Happy #1 Owen!

Owen, I hope you know that even though you are far, we are all thinking of you on this special day of yours. You are the big 1!

We hope you are having a fabulous time on this one-year-old day, that your parents are giving you lots of attention, and you'd better get to eat as much cake as you want.

I wish we could be there to see it! We love you Owen and wish you the happiest birthday a one-year-old could ever have!

(I always think of the mother on a baby's 1st birthday because it is the year mark from carrying your sweet baby. Talai, one year ago you brought life to this sweet little boy and one year ago your life was changed forever. May his life continue to brighten yours for many more birthdays to come!)

My Election Night in Washington DC

Election night, something that I had been looking forward to for the past two years. I spent the evening at one of my friend's home down in Pentagon City. We ordered pizza and watched all of the new channels at once, literally. My friend had a huge projector screen and we were able to segment each news channel on the huge screen so that we could watch CNN, FOX, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, and many other major news sources, including Comedy Central. Unfortunately I missed the actual moment when Obama was crowned the winner because I had fallen asleep and awoke only to hear McCain concede and then we hitched a ride to the metro, which is where my election night really began.

As we were sitting on the train, a bunch of students flooded the train chanting "Obama, Obama, Obama," and "Yes We Can". It was pretty cool to see everyone so charged up. When we jumped off the metro we saw hundreds of people running as fast as they could for the White House and I couldn't but help but run with them. We ran and chanted, sang, and danced in the middle of Washington DC. Cars were honking, many had pots and pans, other were shaking champagne all over, others were break dancing. When we finally reached the White House we saw thousands and thousands of people running around crazed over the elected president, Mr. Obama. I grabbed my friend Ashley and hoisted her on my shoulders so that that she could snap pictures and videos for me. I am not sure if I will ever see more people that energized over one person, it was amazing to watch and experience. It was a very memorable night for me and for many, many more.

P.S.- My hat goes off to Mr. Obama for chasing his dream and making it happen--it shows that the American dream is alive and well and can be fulfilled if one just believes and works hard enough.

Peeps, Places, and Passions

As I was running back to my apartment near Georgetown from an early morning food market, I was feeling a little selfish... I always do when I feel like I have had some amazing experiences or discovered a place or person that helps me to grow in my knowledge and understanding. So, to help shake my selfishness here is a list of experiences, people, and places that have really shaped my experience here in Washington, DC.

--Going to the Court of Appeals, or the second most powerful court of the land, and meeting with Chief Judge Griffith

--Running along the lit up memorials in the national mall

--Eating pancakes at Eastern Market with friends from the Barlow and DC 2nd

--Learning from my supervisors, Steve Richards and Jozsef Szmaolvi (I’m not sure if I spelt that right—in fact I’m sure I misspelled his name) and people that my supervisors have introduced me to

--Learning about clean energy technology and clean energy programs

--Sitting down with people who are passionate about politics and foreign policy

--Taking running tours of Washington DC

--Interviewing professional lawyers, executives, chairman of different organizations, company executives, and graduate students

--Traveling the Eastern seaboard

--Eating at and enjoying Georgetown

--Having time to plan for post graduation

--Reduced load of homework and assigned reading so that I can work on projects and read books that I choose to read

--The opportunity to meet and talk to new people almost every second of the day

--Starting brand new… new city, new people, new ward, new work place… it’s a beautiful thing to start over again, it has pushed me to lengthen my stride

--Solidifying some of my political views

--Choosing the path of my passions

--Room to breathe and dream again

forgive the short details, but if you're interested in learning more about some of these experiences then please give me a call!

my morning

Jon's out hunting for the weekend with his Dad and brothers. I admit I was a bit saddened about him being gone all Friday night and Saturday but once I made my mind up to make the most of my time alone with the kiddos, I've been fine.

I rented "Tarzan" for the girls last night (they've never seen it - what a shame!) and we ate porporn and enjoyed the movie. They went to bed very well for me and by 9:30 I had the night to myself. I watched "Baby Mama", another film I hadn't seen, and enjoyed being snuggled up in my doubled fleece blanket on the couch (minus the annoying remarks from my husband about what a chick flick the movie was). Quite nice actually.

At about 3:00 this morning, I welcomed a warm visitor into my bed. Eliza never does this, but I didn't complain. To be honest I needed the comfort as well as she did because I was hearing noises throughout the house. She snuggled in next to me and I was glad for the extra warmth.

This morning I opened my eyes to Sydney's face about 2 centimeters from my face. It must have been her raspy breathing that woke me. I looked at my watch. Hmmm, 8:30. Good time to wake up.


