My first crack at it!

After a wonderful internship and experience in Boston this summer, we came back to Ithaca, NY a week after the birth of Malynn Jaroldeen Monson at Mass General. We saw all the sights and sounds of a Boston summer (the perfect time to be there, especially the 4th of July), but we are so happy to be HOME in Ithaca again. We really love it here; the ward, the people, the beauty, the school, our friends, the fun; and we are so sad to be going in May. It is going to swing around before we know it and I don't want to say goodbye to any of it (except for maybe the being really poor and living in an apartment that is more similar to a dorm room).

This month has been crazy busy with Matt trying to get back into the swing of school and devoting all of his "extra" time to the real estate competition team he is on, and me trying to get used to an extra body in the house. Malynn is actually an angel baby, making the transition pretty smooth and even enjoyable. The kids love her and are very gentle and sweet with her. She already is sleeping from about 9pm to 5am and then back to sleep until 8am or so. Another thing that has happened this month was Sienna's first school experience. Only 20 some odd years to go right? She is in a public pre-K program at the elementary school. She gets on the bus every morning at 7:30 and home at 2:20 with a short day on Fridays. She absolutely LOVES it! I don't think there is any other child that is more compatible with school! Oh, and mom loves it too :)

Wow, we have a blog?!?

I didn't know we had this blog site until Bryan mentioned it tonight. This also means I haven't read anything that anyone's put on here; so, I'll be busy catching up as well as wondering if anyone will read the nonsense I'm now writing.

Bryan and I had a fun evening. We first went to the Boston temple for a session and then went to a restaurant to watch the Celtics/Laker's game #3. It wasn't looking good for Boston, so we're now back home.

This picture was taken by a good friend in the ward. I thought the expression on the face of Sienna said it all.

Palmyra...

A few pictures from the Palmyra trip...

Message to Doug and Catherine

See how happy we are? Please don't move anyplace that would take us more than a day to get to you!!! I don't think any of us would survive.

Happy Birthday MOM!

Happy birthday, Mom.

My favorite memory of Mom - I was watching video from the recent visit of mom & Cath and kids. I was watching video of mom making colored eggs with Megan and Jessica. It was really nothing special, but it was a great reminder of how involved mom is in all her grandchildren's lives. I am so grateful that she loves my children and loves to spend time with them. She is such a good sport. We drug her all over the Zoo during her visit and not once did she complain about her back. (And I know it had to be sore, because mine was sore and I don't have back troubles!)

I love you and wonder how I was so lucky to get a mother like you. You are a great example.

Love Laura

Happy Birthday Mom

So! I'm realizing what a brilliant idea it was years ago for Mom to have her birthday be the secret Monson alarm code! For the rest of our lives your kids will NEVER forget your birthday! "4-2-4-8" (Uh oh, I hope Jason Higga or Jonny Wolf don't intercept this email)

Even though some of the siblings didn't have quite as much repetition using the Code as others, after figuring out how to duct-tape the alarm sensors.

But it's a great idea, and don't be surprised someday to come over to my house and have to key in: 12-5-74 to get in. :)

Mom, I love you so much, and have so many wonderful wonderful memories growing up. I remember as a kid being "sick" (I use that term loosely) and you giving me a day off, driving up to Nordstrom's 1/2 yearly sale in Murray, and buying a cool "Pure Stuff" shirt, and then going to Chick Fillet. My first button-up. I also remember a Karate tournament we all went to in Salt Lake, when Matt was sparring this poor kid and did a spinning round-house kick (Jim Woolwin style) and in one fail swoop clocked the living day-lights out of him (I think that was the same tournament where Matt filled out the Scientology card that of course, resulted in the Monsons being the first family on the block to get caller ID). Anyway, after all 5 of us loaded Matt's trophy (that looked like a miniature of the Sears Tower) into the back of the Dodge, you took us all to the Panarama Room at the U of U for prime rib and endless desserts. And of course, who can forget 1986, our Mom taking us to see Ferris Bueller's Day Off off at Carollin Square. I remember you laughing hysterically at Ed Rooney and the rottweiler. Ah those were the days.

You ALWAYS insisted on taking us everywhere. In all seriousness, I always always felt so loved growing up, and had an amazing childhood. We have always had such a happy happy home, and I realize that so much of the closeness and love that we share as a family now, is attributed to the tone of love, and kindness and happiness that you set for us all those years growing up. As I grew up and piece by piece learned the gospel from you, I always associated obedience to the commandments with love and goodness, happiness and the feeling of home because of your loving kindness.

I love you so much, and am so grateful for an incredible Mom, whose faith-filled life of constant service and love to us and others has blessed us immeasurably. Love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and SAVE FERRIS! ~

Love always,
Bryan

PS- "So...that's how it is in their family" - Ed Rooney