Description

Project Smiles was formed and created under the name of Project Smile - an individual project by co-founder Trang Dinh with a purpose of emphasizing what it means to be optimistic: looking on the brighter side of life. Now, with the help of Christopher Nguyen, this project has been reformed to apply to all applicants, young or old. Project Smiles is a daily record of the great things in life that keeps us smiling. Anyone and everyone is welcome to submit their stories. The founders; Trang Dinh and Christopher Nguyen hopes that in making this project, it will inspire ourselves and others to keep smiling and living life to the fullest.

LMS - Left/Leaves Me Smiling (:

Monday, August 2, 2010

Traffic Lights


"Today I thought of when my old best friend and I was sitting at this traffic light that was taking forever to change to green. We were being silly and started yelling at the light. The people in the car next to us ended up joining in our yelling match. The memory of it and sharing that moment with complete strangers LMS :)"

-Kelsie M.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Crab Head


" I went crabbing with my family, which pretty much just involves a bag full of rocks and fish tied to a string thrown to crabs. We would throw the bags out and wait for the crabs to latch on, then pull them in (my brother is always saying that he catches the most, and only the big ones). My cousin ended up throwing the bag too high and not far enough, so while I wasn't looking, it landed on my head. Yes, it hurts to have a bag of rocks dropped on my head, but we all had a little laugh about that later (even with the bruise on my head and my hair smelling like fish). Time with family really LMS. And my uncle caught it on video... (: "

- Rosa M.

[Photocredit to Leaving-My-Mark @deviantart.com]

Unexpected Phone Call

" I was working on my paper today when my phone starting ringing. It was my uncle, one that I'm fond of but not particularly close to. He asked me about how I was doing and how school was going, and as I answered him. I kept waiting for him to "get to the reason why he was calling." Finally he said, 'Well okay, I just wanted to call to check up on you. Hang in there,' and hung up. Unexpected people who call just because they genuinely care LMS. Like this --> ^__________^ "

- Annie N.

[Photocredit to BigboyDenis @deviantart.com]

Discovering Others


" When I walked into Creation Fest 2010, I wanted to feed the animals in the little petting zoo. I blurted, 'Man I wish I had a quarter,' out loud, and a cute Asian girl from behind yelled out, 'I have one,' and walked over to me. We introduced ourselves, and she told me it was comforting to know there are more Asian Christians out there. She LMS for the rest of Creation Fest and now!(: "

- Theresa B.

[Photocredit to spud100 @deviantart.com]

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Our Conversation


" As I got ready to leave my aunts house this past weekend, I was talking to my cousin's five year old son. When I applied lotion to my arms, he asked me what I was putting on. I told him it was lotion in which he responded back with, 'You need to put sun block too.' I replied telling him I didn't need to because I'm Asian, so I'm naturally tan. With that being said, he said the cutest thing ever, 'No. You, you're not Asian. Asians always stay at peoples house late. They are always late, especially Filipinos.' He's 3/4th White and 1/4th Filipino. This conversation by far LMS. (: "

- Geoffrey P.

[Photocredit to BigboyDenis @deviantart.com]

Monday, July 12, 2010

Cheer Up


" I was reading the many statuses on Facebook, and saw one of my friends was feeling down. I said a few things that actually helped more people who felt the same way. Knowing I helped people feel better LMS. (: "

- Tony S.


[Photocredit to meppol @deviantart.com]

Just, Smile


" Today, I checked my event inbox for the first time in months. Cluttered in with many of the superficial and random groups I ignored, I came across Project-Smiles. Learning that students came up with this vision and are using technology for a positive purpose in society LMS. Great work. (: "

- Coley V.


[Photocredit to littlemisslove @deviantart.com]

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Transcending Love


" I have two neighbors, and I've never seen one without the other. They always do everything together: cook, garden, shop, attend mass. I went to church and sat behind them. During the peace where you shake hands or hug, I saw them turn and kiss each other.They're in their seventies. Love that transcends feelings and time LMS. (: "

- Annie N.

