Life as a Merry Merrell

What Summer Is...

2010-07-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

Best Friends

Farmer's Markets

Great fashion

Swimming pools

Outside parties

Little buddies

Playing all day

Family

Crafting projects

We will be returning very soon to Arizona and can't wait to see the rest of our family that we've missed so much!

My baby...

2010-05-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking about how I am truly in love with my son. I never knew motherhood would be this way. He laughs and smiles all day long, every single day. He makes me so happy.

Sea Cruise

2010-05-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ah, the life. Beach views, lobster tail dinners, my skin turning red and annoying Japanese tourists. Dave and I had such a blast on our little cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. We left Kai with my parents...but really started to miss him at the end.

Have you been on a cruise? You should go! Here are the pros: Food, entertainment, beaches...all available and planned for you. Cons: constant rocking motion gets a little annonying. All it all, totally worth it and a great value!

Life from Kai's Point of View

2010-03-09T15:05:00.001-08:00

Life is happy as usual around my house. It seems to drive my mom crazy that I terrorize the bookcase daily. But my dad can't wait for me to walk. Here are some recent happenings...

I got my first ear infection which has not been too fun.

We have been spending a lot of time with my cousin buddies. Cooper is my best buddy. (Even though he drools on my toys.)

Jemma is my other favorite. She is always a sucker for the old 'binkie snatch'.

But after I steal her binkie, she always gives me "the look". Women.

Wildlife World Zoo

2010-02-08T18:00:00.001-08:00

We had a super fun time at the Wildlife World Zoo out in Goodyear...for the most part.

You can get so close the the animals there. Only a rope fence was separating these kangaroos from us!

We went as a surprise for my sister's birthday. (Call her quirky, she loves a good zoo.)

Little known fact, I LOVE flamingos.

Feeding the sting rays!

Cooper, Kai's litte buddy-cousin, was so good at the zoo!

Riverdance

2010-02-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

You may not know this about me...I LOVE Riverdance. It may be the fact that my name is Irish, it may be the amazing music and dancing, or it may be the awesome leather pants.

This was their farewell tour so my mother took Kacie and I to see it at the Mesa Center for the Arts.

Do I Have to Exercise Now?

2009-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

Check out the new jogging stroller that my mommy got. She got it because my daddy likes to take me on jogs. But mommy knows she needs to be jogging everyday, too. I don't think she likes exercise very much though, because she never really does it. At least I look cute in my new stroller.

All by Myself!

2009-12-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Kai is almost 6 1/2 months old. He has two teeth and can do many things by himself.

He can crawl...

hold his bottle...

and even pull himself up. Yikes!

He still smiles and laughs all day and sleeps all night. What more could I ask for? (Don't worry, I know my next will be a hellion.)

How did you do it?

2009-11-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Time has flown by and my little Kai-bug is already almost 6 months. SO...I NEED ADVICE ON HOW TO INTRODUCE SOLID FOODS. Let's hear it. Meat after rice. Don't try barley. Fruit last. I want to hear it all. We have started rice cereal a little bit. Mostly I don't know how to balance nursing with solids. You know you are a pro. Shower me with your wisdom.

P.S. If your comment isn't boring you yet, please share your feelings about bumbos/booster chairs/high chairs. Are they all necessary, when do you start using a high chair? Thank you and good day!

What would you pay?

2009-11-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

My new favorite hobby is "COUPONING". You may be thinking that isn't a verb. Well my friends, yes it is.

I paid about 11 bucks for all of these items. Usually the diapers and foundation are that much EACH!

Guess how much I paid for all of these items?

I paid nothing! Seriously! They weren't a gift and I didn't steal them! He he. I used several coupons (including a big one for TRANSFERRING A PRESCRIPTION. If you take any medication, you really have to use these! I also used the Extra Bucks program.) I actually walked away with 1.26 left on the gift card I got for the medication transfer. So I was paid a dollar to buy all of these!!!!

So much fun! I love it!

You got free candy...I got FREE CHIPOTLE!

2009-11-03T13:33:00.001-08:00

For Halloween this year, we dressed up like mexican food. Why, may you ask? If you dress up like a burrito, Chipotle will give you a free burrito. We decided to push our luck and dress Kai up like the bag of chips to see if we could also get free chips and guacamole. Worked like a charm! (I guess it didn't hurt that his good looks were wooing each and every employee.)

Dave made all of the costumes. So many hidden talents in this man!

Pleat for ease of movement. (He thought of everything.)

Truthfully, I've never liked HALLOWEEN. However, now that I have a darling child to dress up...things may begin to change.

What motherhood has done to me...

2009-10-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

I have really been in touch with my inner-crafter lately. Here's what I've been working on:

Kai's room is decorated with sailboats. These will go above his crib.

