Merritt Memories

My grandmother, Betty Jane McInnes Lund, passed away November 17, 2017. It wasn't a surprise. She was 94, but death is never a happy thing. We are happy to think that she is with our grandpa, Irl J Lund and other family members embracing and catching up. I like to think my dad was there to greet her and say hello. Three days after getting news that my grandma had passed, we got the terrible news that my cousin, Christopher Hill, had passed away unexpectedly. Chris was a year younger than me. When we went to visit, he was my playmate. He leaves behind a wife and three kids. Their funerals were over Thanksgiving weekend. I flew home to Las Vegas and spent Thanksgiving with my family. then, we loaded in cars and made the 8 hour drive to Eagar, AZ for the funerals. I wasn't able to stay for Chris's because I had already booked flights for my grandmother's, then found out about Chris.  My grandmother's service was lovely. It was nice to see family I had not ...

Shandi and Jaren were sealed today in the LDS Bountiful Temple. After they were sealed, Shandi was then sealed to parents and siblings. Our hearts are full as the G Russell and Lori Merritt family is a complete forever family. I know they have all worked hard in their own lives to be where they are at this moment. And, it is glorious!

This year we spent our anniversary with our kids. I didn't take many photos, but a couple of the kids and me playing, Speak Out. It was a very laid back night. We just enjoyed being together.

I always end up with random photos that I don't know what to do with. Britten had many so I'm just recording them here, so they're not forgotten.  Becca is so good to entertain her little brother.  Showing me he put his tie on all by himself! Preschool pictures  Visiting Grandma Crazy hair for his role in Becca's play  Friends from daycare (Iker, Britten, Jacob M, and Kastian) K is for king.

This year for my birthday I received two things unexpectedly. The first was a video from Ryan. He made a video of me through the years. At the end, he told me that my next birthday present would be him! He is scheduled to arrive home on my birthday, November 7, 2018! The second was note from my sister Robyn. I've written about Robyn. She is my sister who has Cerebral Palsy. She loves to color and write letters. She colored me a picture and sent me a birthday card in my favorite color, GREEN! Neither are very much in monetary value, but it means the world to me that two people took time out of their day to think of me!!

Since I was a little girl, I can remember looking through the pages of an encyclopedia we had in our home. I would gaze at the pictures of the embryo that was a blob of cells. I was amazed at the transformation that took place as it developed into a baby. The pictures were in full color. They had my full attention every time.  As I got older, I realized science was something I loved. Human biology was a favorite, along with anatomy. The body to me was a miracle. I knew that I wanted it to be a part of my life forever. I decided it would be awesome to be an obstetrician. Everyday I would have the pleasure of witnessing the development of fetuses, but also their birth.  I left for Utah knowing I would have to wait a year to establish residency so I could afford college. I had a plan. I would work while attending college. I would start with community college and get my associates degree at a cheaper cost, then move to a university that would help me become an OBGYN. Now,...