[Photocredit to SweetCocaine @deviantart.com]

Monday, July 5, 2010

Wowing Moments


" While watching the fireworks at the beach with my family yesterday, there were constantly little boys and girls yelling, 'Woah!' They got very excited each time the fireworks exploded. Their simple looks of innocence, and how it was so easy to amuse them made me smile and remember back to the days where I was just like them, full of 'wowing' moments. Simply remembering back to the days when I was their age and looking back at beautiful memories LMS. (: "

- Cynthia N.

[Photocredit to D3C0ND @deviantart.com]

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Sand-Covered Shoes

" Today at Alki, I left my shoes out on the sand and someone stepped all over them, leaving sand all over them. My friend, Chris voluntarily cleaned one off. This LMS. Haha (: "

- Bryan L.

[Photocredit to petitecoeur @deviantart.com]

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Crosswalk Conversation


" Yesterday, I was walking to the library with my sister when we got to the crosswalk next to the library building. We both saw the button you push to alert the traffic lights of a pedestrian (or SOMETHING like that, I'm not really sure ...of what it really does) and started fighting over who would press it first. A friend of mine who was in his car, Mason, saw us fighting while he was waiting for the green light and shouted out to us across the street. From there we totally had a whole conversation shouting to each other back and forth. The silliness LMS. C: "

- Vyvy P.

[Photocredit to weather-girl @deviantart.com]

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Our Bracelets


" During Spring Fling of Freshman year, a close friend and I were looking at a booth that sold bracelets. He asked, 'Which bracelet do you want?' I pointed at one that I had been eyeing for a while. When I asked him the same question, he pointed at one that looked exactly like the one I wanted. He told me, 'Let's buy each other a bracelet, that way both of us would have something to remember each other by, and something that will always bring each of us goodluck.' Afterwards, he slipped the bracelet on my wrist. Even though it's been a while, this memory has always LMS. (: "

- Anonymous

[Photocredit to ShotDownEgo @deviantart.com]

Monday, June 28, 2010

Anonymous Gift

" Today I was in the car with six other Hazen students.We pulled up at Starbucks, and one of us ordered. When we came up to the window to pay, the worker told us that the lady in front of us saw a bunch of high school students in a car and gave $10 to help us pay. So the girl that ordered got free food. In return, we gave $5 to the orders of the people behind us. Moments like these demonstrate the good in humanity and LMS. (: "

- Debora C.

[Photocredit to koalasAREpwnsome @deviantart.com]

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Someone Close


" I have a friend who is also my roommate. Through 9 months together, we've cried, we've laughed, we've ate, we've shared a bed, we've joked, we've gotten mad, we've supported each other, we've took classes, all together and more fun memories. You won't realize the importance of someone till you lose him/her. She LMS. "

- Anh Vu Hien N.

Music in the Morning


" This morning, I heard the song, 'By Your Side' by Urbangermany. Its currently on repeat becuse it makes me smile all the time. Maybe it's because I love music, or maybe because the song fits in with my mood, or the mellow rhythm just kept me happy. Its safe for me to say that music LMS. (: "

- Michelle D.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Don't Give Up, Until the Very End


" Yesterday [June 23, 2010 Wednesday], I experienced the feeling of unexpected discoveries. There's this guy I'm crushing on, but he's only a crush. We stopped talking for some time, and I thought he just didn't want to talk with me anymore, so I thought I should just give him up, after all he is just a crush. But, I still wanted to give it another go, and even if it failed, at least I know that I tried until the very end. So I decided to just ask him a random question. I never expected him to reply back to me and then converse for more than an hour. It LMS throughout our conversation. (: "

- Dani P.

