Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Christmas
We went to the Christmas lights at the Mesa Temple 2 weeks ago and I just never got a picture put up...Love this time of year just for the lights. Brittany, Kyle and the girls, our friends Cheryl and Jeffery, Madison,William and I all went.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
I am thankful for...Day 21-22~
Day 22~ For all the blessings my Heavenly Father has given me.
Day 21~ Being able to go back to school, I get to pick my classes today!
Day 21~ Being able to go back to school, I get to pick my classes today!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tribute to Lorin (By his Mother LeAnn)
In honor of the 4th year since Lorin's passing Craig and I would like to give a big "Shout Out" to the Queen Creek Bulldogs football team for the big win in the semifinals game last night against Nogales. We are so proud of you and look forward to the Championship game next week! Go Dawgs!! Lorin would have loved watching you win like this and go all the way.
When wondering what I could write this year my mind kept going back to last May when I got a call from a young man at Queen Creek High School asking me if I could write a short story of Lorin's life and his goals to be put on a 4x6 ft plaque with pictures on it so they could hang it in the weight room to inspire the youth working out. We felt so honored to be asked to do this yet I found it to be one of the hardest projects I had taken on in a long time. How do you sum up in a few words what your 18 year old son's life was all about? I can tell you that I wrote and rewrote that story many times with alot of prayers and tears in between before I felt I got it right. I then turned it in with a couple of pictures. When it was all done it was amazing! I had no idea it would turn out so beautiful. So to honor him today I thought I'd let all of you read what the youth of Queen Creek high school get to see while they are working out.
Lorin Neal Merkley was a 2008 graduate of Queen Creek high where sports played a major role in his years there. Football was his first love and he played all 4 years putting everything he had into it and earning 2 Varsity letters. Lorin was a starting lineman and was given the name of "Merkdog" # 62 because of his tremendous strength and hard hits. He gained his strength through persistent weight training and was known for his ability to squat and lift a lot of weight thus earning a recognition spot on the stud club wall, something he aspired to do from early on.
Lorin also played baseball for 3 years and was involved in the music program. He was an accomplished pianist and played piano for and sang in the choir. One year he was a cast member in the musical "Bye Bye Birdie" and loved every minute of performing.
Academics were very important to Lorin and he worked hard to maintain a high grade point average staying on the honor roll while taking dual classes and earning himself a presidential scholarship. He was going into the medical field, so he was hoping to get a lot of prerequisites out of the way before serving a 2 year mission for his church.
There were 3 things that took precedence in Lorin's life, the love of his family, (especially time spent with his dad and brothers), the love for his religion and staying true to it, and the love of football with his buddies. His favorite motto was "ETTE" (Endure to the End), no matter how hard it gets.
Two and a half months after graduation Lorin was diagnosed with cancer but no one could ever put an exact name on it which made it hard to treat. He had it in the bones, the tissues and organs. They finally decided to call it "undifferentiated Sarcoma" stage IV. He suffered in terrible pain during the next several months in The Phoenix Children's hospital undergoing chemo and heavy radiation, yet continued to be optimistic, telling the Drs that he had a mission to go on, so to hurry and get him well!
For 3 long months Lorin spent most of his time in the hospital never losing hope and wanting to feel good enough to go to a Queen Creek football game to support his "Bulldog Buddies". On November 14th with an oxygen tank in hand we were able to wheel Lorin into a football game where he watched from the sidelines for as long as he could. He was given such an amazing welcome! So many people were wearing shirts with his # on it and/or something red (his favorite color). Even the football players and cheerleaders were wearing tokens of red in his honor. It was an overwhelming sight. Four days later on November 18, 2008 he lost his battle with cancer but his strong spirit continues to be felt among many. He definitely knew how to "endure to the end" and did it well. He now serves his mission on the other side.
When wondering what I could write this year my mind kept going back to last May when I got a call from a young man at Queen Creek High School asking me if I could write a short story of Lorin's life and his goals to be put on a 4x6 ft plaque with pictures on it so they could hang it in the weight room to inspire the youth working out. We felt so honored to be asked to do this yet I found it to be one of the hardest projects I had taken on in a long time. How do you sum up in a few words what your 18 year old son's life was all about? I can tell you that I wrote and rewrote that story many times with alot of prayers and tears in between before I felt I got it right. I then turned it in with a couple of pictures. When it was all done it was amazing! I had no idea it would turn out so beautiful. So to honor him today I thought I'd let all of you read what the youth of Queen Creek high school get to see while they are working out.
Lorin Neal Merkley was a 2008 graduate of Queen Creek high where sports played a major role in his years there. Football was his first love and he played all 4 years putting everything he had into it and earning 2 Varsity letters. Lorin was a starting lineman and was given the name of "Merkdog" # 62 because of his tremendous strength and hard hits. He gained his strength through persistent weight training and was known for his ability to squat and lift a lot of weight thus earning a recognition spot on the stud club wall, something he aspired to do from early on.
Lorin also played baseball for 3 years and was involved in the music program. He was an accomplished pianist and played piano for and sang in the choir. One year he was a cast member in the musical "Bye Bye Birdie" and loved every minute of performing.
Academics were very important to Lorin and he worked hard to maintain a high grade point average staying on the honor roll while taking dual classes and earning himself a presidential scholarship. He was going into the medical field, so he was hoping to get a lot of prerequisites out of the way before serving a 2 year mission for his church.
There were 3 things that took precedence in Lorin's life, the love of his family, (especially time spent with his dad and brothers), the love for his religion and staying true to it, and the love of football with his buddies. His favorite motto was "ETTE" (Endure to the End), no matter how hard it gets.
Two and a half months after graduation Lorin was diagnosed with cancer but no one could ever put an exact name on it which made it hard to treat. He had it in the bones, the tissues and organs. They finally decided to call it "undifferentiated Sarcoma" stage IV. He suffered in terrible pain during the next several months in The Phoenix Children's hospital undergoing chemo and heavy radiation, yet continued to be optimistic, telling the Drs that he had a mission to go on, so to hurry and get him well!
For 3 long months Lorin spent most of his time in the hospital never losing hope and wanting to feel good enough to go to a Queen Creek football game to support his "Bulldog Buddies". On November 14th with an oxygen tank in hand we were able to wheel Lorin into a football game where he watched from the sidelines for as long as he could. He was given such an amazing welcome! So many people were wearing shirts with his # on it and/or something red (his favorite color). Even the football players and cheerleaders were wearing tokens of red in his honor. It was an overwhelming sight. Four days later on November 18, 2008 he lost his battle with cancer but his strong spirit continues to be felt among many. He definitely knew how to "endure to the end" and did it well. He now serves his mission on the other side.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
I am thankful for...Day 18~
Day 18~ Knowing that one day I will see those who have gone on before me. ETTE Lorin...
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Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I am thankful for...Days ~12 and 13
Day 12~ My grandkids!
Day 13~ Hot water! (gas has been off since last Thursday so no hot water)
Day 13~ Hot water! (gas has been off since last Thursday so no hot water)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
I am thankful for...Days~ 9,10 and 11
Day 9~ quiet time!
Day 10~ my own bed (been out of town for 2 days)
Day 11~ knowing that I will see others that have gone on before me again.
Day 10~ my own bed (been out of town for 2 days)
Day 11~ knowing that I will see others that have gone on before me again.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Iam thankful for...Day~ 5,6,7,8
Day 5~Postum! (I have 2 bottles stashed away...they don't make it anymore.)
Day 6~For all the service members past and present who fought or fighting for my freedom...James Crawford,William Crawford, Mike Crawford and Kyle Andersen.
Day 7~ My Faith
Day 8~ Music
Day 6~For all the service members past and present who fought or fighting for my freedom...James Crawford,William Crawford, Mike Crawford and Kyle Andersen.
Day 7~ My Faith
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Halloween (Ward Fall Festival)
Monday, October 15, 2012
Scarest Thing Ever!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Challenges
Sometimes in our lives we are thrown challenges and they are not always what we have expected. With a prayerful heart and on bended knee as I pray to my Heavenly Father I know that he is watching over me and answering my prayers...
