I Believe....

I start today with my testimony. I know that I am a Child of God. I know that I am His daughter. I know that He has a plan for us to be happy and that He knows us and what we need.  I know that He answers our prayers and that all things come from Him. I know that there are many out there who think this belief is naive and even stupid...as if I myself am dumb because I believe this. That is their opinion.  I have come to this knowledge by listening, reading, praying, challenging, praying some more.  I have talked with My Heavenly Father and I know with all that I am that He lives and that His son Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.  I am so thankful for this knowledge. With this said, I am also aware that the natural man is an enemy to God. If I did not know that God loved ME, people in the church and outside the church may have turned me away from this. These past couple of  weeks have been ones of remembrance and reflection.
I wish that all people who said they were Christian, acted that way. That people who say they have the same beliefs and values as you,  grabbed hold of that unity instead of pointing out the things they don't have in common. I wish that " I'm sorry, please forgive me" counted for something. On the other hand, I am so Thankful that there are those who love and serve unconditionally and are kind and forgiving, knowing that no one is perfect. I am thankful that I know many people like this and have the blessing of calling them friend.


A week ago my husband left in the morning to take a motorcycle ride with a group from his work. He planned to be gone most of the day. The boys and I went with some friends into Portland where we visited Jameson Square.  This is a fun place to play.  A great fountain to play in.

After playing in the fountain we walked down the street for some lunch. There was this great remnant of an old building. The boys had fun sitting in the window sills.

 Then at lunch, Keaton sees a Tesla...way cool!!!

After lunch, we headed back home.  We had taken the MAX in and so we had to take it back.
Shortly after walking in the door I received a text from Bruce telling me he needed a ride home.  I assumed that his bike had broken down. When I called him he informed me that he had been in an accident. He had hit a dog and had been injured. I needed to pick him up at the Longview, Washington hospital. Of course I started to freak out. I was so thankful that I had Keaton to ride with me and keep me calm. We arrived at the hospital about an hour and half later where we found Bruce being cleaned up and bandaged. He had quite a few scraps all over his body and he had hurt his shoulder. X-Rays found that nothing was broken but that he had torn some ligaments in his shoulder and would need to see a specialist when we got home.  We came home and soon two friends showed up to give Bruce a Priesthood Blessing.  I am so thankful for the Priesthood.  We soon found out that no surgery would be needed and that everything would heal on its own. I know that is a blessing to us. On the way home, Keaton expressed what we all were feeling. He said, "Dad, I am so glad it wasn't your time to go."  I am so glad too. I have had many losses over the past few years and I am relieved that it was not Bruce's time to go.  So now I end today's blog the way I started it.  I know that God lives and Loves me. I know that He is control of my life. This is MY belief and I cannot and will not deny it.

Return and Report...

This week went pretty good.  Monday, I did as planned. The boys and I took MAX into Portland where we toured the Pioneer Courthouse. This is the oldest building still in use, this side of the Mississippi. It was built a long time ago :o)  They were going to tear it down once, but then didn't have the funds to do so, then they were going to sell it but the market dropped (I have been there, done that) and then someone came along and decided it should be remodeled and made a National Landmark.  It was a pretty cool looking building.
First stop was the original elevator. Paden thought it was very cool and loved being the Elevator Man.

 There were five floors in the courthouse. All with one or two oak staircases.

 The top floor was the Cupola. This was in great shape too. The glass was the old beveled glass. Here are the boys contemplating being Citizens in the Nation.

 Paden on one of the many Oak Staircases.

 This is Keaton in the Court of Appeals room. It is still used today. He loved this room because he could get WiFi on his IPod...gotta have our priorities straight...right.

 There were several libraries in the Courthouse.  As you can see by the look on Paden's face, this is no light reading. :o)

 Keaton is doing his best "Chuck" impression and breaking into one of the safes.

 Now Keaton is being studious by looking up a word in the dictionary.

 And after our tour, we ate lunch in Pioneer Square, where Keaton was able to touch the top of the Courthouse.

