A week not for the weak

Things to do this week:

Welcome my WA Family, Matt, Bethany, Em & Dr. Drew
Welcome my CA Family, Karin & Keith
Pizza on Saturday with Lee Lee & Fam.
Late night talks with Ryan,
Maybe sneak a peak in on J Man, Mandy and Ry  if they're feeling up to visitors.
Grandma Day.... mac n cheese.
Listening to my Prophet that I love.
Counting down the days for Bloody Nose Mike's return.
Praying for my families in my ward, praying that we can find a crib for a little baby sleeping on the floor.
Trusting the Lord in all things.
Kneeling in Prayer with Del & Ryan
Reading my Scriptures - because I really like to.
A sweet bicycle ride.
Talking to my Mom.
Keeping my job (:
Sleeping in clean, fresh sheets.
Doing a random act of kindness.... somewhere sometime to someone
Reminding myself to watch my sugar intake.... (towards the bottom of the list.....)
Limiting my time on facebook..... ya right....
Guess I should get some sleep - going to be a busy week!

Chickenzzzzes

Kinda been a busy few months..... (to say the least).  I am grateful that someone up there always looks down and says - "Oh Ya, she's going to need a LOT of help today", and then he says it again the next day and the next... and so on.  Life just keeps taking us by surprise and the daily adventures of randomness continue. 

My 3 children with blogs have now gone private on their blogs - and I totally respect that.  So I may make some references to my ADORABLE Grandchildren but they may have code names, live in random cities in the world, and may even be different colors or sizes.  I still want to write about them - I just need to be careful in this interesting world we live in.  As to their parents?? Heck - I'll continue to totally expose them at every chance I get.  But for tonight - I just wanted to sing their praises.  How lucky I am to have these particular chickenzzzes (for you Bethany).  What I would have given 27 some odd years ago when this 'children' thing started to have had a glimpse into the future.   I am in awe at them in so many ways.  Each one has a truck load of character traits that have made them unique and strong and pretty freaking funny actually.  They all know how to work hard, serve, love, have faith, be responsible, and laugh.  Who could ask for more?  Duh, I would - I also got the bonus round with in-law kids - each having no idea the family they would have to be stuck with forever... (:  Then those precious little ones started coming along.  Wow - could prayers ever be more powerful than that request?  Oh how I am enjoying watching Big D act just like his daddy - and lucky for us Princess E is just like her beautiful mom.  J-man is having a hard time right now - the doctors keep saying he's super cute - but they are making sure that he is breathing right - and getting the right kind of care.  Mandy and Ryan are in lock down in the hospital suite with their son.... they are strong troupers this week, super prayers.... are in action.  Mike and Ashley only have a tad bit more time left before they'll be wrapped up in each others arms again.... (no peeking).  Ryan is working hard in school and at work and is enjoying not wearing a suit every.... single.... day.... (:  Del and I are watching our children - and realizing that we seriously could not in any way be their parents - because they actually turned out.  I do recall them living at the house, making a lot of messes, and arguing about something or other.  Emptying out the refrigerator.... There was a lot of loud saxophone music, and slight discussions on who would be using the car... but when they were safely gathered in for the night, and the drool of sleep had taken over.  Tucking that stray leg under the covers that always fell off the little beds they slept in, and re-routing Ashley from walking out the door from sleepwalking.  Trying to answer Mandy's questions she asked in her sleep, and turning off the Brittney Spears music playing in Matt's ears..... I only imagined what they would become.... They have exceeded any expectation I could have ever had for them.  Well, except for that perm I made Ashley get at Grandmas.... ew...

Hey - trials and trouble and fears and tears are out there, but inside - let that Hillary light shine bright.  Hang in there everyone - we've always got each other.   (and several boxes full of blackmail pictures...)

Big J Arrives!

So right in the middle of our 'New Soil' training.... I turn my (had to be turned off or else) phone on during a break and there are 6 messages there - one including Mandy in a Hospital bed hooked up to an IV.  I PANIC - run OUT of the MEETING, and stand out on the front steps of the church crying my eyes out. Mandy is in LABOR.... and no one could get  a hold of me!  Painfully - we had to stay another hour - and Luckily I was able to talk to Mandy and make sure she was 1) with Ryan at the hospital 2) she was not in pain - but was actually in numb lower body mode, and 3) Ashley (angel of the world) and Ryan (lucky uncle), and the Merrimans were either there or on their way.  Del and I drove down like a bat out of... ok .... now I actually have to use the word 'heck' now, to ge there.  Mandy was so uncomfortable, and her sweet hubby Ryan had been up all night with the stomach flu!!!!!  Poor guy - bless his heart.  The hospital probably didn't know who to treat first!  There was a little nervousness as she had been dilalated to a 6 for a long time, and the baby's heartrate was dropping.  They said if nothing happened soon they would have to do a c-section.  Not a thing they wanted to have.  My brave son in law Ryan and my sweet missionary son Ryan gave her a blessing right on the spot - the spirit was so sweet and strong - Ryan did not hesitate to say that she would deliver a happy, healthy baby the way they had planned.  We all left the room and gave them time alone together.  We were waiting in the waiting room casting lots on the time she would deliver.  Within a 1/2 hours time from that blessing - Mandy was at a 9.5 - ok -folks - that's a pretty powerful blessing.  There was a lot of pacing, watching interesting food shows, and updates on Japan and all - but we could have cared less..... just wanted everyone to be ok.  At 3:48 PM, the heavens opened and 9lb 1oz, 20.5 inches long, blonde baby Jacob Lincoln Merriman - arrived -- with every body part just where it should be.  When we all came into the room - there sat Mandy, holding her baby son, and equally smiling was Ryan.  Both exhausted - both emotional, and happy.  I'll just let the pictures tell the stories - and add that - How very blessed we are as a family to have each other, to have yet another miracle in our lives.  3 beautiful grandchildren.  My prayers tonight were tearful, grateful, and oh so very happy.  Lucky Lucky me.

ya - matt you'll have to rotate me.

Oh Happy Day



New Soil

....and so it begins...

A new chapter in our lives.

Inner-City Missionaries.

We started our training today and I've never been so blown

away at the amount of love and leadership the church puts

into this Mission.  Originated by President Gordon B. Hinckley,

and it continues on today full speed ahead under

the direction of President Thomas Monson.

It was extremely emotional for me to put Del's badge on him

today.  He's come so far in the church and I hope

one day his family will know of his

 great accomplishments

within the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

(You know, The Mormons)

For 5 hours - I was glued to the speakers and the training.

We will no longer be members of our current ward.

We received our assignment today and we are thrilled

to serve in our new area.  There is much to be

done - much service to give, great blessings to harvest.

 It's an interesting concept,

some people think that a missionary does so much for

others, when the truth is, I believe I will be the one

walking away with the life changing experience.

It's currently our goal to have our lives in order

to continue to serve for as long as the mission

allows us to serve - currently 12 to 18 months.

Our trainers - have been there for 7 years.

They don't want to go back to their own wards.

I can see why.

Having no idea whatsoever what our assignement will

be within the new area, I find it to be a great leap

of faith and trust.  I cannot be a tool unless my heart,

mind, and might is open to the Lord's needs.

We have asked our children to serve the Lord,

and they have never let us down.

I don't want to let them down either.

If you don't hear much from me,

I'm digging my heels in somewhere in

NEW SOIL.

Or in other words,

when someone says, 'When Pigs Fly"

I saw a couple with their wings on today.

Happy Birthday Miss Emmabug

Oh Happy Day

My beautiful Grand-daughter.

What joy you have brought to

our family.  Your personality

is sweet, and tender.

I can't wait to continue to watch

you grow up and become

all that and then some.

Nanna loves you.

Happy First Birthday

Emma!