[Photocredit to rachelarandilla @deviantart.com]

Thursday, June 24, 2010

My Summer Day



" Today was my third day of summer break, and what can I say? It was amazing! Haha. I woke up to a sunny, cloud free morning with the cool breeze coming through my window. I was instantly awake and in an amazing mood. You know those days where nothing goes wrong? Today was one of them! My good friend/teacher/catechist of mine who is a popular motivational speaker asked me to take pictures for him at his talk at Western Washington University and I instantly took his offer. I brought along my friend who is also a photographer and we drove 2 hours to get there. At first I was nervous to disappoint him because it was my first time taking photos at a big event for someone who needs the photos. After a few test shots, I just threw away my fear and believed in myself, and as a result I take many amazing pictures. It was a great experience and I learn a lot from his talk such as "If you're stressing.. control your PMS!" -Hoan Do- and that quote made everyone gasp but he fooled everyone when he said P-hysical, M-ental, S-piritual. Haha. His talk taught me a lot and it was a lot of fun as well! Later when I got home my friend Ravit drove me to my friend Julie's house so I can drop off fabric paint she needed, and I thought no one was home until I saw her dad and it was quite awkward when I gave it to him but it's all good! I got home and my beloved friend Trang told me she wrote a blog about me and I read it and it just left me with a giant smile on my face. She wrote about our history and all these amazing things about me which made me feel warm inside. Two days ago she gave me her prom picture and left me a note on the back and it also just left me in a state of awe. I'm glad that I'm friends with her and I hope that our friendship will never end and will stay strong from now and forever. She is honestly the one who LMS every day for the last few weeks. She has influence and impacted my life so much in such little time. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't get my friendship back with her. I la la la lab her and hope she never changes because she's just one of a kind person who you'd be lucky to have in your life. I sound corny right now but I mean every word! Overall, today was just priceless.. a day to remember.. a day to look back on.. a day of relaxation and satisfaction.. today just LMS (; "



- Christopher N.

Her Love


" Today was my grandma's three year anniversary of joining the angels in the sky. My family got together and cooked all the meals she used to cook for us. Afterwards, we all shared our best memories about her and no one could resist smiling. It reminded me that even though Grandma is gone, she left her love, her loved ones, and all the smiles with it. I love my grandma to the max, and I will see her again one day, smiling. She LMS. (: "

- Michelia D.

[Photocredit to jemlith @deviantart.com]

Young Again

" Today I got to act like a little kid again. I spent the day with my 6 year old nephew. It made me smile, and reminded me of the joy and innocent soul of a kid just playing around with no stress, no nothing; just simply being a kid. Being with him today made me see that I can let go a little, to color outside the lines and knowing that it's okay to let down my guards sometimes. My nephew LMS. (: ♥ "

- Veronica N.


[Photocredit to cboz @deviantart.com]

Beloved Brother




" Today while I was on my break from a really busy day, I saw a call coming in from my brother on vacation, just to say hello. It reminded me that I am very lucky to have such a great brother, who is also one of my closest friends. He LMS. (: ♥ "

- Ashlee C.

[Photocredit to dayswillpass @deviantart.com]

Toy Story

" Today, I went to watch Toy Story 3. It made me smile the whole time because as a kid, I used to play with Barbie, toys and all that stuff. I don't know why, it just kept me smiling, and it brought back so many childhood memories. (: What can I say? You're never too old for a Disney movie. Disney movies LMS. (: ♥ "

- Michelle D.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Squirrel!

" You know when you live in a dangerous neighborhood, you're constantly reminded about the past. Consider the fact that your home town had bad reputation. Ten years later, consider it overwhelmed by a large population of animals. My point: ending my high school year and still walking to school, only to see a group of squirrels in front of me, in front of the school! Think of all the men ready for war in Lord of the Rings, and that's the formation of squirrels looking upon you. Yeah my day was great, it LMS. (: "

- Bryant S.

[Photocredit to inbrainstorm @deviantart.com]

Shrinky Dinks


" Today, we made shrinky dinks in art for the very first time. It was amazing and extremely fascinating. Then we came in after school and made some more. Watcing those pieces of plastic shrink and turn into beautiful works of art LMS. (: "

- Vyvy P.

