Santa and the boys!

He only sat on Santa's lap because he got the candy cane!
Christmas boys!
Carter, not too sure about the red man!

Well, I was dreading this year with Benjamin sitting on Santa's lap. But, he sat 2 times on it, with only a little fuss. And then he was fine when he accepted his candy with all smiles! Carter just liked staring at him with all the white hair. We have had a wonderful December leading up to Christmas with all the holiday parties. Last night, it was my college friend party. We took pictures of all the kids, and we took pictures of all the "new addition" this year. We had7 new babies this year, wow! And they were all in one house last night with the 6 older kids! The kids almost out numbered the parents. Looking at the boys picture, I love the matching outfits, but I wonder how many more years I can do that with them being boys. Well, it is going to last 1 more year because I already have their outfits for next year that match. Yes Ryan, I will stop after that.

Something I figured out this year that I want to share with you! I am usually that shopper that is always finished with Christmas shopping by October. The year Benjamin was born (2004) I was finished by the time he arrived 10/7. I wrapped all my gifts when I was home before Thanksgiving. Usually I give all of my wrapped presents to my mother at Thanksgiving to put under her tree. Well, this year, I don't know if it was because I added another child or I what (Ryan did win a promotional contest at work and his company sent him a Amer. Express gift card that was used for presents (we didn't get it until Nov.)) anyway, I just completed my shopping on Saturday. What did I learn. . . it is better to wait until the last minute. I feel that I saved lots of money by hitting the holiday specials. There are not Christmas specials in August or September! I wished I could remember how much I spent last year and compare it to this year, but I really felt that I saved money by waiting until November and December. Will this make me a last minute shopper, I don't know because it did make me nervous not having it finished. I will have to see what deals I find along the way next year! I probably will not blog again until after Christmas, so Happy Holidays!

Christmas Past and Present

Christmas 2006
Carter - Christmas 2006

Benjamin - Christmas 2004
Benjamin - Christmas 2005

Wow! I can't believe we are already through with the first week of December. It was a little more difficult this year getting both boys to smile and LOOK during picture time! We are ready for Christmas and Santa. Ben and Carter love our Christmas tree, looking at Christmas lights, and telling you what they (only Ben) want for Christmas. Right now Ben is asking for Dora, cars, and baseball. Ryan says No Dora! Ban pulled a first, je sat in Santa's lap for a picture. I was amazed. But, then 2 days later, he didn't want anything to do with him again. I still hoping we can get another picture with Santa this year. I am excited about school being over for the semester, that will give me 2 1/2 weeks with the boys and big boy! Both boys are growing fast. Carter has 4 teeth now, I think he is cutting 4 more. Ben's 2 year molars finally came through - it was a tough Thanksgiving for us and teeth! I love looking at pictures from the past. It is amazing to see how much Ben has changed over the years.

A day to remember

Picture from my brother's wedding in April

November 30th is a day that I anticipate all year. Anticipation of anger, guilt, confussion, and sadness. 25 yeras ago, my father dropped my sister and I off at school. He kissed us goodbye for the day and left. I never saw him again. He went to work and had a massive heart attack, he died. I knew something was wrong when a teacher came and got Robin and I and took us to the house. I entered our house, it was filled it lots of faces that I knew. It is funny, I still see the bodies in the house, but I can't make out the faces. My mom was sitting on the couch crying. She was trying to explain to us that my father had died and was in heaven. How does a 5 year old take that! Now I am thinking, how does a young mom explain to her 3 children that they had lost their healthy father. The next couple of days were a whirlwind. Lots of people in and out of the house, normal as we knew it was no more.

