We the Wii

In the MPA program we are placed into teams.  Each class is team based, and together we work towards good experiences and good grades.  The purpose of this structure is to prepare us to work in teams in a professional setting, and as such the program almost fabricates stressful situations for us to practice interpersonal skills. The faculty forewarn us of the difficulty of working with other personalities. Needless to say, I was duly worried.

But I needn't have worried! I was blessed beyond imagination.  I was placed on a team with INCREDIBLE people who I have so much to learn from.  We became immediate friends and worked well together.  Apart from school, we love each other and are invested in each other's lives.  We didn't learn as much as the professors probably intended - we just enjoyed being together.  The best part of my master's education is my association with fabulous people.

We the Wii:

Teren Taniuchi 

Allyson Robison

Christa Keele Cotterell

Alisa Hardy Orton

Jared Kelson

Delphine Bize Brown

Intramurals

Taylor's Senior year of college included lots of what he loves best - Intramurals.  He played men's soccer, coed soccer, basketball, and flag football.  And I watched a lot of sports.

Research Team

Sainsbury Cousins

MPAers

He captained yet another season of his annual Sainsbury Cousin's Flag Football team, played with Louisa and Tyler Orton on a coed Soccer team, played on the MPA boy's basketball team (I love when my husband gets to know my classmates), and played soccer with his Lab Research Team.  They were the most fun to watch, and not just because the games were indoors.  I loved watching all these nerdy kids, including his research professor, take soccer so seriously and work as a team.

And the nerdiness payed off!  After five years playing BYU Intramural sports, Taylor and the Lab Research Team won the soccer intramurals.  I hope our children will be proud - it doesn't make me think my handsome husband is any cooler.  I always knew he was a stud.

At This Moment

Dear Baby, 

Before I jump into remembering the last several months, I want to focus on this moment.  As silly as it seems, Baby, you are our past, present, and future.  It's no secret that you were a surprise, and we are nervous (me more so than your Dad).  I thought I had life figured out, and I was very happy with where I was and where I was going.  You have rocked my world, and given me a new perspective.  

Now, it seems that my entire past - joined with  your dad's - had the purpose of preparing us for you.  Our education, our missions, our spiritual experiences, our love story, our family traditions, our patriarchal blessings, our personal progress - it all seems that these things were less for ourselves and more to prepare us to be good parents for you.

Our present is wrapped up in you.  My body has never been so sore, our bank accounts so empty, Taylor's career goals so important, as NOW when we are thinking about you.  We mark the hours by your kicks and movements.  I eat thinking about what you may want.  Taylor took me maternity clothes shopping yesterday.  You even dictate my wardrobe!  Every moment revolves around you.

And you are our future.  We don't make any plans now, without thinking about how you fit into them.  Our goals have adjusted.  The promise of a future eternal family is more relevant.  Our lives will never be the same.

I feel like I already know you a little.  I am excited to continue to get to know you.  I was in the temple a couple of weeks ago, asking my Heavenly Father why you are coming now, when I feel so unprepared, and how we could be good parents to you.  I was asking lots of questions, and I had a very clear impression that it is just not all about me.  I felt your little spirit tell me that even though I may not be ready, you are, and you are anxious and excited to come to this world and join our family.  I felt you assure me that you want us for parents, and that you will be patient as we learn together.  I feel that you are sweet, and brave, and patient, and noble.  I feel inadequate but honored to be your mother.

You are joining a family who loves you.  You have grandparents and great-grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and friends who can't wait for you to be here.  You will be loved til you can't stand it.

And know that your Dad and I love each other very much.  You are the product of love and commitment and service.  We are excited to grow together.

Love, 

Alisa

The Revival

It has now been more than 5 months since I have written in this blog.  Five months of our lives undocumented!  And so much has happened.  It is overwhelming to think about recording all the happenings, lessons learned, and blessings of the last five months.

Taylor and I kind of disappeared this last summer. We all but checkout out of email, facebook, social media, and cell phones for a couple months while we hibernated at the LaPorte Cabin.  As irresponsible as that may seem, it was lovely.  It was wonderful to get away with the man who is my entire life, and reevaluate where our lives together are going.  Because they are changing!

My goal is to succinctly recap the last several months in chronological order, more for my benefit than for anyone else's.  We have been too blessed to forget.

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