This was one of our ward's Super Saturday crafts that I decided to do a little more rustic.

What's motherhood without a little baking? Here is some banana bread with chocolate chips that I wrapped up to give away.

(I would like to thank all those who have contributed to my success as a crafter. Kacie, for your constant inspiration. Meredith, for helping me realize there is a little crafter in all of us and Aunt Lynnae, for your tutoring. Thank you.)

Bono-fide Magic!

2009-10-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night, I was joined by my fellow U2 fan, Derek and our supportive spouses (my husband and my sister) as we caught the U2 360 tour at the Cardinals Stadium. I have been such a huge fan since I was in Junior High. The music and the crazy stage rocked. Shout out to my favorite band!

Not gonna lie, The Black Eyed Peas were a good time also. (Love them especially because Apl is Filipino!)

The Merrell Fam

2009-10-11T17:14:00.001-07:00

There were THREE babies added to the Merrell Fam within about 4 months! Here we all are down in Thatcher to be with Kyia (not to be confused with Kai) for the blessing of Kameron (not to be confused with Kendra) and his dad Kyle. SUGGESTION: Maybe we should pick a new letter for the next go around of babies.

Happy, Hungry and Sleepy...our three little dwarfs!

Cousins with Style

2009-09-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

LL Cool Baby...

Gap Model

The cutest pair of cousins I know.

Have you seen a MOBY?

2009-09-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

After researching slings, wraps, carriers, and all other such baby transportation devices, I decided that the MOBY wrap was my fave. It can be used for teeny babies up to large toddlers. You can wrap it in so many ways and it distributes the weight evenly. Not to mention that I am getting in touch again with my Flagstaff earthy days. I honestly don't use it much, but when I do, I think, 'Man, this thing is cool!'

http://www.mobywrap.com/

Thanks Kamaili!!!

Cousin Jemma

2009-09-30T11:00:00.001-07:00

We are so happy J, Kendra and Baby Jemma came to visit us! And they will be moving down the street soon! Yay!

A NAME AND A BLESSING...and a Blessing...and a Blessing...and a Blessing...and a Blessing

2009-09-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

Baby Kai finally received his baby blessing last week. We decided to bless him up in Pinetop in the ward I grew up in. What can I say, I'm nostalgic. The best part was that my sister's baby was blessed at the same time, as well as a FAMILY WITH TRIPLETS. Yeah, I'm not kidding. Not to mention the fact that it was Labor Day weekend in the mountains (tons of visitors).

Check out the bow tie. Very fancy.

Dave wants him to be a soccer player, but what can you do when the baseball outfit is too cute?

Kai laughing with his Great-Grandmother.

Can we go home yet?

Happy Little Guy

2009-09-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

This is how my mommy found me in my crib the other morning. It's her fault for putting me in one of those bag like pajamas instead of my usual sleeper. And yes, I smile first thing in the morning. I can't help it.

Hanging around at Home

2009-09-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

These are some things I like to do at home:

Take my baby bath while my mommy sings songs about soap to me...

Watch Baby Einstein, Mission Impossible and So You Think You Can Dance...

Do my pre-crawling exercises on the bed.

I love to hang out at home with my mom!

10 States Before Age 3 Months

2009-08-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it feels like it is way past summer, even though its still almost 110 degrees (by the way, it's supposed to cool down and rain more) anyways, I digress. Summer may be over, but I wanted to post a few pictures and describe our intense travels.

Dave's summer alarm selling job took us to Birmingham Alabama this year. I fortunately felt great after my C-section and joined him out there when Kai was three weeks old. It was very hot and very humid there. Honestly didn't care for it much.

Oh Alabama, you may be beautiful, but you are rediculously humid and I hate your bugs.

The office was thankfully moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I absolutely loved living there and would love to return.

It is actually named for these beautiful falls. We returned home at the beginning of August, but made a few stops along the way. These pictures are from a mammoth dig site that may sound lame to most of you, but rocked my geeky little world. It was amazing.

We also got to see Mt. Rushmore which is really in the middle of nowhere when it comes to the grand scheme of things as far as U.S. geography. So, in case you never make it to the middle of nowhere, take my word for it...it actually looks better on television than in person.

But Kai would make a cute President, don't you think?

So, to wrap it up, we traveled a huge triangle across the entire country. Kai was such a trooper, we got to see lots of things we've never seen before and change many roadside diapers. We are glad to be home!

Turn That Frown Upside-down!

2009-08-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

No one likes a frowny face...

Change it for a smile!

...make the world a better place by smiling all the while. If you chance to meet a frown, do not let it stay. Turn that frown right upside-down and smile that frown away.

