My Dad is amazing

I came to Calif with my sister Judy to be with my Dad and Lila. We got here yesterday. My Dad was in surgery when we got here. We were able to see him after the surgery. He was still very sleepy. So it wasn't until today that we got to visit with him. He looks great but has a long recovery. They were going to do a triple bypass but when they opened him up he needed four bypass. He is loved by everyone in the hospital because of his sense of humor. They will have a hard time keeping him down. He is almost 81, but wow what a guy. You would never know it. I am so grateful for all of my family and friends who have been praying for him. Thanks, what would I do without you!

My Dad needs our prayers

My Dad and His Wife Lila.

As most of you know Grandpa Merrill went to the hospital yesterday, Thursday, October 25. They were only home for about fifteen minutes from their Holy Land trip before they headed to the hospital. He once again was having a hard time breathing. He was transported in an ambulance from the small hospital in Mariposa to the Fresno Community Hospital. Last night they did exploratory surgery and determined that he needed to have open-heart surgery to clear the blockage which is causing his problems. He received a priesthood blessing before his surgery last night. He also has bronchitis and so they need to tend to that first and get rid of that infection before they can do surgery. As of today, they are hoping to do the surgery on Monday. He seems to be doing well, but he is concerned. He said that he isn’t ready to “go” yet. Lila is having a hard time with this also. They both could use our prayers. The phone number to the hospital is 559-459-6000 and he is in room 420-B.
As of an hour ago he went into surgery. He his a very healthy 80 year old man. My sister Judy and I are going out there as soon as we can get a flight. I love my Dad very much. He has always been a good father and strong priesthood leader in our home. Any prayers on his behalf will be welcomed. Thanks you fellow bloggers for your love and friendship.

Dinner at Olive Garden for Rylie's Birthday

Stacy and Geoff

Jason and Jessie


Scott and Barb
We went to the Olive Garden for dinner.
Carlie wouldn't let us take her picture.
Rylie and Carlie were there.
The food was great and we had a great time.
A lot of family fun!

Rylie is now 13!

Our baby of the family is now a teenager! She is a lot of fun.

She is still very young at heart. All she wanted was playmobils. And she got some!

She also got a nightgown. She has always love wearing a nightgown, she is getting so tall that it is hard to find one long enough for her.

Habits.

Depending on what they are, our habits will either make us or break us. We become what we repeatedly do. As writer Samuel Smiles put it:

Sow a thought, and your reap an act;

Sow an act, and you reap a habit;

Sow a habit, and you reap a character;

Sow a character, and your reap a destiny.

Cute huh!

Boston Jack Dastrup

He is a little sick, but still way cute.

Macoy Jarom Dastrup

My girls baby sat Avery, Boston, and Macoy the other night. A cute family in our ward. We didn't get a picture of Avery. She wouldn't let us. She is the big sister of Boston and Macoy.

More of Geoff's Birthday

Here are more pictures of Geoff on his birthday. His dad and Geoff with the new coat. Mom and Geoff, Jessie and Jason, Scott, Barb and Geoff. We all love Geoff very much he has been a great joy to us. What a fun boy he is.

Geoff's 19th Birthday

Geoff is now 19!

Geoff came home for his birthday. It was a small celebration. Carlie and Rylie are up at Aspen Grove for a week-long youth conference for their school. (Liahona) We went to dinner at Applebees. Jessie, Jason, Scott and I went. When the girls get home we will celebrate more, with cake. Geoff wants an angle food cake with strawberries. He wants two, one for him and one for the rest of us. Geoff got a new coat, protection plan for his xbox, CD, and money for gas.

Quote of the day

Justice Potter Stewart is an associate justice of the Supreme Court. He defined ethics in the following way: Knowing the difference between what you have a right to do, and what is the right thing to do."

President Hinckley appears to "knight" Elder Erying.

President Eyring is the new 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This past month Elder Eyring came to our Stake Conference. It was a real treat to have him. We sat on the third row in our Stake Center. We really enjoyed his testimony and being able to receive council from him. Then to have him called as the new counselor just two weeks later was exciting. I really enjoy and love to hear him speak. We are so blessed to live in this time that even if you are in the mountains you can still listen to conference. We had a great week end. All of my family was there I am so grateful. Scott , Geoff, and Jason went down into Mt. Pleasant to go to the Priesthood session. (In the snow) They made if safely.

Inside the cabin.

This is the great room at the cabin. We have a beautiful fireplace that you can't see. We gather in this room and play games and enjoy being together.

The game of Risk

Geoff, Scott, Jason, and Carlie love the game of Risk. They played several games and I believe that Geoff won one and Jason won one. They can play for hours. It is fun to watch them.

Jessie, Rylie, and I played Ticket to Ride, Pit, and Rummikub. We had a great time.

It snowed!

When we woke up Saturday it had snowed! It was beautiful.

Sleeping during Conference

I told you they would sleep.

Conference week-end at the Cabin

We are going to the cabin for General Conference. We leave today and will meet Geoff in Fairview. Jessie and Jason will come down tomorrow. This is our favorite time of year. The colors on the trees are so beautiful. The Spirit of Conference is the best. We watch it on TV in the loft at the cabin. The girls and I will do needle point. The boys will probably sleep. JK. We eat good food, play lots of card games and board games. It is going to be great. I hope you all enjoy Conference where ever you are. I love General Conference!

Ginger Snap (So So Moist)

Here is the best recipes for Ginger Snaps!

1 1/2 Cup shortening ( I use butter)

2 eggs

2 Cup sugar

1/2 Cup molasses

4 Cup sifted flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp cloves

2 tsp ginger

2 tsp baking soda

Mix butter, eggs, sugar and molasses. Sift and add remaining ingredients; mix together until well blended. Chill dough for an hour or so. Roll in balls the size of a walnut. Dip in sugar and place on a greased cookie sheet 3 inches apart. Bake at 350 about 10 minutes or until done.