Merritt Memories

The month is winding down. We have started back to school and the weather is starting to cool off. We are making sure we don't waste out evenings. The sun will soon leave early in the day and I will miss it. I'm a sun person. I grew up where it's warm, so when the cold starts to creep in and days become shorter, I get a little sad. This week, we spent the evenings outside until the sun went down.  Britten decide to go on a hike in the backyard one night: Another night this week, I took the younger girls to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. We went to the Bountiful Temple. The sunset was gorgeous as we were entering. We did get in a minor fender bender in the McDonald's drive through after...we chose not to let it ruin our night. We still have a few days of longer nights. We'll make the most of them!

Grace was asked to Homecoming by her good friend Braiden Davis.They have known each other since 6th grade. They happened to be going to the CLC together, and started talking more. He's a cute kid and very sweet! She found her dress after a long search. She looked beautiful and wanted to try doing her own hair. For their day date they went to the aquarium in Draper. They came home and got ready for pictures. After pictures, they went to dinner at The Spaghetti Factory, then off to the dance. She had lots of fun!

Grace started her junior year, and now she's turning 17! I can't believe how fast time flies! She is taking cosmetology in school. She's quite talented! She will finally be doing her driver's ed driving too. So, maybe she'll get that license. She is excited to be one year closer to being an adult. I'm happy to skip that year! Her father requested the same thing.  Grace is kind and fierce! She is solid in spirit and in mind. She won't take stuff from anybody, and will give it right back, with a kind spin. She loves to sleep and eat. She loves her dog. She tolerates her family...lol. We love her!! Grace's Faves color: maroon food: chicken candy: Take 5 book: The Selection Series tv show: Psych movie: The Hunger Game Series hobby: doing hair current job: unemplyed (did work at A&W, but had to          quit because of an obnoxious boy...grrr) What do you want to be when you grow up? Hair stylist If you could ...

Ryan is in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is in the path of Hurricane Florence. They say it is to be a a very strong hurricane. It is a scary situation for them, but also for me. It's heartbreaking to be so far away when your child is in danger.  They have moved him though. All missionaries have been moved to the North east. He is staying with a family in Raleigh. We have received several letters form President Holland. They are taking care of all the missionaries, and it calms my heart. I know Ryan is where he needs to be, so I know he'll be protected.  9-13-18 Dear Parents, As of 11:00 am (EST) this morning, every companionship in the North Carolina Raleigh Mission is settled into their Safe Houses, all of which are located in geographies and on elevations well equipped to avoid flooding and damage from severe wind. The operation yesterday to move most of three zones north to Raleigh in less than five hours was a work of gospel charity and miracles in a...

Rebecca Anne turned 13 today. I can't believe I have 3 teenage girls. Wait, yes I can!! Holy Hannah, it's a little crazy in our home. But I love them! She is loving jr high. She is a student body officer. She loves having a say in what goes on in the school. It fits her so well. She is a natural born leader who marches to the bet of her own drum. I found a note I wrote about her a couple years ago when she was running for SBO in 5th grade: Why I Would Be A Great Class Representative Rebecca Merritt I would be a great class representative because I am a responsible, mature, and respectful individual and I would make sure that every idea go es into consideration during student council meetings. I would also make you aware of any important events that are going on. I will try to never miss a student council meeting. I promise I will keep my grades up and I w...

I've always taken my kids to the library. i took my older 5 religiously every week. It's been harder with Britten. I feel bad. He has had a very different childhood than my older ones. I told myself I'd be better for him this school year.  Every Wednesday is "Wacky Wednesday." It is short day for the school district, so the library always tries to do something fun. Sometimes it's stories, crafts, or Lego building. This week, they had the police officers and their K9 unit come! Britten was so excited!! He got to sit in the car, turn the lights and sirens on, talk into the loud speaker, and pet the dog.  I'm going to have to be better for him!!

So, he's officially engaged, and now he gets to celebrate a birthday! His birthday always falls on Memorial Day weekend. We didn't do anything extravagant because I have a job, but it doesn't pay consistently, so we have been budgeting a little heavier than normal lately. It's a Sunday, so we invited Dustin's parents over for dinner, and cake and ice cream.  It's been difficult wrapping my head around my kids growing older. If they're getting older, they're closer to leaving, and I'm getting older as well! I have good kids though. I know they will offer much to society. they are not perfect, but they try to be good people. For that, I am proud! This will probably be Aaron's last birthday interview. I can't force him to answer them when he moves out! Haha! favorite color:blue favorite food: pizza favorite candy: Take 5 favorite book: none favorite tv show: hunting shows favorite movie: Thor:Ragnorok favorite hobby:...