Muscles for Britten

"Mom, I'm going to exercise , so I get those bumps on my arms like Dad! " 

Grace is 18!!

Our Grace Allyson is 18 today! Another adult in Merritt household. Another child graduating!! Grace is a girl who has a plan, who sticks to the plan, and sees it through. Definitely her dad! She was our first daughter. When she was born, Dustin asked for another one. I thought my nurse was going to punch him!! She's sweet, sassy, serious, loyal, and confident in who she is! A beauty inside and out. Happy birthday, Grace! We love you! 

Two sides. Ther's alwasy two sides. We all have that other side we don't often allow others to see. The side with dark circles under our eyes, the side with too many freckles from the sun, the side where light is absent. I could feel that side of me growing lately. I knew it would manifest in anxiety and fear. I knew, soon, I would not be able to wake up and get out of bedd and face the day. It always happens when Dustin's gone, and a day I know it's ok to lay in bed. Today was that day. Sunday. There was an inner battle to get up and be where I know "I should" be. But, somedays you just can't. I'm grateful I've been able to recognize and handle these days with gentleness. I'm gratefull my kids understand. Britten chose to lay with me most of the morning. Telling me how sorry he was that I din't feel well. We all have those moments, days, I believe. And it's ok. be kind to yourself. Tomorrow,I'll be where the whole light shines, but today, I needed to care of the side with no light. 

 

Becca is 14!

 

This little lady is 14 today! She is bubbly, dramatic, kind, beautiful, smart and brave! She'll try almost anything! She is her dad's daughter for sure! 

Becca's sweet friend, Morgan, surprised her for her birthday. They have been frinds since 2nd grade! 

Happy Birthday, Becca! We love you nad are glad you are part of our family. Being your mother is never boring!!

Dustin in Alaska

 I'm soloing it for 2 weeks while Dustin is galavating (ok, more like hiking mountain sides) in Alaska. I'm not complaining. I'm grateful he had the opportunity because of kind friends. And wehn he's gone, I appreciate him more. A shout out to all you single parents who don't have a 2 week time frame. It's no joke! I have wrok, household dities, and 2 birthdays to pull off! Thanksfully, my kids are great helpers adn forgiving. And fingers crossed when he gets home, there won't be so many Alaska hinting and off the gris shows...a girl can dream, right?!

Home in 2019

 

It rained today. We opened the windows and doors, turned the air conditioner off. We enjoyed the smell of the wet, cool air. I love where I live! I love my neighbors and community. I love the people who live with me. It has changed in the last few months and will continue to change in the coming years. It makes me sad, but makes me grateful at the exact same time. Life is funny like that. 

PS Today is also my parents' 58th wedding anniversary. 

A New Look For Becca

 

Becca got glasses AND braces this year! Totally rocking the teenage look! Love you, Becca!

Aaron is 20!

 Happy Birthday to the coolest 20 year old. Aaron is the 2nd most hard working, OCD person that I know. His dad will always be number 1! Just afew pics to sum up raising him...

I'm thankful there will always be more "thumbs up" moments. Love you and glad to be your mom!