2010 - So this year I have made some resolutions, I know, I know, why does anyone make resolutions, because usually they are not kept and I have been guilty of not following through before, but hey, my thoughts today are that if I don't put write them down I will have nothing to be accountable to. So now I will be accountable to all who read this, and hopefully I will find my new year filled with accomplishments!!!! So here are my Resolutions for 2010:
- be more healthy (aka lose weight)
- Up my Temple Attendance.
- have Family Home Evening EVERY week, even if we can't do it on Mon.
- try one new recipe a week, and blog about it (yes I did watch Julie and Julia)
- work on improving my piano and guitar playing
- be more service oriented
Well I think this list is a pretty good start for the year, so here's to making Resolutions and making them count!!!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Chapter 45: Kennadee turns *10*
I find it very sad that my kids are growing so much, I think they are doing this on purpose, they know how much I hate getting "older" so they are all conspiring against me by being excited about birthday's. Kennadee sadly is now in double digits maybe others don't look at numbers the same way I do but I am a number freak, I will have to save my freakism for another post. After Christmas and since the kids didn't have to go back to school until Jan. 4th, I decided that we would go play out in Roosevelt. And since Kennadee's birthday falls inbetween Christmas and New Years we celebrated it out there. On her actual birthday since Scott was working we decided that having a cookie with ice cream was satisfactory, after all she got to be special for 2 days that week and not just one!!!!! But we did celebrate her birthday on the 31st since Scott was back out, Kari and her kids were there along with Morgan and Wyatt and also Grandpa and Grandma Merkley were back from Maryland.
Kennadee is becoming more and more a young woman every day, she is very sweet and sensitive (when she wants to be) and she is also very kind and helpful to others. She works really hard at school, especially on her math since that seems to be a struggle for her. She loves music and musicals and ever since Christmas when she got a CD player, there has been a constant hum of music coming from her room. She always has a hug for Mom and really wants to learn more about cooking, and although she drives me CrAZy with never, ever having a clean room, I still think I will keep her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE GIRLFRIEND!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Kennadee is becoming more and more a young woman every day, she is very sweet and sensitive (when she wants to be) and she is also very kind and helpful to others. She works really hard at school, especially on her math since that seems to be a struggle for her. She loves music and musicals and ever since Christmas when she got a CD player, there has been a constant hum of music coming from her room. She always has a hug for Mom and really wants to learn more about cooking, and although she drives me CrAZy with never, ever having a clean room, I still think I will keep her. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE GIRLFRIEND!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Chapter 44: It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!
There has been so much to blog about lately that I feel I will not catch up, but first and foremost I wanted to write about our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I really do not know if I could convey in words how special Christmas Eve was for me, it has been my favorite day for many, many years now but this years was just as wonderful as could be. I called my Grandma Harvey that morning to ask if we could come for a little visit and sure enough Grandma told us to come on up (Scott had to work 1/2 day so I just wanted to get out of the house), so we made our way to Sunset and met Kari and her kids up at our Grandparents house. We had such a wonderful visit and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we got to spend up there, it was really neat to see the kids get excited about the same things that we used to get excited about when we were younger, like the growth chart, the birthday calendar and the basement, just to name a few. And then of course you never leave Grandma's house without something yummy, and just as I had prayed she would, she had made her yummy cranberry-orange cookies, Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for making us feel loved!!!!
As we came home from our visit, we didn't have to wait long for Scott to get home and then we all dug in to help with the making of our dinner, We do a candle light dinner and it was night filled with laughter, excitement and a warmth of love. The kids were too excited about Santa coming and didn't even want dessert they just wanted to go straight to bed. But alas we all gathered round and grabbed our scriptures for the reading of the Christmas story, as each kid was taking a turn reading, Bradley leaned over and said to me "Mom, I think I feel the spirit." I told him he absolutely is because it was so strong at that moment. Of course after we read the story Lainee piped up that she wanted to read the story again and that she wanted to read all the baby Jesus parts and all the fairy Godmother parts (okay so we have a little work to do with her :) we sang some songs and then had dessert which was heavenly, then the kids set to work on getting the cookies, milk and carrots ready for Santa, after they were satisfied with that, they all got their pj's on and were off to bed (mind you it was only about 8 pm), so with giggles and whispers, Scott and I left them to dream of sugarplums and we enjoyed a relaxing evening with a movie and yummy treats.
Christmas Day dawned to the sound of footsteps trying to hurry past the frontroom, so as not to peek as they hurriedly came into our bedroom. I love the sound of my kids on Christmas morning as they all jump into our bed and try to wake us up, and as we try to pretend that we don't know that it is Christmas Day, or that we are just simply not going to get out of bed, and that little spark of panic that comes into their voices, and then the huge relief when they realize that we are only teasing them. The kids are growing up so fast and so this morning I just tried to soak up as much of them as I could. For those who have been worried or wondering, yes Santa found his way here and no, he didn't even hide their presents this year, but he left a very nice letter to the kids and some very wonderful memories for us to share.
As we came home from our visit, we didn't have to wait long for Scott to get home and then we all dug in to help with the making of our dinner, We do a candle light dinner and it was night filled with laughter, excitement and a warmth of love. The kids were too excited about Santa coming and didn't even want dessert they just wanted to go straight to bed. But alas we all gathered round and grabbed our scriptures for the reading of the Christmas story, as each kid was taking a turn reading, Bradley leaned over and said to me "Mom, I think I feel the spirit." I told him he absolutely is because it was so strong at that moment. Of course after we read the story Lainee piped up that she wanted to read the story again and that she wanted to read all the baby Jesus parts and all the fairy Godmother parts (okay so we have a little work to do with her :) we sang some songs and then had dessert which was heavenly, then the kids set to work on getting the cookies, milk and carrots ready for Santa, after they were satisfied with that, they all got their pj's on and were off to bed (mind you it was only about 8 pm), so with giggles and whispers, Scott and I left them to dream of sugarplums and we enjoyed a relaxing evening with a movie and yummy treats.
Christmas Day dawned to the sound of footsteps trying to hurry past the frontroom, so as not to peek as they hurriedly came into our bedroom. I love the sound of my kids on Christmas morning as they all jump into our bed and try to wake us up, and as we try to pretend that we don't know that it is Christmas Day, or that we are just simply not going to get out of bed, and that little spark of panic that comes into their voices, and then the huge relief when they realize that we are only teasing them. The kids are growing up so fast and so this morning I just tried to soak up as much of them as I could. For those who have been worried or wondering, yes Santa found his way here and no, he didn't even hide their presents this year, but he left a very nice letter to the kids and some very wonderful memories for us to share.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Chapter 43: Christmas Letter
Dear Family and Friends,
Since most of our Christmas Cards went out with the Blog address I felt that I needed to do a Christmas Letter, or a Year in Review if you will. I feel that the years are just flying by and that the kids are on fast forward, it just seems impossible that they are as grown as they are, it hardly seems real that the end of the year is near.
Bradley is now 11 and in the 5th Grade, Bradley finds it funny that he is now almost as tall as his mom and likes to remind me of that fact often. Bradley is a very busy guy lately he is involved in Scouts, having just earned his Arrow of Light, piano, comp. soccer and his latest endeavor of song-writing. He also passed Hunter's Safety this year and has found a passion in shooting and hunting (much to his Dad's delight).
Kennadee will be 10 on the 29th of this month and she is in the 4th grade. Kennadee is really coming into her own this year, I can see a change in her from the little girl, to little woman, she is also in Piano and recently at her recital she played both her pieces without much fear, which for those who know her well know what a struggle it is for her to do things in front of large crowds. She is in comp. dance and her team has done really well this year. Kennadee also loves going to Activity Days and is a great friend to all her know her.
Zachary just turned 8 in Nov. and is in the 2nd Grade. With just turning 8, Zachary was recently baptized and he is now going to Scouts and will be receiving his Bobcat award this month. Lots of fun things have going on for Zacky, he started piano this year and has been doing fantastic, he also has been taking Karate and just earned his white belt.
