2009 Montoya Run-Down

2009 With The Montoyas


Father's Day Family Photo. June, 2009



Family Photo October, 2009





2009 Kiddos From Top To Bottom:
Jill-Tommy's amazing new bride.
Tommy-The lucky guy who got to marry Jill.
Andrew-Turned 16 in October.
Joslin-Turned 13 in July.
Samuel-Turned 6 in October.
Sariah-Turned 3 in December.

Our Year In Review:


Winter, 2009: We enjoyed lots of snow and a great ski season. Sam became skilled enough to ski from the top of our local ski run doing greens, blues, and even a black. Thomas and Andrew took a trip to Taos for some of the extreme stuff (photo of Andrew getting some air).

Sam's interesting and entertaining spin on life gave us pleasure all year long. A few links:

• Sam's Talk With God

• Attack of Hot Chile Peppers

• Keeping Things Fair--Prayer Charts

• Sometimes You HAVE To Laugh
  

Spring, 2009: Family took a quick trip to Phoenix and enjoyed the Easter Pageant (photo of Joslin and her friend with handsome shepherd boy).

Tommy fell madly in love with wonderful girl, Jill, and announced their plans to be married (photo of happy Tommy and Jill).

Summer, 2009: Anxious for warm weather, the tent got set up in the house--June was freezing here this year. We even turned on the heater, something that has never been done before in our history of living in this area. Eventually, the tent gets moved into the yard where it stays set up and used regularly for about a month (photo of tent in house).

Finally it warms up and we have lots of fire-pit time with s'mores and Andrew serenading the neighborhood late into the night with songs of old..., well the s'mores part is true (Joslin & fire photo).

A very exciting day took place in late June, when Tommy received his Endowments at Mt. Timpanogos temple. Temple workers kept trying to use a Spanish translator for him, but luckily they let him speak English & it all worked out (mom & Tommy outside of temple photo).

Andrew participated in early morning speed training. He also attended EFY, even performing an amazing rap as part of the talent show. Later in the summer he got an invite to California camp with the Varsity football team--tough! tough! tough!, but he loves that kind of disciplined intensity. His JV & Varsity Teams went undefeated, becoming district champions and then taking the state championship title in a game versing our biggest rival-- Show Low.

Joslin also did speed training, only it wasn't quite so early. She was a serious asset to her summer and school softball teams, playing catcher. Joslin and Mom attended Girls Camp at the end of Summer in Alpine, AZ. It was a fabulous camp, but both were suffering from summer overload by that point, as you will see from all the events that follow. Joslin also made the decision to return to public school in order to enjoy the social life, sports, and quality education (at least two of those are true).

More Summer, 2009: We got a dog named Roxy from Uncle Justin and Aunt Stacy (photo with Sariah). She is a good dog; and a cute dog; and a dog that the children (well, maybe not Andrew) love very much..., but she is still a dog and she still has hair..., and I am working through that aspect of my relationship with Roxy.

Thomas joined the Reserves and attended Boot Camp and additional training from June through December (photo). For more information on this, you will have to go to the source :)

Still Summer, 2009: Took a long vacation to Utah and Idaho. Becky, cousins (Julie & Jeanette), Mom (Joyce), and Auntie (Elsie) went on a family history drive between Rexburg and barely into Wyoming to see property that had been homesteaded by great (x 3 or 4) grandparents. Way fun and powerfully connecting (photo of Becky and cousins with old family homestead in background).

Stop at Lagoon, a wonderful little theme park in Utah. Big kids rode big rides over and over and over with Empey cousins. Little kids rode little rides over and over. Becky rode little rides with little kids and big rides with big kids--kinda wished she could have done more of the big kid stuff, but had a wonderful time. Thanks Grandpa & Grandma Cox for a fun day! (photo: Caleb, Sariah & Sam).

Tommy toured us around Provo and the museums on BYU Campus. So much to see and do. (photo of kids with bears). Seemed appropriate to pose with the bears, since we have a regular bear visitor that enjoys eating and distributing our trash throughout the yard.

All five of us stayed at Tommy & Jill's apartment for several days (photo: posing on their couch). It was wall to wall people and stuff, but we had a blast.

