MPA Prom and a Hairdo

I have enjoyed being a part of the Romney Institute for Public Management.   I think the largest asset of the program is the high-powered, motivated students I am able to interact with and learn from.  I love my new friends.

This past Thursday we had an end of the year social, which was given a Prom theme.  I was happy to dress up, be with my husband, and take my mind of finals.

We had good food, good company, and a good time.   But the most memorable part of the night was how my sweet husband served me before we left our house.  I came home from school with just enough time to shower and get dressed and go.  Somehow I fell asleep (its finals time).  I woke up frantic, rushed, and cranky.  I threw on a dress, put on some mascara, but then about had a mental breakdown as I tried to do my hair.  NOTHING was working out.  This seems inconsequential, and it probably is, but remember I was rushed and cranky.  I finally threw my hands up in the air, saying "thats it, I am NOT going."  My blood was boiling, but then my heart melted when Taylor, instead of rolling his eyes at my melodrama, reached for my hair to try to do it himself.  I think he is well aware that he isn't trained as a hair stylist, but this was just reflective of how he would do anything to make me happy.  He extends himself in every way to serve me.  I am so grateful for him, and for his calming presence.

 

Ally, Cindy, ShaLae, Alisa

Monsons and Ngs

Spoils of Winter

As much as I ache for Summer, I have enjoyed this past Winter. We are blessed to live in an area that offers so many fun things.   It was especially fun to ski with my sweetheart.  We love every adventure together.

Thank you, Provo #1

Every time someone asks me where I am from, I instinctively answer "Reno." I love my hometown.  However, I realized recently that Provo has become a kind of hometown to me as well.  I have lived in Provo now since 2006 - seven years, with a hiatus to Chile.  That is a significant amount of time.  Taylor and I don't really know where we will end up, or even where we will be in a couple months from now.  If we leave Provo, we will be leaving an important place in our lives.

 I want to record every so often the reasons I am grateful for Provo, as they come to me.

Thank you, Provo #1

I love being close to the Salt Lake City Temple Square, and enjoying the lights during the Christmas Season. There has been nothing so nostalgic and festive as seeing the beautiful lights over the last 24 years.

Winter 2005

Winter 2006

Winter 2008

 But nothing has been so wonderful as being able to spend the Christmas season and enjoy the beautiful lights with the love of my life.  Taylor makes everything seem a little brighter.

Winter 2012

Taylor the Baker

I married a man with many talents.  I had no idea that one of them was baking!

Last weekend I took a nap, and woke up to a newly baked homemade Apple Pie.

This touched my heart.  Not only because of the kindness of my husband (he is trying to fatten me up), but also because of the wonderful example he is for me.  He spends his life perfecting his talents, and finding new ones.  He is never afraid to try new things.  He loves to create, and care for, and give. I want to be more like Taylor Orton.

We ate pie as a family, and then my 5 cousins enjoyed another talent Taylor has: 

Playfulness

 

Aching for Summer

I have Cabin Fever.  I am so ready for the cold mornings, chilly nights, gray skies, and long pants to be over.  

All growing up, I heard people joke that my mother has seasonal depression.  It is just a joke - but I am starting to understand.  I think I am solar paneled.

Winter has a place, but that place ends in March!  Come on, Summer!

The Run

I don't love to run.

I generally don't love anything uncomfortable - I prefer to just lay by the pool.  Somehow, though, I got dragged into running the Moab Canyonlands Half my Sophomore year in college.

I did not train well, nearly died, and my uncle dragged me across the finish line.  I said, "that was a great experience.  Never again."

Somehow, I was dragged into doing the same one the following year.  It was a little more fun.  I love being with my aunt, and am amazed by all of her talents.

Somehow, I was dragged into ANOTHER last June in Provo.  This one was so fun, because I got to do it with my FAMILY!  Abigail ran us to the ground, but out goal was to finish as a family....so she literally ran circles around us as we finished.  Just as we were finishing together, my dad kicked up the pace, and ran ahead.  It was a fun race for the finish.  There was something very symbolic about finishing together as a family.

Over time, I have come to enjoy this painful pastime.  I am grateful that my Dad has found something that he can put his mind to, because it is keeping him healthy.  I love the feeling of being healthy and strong.  I love being outside, and enjoying the beautiful world.

The first time my parents met Taylor.  They about proposed to him then.

This past Christmas morning, my dad creatively gave us a gift....registration to the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon for June 22.  I did NOT respond graciously.  I don't like to run, I wouldn't have time to train in grad school, I don't want to be committed.

Well, just as with the previous runs....I am grateful to be dragged into this painful opportunity.  I am excited to get in shape, excited to accomplish something difficult, excited to be with my family, and excited to work toward something with my husband.