Lainee is now four and being "Home-Schooled" by Mom, Lainee is probably the most seasoned traveler of our Family and this year her travels took her took Maryland with Mom, we were able to go spend some time with her Aunt Erin and Uncle Dru and their brand new baby Alesa in March (we did also spend time with Aunt Taci, who took her to D.C. for some touring). She also started Dance this year and was moved from show team to comp. team quickly. She is a joy to have around and constantly says the funniest things.
Scott is keeping busy with Laser Stop and his calling in the Elder's Quorum Presidency, and in between all that he enjoys Hunting and taking the boys shooting and the occasional golfing, he also got his motorcycle license and has enjoyed some riding with friends.
I have been kept busy with the 4 kids and Sophie and my calling in the Primary Presidency, but on my down time I really enjoy scrapbooking and reading and spending time on Facebook (yes a guilty pleasure) and keeping up on this blog.
Our Family has enjoyed many, many adventures this year, as well as mine and Lainee's trip to Maryland, the kids get to spend a "Week with NO parents" at their Grandma and Pappy's house in Neola, and while they were there, I went to New York for "girl's week" with my sisters and mom (and Aunt Pam and Jeanne), we also got to spend a week exploring nature's beauty in Yellowstone Nat'l Park, and traveled down to Southern Utah to Hole-in-the-Rock and Captial Reef.
We have been so incredibly blessed this year and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father in all our endeavors. We are so grateful for the Savior and for his Atonement, and we are so excited to be able to spend the Holdays reflecting on our Savior's birth and we hope to share our love of him with you our Family and Friends, we hope that his spirit will be with you this Season and the year to come.
With Love to you ALL,
Scott and Melanie
Bradley, Kennadee, Zachary and Lainee
and Sophie
Since most of our Christmas Cards went out with the Blog address I felt that I needed to do a Christmas Letter, or a Year in Review if you will. I feel that the years are just flying by and that the kids are on fast forward, it just seems impossible that they are as grown as they are, it hardly seems real that the end of the year is near.
Bradley is now 11 and in the 5th Grade, Bradley finds it funny that he is now almost as tall as his mom and likes to remind me of that fact often. Bradley is a very busy guy lately he is involved in Scouts, having just earned his Arrow of Light, piano, comp. soccer and his latest endeavor of song-writing. He also passed Hunter's Safety this year and has found a passion in shooting and hunting (much to his Dad's delight).
Kennadee will be 10 on the 29th of this month and she is in the 4th grade. Kennadee is really coming into her own this year, I can see a change in her from the little girl, to little woman, she is also in Piano and recently at her recital she played both her pieces without much fear, which for those who know her well know what a struggle it is for her to do things in front of large crowds. She is in comp. dance and her team has done really well this year. Kennadee also loves going to Activity Days and is a great friend to all her know her.
Zachary just turned 8 in Nov. and is in the 2nd Grade. With just turning 8, Zachary was recently baptized and he is now going to Scouts and will be receiving his Bobcat award this month. Lots of fun things have going on for Zacky, he started piano this year and has been doing fantastic, he also has been taking Karate and just earned his white belt.
Lainee is now four and being "Home-Schooled" by Mom, Lainee is probably the most seasoned traveler of our Family and this year her travels took her took Maryland with Mom, we were able to go spend some time with her Aunt Erin and Uncle Dru and their brand new baby Alesa in March (we did also spend time with Aunt Taci, who took her to D.C. for some touring). She also started Dance this year and was moved from show team to comp. team quickly. She is a joy to have around and constantly says the funniest things.
Scott is keeping busy with Laser Stop and his calling in the Elder's Quorum Presidency, and in between all that he enjoys Hunting and taking the boys shooting and the occasional golfing, he also got his motorcycle license and has enjoyed some riding with friends.
I have been kept busy with the 4 kids and Sophie and my calling in the Primary Presidency, but on my down time I really enjoy scrapbooking and reading and spending time on Facebook (yes a guilty pleasure) and keeping up on this blog.