Mom, Andrew, & Joslin took a trip to Phoenix to get military I.D.s and insurance cards. We made a good time of it by taking in a movie, going out to eat, and doing a bit of shopping.

Sariah popped her thumb out of place, and we eventually learned she has a trigger finger that she will hopefully grow out of. All of our travels truly tested Sariah's limits, and she does have limits. Such a cute bundle of sassy personality, but watch out! Through the year her speech has developed leaps and bounds, although she prefers to communicate using the dialogue of movies...And if you don't know your line, it's quite frustrating to her.

We tried to absorb the warm weather as long as it lasted. Not that we don't welcome the cold and snow, but nothing beats standing outside and soaking in the warmth of a beautiful Fall day (photo on old ski lift chair outside our house).

Tommy and Jill were married on July 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Orem, Utah at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. If you're a numbers kind of person, that would be 7-8-09 at 10. Receptions were held in Utah, Arizona, and Texas. Wonderful events! Many blessed our lives by sacrificing and choosing to come out and show their full support. Fantastic family and friends offered assistance and genuine love, making the wedding and celebrations perfect. Thank you! Thank you! (photo of family looking on... ahhhh) To get the latest and keep up on Tommy and Jill, go to their blog: http://tjmontoya.blogspot.com/

Becky was offered and accepted a job within a week's time as a school counselor in Joseph City. It's two days a week with a one way 70-minute commute and she loves it--even the drive!
Grandpa and Grandma Cox have made this possible by providing the best care possible for the little ones.

Fall, 2009: School started, and it was actually still Summer since the first day was August 3rd. Sam began kindergarten (photo waiting for bus); Joslin 7th grade; Andrew a sophomore; and Tommy will graduate BYU in Spring, 2010 with Jill just a few months after. Tommy hopes to continue at BYU in their MPA program.

Tommy & Jill were able to come for a visit in October. We celebrated Andrew's 16th and Sam's 6th birthdays during that weekend, and Tommy ordained Andrew to office of Priest (photo of Tommy and Andrew).

Becky took Sam and Sariah up to Sunrise to take advantage of their 12 and under free season ski-passes. It was an incredibly beautiful day. Stopped to enjoy the changing aspen leaves (photo of Sam).

Joslin helped out Jr. High volley ball team, and also presented a lovely cookbook she made at Young Women in Excellence. She also wrote a patriotic essay that won he local school level and was asked to read it to the student body (something she wasn't thrilled about).

Winter, 2009: Still waiting for winter to kick in. Looking forward to the Holidays and are planning to spend time in Taos for Christmas. Andrew plans to work as a ski instructor (nice that he will be able to drive himself) and pursue competitive skiing if possible. Joslin's debating what the next few months will hold, but hopefully she will maintain her straight A's in school. Sam & Sariah will continue doing all the important stuff they do around here--which mainly involves making us smile. Exciting for the possibilities the new year holds. Hoping to make the most of 2010 & wishing you all the same!

Sometimes You HAVE To Laugh!

"It's not fair to get in trouble at school when you HAVE to laugh at something," Sam told me Monday afternoon over dollar burgers at McDonalds.

There's a big story that accompanies his statement involving a missing behavior report, but Sam's not ready for the whole world to know the details.

I love Sam's teacher & am grateful for important life lessons he has been able to learn under her gentle discipline.

Just wishing laughing was my biggest issue :)

Fall-- Cuties, Hot Peppers, Birthdays & More

Cuties:

(ABOVE) My Beautiful Daughters--13 & Almost 3

Hot Peppers:

(BELOW) Sam picked the last jalepeno pepper from grandpa & grandma's garden, then had feats of strength with cousins proving how brave he was to tear the pepper open..., then continued playing outside and occasionally rubbing his eyes, nose, & mouth with those same hands. When the HOT hit him, it was fierce. He begged to be taken to the hospital. His entire face was swollen and red, his hands were also hurting, and he was hysterical (all of this is taking place at his grandparents up to this point). I get a phone call from Aunt Kim, who is living with my parents. She informs me of the emergency unfolding, because grandma is bringing him home. The solution that worked: 1) We washed his hands, put gloves on them & did not let him touch his face anymore (Sariah also wanted to wear a pair). 2) I gave him as much benydryl as legally possible. 3) We applied aloe vera ointment that had lidocaine in it (for sunburns) to all irritated areas. 4) We used the blow dryer on cool setting to bring relief until everything else kicked in. When eating breakfast the next morning, Sam spotted another jalepeno pepper sitting on the counter and asked me to please move it somewhere out of site.

