Winter is Here!!

We are excited, but COLD

We have had two big snow storms, leaving a foot of snow on the ground. We are trying to make the most of it. The kids built a snow man as tall as Dustin! We went sledding with some friends. I tried a couple of times, but I think I crashed every time. They are having a good time playing in it!!!

Dustin & Larae 11 Years!!

We are married 11 years, today! I made this video for Dustin as a present on our 9th wedding anniversary. I thought it was nice to put on though. I love you, Dust!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

I'm Officially OLD!!

I'm 31 today. I thought I would dedicate this blog to ME. It will be inspiring!

No, really. I thought since I am 31 I would write down 31 things I am grateful for.

We have so much, this should be easy!

1. for a husband who understands how overwhelming it can be to be a mom

2. for 5 fabulous children who understand their mom isn't perfect, but don't let her know they know ( if you know where I can find some, J/K)

3. for great friends who make life a lot nicer

4. I'm able to hear

5. I'm able to see

6. I'm able to walk and run (although I can't say that about dancing)

7. my Savior, Jesus Christ and his Atonement I am reading The Miracle of Forgiveness and has it shed some light on me, we honestly need him to return Home

8. The gospel ( that includes scriptures, prophets, temple ordinances and so forth)

9. people who are willing to share their talents

10. beautiful scenery, all God's creations

11. music

12. a good listener

13. a good exercise program

14. chocolate!!! especially when I'm PMSing

15. the Holy Ghost (this should be more toward the top, I know)

16. Lavier and Sandra (aka: Dad and Mom)

17. a nice, uninterrupted, warm bath

18. onesies, when your toddler learns to undue her diaper they come in handy, never leave them to nap in only a diaper!

19. clean laundry ( it's better when I didn't have to do it)

20. stain remover

21. story time with my kids

22. Sunday nap time

23. Everybody Loves Raymond, so Dustin can see how mean I COULD be, if I wanted

24. a clean house (again, better if I didn't have to do it)

25. a crisp autumn day, I like wearing sweaters

26. a big hug

27. for those moments that let me know I need to be a better wife and mother

28. pictures of any kind as long as they are uplifting, I prefer family snapshots

29. a letter or a phone call just to say hi

30. absolute silence, but not for very long 'cause then I get uncomfortable??

31. that everybody is different, I love that we are all not alike. We each have something great to offer this world. I hope we can all go and find out what it is for ourselves and do it to the best of our own ability.

Happy Halloween!!

Thought we'd share our Halloween pictures. Ryan chose to be a boxer (Evander Holyfield?), Aaron Spider-man, Grace is an army girl "Mjr. Flirt", Kate is Dora, and Becca is a bear.

Dustin and I dressed up for the first time in years. Our kids thought it was great.

Getting to Know

The Merritts

The Merritt Family consists of a dad, a mom, two boys, and three girls!!!

Dustin... (dad)


an avid hunter. We are that family that has stuffed animals, that once were alive, on our walls! He loves to learn all he can about becoming a better hunter. The hunting channel at work has become a good tool for him. I said work, because we do not have cable at home. I wonder why?


He works at the Salt Palace Convention Center. He is the Telecommunications Dept. Manager. By going back to shcool, he hopes to advance his career. He is getting a degree in Network management and design. We look forward to the long 31/2 years.



Larae... (mom)

a stay- at- home mother. I spend my day doing countless projects. I am an expert in many fields (i.e. cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, carpet cleaning, ect...). I must say, a highlight of my day is when I am asked to help with math homework. It could range from 2nd grade all the way to college, depending on who is asking.

I have some hobbies I do, if I am able to get a chance. I enjoy writing poetry. I have just finished one for my boys' room. Our theme is Book of Mormon Heroes. It is about a child who is thankful for his parents taking the time to introduce the scriptures into his life. I like scrap booking. I am officially 2 years behind, but like I said, I only do it in my spare time. I like doing physical activities. I try to workout everyday. Right now, I am into that infomercial Slim N 6. I highly recommend it.

Ryan... (son)



is 91/2 years old. He is in the 4th grade. He is a really great kid! Basketball, football, baseball, and karate are all things he enjoys doing. He wants to start swimming too. He is a very talented young boy. He loves school and learning. His favorite subject is science, but he likes reading too. He has many friends and likes his new school now that he has made quite a few.

Aaron... (son)

is in the 2nd grade. He really likes school. He does very well. His favorite subject is math (just like his mom). He would love it if he would not have to read for school (again, just like his mom). We have found though, that he really enjoys non-fiction books. He likes the ones about animals most. He also likes all sorts of sports; he excels in everything he attempts. He is a great big brother! I can always count on him to help with his sisters.

Grace...(daughter)



is our happy, bubbly kindergartner! She is happy to FINALLY be in school. She is going to start swimming. She also wants to learn to dance. We will have to see, she honestly doesn't live up to her name. She could use some help. She is a great big sister. She tries to make sure all is fair in the household. Keeps me informed of those not pulling their weight (she forgets that while she is tattling she is guilty as well). She likes reading and is picking it up FAST! Her favorite color is pink and loves her polly pocket dolls.

Kate... (daughter)

is the funniest person! She keeps us laughing and smiling. She is definitely the ham of the family. She is 31/2 , if you ask her she'll tell you she is 5. She has a beaming smile that is contagious! She likes doing sign language. I taught her, her name and she wanted to learn more. If anyone tries to sign the alphabet and sing she gets mad and screams, " No! Stop! This is my song." Her brothers think it is crazy that we have to ask her if we can sing the alphabet!

Becca...(daughter)

is our baby! She is treated as such. We call her our child on drugs. She is non-stop! She is like the Energizer bunny, she keeps going, and going, and going... get the picture? We love her lots! She loves Scooby-Doo, Dora, and the Care Bears. Her favorite thing to do is read a book. It works like a charm when I need her to sit still!

Well, that's us in a nutshell! I am so grateful for my family. I love them!!!