Merritt Memories

While Ryan was away on his week long scout camp, Dustin and I decided it would be fun to take the rest of us to our ward camp out. We had quite the quick little adventure. We left early Friday afternoon. We found a nice little spot by the river. While setting up I noticed we had some little neighbors: I realized we were out in the wild, smack-dab in the middle of "bear country" as the sign read. I took a deep breath and reminded myself it was for only one night. The kids all had lots of fun exploring the surroundings. They were happy to discover gophers, squirrels, they even found a dead snake with its heart hanging out and ants were feeding on it! Only in nature. We enjoyed making smore's with everybody. I have never seen such HUGE marshmallows! Becca really enjoyed them! She was a mess. All the kids found their own walking stick and made sure to keep a hold of them while exploring. We settled down for the night. The girls and I were in the tent while Dustin and Aaron ro...

I woke up about a quarter to 6 this morning. Not to go running. But, to get my 12 year-old to his FIRST week long scout camp. Can I just say that I'm a little scared, depressed, and unsure! What if he gets lost, or even worse... BEARS!! This is to much to handle! He was excited though! I kept reminding him to be safe. His reply, "Mom, that's the 4th time you've told me in the last 15 minutes." I guess I'm being too paranoid, but I gave birth to him, so I have the right!!! Now, I just have to make it through the week without worrying! :) We'll see. PS Wish I had a picture of him trying to hold up the backpack he had on his back. that thing had to weigh almost as much as he did!!

Our household has been running mad lately, and not because we are so incredibly busy. I have discovered it is because of the lack of expectations lately. There has been no completion of chores, no homework, no NOTHING. I've decided that life is a lot more chaotic when everybody is allowed to run around doing whatever they feel like. I have discovered the value of expectations. Today we woke up, they were allowed to watch TV for a moment, but then it was time to work. The dishes were done, garbage taken out, and rooms cleaned. I am getting ready to start bathrooms after this entry. :) What a difference! No fighting, no whining, grumbling, anything of the sort. They are much too busy. This applies spiritually as well. We are expected to live to a certain standard and when it is not reached, I can tell. My life is not as happy and I am not very pleasant to be around. So this morning I put myself back on schedule to read, pray, and be thankful. I find it funny that all we long for is a...

This past weekend I had the opportunity to make the drive to Las Vegas all by myself. To be honest I was a little excited. It is something I haven't done with my 5 kids. Dustin is always worried, so I have never ventured out and done it. I was anxious to put his worries to rest. I'm a big girl!! As I went under the final bridge, came over the hill to see the glorious sight of that HUGE city, I felt 18 again. I was just coming home for the weekend to see my family. My dad was still alive, my mom was that Sandra I knew when I was young. I'm totally unaware of all that would take place in the next 15 years. It made me sad. It made me homesick! It made me want those years back to do all over again. It went way too fast!! I pulled into my mom's driveway, her new driveway, I was home! Yeah, everything is different, but the spirit of our home has not changed. It's quiet now, but the same peace and safety I felt growing up is still there. I want my kids to remember how the...