Merritt Memories

I was really worried about how my older kids would be with a new baby in the house. Boy, was I ever worrying about nothing! They are all smitten! Who wouldn't be? Have you seen our cute baby?       He's getting so chunky!     I have been really surprised with Grace. I knew she'd love him, but it amazes me how natural her mother instinct is. She's a natural!! And Britten has really taken to her. If I'm not feeding him, then she's right there to ask, "Can I hold him? Can I hold him?" I have had to implement the rule: the baby can only be held if he's awake. He will sleep all day long being held by her- it's not great for his schedule, or mine!   there have been a couple times I've come to my room to find the baby gone. I wander looking for him. I have always found him in Grace's arms.       It has been so helpful to have a little helper!! 

Yesterday was Dustin's last day as an officer. It is bittersweet. Well, for him, not me. This was his dream! For 12 of our 16 years of marriage, he kept begging to be a cop. It took me a while to agree, but I eventually realized he had a right to be happy at what he was doing. For four years now, he's been just that. HAPPY! Now I have a depressed husband (he said it will take time to adjust).   To help us get by, Dustin took a part-time job as a security officer at Worker's Compensation Fund. He's worked there for over two years. A couple months ago, the VP of HR asked him why he hadn't applied for the investigator position that had opened up. Dustin informed him that he only had 4 years experience as a cop and it required 5. The VP winked and said, "Don't let that stop you." Dustin took this to say, you need to apply. So, he did. Long story short: he got he job.   I was excited because this was a promise being kept to me long ago when I took ...

One of my favorite cds to listen to is, "Day of Rest" by Jericho Road. I highly recommend it. All the songs on it are about the Savior and the peace we will find when we allow Him to be a part of our lives. I just wanted to share this song. It touched my heart today.     Behold the Wounds   David Naylor & John V Pearson     Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands, the marks upon His side. Then ponder who He meant to save when on the cross He died.   We cannot see the love of God which saves us from the fall, yet know that Christ from wood and nails built mansions for us all.   Behold the outstretched hands of Christ, our Lord, who came to save, whose love and grace redeem our souls and lift us from the grave.   Though bruised and battered as we stray His loving hands caress, He washes and anoints with oil then in His arms we rest.   Behold the wounds in Jesus' hands. Look to your Lord a...

I spen a lot of my day looking at this cute face! It's fun! I can already see his cute personality starting to show. He is a very particular child. He hates wet diapers, but won't even squawk if it's diry. He smiles in his sleep and I think he will be a happy kid. When he's awake he wants to be close to me. I'm convinced he's a cuddler!! I love being with him....         1 Week old   10 days old         I love doing his hair!   

Ryan woke me up on January 19th because he had a church basketball game. It was a little before 8 and we jumped in the car to go to the church. On the way I felt a little gush of fluid. All I could think was, "Great. I just peed my pants!"     I got back home and tried to go back to sleep. It was no use. One I'm up, I'm up. I started cleaning the house and then ate breakfast. When I was done picking up, I figured I'd jump in the shower. After my shower, I felt great! then I felt another gush. Can I tell you how tired I was of peeing my pants uncontrollably?! Then it hit me! I'm only 6 days from my due date. This might not be urine. It could be the real thing!   I called the hospital, told them what was happening and they wanted to see me. Dustin was in the baby's room, painting the crib. I told him to stay and finish. I was going to run down to the hospital. I was sure it was just urine. I told him I'd be back in a couple hours.   I got ...

Often when it is your 6th baby, you are not thrown baby showers. I am a blessed woman! I have had two. The first was a surprise shower thrown by my work and then my dear friend, Rachael, threw me one. They were such kind gestures and I appreciate it so much. The first part of December was our work Christmas party. When I walked in, I was surprised to find baby gifts on a separate table. I really hadn't worked there long, only 7 months. The daycare is a large daycare and I hadn't even met all the people who work there. I was humbled that all these woman would think of me, especially at a time when money is tight for everyone!!  Before I was allowed to open the gift, I had to guess who it was from. If I guessed right, then I got to draw on their face. If I was wrong, they drew on  mine! Can you guess who was wrong more? I was so worried about this because I didn't know everyone! These women were so sweet though! I can say I now know everyone though!! ...

I don't know how many schools do the Reflections program, but our does. Every year they give a theme and the kids choose from photography, visual arts, dance & theatre, music, film, and literature. They create their own project based on the category they chose. My kids do it every year. They usually either draw a picture or write something. I'm always grateful they take the challenge because it's good for them. They need to use those creative juices that usually sit in their brains. The theme this year was: The Magic of a Moment... Grace came home and said, "Mom, I know what moment I want to write about." "You do?!" i was surprised because it never happens this way. We have to take a while to think of something. "Yes. I want to write about when Kate was born, when I became a sister!" We talked about what she was going to write. That is where what she knew she wanted ended. I remember from parent teacher confer...