Just a bit 'o my thoughts

Well, this post will mean nothing to anyone else but me - but I wanted to put it on paper and out of my mind somehow.  10 years ago, or even 20, I never would have believed that I would be in the spot I'm in now.  Some things planned - but the majority not.  I have had to find a strength inside of me that I've had to muster up more than it should have to be.  I've found that I have had to separate things happening in my life, and catagorize them.  Sometimes I've actually had to tell myself - Nic, let there be some joy in your life for a few minutes.  I do - and it helps, and then it's quickly gone.  Then I'm back into seriously heavy thoughts that find me in places that I'm unaware of how to cope with.  I have found fears that people shouldn't have to live with every day.  Yet again - I've found myself closer to the Lord in plea's of help and peace.  I listened to a talk a while ago - I've tried to incorporate those words I heard into my day.  "If you can only see the blessings right around the corner you would realize that these moments of uncertainty are but a small price."  I've used the 'flip the coin' concept.  One side Trials, the other Blessings.  The trial side is very dusty, and I need to flip it over more.  I'm not sure how some of these things came to be but it's kind of like the frog sitting in the warm water - not realizing that the heat has been turned up and it will soon become frog legs...  I've had to reach inside and remind myself that things are just things - and people are more important than anything, and most of all that Family is everything.  I'm grateful that my son's body is healing.  I'm hopeful that my daughter will deliver soon.  I'm aware of the pains of separation of loved ones.  I'm far far away from my Grandbabies that I love.  But all of these things have taught me great lessons.  It's time to sacrifice some things and to make better choices.  It's time to step up to the plate - and just be brave.  It's time to just realize that life is just a great big huge lesson to learn.  It's also important to know that when I look around at others - we are all basically swimming in the same pool.  Things can be taken in an instant, and today I was reminded of that by the devisation in Japan.  Life goes on - and on.  Today - I just need to get charged up somehow and get over this and move on.  I know that makes you wonder what the heck is going on.... that's not important, what is, is that we are in charge of our happiness.  I'm going to go outside and put my face up into the sun, and breath.  It's a start. 

Awaiting the welcome....

Hey look - still no pictures - I could steal one but that would be breaking the honor code somewhere.  Right?  I know I have 4 kids - and I love them all - and yet now and then I pick on one and say something about them.  Mandy is about ready to pop - she is now 14 days from her due date.  I remember her telling me she was preggo right after we had gone for a Harley ride.  She said, "Have you ever taken your grandkids on a Harley ride?"  I'm all, no - heck no.  She said, "You did today".... and the rest was history - screaming and jumping and total hysteria.  It's been fun watching the little guy growing inside her making her shirts rip at the seams, create havoc with her walking, sitting and sleeping issues.  I have enjoyed so very much our conversations about being a mom.  Of course I expect both of my daughters to be better mom's than they had - that's a given.  It's been sweet to hear Mandy tell me of some of the things she wants to teach her son - that I taught her, it honors me deeply to hear her talk like that.  Our sweet coversations of 'what about this - what about that' have meant the world to me.  I am always amazed at how beautiful she looks, always glowing and growing, and beautiful.  I appreciate how graceful she is about letting all of us feel the baby move inside, we're always talking to her tummy, whispering our secrets to him.  Sometimes I see or hear the worry in her face and voice, and I try to talk that out of her.  I am grateful for her sweet husband - who although totally overloaded with BYU Law School, still has Mandy and the baby at the top of the list.  He is amazing also, and I am grateful for his love for her.  I have appreciated and adored her sister and sister in law's attention towards her - giving her advice, and offering up all their help.  There are a several uncles.... awaiting to go over the finer laws of sports and cars no doubt.  The Grandpas, are practicing not crying.  It's all in all been a great journey, and it's closer than ever now.  I have spent many prayerful moments asking that she'll make it safely to the hospital with Ryan when the time comes.  I have also pleaded that the pain of delivery would pass quickly as I never want my girls to be in pain.  I've asked God to make sure that the 10 fingers and toes we've seen on the ultra sound will be fully functionable and adorable.  These are just a few thoughts I can share - the rest are very personal and directly between God and I.  I'm so excited to hold this little person for the first time - I'll stand in any line of those also waiting just to have my turn, I'll be patient, because I know he's loved by so many already.  I'm excited to be a Grandma with Ruth, because she's bringing so many amazing things to the table when it comes to being a new Grandma.  I don't ever want to let this little guy down.  It changes your perspective on life when you know that you are something to someone.  I want to be there for him in his needs that he asks of a Grandma.  I want to make sure he laughs a lot - and can sing all of the funny songs I know.  I want to read to him and hold his hand when he asks me to.  I have a lot of stories to share with him, about where he comes from and I can't wait for him to hear about all of those Italian Lapioli's.... sweet.  He comes to Uncles and Aunts that have awaited his arrival with joy.  He will know the secrets of heaven, and his sibling and cousins that await there to come.  He comes to greet Andrew and Emma, and that reunion will be sweet.  He'll bring the love of Great Grandparents passed from the other side.  He's already changed the world in my eyes.  So Mandy - just wanted you to know - that you are already an amazing mom, in every way.  On your hardest, most tired days, hold him tight and remember the great warrior he is to God.  Thank you for bringing this little guy in to the world, and for giving me yet another member of our family to love.  You are just beginning the greatest journey of your life.  Breath.... hee hee haa haa hee hee haa haa, and I'll be waiting for that phone call.  xoxo Bob