Birthdays:

(ABOVE) Sam's Birthday Pinata!! Yes, we made that amazing pinata out of a box and did absolutely nothing to hide how boring it was. I just couldn't get myself to spend a bunch of time decorating and spending money on something that was going to be destroyed. It was full of good candy & that's really all that matters, right?

(BELOW) Sam's cupcake "jack o' lantern" cake. When we were finished making it, he let me know that it really didn't too much like a pumpkin... oh, well (at least I make an amazing pinata).

(ABOVE) It was actually a double celebration. Andrew's 16th & Sam's 6th. Lots of family & friends joined us for dinner & dessert. It was a great time. Tommy & Jill came to town, as well. Andrew has known all of these boys since kindergarten & I've got the pictures to prove it (somewhere), that will have to be a post for another time. Andrew has been ordained to a Priest & holds an Arizona Driver's license. I love that kid. He makes me laugh. So glad I get to hang out with him. Hope 16 is a wonderful year for that guy!

& More:

(ABOVE) Family Photo taken on hill behind our house. Beautiful Fall. So glad Tommy & Jill were able to spend the weekend with us. The morning after they left, Sariah looked all through the house for them--so sweet.

(BELOW) Sam in his cowboy gear & Sariah just being so stinkin' cute. Sam used the cowboy clothes and boots he got last year so much, that Grandpa & Grandma Cox got him the same stuff this year. He loves it!!

(ABOVE) The Amazing Grandpa Cox--Seriously cannot express in words or in any form how great my dad is to our family. He has been providing serious amounts of child care to these two little ones for quite some time. And it's not the bare bones kinda care... He plays games, puts on educational programs, colors, makes fun snacks, entertains outside... and as you can see, even works of important projects like pumpkin carving. He is such a blessing & we love and appreciate him tons! He is also having back surgery the first week in November, so keep him in your prayers :)

Football, Tarantulas & Prayer Charts

ABOVE: Super Fans--Sariah, Sam & Lauren taking in the thrill of the evening

BELOW: Andrew contemplates the signifigance of his first Varsity football game. Or is he just totally annoyed that I am making him take a picture? Sam & the little cousins got the biggest thrill that Andrew was running out of the tunnel. It's small town football, and it really doesn't get bigger than that. Andrew even got put in for a few plays and ran the ball for over 47 yards. It was awesome!! And, I have to say, football makes Andrew a better person. He is happier & so focused. It's a good thing.

ABOVE: When arriving home after the football game in the deep dark night, this not-so-little tarantula was waiting for us to open the door (kinda gave Joslin a fright, as she was the one unlocking the door). About 5" from front legs to back. Think I like the bear better :)

BELOW: Sam feels there has been some unjustice in whose turn it is to say the prayer around here. So, in true "Montoya" style---he made a chart. You will notice that Sariah already has an "X" after her name, and it will not be her turn to pray again, until everyone else has an "X."

In other news: Joslin is on the 7th grade softball team and plays catcher and 2nd base. They have had two games and are 1 & 1. She has really grown into a strong body and is learning how to do super-cool athletic stuff with it.

I am working in Joseph City, about 70 minutes away, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Give me a call if you are ever in that exciting part of the state, and I will take you to lunch--oh, wait there's no where to go to lunch, so I guess I can only buy you a soda. Love the work & the community! Super Grandpa Cox is holding down the fort with my little ones in order to make it all possible. Life is busy. It's all good, or good enough anyway!!

Summer Break Wrap-Up & First Day of School

Yeah! My computer is working. I can attach pictures and everything. There are actually four additional new posts that I have post-dated. If you are interested, you can scroll down to them, or click on links below:

1. Spring, 2009
2. Summer Travels, 2009
3. Arizona Wedding Reception
4. Girls' Camp, 2009

School is already in session, and while life certainly isn't slowing down, it does feel like we might be getting back into a routine (I'm fond of routines). Andrew's playing high school football & Joslin is on the 7th grade softball team. Getting everyone to & from can be challenging, but I sure love watching my kids play sports. Hard to say how well I will do with blogging, as I am looking for work, and once I find it, free-time will be rare. But, for right now, I am feeling pretty caught up. Life is good & we are truly blessed!

