Where Flowers Bloom, So Does Hope

I went with my friend Eni today to Music and the Spoken Word. She had never been before, and me being who I am--have been a ton! But I haven't been for about a year, so I told Eni we would go today. I am so glad I did! I love this broadcast!

Today's themed message was an inspirational one too--one I needed to hear! Here's an excerpt from Lloyd Newell's thought today:

"Lady Bird Johnson, wife of former U.S. President Lydon B. Johnson, is often remembered for her love of flowers. Roadsides across the country are beautiful today because of her efforts to plant wildflowers along highways. Mrs. Johnson liked to say, 'Where flowers bloom, so does hope.'

If something as delicate and beautiful as a flower can grow out of the hard cold soil, then what else might be possible? We all need the hope that flowers embody. Flowers help us remember the unseen potential in ourselves, in those we love, and in the world around us. Indeed, where flowers bloom, so does hope."

Enjoy the flowers! Don't lose hope!

Me at the tabernacle

The choir

Me with Eni

The petunias

The flowers by the temple

Life Lesson #2

May 20, 2009

Things I don't want to do as a mom or a step mom...


This week I have bike duty--meaning I stand outside and yell at the kids that are riding their bikes or scooters and tell them to get off. It's a liability thing--so I get to do it in the morning and the afternoon...

Well, this afternoon, there was a 3rd grade child outside. It was his birthday apparently. A little info on this tells me he has two moms--real mom and step mom. They are in competition to try and win boy's love. Anyway--both mom's brought treats to school today--but one mom brought this huge balloon bouquet! It had a couple of Mylar balloons on it and about 15 helium filled balloons. Boy is walking out after school with his balloons to get on scooter to ride home. I sensed disaster immediately. I commented to little boy that the balloons might carry him and his scooter away...

A few minutes later--he is down the sidewalk...screaming. Literally throwing a tantrum. He had lost hold of his balloons....he later was in the office having a fit about it as well...

Note to self--do not buy child birthday balloon bouquet unless I plan to be there to pick him up as well...

Poor birthday for that guy...

Kids Say the Darndest Things...

Monday, May 18, 2009

Today I was working on writing a tongue twister with my class...we pick a students name each day and write words that start with that same letter in a sentence... (i.e. Marvelous Miss Merritt makes muffins on Monday for mom.).

For legality sakes and safety of my students, lets call this student Bob. We had to write B words about Bob.

The dialogue went something like this...

A little boy raised his hand and said, "We could write 'bling-bling' on the board."
Miss Merritt: Do you even know what bling is?
Boy: Yeah--the black guys wear it and it's big gold jewlery.
Miss Merritt: Ok...how do you feel about that Bob?
Bob: Ok.
Miss Merritt: We need a describing word for Bob. What word can we use for Bob?
A little girl: Brother
Miss Merritt: Yeah...we could use that. How do you feel about that Bob? Brother Bob?
Bob: I don't have a brother.
A different little girl: No--it could be like a brutha from anotha motha...
Miss Merritt: That is right, it could--probably someone that wears bling would say that...

Anyway--by this point I'm laughing in my head and the kids are laughing too...

Bob ended up picking something totally different though: Boss Bob brings bikes to basketball.

Another successful day in 1st grade.

The First Spring Hike of '09

Monday, May 11, 2009

Tonight for FHE, we went on a mini hike in the corner canyon area of Draper right by the temple! It was a beautiful sky evening and we caught some great sunsets and also some great sky action! I just love the sky!

It was just Grant and the girls...our ward really could use more men...

Another Fear Conquered...Needles...sort of...

May 14, 2009

Confession...I have never donated blood before today. Honestly. Part of it was because I was scared. Part of it was because I really think I couldn't for a while during college from some things in my medical history. But now I have no excuses I belevie...at least they poked a needle in me (thank goodness it only took one!). And I donated blood. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and I felt just fine! I still feel like there is a needle in my arm every once and a while, but other than that--I'm pretty much okay!

My friend Desiree donated for the first time too.

Graduation--May 2, 2009

My biggest fans! My mom and dad!

So--I graduated--but I still have two classes left! Here's some pictures from the Commencement Exercises at Southern Utah University in Cedar City.

I was only 4 rows away!

President Monson received an honorary doctorate from SUU the same day. Maybe, I should work for an honorary doctorate! J/k! I'm not as good as the prophet!

President Monson during his commenecement address...it was weird not hearing him close in the name of Jesus Christ. He closed with a thank you.

Me walking to my seat...my mom is Asian..she takes a lot of pictures.

My friend Heidi Murray. We were best friends at BYU-Idaho back in the day. We used to work together and we even went to Nauvoo together. I haven't seen Heidi since she got back from her mission about 4 years ago. We were in the ElEd program at the same time, but I pulled ahead while she was gone. She's been teaching in St. George for the past several years. Crazy part was that we didn't know we'd both be graduating with our Master's the same day! Wow! I'm glad we bumped into each other! (Gotta love those hoods...)

My proud dad! He was the man behind it all--all the late night upset phone calls and the stress--he took it for me! I love you Dad!

My mom and me! I love this lady! She is my motivation! As soon as it was done, she looked at me and said, "Now your doctorate! My sister can't beat me--your cousin almost has her's done! You need to get yours too!" It made me laugh! That is so my mom!

The Halls and Sister Murray! I haven't seen them forever! I love these guys!

My building--I had never stepped foot in this building until that morning--I had to go to the bathroom and we were lined up outside of it. My mom made me pose with it because it is "my building..."

My roommate Hannah's mom was in my program too! She was shocked to see me there as well!

Ruth Ann and I worked on a lot of projects together. I am grateful I got to share this experience with her.

My dad and I after it was all over! Hallelujah!

Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

I went to visit my mom for Mother's Day! She is the best mom ever and I am grateful I am her daughter--even if I feel I am turning into her...in small ways! Don't ever tell her I said so.

My sisters and me with our mom

Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thanks for molding me into who I am becoming! I love ya!

One Word... MOON!

So, I was driving home from West Valley tonight and thinking to myself--what a lovely night! Then, I saw the moon! Beautiful! I decided to go on a little drive up South Mountain to catch it more--if I woulda been a little slower, it might of looked prettier! But, here's some pics of its beauty. Plus the Draper Temple--my favorite!

The moon in the fancy house's window--I thought it was kinda a cool effect...

The valley down below!

The Draper Temple and the Moon

The moon