My LOVE/HATE Relationship

2009-08-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

Why is it that I have such a problem being motivated to exercise when I know it is the main way that I can slim down to near pre-pregnancy weight? (Near being the operative word. Gotta be realistic here.)

I know that eating healthy is such a huge part of the optimal lifesyle...but sometimes you don't want a pear for dessert, you want ice cream. (Sometimes, okay all the time.) And what are you supposed to do when blueberries are on sale for $0.99? Blueberry muffins with streusel topping are crying out to be made!

I try to make exercise fun by learning the hula and other such methods, but I still can't be consistent, which is the key.

If this article in time magazine is correct, and I do feel what you injest affects us in greater ways that we believe, then why does it all matter anyway, UGH!

Fatso

2009-08-13T07:10:00.000-07:00

When I look back at the pictures of my baby as a newborn, I wonder where he went. Olive tone skin, skinny chicken legs, thick hair. Then I took one look at my big boy Kai and figured it out...Kai ATE that little guy.

In his defense his chin looks much fatter at certain angles.

Best Cousin Friends

2009-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

My sister Kacie had her preshy little baby, Cooper. We just know him and Kai will be best cousins! I love that they are only 10 weeks apart in age.

Oh yeah, and Kacie bought a house in Show Low! I am so excited for her, even if she will be a green and gold cougar now.

Meet and Greet

2009-07-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Full name: Kai David Merrell

Favorite food: homemade milkshakes

Best friend: the red birdie that dangles from my playmat

Most embarrassing moment: When my bowels errupted in the airport moments before my mom and Aunt Kacie had to pass though security. As they frantically took off their shoes, unpacked their 3 ounce containers and put all other articles in those dingy, gray plastic tubs, I was dripping in poo. Sadly, they discovered my eruption only as they were unbuckling me to put my carrier through the conveyer belt. It took them about 30 minutes and 43 wipes to clean up the mess. (EDITORS NOTE: The 43 wipes may have been an exaggeration, but we are talking leakage from the newborn support, through to the cloth cover, to the plastic carrier, to the base, and yes, there was even poo on the underneath of the base. Needless to say, we had fully underestimated the child's bowels up to that point.)

Most funny moment: When I let out a large and noisy amount of gas during a silent and spiritual moment of Elders Quorum. I smiled gleefully in relaxation as My Uncle Justin lifted me up for the other men to see my happy expression.

Interesting fact: even though I am barely 8 weeks old, I have been to 7 states!

Biggest goal: to be a missionary

Favorite TV show to watch: Cash Cab

Things that make me smile: my dad, mini blinds and relieving gas during Elders Quourm

Things that make me sad: getting sleepy, missing Grammy and tummy bubble pains

Thanks for getting to know me! I can't wait to get to know all of you!

Mothers - Is this normal?

2009-07-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

Advice Time! Kai is about 8 weeks old and has been sleeping pretty well. On a usual night, he'll sleep around 4 or 4.5 hours. Sometimes he's been getting around 5 or even 5.5 hours of sleep at a time. But the last 4 days or so, he's reverted back to his newborn days and sleeping only 2.5-3.5 hours at a time; causing his beloved mother less than sufficient sleep.

So, I am wondering:

A) is this normal for sleep patterns to vary without any worry B) do you think this could have something to do with the fact that he is taking longer and more regular naps that before (still not that long, usually less than an hour) and C) would anyone like to watch him today so I can take a nap? Your wise words are appreciated.

Back from the Dead...or uh, Birth

2009-06-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends! I haven't had internet access in a while so I feel alive again! I am excited to be able to check out your blogs again! We've been traveling a lot with David's job, but we are all doing great. I can't believe Kai is 6 weeks old! I have had such an awesome postpardom experience. I feel great! Feels like things are back to normal (by that I mean finally catching up on the Bachelorette).

Here is a glimpse into his little life:

My Happy Face

Thriller (MJ Homage)

The Bed Bug

His Handsome Face

Bath Time

When Dad Does His Hair

Dreaming of Putting the Moves on a Girl Already?

A Quick Phone Chat

He Knows He Has Cool Hair!

Do you understand now why I am in love with this?

My Little Baby Kai

2009-05-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

He's here! After being induced last Friday, Kai was born Saturday afternoon. I ended up having a C-section, which I wasn't thrilled about, but I'm just glad he's here now! I actually feel great and Kai is doing well, too!

He's such a sweet baby! A good eater, pretty good sleeper, hardly ever cries! Check out his 'tube socks'.

His little hat from the hospital didn't really fit, so this was the best my mom could find. Sheesh. Making a dork out of the kid already.

Love those little feet!

Ah, this sweet boy.

He loves his hair being washed!

Daddy with his "little guy".

Do These Numbers Mean Anything To You?

