011-03-28T06:27:00.003-06:00

Invictus mean "Unconquerable" in Latin. Consider for a moment if you will... Your life.
Are you unconquerable? Have you earned the title of "Invictus"?

Before you answer that to yourself read the following poem by William Ernest Henley:

-Invictus-

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years finds,
And shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Are you owning your life? Are you the captain of your soul? Have you determined who you are and what you want to be?

Furthermore... Have you determined What the influences of your life are, and what you want them to do for you? How you want them to interact with your life? How you want them to help advance your goals and dreams?

If you haven't, I promise you that if you will map it out on paper, (I strongly recommend you write it in a journal or something like that). If you will do this, I guarantee your money back, things will start to happen. Positive things... In fact; very positive things.

This is one of the first steps to owning your life. Now get out there Invictus! and OWN YOUR LIFE!

Cussin'

2011-03-25T14:06:00.002-06:00

I was talking with some friends the other day about cussin'... Now I'm not one to say that I've never cussed. I wish that I could say that, but we all know that it is not the truth.

However, I can say that I have not cussed since High school, and I am very pleased with that. As a young man I was on the farm, or working horses, or whatever, lots of my friends cussed, but I had been taught that it was not becoming of a young man.

One day I was listening to a gentleman talk. I can't recall who, and I dont even remember what the talk was about; However, I do recall something he said. It is something that changed my life.

He quoted Benjamin Franklin stating "Cursing is the attempts of a feeble mind to express itself forcefully."

I determined then and there that I did not want to be a feeble minded individual. At that moment I decided to OWN MY LIFE.

I changed something that I was accustomed to doing. As you come along on this journey with me, I hope that you will look for (And share) things that you are doing to OWN YOUR LIFE. If is becoming the superstar that you were born to be.

Shoot Dangit, you were born for greatness, now get out there and be great, and Own your Life!

Revamping the Blog

2011-03-24T20:02:00.002-06:00

Guys... Many of you will not see this post right away, but I am too excited to wait. I have been inspired by Seth Godin who posts some very deep, but simple thoughts to ponder each day.

Althought the smile blog will not be my focus anymore, Inspiration about how to Own your Life will be... Smiles and all.

So with underwhelming force. I hereby announce the re-grand opening of Bradley Dean's Blog. :)

What a second!

2009-05-15T20:50:00.002-06:00

So lately we've been seeing these billboards all over Dallas saying "I am second". I'm not sure if the campaign is all over the country or not, but definitely a full out run here in Dallas. So, you see these people, some famous, some not so much, and they are saying "I am second".
Finally curiosity got the best of me and I looked up the website. It is saying "I am second, because God is First.
I thought it was a great ad campaign. Non denominational from all I can tell, just a good way to get others to think about having no other Gods before our God.
Well... Keep on Smiling!

It's about Time...

2009-05-11T19:09:00.002-06:00

To all my fans out there, I need to apologize. I am so sorry that I have allowed life to infiltrate my time to the point that I have failed to do that which I strongly believe that I was put here to do. To make others smile, to give them hope, to prove that men are that they might have joy.

To each of you who have come in times of solace or doubt, I apologize for not being there for you. But I am going to try to come back.

To my friends who just come to check up on me, thank you. To the strangers that have stumbled upon our smiles, welcome and please take your shoes off and stay a while.

So what are we going to smile about today?...

Well there was the story about the guy that tried to break into a pharmacy, couldn't get in, left to go get more tools and came back and got arrested... That was a pretty good one... But he was not doing anything good. Poor Guy.

Okay... I got it! A Chihuahua that got lost, ended up 700 miles away from home in 10 months was then found, scanned (with his microchip) and returned home to his owner. But that's not even the awesome part of this story...

The great part of this story is that the owners name was Bartman! You all remember the Simpsons. What the heck is bartman doing with a chuhuahua? I have no idea but i thought that was worthy of my blog.

-Keep on Smiling!-

Oh... One more thing, Angel and I hit 8 years of Marriage today so we are totally in the clear of that 7 year marriage myth thingy :)
I Love you babe! Your the reason I keep on smiling.

Old Skool

2009-05-11T19:02:00.004-06:00

For the few of you who still check out my blog to see if I'm still alive (Which I am). I just found something that took me back to the good ol' days.

Check it out (If you are from Vancouver era 1990 this should ring a bell... Think Z100)

http://www.bustabucket.com/images/stories/Portland%20Trailblazers%20-%20Bust%20a%20Bucket.mp3

Good Times

New Life

2008-08-25T22:13:00.004-06:00

Life is crazy...One day you meet the girl of your dreams, the next your sending your first kid off to Kindergarten, and before I know it, I'll be giving her away to a young man to start the cycle all over again...

I am so blessed. Blessed with Happiness far beyond that of average men. I have an incredible wife, I have amazing children. I have a great job, I have opportunities flying at me from every direction, and through it all I have the power to choose. All I can say is " Blessed be the name of the Lord Almighty"

For those of you who have not yet received these blessings, I promise you that if you will keep your covenants, and not loose faith, the time will come.

