And the Mother of the Year award goes to......

**Merilyn Carver**

Tyler, the kids, and I ventured on up to Tremonton to watch Merilyn accept her award. She deserves this award more then anyone I know. She has been through so much and somehow manages to stay positive.

All but three of her children were able to make it. All seven of the children that were there took turns getting up and talking about how much they appreciate their Mom. Tyler did a great job. I was so proud of him. Mary did a great job as well. She told some funny stories, one of them I have to write about. If you know Merilyn at all you will understand why this story is so funny.

When Jim and Merilyn were first married they lived in a small home on a farm in a very small town. One day while Jim was at work Merilyn was home alone and kept hearing bells. She couldn't figure out where the noise was coming from and was looking all through the house to figure out where the sound was coming from. She heard the bells several times throughout the day. She could never find the source of the sound. When Jim got home she told him about the bells. Jim said "Merilyn, we live on a farm, we don't have any neighbors for miles I really don't think you could be hearing bells". She was discouraged but went about her business. Next thing she knew she was hearing the bells again. She ran to Jim to tell him she had just heard them again. Jim said, "yep, I heard them too. If you go to the front door someone will be there!"

She had never heard a doorbell before. It was new technology to her. I love that story!

Congratulation Merilyn, you really deserve this. I am so proud to be your Daughter-in-law.