Our Family has enjoyed many, many adventures this year, as well as mine and Lainee's trip to Maryland, the kids get to spend a "Week with NO parents" at their Grandma and Pappy's house in Neola, and while they were there, I went to New York for "girl's week" with my sisters and mom (and Aunt Pam and Jeanne), we also got to spend a week exploring nature's beauty in Yellowstone Nat'l Park, and traveled down to Southern Utah to Hole-in-the-Rock and Captial Reef.
We have been so incredibly blessed this year and feel the loving guidance of our Heavenly Father in all our endeavors. We are so grateful for the Savior and for his Atonement, and we are so excited to be able to spend the Holdays reflecting on our Savior's birth and we hope to share our love of him with you our Family and Friends, we hope that his spirit will be with you this Season and the year to come.
With Love to you ALL,
Scott and Melanie
Bradley, Kennadee, Zachary and Lainee
and Sophie
Monday, December 7, 2009
Chapter 42: CTR
Saturday was such a wonderful day, Zachary had turned 8 in Nov. and he decided that he would like to be baptized and so on Sat. the 5th of Dec. he was able to have his Dad baptize and Confirm him. It was so neat to watch as our little boy seemed to grow right before us, he really took his baptism seriously. He came to me about a month ago and said that he really thought he needed a suit, so I went and got him out of school one day and we went to lunch and then went to JC Penney and bought him a suit, it took him some time to decide on the perfect suit for his important day, but he was able to find a good one. On Sat. as I was making my bed, he came rushing into my room and as excited as can be he said Mom, Mom, today I become a member of the church, and I said Yes, you do, he then asked if it was hard to do to which I kind of laughed and said No, I don't think it is hard at all.
Scott took Zachary early to the church so they could get ready and by the time we got there they were dressed in white and ready for the baptism, I just have to say that Zachary looked like he was beaming (which is very rare for him) you could tell how excited he was just by looking at him. As they called his name for him to go to the font with his Dad he didn't even hesitate (I was singing praises to God at this time, any who were at Kennadee's Baptism will know why) and he entered the waters where Scott took him by the hand and preformed the ordinance, I felt the spirit so strongly as he came up out of the water, testifying of the truthfullness of the gospel.
We then got to witness the Baptism of Zane who many know that he and Zacky seriously think they are twins and they are as close as brothers, how wonderful for them to be able to share this day together!!!! 
As Zachary entered the room to be confirmed I had to wipe a tear away, he had a countenance about him that just made me excited, his confidence and sureness in himself was so very evident, I don't know if it was the suit that made him appear that way or just the simple fact that he could feel the spirit too, but I know that I will never forget the day of his baptism, and I know that he will not either, we are so very happy for Zachary and we know that his life will always be blessed because of his decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Scott took Zachary early to the church so they could get ready and by the time we got there they were dressed in white and ready for the baptism, I just have to say that Zachary looked like he was beaming (which is very rare for him) you could tell how excited he was just by looking at him. As they called his name for him to go to the font with his Dad he didn't even hesitate (I was singing praises to God at this time, any who were at Kennadee's Baptism will know why) and he entered the waters where Scott took him by the hand and preformed the ordinance, I felt the spirit so strongly as he came up out of the water, testifying of the truthfullness of the gospel.
We then got to witness the Baptism of Zane who many know that he and Zacky seriously think they are twins and they are as close as brothers, how wonderful for them to be able to share this day together!!!! 
As Zachary entered the room to be confirmed I had to wipe a tear away, he had a countenance about him that just made me excited, his confidence and sureness in himself was so very evident, I don't know if it was the suit that made him appear that way or just the simple fact that he could feel the spirit too, but I know that I will never forget the day of his baptism, and I know that he will not either, we are so very happy for Zachary and we know that his life will always be blessed because of his decision to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Chapter 41: Merkley-isms
YOU MIGHT BE A MERKLEY IF:
-you use phrases like "the older 4" "Galen and Erin" and the "the younger 4"
-your mom remembers things based on who she was pregnant with or who was the baby.