I decided to make bran muffins. While I stirred and measured, Sydney enjoyed a bowl of Corn Pops. In her words, "Mommy, I want Corn Maze cereal" (must be the corn maze we went through last week). Cute.


Eliza slumbered out of bed. I loved her wobbly walk as she made it to the kitchen barstool. Her choice of cereal: Frosted Mini Wheats, minus the milk-she likes it on the side. By then my muffins were out of the oven. Hmmm . . . they smelled heavenly and remind me of my mother-in-law (only they're better when she makes them). Eliza pushed her bowl of dry cereal away and asked, "Mommy, can I have one of those?". Pleased the she wanted one of the muffins, I buttered one up and she ate the whole thing. I ate one too. Actually, I ate 2 with a glass of orange juice.

Sydney got into the pantry and lined up these things on the table. It kept her busy. She also kept talking into her arm saying, "Hello to star command, are you there?". She's been a little obsessed with "Toy Story" lately. Pretty funny. Oh, and she also asked, "Mommy, do you want a Doctor Pecker for breakfast?". Ha ha.


Meanwhile, Wesley has been sleeping and I'd better slip into the shower so I can be perfectly ready for his morning arrival.

Pleasant Surprises

I'm not sure how often my family reads my blog, so from time to time I have decided to post a few posts on our family blog. Here's my most recent entry:

Pleasant Surprises
I've come to like the term "pleasant surprises". Many surprises come to us, some welcome and others we wish had never reared their ugly head. I think we can probably name a few surprises we've all had in the last few weeks or months... as of late I have felt very fortunate, and have been pleasantly surprised numerous times since I have made my stay in Washington DC.

The Johansen's--The Johansen family encompasses my sister Talai, her husband Aaron, and their child Owen. I came out here a couple of weeks before I began my internship and was able to spend some time with the Johansens. While I was growing-up my sister and I were always pretty close, and would trade secrets from time to time, but with her marriage and move to the East Coast it has been harder to maintain the relationship we enjoyed (and maybe at times despised (since then I've grown-up a little bit)) while growing-up. Those two weeks, and the dinner outings with Talai, Aaron, and Owen has endeared a level of love and friendship I may have not have experienced otherwise. The time that I've been able to spend with them has given me a stronger love for Talai, a deeper respect for Aaron, and a heart that melts when Owen smiles at me (I'm still trying to get him to laugh for me).

My Roommate, Jim Bird--I didn't really think much about who I was going to room with, mostly because I feel like I'm so laid back and can get along with anyone, but when I learned that Jim is a journal writer, scripture reader, fashionable dresser, hip-hop lover, country lover, and ladies man I knew that I was in for a great semester.

The City--I've visited a lot of cities, but I have never lived in one, and in the past I always said that I couldn't live in a city--living in DC has proved me wrong. I love the city. I love the arts here. I love taking the public transportation, mostly because I get to meet new people almost every day or I can dig into a book or newspaper without worrying about driving off the road, for me it's one way to unwind. I have come to love the city life so much that I am now looking for jobs in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, and San Francisco.

Honorable Mentions: Apple dumplings, Steak and cheese, Aunt Shauna and Uncle Dave, Uncle Chad and Aunt Tracy, running along the Potomac, finance, the humidity, watching couples walk hand in hand on the river trail, updates on the BYU game from Tanille, and sharing what means the most to me with others.

Happy Birthday Colby

We can't fail to wish Colby a Happy birthday on the family blog, now could we? I (Talai) already did my own personal tribute to him on my blog and here is a snippet.

Besides my husband, I don’t know of anyone who gives hugs as great as Colby. As soon as he sees you he picks you up in a big bear hug as though he has not seen you in years (and because we live so far away from each other sometimes it feels this way…sigh). He smiles from ear to ear probably about 90% of the time, only stopping to sleep. Growing up he often replied to questions like, “Colbers, how’s it goin?” by saying, “sweeeeet” or, “yaaaaaaa,” and all other questions were answered with, “right on,” and, “you know it!”

After Colby returned from his mission he still held his laid back attitude, but he had suddenly become my brother who can turn even a dull story into something colorful or make any day into a party by dressing up in wild clothes or dancing crazily around a room. And, I can’t fail to mention that Colby's health is in, aaa humm, stellar condition (can we trade abs so I can have those six packs?)

Love you Colbers!

Another 50-miler Success!!

