Farewell Nanny

Recently we said farewell to the sweetest, most kindhearted, service oriented woman. My dad's mother Murtle Irene Dockrill Watson passed from us into the next life to join her beloved husband Angus. She had been very ill for some time, so it was almost a comfort to know that she is no longer being restricted by her body her in mortality. Admittedly, at first I didn't have the right perspective, I was sad and just missed her. But after getting a tender e-mail from my brother Mark who is serving his mission, I realized that this is a good thing, a necessary thing.
We sang Nanny's favorite hymn as a family, and my brother Scott played another favorite hymn of hers on the piano. We were able to get a hold of her favorite treats for after the service. We had maple cookies, Ah Caramels, sandwiches, and "nanny mints" or scotch mints. She ALWAYS had these on her at all times. It was so fun to reminisce.
But the most spiritual experience we had, was in preparation for the service. My father was preparing his remarks, and we were hanging out in his hotel room. He showed us some of Nanny's hand written notes he had found previously in her home. She was writing her thoughts and feelings down as she prepared for a talk she was going to give in church, years ago. She wrote the tender experience of bring converted and baptized into the church and knowing it was the right thing to do. But as we read on we got to learn more of her first time through the temple and when she was able to be sealed to her husband for time and all eternity by proxy, as he had already passed on. For the first time, I heard the story of when my father was with his father as he was dying, and he asking him to perform his temple work for him. We got to hear about how our Grandfather was truly humbled and after years of "not being interested in religious stuff" really looked at the long term, and wanted to be with his wife for eternity. I was so overcome with the spirit, and a love for the plan of salvation. I won't forget that, I hugged my son a little tighter that night, so grateful for the knowledge that I have.
This whole experience was so powerful and uplifting. I never thought a funeral service could be uplifting and joyous, but it really was. It was a celebration of life. After many prayers and pondering, I knew without a doubt that she was happy, safe, and in a joyous place. We celebrated the wonderful life she led, she was so generous, and never thought of herself. Our most fond memories were of her always feeding us. Even if you said you were full, she brought you treats or cookies. She always put other first. I hope to pattern my own life after hers as I continue to reflect on her life.
It was great to see family, as much as I wish it were under different circumstances, it was great to see them. I got to see my cousins that I haven't seen in much too long. We got to eat a few times at Nanny's favorite place, the Steak and Stein. We had corned beef and cabbage with blueberry grunt for dessert. It was fabulous! Some of our family's favorite childhood foods. Graham enjoyed a little too much getting spoiled, by everyone. With my aunt and uncle, cousins, siblings, and grandparents, this kid got spoiled.
It was a good trip, one filled with peace. You will be missed Nanny.

Belmont/Edwards Fam Visit

 

Braden's side of the family came out to visit. We had such fun with them, although we couldn't see them as much as we would have liked. With work schedules and sightseeing schedules we caught each other when we could. I took the kids into the city to do a lunch date as well as some sight seeing. They absolutely loved it! Now that we have the double stroller taking the two of them into the city is much more realistic. 

One thing we did that was fantastic was the 911 memorial. Luckily Grandma Lori and Grandpa Paul were kind enough to keep the kids so I was able to go childless. It was such a beautiful sight, although it was a heavy downpour for the greater part of the day, we still really enjoyed it. It's magnificent! 

But the long awaited, favorite attraction of the Edwards' family, is the Belmont Park horse races. I have never seen a horse race until I joined the family. But I am a big fan, we had so much fun. There are food trucks all around the courtyard, live music, and races of course. It is so exciting to watch and really just soak in the excitement of the crowds. There are plenty of races and time in between, so we really got to enjoy each other's company. 

With all the touristy stuff completed, the kids became the main attraction, and Eve absolutely loved it. She loves having grandparents in town to just spoil her and listen to her stories. Graham loved having other people there to love on him. 

Haircuts

Everyone talks about how low maintenance little boys are. This is mostly true. So far I have noticed that G is quite easy to please, and thus easy to maintain....except for his hair. His hair grows extremely fast, he needs a haircut about every 2 weeks. And as mellow as he is, he's a boy. Wiggle worm central. The only possible way to get that kid to hold remotely still is to have running water while he sits in the sink. He is still so enamored by water, this is a nice little solution. And occasionally it takes two parents to get a baby's hair cut.