Merritt Memories

I woke up late today. I was tired because we currently have a baby who likes to sleep in our bed. He doesn't sleep vertical, mind you. No. He sleeps horizontal. We have a king size bed, but our 8 month old takes the majority of the space. Dustin and I are left with the two outside slivers, just enough so you don't fall out of the bed. I'm not happy about it! This morning was also a bad day for listening kids. In our home, they were absent. I had to ask my youngest girls several times to get ready, eat breakfast, get your teeth brushed and your shoes on. Several times! I finally told them I was leaving and walked out the door. Who was I taking to school then? They quickly ran out, still getting ready, but hurrying  so I wouldn't leave them. Is it any wonder why I finally lost it in the car? Who was the lucky child? Rebecca. Of all of my kids she has the most personality and is drama galore. I wasn't in the mood for it this morning. She keeps acting like a din...

The other day, I received a message on Facebook from one of my Laurels I had taught quite a few years back. In it, she was thanking me for a note I had written before she was married.You see, I was Laurel adviser for over 6 years. One of our yearly activities was to create a marriage time capsule. We would shop for wedding dresses, pick wedding colors, we even made some scrapbook pages where they could add their pictures. I also put in a poem my mom wrote titled, "Prince Charming." The last thing I put in was a note to each girl with my words of wisdom on being married- this makes me chuckle because I was still new to marriage!!  This got me thinking what else I would tell them now that I have been married for almost 17 years. Honest, I'm not sure I remember what I wrote the first time. I know that there are many more qualified to give marriage advice out there, but I do have a few years and learning experiences under my belt. I think I can share what I have learned. T...

I can't believe it has been three months since writing last! We have been truly blessed in our time without our own home. We are so grateful to the families that have taken all 8 of us in. That is not easy!! I thought it would be fun to write down the kids' favorite memories of staying with their grandparents over the summer. We moved in May 17, 2013 and moved out August 17, 2013. There were lots of things to choose from, but here were the top runners. Ryan- 1. Sleeping in the trailer. For those who may not have known, the girls, Dustin, baby, and I all slept in the house. The boys slept in a trailer in the driveway. I know they enjoyed having their own privacy and a place to get a way. 2. Painting the birdhouses. Grandpa and Grandma's birdhouses in their backyard needed some refreshing. Our kids were up for the task and it turned out to be a good memory made. 3. Going to the movies. Grandma took all the kids to the movies, so Dustin and I could have some qui...