Through The Mouth Of Babes...

November 18, 2009
So, over the weekend last week, I had the chance with my singles ward to fill humanitarian packs to send to Africa. Because I share with my students what I do over the weekend, I decided to talk about service and how good it is for us to do perform acts of kindness when I modeled my weekend news.

I wrote about it for them and shared details. After I was done, I told them that sometimes our weekends don't have to have crazy fun things to write about, but that sometimes it is okay for us just to have some time to do things for others. I told them that when we do service we feel happy inside because we helped someone else. I told them I was happy for helping those people in Africa.

A little girl at that point raised her hand. She always raises her hand--so I called on her. She said, "Miss Merritt, that was the Holy Ghost making you feel happy and warm inside because you did good."

At least there are some parents out there that have taught their children to know that feeling. Thank goodness for the Holy Ghost.

The Pilgrims Must Be Young...

November 12, 2009

Today at school, I had a little girl tell me a hilarious story.

We have been writing about the pilgrims at school, and yesterday we were writing about how there were 102 pilgrims that came across on the Mayflower.

So--we wrote a note home in our planners as a class asking our parents "How many pilgrims came on the Mayflower?"

Today, a little girl raised her hand and said, "Miss Merritt? My dad said there were only 10 pilgrims because he was one of them. He came across with them. He said so. And he's older than you so he really did Miss Merritt."

I told her her dad must be really old. I fought her a little on it--but she was convinced.

Fathers--careful what you say--your children might truly believe you...

I'll Stand By You...

So--I've been pondering a lot lately--and have come to realize--I appreciate all those who have stood by me the past couple of months. It has been some of the most trying months of my life with all that I've been through--and who knows--things can get better or worse--but--I have learned this: I will be okay.

I just want to thank those who have been there for me and helped me in my time of need. Hopefully I can return the favor as those of you who need it hit those crossroads and need that extra support.

I'll stand by you, too!

My first time...

Miniature Golfing!

October 21, 2009

Yes--in all 27 years of my life I have never been miniature golfing...believe it or not. I've been real golfing...but no mini golfing.

My good friend Jeff decided to take me to dinner tonight so we could catch up. We haven't really talked since Christmas. It was fun to see him again and hear how his life is going with school and his goals.

Anyway--after dinner we decided to walk a little around SouthTowne Mall. As we were walking, we discovered a CosmicGolf area. I laughed and told Jeff I had never been. So, he said let's go!

Fortunately, we didn't keep score--I would had some bad holes. I did get holes in ones 3 times though--and I made it through the orange hole at the end--so I won a schnazy blue light up bracelet and a free game of mini golf...


So--overall--Mini Golf is all right--not what I would probably wake up one day and decide I want to do for the day--but I had a good time!

So--another check off for something new!

A little StReSs...

So--some may say I'm not happy--rediculous phone call I got from a guy tonight. I had rejected him a while back--and he wanted to know why. Then he told me I wasn't happy like the time I went out with him--he wanted to know why? Bah!

So not true! But I do have just a little stress is all...

I just realized today--I have a lot to do and it is time to be the "responsible" Amy again...

Gotta love tracking back on...

Some things on my plate--and if any of you out there in blogging land know how to make it better--please send suggestions!

*My leg--gotta get it strong again! Exercise!
*Report Cards--have to learn the new system! And need to figure grades!
*Parent Teacher Conference--how do you tell some parents their child may benefit from resource...
*First Grade Program--need to get pictures taken and a power point made!
*Halloween Costume--somehow I'm supposed to have one...
*Halloween Party--my room mom is in charge of that one--but I have this little doubt in me because I have heard nothing!
*My Religion Paper--it is long overdue...
*Dating--if the opportunity comes--ha!
*Saving money for a few wants...

Anyway--that's just some of it...no worries though--I do best when I am a little stressed!

I'm Healed! Sorta...

Monday, October 19, 2009

The doctor gave me the verdict last week that I can "wean" away from the crutches. He said I am mostly healed, and that I should take it easy for a month. Meaning no running or anything crazy...

He told me that I should start out slow--like walking at home. I looked at him and laughed--and said, "I've already been walking at home." So, my version of weaning was to just walk out of the clinic! Ha!

I took the crutches back today! And what a happy day! I'm still waiting for the feeling to come back into my pinkies from having used crutches...but hopefully in time it will...

So here's for recovery! Yay!


To celebrate my recovery--I went to the gym tonight and biked because I'm allowed to do that. I biked 4 miles in 30 minutes. Sad day--I dropped a lot of distance in my time--but I figure for being a gimp--that is good!

Hopefully I can continue to improve it! If you know any strengthening exercises for my leg, please let me know!

General Conference Pondering

Monday, October 5, 2009

I came out of General Conference with a realization--I am ready to be better!

One of my favorite general conference moments was Elder Christofferson's talk. I loved hearing about honesty and how important it is for us to teach our children about it. I am grateful his mother kept him from a life of crime at a young age. How important it is for parents to teach their children these things. That is one lesson my students this year have taught me.

I also really loved President Monson's talk and I also loved Elder Eyring's talk, and of course, Elder Bednar's talk. Heck--I stayed awake all 4 sessions--I enjoyed all of it!

I did come out if wanting to make changes in my life though and being willing to listen to God as he directs me down whichever road comes into my life.

I learned that faith is important to have and that we need it. I also learned that Heavenly Father loves all of his children--every single one of them regardless of what they have done.

I just finished reading Mitch Albom's new book, Have a Little Faith. I loved it. It helped me to realize that when you believe in something--you do it to it's full potential. That is true faith.

I think one part that touched me the most was his recollection of studying Moses and the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. He talks about how the angels started to rejoice as the enemy were drowned, but God became angry and told them, "They were His children too."

We are all God's children--every single one of us on this earth. We all deserve to be treated with love. That is my new goal after conference. To love everyone...even if they are 22 and awkward :)