Disneyland Trip 09

We Took our family trip early this year. A friend of Tarren's had gone in October and gave Tarren some maps, while looking at all the fun things we would do and see, I came to the realization that Jared could not go on MOST if not generally all of the rides. I made the decision to leave the baby with Grandma and Grandpa Monsen. They were wonderful and said they'd love to. This turned out to be a wise choice, everytime I saw families with young babies I had to say to myself, "it was a good decision". For the past year our focus has been on meeting the needs of an infant. It was good for the older kids to have some special one on one time. Grandma and Grandpa Best were especially helpful in making this trip special. 4 adults to 4 children means that everyone has a buddy. Memories were made, special moments shared, and time stood still if only for a few moments. Here are some of my favorite photos from our Grand adventure.

Disneyland trip "the Beach"

Here are some pictures from our day at the beach. Sarah was dancing with the waves, Jason was falling into them, Samantha was shell hunting, and Jordan just wanted to dig.

"Snow Buddies"

Shelley had more snow than we did in our own yard in Tooele, so the kids had a fabulous time playing at the park. Minimal sledding was done, nevertheless they all had a great time- especially the dog.

Christmas Morning

Christmas Morning began at 3 AM when Jason woke up everyone. Guess you could say I am learning why my parents didn't like getting up so early on Christmas Mornings. Then we took a drive to Idaho- hitting messy roads from Brigham City to Blackfoot. We enjoyed the time in Shelley, but there's no place like home.

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.