What My Grandpa Taught Me

So, it's been a crazy busy summer for me, as I'm sure it has been for many of you.  One of the recent activities was a week long camping trip in southern Utah, which included a family reunion and birthday celebration for my Grandpa Huntsman.  He's going to be 102 in September.  Yep.  You read that right.  102.  I grew up living next door to my Grandpa and Grandma, and although Grandma passed away when I was young, they both taught me many things.

So, in tribute to my grandpa, and in the spirit of finding hopeful things that make me smile, for the next couple weeks, I'm going to post about things my grandpa has taught me.  Please feel free to leave comments about what your grandparents have taught you.  I'd love to hear them!

Grandpa taught me that it's okay to cry.  I remember Grandma Huntsman singing "The Moon Shines Tonight on Pretty Redwing" with tears rolling down her cheeks.  I remember Grandpa listening to me and my daughter sing that song at a Christmas Eve party a few years ago (nearly 20 years after Grandma's passing).  He also had tears rolling down his cheeks.  Grandma had cried for Redwing.  Grandpa cried for Grandma, and he was not embarrassed or ashamed.  I will never forget that.

I'm here

So, I'm finally here. Where is 'here' exactly? That's the question I am always asking. First and foremost, I'm actually here writing a blog...something that I've been putting off for some reason, but that I'm actually kind of looking forward to doing. My family also feels settled here in Boise after our move from Utah this last summer. We have a great time visiting the zoo and my boys have recently uncovered a love for the Discovery Center. I'm also here as a mom. After making my way through years of fertility treatments and two wonderful adoptions, I'm blessed and content with my three beautiful children. Okay, some days they try my patience, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Most recently, I'm here as an author. Yes, I really am! I just had my first novel accepted for publication by Cedar Fort, Inc. and I'm very excited to be embarking on a new journey as a writer. My book (I love saying that!) will be released in January of 2012. It is called Delivering Hope and I can't wait to share more about it with you. It's a work of fiction about infertility, un-wed pregnancy, and adoption that I wrote based on many of my own emotions throughout the years. If you know anyone who has dealt with any of these issues, you'll love it! If you aren't personally acquainted with these circumstances...you'll still love the story of finding hope and peace through our trials!

I try to notice something hopeful each day. It makes me happy. It really does. When my book comes out, I believe you will find something hopeful in it. Until then, check back often for hopeful adoption tips, ways to find peace with infertility, and everyday things that make me smile. I know I'll enjoy it. I hope you do too.