Merritt Memories

I typed this question into Google because I was curious. I have been having some off the wall dreams lately. I wanted to know why I was dreaming that my family was the Brady Bunch. I was Carol Brady, Dustin was Mike, and so forth. We did have a sixth child, but they did not appear in this episode. Dustin was lecturing Grace-aka Marsha- on being a tramp who wore her skirts VERY short. I won't use the word he did. It was funny because he said it in the Mike Brady tone!Marsha just turned to her father and shook her booty at her and walked away! I'm so confused! I think I'm losing my mind! I may not have figured out what my dream meant, but I did learn this: "Content-analysis studies have identified common reported themes in dreams. These include: situations relating to school, being chased, running slowly in place, falling, arriving too late, a person now alive being dead, a person who is dead being alive, teeth falling out, flying, future events such as birthdays, annive...

When Dustin and I moved into our ward in 2000, we were immediately put into the nursery (I think that's where new couples go, not that there's anything wrong with that, I just think it's funny). I was there for about 6 months and was called as the YW Personal Progress person , not sure of the official title. Was in that calling for a short while, maybe 3 mo? They wanted me as the Laurel advisor. I was really excited! Especially since it was Laurels, the more mature group. I had that calling for almost 6 years! I loved it! I could tell it was getting time for a change though. So, about 2 years ago I was called as the Compassionate Service leader! I loved, loved that calling! It fit me perfectly! I was there about a year and then called as the Relief Society secretary. I had to grow into that calling. I loved the women I served with, but being a secretary you needed to be on top of things and organized, not my greatest strength. Just ask Dustin, he'll vouch fro me. I en...

I have started a new thing with the kids. It has been really fun. You can tell by the pictures we have been doing it for a while -our kitchen is now redone. I let them be in charge one night a week. Each child takes a turn to pick what we are having for dinner and then gets to help make it. I don't let them pick something easy because I want them to learn some cooking skills. I need to be able to put them to work when they're older and cheese crisps and hot dogs are not going to cut it. The little girls have just been helping make desserts. They don't need to be exposed to a burner, that would be disastrous! It has been fun talking and cooking with them. Plus, they are learning a life long skill. cooking with Ryan. He was "too big" for the cute apron and hat! Brownies with Kate and Becca. Grace in her cute hat! Ready to help. I would say out of all the kids, Aaron was the most excited. He loves doing new things and special time with mom. Here's too many mor...

I shouldn't have eaten so much junk last night. I'm paying the price today. I have been doing so well on cutting that stuff out. I devoured them like no other! Yes, I pretty much ate the whole bag of PB M&Ms myself. I hadn't had it in soooo long, so I went overboard. Now my body is having a terrible reaction! I have a massive headache and I don't feel very well. Who would've thought the day would come when I don't want to see another chocolate thing again! Here's to sticking to the plan! Gladly.

Well, Ryan and Dustin are off on the Klondike camp out . They are braving the snow in the mountains with just a sleeping bag and a tent. I hope they are warm. I hope they are safe from bears. The rest of us are gorging ourselves on pizza, popcorn, and PB M&M's. The 3 Ps . I deserve a treat after being so good on my weight management plan. We are relaxing, well trying, to The Spiderwick Chronicles. It's a little creepy! It's nice to just relax and enjoy!

Look at me, look at me, look at me now! You could do what I do if you only knew how. I study the scriptures one hour each day; I bake and I garden. I scrub and I pray. I always keep all the commandments completely; I speak to my little ones gently and sweetly. I help in their classrooms! I sew all they wear! I drive them to practice! I cut all their hair! I memorize names of the General Authorities; I focus on things to be done by priorities. I keep our home organized, clean and attractive. I drop by with goodies and see the less-active. I play the piano! I bless with my talents! My toilets all sparkle! My checkbooks all balance! Each week every child gets a one-on-one date; I attend all my meetings (on time! Never late!) I’m taking a class on the teachings of Paul, But that is not all! Oh, no. That is not all... I track my bad habits ’til each is abolished. I floss everyday! My toenails are polished! Our family home evenings are always delightful; The lessons I give are both fun and ...

Disneyland!!! I haven't been there since I was 17 and Dustin hasn't been there since he was 12. I will say from my own experience, I was no too impressed at 17. My kids on the other hand are beside themselves! Every morning Kate and Becca ask if this is the day we leave for Disneyland . I have to answer their question with a, "not today." I can't wait till I can say, "yes! Today's the day!" We will be leaving March 8t h and will return on the 15t h . We need some pointers and good insight. We would like to go to the beach. I have yet to see an ocean, so I want a nice, quiet, not too many people beach. Any suggestions, or are my expectations too high? With the package we bought, each kid received a free back pack. We wrapped each up and let them open them. They were a little confused. They didn't understand what the back pack meant. Here was their reaction once we told them what they meant. They were SUPER excited!!

Isn't there a difference between stupidity and forgetfulness? *Nobody was called stupid in this process. The acts were deemed stupid. If you start vacuuming and trip a breaker because your husband has the space heater plugged in, in the same room, is that considered stupid? What if after he goes outside, resets the breaker and comes back in, you decide you need to vacuum again and immediately trip the breaker again? Does that qualify as stupid? Just forgetful, right? You are are starting dinner. You have left the oil on the stove to heat. You FORGOT about it and the whole pan bursts into flames. Considered stupid? What about if you take the pan and dump the burning oil down the drain, not realizing that in doing so you have added water to the fire and the little fire has now soared, singed the curtains, and blackened the wall? Stupid or forgetful? So what, if every batch of cookies you make, the last batch is always burnt. You just always forget about the last batch. No stupidity...

I believe it was Seinfeld who said that an onion has many layers. I have discovered that I... am an onion. What am I talking about? I have been trying to come up with a little something about myself for my Facebook account. I always write about me being a mom. While I love being a mom, it is only one layer to the many layered me! In this process I have really had to dig deep, okay not too deep , to explain to the world who I am. The world really wants to know. Here's what I came up with: I enjoy life. I believe it is the little things in life that bring the greatest joy. I like baby ears, feet, and hands. I like holding hands. Kissing my husband still makes my head spin. I am addicted to volleyball and chocolate. A smile is contagious, so I do it A LOT! I hate fruit. I don't like wet socks. I pity mean people. I don't drink, smoke, or swear. I'm a pretty positive person. My life motto has always been "be all you can be" (yes, I stole it from the army, those...

Since my daughter has to learn such big words, I have decided to pursue this as well. I plan on learning a new word every day. I plan to use it at least once that day. I might as well make the most of it. Today I have five! They all come from her own vocabulary words. Remember these are 1st graders! We should know and use these words. ebony- of a black color haughty- behaving in a superior, or arrogant way envy- the unhappy feeling of wanting somebody's success, qualities, or possessions bodice- a kind of vest worn over a dress or a blouse and laced up the front bier- a kind of table on which to lay a dead person Joyful Learning!!!