I was privledged this year to be able to watch Colby run to the finish of the Squaw Peak 50-miler race on Saturday, June 7th. I had heard about my Dad and brothers running this race last year, but now I am a witness to the insanity they go through to prove themselves tough as iron. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see Caleb, Dallan, and Dad come in but it sure was thrilling to see Colby burst (and I seriously mean BURST) with energy to the finish line. I don't know how he had so much energy at the end of 50 miles, but on the other hand, when does Colby not have enough energy to do anything? Congrats to my bros and Dad!! You may have convinced me that it's something I might want to try next year . . . no promieses but we'll see.

Track

So what I have been up too during school is track. It has been so much fun. Everyday i would spend my day after school at track practice and meets. It has taken up a lot of my time but it was well worth it, I have enjoyed it so much. The events I did were the 100 meter sprint, which I need to work on, I am not that fast, and long jump, which is my favorite. I have been working on long jump more and it is so fun. I set a goal for me to jump 12 feet. At region on my very last jump I met my goal by jumping 12 feet 1 in. I was so happy. We have traveled many the St. George and Cider City for meets which have been so fun. I know these pictures are not of my doing an event, but its still fun to hang out with friends and watch other run their races. Now that school is over track is too. I am kinda sad but cant wait till next years track.

mess

So as I was thinking about what I could post about, I thought this would be fun. It has been so fun to have Jon, Jami, and the girls back. I love playing with Eliza and Sydney. Well on Sunday they had too much fun playing with the boys and mad a huge mess. Eliza and Sydney took all the books off the shelve and took all the toys out of the toy room and threw them everywhere. It was quite a mess. All I have to say is that I like the noise, its not quiet anymore around here!

Thoughts on Reading Blog Posts

Awe… there’s nothing quite like reading a good blog post! During the past few months , I have discovered Jami and Talai’s blog pages and I have very much enjoyed reading their posts! The only thing is….. I don’t know what to write about for my first post as a blogger. I’ve been a reader not a writer of blogs…this blogging is uncharted terrain for me! So since I'm in a creative writing mood, I think for my first post I will make an attempt at writing creatively about reading Jami and Talai’s blogs.

In our day to day routines we sometimes come across moments that seem to take us to places outside of ourselves. These moments seem to be like what a lunar experience would be when an astronaut's movements are slow and gracefull when walking on the surface of the moon. In the midst of these moments time seems to slow down and waits patiently for us to be taught things that can only be understood in these unique moments. These are paradoxical moments in our lives and these moments can come to us by way of smell, sound, sight, taste and touch.

There are moments, when reading Jami and Talai’s blogs, when it's like encountering a particular fragrance that has the power to awaken special memories that once were.

Reading about Eliza, Sydney, and Owen in Jami and Talai's blogs is like hearing the beckoning laughter of children at a nearby playground.

Reading about the family activities Jami and Talai write about is like the warmth of a camp fire that creates a mood of love for the important things in life.

Reading Jami and Talai’s blogs about how things work out, when there are ups and downs, is like being filled with feelings of awe and wonder while watching a South Pacific sunset with its glowing shades of crimson.

Reading Jami and Talai’s stories are like feelings of gratitude that come when feeling and tasting clear, crystal, clean, cold water go down your throat on a hot summer's day.

Reading Jami and Talai’s blogs is like the enveloping, reverent, calmness of feeling the weightlessness of a new born infant in your arms.

These examples of paradoxical moments are describing the moments that Jami and Talai have shared with us via blog form. It’s not the blog post by itself that make reading blogs enjoyable, but it’s the people—the members of our family—that makes reading these blogs enjoyable.

There may be moments in our lives, when in loneliness, we metaphorically come upon the sounds of chit-chat and laughter wafting from a well-lighted mountain cottage at dusk. When experiencing real equivalent moments in life, our curiosity and loneliness may cause us to have a strong longing to be inside that cottage—Jami and Talai’s blog posts have given us a sense of being inside that lofty mountain cottage. Thanks Jami and Talai for sharing your day to day lives with us by allowing us to read your blogs.

Christ: Real Power vs. True Power

For the past few months I've been writing in my journal about how I have seen the hand of God in my life and because of those entries my journal has become one of my most treasured possessions:

4.15.08
Valerie Hudson, my professor for National Security Affairs, began talking about real power. She mentioned that during Christ's time real power was shown when the Romans captured Christ, whipped him, placed a crown of thorns on his head and then crucified him. The Jews and Romans saw the Roman magistrates real power and began to believe that Jesus wasn't the Christ. What the Jews and Romans didn't see was the true power that Christ had. Christ humbly laid down his life - he completely submitted to God's will and he completed the atonement - the most powerful blessing in our personal lives. On that day Christ had true power. My hope is that I can shake off the effects of real power and through the atonement of Christ be a partaker of true power. