Merritt Memories

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,...

This was a great year for trick-or-treating. Britten was really grasping the concept. HE wandered the neighbor hood in his "army guy" costume. For months he told me he was going to be Spider Man. But, when he saw the army uniform, with helmet (I think it's what swayed him), there was no talking him into the other. I even was holding the Spider Man! I'll admit, he makes a pretty cute solider. Kate and Becca were the others who dressed up this year. They actually hit the streets in search of candy together! They were gone for two hours and came back with a huge haul! They both wanted something of their own making this year. Not store bought, but more creative. Becca's friends were going to all dress up as characters from the Wizard of Oz. Becca chose Dorothy. We couldn't find a dress, but we found some ideas of being a kind of tomboy Dorothy. Kate decided on Where...

I know they are not always the best photos, but I love school pictures. It's like not official until you have that school picture to capture you at that age!! Here are my kids for the year: