The Eastern Idaho State Fair Parade

Saturday, August 30, 2008
Every Labor Day--we celebrate the Eastern Idaho State Fair in Blackfoot. The Fair is started with a parade down Shilling Street and it is full of big rigs and tractors and just promos. Not any real fascinating floats---but we get a ton of sheriff cars from all the counties and cities in the area and it makes a lot of noise. Nothing quite like it...in all of Blackfoot...

My dad bought my mom this hat--she is now old enough to be in the red hat club...I love my parents!

The Firemen were in a band with bagpipes and they were wearing kilts! I just love firemen...

My sisters and Bonnie (their friend from BYU-I) watching the Parade...
These little guys were watching by us, they caught so much candy (all you have to do is look cute and people throw the stuff at you!).
What's a parade without clowns?


They also had a surrey with a fringe on top! Go Oklahoma! Snake River is performing it...my rivals...

This is the first year I missed the fair. My family usually goes, but while I was home this weekend, my parents decided not to go...which is okay--it's always the same...mostly I love the food which isn't good for me anyway (although Missy went and brought me back a bag of cotton candy! I love my sis!).

Instead, I went flower shopping with my parents for landscaping their new house....I decided someday when I have my own house, I want to have flowers! They make it beautiful--I brought my dad four rose bushes for his birthday this month (at their old home, he used to have 33 rose bushes that he raised...now he has none...)--my favorite one was Princess Diana--she was tall and pink and white. Very elegant looking...

Two Fires on the Mountain...

Monday, August 25, 2008

We had a beautiful sunset this evening--let me tell you why...

Today as I was driving home from work--I saw a fire burning in the corner canyon area...approximately 7 minutes from my house! Scary!! We watched as the planes dropped fire retardant around the area and we prayed that we would be safe! I am grateful there is a temple between the fire and my house. Which leads me to fire #2...



Tonight Angie and I were driving home from the store and we saw...the Draper Temple all lit up! It also looked bright on the mountain. It was the first night the outside lights have been on. I am so excited to have a temple so close to my home!!!

The mountain behind my house is shining tonight...in more ways than one!

The Dutch Oven Ward Prayer Road Trip...

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Usually we have ward prayer in a structured place and time in the South Mountain 12th Ward, but tonight--it was on the road. Our ward prayer co-chairs decided to take us up MillCreek Canyon and have dutch oven with us...so...I had the chance to make some new friends and go on a mini hike. I went with my roommate Irene, our friend Paisley, and our new friend Grant (who I found out is like me--half Asian (Japanese) and half European mix...). What a small world!

It wasn't really a long hike because we were up there late, but we passed lots of little waterfalls--and we saw great views of the sun reflecting off the mountains and the clouds. I also had the chance to find a spot to soak my feet! I can't resist putting my feet in the water--and yes--it was freezing cold.

After our mini hike, we met back up with our ward and we had some dutch oven cake! It was delicious! They had cake mix, peaches, and Mt. Dew in the mix. With a little ice cream on top--it was yummy!

I've been adjusting to my new ward...but the more I am giving it a chance, the more I'm making new friends and it's coming. I think I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Riverview 7th Ward, but this ward is going to have a spot too I think...

Views from the hike...

The Mining Town of Ophir

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Linda and I decided to go on a drive today--I do this one about once a year--and hadn't done it yet this one. So--we headed out Butterfield Canyon--and stopped by my hill...then, it was time to go out to Ophir!

Ophir is an old mining town in the Oquirrh Mountains west of Salt Lake City. To get there--we drove through Butterfield Canyon and out through Tooele. Then, we went south from Tooele till we hit the town. It's kind of a small town--one road...but it is unique. It is very old fashioned. We even found a phone booth! It cost 50 cents to make a local call and a whole dollar to make a long distant call for four minutes...we were tempted to call some friends...


More pics of Ophir:




I think I drove the road of Ophir the farthest I've ever driven it today--but there were a ton of cows on the road...they made me get a little frustrated...plus it was late. We decided to turn around...

I love discovering new places and I also love rediscovering them again! The town of Ophir is an annual tradition I love to do! If anyone wants to go--let me know--I'll take you!

This last pic is of a field for Tooele's 4H farm and they had a lot of things growing in their garden and some fun scarecrows. I love scarecrows!

Camping with the Latinos

Friday and Saturday, August 22 & 23

My roommate Angie's mom and dad are branch missionaries for the Latino branch here in SLC. Their branch was having a camp out and Angie's mom wanted her to come because she wanted her to talk to this Latino guy...but, Angie didn't want to go alone. So--I went with her...We met her parents and drove up to East Canyon Reservoir...

Camping with the Latinos was fun! They know how to party and they have delicious food! When we got there, it was time to set up camp and then...Angie and I wandered around the campground and down to the water. We spent a little time throwing rocks in...it made us feel tough...and then, it was time to eat! The food was wonderful. We got to meet a lot of cool members of the church and we saw the fattest chihuahua that we'd ever seen! His name was Hurley!


They spent the rest of the evening after eating "quietly" (because the ranger had to come talk to us) watching a Spanish movie...Angie and I didn't understand a word of it (and I was starting to have a reaction from my meds--my doctor that day just put me on an antibiotic to try and combat my sinusus--combined with the spicy food--my stomach felt awful!). We hit the sacks...and I actually was so tired this time camping that I slept the whole night!

The next morning, we got up and had breakfast followed by a devotional (also in Spanish...). We then put on our suits and went down and skipped rocks and then layed out in the sand to get some sun. Then, it was time to go in Bro. Morales' boat! This was only my second time boating and we had a blast. Bro. Morales is a crazy driver...when we were on the boat, Angie and I had a turn to ride in the tube...we had to hold on for dear life! We thought we were going to die--neither one of us was brave enough towards the end of our ride to let go to signal that we were done...we were that afraid of being thrown off. But...we did it and now our carpals hurt a little...but it was a great adrenaline rush.

When we finished, it was time to go home. I'm glad I got the chance to go boating again this year--each time I go, something exciting happens...this time I thought I was going to die...but it was fun!!! I always love learning about new cultures and experiencing new things...I loved how relaxed and easygoing it was with this group.

In Tune With Nature...

Tuesday, August 19, 2008
I recently have been noticing things more in nature--okay--I have noticed things in nature for a while. But, I've noticed some things this week that were extraordinary for me...

I was driving to work yesterday--and I've witnessed this other times as well, but the moon was setting in the west as the sun was rising in the east! Amazing---I love seeing this happen!

And, I was driving down 300 East in Draper the other day--and I looked closely at the trees that were green--the leaves were turning red...(I'm not ready for that one...)

And...and...I've noticed sunbeams lately. I was driving with my friend Allison tonight through Ogden canyon, and we saw this! Wow...being God must be fun--He is the master artist!

The Declaration of Independence and Cultural Dinning...

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Today a group of us went up to the newly renovated Salt Lake City Capitol building (it is now ready for the big earthquake...) to see one of the 25 remaining rare copies of the Declaration of Independence on display. It was neat to go and see--but it was a long line.

The line was a 3-4 hour wait since it is only here this weekend. We got there this afternoon and after seeing the line, decided that we weren't really wanting to wait in that line. We went above and looked down first and saw that there was an area outside the blocked line to just look from the outside. So--Paisley, Angie, Allison, Irene and I snuck up by the edges at the front and decided that was good enough for us.


I am grateful for those founding fathers who wrote the Declaration of Independence and helped our country become the way it is. I feel that it is truly an inspired document and that it has Heavenly Father's influence all over it. I just hope it is able to make it through what is to come in this world...

Fine Dining Experience #2--Royal India
After we left the capitol building, we decided it was time to eat! Angie, Allison, Irene and I decided to have Indian food tonight so we headed to the Royal India. It is one of my most favorite restaurants in Sandy. It is the best Indian I've had in the area. It was delicious!
We ordered some of the tiki masala and the coconut kurma. Irene ordered the mango chicken. And of course...we had to have the naan....yum!

Another Teaching Funny

Monday, August 11, 2008

My roommate Linda and I decided today that we were going to go and watch the meteor shower that could be seen from Utah Monday night. I mentioned to my students that the meteor shower would be happening, and that maybe before they go to bed they could go out and see if they could see any.

Andrew then raised his hand. "Miss Merritt--are the Transformers coming?"

And all went lost from there--they were gone on transformers. Imagine their disappointment when I explained what meteors are.

The next day, Hunter raised his hand. "Miss Merritt--I heard on the news that a meteor hit Salt Lake City. Do you think the Transformers are there?"

I don't know if I think they are there...but, I think that my class is very crazy...I obviously have more boys in this group...

The Chinese Experience

August 9, 2008

In honor of the Olympics in China, my roommates and I decided to celebrate. What better way than to go out and eat Chinese! We found a restaurant in South Jordan that gave us a great deal--and we left full.

Good thing I was in the Chinese mood today--it was delicious!

My fortune was great too--it said, "An unexpected visitor will bring you great blessings." Hmm....I wonder who that is?

Now it's time to go and watch the Olympics--Linda and I are rooting for Michael Phelps!

The Olympic Medal Count!

I can't help but be multi-cultural! Go USA and Thailand!!!

The opening ceremonies were amazing--definitely worth watching if you had the chance. China has made a statement at these games!

Olympic Medal winners at NBC Olympics.com!

10 Things I Love

I was tagged by Daleen and so I guess I should try and play as well. The point of this game is to name 10 things I love...this is hard for me. Here goes:

1. My family--I consider so many people to be part of my family--my immediate fam, my extended fam, my roommates, my friends, everyone. I once had a student say, "Miss Merritt--we are all brothers in sisters. Heavenly Father said so." So there.

2. The Gospel--I love how all encompassing the gospel is and that it all goes together--one with the other. I love the scriptures, I love praying, I love going to church, and I love the temple. I especially the love the peace that comes from the temple and the feelings that it brings to me. It makes me realize my potential as Heavenly Father's daughter. I am also grateful for our Savior and his atoning sacrifice for me. Where would I be without him? On a not so great path...

3. Education and Knowledge--I love learning! I am such a nerd! I really think learning is my passion and sharing it with others is something I love to do. I remember one of my most memorable experiences in college was sitting across the table from Elder Bednar and asking him what I could teach children that would be most important--and he said to teach them to love learning! How lucky I am that I get to share that gift with Heavenly Father's children.

4. Sleep--I never knew how valuable this little time for me was until I started overdoing more than I ever have this year. Sleep is so precious and I love it! Especially when you get to sleep in and not even set the alarm! But--that's also dangerous because you can overdo it and waste your day. But--I love sleeping...taking naps, and just being under the covers. It's fantastic!

5. I love to EAT!!!! Food is my weakness in life as well. I love eating things--healthy things, unhealthy things--all in their moderation. My favorite that I will confess here but nowhere else is ice cream. It is my weakness. I also love Thai food. But, as far as school goes--my favorite is water and carrots. (Teacher appreciation week they somehow find out your real favs and you are absolutely doomed!!!!). I have a favorite for just about everything--but I love to eat! Anyone ever want to go out--I'll love to eat with you!!! And I love trying new things too!!!!

6. Travel--I especially love to drive! I love seeing new places and taking my jeep to them. I love flying and traveling to exotic places as well--like Las Vegas (I'm going there in September...). I love exploring and seeing the world for what it is. It is glorious and I am so glad I'm a part of it--I'm a small part of it, but I'm part.

7. Music--ask anyone who knows me--I am always listening to music. My favorite is also singing at the top of my lungs when I'm on long road trips--only a few choice people have had that experience with me--and you know who you are! Music always makes me happy and there is always something that fits my mood!

8. The Moon! I have an obsession. I love the moon! It is beautiful and it glows! I used to think when I have my own world that I would want 4 of them--but I was looking at it the other night and I thought--it is so unique to me and rare because there is only one. So--maybe one is ok....we'll see when I become a goddess and get to make my own world.