2009-05-09T07:41:00.001-07:00

Well friends, here I am on the day after my due date, feeling just peachy. I'd never thought I'd say that feeling fine is making me feel miserable! But I really can't complain. I really do still feel just fine. I'm 60% effaced, head is at station -1, and just about 1 cm dialated, which would result in a Bishop score of 6 for those of you birth buffs. We are scheduled for an induction on Friday, if nothing happens before that.

It's so funny to hear women's stories about how they got labor started. Everyone has a different method that they swear by. If you swing by the Chandler Mall mid afternoon, you may see me on my daily mall walk. The Kiosk people are starting to stare. I can hear them thinking, "Who is that large, short woman with no make-up that just walks and walks around everyday?" Meanwhile, I think back "Well annoying Mediterranean guy who attacks all passers by with lotion, it's me. I'd appreciate some respect."

Wow, this girl must be really bored. I'm starting to relate.

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

2009-04-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Hey there blog friends. Hope everybody is doing well! We are doing great, except Dave self diagnosed himself with Swine Flu because he woke up a sore throat. Sheesh. I'm still feeling pretty good. Just over a week left to go and so far, nothing. No contractions, no dialation. Frankly, I'm not in that much of a hurry. I think I'm fairly in touch with reality as far as the fact that these will be my last days of a quiet house and a full nights sleep for, say, forever. So, I'm trying to enjoy it all. Each stage. (When I say full nights sleep I am obviously including at least one bathroom trip between 12:00 and 2:00 and at least, but not limited to 6 readjustments of the pillow between my legs.)

My fabulous Young Women threw me a surprise baby shower. It was such a blast! Here is our Mia Maid group:

Is my belly really that big? Didn't realize until I saw the pictures. Times like these I wish I had PhotoShop.

I just love all of the girls and leaders in Young Womens! Thank you so much!

Darling decorations done for the family baby shower.

Dave's family is so good to me! I'm so lucky to have them! Plus my sister created the cutest games! She totally has the dominant craft gene.

Easter with the Thompson Fam

2009-04-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Dave took me home to Pinetop for Easter. Although, it felt like we were going home for Christmas. It actually snowed while we were there. I'm becoming such a desert rat, what can I say. Family activities included a rousing game of Phase 10, which Kacie HATES, can you tell.

It is crazy how many symptoms your husband seems to also get. Check out his belly!

So many girls in my family - what are we going to do do with all these little boy babies! Oh, we love it.

Mama taught me well...

2009-04-14T08:10:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know us Thompson girls, you know we love to SHOP. What you may not know is that we like to SAVE even more. I think it comes from my mothers experience owning a retail clothing store and ordering the clothes at cost. She knows how much things really cost and won't pay more. WELL, I got a great coupon from New York and Co. the other day - spend $15, save $15. The best kind of coupon is when you get something for free! Well, come to find out, everything that was on sale was $14.95, so it didn't qualify. They think they are so tricky. But I've got them figured out. I found the little tin of mints on the counter and added that to my purchase. So, I got a super cute pair of sandals and some delish tangerine mints - all for 61 cents. And that's the way it's done...boom baby.

Side Note - You may be wondering why I got shoes at New York and Co. instead of a cute sweater or something. Well, may I remind you I am 36 weeks pregnant. Yeah, now you get it.

"Look at me from the side, do I look bigger to you?"

2009-04-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ah, the infamous quote from the Genie on Aladdin. It has become one of our favorite lines. Whelp, I have 5 weeks and counting. I can't even believe it. Dave and I wanted to take a "babymoon" to San Diego, but he ended up having to work. However my mom, dad and sister were already in Palm Springs, so I just joined them for 2 days. It is so fun to be pregnant at the same time as your sister.

My amazing stunt of balancing my Red Mango shake on my belly.

Newport Beach. We can't make it there without having a TK Burger. Delish.

An homage to Kai...his name in Hawaiian means "sea". Then again, to the Scandavians it means "keeper of the keys". And to the Navajo it is "willow tree". Nevermind. But I really could go on...

2009-03-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

Not only was my last post lame, but I didn't follow it up with anything for three weeks. Sheesh. Well, here's a new development. My fabulous husband, David, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes this week. What the random. Apparently it isn't that random because it really runs in his family. Wish I would have asked for copies of the family health records before we fell in love. Oh well. He still doesn't have it regulated. We are in the process of figuring it all out. He feels okay, just has to give himself shots of insulin several times a day now. The hard thing about it is that it is so permanent. But he has such a great "take what you are given and roll with it" kind of attitude. Many worse things could happen. Meanwhile, Kai is kicking up a storm. We have about 6 weeks to go!

I know the feeling, kid

2009-02-26T16:30:00.001-08:00

My mom said I acted just like this after I had my wisdom teeth pulled a few years ago. I hope this makes you laugh as hard as it made me laugh. Man, what would I do without YouTube. (Remember, we don't have cable.)