-it takes all 10 fingers to count you and your siblings
-you bring your own place to sleep to go visit the family
-you think having Thanksgiving at a church is "normal"
-your kids have to know whether you are talking about Aunt Erin, Uncle Aaron or Cousin Aaron.
-your assignment for Thanksgiving is 10 pounds of potatoes and there are at least 2 others with the same assignment, and you still worry if that is enough.
-you have to introduce yourself at dinner to your own family!
-where 2 families = 18 kids
-your Dad still has trouble remembering which kid you are Jus...Matt...Mel...Kar...Ga..Eri...Taci...Kate...Loga...CAMI!!!!!
Here are just a few Merkley-isms I am sure there are many, many more but for now just enjoy some of the pictures from our larger than life family Thanksgiving, Thanks to all you Merkley's who make gatherings fun and entertaining!!!!!
-you use phrases like "the older 4" "Galen and Erin" and the "the younger 4"
-your mom remembers things based on who she was pregnant with or who was the baby.
-it takes all 10 fingers to count you and your siblings
-you bring your own place to sleep to go visit the family
-you think having Thanksgiving at a church is "normal"
-your kids have to know whether you are talking about Aunt Erin, Uncle Aaron or Cousin Aaron.
-your assignment for Thanksgiving is 10 pounds of potatoes and there are at least 2 others with the same assignment, and you still worry if that is enough.
-you have to introduce yourself at dinner to your own family!
-where 2 families = 18 kids
-your Dad still has trouble remembering which kid you are Jus...Matt...Mel...Kar...Ga..Eri...Taci...Kate...Loga...CAMI!!!!!
Here are just a few Merkley-isms I am sure there are many, many more but for now just enjoy some of the pictures from our larger than life family Thanksgiving, Thanks to all you Merkley's who make gatherings fun and entertaining!!!!!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Chapter 40: Possibilities
So yesterday Bradley calls me from school and this is how our conversation went;
"Mom"
"Yes Bradley"
"Before you say no, I just want you to know that this is our last chance"
"Last chance for what?"
"Zac and I have to go to the recording studio, to finish up our song for the talent show."
(at this point I am beginning to wonder if my meds have been making me a little more loopy than usual)
"Mom, Mom, so is that okay!"
(giggling)"The Recording Studio?"
"Yeah it is at Zach's guitar teachers house and we just have a few things to finish up and then we are going to do our homework and I will be home, what time do you want me home?"
"Well, I guess if that is what you need to do, by all means go finish at the recording studio and then after you are done with your homework come home, just try to make it by five!"
So then to top it all off, this morning he wakes up and he is furiously writing on this sheet of paper and after a while he is like "YES", and then he asks if I want to hear the song he just wrote------am I dreaming, did I wake up yet, what is going on and who is this boy that can only think of recording studios and song lyrics. Well I think I will just go with the flow who knows maybe there will be a musician in our family afterall!!!!!!
"Mom"
"Yes Bradley"
"Before you say no, I just want you to know that this is our last chance"
"Last chance for what?"
"Zac and I have to go to the recording studio, to finish up our song for the talent show."
(at this point I am beginning to wonder if my meds have been making me a little more loopy than usual)
"Mom, Mom, so is that okay!"
(giggling)"The Recording Studio?"
"Yeah it is at Zach's guitar teachers house and we just have a few things to finish up and then we are going to do our homework and I will be home, what time do you want me home?"
"Well, I guess if that is what you need to do, by all means go finish at the recording studio and then after you are done with your homework come home, just try to make it by five!"
So then to top it all off, this morning he wakes up and he is furiously writing on this sheet of paper and after a while he is like "YES", and then he asks if I want to hear the song he just wrote------am I dreaming, did I wake up yet, what is going on and who is this boy that can only think of recording studios and song lyrics. Well I think I will just go with the flow who knows maybe there will be a musician in our family afterall!!!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)