So...Although I titled my post "New Life" I guess that is somewhat mis-leading, cause it's still same old mischievous Bradley Dean... but somewhere in between lighting firecrackers while sitting on top of a gas can, and here, I learned a few things.

The biggest of those is that The Atonement of our Savior is real. Next to that nothing else really matters, other than the fact that our Heavenly Father's work and his glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

I do not know who this post if for, but I feel like I need to assure you, whoever you are... Your struggles are not in vain. You are not alone, and you have not been forgotten. As your tears flow because of a sense of hopelessness, please know, that I know where you are at. I have been there many times, wondering, praying, and feeling utterly lost. And now I stand on the banks of the far shore that you cannot see at this point, and I shine forth my light saying "Keep Coming" "Don't give up" "You are closer than you think". And I assure you my friend... You are closer than you think.

If you can't think of someone who loves you tonight, please know that I love you. I am your brother... And I know that I am not perfect, as is our eldest brother, but perhaps you will find a small comfort knowing that someone does.

And maybe... Just maybe... That will give you... New Life.
-Keep On Smiling-

HyperSmiling

2008-07-16T20:25:00.003-06:00

In the midst of all these crazy gas prices, I've been learning about the neurotic "Hypermilers" and their crazy antics for trying to save money through maximizing their fuel consumption. Now, before you get all flustered and write me a note about how lame I am, please note that I am an advocate of saving the planet, alternative fuel sources, and yes, I even owned a Toyota Prius. (And unfortunately sold it when I probabaly could have used the fuel saving to pay the bill.)
So, Hypermilers are good honest people trying to make their hard earned dollar go a few more miles... Nothing wrong with that. It's the guys that I see taking 90 degree turns at 30 MPH so they don't have to try to accelerate and use gas, that are making me upset. Or the people who accelerate at a rate that I could push the car faster than they go. These are the ones that need to be pulled over and handed a bike.
So admidst it all, I will join the ranks of millions who aren't quite sure what to do with their 100 dollar a week gasoline bill, and become a "HyperSmiler" Above is a great example of one.

Wow, I haven't smiled in forever (online)

2008-07-12T15:56:00.003-06:00

Okay, so life is flying OH SO fast, and I have been working long hours and letting one of my passions slip though my fingers. That is sharing joy and love with others. I know that hardly anyone is probably coming to look at the blog now, but perhaps that can provide me with a new beginning. A chance to rethink my approach, and to balance out the demands that life so readily throws at us.

Here's a smile to ponder until then.
-Keep on Smiling-

Smiling in Black and White

2008-06-01T20:22:00.003-06:00

My Dear Friends, Thank You for coming and looking at my smile blog. I am sorry that I have not been keeping it up to date as much as I would like to lately, but I have been so slammed with work. I just wanted to throw this up there for you all tonight to think about the contrasting events in your life.

Stop and take a quick look at where you are, and where you want to be. You might even take 5 Minutes for life, and write down some goals. I found my paper that I wrote 5 years ago, and it was fun to look back and to see where I was then and where I am now. It also will help you to point yourself in a direction.

In life there will be a lot of things that are black and white, but other times everything might seem more like a gray scale. When you look down the road and you are seeing gray scale and it is hard to distinguish a path, lay the pros and cons all out on the table, then one you have a clear path to what you think the answer is, talk to the big guy upstairs and ask for a confirmation.

I love you all and hope that if you ever have anything that I can do to help you, that you would ask.

-Keep on Smiling-

Horray for the Color Red!

2008-05-27T20:09:00.002-06:00

I just Love the color Red and I thought that this exciting Smile did the color some justice.
Red represents LOVE in most people's eyes, but it also represents Hate and Anger in the eyes of another. Red Represents the Kiss of Death but it also represents a sweet baby's birth. Red represents strength in battle and it also represents happiness in Peace. Red represents saying YES, to eradicating Aids, It represents saying NO to drugs. Red Means Stop while in commute. Red Means Go... directly to Jail while playing our favorite board game. Red means Hot! Don't touch that plate, Red means cold after being rejected on a date.

Red is a Primary Color, without it the color spectrum would be lost. Perhaps Passion as we know it would be changed forever.

So... Next time you see red, stop and smile cause it means so many great things, I'm sure you can find something to attribute a smile towards that is red. Until then my friends...

-Keep on Smiling- (Till your Red in the face)

Honest... It's Abe

2008-05-23T23:47:00.003-06:00

Okay, so Angel and I rented National Tresure 2 this evening and watched it. It was a great show. It's all based on the Assassination of President Lincoln and a conspiracy theory getting proven wrong. But this blog is not about Movies, it's about Smiles. Great flick though.

So, All growing up, I have always had a great respect for Abraham Lincoln and all that he stood for. I really first began to learn about him as a person in the book "How to win friends and influence people". If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. But Abe was not a quitter. He was a noble man, but in his younger years there was a fire that burned within him. He ran for the Presidency several times before he actually became the president. But, Like I said, He was not a quitter.

I am so grateful that we have had great men and women before us, that understood the power of a smile. Lincoln knew this and shared his smile in diplomacy and friendship. It was under his watch that the Civil war was won, and tragically only 5 days after the end of the war he was shot and killed.

So as you go about today and you see a penny, immediately pass along a smile to the nearest person and pass on the legacy that this great American President started so many years ago.

-Keep on Smiling-

Diverse in Da Universe

2008-05-22T23:11:00.002-06:00

What an Powerful thing a smile is. I have never seen something that could breakup fights, save lives, go around the world, inspire, uplift, change the unchangeable, strengthen, teach, make new friends and open new doors and a thousand other positive verbs...Like a smile can

It is so interesting to me that in a world that is so diverse and where hundreds of languages are spoken the universal language is a smile. So next time you find yourself in a predicament... Smile! The strenght you will draw from it will be incredible. If there are other parties involved smile at them too... They might be annoyed at first, but if you give them a true and genuine smile, and draw from the internal strength it gives you to resolve the issue, I promise you, it will resolve the issue.

A smile says I love you, I care about you, and you are welcome in my presence. What could be more inviting than a smile? Nothing... Because in order to be inviting one must be greeted with just that, and if you are not, surely a warm welcome feeling is not emulated.

So show those Pearly Whites, heck... Show us your Yellow Coffee Stained Broken Smile with one Blackend dead tooth! We don't care (Well maybe a little bit, but I'll happily buy you a tooth brush and give you a free lesson on how to use it!). But if we show up to your place ya best be smilin, lest you leave us feelin like we wasn't welcome or somethin'.

I love you all my friends and I appreciate you coming and reading my blog. You guys rock!

-Keep on Smiling-

I love Smiling Dogs

2008-05-20T20:47:00.002-06:00

This is a GREAT smile from a cute Red Nose Pit Bull. I love it when you can tell a Dog is happy. It makes my day! Dogs are so awesome. If you don't have a dog and you have the means... I highly recommend picking one up.

I think that the next Dog Angel and I get will be a Bull Dog. They are lazy, pretty good to train and they have about 5 minutes worth of high energy, which is about all I have to play with Nali these days. The problem there is that she has about 5 Hours worth of High Energy. Thank Goodness for Little Girls and Laser Pointers.

Speaking of High Energy, Angel and I are Starting the P90X Workout system. It's supposed to get you ripped in 90 Days if you stick to it. So we are all geared up and ready to rock... We'll keep you posted on the progress. We are so excited!!!

-Keep On Smiling-

Outta This World Smile!

2008-05-16T07:38:00.002-06:00

This is a crater on Mars...even little green men know happiness. (Even if it is from kidnapping people from earth and making them eternal slaves in the mines deep below the surface of Mars... Or maybe UT??? The world may never know.
-Keep on Smiling-

Sweet Smile

2008-05-13T21:59:00.002-06:00

I know that I am majorly slackin this week and I am so sorry to all of you who rely upon my constant cunning wit, to help you make it through the week. To all the rest of you...you'll just have to deal with it. :)

I still do not have my Mothers Day completed, and I wish I could say it was because of how awesome it is turning out, but truth be told, I am slammed right now, and I keep running out of day before I run out of things to do.
(And This is a HUGE priority for me!!!)

So here is a Pretty smile, which most people appreciate a little creativity and I thought this photo did a great job catching that.

You assignment for the day... Do something creative and let us all know what it was. I look forward to hearing from you!

-Keep on Smiling-

Mother's Day Swap

2008-05-11T21:00:00.003-06:00

Hey Guys,

I'm working on a post for my mom, but I'll put it up tomorrow cause I haven't finished it yet. I went camping Friday and I haven't put a post up since, so... here is a quick smile for ya'll to appease the need to grin. I'll have some good ones up this week.

As Always feel free to send me any smiles that you encounter and give me a little history on them, so I can share it with the world!

-Keep on Smiling-

Important Reminder to Self

2008-05-08T21:53:00.003-06:00

Just a reminder for all you forgetters out there... SUNDAY IS MOTHERS DAY! If you haven't purchased something to thank her for bringing you into this world you need to act now. It can be as simple as a card or something inexpensive like a Ferrari, Just get her something...

Oh and this guys smile is to make sure you dont forget, cause everytime you see a smile you will remind your self "SUNDAY IS MOTHERS DAY....SUNDAY IS MOTHERS DAY...SUNDAY IS MOTHERS DAY"

-Keep on Smiling- (Dont forget!!!)

Sweet Jennifer

2008-05-07T22:43:00.005-06:00

This is Jennifer Lee Knowles, my little sister. Jennifer is Special. Her Smile is Special, Her ways are Special, And if you've ever gotten to meet her, you know that Her Love is Special. If you haven't had the blessing to meet Jennifer you are missing out. -Jennifer has Cerebral Palsy-

Here's a poem I recently wrote about her:

Perfectly Flawed

If words could capture silence, and paint it for the earth,
If actions captured stillness, and taught you what it's worth.

If you could see what it's like through a blind man's eyes,
Maybe then you'd see how much it means to see the suffering cry.

If smiles expressed all emotions, and Joy came after death,
If choosing someone else's way was the way you always felt was best.

If you could hear what it's like through a deaf man's ears,
Maybe then you'd hear for real, and cherish children's tears.

If Philanthropy could conquer Philosophy, and give to everyone,
If Politics was Cake or brownie mix, well, we'd just about be done.

If you could go a mile twain, without being pushed from behind,
Maybe then you'd come in last, just proud you crossed the line.

So why do we all get caught up over our next trivial trial?
Truth be told it just makes us old, so where's that Big ol' Smile?

If you could theorize life's goals though a special child's thought
Maybe then you'd understand you've lost what you've always sought.

Perhaps their not the slower ones; they just move at heaven's pace,
While the rest of us go flying by, afraid were loosing face.

Just stop and take a moment, retard your Thoughts and slow your Bod,
Then let the spirit show you, truly perfect children, are ones that we call flawed.

-Brad Brockbank-

Jennifer was born about 17 months after me, but during the birth she was deprived of precious oxygen for quite a while, in fact she died. My dad has never prayed like he prayed on July 14th 1981. Few have ever prayed as hard as he did on that day. And God did hear the cries of my father and did grant unto him the desire of his heart, that His daughter might remain with us for a time.

Behind her are three guys that she swore she would come to this earth to protect.

Her battle is not with Bin Laden, or a knife wielding thief, but rather the Adversary. And she is one in a billion of our Heavenly Fathers' Children who can fight him like she can and has all of our lives. We have protected her while on this earth from the Bin Ladens and Thiefs of the world, but even then our battle is futile cause in the end, we all know where she will be.

I love my little sister so much. Growing up she was the joy that helped us forget the Washington rain. I cannot begin to express how blessed I feel to have Jennifer as part of our family. She still continues to bless us, and Her sweet talented husband Raymond is a huge blessing as well.

Jennifer, I love you and can't wait to see you soon! Don't worry, we haven't forgotten that your Birthday is on July 14th! (We'll get you something X-tra special!)

To all the rest of you, Find the special child within ourselves. I'm living proof, that there's a little bit of a slow child in all of us, and that's ooohh-tay!

-Keep on Smiling-

Rock Solid Smile

2008-05-06T20:59:00.002-06:00

This is Dewayne Johnson, more commonly known as "The Rock". I liked the Rock the first time I saw him on film... Upto that point I had only heard him referred to in conversations about the WWF.

After I saw him, I wondered how long it would be until he screwed every thing up. It is so sad to see how many great stars mess their lives up by making stupid choices. But not the Rock. It's been over 10 years since I first saw him, and to my knowledge he has not been caught in the midst of some controversy.

So The Rock lives up to his name. He is a Rock in life, he is a Rock in Service, and he seems to have a Rock solid values system.

Now if he could get as tone and defined as me he'll be in good shape.

-Keep on Smiling-

Happy Cinco de Maio!!!

2008-05-05T19:58:00.004-06:00

Angel and I have this longstanding tradition every Cinco de Maio that I really think is incredible. Especially considering how long we've been doing it and how well we've executed on somehow remembering it every year tat we've been married.

We rarely have been this consistent at things, but Cinco de Maio is one of those holidays that are just too important on the list to miss out on, especially when it comes to tradition. I know alot of you out there are big traditionalist too and you probably think were old fashioned and all, but call us what you will, we just cant seem to get out of this fun pattern!

So every Cinco de Maio Angel and I get up in the morning and we go about our day as if nothing was different... Then about halfway through our day... (This is the best part) one of us says "Happy Cinco de Maio" then we go about our day and go to bed later that night!

Isn't that CRAZY? It's the best!

I for one just am amazed at how much fun we have.

Aside from all that silliness, this picture is an interesting one. Its actually my eye and that beautiful silhouette you can see is the apple of my eye (No, not the new iPhone silly) its Angel!

I had a HUGE grin on my face when we set this shot up and it always reminds me of how much our smiles include the rest of our face, not just our mouths. You cant see my mouth here, but you can "see" the smile.

So remember when you smile, do it like ya mean it and use all 36 muscles of facial expression:

Auricularis anterior (2)
Auricularis posterior (2)
Auricularis superior (2)
Buccinator (2)
Corrugator supercilii (2)
Depressor anguli oris (2)
Depressor labii inferioris (2)
Depressor septi nasi (1)
Frontalis (1)
Levator anguli oris (2)
Levator labii superioris (2)
Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (2)
Mentalis (1)
Nasalis (2)
Orbicularis oculi (2)
Orbicularis oris (1)
Platysma (1)
Procerus (1)
Risorius (2)
Zygomaticus major (2)
Zygomaticus minor (2)

(Thank you Dr. Brad Wright from University of Utah)
(http://anatomynotes.blogspot.com/2006/01/muscles-to-smile-muscles-to-frown.html)

To show your smile!

-Keep on Smiling-
-Subsistencia en sonreír- Probably wrong Thanks Babel Fish:p

He's Got IT!

2008-05-03T07:05:00.003-06:00

You know how sometimes you can just look at someone and tell through their smile that they've got it? This is my brother Justin, and He is one of those people.

I called him yesterday cause I haven't talked to him for a while and I realized how much I miss Utah. Now, don't ya'll go gettin upset in Texas, we're not goin' anywhere... I just miss all my dear family and friends, just like in Washington, and Brazil. I really do miss "Jun". Jun and I spent the Last 7 years chasing each other around the country getting in and out of trouble and teaching each other to "balance" from our extremes.