We did not get to eat Domo Dogs, as our friends that run the place were not feeling good that day and did not open...but we ate at Pioneer Square where the Portland Farmers Market was going on.  We hung around Portland for a bit longer, going to Finnegans Toy Store and to the Lloyd Center.  All in all, it was a great day with the boys.

On Tuesday, we got up and played some more. This time we went to a park in Hillsboro. I wish I could remember the name, but I don't. We were invited to go with some friends, the Daily's and it is definitely a  park we will return to. It had something for everyone.

 Keaton and his friend Taylor played some one on one basketball.

 He's no Michael Jordan, but he sure has is own moves :o)

 Paden, Kyle and Liam had fun in the water fountains.

 Paden liked pretending he was orchestrating the water...Like Mickey Mouse in Fantasia.

 Then he just smiles...:o)

 There had a great playground...where one of the things was this awesome saucer swing.

 And then the giant merry go round thingy that everyone loves.

As I said, a great playground that we will be revisiting...sooner then later I hope.

Wednesday we went bowling.  For the most part, this was fun.  We have some competitive blood in our genes, and not always the healthy kind, so this event may or may not happen again...even though it is KidsBowlFree..two games, every day for the entire summer.  Maybe I will have to make this a one on one date with the boys and things will go better.

Thursday, I woke up early to take Keaton to the church for his Boy Scout Backpacking Trip. He was very excited to go and I was excited for him.  I was just wishing that I could stow away and go with them. I miss backpacking. Sometimes I think back and wonder if it was really me that used to Backpack. It seems like so long ago. I really need to do it again.  Maybe...if not, I will just live vicariously through my sons trips now. :o)

Later that day, Paden and I met Bruce in Beaverton to sign papers to sell our house.  A bitter sweet moment. It is a good thing. It means we can move forward and forward is always a good way to move.

Friday, Paden and I and one of Paden's friends, Kaleb, went to OMSI.  The exhibit was Narnia.  I was so excited. I imagined a lot of fun interaction...nope.  You had to pay extra to see it.  You could NOT take pictures and there was only one thing that was interactive. Don't get me wrong, some of the sets and costumes they had to display were cool, but not what I was expecting. We then visited the rest of OMSI and it was FUN as usual.

 The water rockets are one of Paden's favorites. He is very careful about how much water and air he lets into the bottle with the hopes of having the bottle hit the top.

 He and Kaleb are working together and anticipating success.

 In the Physics lab...they do an electricity experiment. Paden is holding some small foil tins in his hand and as the electricity is sent through the ball and then him...the tins float out of his hand one by one.....

 And make his hair stand up :o)

 Kaleb tries it too.

 They watch the videos on how to make a good airplane and then put it to the test.

 Here they are in the Earthquake simulation house.

Just smile and wave boys!

They also saw the Omnimax movie Tornados.  We ate lunch at Five Guys and then finished up the evening with Cars2 in 3D.  That was a great movie...much better then expected.

Today is Saturday.  Woke up early to ride to the airport with a friend of mine.  We had a great visit. Just what I needed. Ran a few errands with Bruce and Paden  and waited for Keaton to return.  He came home happy and said he had a great time. I loved that his leader said Keaton is a good hiker...that makes me smile :o)  I like to think he got that from me.  He wasn't home long though...he showered and got ready for a stake dance...to take place on the beach.  I never went to dances on the beach...oh yeah...I didn't grow up on the coast.  I am now waiting up for he and his dad to return home safe and sound and then we can all go to sleep and prepare for the Sabbath Day.  A day of renewal and rest. I can't wait. 

This week went pretty well.  More like what I want my summer to be like. I love hanging out with the boys and having some Grand Adventures. It is all part of the Merrill Madness that I love.

I really need to Wake Up!!

Have any of you ever dealt with depression? It sucks!! It sucks the life right out of you.  I have recently (over the past couple of years) been hit with a case of depression. I hate it.  I am a fun loving, outgoing, love to have fun kind of girl. I am not one who likes to sleep all day and do nothing. I am not one who likes to get angry easily or cry out in helplessness. This is not me.  I have mountain climbed and scuba dived! I have traveled and sang solos. I love being surrounded by friends and loved ones.  But not lately. Lately I just want to resort to my bed...mind you it is very comfortable and inviting...but I really don't want to be there ALL day. It is summer break for heavens sake.  So, I think to myself, what can I do to make this better?  I don't know!!!  Scream!!  But awareness of the problem is a start right.  I am going to write down a daily schedule to help me by helping my children and myself be somewhat productive this summer. We have much to do.  You know so SUNSHINE would help.  These gloomy, rainy days are really getting old. Some good old vitamin D would help immensely.

Anyway...time to move on.  I did wake up at 10 am this morning instead of noon like yesterday. That is progress.  I have showered each day and fixed dinner...so I am not too far gone. There is still hope, right.

As soon as I am done writing this, I am going to go buy a big Calendar so that I can write down a list of things to do each day...for example, tomorrow morning we, as a family, will wake up and go clean the church at 8am.  Service always helps, right.  Then we will go help Keaton do his summer job of yard work for a lady in our ward. Then we will go out to lunch to Celebrate Fathers Day and maybe go to a movie.  Sounds good right?  Sunday, well they are normally low key...but on Monday, we will wake up early, read scriptures, have family prayer, send Daddy off to work, do some boring stuff like reading, math, merit badge stuff...then we are going to take the MAX into Portland, tour the Pioneer Square Courthouse, one of the oldest National Buildings this side of the Mississippi River...so there.  Then we will visit our friends at Domo Dogs for lunch and then just hang out in Portland if the weather is nice.  See, I can plan...now comes the hard part. Will it actually happen. I sure hope so. I need to get out of this slump.

On a more positive note, I have great kids. They really do make me smile.  A few weeks ago Paden went on an 11 year old Scout Campout.  He came home so excited, I couldn't help but get excited myself.  He spoke of all the fun activities they had, the laughing, the cooking, the knots and hammocks.  One of the leaders had brought a hammock to sleep in and he thought that was so cool. He went on the internet and found out how to make his own using an old sheet and some rope.  So then he asked me for an old sheet. I only had a pink one, but he didn't care. He asked his dad to take him to ACE to buy some rope. Then sure enough he built himself a hammock, he hung it out back and took a nap in it.  Well, last night he decided to try it out for real. He took his dad's old tarp and made an a-frame covering over the Hammock. He took a little table out, a lantern, his sleeping bag and pillow.  He was going to sleep out there...alone.  When did my little boy who needs a night light, become so daring. Daddy slept in the lazy boy chair. He said it would be just until Paden come in.  Well, Paden only came in to go to the bathroom and then went right back out.  He slept out there the whole night and has proclaimed that he will be sleeping out there every night. :o)  I am not so sure about that, but ..... When you see these pictures, you will understand why I can't say no.

This just makes this ole backpacker/camper proud.  Maybe I should sleep outside with him, get a good nights rest and then that will help me WAKE UP!!!  Maybe I will. :o)

Our Weekend Trip to Utah....

We had been personally invited to Alex and Rebekah's wedding back in January.  We were so excited for them that we knew we would have to make a trip to Utah.  This is a 13 hour drive. I don't like to go to Utah for just a quick trip...but this time, we had no choice.  We planned on leaving Thursday morning (school got out for Keaton and I on Wednesday.  Paden would miss a couple days)  We would go to Lagoon on Friday, Wedding on Saturday and then home again on Sunday.  Once we arrived in Utah, Bruce started complaining about his back hurting and my sister said she couldn't go to Lagoon with us...I didn't really want to go with out someone to ride the rides with. So my sister gave us another option, one she could attend.  She suggested that we go Boondocks...miniature golfing, laser tag, bumper boats and go-karts.  Unlimited.  This was a great alternative to Lagoon. We had so much fun playing in the sun and with each other.