" I ♥ shrinky dinks. They LMS. (: "

- Sam R.

[Photocredit to trangg]

The Feeling


" Today, I ran 6 miles without shoes, and it was like flying. I didn't even think it was that painful. Rather, it actually made me feel really good. That feeling LMS. (: "

- Daniel V.

[Photocredit to Nujabes @deviantart.com]

Family


" Today, I reminded myself that I live a perfect life. My family, even though we're in a terrible financial situation, are blessed to have one another, to have food on our table each night, and to be able to pray together every single night. We're blessed to have God in our lives. I'm blessed to have them in my life, always and forever. Their continuous love and support LMS. (: "

- Dinh H.

[Photocredit to mnoo @deviantart.com]

Shared Faith

" This past weekend, I went camping with my Youth group and had a extremely fun time. I became closer to God, and got to spend it with a bunch of people I consider my family. They LMS all the time. (: "

- Michelle D.

[Photocredit to city-streets @deviantart.com]

Monday, June 21, 2010

Proud Daughter

" Today, I saw pictures of my mom at basic training for the army through her platoon's facebook page. I have not seen her for almost three months. She looked happy. It made me extremely happy and proud to tag those pictures. Doing so LMS. (: "

- Sami W.

[Photocredit to ryecr @deviantart.com]

Bestfriends

" Today, I was worried about an upcoming stressful confrontation. Then my best friend told me that she loved me. She doesn't know how much better she made me feel. She LMS. (: "

- Pickles

[Photocredit to aboutface @deviantart.com]

Sunday, June 20, 2010

His Love and Care

"A few days ago, I was having a rough time. The stress of finals, my parents, and some of my friends. My boyfriend surprised me by playing his guitar and singing my favorite song. He took the time to teach himself how to play that song, just to relieve me from my stress. His love and care for me LMS. (: "

-Kathleen D.

Kid at Heart

" My grandpa is so cool. Today, he got an automatic scooter thing and made me tape his first ride around the house. His childishness LMS. (: "

- TuanDat N.



Old Times


" I saw some old friends earlier today at church; friends from way back in the day. We talked about the old times, good and bad. I haven't laughed so much in a while :D It made me realize how important memories are, because no matter what happens, you always have memories. Don't waste time making bad memories when you can make happy ones. They LMS. (:"

- Lan N.

[Photocredit to Lan N.]

Saturday, June 19, 2010

She Cares

" It was the beginning of my freshman year when I was taking my very first quiz in my Catholic Beliefs class. Since I was new to the whole high school experience, I was nervous the whole time during the quiz. When I got to the last question, to my surprise, it said 'How are things going for you?' Everybody in the class looked up at our teacher curiously about that question, she smiled at us saying, 'Sometimes there are things that people would like to share with others. It's always nice to be asked that.' The way she cares for our class LMS. (: "

- Erika A.

Generosity

" It was Christmas time when my mom and I were at the mall. While we were in line at Macy's, there was a teenage girl buying a leather jacket with her mom and two older grandparents. When it was time for her to pay, the grandfather stepped up, pulled out his wallet and paid in cash for her jacket. After her jacket was purchased she excitedly hugged her grandfather saying thank you. Her happiness was priceless. The grandfather's generosity LMS. (: "

- Erika A.

His Prayer


" Yesterday morning I was going through a lot. I asked a friend among many to pray for me, not only did all of them happily obliged, but one of my good friends replied, 'I already do everyday (:' He LMS. (: "

- Theresa B.

[Photocredit to OneSynergy @deviantart.com]

Grateful Smile



" A few months ago, my dad's workshop was broken into, and hundreds of dollars worth of tools were stolen. Not only did they steal his tools, but they also stole his spirits by trashing all the cars that he worked so hard on. After I heard the news, I grew angry to know that someone could possibly do this. My mom saw my reaction and reminded me just how lucky we were; lucky that my father was not at the shop during the robbery. She reminded me that tools could be replaced, and how grateful she was that he was okay. I was so caught up in rage that I forgot to look on the bright side of things. Thinking back to my mom's words LMS. (: "

- Kevin H N.