KID AFTER THE DENTIST

Can you believe 12 million people have watched this? No wonder we all get nothing done at work.

I need your opinions!

2009-02-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't written a new post in a while partly because the only things I think about (having a baby and The Bachelor) I've already blogged about. And if I blog about them again, well then you'll really know that is all I think about. However, something that I should be thinking about MORE is what I am going to name this child. I was hoping you could help with my dillema. Dave only likes one name. Kai. That's it. Well, I guess he likes a few others, but this is really his one and only top 10 list. The issue is this - I love the name also, but I want to make it a little longer, like perhaps Kyler. We would still call him Ky. But then, he would be Ky, not Kai. I keep getting comments like "You can't name him K-Y. Because, you know, you just can't name him after THAT!." Well, I'm not naming him AFTER that, come on now. But it's not like his name is the two letters, you would still pronounce it like the Hawaiian name, Kai. So, should I - a. Name him Kyler, call him Ky, and not care about the fact that the two letters in his name just happen to resemble the stuff that...well you know... b. Name him Kai, get over the whole longer name thing and just embrace my inner Poly or c. pick a new name. Too many K names in the fam anyway. What do you think?

P.S. My dad's vote is Tex or Dick based on the Ultra Sound photos. Now can you see why I'm having to outsource for opinions?

Top 10 List

2009-02-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here's my top 10 favorite things about being pregnant. See if you can figure out which are legit and which are facetious. Go ahead and make a little game out of it for yourself.

Here we go.

10. Getting to buy new clothes...and Dave doesn't even think its useless.

9. So much positive attention, everyone is so kind.
8. Having to go to tbe bathroom on every commercial break instead of just between each tv program.

7. Feeling him move inside me and wondering if he'll be as great of a aqua-aerobic dancer as I fear he will be.

6. Hemmeroids. Need I say more?
5. Having the blessed opportunity of straddling a pillow each night just to even get semi-comfortable.
4. Getting to pee in a cup more that one should ever have to in a lifetime.
3. Not feeling guilty at all when I am eating all day.

2. Feeling like I am finally a part of this special club that all mothers are in and I never was cool enough to be a part of.

...and my number one favorite thing about being prenant is...

1. Having absolutely bizzare and vivid dreams each and every night. Recently I've made out with an Apache, had my house wall knocked down by Dave's cousin's SUV and had Dave leave our date night to go do math homework with David Archuletta because he is "a numbers guy"...that's what Dave told me in my dream anyway. Sheesh.

You know you are addicted, too...

2009-01-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

I just can't help myself. And I don't even like watching all this girl drama. But, man. Gotta love this show. I became addicted last season. It was definitely easier to watch when there was so much less estrogen flying.

Who are your favorites? Are you as glad as I am to get rid of Nikki, Shannon and Megan? I could have stood Lauren a little longer. But I was seriously going to poke my eyes out if I heard Shannon's whiny voice one more time. I absolutely love Jillian and Stephanie. But I don't think he'll fall in love with Steph. They are both so real, fun and zero drama. So, my prediction is Jillian. Has been for several weeks. We'll just have to see...

Kelly Belly

2009-01-10T19:06:00.001-08:00

So, here are the "belly pictures" you have to post, or you feel like you're not truly pregnant yet. I really don't mind the belly, but when I think about it these pictures were taken almost a month ago, and I'm 23 weeks now. Hmmm. It's going to get a lot bigger. Soon I'll be about as easy to hop over as I will to walk around. If I currently stand in front of the kitchen sink and reach my arm straight out, I can't reach the faucet. Pathetic.

Our other happy news is that we found out we are having a BOY! I knew it would be, so it wasn't a surprise. We are so excited!!! At first, I wanted a girl. But as time went on I really felt it would be a boy and I REALLY did want it to be a boy. Yeah!

Need a good laugh???

2008-12-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

Check out my elf dance links! I HIGHLY recommend "Elfing Yourself" if you need to any sense of humor into your life.

CHARLESTON ELF DANCE

DISCO ELF DANCE

I would like to thank my co-stars, David the Happy Elf and Buddy. It took us a lot of practice to get the choreography just right, so I hope you are appreciate it.

Twilight

2008-12-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

Made you look. Sorry, I couldn't resist. I must admit, I didn't read the books, see the movies or design a handmade shirt with puff-paint to wait in line at Wal-Mart at midnight to get the last book. (I love you Randi and Dena!) But, I have been and currently am obsessed with a variety of other trends. So what can I say, you know? Books I am currently reading are, of course, the proverbial "Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy" as well as "What to Expect When you are Expecting." That is catchy, isn't it. Just finished Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" and next will be C.S. Lewis' "A Grief Observed".