He will open doors as they need to be opened and will bless me with what I need in my life at that time and only at that time it is needed and not before or when I want it done. He has never left me to feel alone and will be there walking beside me even when I only see one set of footprints...
I have been bless with so many things in my life and I am grateful to him for them, he has also given me good friends to help me when I am down...
He has given me the opportunity to be a mother and to raise his children in the way they should go, but have also given them the choice to choose their own lives and the directions they should go and for me to stand back and just be a on looker...I love that he has done this for me.
I feel his loving arms around me when I need them most...I accept these challanges head on and know that he will stand tall with me...
He will open doors as they need to be opened and will bless me with what I need in my life at that time and only at that time it is needed and not before or when I want it done. He has never left me to feel alone and will be there walking beside me even when I only see one set of footprints...
I have been bless with so many things in my life and I am grateful to him for them, he has also given me good friends to help me when I am down...
He has given me the opportunity to be a mother and to raise his children in the way they should go, but have also given them the choice to choose their own lives and the directions they should go and for me to stand back and just be a on looker...I love that he has done this for me.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Trip to Utah
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| Aspen trees changing colors...beautiful |
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| Madison and Niki |
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| A look out the window |
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| Colorado River by Lee's Ferry |
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Idaho
Thursday, August 23, 2012
# 11
Well Brittany and Kyle are expecting another baby...they were not expecting it to be this soon...they are not sure when yet since they are on vacation so when they get back Brittany will go into the doctor and get all the things going. They say two babies born in the same year are called irish twins, so I guess they will have two sets of twins now. Brittany says if it's a boy their done!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Blog
Boy I'm not doing very good at staying up with the blogging...well we were able to go to Safford this last weekend to see Skyler,Ava and Gavin. They sure have grown up! It was so nice to be able to spend a little while with them. Gavin has finally opened up to where he will talk to me, he has always been shy. They all look really good...just the sad part is that I had to leave and we don't get to see them that often.
Jamie is recoverying from his surgery and it will take 6 months for him to get back to almost normal (but when has Jamie been normal...love you Jamie). He had major surgery on his hip. Mary and the boys are doing good, the boys started school last week and Audriq started this year as well, they grow to fast!
Zane and Joriann are doing good, they don't live that far away from us but are busy with their lives. Joriann works and Zane is going to Universal Technical Institute (where Bill works) he will gradutae next July.
Brittany ,Kyle and the girls are all doing good, they are up in Idaho right now for the Open House up there. Rosealie, Chloe and Peyton are all growing so fast. It is getting to were Peyton smiles alot now and has found her tongue.
Madison started school a couple of weeks ago, she is in the 7th grade now. I can't believe is will be 12 next week and going into young womens. She was able to go to girls camp this summer and had a blast! She is also growning way to fast, she is taller than Brittany (5`7) and rubbed it in her face, poor Brittany is the shortest in our family now...but she is very proud of her 5`6 1/2 frame.
As for me I am starting to have problems with my neck angain, went in for MRI and awaiting the full results, I am sure surgery is in the near future for me. I have started getting migraine again and feeling the same way before my last neck surgery. But this is what has been put on my life's plate and I can over come and endure...
Jamie is recoverying from his surgery and it will take 6 months for him to get back to almost normal (but when has Jamie been normal...love you Jamie). He had major surgery on his hip. Mary and the boys are doing good, the boys started school last week and Audriq started this year as well, they grow to fast!
Zane and Joriann are doing good, they don't live that far away from us but are busy with their lives. Joriann works and Zane is going to Universal Technical Institute (where Bill works) he will gradutae next July.
Brittany ,Kyle and the girls are all doing good, they are up in Idaho right now for the Open House up there. Rosealie, Chloe and Peyton are all growing so fast. It is getting to were Peyton smiles alot now and has found her tongue.
Madison started school a couple of weeks ago, she is in the 7th grade now. I can't believe is will be 12 next week and going into young womens. She was able to go to girls camp this summer and had a blast! She is also growning way to fast, she is taller than Brittany (5`7) and rubbed it in her face, poor Brittany is the shortest in our family now...but she is very proud of her 5`6 1/2 frame.
As for me I am starting to have problems with my neck angain, went in for MRI and awaiting the full results, I am sure surgery is in the near future for me. I have started getting migraine again and feeling the same way before my last neck surgery. But this is what has been put on my life's plate and I can over come and endure...
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Change
People change and sometimes it is good...right? We have chnaged the house around some, moved Madison into the big room and food storage into her old room. Moved the computer room around and moved the organ into the computer room which made the family room look much bigger and less crowded...so by changing things around, I have decided to change something about me, who knows if change is good we will see...
Friday, June 22, 2012
Number 10!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Vacations...
Needed vacation...Why is it that we seem to always need a vacation??? I hear people that have just been on a vacation and they say now I need a vacation! I am not sure what a vacation is we don't go on many if any much...To me a vacation is, going someplace and doing what you want. Not having to work or help out (not that I haven't liked helping people when they needed it) I guess every day is a vaction it's just depends on what you do that day. It's like a secert adventure not know whats going to happen! I can truely say...I need a vacation- somewhere quiet and alone!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I am hoping to write in it every day, I know I only started 3 days ago but a daily entry is my goal and it is good to have goals! So I am hoping by the end of the year I will have to buy a new journal book we will see...Enjoy your thoughts for today!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
It's been forever!
I am sorry it has been FOREVER since I have blog, we have been through alot since then...I am going to try and not make this blog a novel, Here goes!
William has had 2 surgeries and was out of work for a month each time. He is doing well and is back to work now for a couple of weeks. It was fun to have him around but I am SO glad he is back to work, a girl can only take so much of a good thing!
Madison had surgery and has fully recovered from her surgery and is glad that school is out! But of coarse already (2 days) is bored to death!!! Hoping our trip to Idaho will change that for at lease a week...ha ha ha
Zane is married again to a lovely girl named Joriann. They live not to far away and has Zoe ever once in awhile so it is good to see her.
Brittany married a great guy named Kyle and live in Glendale so not to far away. They are expecting Peyton Berrie anytime now. Rosealie and Chloe are so excited to have a little sister. They just want her to hurry up and get here as I am sure Daddy and Mommy want that too!
Jamie, Mary and Boys will be moving out here in July sometime to help start the family business. Jamie is leaving the Army, which to me is a good thing, I don't have to worry as much anymore. It will be so fun to have the boys, Ethan, Teppo and Audriq close have missed them all growing up!
Chris is still 3 hours away but close enough to go visit. He has a beautiful girlfriend her name is Michelle we are so happy they are together. It's good to see him so happy again!
As for me I have been in and out of the hospital 5 times with health issues and surgeries. So glad to be back to normal now...I never knew getting old was going to drag me down but I look at each day as a learning experience."Endure to the End"
We hope that you and your families are doing well...Love to All!
William has had 2 surgeries and was out of work for a month each time. He is doing well and is back to work now for a couple of weeks. It was fun to have him around but I am SO glad he is back to work, a girl can only take so much of a good thing!
Madison had surgery and has fully recovered from her surgery and is glad that school is out! But of coarse already (2 days) is bored to death!!! Hoping our trip to Idaho will change that for at lease a week...ha ha ha
Zane is married again to a lovely girl named Joriann. They live not to far away and has Zoe ever once in awhile so it is good to see her.
Brittany married a great guy named Kyle and live in Glendale so not to far away. They are expecting Peyton Berrie anytime now. Rosealie and Chloe are so excited to have a little sister. They just want her to hurry up and get here as I am sure Daddy and Mommy want that too!
Jamie, Mary and Boys will be moving out here in July sometime to help start the family business. Jamie is leaving the Army, which to me is a good thing, I don't have to worry as much anymore. It will be so fun to have the boys, Ethan, Teppo and Audriq close have missed them all growing up!
Chris is still 3 hours away but close enough to go visit. He has a beautiful girlfriend her name is Michelle we are so happy they are together. It's good to see him so happy again!
As for me I have been in and out of the hospital 5 times with health issues and surgeries. So glad to be back to normal now...I never knew getting old was going to drag me down but I look at each day as a learning experience."Endure to the End"
We hope that you and your families are doing well...Love to All!
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