[Photocredit to engelvleugels @deviantart.com]

Happiness

" Today when I was looking online for the new iphone 4, I planned on ordering it. The iphone is pretty expensive compared to our normal family plan, so I tried to find a new job to makeup for the expense. I went to the AT&T store to get a new contract and I saw a guy. He was probably a junior high-high schooler. He was there with his dad getting a new phone. He was so happy that it made me curious, so I peeked at his new phone and saw that his new phone is exactly like my old one. His expression and reaction suddenly reminded me of when I got my old phone; I was so happy, just like him. So I changed my mind, I'm keeping my old phone.

I started to think about my desires; are they giving me happiness? After a while of thinking, I realized that even though these aspects are simple, if I acknowledge them, they will bring me happiness: I am still alive, I am healthy, I still have six senses (ex: hearing, vision, taste, feel, ect), I have freedom, I have resources that make my life easier, I have compassion/affection, and I have knowledge. Realizing this LMS. (: "

- Paul L.

[Photocredit to CarolinaMaria @deviantart.com]

Friday, June 18, 2010

Camp Bonding



" Camp has always been a remarkable time of the year for me. However, this year definitely left an indent on my heart. This year, I felt like I had to prove everything; after all, I was getting pretty old. But thanks to SW and Auburn, the best combination ever, I actually had fun at camp. We all bonded within the first five minutes and for the first time, I honestly didn't think about winning. I just thought about cheering for the friends I instantly loved, and making memories that would be carried with me. In fact, my own mother said to me, 'This is the first time I've seen you not competitive, you're just happy.' Thinking about all the new friends I've made, all the adventures and laughs we had, defintely LMS! :D But thinking of the future and all the experiences we WILL share LMS forever. (: ♥ "

- Grace Ai N.

[Photocredit to Grace Ai N.]

Memory Lane



"My grandmother recently passed away a couple months ago, and her memorial service was a month ago. We're still cleaning things up from the service, taking care of bills, and finishing up thank you's and donations written in her memory. She was diagnosed with brain cancer in February and the doctor gave us two months. We couldn't do anything about it, but we stayed and visited her as much as we could as her memory deteriorated away. It was tough for the family because we weren't expecting her to leave us so soon, but she lived a good, long life at 91. I was going through her old photos and scanning them for the slideshow, but ended up crying, laughing, and smilubg at the young grandmother I knew and had lived with.

One day, the family was together at her house eating lunch when we asked everyone what their favorite memory of grandma was. My mom and my uncles said they had way too many, and my siblings went into detail of all the things they did with grandma; picking blackberries, baking pies, making arts & crafts, and singing hymns with her. It was finally my little cousin, Timmy, who is only four years old. Not really understanding what was going on, when asked of his favorite memory with Grandma, he simply answered, 'Loving her.' Hearing these memories, and especially the sweet answers of the little ones LMS :) "

- Michaela K.

[Photocredit to Sasoo @deviantart.com]

The Legacy



" On December 10, 2009 my best friend from my church passed away. She was 25, a first time mother, my co-Sunday school teacher, and just the nicest person in the whole world. My dad picked me up at school the day she passed away and parked at the school parking lot. The second he told me the news, I was crushed and my world was shattered at it's core. The last time I recall talking to her was the Sunday before she passed away. We spent service time talking about life and baking brownies for the kids. The kids had a Christmas performance the following Sunday. The Saturday she passed away, I went up to my pastor's house (she was married to the pastor's son), and there I saw my best friend's baby (she was pregnant and passed away right after giving birth). Her baby's presence in the room gave me the feeling of hope. However, it wasn't until I looked at her little face when I got the feeling that my best friend's legacy would never be forgotten, and that God was truly with all those grieving for my best friend including myself. Her child LMS. (: "

- Reuel M.

[Photocredit to Reuel M.]