I was very laid back, disorganized and didn't plan much...Justin was a bit to preplanned, not very sporadic and never ate sugar. -Enter Brad-

We'll I couldn't convince him of the great joy that sugar brings (truth be told, he's allergic), but he has become more laid back to change and I have been able to plan things out in advance and get things in my life much more organized.

Aside from things like this, Justin introduced me to the world of Extreme Sports. Aside from Snowboarding I really didn't do many other sports. Justin changed that... Mtn. Biking, Snowmobiling, Street Biking (Motorcycles), Cruising (Motorcycles), Downhill Mtn. Biking, ATV's, and Powertools (Yes it's a sport...at least to me) To name a few.

So This is Jun... If you don't know him, I hope that you will someday have the opportunity to get to know him. If you do know him, I hope that you can get to know him better. And if your married to him, well... you a lucky gal (Love ya Steph!)

The lesson in smiles that we can all take from Justin is to look ahead in life. take a little time and plan some goals out. Write them down, spend time listening to others and when your looking over the edge of a huge cliff thinking your might possibly die, you'll never know until you jump.

-Keep on Smiling-

President Monson, What a Great Smile!

2008-05-01T07:44:00.004-06:00

As I sit here at my computer this evening listening to a fight amongst some college kids outside, and hearing more cuss words than a ... than a movie with lots of cuss words in it... I find myself ever more grateful that I have a man like Thomas S. Monson to look to for guidance.

For those of you who visit my blog and are not of my faith, I am a Mormon. I am proud of my heritage and I have indeed researched practically every major religion and faith out there. How have I been able to find such exposure to so many faiths you might ask... Well, my father's chosen profession was a funeral director. Through this medium, I was able to meet, see, and study various Religious practices.

As you can see I am still a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I declare my witness that I have received the comforting assurance of my Father in Heaven that this is the true and everlasting church established upon the face of the land, restored from the apostasy which occurred after Christ's Crucifixion when the apostles were all martyred and the Priesthood was removed from off the face of the land.

The gospel as taught by the church holds the answers to questions so frequently sought in the world today. It is able to answer questions where others can only encourage faith due to a lack of scriptural evidence, or scriptural contradiction.

The man you see above is a man who lives by God's law, and serves on this earth as God's Living and true prophet upon the earth.

I testify to you, that these things are true. I invite each of you to investigate a bit more. If you are curious about how your family can be together forever, then find out... Ask about Heavenly Father's Plan for our happiness on this earth.

And PLEASE please please do not take my word alone, or think that I would ever expect anyone to do so. Rather, I encourage you to truly seek guidance from our Loving Heavenly Father. He hears our prayers and answers them, and I promise as you ask in faith, believing that he will answer as he promises over and over again, you will receive guidance as to what he would have you to do.

Perhaps you have been praying, maybe this is an answer for that which you have been seeking. I know that the spirit will testify to your heart, and if that be the case, please feel free to ask me anything. I am not here to convert others. But rather to share with them the joy I have found through this Gospel which I live.

My testimony stands to invite thru love. I hope that you know my desire to share this with you, is founded in "Love" and not an ounce of contention. I am only reaching to those who are seeking. The churches across this great nation have incredible people who lead and guide in them. I am humbled by the service they render in our communities and the counsel they share to so many.

I know that they are serving God to the fullest they know how, and I honor them for it. I merely know that my Heavenly Father has spoken directly to my heart as I have knelt in earnest prayer asking his guidance, and have been overwhelmed by the clearness of the response. My life is happier, my marriage stronger, and my joy fuller, and I cannot deny what I know. Of these truths I testify and seal it unto heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, -Amen-

-Keep on Smiling-

...and Juliet is the Sun...

2008-04-30T20:54:00.003-06:00

This is an awesome smile and I'll be honest, it's one of the few smiles that I disliked the first time I saw it, and then ended up quite liking it later on. Julia Roberts has aged well and her smile shows it.

May we all age this well... AND

-Keep on Smiling-

Too Much Time on My Hands?... Perhaps

2008-04-29T21:35:00.004-06:00

Now, This is the story all about how
My frown got flipped turned upside down
I'd liked to take a minute
Just sit right there
I'll tell you how I changed my frown to a smile so fair.

In Vancouver, WA born and raised
Hudson's Bay was where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool
And shootin some b-ball outside after school
When a couple of guys
They were up to no good
Started making trouble in my neighborhood
I got in one little fight and chanced to meet frown
Said I gotta move up to Prairie, a bit happier part of town

I whistled for a cab and when it drew near
The license plate said "SMILE" and it had dice in the mirror
If anything I could say that this cab was rare
But I thought hmm...'Naw forget it' - 'Yo homes to Brush Pr-air'

I pulled up to the school about 7 or 8
And I yelled to the cabbie 'Yo homes smile later'
I looked at my Smile
It was finally there
Restin upon on my face as the smile so fair.

-Keep on Smilin'- Peace out Yo!

It's Better to Smile, Than it is to Croak!

2008-04-29T21:14:00.003-06:00

This happy little frog is HAPPY. When I saw this it made me feel happy all over. 1st off I love Tree Frogs... When I was young I used to catch them all the time. And I had an eye for them too. They are usually green or brown, so they blend in really well with their surroundings, but for some reason I could pick them up on radar like a hawk (Except I didn't swoop in and try to kill them with my Large Tallons).

I also love the arcade game frogger, don't know why that's relevant, but none the less, now you know one more useless fact about me.

So for all the *hoppy* little frogs out there (Sorry, I couldn't resist) may you never be spotted by a hawk, and may you always keep on smiling!

To the rest of you...

-Keep on Smiling- (too :)

Smilin is for the Birds...

2008-04-26T20:21:00.002-06:00

All I can say is Wow, whoever caught this shot was one lucky duck. Even mother nature can smile upon us at times. So as you are out and about in your day, remember to look for the moments that emulate the happiness in everyday life.

-Keep on Smiling-

Katz liK wAtuR - tHanKs thuh Dog

2008-04-25T06:31:00.005-06:00

HaHa, Bark Bark... See Kat Smiling - He lik swimin - arf

Umm - Kat wuz supryzd but diep doun he liks watur

not so mutch... no tyme to fotochaup this wone.

-tHanKs tHuh dOg-
-kEEP ON sMeyeliNg- (anD gIv dOg tReeTz)

This one's for Owen

2008-04-24T22:43:00.003-06:00

If you don't know what I'm talking about click on Esther & Jeremy's blog to the right of this post.

I am so proud of Owen who will NEVER have teeth like this. My little buddy Owen knows what happens in our mouths at night... They get dirty!!! And if we don't clean our smiles this is what will happen.

So if any of you have kids that wont brush their teeth, just have them take a look at these two and I think they'll start.

The one on the right is my older brother Bart, and I'm the little whipper snapper to the left.

So remember kids... Brush and floss and take good care, cause if you don't your teeth grow hair!

-Keep on Smiling- (Unless you don't know what a toothbrush is, then please spare us:)

Smiling Bob - Dedicated to B.I.B.

2008-04-22T22:22:00.003-06:00

Well... You knew that this picture had to *pop up* soon enough. For some crazy reason this picture makes us all smile just a bit more. Kinda silly, but there is just something about that smile that makes us all blush a bit and chuckle inside.

In honor of earth day here's to a smile that just may help you reduce your carbon footprint. I don't know how...but it just may.

-Keep on Smiling-

Gym Class

2008-04-21T21:06:00.003-06:00

I had a kid in my gym class that looked just like this, but I think the guy in my class could bench more than the gorilla.

But don't feel too bad for the gorilla, I think he has a better smile :)

Its amazing to me how truly connected animals are with Human emotion. They really do feel Happiness over things. I have a Boxer and everyday when I come home her little tail gets going about 1,000 miles per hour. It leaves ya feeling awesome! So, my dog smiles with her tail.

Smiles are a wonderful gift, they come with an almost 100% guarantee to make both the giver and the receiver feel good, and best of all... They are Free!

So later on as you go out and see someone who is not smiling, cast a smile in there direction, you'll be amazed when you realize the power that those little muscles in your face really posses.

I'd like to welcome all the J. Hilburn partners who were introduced to my blog today (Thanks Sally :) and hope that you will visit often.

Great things are happening in the world today and if your associated with J. Hilburn you are part of one of the GREATEST happenings out there!

-Keep on Smiling-

Become one with your smile

2008-04-20T15:11:00.003-06:00

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi also known as "Mahatma Gandhi", was an incredible man. Before I posted his smile, I wanted to find out a few facts about him. I learned a couple of interesting facts.

First and foremost, I learned that Gandhi, was not just some oppressed guy that got sick of being beaten down by the man... No, in fact Gandhi was "The Man" and got sick of seeing his people beaten down.

Ghandi was born to the Prime Minister of India, (That's the equivalent to our US President) He was raised well and sent to school to become a barrister (Lawyer).

So aside from being a very intelligent person, Gandhi was also very well schooled.

One of my all-time favorite quotes came from this man. I hope that they put them on my headstone when I die. He said:

"Be the change that you want to see in the world."

Gandhi knew that the greatest battle we would ever fight was the one we fight with ourselves. Constantly he was calling for people to point fingers only to the one in the mirror.

If you feel like there is change needed in the world, look to yourself and be that change. When we all do smiles and goodwill will abound and we wont need my blog anymore. And I'm okay with that :)

-Keep on Smiling-

Ask and Ye shall recieve, Knock and it shall be opened unto You.

2008-04-19T22:15:00.002-06:00

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour is all powerful, all wise, and Loves us more than we can ever comprehend in this mortal life.

I love this picture as it portrays a quality that I think many people fail to ever realize he gave to us which means he has it too. It's a sense of Humor and a love of Joy.

Christ Lives you guys! and He is keenly aware of our lives, our needs, and our true desires.

He loves you, and I love you.

For more understanding on this read my other Blog entry for today. Hope you enjoy!

-Keep on Smiling-

No, I didn't Forget Saturday's Post!!!

2008-04-19T21:52:00.004-06:00

This little Piggy went He He He He Alllllll the Waaaay Home!

So, today we went to the Dallas Arboretum (Incredible Gardens in Dallas) and had a very tranquil afternoon with the family. The Arboretum was gorgeous and the weather was perfect. Then this evening we went out as a family again (I needed new pants for my Job) and it was Perfect... Almost...

Abigail is going through a stage right now that is giving EVERYONE a run for their money. I think it must have something to do with the way I'm praying. See, I keep asking the lord to give me patience, and as any knowledgeable and loving parent knows, when your child asks for help to be able to do something you don't just do it for them. You provide the opportunity for them to eternally develop the attribute.

So, while we were leaving the mall (Which has an ice skating rink that the girls did not get to use) Tori was having a bit of a breakdown... So I thought. It was nothing compared with what I was about to encounter.

On the way out we passed the bathroom and Tori needed it, so Angel and her were off while Abbie and I chilled on the couch. All night long Angel had repeatedly been wrestling with Abbie to have her keep her shoes on.

While we were there on the couch Abbie took her shoes off and scooted them in my direction with the stoic look of "Ha, now she's not here and there's nothing that she can do about it" (My mom knows the look well from me). I told her to put them back on and thus started World War 3 in the middle of Nordstroms.

Let me paint the scene...Soft beautiful piano music playing in the background, whispers as clerks and patrons shopped the merchandise. The soft clapping of people walking along the main Isles between departments, when suddenly AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! NOOOOOOO!!! Nooooooooo DAAAAAAAADDY NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! STOPIT! STOPIT, STOPIT!!! NOOOOOOOO!!! for about 3 solid minutes while Tori is taking her time doing breathing exercises to pee. :)

I wanted to let her take the shoes off, but knew if I did a great injustice would have been served to Abbie, although at the time you would have thought I was attempting to amputate her foot w/o anesthesia.

And so the Lord gives unto us in abundance as we ask... and I say that semi sarcastically, but the truth of it is... I DID indeed ask for it. and I am grateful for the experience, cause I felt like there were a thousand people staring at me, so I was more calculated in my parenting methods, which really made me more patient

Anyway... I guess that explains my other Post's Picture too :)

-Keep on Smiling-

My Blog is Totally Newnified

2008-04-18T20:03:00.003-06:00

Okay, I'm dying here cause I have so many great Smiles that I want to share with you all, so Here's what I've decided... I'm going to post 2 posts a day. One highlighting a family member and another one of random smiles. So now I'm coming to you live in 2-D!

I hope that you all continue to enjoy the posts, and I really appreciate the comments, they make me feel like my Secret Mission is being successful.

So Here's a perfect example of a "Fake" Smile of President Bush. (Frank Caliendo)

-Keep on Smiling-

Bonus Smile

2008-04-18T18:38:00.002-06:00

I caught this little fairy floating around the room the other night while Angel and I were trying to get the kids room ready. I thought she was pretty hott! What do Ya'll think?

-Keep on Smiling-

Power to Bless the World

2008-04-18T07:14:00.004-06:00

Today, I was going to post about my sister in law Esther, who as her name sake in the Bible blessed a nation with her kindness. Then as I was seeking for a picture, I came across a picture of one of my absolutely favorite people in the World.

This is one of my Best Friends. His Name is Zack, He is Esther and Jeremy's Son, so I thought she would forgive me, since he is such a huge part of her life.

Zack is one of the smartest young men that I know. He is also very Strong. See Zack is a pioneer in our family he bears the weight as the Jensen family's oldest grandchild. He is the one that all of the rest of the children will look to for leadership, counsel, and advice.

And honestly, as a father of two little girls that I know will fall into that group, I couldn't think of anyone better than Zachary to be there.

I wish that all of you could meet him, and someday you just might. This rock posses within himself the power to bless the world. I felt it the first time I held him. Now 8 years later I not only feel it, but have began to see the seeds of it as he accomplishes great feats.

Zack, I am so proud of the young man that you are becoming, and want you to know that I am grateful to Heavenly Father for blessing our family with you.

Zack is POWERFUL!!!

-Keep on Smiling-

The Most Beautiful Smile in the World

2008-04-17T05:30:00.003-06:00

Whose the luckiest guy ever? ME!

Okay I am going to try to convey the feelings of my heart in a short blog entry. Truly this task is an impossible one, for my heart alone can barely contain the love that I have for Angel Noelle.

Last night, I read back through the pages of Angel's Journal. It was very difficult as she frequently wrote about the possibility of marriage with her fling at the time, and would ramble on about all of his great qualities. It was very hard not to feel like somehow I was being compared to these guys.

As I came more into the picture I would catch little snippets that would start talking about me fizzle out and end up talking about another guy. (Many of whom are great friends of mine). As you can imagine it was ripping my heart out. Why I was punishing myself like that I will never know, except to say that it was to fulfill a wise purpose in the Lord. He knew that I needed this mental beating for effect. What was to come in the latter portion of her record has ingrained an ever deeper love and adoration in my heart.

Angel and I went through a very gradual...well actually...Angel went through a gradual process of falling in Love with me. I was in Love with her the first time I met her. Her journal does not reflect this on paragraph it's talking about 1 guy and the next it's talking about how seriously we are considering Marriage.

