Friday, July 26, 2019

Dandelions

 I’ve had lots of emotions the last few weeks. I’ve been avoiding them, not wanting to acknowledge how I was feeling. Our home is down to 4 kids, I became a mother-in-law, and next year we’ll be down to 3 kids. It’s a lot for me to process. I don’t like my kids getting older and leaving, but I like my kids getting older and leaving. I’m proud of my kids and who they are. They are good, they are kind, they work hard, they have goals. I love seeing them work toward what they have planned for themselves. Britten asked this morning if he could go ask a friend to play “all by himself.” He’s big now, you know. I gave the thumbs up. I watched him walk across the street. He was out of sight for a few minutes. I spotted him coming back with no friends. He turned the corner by the fence, and then stopped and turned around. He bent down and picked something out of the grass. He walked up the driveway beaming and smelling a freshly picked dandelion. I was hoping it was for me. He came inside and told me he had a surprise. He pulled the flower out from behind his back and shoved it in my face. I was so thankful for his kind gesture. My momma heart has been kinda aching. I was convinced during childbearing years I wanted to have all my kids at the same stage in life as possible. When Britten came, I was a little bitter about “the gap.” Today, I’m so grateful I still have a child who will pick dandelions for me. It’s exactly what my heart needed.












Wednesday, July 24, 2019

24th Of July Rodeo- Meeting President Dallin H Oaks



 When President Oaks sits behind you at the Days of ‘47 Rodeo and your kids get to shake his hand...











Sunday, July 21, 2019

Britten Will Miss Them

 As Aaron and Angel walked away, down the aisle, newly married, my 6 year old broke down in tears. We asked him what the matter was. He replied, “I don’t want Aaron to move. I’ll never see him again.” All of us around him tried to comfort him. My sister, Alissa, asked him,”What if we hide something in their luggage to scare them? What can we put in there?” It made him stop, and completely took his mind another direction... Then she said, “What if I take you to the dollar store and find something?” Well, she took him, and two bags later! He bought them things for their honeymoon: a pair of dice, pair of two guitars, nerf guns, necklaces, expanding washcloths, back massagers, a bug and lizard for their suitcases, and a Whoopi cushion. What honeymoon is not complete without a Whoopi cushion?  

Thanks for making his sadness happiness, Aunt Alissa! And he’s told them he’ll take care of their stuff while they’re gone!! And please ignore he’s too small jeans with pj shirt. We just got done with a wedding!







Saturday, July 20, 2019

Aaron and Angel's Wedding

 We had a wedding yesterday. It was a beautiful day for Angel and Aaron. I want to thank all our family and friends for not only supporting them, but helping us so much. Pulling off a wedding is no joke!! 

Thay had their wedding at the lake clubhouse. It was a beautiful summer day. Dustin built the back drop so we could not have to see all those enjoying the lake. It worked out really well. We had a luncheon after. They wanted pizza and cesar salad. It was pretty easy to put together, and my friends Rachel Holste, Jennifer Cook, Kari Elordi, and Lori Parker all made sure the buffet was stocked! 

The receptions was lovely. We were able to see so many friends who came and celebrated with us. It made my mama heart swell! I'm so excited for these tow as they start thier lives together. So much in store!!

And PS...I’m a mother-in-law. What the hey?! I’m seriously not this old!!


























Saturday, July 13, 2019

Sentimental

 I love going through old pictures. As I went through some today, I made o list of things that should never be forgotten.

Things that should never be forgotten:
1) Little Merritts, Hershey Kiss hair dos, toothless Smiles, 2) Little Merritt girls 3) My mom with my kids 4) My obsession with birdhouses was real, Merritt kids in pjs 5) Prairie 4th 6) Prairie Hogs, wide leg pants 7) Spike-y haired Larae(Britten wants to know if I had just woke up), Quippy Doll Becca8) Dustin wore duck ties, Dustin with no beard, Aaron’s gap between his front baby teeth 9) Larae with freckles 10) Fat Baby Britten
I could go on. 


























Friday, July 5, 2019

Lake Day

 We live a five minute walk from the lake in our community. Dustin and I decided this year to purchase kayaks and a paddle board, so the kids could enjoy the lake more. And, that we could spend more time together as a family. It's been a good investment. 

We've enjoyed the family time, the duck feeding, and the beautiful sunsets!