Friends Forever



" Today was my school's graduation. My best friend and I were gray gowns, so we had the privilege of sitting with them; escorting them in and out of the ceremony. Sitting alongside my best friend hearing all these speeches about friendships and dreams made me realize that for six years, she has stuck with me through thick and thin. She tolerated my selfishness, laughed at my mistakes, smiled with me, and comforted me at my time of need. She is my motivation. She is the reason I am who I am today. A year from now, we will be sitting in the same seats that we sat today, getting our own diplomas. And honestly, I don't think there is anyone I would rather graduate with but her. I love you Vyvy, our long lasting friendship LMS. (: "
- Trang D.


[Photocredit to Trang D.]

Pleasant Surprise

" I spent all night texting her till my eye hurt. We said how much we wish we could be laying next to each other, talking face to face and not through text. A few minutes later we drifted off into sleep, but not before we said goodnight! A couple hours had passed when I woke up to a text saying, 'Good morning my darling! I couldn't stop thinking about you last night. I'll see you soon, I promise! You'll get your wish!' I spent the rest of the day wondering what she meant. I tried to call, but she didn't answer. Maybe a text? No response yet again. I got confused, went for a walk and thought, 'Why wont she reply? Is it something I said?' I got back to my house and sat on the couch trying again and again, but nothing at all! Then there was a knock, I went to open it only to be greeted by a hug and a kiss. She said, 'Honey I'm here. Don't worry, don't stress. You have me now so lets make it the best!' As I stood there in happiness and shock, this moment LMS. (: "

- Geoff P.

[Photocredit to dust_prisms @deviantart.com]

Officially Summer

"I woke up this morning with the sun shining through my window. It was gorgeous, especially after a full night of sleep knowing that it's now officially summer. It probably was also the fact that I just met some pretty amazingly hilarious people that made my morning even better, knowing that there's something to look forward to this summer. The official start of summer LMS (: "

- Anonymous

Happy Birthday !


" Today is my 17th birthday. I had two finals, and stinky driver's ed later on in the day. When I got home from school, my younger sister who usually just watches TV comes up to me and yells HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Although I wasn't that surprised, I was glad to see that she cared enough to yell it at me. She also made me a card with 'Som Meh Ho' on the cover, and gave me these milk lollipops with the milk part crossed out, and replaced with 'Thomack.' The fact that my sister gets my inside jokes LMS. (: "

- Anonymous

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Love & Trust


"Today I have realized a trust. I have also realized a love. I have found a new bond between two significant people that has already changed my life in a matter of weeks. Her name is Clare. His name is Aaron. I met Clare not too long ago. When we first met, we didn’t really talk, but after when we did, we just clicked. After that day, we hung out for almost everyday and we would open up our feelings towards each other. I had barely known her, but I already loved her. She is someone that can make me happy and strong. She helped me when I didn’t know what to do. Aaron is my second brother. I met him before I met Clare. The first time I met him was when he came over to do a project with my real brother and he made some kind of delicious strawberry dessert. We didn’t actually get close until the last few months of the school year. But he is the kind of person that I can go to if everything else fails. He makes me feel happy and good about myself. He makes me feel safe. ♥ So basically, I am grateful to have friends like these two. I love them! Aaron & Clare LMS. (: "

- Kelsey C.

[Photocredit to rebela_wanted @deviantart.com]

The Cross


" My guy, my little 4 year old brother and I went out to eat for lunch. Although my little brother had a horrible attitude all day, right before he dove into his food, he did the sign of the cross, LM&HS (Me and him). (: "

- Theresa B.

[Photocredit to *aimeelikestotakepics @deviantart.com]

Music 4 the Soul



"I woke up on a sunny morning, flipping through old records of music. Raphael Saadiq's "The Way I See It," Lauryn Hill's "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," Erykah Badu's "Live," and Koffee Brown's "Mars/Venus." But as I put in an old D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar," I realized Soul Music is the best vaccine for a meloncholy state of mind. The sweetness of life's soul music LMS. (:"

-Sean L