Change

A lot has changed since I last posted. My Dad suddenly passed away on August 6th and his funeral was August 9th. He was in a lot of pain his last few days and it was really hard to watch him suffer. I felt great peace when he was free of pain and himself mentally again and reunited with my Mom after more than two years. Hospice was wonderful to help us through the whole process so that my Dad could die at home and have the medication to keep him comfortable. It has seemed strange to not have him here this last week after he's lived with us for more than a year. When Naomi moves to an apartment just off campus at USU next week it will be just Kent and I and Nick and Caleb.

What a change from a year ago when we had 5 kids and my Dad living with us!

Here's a picture of the "Smith Seven" at the cemetery.

Another change is that we found out that we're going to be grandparents again! Katie and Aaron are expecting their first baby in April. When they're as cute as our young Beethoven Logan, who wouldn't be excited?

I registered Caleb for high school this week also. At one point, we had kids in five different schools and we are down to just the high school now.

Naomi went home with Katie and Aaron after the funeral so Ethan and I drove to Wyoming on Wednesday for a couple of days to pick her up. Driving for 5 hours with a two year old by yourself isn't the easiest thing to do, but he was pretty good, and I listened to a lot of Elmo's World while he watched it in the back seat. Of course on the way home yesterday when I had Naomi's help, he took a two hour nap.

For the most part I like change.
Losing loved ones is hard but it helps when they're ready to go and their spouse is waiting for them. Change promotes growth, right?