Merritt Memories

Dustin and I are avid TV watchers! We owe a lot of this to our beloved DVR. If it weren't for him, we would not be able to watch that much. When we were newlyweds, our favorite sitcom was Seinfeld . I remember laughing our heads off every Thursday at 8:00 pm. We still quote the show, I think everybody quotes the show. Is it any surprise that when he was featured in the Parade, part of the Sunday paper, I chose to read? Of course not! I was so surprised by this article. After reading it, I realized he was not only funny, but actually pretty wise when it came to parenting. I guess I harbor a lot of preconceived notions when it comes to celebrities and raising their kids. I'm sure I'm not the only one! Here's one of my favorite parts: Although his own children obviously want for nothing, Seinfeld works hard not to be too indulgent. He bemoans the way some people cater to their children’s every whim. Seinfeld has three rules of parenting, what he calls “the poison Ps.” The ...

When I was 15 I wrote this poem: A True Valentine He was honest, caring , and dearly loved, but into the courts He was shoved. "Crucify Him!" they loudly cried. "Crucify Him that He might die!" "I see nothing wrong with this man," Pilate said. "Why is it that thou wants Him dead?" "He claims to be Christ, the chosen of God, the King of the Jews," they all mocked. Pilate gave in and said, "Let Him die!" With a loud voice, they all did cry. So He was crucified on the cross. They did not understand the cost. He gave His life that we might live, lifted from sorrow and saved from sin. His love is great and ours will be too if we learn to care and always be true. Give of yourself and let your love show, share it with others that they might know of Christ's love and how truly it shines. He, himself, was a Valentine. Some might say it's a little off-the -wall to relate Valentine's Day to the Savior. I realize my thoughts a...

A long time ago I earned my Young Women Medallion. Honestly, I think I could have done better at it. I know I earned it and did all the work required, but I don't think I realized its importance at the young age of 17. I feel like I went through the motions of getting it and not paying attention to what I was supposed to be learning. So now that I am in Young Women again, I am taking advantage of the fact that I can earn my medallion over again, this time with better eyes. It has been somewhat difficult, just finding the time and working it into the routine. I don't remember having to read so much and writing in my journal, but like I said, I kind of didn't take the first time serious. I am excited though. I lost my old medallion and I'm happy to get the new version. I like it, it's prettier! I'm also looking forward to learning what I should have learned when I was 17! Thank goodness for second chances!

When winter comes, we suffer A LOT from cabin fever. Being shut in with nothing to do is enough to drive anyone crazy, especially a family of seven! We are coping nicely though. We are getting caught up on reading, watching movies, playing game after game after game.... Today we got to do something we haven't been able to do in a while. We went to the park. Oh, it was glorious! The sun was shining, we didn't even have to wear our jackets. I got a long, over-due break while the kids had a blast just running, climbing, and swinging. I hope we can do it again tomorrow. This time I will remember a blanket and a book! And maybe it will get OVER 50 degrees!