(ABOVE) "Ouch!" Sariah dislocated her thumb and it got stuck bent. It wasn't red or swollen & she never complained about it (until we fixed it, that is). In fact, we aren't even sure when she dislocated it. Since this happened right in the middle of wedding & reception events, I was kind of ignoring the whole situation, but decided she might hate me when she becomes a teenager if her thumb was stuck bent. Every time I prayed about it, I felt strongly I should just pull on it, but I would always chicken out. So, we got some x-rays to make sure it wasn't broken--which it wasn't. I was referred to a Pediatric-Orthopedic-Hand Specialist, so Sariah could undergo lots of tests before anything could be decided. After much prayer and a blessing, my home teacher (a family practice doctor) and I put the thumb back in place. I popped it & he set it. So far, so good.


(BELOW) Sam, Tommy & Sariah playing marbles, during Tommy & Jill's visit for their AZ reception. Sariah immediately took to Jill, and since Jill likes Tommy, Sariah has decided he's okay too.

(ABOVE) Sariah & Kawika are too cute. With their olive skin and dark curly hair & distinctive personalities, they are quite the pair. Katie and her children visited for 10 days or so over the summer & helped out tons in the preparation for the Arizona reception.

KINDERGARTEN--YIKES!! Yes, Sam started kindergarten. His regular teacher is on the left & the student teacher on the right (Andrew's wondering why the student teachers never look like that at the high school). It is all-day kindergarten & so far Sam is loving every minute of it, including the bus. Sariah and I are missing the kiddos and adjusting to one-on-one time.

Girls Camp, 2009

I love girls camp, and this was no exception. I attended as a stake leader, and found the change quite enjoyable. Rather than sleeping with 20 girls, I slept in a smaller cabin with 4 other adult women and a private bathroom. It was also nice to mingle with the girls and leaders from the entire stake.

True Story: So, me and Sister Finch are sweeping the perimeter to check on girls during their solo time. We come across two girls in distress who have found a deer with a broken leg. We follow them, and sure enough, the poor thing is just hopping in circles and the bone is sticking out. It is suffering terribly and lets us come right up and pet it. We say a prayer. I take the girls back to camp and tell Brother Rowell, a seasoned hunter, the situation.

He immediately asks, "Are you sure it was a deer?"

To which I reply, "Well, I was sure until you asked."

He then inquires, "What color was it?"

I'm thinking, "Are there many choices," but say, "You know, kind of that earthy brownish kinda color."

"Oh, it was an elk," he informs me with confidence and adds, "deer are gray, and you don't see them in this area."

We get game & fish on the phone & I have the entire "what color was it?" conversation with that guy. After stating every possible direction combination, I pause, think it through, and confirm the directions I have given the guy on where to find the "elk" with the broken leg. I then ask him to call me back and let me know how it goes. To which he says in a very red neck kind of way, "I'm gonna shoot it." And sure enough, about an hour later, we heard the shot. Sad, but not as sad as watching it suffer.

(ABOVE) Wagon Wheel Ward Girls Rock!

(BELOW) Joslin & pal, Lexi

(ABOVE) Joslin during food portion of "Fear Factor."


(BELOW) Joslin & her roomates.

(ABOVE) My Roomates: Becky Moffat, Becky Montoya, Polly Johnson, & Joyce Cox

Such a great time. Wonderful walks and therapuetic conversations with wise women. The energy of the girls is contagious, and it is always a spiritual boost to feed off their testimonies, love & strength.

The Arizona Reception

What a wonderful night. Everything turned out perfectly. Guests started to arrive 20 minutes before our start time and stayed for a half-hour after it was over. The room was packed all night, and it was great to see such a show of love and support. Many people also helped with the food and decorating preparations, which was truly appreciated. Thank you! Thank you! ThankYou! I will add more to this post, as more photos come in.

(ABOVE) Joslin, with a lot of help from Aunt Stacy, made a beautiful guest book for Tommy & Jill.

(BELOW) Arizona Family.

(ABOVE) New Mexico Family