9. The Outdoors--I love being in nature--sun, wind, rain, hail, snow--you name it. I love the outdoors. I am not a campy person by any means--but, I love to be out and one with nature. There is something that is really refreshing about it and being in Utah--I love being at the tops of the mountains.

10. Cemetaries--I know--cryptic. But I love them. I love the peace that you can find in them and the history that is in each one. I love that we are able to remember our loved ones and be able to pay respects to them. Our culture is lucky that we track this information down--it makes it so much more important.

There ya go Daleen--that was hard to do because I had to rack my brain--and I love too many things---but if I had to pick a top 10--that would be it for now--it changes all the time...

I guess if anyone does read my blog--I'll tag a few as well--
Tiffany Finlay
Suzy Toronto
Amy Stoker
Karen Vach
Jay Mills

Have fun everyone!

A Teaching Funny...

One thing that I love about teaching is that every day brings something new to laugh about. Today was no exception to that...

I've been back in school with my new group right now for about a week and a couple days. I was gone yesterday because I had a fun doctor's appointment to go to. Anyway--today we were finishing up an activity (we call everything in 1st grade an activity) and I told the students who were finished that they could go and sit at the carpet and we would play a game. So--the 5 or 6 that were done went over and I was still wandering helping a few more students finish. Then I heard this weird humming sound...

I walked over and said, "What are you guys doing?"

They were all sitting cross-legged on the carpet and had their hands in that yoga position and their eyes were shut. They were humming.

They said, "We're meditating Miss Merritt." And continued to hum.

I started to laugh and they did too. I asked them where they learned this crazy stuff--they said from the yoga tape (I think a student's mother has one...). And they continued to hum...

I have a class that meditates. I guess that's a good thing. Who knows?

1st grade...you gotta love it. You never know what is next...

Guns Take 2...

Ok--so I chatted with my friend Chase again tonight and he asked me why I hate guns so much...I don't remember saying I hate guns. I just am not passionate about them...

So for the sake of an argument and for his sake--here is my take...

I see how guns have value for protection--I think that knowing how I function though--that gun is not going to do me much good in the circumstances because I mentally shut down...and am just calm. But--I see why having education on gun use could be useful with that as well...

As for having guns in my house someday--this is my stand. I will let my husband decide what he wants with them--I will allow them only if they are locked up safe and sound. I have this fear of children finding them because I know that even I was snoopy when I was young. Curiosity gets children--and if they found it--I don't know what they would do.

But, I think that they can protect us. I don't mind guns. Will I go out and buy one...probably not. Why--because I don't think I need one at this point in my life. If my husband wanted them, would I let him? Sure, why not.

I do think they have value and I don't hate them. I just don't see it as something I absolutely positively need right now...

And Chase--one more thing--I did have fun shooting it once I got past the impact. I would do it again...I would even go to the class. I'm just not going to go and buy one and carry it around with me all the time...it wouldn't match my outfit...

The Ending

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Sunday we went to church with my family in Blackfoot at the Blackfoot 3rd ward. My dad has been bishop of that ward for the past 3 years. He was released yesterday from bishop since we have moved out of the ward and stake. He is mixed emotioned--happy that he is not going to be as busy anymore and carry the burden of things he knew from before, but he is also sad because we have been in that ward for at least 20 years and he has a lot of friends he'll be leaving. He did a good job as bishop if you ask me...and he made a difference in that ward.

After we went to church, we found some fun sunflowers--Angie's favorite flower--so we took her picture with them. I also had to take my friends to the big potato--honestly--I don't know if I have ever had my picture taken with it--I think I have, but I can't remember. But--I've taken it for so many other people so many times.
After a big lunch and singing happy birthday to Angie over sticky rice and coconut milk with mango, we left for home. We headed back to Utah and it was nice to be able to stand and not be driving! We had a great trip and we learned so much...



I have a feeling this is not the last you've heard about the Wandering Women of the World...