A Memory

2008-12-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

One of the leaders, or members of the Quorm of the Twelve Apostles, passed away last week. I was thinking of a memory I have of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. I was in the MTC during the summer, when most of the General Authorities of the church take some "time off" to spend with their families.

We hadn't yet had a member of the 12 come and speak to us. A rumor started to circulate that the following week there would be an Apostle at our Tuesday devotional.But, it just so happened that week our branch was assigned to sit in the overflow areas, because the MTC is so full over the summer. Well, my little kasama and I wouldn't stand for that. There was one way to get into the main auditorium...you have to join the choir.

Did either of us have a pleasant voice? NO. Did we particularly enjoy joining choirs? NO. Well, we did it anyways. And guess who came that week to speak? I don't even remember. Ha! But, two weeks later, we finally did get a visit from an apostle, Elder Wirthlin. I love how his power is not felt in his booming voice or controlling presence.

It is the quiet, soft, and constant dedication and love that he is known for. You almost miss the profound meaning in his words. I also loved how his talk last conference was absolutely hilarious. Here is a link to my very favorite talk by him.

The Great Commandment

Fabulous Advice

2008-12-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

Ladies -

You rock! Thanks so much for your thoughtful, detailed advice. I REALLY appreciate it! I will have some follow-up posts to come, such as "Pump, Pump, Pump It Up!"(questions about breast pumps) and "A Labor of Love".

Let's have some help here, ladies...

2008-11-25T18:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry this post is just for the mommies, but I really need some advice. There are just so many things to figure out that I figure you can share with me what you already know and, I'm sure, have a strong opinion about. So, here we go.

Do I really need a basinet, crib and a pack-in-play? What is the deal here?

The stroller question. To travel system, or not to travel system. What are your thoughts?

Is a cheaper crib from Target or Wal-mart just as good as a full hard wood crib? What are the benefits of spending the extra money?

Getting to know your doctor...what are questions I shoud be asking to make sure we are a good fit?

Anything I can be doing now to prepare for breastfeeding, parenting a baby and/or really just surviving this time of life?

Thanks ladies! Just comment on anything you feel so inclined to comment on. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Our news...

2008-11-17T12:01:00.001-08:00

It's true, we are expecting. Yeah! I'm so excited! Even though sometimes I feel more like this...

Actually, I've been feeling MUCH better lately! We are due about May 10th, so I'm about 3.5 months along. (I say it in months, instead of weeks for a reason. For those of us that have never been pregnant we haven't honed our lightning speed week-to-month conversion skills like the rest of you.) We are so happy and will keep you posted!

Blog Drop-Out

2008-11-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry I've been such a lame blogger. I suppose I'm lucky you are even reading this. After checking back 4 times only to find the same old LOST post, you probably vowed never to check my blog again.

Whelp, we are back in lovely AZ. We LOVED our time in Denver with Dave's company, Icon. On our way back home, we made a few stops. Check them out.

My personal favorite, Four Corners on the Navajo reservation. They charge like 3 bucks a person to get in. I pulled up, thought about it and didn't think I had quite 6 dollars. So I hand them my mastercard, then get a look like, "What, do you think I get a phone signal in my hut out here in the middle of nowhere? Go by some frybread, dear."

Gotta love Dave. He humors my archeological whims when he would rather spend our tourist dollars elsewhere.

Our new obsession...

2008-10-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

What do you do if you don't have a tv, you are too cheap to rent movies (okay, besides redbox) and you don't want to sit around and play card games all night? Well friends, I'm happy to say we've discovered free online episodes of prime time television series. Our new vice is LOST. We can't get enough! It doesn't help that each episode ends rediculously suspenseful. Normally you would have no choice than to wait another week to see what happens, but with the next episode being a click away, you end up watching one more, then one more, then one more until you fall asleep having nightmares about Mr. Locke. Ahhh, we love it!

P.S. We're only on season 2, so don't go ruining anything for us. Thanks, bye bye.

A little bored...

2008-10-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a post in a while and I was asking myself why. I guess I don't have pictures of anything that has happened lately. Either because nothing camera-worthy has happened, or because I haven't taken a picture, I do not know. So for a quick update, we will be returning home soon and I am actually getting excited to return to the valley of the sun! Dave has been working hard everyday and I have been working part-time at a little art gallery. Whelp, that's it. How 'bout something inspiring. Read it this morning in Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance". "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after your own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."

Evil Knievel

2008-09-19T10:30:00.001-07:00

Well, we headed down to our Uncle's amazing property for a relaxing morning this week. I should have known that a little fishing and relaxing was just not enough excitement for Dave and Josh. So, this is what ended up happening.

