Cinco De Mayo
Exploring Art, Paper mache, Piñata
Paper Mache, another form of art 
The kids made a Piñata 
to have our end of the year Exploring Art Party next week!! Woohoo 
#exploringartclass
The kids made a Piñata to have our end of the year Exploring Art Party next week!! Woohoo #exploringartclassMay 5
Some thing I have really learned that’s important, and only in the last few years is self-care. I have come to understand the importance of hunting, for my husband, because he is such a hard worker, has a full-time job, teaching, coaching and always working and serving others. 
I totally get it! 
Hunting for him is his meditation,his time out, his self-care. I always feel like he’s such a great example of working hard but also understanding of taking time with his children and by himself and out in the wilderness. I just wanted to give a big thank you of that example and he recently sent me on a meditation retreat too
Please recognize the importance of self-care for yourself. And along the lines of that good nutrition, yoga and exercise. Please reach out to me, join us tonight, if you need more of an understanding or a connection. I’ll send you the link to join. 
Now 
I’m headed out to the yard, to do self care, my meditation, working amongst nature and in my garden.
I totally get it! Hunting for him is his meditation,his time out, his self-care. I always feel like he’s such a great example of working hard but also understanding of taking time with his children and by himself and out in the wilderness. I just wanted to give a big thank you of that example and he recently sent me on a meditation retreat too Please recognize the importance of self-care for yourself. And along the lines of that good nutrition, yoga and exercise. Please reach out to me, join us tonight, if you need more of an understanding or a connection. I’ll send you the link to join. Now I’m headed out to the yard, to do self care, my meditation, working amongst nature and in my garden. 
Loren and I got to speak on the Success Mastery zoom for Lifevantage
and help with the training on Saturday with Carrie Dickie.
May 8
What a great bunch of teenagers!!!! Such a cool inspiring way to use an unused snowday! Thank you Lexi for putting this together! They had such a remarkable time and great memories with their friends.
Such a cool inspiring way to use an unused snowday! Thank you Lexi for putting this together! They had such a remarkable time and great memories with their friends.
So Dad got away with Charlotte’s crutches in the truck tonight and she went out with friends without her crutches.
she and I had a pretty good chuckle because when they dropped her off and she came in the door, she looked like a drunk coming in 
with them trying to help her up the steps. (I wonder if she ever told them that she has Cerebral Palsy.) Some of these are new friends, I’m not sure what they knew. LOL! she was grateful for friends to let her lean on them and help her walk tonight.
she and I had a pretty good chuckle because when they dropped her off and she came in the door, she looked like a drunk coming in with them trying to help her up the steps. (I wonder if she ever told them that she has Cerebral Palsy.) Some of these are new friends, I’m not sure what they knew. LOL! she was grateful for friends to let her lean on them and help her walk tonight. 
Happy Mother’s Day to two wonderful examples of mothers!!! 
Thank you for loving on your grandkids too. Loved getting to spend part of Mother’s Day weekend with my sisters, mothers, and great grandma
We love you and all you represent. A successful mother is one that never gives up through the struggles. And understands she’ll never be a perfect mother but finds a million ways to be a good one. (And Great Grandma Burgoyne understands, there’s a quick simple in, to a woman’s heart, a little bit of chocolate.) She is a prime example of a beautiful mother and a favorite of mine are the beautiful irises great grandma gave to me in a grocery bag years ago and I have hundreds of feet of these beautiful irises that arise every Mother’s Day.
Thank you for loving on your grandkids too. Loved getting to spend part of Mother’s Day weekend with my sisters, mothers, and great grandma We love you and all you represent. A successful mother is one that never gives up through the struggles. And understands she’ll never be a perfect mother but finds a million ways to be a good one. (And Great Grandma Burgoyne understands, there’s a quick simple in, to a woman’s heart, a little bit of chocolate.) She is a prime example of a beautiful mother and a favorite of mine are the beautiful irises great grandma gave to me in a grocery bag years ago and I have hundreds of feet of these beautiful irises that arise every Mother’s Day. 
Love working out with all these great ladies! Snapfitness
Our Bungalow neighbor friend, Kathy Lockwood, moved. We were sad to see her go.
And Diana Lowell sent this picture of my two boys to me. What a cute memory. She would pay them to come paint on her projects, love having good neighbors, who love on my kids.
A father said to his daughter “You have graduated with honors, here is a car I bought many years ago. It is pretty old now. But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how much they offer you for it.”
The daughter went to the used car lot, returned to her father and said, “They offered me $1,000 because the said it looks pretty worn out.”
The father said, now “Take it to the pawn shop.” The daughter went to the pawn shop, returned to her father and said,”The pawn shop offered only $100 because it is an old car.”
The father asked his daughter to go to a car club now and show them the car. The daughter then took the car to the club, returned and told her father,” Some people in the club offered $100,000 for it because “it's an iconic car and sought by many collectors.”
Now the father said this to his daughter, “The right place values you the right way,” If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you......Never stay in a place where no one sees your value.
Grateful for our teachers!!! End of the school year thank yous and teacher appreciation gifts
May 11
Hey! Any ideas on how to get a hummingbird out of your home? 
During home school we took a break and went and planted flowers and strawberries 
in the greenhouse and a sweet little hummingbird flew into our home and we’ve been trying to get it out. It’s exciting and beautiful to be one with nature but we want it to be safe and get it back into the outside.
During home school we took a break and went and planted flowers and strawberries in the greenhouse and a sweet little hummingbird flew into our home and we’ve been trying to get it out. It’s exciting and beautiful to be one with nature but we want it to be safe and get it back into the outside.
Scotty Catt:
JJ Lunt, the six foot seven, offensive rebounding machine out of Wilcox High School has committed to Northland Pioneer College Basketball this kid is a Workhorse and will surely become a fan favorite of the pioneer faithful on the mountain! Let's go!
Nick Harrison, one of the most sought-after guards in all of Arizona, has committed to play his college basketball at Northland Pioneer College Basketball . Member of both the Pima and White Mountain Apache tribes, he will also be a guard for the Apache Men's National Team in the United Nations of basketball and the international basketball Union. Nick's parents are incredible people and he was coached by an all-time Legend at Coolidge High School, Mr. Dave Glasgow . Let's all welcome Nick, a defending Nabi champion, back home to the mountain!
Malik Bahe, coached by the legend Raul Mendoza at Chinle High School and the great Delmar Johnson at Holbrook High School has committed to continuing his academic and basketball career at Northland Pioneer College Basketball . This amazing Sharpshooter with his Incredible family will be joining the Eagles on their Quest for a national championship
Nate Summit, a six foot nine forward out of Bradshaw mountain in Prescott has committed to play college basketball at Northland Pioneer College! We are so excited to welcome him and his amazing parents to the family. One of the best passers, Rim Runners and two way players in the entire state, he's coming in ready to make an impact!
May 12
Holy Moly!! What a day! Life gets faster and faster! We managed to accomplish speech therapy, exploring art, baseball games and choir concert within just a few hours. LOL! and I’m beyond grateful that my kids are active enough to be up and doing well enough! And now on the road to Utah to visit my son! Super excited! Thank you Grandma for coming to the rescue and giving rides
incredibly proud of this awesome group! All the details, the lighting and the fantasy land! Looking into the brick building and seeing all the imagination. It was fun for this exploring art class to get to brighten up a school #exploringartclass 
May 13
More Scouting, getting our new basketball team for NPC!! It's so exciting to be pioneering this with Coach Scotty Catt and Coach Loren Merrill, soon the women's basketball team will be in place!!
Brian Turner, the lockdown guard out of San Tan Foothills High School has committed to play college basketball at Northland Pioneer College Basketball . In his standout career at SanTan he proved himself to be a leader and a floor general! Let's welcome him and his competitive drive to the White Mountains!
Have you ever met one of those players that is ultra-talented and yet works harder then you can imagine because they have the heart? Introducing Kameron Steward. Six foot six forward out of Coolidge High School. All County defensive player of the year in one of the toughest conferences in Arizona. First team all district. A player on every level! a great student-athlete! Kam we are so excited you have committed to play your college basketball at Northland Pioneer College Basketball . We want to welcome you and your amazing family to the mountain!
Gershon Joe , who led the 3A East in offensive rebounding And is a Lockdown Defender out of McNary and a member of the White Mountain Apache tribe has committed to play college basketball at Northland Pioneer College Basketball . Gershon is the epitome of Pride, hard work and determination. Let's welcome him to the family!
While Scotty was Scouting, I went on a trip to Utah to help my son move. We were sad that he couldn't live in the the Dock House that Dad and I worked so hard to get built for him. Now we are back at ground zero again. His probation is keeping him in Utah, so beyond emotionally frustrating. Now we have to try to find him a place to live as a Felon. It's so heart breaking and hard to see him get turned down over and over because he has a history of prison. I wish people would be more loving and forgiving.
But is still was a Beautiful day with the two littles and their big brother, Jonny Boy, and cousins
. “The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music” 
Harrison was so excited because he beat everyone on the trail and back to the car 
another fun experience and memory, ...we found a salad BUFFET!! The world is coming back!! It felt strangely normal and no one was wearing masks.
. “The Hills are alive with the Sound of Music” Harrison was so excited because he beat everyone on the trail and back to the car another fun experience and memory, ...we found a salad BUFFET!! The world is coming back!! It felt strangely normal and no one was wearing masks. 
Charlotte's finals in Choir Class
Harrison was invited to Science day at school and mom was invited to help
May 13
I am a little slow, but wanted to brag about the mother of my children. She is a non-stop energizer Mommy and wife and friend and entrepreneur and community leader! I can’t keep up with all the people she helps in a daily basis! Love you Anna Pember Merrill!!! Happy Mother’s Day!!!
I had a little fun with my wife with her gift for Mother’s Day:)
May 14
Flip the Switch 
just keep going and going, just keep going 
Best field trip ever!! Love homeschooling with Harrison and Caroline ditched and came along this is so fun 
we’re crossing through four states in just a few short days. Getting to see cousins, friends and family, spending time with Jon and getting closer to Yellowstone Park and another dear friend
just keep going and going, just keep going Best field trip ever!! Love homeschooling with Harrison and Caroline ditched and came along this is so fun we’re crossing through four states in just a few short days. Getting to see cousins, friends and family, spending time with Jon and getting closer to Yellowstone Park and another dear friend 
Special time with my kiddos 
and Caroline got to have her special birthday lunch with her cousins this weekend love family
and Caroline got to have her special birthday lunch with her cousins this weekend love family May 15
Patrik Henderson, Sharpshooter and former Snowflake stand out has committed to his second year with Northland Pioneer College Basketball . Patrik was a huge part on our 11 and 3 shortened inaugural season! Welcome back, Patrik!
4.0 student and 6'5 sharp shooter out of Yuma High School, Tyler Hamilton, has committed to play this upcoming season at Northland Pioneer College Basketball !Welcome to the North, Tyler!
If you are from the north, you know Anthony Nelson ! One of the most elite scorers in the Arizona Smallball scene and the entire state of Arizona. Anthony has committed to play at Northland Pioneer College Basketball . He was coached by a legend in Delmar Johnson at Holbrook High School. Let' s welcome him to the Pioneer family!
6'8 , athletic, skilled, and high motor big man, Ammon Cox, from Gila Ridge High School has committed to play at Northland Pioneer College Basketball ! Ammon prepped for the best coaches and rducators in all of Arizona, Joe Daily Welcome to the family, Ammon!
Pitstop up in Idaho Falls with this beautiful Woman, with so much heart....
She let Caroline, Harrison and I stay with her sweet family. Loved getting to know them.
May 15
Bucket List!!! With my littles!! Old Faithful at Yellowstone
#Yellowstone 
Best Field Trip Ever
#madnesswiththemerrillbudz #merrillsworktogetherplaytogetherstaytogether #wunderlust -the Desire to travel
Best Field Trip Ever#madnesswiththemerrillbudz #merrillsworktogetherplaytogetherstaytogether #wunderlust -the Desire to travel
(looked for Harrison Ford and had sone late night yummy pizza.)
A cool story, while we were driving to Jackson Hole looking for Moose...
It’s so important to have it balanced!! I learned on our trip to Yellowstone, that stopping at a truck stop and sleeping for an hour and 1/2 driving over night is not good for the mind, body or soul. Even if you are eating healthy and listening to good stuff.... being that tired 
was tough
was tough But... I wanted to make it back in time to Cedar City to go to church with Jon. I want to be there and show up for my kids when they need me.
Time seems to fly by faster and faster!! Hope everyone is enjoying their spring
and I can’t believe we are moving into summer already. Enjoying these spring winds!! 
if you ask my kiddos they will tell you, “the wind blows out the bad and blows in the good!”
Hope everyone is enjoying their spring and I can’t believe we are moving into summer already. Enjoying these spring winds!! if you ask my kiddos they will tell you, “the wind blows out the bad and blows in the good!”
May 18
Of course! 
Once again! They were incredible! Love our Snowflake high school choirs so glad that we’re back on track and we’re gathering again and celebrating their talents!
Once again! They were incredible! Love our Snowflake high school choirs so glad that we’re back on track and we’re gathering again and celebrating their talents!May 20
Harrison made the first point for the team!!! 
My little guy ran HOME!!
My little guy ran HOME!! 
Working as a team, Zoom ~Everyone Happier and Healthier
Kind of like scouts, but not... now to come up with a cool name for this group... 
May 22
Oh my heart is so full of joy!! Look at this great looking group of teens!! Gorgeous gals! And handsome guys!! I love the fun they have together!! Absolutely beautiful! And I can’t believe Charlotte is going to her Junior Prom
Look at this great looking group of teens!! Gorgeous gals! And handsome guys!! I love the fun they have together!! Absolutely beautiful! And I can’t believe Charlotte is going to her Junior Prom
Charlotte is beautiful!Marie Caldwell: What a special night. Charlotte is so beautiful.
Beatrice BrimmageJennifer Ure Brimhall
How wonderful there was a 2021 In person Prom!!!
Such a great group- and I love her dress!
Sharon Cowgur Cox
She is gorgeous and I love the picture of the sisters together. 
What a night for her!
What a night for her!
May 25
I love this time of year when the seasons are changing! 
It’s a tradition to take Caroline out for her birthday lunch during the school year because her birthday is in June and she misses out on getting taken out of school. LOL! 
it was a tough decision for her today, she chose not to go to Sunsplash with the seventh graders. (That would be a little tough she decided to keep up with her friends using crutches getting around a big water park.) I was honored that Caroline chose to spend the day with me. Love this beautiful girl, her gorgeous smile and her cheery fun personality!! Almost happy birthday! She has a golden birthday this year! Turning 13 on June 13
It’s a tradition to take Caroline out for her birthday lunch during the school year because her birthday is in June and she misses out on getting taken out of school. LOL! it was a tough decision for her today, she chose not to go to Sunsplash with the seventh graders. (That would be a little tough she decided to keep up with her friends using crutches getting around a big water park.) I was honored that Caroline chose to spend the day with me. Love this beautiful girl, her gorgeous smile and her cheery fun personality!! Almost happy birthday! She has a golden birthday this year! Turning 13 on June 13
We got Soaked!!! Stay Active and Activated!!! Everyone happier and Healthier!!!
Kevin Messerschmidt growing so fast!
Ellen Cowgur Smith
I'd be happy going to lunch with you over going to Sunsplash also. Happy Birthday Caroline! Your birthday is easy to remember because Matthijs shares it with you.
Leslie Papa
Happy Almost Birthday Caroline! She’s is so beautiful and strong!
Estelle Sexton Morin
Happy Almost Birthday Caroline. Sweet Thirteen!
Larry Mora
Happy birthday kiddo!
Rhonda Stradling
Just amazing how much she does do!! Happy golden birthday coming up!
Pro 5 Celebration with the family!!
June 1
Awesome day at Sunsplash!!! 
They had a great time but they are wiped out! 
lots of stairs, climbing and fun!!! Not the most accessible but we made it work, adjust, modify and big smiles
They had a great time but they are wiped out! lots of stairs, climbing and fun!!! Not the most accessible but we made it work, adjust, modify and big smiles 
Activity Days
May 26
This kid is so amazing! I find what he likes and he writes! He has learned he loves studying about natural disasters. We drove to Yellowstone so he could study more about volcanoes, we have been learning about earthquakes and hurricanes etc.! He totally knocked this little paragraph out with the topic, sentence details and a closing. I was so proud of him. 
He may not be able to scribe his own work but his thoughts are his thoughts! Life is not easy we fight for our kids! Proud of you strong mamas out there! Wednesday Wellness we will be talking about saying a honest yes and no- setting healthy boundaries so that you can be the best person you can be - and manage the world and every demand that is upon you.
I find what he likes and he writes! He has learned he loves studying about natural disasters. We drove to Yellowstone so he could study more about volcanoes, we have been learning about earthquakes and hurricanes etc.! He totally knocked this little paragraph out with the topic, sentence details and a closing. I was so proud of him. He may not be able to scribe his own work but his thoughts are his thoughts! Life is not easy we fight for our kids! Proud of you strong mamas out there! Wednesday Wellness we will be talking about saying a honest yes and no- setting healthy boundaries so that you can be the best person you can be - and manage the world and every demand that is upon you.Living from your heart
Sveta Silverman
So amazed and inspired by oh so incredible young fellow.
Dona Bailey Flake
Thank you for the gift. I am going to miss your kids. Harrison always is a sweetheart. I will miss watching him at recess. He is a delight.
May 28
End of the season, end of the school year goodbyes! 
thankful for the friends we’ve made this last year! safe travels! And thank you for our custodians and our aids and all those important people that help make sure our kids are successful and of course our amazing teachers and principals lots of love and big hugs from the Merrill Budz
thankful for the friends we’ve made this last year! safe travels! And thank you for our custodians and our aids and all those important people that help make sure our kids are successful and of course our amazing teachers and principals lots of love and big hugs from the Merrill BudzCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!!
May 30
Sunday drive as a family and Charlotte’s learning to drive the Ranger so she can hopefully drive one day. Pulled over for a little break because her muscles are getting tired. But hilarious with the little ones singing in the back!
Pulled over for a little break because her muscles are getting tired. But hilarious with the little ones singing in the back!Family Sunday Drive and Charlotte’s driving the Polaris Ranger (low and slow)
(low and slow)May 31
Happy Memorial Day
