Merritt Memories

Ryan and Aaron have had some fun projects that have kept them busy this year. I thought I would share them. I had a fun day today! I was able to go to Ryan's class and help them with their "county fair" (thanks Camille). In school they have been studying all the counties in Utah. Now that they are finished, they had a "fair." They had lots of games and goodies for the kids. The kids were to make their own floats. Ryan had Box Elder County. This is the county where the "golden spike" was laid to join the two railroads. You could travel east to west on one line. He decided to do a float on that. (Ryan and his float) (Can you see the golden spike?) This was his Pearl Harbor report. He learned a lot from this. He wrote a great essay! It was for the national history fair. He was bummed that he wasn't picked to go to regions. He did a good job anyways. Aaron chose to do a report on Martin Luther King, Jr. I like it when they pick him. I feel he was a ve...

LOA , UTAH They annual Taylor reunion was on Memorial Day weekend. We were able to go this year. We had such a good time. The kids were a little sad, because we did not go to the "Barn." Once we got there they forgot how disappointed they were. They were just happy to see their cousins. Everybody was there this year, except Alissa and her family. James is on his mission, and Sydnee had a church history tour she was on. Everybody arrived on Friday. We just hung out and talked. Saturday is when the real fun started. We woke up ate breakfast, then everyone got ready to paintball. Aaron and Hailey were excited. Here's a picture of them all geared up. They played for almost 2 hours. We did not have any injuries this year! Well, I take that back. Our brother-in-law, Christian, his brother Ian and friend Clay came and joined us. At the end, they took off all their gear, and told everyone they could shoot at them. They were covered in welts. Once everyone came back from paintba...

a.k.a Mischief Maker!!! This little girl is always on the move! I cannot leave her unattended, or something gets destroyed. She has the nickname "little tornado" for a reason. I must admit she makes up for my boys. I've been told that boys are busy, busy, busy. Mine were not bad, but Becca, oh my goodness. She might be a whirlwind, but there is no one sweeter(except my other four). She is always quick to say, "Oh, I soo sorry Mom," when she realizes I was not happy with her impulsive decision. Her, "Mom I need you!" will melt my heart. When Dustin comes home she is always the first to run out to the garage, and with all the excitement in the world scream, "Dad, you came back!" She always makes sure before they come in, she gets to honk the horn. I don't know if it is because she is my last baby, or what. I have really enjoyed her at every stage of her short life. Normally, I have dreaded the ages 18mo - 3 1/2, this time I have a differe...

5 things I loved about today: 1. The rain, I love the way it smells 2. Kate's song she sang for me, it was to the tune of "We Are a Happy Family" "I love Mom, she loves me, she loves us 'cause we're her children" "We are your children huh Mom?" she asked 3. I joined Facebook , and was able to talk to a few high school friends, Erika and Freida. 4. Becca put herself to bed tonight. 5. My kids had a good day today. We all got along happily! 5 things I didn't like about today: 1. I didn't get caught up on my housework because of #2 (not the bodily function) 2. the power went out 3. Dustin had school, but he needs to get done 4. We spent most the day running errands 5. I'm tired I know bad days come and go. Today was a good day! I may not have gotten a lot accomplished, but I was able to enjoy being a mom today. Some days it is a little harder to say that, even though deep down I will always enjoy being a mom. Little hugs, kisses, and ...

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day! I had a nice one. Dustin did not have a 6:30 a.m. meeting, so that was a blessing in itself! He was able to help get the kids ready. We had a nice day at church. I received a flower from the ward. When we got home the kids helped pick up the mess that was made in the hurry of making sure we were on time. Then we sat down and gave gifts. Dustin and the kids gave me a massage gift certificate. It will be GREAT! I can't wait. The kids gave me the famous projects from school! I love all of those. I have posted pictures and captions. Me and my kids! Ryan gave me gifts that would last a week. He made sure that on mo st days he would be playing video games to "stay out of my hair." How thoughtful of him! Aaron made me a cute little card thanking me to help him grow. The flower starts out small, then gets taller. Grace made me her cute little hand prints. She also made me a card where she filled in the blanks. According to her I...

"Jesus said love everyone" Grace came home from school upset today. I guess on the way home some people were making fun of a little boy. "He has big glasses and a Pirates of the Caribbean back pack. They were calling him ' Google Eyes' and I didn't like it." she explained to me. You could totally tell how upset she was even though she was not crying, but wanted to. "Mom, we don't call people names. It is not nice." she continued. It was a proud moment for me. She has always been very sensitive to people's feelings. I know sometimes she forgets, but she is very kind and friendly. Way to go Grace! I love you. She's a sweetie!

K A T E !! She's 4 years old She had a fun birthday. We are doing this post a little late. She woke up and was so excited to tell everyone she was now four. What did that mean for her? She was closer to five now. She insisted everybody call her "Happy Birthday Dora." She frequently refers to herself as Dora. Her Grandma Lori came and picked her up to take her out for a treat, and to pick her birthday present. She was so happy to get her "p luto " (poodle). She has been wanting this little stuffed dog with a carrying case for forever. She was able to pick out a little Polly pocket set as well. Thanks Grandma! We asked her what she would like for her birthday, and after naming quite a few things she settled on a Dora scooter. We are so happy to have you as part of our family Kate! We love your smile and happy personality. You are the "ham" of the family. You give your dad a run for his money in this category. Thought I would share some snapshots of her...

I was able to go to my first Women's Conference this year! Boy, was it fun! I went all by myself, so next year if any of you are up for joining me, let me know. I was only able to go on Thursday. As I was driving there and sitting in the massive amount of traffic headed in the same direction, I was overwhelmed by all these good women who were putting life on hold and running (okay driving) to where they could be uplifted and inspired. I felt that it was some type of prophecy being fulfilled. Is that weird? Anyway, I was grateful to be a part of it. Sheri Dew opened the conference. Her talk was awesome , it was my favorite. She talked of how we as women need to stand up and be counted. We are a strong force. She related examples how women of the world are standing up, but for the wrong things. Her point she wanted to make was this, "We must walk away from the world, and come unto Christ." Her whole talk was how we do this. It was great. Another class I attended was "...