Hospitals....

We have spent the last several days visiting with Ben and Marina at both Del Webb and Banner Thunderbird... Both bring with them a flood of memories of wonderful you!

As you know little Nathan Alexander left his heavenly home early this morning.... and what a little angel pie. Thank you for watching over little premie Nathan as long as you could. That sweet little man was born at 15" long and 3 lbs 7 ounces at 29 and a half weeks.

All Ben's little babies were born at Thunderbird. I just visited this sweet little gorgeous creature and am I smitten. Marina is doing pretty well, she is on antibiotic and was a little feverish. She is a tough cookie! ben sure pics them well! More details to come. .. Still need lots of heavenly help to get him chubby and home. Sprinkle your fairy dust on him pretty pants ...

For you. . .

The day after Christmas was a special one for the Smith family.  As you know we are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and part of what we hold most dear are our temples.  They are near and dear to us for a variety of reasons but perhaps one reason they are even more dear to us now than ever is the opportunity we have to do work for those who have passed away without hearing or knowing about what we feel is truth.  For those who have passed who still have family who survive them we are required to wait one year and have permission from their family.  Ben and your parents were kind enough to allow us to share with you at last what we were not able to in life.  Ben told me, "If that is something that is important to you and if it would make you feel good than I think you should."  Well it is, and it did.  

While the picture after just captures some of us, every one of Ben's siblings and their spouses and mom and dad were there for you.  We were able to perform ordinances on your behalf. It is our belief that you can choose to accept it on the other side.  It was an emotional, beautiful day for our family and hopefully for you too.  We absolutely treasure you and hope you were touched by our love and devotion for you always. If you have any questions up there, find my nana. . she'll fill ya in.  We love you so much.

White Elephant!

After family pictures this year we gathered for our annual white elephant gift exchange (which didn't happen last year due to scheduling conflicts).  Ben and Marina were not able to make it but the rest of us gathered together for a few laughs.  You provided some of the best laughs last time with the ginormous granny panties you selected and Rachel was lucky enough to receive and model for us.  We decided to keep these panties in the rotation for life.  

 This year my dad was lucky enough to get them and we all had a good laugh and moment of longing for you as he modeled them for us.

Merry Christmas!

Sweetest Lans,  Christmas was wonderful and you were missed as always.  Ben and Marina were nice enough to arrange for a photographer to come and take pictures on Christmas day of the large Smith family.     Our last photo together you were here snuggling on your newborn Andrew. 

 It still stings to drive by this picture spot . . .every time I just long for ya.

 You were so happy to have this little Andrew.

 Things have changed without question without you.  But thankfully a new normal has been established at last for Ben with Marina.  That first six months was so awful we are so thankful for the balance that she and her boys have brought.   Did I tell you they are expecting a BOY!? Of course you probably already new that and have been snuggling him up there while we snuggle yours down here.  I must admit I never imagined Ben would have more kiddos than the rest of us!

 Not willing to have a photo without a little of you in it, I wore your scarf.  Love you forever.