Merry Christmas Letter 2008

I thought I would post the Christmas Card letter I typed up.

Merry Christmas 2008 to our Family and Friends

It has been an amazing year.
(January) Samantha was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are proud of her decision. The day was as white as the dress she wore, which made the journey difficult for family to travel to Tooele. Tarren & I celebrated 9 years, AND We completed our family when Jared was born on the 30th.
(February) I, Melissa, turned the big 3-0.
March) We had our baby blessing for Jared. “Thank you” for the support at our family milestones.
(April) Jordan turned 3 years on April Fools. Tarren turned 32, We started digging our trenches for a sprinkler system.
(May) We spent time with the Monsen Clan in Teton, ID over Mother’s Day. We finished the sprinklers and finished “sodding” the backyard and installing Fences and gates. School ended and Summer truly began.
(June) The kids took swimming lessons for the whole of this month,
(July) We enjoyed the fireworks that come with the 4th of July, in Tooele, and the Longhorn Days, in Altamont. Even more than that- my family loves to spend time with our extended family. Tarren went to Scout Camp for a week, it was a long week for the rest of us, we missed him. However, we did have our newly adopted dog, Aspen, to keep us entertained. We adopted her from the Tooele Animal Shelter. She was an answer to my children’s ardent prayers, we had spent many days in May and June driving to various shelters in Salt Lake looking for the “right” dog. As it happened we went one Saturday to look at a Beagle, and came home with Aspen instead.
(August) As summer wound down Samantha began Soccer practices, and school resumed this month, Jason began Kindergarten,, Sarah is a 1st grader, and Samantha is a 3rd grader. Jason also celebrated his 5th Birthday.
(September) School is back in full swing and the girls begin taking Piano Lessons. Sarah begins taking dance lessons, as well. On the first day of fall our family took a drive up the canyon to enjoy the fall colors and to take our family picture. Everyone loved the hike we took.
(October) Halloween, of course, is the main aspect that we look forward to. Samantha “cool girl” Sarah the Vampire, Jason: Luke Skywalker, Jordan: Scooby-doo, and Jared: our Lion.
(November) I broke my wrist (Just call me Graceful). Sarah turned 7 years old. We spent Thanksgiving Day with the Monsen Family.
(December) I am amazed our quickly this month has already flown by. Samantha will turn 9 years old. Christmas will bring time with the Best family. The New Year will enter in reflection of the multitude of blessings we have had this past year.

Naturally I am amazed at how my children have grown, Samantha has grown in confidence in herself, she has amazed her teacher with her piano skills, and right now she is literally my right hand. Sarah has also grownup, she has become quite a reader, and she loves Horses! Jason has loved school. He is always asking “why”. His teacher calls him a “thinker”, I have to agree. Jordan is my mischief maker. He decided one day to see if eggs bounced on the living room floor- Mom was in the other room and 3 dozen eggs later she walked in on his “game”. By the way a few of the eggs do bounce, but most don’t. Finally Jared, amazing what transpires that first year of life. He is already taking a few tentative steps toward walking. Were it possible to keep him little forever I might consider it, but he is growing up and so it is. Life continues to amaze me. I look forward to this New year and the many things that follow.

May your families find the wonderment of the Christmas Season, and safety wherever they roam. Merry Christmas!
Love, The Monsen Family

Sammie Won a Dinosaur

There was a drawing at the school's book fair for a Large Dinosaur. Sammie bought 3 tickets and won! She is giving it to Jared for Christmas. However, I know of a few more Dino"fans" in our family are going to love it just as much as baby brother.

Mom's Broken Wrist

It was nearly time to pick up kids from school,when I thought of a brilliant idea for decorating our front porch. So I found a step stool and was attempting to hang up looped grapevine when I took a spill and landed on my arms. I was pretty shook up- Jordan asked me if I was ok. I looked over to him and said I was fine. But something wasn't right with my right wrist. I was feeling light headed and I found myself calling Tarren, and trying to decide what to do. It was almost time to get the kids and I couldn't find anyone to help me. So I drove over to the school. The kids went to the neighbor while I drove myself to the ER. Xrays were taken/ a bone dr came over to consult/ it was broken at the joint and a fracture on the left elbow. Retraction was required for the right and I was bandaged up. I was released and met Tarren and the kids on the way out. Drove home. 2 1/2 weeks later I have a cast- Red for Christmas. Naturally I cannot work as a cashier. life has been interesting these past few weeks.
What Can I say its a story.

Trunk or Treat

Sam was pop-star in hiding, Sarah was Dracula, Jason was Luke Skywalker, Jordan was Scooby, and Jared was our Lion.

The First Day of Fall

For FHE we went up the canyon and took some pictures of the family. It was just starting to change, so in a few weeks it will be a riot of colors. We also took a walk up through the hills a little Aspen and the kids all loved it. the older kids found walking sticks and even Jared snagged a leaf as he was being carried by dad. We talked about Enos and his prayer in the forests while we walked. It was nice to make some memories and have the photos to prove that we were there together.

The Eastern Idaho State Fair

Some of my childhood was spent at the Fair. So it was pretty great to be able take my family there and to share the memories with them.

Jason's Birthday

Happy Fifth Birthday Jason!

School Days

We have started school once more. Sam is in 3rd. Sarah is in 1st grade and Jason has started Kindergarten. We are once more, governed by the schedule of school.

Family Night at the Museum

We picked dad up from work and went to the Museum of Natural History in SLC. The kids really did enjoy themselves. Next time we go we will definitely take more time to talk about what it was we were looking at. The models of the Dinosaur bones were by far the best. I am sure when they get the new building completed it will be even better. Here are some pictures of what we saw. the best part was the Physics demonstration by some professors in the physics department. A Vacuume and balloon made science look so fun. Liquid Air and a lazy-Susan just added to it.

Aspen

Our Dog Aspen

As of July 12th we have a new member to our family. As it turned out we went to the shelter to look at a beagle they had, but it wouldn't be available for adoption until the following Tuesday. As we were leaving one of the volunteers was walking a dog outside preparing to take it to SLC for a pet adoption day. Sammie wanted to take her for a walk and of course everyone else wanted a turn too. This dog was so good with the kids, even though Jordan was very afraid of her and waited in the car for us. It was decided that Aspen was going to come home with us. Since then Jordan is no longer afraid of her and we now have a 5 year old heeler/collie mix dog that I have never regretted having in our home. The only complain I have is that she sheds, but the good thing about her is that the kids love her, especially Samantha. She's house broken, she only barks when she hears something outside that concerns her, she loves to play fetch, and she is gentle with my baby. So welcome home Aspen.

Jared's Bee Sting

While at the Long Horn Days Parade. Uncle Boyd and Jared were both stung by the same wasp. It got Boyd first then flew at Jared. Tarren wasn't even sure if it got him till it started swelling. Poor guy sucked on his fat lip and just kinda endured it without a fuss.

Fouth of July Parade

Sammie's Baptism

Samantha's Baptism Day.
The world was wearing white, just like she was.
It made it difficult for the family to be on time, but
was a very special day for her.

Jason was the first up. He first woke up Mom and Dad telling them that "He brought the stuff" Who did "He did" Who? "You know Santa Claus brought the stuff, come see, come see."

Samantha and her Christmas STUFF

Jordan's Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning for Sarah.

Our Family at Christmastime.
2007