Where am I 25 years later, older and still filled with anger, guilt, confussion, and sadness. I always thought losing someone would get easier. It doesn't. What have I learned from this. To love my husband and children like this is my last day. I have also learned that talking about my father makes it easier to cope. When we were little, we didn't want to talk about it, too much pain. Now, I am fighting through that to remember and enjoy the memories of my father. Two weeks ago we had a memorial dinner with our family for my father. I was very nervous about it. We had such a wonderful evening of family time. We heard several stories, but mainly we just spent time together. But the most important thing, life does go on and we need it too. God has the master plan for us, and this earth is just a passing stone to eternal life, when we all shall meet again. The song "I Can Only Imagine" brings tears to my eyes, because I know that I will be dancing; because I will finally be among my earthly and heavenly father once again.

Santa Baby!

Since our tree is up, we night we play by it (and try to keep Carter from grabbing the ornaments off of it.) I like to snap up sweet pictures of the boys. Here are three from last night.

Turkey Day

Carter crawling around after a big Thanksgiving meal!
On Friday night we went to Sundance Square for the Christmas Parade.
Family picture - Thanksgiving 2006

Wow! We had such a great Thanksgiving holiday! Ryan was able to work from my parents home on Tuesday and Wednesay, so Monday we headed out to Jacksboro. All of my siblings came in on Tuesday, thank you Knox (& Jamie) and Kyle for your effort to have family time! I think it has been at least 3 years since we have all been together at least once for a holiday! We left on Thanksgiving Day to go to Ryan's parents were the Merriman crew was waiting on us. It is a change going from my family to Ryan's family - the number of adults and kids doubles! We spent the rest of the long weekend with the Merrimans. We had a blast. There are 5 boys under the age of 5, so Ben had a great time with all the cousins. The played outside, played trains inside, and went to the park. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, everyone made their favorite side dish. When you put everybody's favorite together, we get a WONDERFUL meal. And this is coming from a girl that has only eaten 3 traditional Thanksgiving meals in her life, thanks to Ryan! (3 because Ryan and I have been married 4 years, the first Thanksgiving we were in Aruba on our honeymoon, they don't do turkey and dressing there). Speaking of 4 years, Ryan and I had our 4 anniversary on Thanksgiving day. We had actually been celebrating it for about a week starting with the concert last Wednesday night. Our traditional anniversary dinner took place on Saturday night. We always get our favorite appetizers and put up our Christmas tree together (with the stereo blaring Christmas songs.) Looking back, all I can say is what a great holiday with the family! Ryan and I are blessed to have such a wonderful and healthy family.

Dream On

Wednesday night Ryan and I went out for our anniversary (which is on Thanksgiving Day). I called him about 6 weeks ago and said, "Can we please go to the Aerosmith concert for our anniversary?" He gave in and said yes! So off we went, kid free thanks to the Ladewigs, to the concert in Dallas. For those of you that don't know my music passion, it starts and stops with Aerosmith. I LOVE Steven Tyler. On a side night, Montley Crue opened for them, they were horrible! Finally, my boys came on about 9:30. I was in heaven. I just love looking and listening to Steven & Joe, mainly Steven. They are my eye candy, after Ryan of course!!! Ryan quickly learned that I am not a good buddy to take to a concert. I don't dance, sing, or move. I just stare!!!! He was trying to get in to the music, I didn't move. He kept asking if I was having a good time. I told him I just wanted to stare and listen to the music. This is my second Aerosmith concert. The first one I went with Ryan's dad about 4 years ago. This show was even better even though our seats weren't as good! Ryan was a little upset that I wouldn't buy the t-shirt I wanted out in the parking lot where they were MUCH cheaper! No, I settled on the T-shirt that cost twice as much inside - it was my anniversary of course!!! So, you will probably be sick of seeing me wear my Aerosmith t-shirt. I am very proud of it. They didn't play my favorite song, but I knew most of the ones they did play!! So until next Steven and Joe - DREAM ON!!! Catch you in Dallas next time!

9 month comparison?

Benjamin at 9 months in July 2005
Carter at 9 months - November2006

9 Months Old

Baby Carter - 9 months ago at 1 day old!
Big boy Carter this week - 9 months old!

It is hard to believe that my baby is 9 months old tomorrow. What is even harder to believe is that that is how long it took him to grow and develop in me - crazy! I felt my pregnancy fell by, and then I realize that his time in the world with us has gone by fast too! Today we went in for his 9 months check up. We is almost 20 lbs, and is 28 1/2 inches long. Ben is finally asleep right now, so I haven't compared the stats against Ben. (Ben's book where I keep that info is in his room.) But, I still think Carter could take Ben down at this age. Some people still say they look alike, and other don't. I will try and get pictures of both at this age next. This past month has flown by so fast. Halloween was tons of fun this year. Ben really got into, he even went up to the doors by himself to say "Trick or treat." I think he realized real quick that candy was involved, so whatever it took, he could do it. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break - I have the whole week off - YEA!!!! We are planning on spending all of that week with both sets of family.

Updated Pictures

Benjamin in the car! Now days it is the only time I can get a picture with him looking at me!
Carter playing in his walker!
Playing ball!

Happy Halloween!

Benjamin dressed in his costume for our church's Trunk or Treat!
Our family costumes: Carter (bat boy), Me (cracker jack seller), Ben (Texas Ranger baseball player), and Ryan (peanut seller).

I have had trouble uploading pictures, so sorry it has been awhile. I finally have my camera back! Thank you Cannon for replacing the broken part for FREE! I now feel right again if the camera in tow. I have tons of pictures from the pumpkin patch on Friday, I will try to get those uploaded this week. Friday we went to the PP with the Merriman cousins. We had 5 boys and baby Vaughn. It was extremely hard getting all to look at the same time for pictures. I actually don't think all were looking in any of the pictures I have. We went to J-town for Halloween this weekend. My mom took the boys and London trick or treating to her friends' house. Benjamin got the hang of it, he really liked it when we realized candy was involved! We had Trunk or Treat at church Sunday night. That is a fun event thanks Jenny B for organizing it. London came with us. Actually all my family came (sister, BIL, mom). I think the kids had a great time going to each car for candy and then playing games. Ryan did play in the egg toss with Ben. Ben was on the losing side of that offer when he took the egg to his face. He came into the church crying, "Daddy hit me mommy!" I am excited to have tomorrow off. Benjamin is enjoying Halloween more and more, I am looking forward to taking him around the neighborhood.

Random Pictures

Benajmin - Halloween 2004 (3 weeks old)
Benjamin & Carter - Halloween 2006
Benjamin - Halloween 2005
Picture of the rattle lure before removing at the ER - Ben greatest catch!

We are busy, busy! It seems that time is flying by so fast. We went to Benjamin's 2 year check up today. He was 35 inches (50-75%) and 26lbs (below25%). That is our skinny boy, I know 1 year olds that weigh 26 lbs! He had 2 shots today and his finger pricked. He really didn't like the shots. Sweet baby Carter had to have a shot too (flu). So, I was at the doctor's office by myself with 2 crying boys! So afterwards, we treated ourselves to Sonic!!! By the afternoon both had recovered, and Ben enjoyed pulling off all the band-aids! We are looking forward to spending the next 2 weekends with our family. Then before we know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be approaching! Since we sent our camera off to be fixed, I had to include old pictures. I love going back and looking at the changes from year to year!

Baseball and Pumpkins

Benjamin, Carter, and London riding the train at the Pumpkin Express
Ben waking up from his nap after his party!

Carter riding on the train with Ryan
Ben with cousin Dylan and Uncle Doug trying to hit a fast ball from Ryan.

Baseball Bash!

Benjamin opening his gifts!
Playing baseball with friends.
His baseball outfit, a gift from mom & dad!
Testing out his swing with his new uniform! (Sorry about the color)
Benjamin and friend Houston eating cupcakes during a break from the game!

We had such a great birthday party for Ben on Saturday. He was in heaven. His favorite thing to do is play baseball, and that is what we did for over an hour. We could not have done it without the help of our friends and family. They did everything so we could play and take pictures of all the kids - thank you friends and family!

Boys will be boys!

Getting ready for the big fish!
Don't really know what they are doing?
Catch of the day!
Lining up the catch!

Fish Camp

Sweet Carter not too sure about the lifejacket!
Beach Time!
Getting sleepy on the boat!
Slowly we lost all the clothes, he had a blast crawling around on the sand!
Benjamin having fun with the mud at the bottom of the water!

Pictures from our weekend at Fish Camp!

Finally, An Update!

Carter holding baby Vaughn's hand while she was sleeping! Best buddies!!!
Benjamin has gotten in the habit of watching baseball in our bed before he goes to sleep in his bed. He always wants his milk and cereal too!
Mike and Jodi - these were Carter's first Sunday school teachers! Carter is also stealing his friend's pacifier!

Well, I haven't updated in a long time. We have been busy! Plus, to top it off, my camera broke this past week. It just started taking pictures - ALL BLACK! I feel lost without my camera. Several times this week, I have said, "Oh, I need to take that picture!" And then I remembered, no working camera!!!! So, until I get a new one, you will probably be seeing old pictures.
Lots of things happening in the Merriman household. Last weekend, we went to the coast with friends. We had a blast! The guys went fishing, and we played with the kids. 7 hours in the cars with 4 children was very interesting, but not bad at all!!! This weekend, we had family pictures taken (for the first time) and Benjamin's 2 year pictures. My little boy is turning 2 this weekend. Once again Ryan is out of town all week. So the boys and I are out on an adventure! Carter is moving all over the place, he is a fast little critter! Ben is talking and singing all the time! That is just a short update on us!

Birthday Weekend!

Happy Birthday Daddy!
Ryan with his Sunday school class singing "Happy birthday."
Ryan showing Ben how to put the helmet on! This is Ryan's helmet from his junior high days! It is now one of Banjamin's favorite play items!

Happy Birthday Triplets!

Rich (baby Vaughn), Ryan (Ben and Dylan), Doug (Carter)

When there are triplets in the family, the birthday celebration turns into a week long adventure. I surprised Ryan this year with his present. Usually he knows what he is getting or he buys it WAY ahead of time, and then tells me that is his birthday present - Don't buy anything!!! Well this year, with the help of my parents and his brother, I surprised him with a shotgun he had been dreaming about! I purchased it about a month again after consulting with lots of people about the right one to get him. I kept it at my parents for over a month, and then my mother brought it and hid it at the house when she was keeping the boys. I gave in and gave it to him early during the week (birthday on Sunday) because I wanted him to enjoy it over the weekend. You know when you are expecting a great reaction because the gift is awesome. Well I got nothing! I got nothing because he was in SHOCK!!! It took him several minutes to recover from opening it. I gave it to him early also because I didn't want him opening it in front of the boys. Even though guns are apart of our lives, I didn't want Ben to see him get excited about the gun. Thursday night I took Ryan out to eat Texas de Brazil. If you have never eaten there, it is an adventure. I recommend that you starve yourself for several days, so you are able to eat more. Friday and Saturday we went over to his parents to visit with them and the other brothers. Saturday night was their birthday dinner. His parents cooked dinner and the wives brought the cakes. I was pumped about Ryan's cake. For several days, he kept telling me, I don't want a cake. Don't do anything, this isn't a big deal. Which if you know my husband, that doesn't sound right. Anything that involves him, he likes for it to be big. I searched for a recipe, and I made a peanut butter cake with chocolate buttercream frosting, can I just say YUMMY!!!!! It was fabulous! Sunday, I made muffins and took juice for his Sunday school class, he is the assistant to the 4 year olds!! they sang happy birthday to him. He was embarrassed, but the kids had fun! Then after church off we went to my parents for another party and gun bonding time!!!