Mushpots » Mom

Blessings

Maren — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:02:25 +0000

I’ve been thinking about doing this post for a long time, and I really don’t know why I’ve been putting it off. The past several months have been really hard for me — I think I’ve cried more since March than I did my entire life up until then. But I’ve also had a chance to reflect on how blessed I am, and so, in no particular order, here are a few of the things I’m thankful for:

My family. Two parents, seven siblings, 15 and counting nieces and nephews. It’s a whole host of people who will be my best friends for the rest of my life. I’m so glad I get along well with all my brothers and sisters. I think it’s sad when people dread family visits — I don’t think that will ever be me. It has been extremely gratifying seeing everyone pull together to help each other through the hard times we’ve had this summer.
The gospel. Losing a sister is the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. I know some people would say I’m weak for believing that we’ll be together again as sisters after this life. Then yes, I’m weak. But I’ll never give up the strength that the gospel gives me in times of trial.
Losing my job. The second-hardest thing in my life has been watching my mom go through chemotherapy for colon cancer, but I’m thankful I could be there to help her through part of it. I have some great memories from the four months I spent with her in Joseph City. The timing of the P-I’s closure couldn’t have worked out better for me.
Climb Ev’ry Mountain. The Hunt family singers all got together to perform for the first and last time at my mom’s farewell concert when she retired from Joseph City Elementary. I still cry every time I watch the video, but what a memory.
The drive to Mesa. After my mom’s concert, the whole family went to Mesa for Josh’s baby blessing that same weekend. I rode down with Celia and her two oldest girls and then stayed at Celia’s house Saturday night. I’m thankful I had the chance to spend a few more hours talking and laughing late into the night with one of my best friends.
Friends. Early in the summer I asked my dad if he felt a little like Job in the Old Testament. His reply was “Our friends haven’t forsaken us.” The love and support I’ve felt from my friends has been amazing. Thank you.
The Holbrook pool. It was difficult getting up at 5 all those mornings I went swimming with my mom, but I’m grateful I could watch the sun rise over an outdoor pool while my mom got heaps of healing fresh air, exercise and sunshine. My mile will be faster next summer, Mom.
My bike. I love it. I’m not even close to being on track to accomplish my mileage goal this year, alas. But riding is such a release for me. Hooray for two wheels!
Grad school. I haven’t started yet, but I’m thankful I got into grad school. And I’m thankful I got into UW. I can’t imagine how stressful it would have been to move across the country to Syracuse with everything else that has been going on. Thanks for accepting me, UW.
Books. Hooray for words on paper between two slabs of cardboard! So much more than the sum of their parts.

So, this isn’t by any means a comprehensive list. Maybe I’ll add to it from time to time. What are you thankful for?

Campin’ my style

Maren — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:03:16 +0000

I’ve had a couple of camping trips this summer, although neither was what I would call “real” camping. No tents were involved. My mom was the Girls Camp music director this year, and she recruited me to play the guitar for singing around the campfire. I have to admit, it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be — mostly because the stake leaders were a fun bunch. I made some new friendships and strengthened some old ones.

This past weekend my mom had her annual Cousins Camp for the grandkids deemed old enough to participate (and an old maid aunt). This year we went to Virden, New Mexico, to help clean up my grandparents’ place for them. We got a bit of work done, and we had time for lots of fun, too. We had a weenie roast, rode the John Deere lawn mower, climbed trees, swung in the hammock, shot off fireworks (spooking the neighbor’s horse), and lots of other stuff. On Friday, the older kids hiked to the peak of Caneaster to check out the petroglyphs while the younger kids made treats with Grandma Payne. Basically, we had a good ol’ time in the country. I’m thankful my mom felt well enough to enjoy it all.

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Happy Independence Day!

Maren — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 02:39:24 +0000

My mom and I have been practicing a patriotic piano duet to play in church tomorrow. Here’s a preview.

Climb Ev’ry Mountain

Maren — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:30:33 +0000

My mom has been teaching music at Joseph City Elementary for almost as long as she’s been a teacher there. Her music students have three performances a year, and the community loves them. Two and a half weeks ago, my mom had her last concert as a full-time teacher because she is retiring at the end of this school year. One of her dreams has always been that her own children would be like the Von Trapp family and sing together, so for her last concert, all of my siblings surprised her with a performance of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from “The Sound of Music.” My mom loved it — and we didn’t even have to flee the Nazis afterward.