Effort for Frequency

In an effort for more frequency in posting to this blog, I've decided to pick up Friday Fill-Ins:

1. For me laziness is the opposite of creativity.
2. Collected Stories of Philip K Dick (vol. 2) was the last excellent book I read.
3. I like fill-ins because they spark some measure of creativity.
4. In nature I like looking at weather phenomenon.
5. I'm not completely decided as to who should win the US elections.
6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was a few days ago when Nile found a good laugh in me nuzzling his neck whilst making pig noises.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a good movie and some down time , tomorrow my plans include packing and getting some work done and Sunday, I want to take a good long nap!

Mother's Day

Well, all in all I'd say I had a pretty good mother's day. My first official one, that is.

Unfortunately, this year, my Great Grandpa passed shortly before Mother's day, and last year, my Grandma passed on Mother's day. So lately the holiday has been shadowed by mourning. But this year I found joy, regardless.

We were in Payson for the weekend visiting my family. It was a lot of fun, we always have a good time in Payson. My mom made Rice pudding for the guys and cheesecake for the girls and we had a BBQ at my aunt Val and uncle Kevin's place in Nephi. Their family was present (minus Olivia and Holly's bunch), Grandpa and Grandma came, and the whole lot of us. It was fun though. That night before Greg and I left my mom brought out gifts for Heidi and myself. She had my aunt Holly who was visiting my cousing Christina in Turkey pick us each up a Cashmere "Pashmina" shawl and beautiful hand-enameled bracelets to match. Mine, of course in vivid green, (alien green, as my mom refers to it), easily my signature colour.

Earlier in the week I had received, also for Mother's day but from myself, a couple of new tops and a jacket to wear while jogging and working out. Greg was super sweet and his gift to me was a brand new jogging stroller so I can take Nile out for runs while I'm getting my cardio in. Brilliant! I really love it. I was so excited when it came early, on thursday morning. I waited all day looking at the box because Greg said I couldn't have it yet. But when he came home from work he let me open it up and we put it together. We took Nile out for a maiden voyage right after. He loves it! He really likes tooling around town in it. His ride is pretty cushy, very padded and if I put the bug screen over it, he must feel like he's in his own little rocket ship or something. Lucky dog, him riding in comfort, while I hussle-tush. Ah well, it's fun for me too. I haven't run or jogged in a very long time so it's nice to get back outside (in spite of my terrible allergies)

I had a really great first Mother's day and I'm ever so grateful to have made it into that category of women. My own mother has been nothing but a shining example of womanhood and motherhood all my life. There is no question or concern she can't field, no favor she won't help with, no textile item she couldn't sew (and in mere hours no less). She is a fantastic mother and a wonderful grandmother. Nile is very lucky to have her and I'm sure he'll grow up knowing this full well. I am so glad to have Nile in my life, it's hard to believe just how long he's been here but I can't imagine my life without him.

I am so overjoyed at the sound of his babbling, his infrequent but boisterous laughter (he guards his laughter zealously). I can't help but beam when I come into his room after a nap or in the morning to see his ear to ear grin peaking over the crib railing. I always laugh when I find myself covered in all manner of goo, slobber, food, snot, and occasionally still pee. I find enormous amounts of joy watching Nile crawl from toy to toy, pulling things from his shelves, even though I know it means I'll be cleaning up later. This could go on forever!

There is absolutely nothing in this world that compares with the joy of motherhood. Even though it snuck up on me, I couldn't be happier.

Goodbye Great Grandpa Hunstman

On Friday May 2nd, my dear Great Grandfather, LaVar Huntsman, returned home to his father in Heaven. Grandpa Huntsman was well into his 90s but had bid a temporary goodbye to his wife Ruth over a year and a half ago.

In the last few weeks of his life, Grandpa told us of the times that Grandma had come to visit him recently. We all knew she was growing impatient.

Grandpa will be sorely missed. I will never forget his smile, his wonderful stories, or his pet name for me, Curly, on account of my natural curls. I was so greatly blessed to have had my Great Grandparents live so long. Grandpa was a fantastic example and the best patriarch a family could ask for. We are all so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from his example.

I rest assured that my Grandma is happy to see her LaVar again. Heaven is an altogether better place for it. I feel grateful for the knowledge that my dear Grandpa is in a much happier place and that he has had a most joyful reunion with the family that returned before him.

I love you Grandpa! Every time I wear my hair curly I will be reminded of you. I'll miss you but I hope I'll see you again some day. Please watch over my Nile and the little one, or ones, who have yet to join us on Earth.