I had too much fun watching from the sidelines.  I laughed so hard as they each squirted each other, laughing and ducking, as if that would save them from getting wet.  They were drenched when they returned to dry land.  :o)
Then came the go-karts...we should be able to get dry by then.

 Bruce never quite knows what to do when he can't tweak things and make them go faster.

 Here comes Keaton, determined to pass.

 Paden is just happy to be there, driving and having a good time.

 Keaton is our competitive one. It is all about the win with him...just look at the determination on his face.

 He was determined to pass his dad.

 Bruce is loving the go-Karts. I don't even think he knows at this moment that his son is behind him and trying to pass him.

 My turn around the track....this is fun!

 Whoo Hoo!!  Paden says, "I don't care if you pass me, I am just having fun!"

Until now that is...when his car got spun and he was driving the wrong way.  I passed him and just started laughing. I couldn't help it. It looked so funny, him going the wrong direction.

It soon came time to leave this happy place. We had things to do and people to see. 
We left Boondocks and drove to Bountiful where we met up with the Beacham family for a dinner before the big day.  I was surprised to find that the dinner was just Alex and his family. Rebekah and her family were having their own dinner.  None the less, it was yummy food and great company.  Tomorrow was the big day.

ALEX and REBEKAH...
Alex had come up to Oregon on business and made the time and effort to come out and see us. It was so nice. We really enjoyed our visit.  Alex had expressed his feelings to find someone to marry some day. He also told us of a girl he met just before coming up to Oregon that he hoped to ask out when he got home.  That girl was Rebekah.  In July when were were in Utah for Sabbatical, we made arrangements to meet Alex (and Rebekah) for for dinner one evening.  My first impressions was, this girl is Amazing and so good for Alex.  The conversation was carefree and fun. I know that I joked around several times about what was taking them so long? and the signs all pointed to them getting married.  All things that would scare anyone away...if they were not the right one.  We saw them again in November at Grandpas 80th Birthday party.  We had a HUGE family photo.  Rebekah was in the photo. I again teased, saying "a photo makes it Permanent"  I am so bold sometimes. It really does get me in trouble. But this time it was a true statement. Alex and Rebekah asked me to take some pictures of them.  I love taking pictures and was honored.  My favorite one....

Well, in January I get a text from Alex saying, "Rebekah wants to know if we can use the picture you took at Thanksgiving as our Engagement picture"  What was I suppose to say.  I screamed out loud...although neither of them heard it :o)  But of course I said yes. I was so honored.

The wedding took place in the Bountiful Temple. Rebekah's dad was the sealer. What a wonderful honor, to be married by your father. He spoke of the wisdom that each person was bringing to this marriage. He said that most couples come to the temple to be married because that is what they have been taught all their lives and learn the significance later, but because of life experiences, these two came to the Temple knowing.  He also spoke of the Eternal bond that was taking place by being sealed in the temple. He spoke of the joy that comes from having children.  This hit home.  I am suppose to have joy in my children...even when a teenager is driving me nuts and his father isn't helping.  But I loved being in that room, feeling that Spirit of Love that comes from our Heavenly Father and being reminded that Families are Forever!!! I am so thankful to Alex and Rebekah for personally inviting us to their wedding. It made it very special for me. That is not a regular occurrence.  We usually just hear about weddings from siblings..saying their children are getting married and such...but this one was different.  We felt invested.  It was so worth a quick trip to Utah for.

 Grandpa Merrill, Paden, Grandma Merrill and Keaton...waiting outside the temple for the bride and groom.

Gave Paden the camera to keep himself busy while waiting, this is one of the pictures he took.  Love it.

 The newly married, Mr and Mrs Beacham.

 The Beacham Family.

 While posing for this picture, Rebekah says, "Why Alex, I think you just got a text."  :o)

One of the most important decisions in your life is marrying the right person in the right place.

 The Cake....

 Alex asked me to take some pictures of them cutting the cake...I love how this picture turned out.

 The traditional feeding of the cake...

Congratulations!!  Alex and Rebekah Beacham!!!