The bike ramp was already built by our cousins. I have to admit, it was hilarious. But what is with boys anyways?

Click on this!

2008-09-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

I want to share with everyone a great blog that my sister has started. It is called http://ldbuglane.blogspot.com/
She is the most crafty person I know and has really reasonable prices on her darling stuff. She features shabby chic decor and also does custom orders! Check it out, you know you wanna!

And many more...

2008-09-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I celebrated the big TWO-SIX yesterday. Crazy. I don't really feel that old, but maybe that's a bad thing. After a fabulous breakfast featuring the talents of Kendra and Justin, we traveled to Colorado Springs for some fun at Garden of the Gods and a visit with Dave's family there. I forgot my camera, so don't mind the random guys I found on google. Just mentally picture Dave and I instead.

Made me cry...

2008-09-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

This a rediculous singer from the Philippines. She has been made famous by Oprah but was discovered in America by Ellen. YouTube "Charice" and watch her on Oprah if you want to know her whole story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usxgD8onhvI

As a true American Idol fan since season 1, I've heard many people sing Whitney Houston songs. No one mimics her quality like this girl. She rocks it!

Patuloy ang Pinoy!

IV Real

2008-09-06T09:54:00.001-07:00

Anybody else notice the resemblance?

Twitch...

Kacie...

I'm sure only followers of "So You Think You Can Dance" will appreciate this post. Well, that just gives the rest of you another reason to watch one of our favorite programs!

Double Wedding

2008-09-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Kendra and Justin...married in the Sacramento temple. By the way family, I fully support out-of-state and/or destination weddings.

Congratulations Kyia and Kyle...married in the Mesa temple.

AHHHmazing.

2008-09-06T09:19:00.001-07:00

We went on the most beautiful hike a few weeks ago. It felt like we were on location for filming of Planet Earth or something.

Isn't that fabulous? I can't believe I actually took this photo.

Chris and Dave walking barefoot through freezing snow melt-off. Always up for an adventure.

Can you be GQ in a field of flowers? Apparently.

Blue Lake at the top of the mountain.

Are you kidding me?

2008-09-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Which Seinfeld Character Are You?

More on Seinfeld. Created by BuddyTV

I just took an online quiz about the Seinfield character I am most like. Are you serious? Newman? My self-esteem hasn't been this low since I had braces and a perm at the same time.

Blog Doghouse

2008-08-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't made a post recently and I won't be able to for a few more days. We've been traveling in California and Arizona for weddings, conventions and visiting family. Just wanted to appologize to all you who keep checking my blog only to be annoyed there is nothing new. I know who you are...Emily. :) Just chillax for a few more days.

Blast from the Past

2008-08-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what Dave looked like as a university freshman? What were his hobbies? How did he style his "oh-so-free" long hair? Check out his video link shown to us by a friend from NAU. It's a video made about the cultural highlights of Northern Arizona University and features our friend David at the NAU Salsa Club.

http://www.cal.nau.edu/languages/materials/PromoVideo.mov

I love that I married a man who loves to dance and is actually good at it.

James Taylor Fans Unite!

2008-08-11T11:13:00.001-07:00

How sweet it is! My mom and I went to our first concert together last week. We have similar taste in music and James Taylor is one of our favorites. He played at the Red Rocks Amphlitheater, which is one of the most amazing concert venues on the planet.

My favorite part of the evening was when I got sloshed...yeah, you read it right. It all started when a girl next to me sat her beer on the level behind us. Someone walking by kicked it over and it splashed all over me. I really felt that the all night beer smell made my concert experience complete. I haven't been to a show since I saw U2 several years ago, forgot how much fun a live event is. Rock on!

Working on my SHORT game...

2008-08-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

So here's the deal. We went to a "Fun Center" last week with our friends Randi and Aaron. We played miniature golf and then bowled. They probably had the coolest bowling alley I've even seen. I really hate to brag about who won, so just check out this clip for yourself.

(Video soon to come.)

I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. I think Dave thought high score wins. All I know is, my dad must be so proud.

Dave love when I make him pose for cheesy shots. Apparently Aaron doesn't mind.

After golf and blowing, we played around in the arcade. This is me trying to pretend like I know how to skateboard.

Randi rocked the house on this game. Just look at her concentration.

All in all, the girls kicked butt! (Notice I've said nothing about the bowling scores.)

What we love about Icon

2008-07-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

The company Dave works for this summer, Icon, is wonderful! One of the things we love is all of the fun incentives. The last one was Diving for Dough. They threw over $200 in change into the pool. The boys had 10 seconds to dive down and grab as much as possible. So fun!

This may appear to be an ice scraper and a pooper scooper to the untrained eye. But to us, they represent hours of failed experiments trying to find the perfect tools to collect money on the bottom of the pool. We also tried a pool vac and some Magyver-inspired wire hanger and duct tape thing.

