Merritt Memories

We rarely got out of town for Thanksgiving because of weather. We alternate with Dustin's family every other year. On the off years that his siblings are at their in laws, we always host Russ and Lori at our home. I love the fall! I love Thanksgiving! It's one of my favorite holidays. I think I like it better than Christmas because it is less chaotic.  We took photos for our Christmas card after dinner. And then we took some of Russ and Lori. I was grateful to get them. Pictures last forever. How else will anyone know you existed 50 years from now?

November 16th is my wedding anniversary. A happy day for me. 12 years ago, November 16, 2003, was a different story. Two days before, I had just got word that my dad was put in the hospital for dehydration. My father had been fighting cancer for 5 months. Two of my brothers, a sister-in-law, and I decided to make a quick trip from Salt Lake City to Vegas and surprise him. As I packed for that "quick" trip, I heard a voice tell me that this would be the last time I would visit my dad. The thought was not pleasant and I pushed it out of my head, thinking I was overreacting. I finished packing and waited for my brother, still thinking about the voice. He pulled in the driveway around 10 pm. ( yes, we were leaving that late!) We arrived early in the morning of November 15th. I don't remember who let us in and I honestly don't recall ever falling asleep. I do remember getting to the hospital pretty early, so maybe we went straight there. My dad was in bad shape. He ...

I was going to write about the policy change in the church that occurred over the weekend, but my mind hurts from discussing it over facebook much too much. Don't get me wrong. I love talking about things like this, but I would much rather have a face to face conversation with people. Facebook leaves me with anxiety. So, I want to write about something different all together. I will save the policy change for another time On Sundays I make my kids work on their church programs: Duty to God, Personal Progress, or Faith in God. They only have to do one thing. But you would think I'm asking them to cut off their big toe. Kate and Becca were working in their Faith in God books. Kate worked in the "Living the Gospel" section. Becca was in the "Developing Your Talents." Kate chose to write someone a letter. I got the letter. I don't know if it's because I'm the easiest, but I'll take it! Dear Mom,  I appreciate you because everyt...

This Halloween was different from the others. We trick-or-treated for an hour. We had only one child in tow. We have 6 kids... We are those parents that give a "too old for Halloween " age. Our kids' last year for scoring candy from neighbors is 7th grade. In 8th grade they must find something else to do. I know many who would frown on this, but for us, it works. I guess if we got more complaining from our kids we might reconsider. Out kids have been okay with it so far. Grace is 8th grade this year. Her and some friends got together and ad a movie party. they had fun. Ryan was working. Aaron stayed home to hand out candy. The other three went out for candy. Becca and Kate chose to got out with friends, hence the 1 child who remained with us. It's kind of weird entering this new stage of life. Our kids are big. They love us, but are okay to not be with us. At least Britten wants to be our little side-kick. I'm glad we have him. I still feel young when he...