Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

This was Ellie's first year of community softball! She played coach pitch and loved every minute of it. In the first game, Ellie wanted to hit a home run so bad, that when she finally made contact with the ball she run pass two of the runners before her and missed touching 2nd and 3rd base. Coach Larson was my hero that day, he never let Ellie know that she got out and let her believe that she got a home run! (The next time at practice they worked on running the bases.)

Ellie hitting the ball!
Ellie is playing catcher! Just like her Dad.

Can't wait for next year!!

While You Were Away....

For the last eight days we have been off adventuring through Canada. When we left I plugged in my cell phone and left it at home. We brought Jason's just in case we might need it. Five days later we checked Jason's phone. It makes you nervous when you receive texts like- "Are you guys ok?", "Did your house receive any water damage?", "Do you need help?" Jason had multiple voice messages- "Brother Mons bring your shovel and meet at the church!" Jason quickly called a neighbor and found out that the mountain side three doors north and three doors west had a landslide, flooding over a dozen neighbors homes, trapping and killing three neighbors! Upon our return it has been amazing to learn of the number of volunteers that overran our neighborhood. Over 1,00o people came out on Sunday to move rock, mud and clean out peoples basements. It was frustrating to only be able to pray for our neighbors and friends.We are grateful that our home was ok! I am grateful to live a community where people help people.

The other message we received was letting us know that our dear friend Vance Thompson died. Vance is the neighborhood Grandpa! Telling Ellie about Vance's death was heart breaking. In her short little life she has seen death up close more than Jason or I did until we were into our teenage years.

Ellie and Vance had a very special relationship. During her kindergarten year Vance would do Ellie's nightly reading assignments with her. Vance has attended a number of her birthday parties at her request, he never missed stopping at her lemonade stands, he joined her at the schools Veteran's day assembly as her guest.

Last year the neighborhood kids planned a parade and had Vance be the grand marshal. The kids took great care to decorate his scooter and make sure he had a cape to wear for the big day! Ellie dearly loved Vance and she will miss him!

When I think about what I learned from Vance there are things that will stay with me forever and I hope that I can be like him!

-You can be friends to anyone no matter how young or old they are! At 88 years old, Vance has touched our families life forever.

-It is ok to be proud of your family! Vance always talked about the accomplishments of his kids, grand kids, and great grand kids. The way he talked about them you knew what was important to Vance.

-You are never to old to make changes and teach others by the mistakes that you have made. For many years of his life Vance was an alcoholic. He never made excuses for what he did but would tell you how it ruined relationships and work. Vance used his life experiences to teach those around him.

-Vance never missed an opportunity to tell us that he loved us!

Thank you Vance for letting us be your friend! You have forever touched our families life. I am so grateful that I have a firm belief that I will be able to see Vance again.

Don't forget to take time for the little things!

Summer fun!

What could be better than spending my favorite holiday with family that we don't get to see very often. Over the 4th of July weekend, Tyler and Robyn (Jason's brother) and their cute family came for a visit. The little kids and the big kids had a great time together playing!

The kids loved shooting off Aunt Heather's "fireworks"! I will read the label next time before I buy anything. Tyler had a great time shooting off his illegal fireworks that he picked up on their way through Wyoming.

Tyler's goal was to spend time in the mountains. The kids loved roasting hot dogs and marshmellows and throwing rocks into the river. I think their favorite part was putting out the fire with cups of water from the river!

Robyn has a great tradition of spending one on one time with each of the family members. Sarah enjoyed a trip to the temple and feeding the ducks. Ellie went to the park and had her fingernails and toenails painted red and blue. (I hope some day that I will think like a blogger and remember to bring my camera with me more places. Hopefully more pictures to come.)

Happy Birthday Ellie!

It is hard to believe that my baby turned seven last week! Eight years ago our bishop asked Jason and I to come in and meet with him. He told us that there was a special spirit ready to come live with our family. He couldn't have been more right.

Ellie- Your dad and I think that you are amazing!
We love how creative you are! There is never a day that passes that you are not using your creativity to decorate, entertain, and keep us busy. When ever you are asked what you like to do with your dad, you always answer "Work in his wood shop!" For Christmas this year Grandpa Pratt bought you your own sander.

Ellie you have a compassionate heart that daily teaches me to love more and serve more. At school I watch you protect those that can't protect themselves. I am in awe watching you with your friend Cora. You are always willing to include her and teach those around you that every person is important and has value.
Ellie we love your adventurous spirit! You are willing to try anything-rock climbing, swimming, motorcycle/4 wheel riding, roller coaster riding, skiing, bike riding, cheer leading, concert singing. There is nothing that you won't try at least once!
We are so proud that you do your best work in school! You have an amazing ability to set goals and work hard to achieve them. It is neat to see you learn new things and come home and tell dad and I about what you have learned.

We hope that all your wishes come true! We love you!
Ellie is currently on a health kick! (thanks to her 1st grade teacher) Instead of cake, Ellie requested that we have "pink drinks" fruit smoothies for her birthday!

Ellie's lesson of the day!

Ellie: "I won $10,000 at school today but Mrs. Dahle wouldn't let me collect it!"
Dad: "How did you do that?"
Ellie: "There was a flashing sign on my computer that said that I could instantly win $10,000."

Ellie thought she had it made. Not only do Jason and I give her everything that she wants but the computer has picked her to be the instant winner. Ellie probably had the money all spent already!

Skiing the Beav!

I didn't realize that I hadn't posted this. If I am going to print this as a journal I decided to post it right now anyway!

Jason and I have spent many winter hours skiing and having a great time. Ellie has decided that she loves every minute. Jason has done an amazing job teaching her and she loves to spend time with her dad. On the last day of the season the whole family went together. I am glad that Jason was there, he spent all day carrying Sarah down the hill.

Yes, I know that my eyes are closed but I needed to post the picture so my kids will know that I do fun stuff with them also!

Jason and Ellie watching "Big Air" day. I think some day Jason and I will be watching our kids doing the pond skim.

Ellie the snow bunny!

Sarah loved the ski lift! She also really liked Jason's pocket treats.

Watch out Beaver Ski area the whole Mons' family has ski passes for the 2009-2010 ski season!

Sweet Sarah!

Sweet Sarah Michelle Mons

Today was Sarah's first time getting her photos professionally taken. It has not been for the lack of trying. In her first year of life had could not imagine paying for pictures of a crying baby. (I wish now that I would have paid for those pictures. It was just who Sarah was until she got healthy.)

Sarah is now an amazing three year old. She loves playing with her My Little Ponies, Pet shops or anything else that has a lot of little pieces for us to step on. Sarah can play for hours with her toys, jump on her bed listening to Ellie's I-pod or watch Mamma Mia her favorite movie over and over.

Sarah has taught me many things. Her first year of life taught me patience and when my patience ran out, she taught me that it was ok to ask for help. (Thank you Julie! You saved my life and Sarah's life.)

We love you Sarah and we are so grateful that you are a part of our family!

I am still learning to post video/pictures. Sorry that it is the wrong way.