David looking like Kronk.

My love in his 6 dollar shorts we got in the Philippines...Justin in his 20 dollar shorts that he bought from the family auction. They used to belong to Grandpa. Quite frankly, they make me sick.

This was David's most successful dive...$7.25!

What year do you belong in?

2008-07-23T09:37:00.001-07:00

You Belong in 1981

Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day.

What Year Do You Belong In?

Forever Family

2008-07-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

We went home for an amazing family event. David's sister, Lashelle was sealed to her husband Jose. It was the most beautiful sealing I've been too. It was a really cool day. (Again, figuratively...not literally.)

Now that we are all sealed together, I can only hope they offer photography classes in heaven.

It was great to see our good friends Whitney and Kamaili as well. (Refer to older video post for some laughs at their expense.)

New Apostle Song

2008-07-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Check out this cute new song. I wrote it. Just kidding.

You'd think they could find something better for Elder Ballard than selling used cars...

Race Day

2008-07-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well, those of you who really know me probably think this is a stolen race number. But the truth is, ever since I married into the Merrell family I've really gotten in touch with my inner athlete. These are picture of Dave and I are just after the Highlands Ranch 4th of July 5K Race. For those of you as clueless as I once was, that is a little over three miles. Not too bad in low, flat Arizona. But in the high elevations running up hills for half an hour...it sucks. Let's just say my relationship with running is fragile and we're about to break up. Nevertheless, it really does feel good to know you accomplished something like this and I am proud of how I pushed myself.

Arizona vs. Colorado

2008-06-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

So, you may ask, what are we doing in Colorado anyway? Well, David found an amazing job opportunity with Icon Security. Ask me more if you want to live in a random city next summer. It is a ton of fun! We have met the greatest people and we get to explore a new city and state. We've only been here about a month, but here are some of my observations about the differences between these two great states.

Phoenix: dollar store or pharmacy on every corner.
Denver: liquor store on every corner.

Phoenix: logically ordered streets with corresponding directions .
Denver: twisty turny streets with no way to tell which direction you are heading...I could kiss the person who invented the grid system.

Phoenix: 112 means a great day.
Denver: someone told me it was SO HOT today at 90. Ha.

Family in Town

2008-06-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we had some company. My mom, Kacie and Derek came to visit. The highlights of the festivities were rock climbing, seeing the sights of down town (capital building, shopping, guys playing chess), red rocks amphlitheater, the butterfly pavilion, and more shopping.

Out shopping at the 16th street mall in downtown. We rode the light rail (which I call the monorail) there and back.

These are built in chess table in the middle of the walk way in down town. See the guy in the bandana, I beat him 3-0.

Rock'n and Jam'n!

David's inverted bouldering. Whoa!

Filipino National Past-time

2008-06-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

So, the Filipinos LOVE to kareoke. They call it videoke (pronounced vidge-ee-o-kee) because random pictures flash across the screen with the words. I must say that I didn't have a chance to participate in this national past time on my first trip there, but I have since become hooked! This is a little arcade in a mall in Manila.

The Fabulous Philippines!

2008-06-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

He actually let me do it. We saved up, bought the tickets and went back to the islands. Dave and I traveled with our friends, Whitney and Kamaili Bunn (she also served her mission there). We had THE BEST time. I got to see old friends, visit with President LeSueur, and see the tourist sights as well. The hardest part about the trip is the amount of time it takes to get there. It was Dave's first international travel experience, and he loved it! He actually became pretty good at the language, Tagalog. There are so many things that you cannot explain about this place, you just have to see how crazy it is for yourself. I had two favorite parts of our trip. I loved attending church in Binan, where I got to see so many old friends. Also, we went island hopping to Palawan. It is absolutely beautiful there. I can't wait to go back again! Although, I won't miss eating fish and rice for breakfast.

Colorado Summer

2008-06-02T18:37:00.001-07:00

We made it! Dave and I are spending the summer in Colorado! He found a great job opportunity working with Icon Security. We are in a suburb of Denver and will be here until late August. I am loving it here! It is so beautiful and the high hasn't even hit 86 yet! HA! We have met a lot of really great people and are looking forward to seeing all of the sights that Denver has to offer.

Travel Plans

2008-03-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

Wow. It really happened. I'm actually making one of these blog things. So here's the deal. I guess I feel like you need something worthwhile to say to actually have people read about you. So here we go...I'm taking David on his first international travel experience. We leave this week for the Philippines! We can't wait...well I can't. Dave is just a little worried that he may die there, even though he's been vaccinated (an experience he doesn't look on fondly). I keep trying to explain that its just like Mexico, but more rural, hotter weather, and the cockroaches fly. We'll keep you posted.