As I read from that point on however, it became apparent that she too had received a strong spiritual confirmation of our Heavenly Father's will. This gave me great strength and I realized I am the WINNER!!!

All those other guys could not woo her heart and gain her everlasting trust. Through all the years of hanging on, and people thinking I was crazy wanting something that in their estimations was futile, It all paid off.

The Smiles that I post today are of the most incredible, Loving, Sweet, Kind, Forgiving, Patient, Strong, & HOTT smile that I have ever had the honor to see.

Smile 1 captures Angel in a nutshell. The sweet, innocent, piercing, eyes, coupled with her gorgeous smile, says... You are welcome in our home.

Smile 2 captures the Sassy Side of this Heavenly being. This is one of the things that I love most about Angel. I love her Strength for Fun! We all know I have A.D.D. so Fun comes naturally to me :) Angel on the other hand get's her Fun side from her Spunky Side! In fact this picture was after a James Bond Party that we went to for one of my Bro's Birthday's.

Smile 3 This is Angel's Strength... Now, It's certainly not Schwarzenegger's arms but if biceps showed inner strength she would put us ALL under the table, yes even the Govenator. Angel has fine tuned her abilities to lovingly lay the smack down. (Back in the day we had to work on it, but she's got it down now.

So...There you have it my friends. Angel Noelle Brockbank Sweet, Sassy, and Kickin'
Like I said in the begining;

Whose the luckiest guy ever?
-ME-

-Keep On Smiling-

Smile Wed 16th April

2008-04-16T18:26:00.003-06:00

This smile is one of the funniest that I have seen in a long time. Sometimes it's hard to smile, but others may require your strength as they could be in a worse situation than you. When you find yourself in that situation, do like this lady and find yourself a smile on a stick and GO TO WORK SMILIN'!

-Keep On Smiling-

Smile # 1

2008-04-15T22:07:00.002-06:00

This has to be one of the greatest smiles that I have ever seen. When I saw it it made me laugh and feel good inside. I think it shows that we can have true happiness no matter how desperate our situation.

-Keep On Smiling-

Announcing my Blog to the World!

2008-04-15T20:55:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I just commented on Olivia's Blog and realized that the account I commented under, was this account. My secret world exposed. I'm not going to launch it to everyone, but if you venture here I welcome you. I also love you, cause if you know livvy and knew (or cared) enough of who I was to click and try to find my blog... Well you must be a good friend, and I love you :)

So welcome to my secret world where I've blogged to myself a few times in an attempt to try to make the perfect blog before I announced it... but here you are!

-Brad-

Laundry Day

2008-03-17T18:45:00.002-06:00

Angel and I went to the Laundromat today and let me tell you, There are some interesting people at those places. (Especially me) We got a TON of laundry done though. It was all the stuff that we've had hiding in storage since we began tracking all over the land.

Hopefully things will slow down a bit though, I'm ready to have some stability and be able to plan ahead more than 4 days! :)

More to come on this soon... :)

Priesthood & Faith

2008-03-09T23:35:00.003-06:00

As my first official entry I wanted to write on something that is very dear to my heart, and something that I am consistently seeking to understand better. It is the subject of Power in the priesthood through faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I do not profess to be an expert on this, but it is something that I love to study. As I ponder upon the power of the Priesthood, I am in awe as I reflect on the countless stories that have been shared with me of Healing, Personal Revelation, Great strength received, and even something so simple as a thought that helped a neighbor.

The Priesthood is the Authority to act in the name of God... Just like when Christopher Columbus landed on the American continent, he claimed it for Spain, Acting under the Authority of Queen Isabella. Likewise, when we perform an ordnance, or when we give a blessing to someone who is ill, we are acting in the name of The King... The Almighty King and Savior of the world.

But just having the authority of the Priesthood does not necessarily constitute that we will perform miracles. There is a Power in the Priesthood, that must be attained in order to bless the lives of those around us.

Perhaps an object lesson can illustrate the point for us. Consider for a moment an insulated copper wire. This wire certainly is capable of delivering energy to a specified point, or in other words, it has the "authority" to do so. But until that wire is tied into an actual power source nothing will ever transpire through it's conductive lines.

So it is with us, if we do not tie ourselves into the Source of all Power, even the Eternal Jehovah, We will never be able to deliver the power to others. In fact we will never be capable of anything other than laying our hands upon the heads of our loved ones and speaking to them our thoughts on their specific trial or illness.

I will write more soon...

Welcome!

2008-02-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Good Morning to you all!

I imagine that you are all here because my sweet wife told you al that I now have a blog too. I was going to use hers, but with 2 little girls, Angel, a girl dog, and a girl cat... I get enough of the color pink. So this blog is lovingly dedicated to my Sweet Family of girls, so they can have a little more Blue in their life.

I hope that you will all come here to laugh, share, find a shoulder to cry on when you need, and most importantly to find uplifting stories and little inspirations that I share as we go through this crazy journey called life.

This will also pose as a journal for me so bear with me if I get long winded sometimes. It's for posterities sake. :)

So buckle down, hang tight, and keep checking back! I look forward to growing with all of you!

Onward and Upward
-Bradley Dean-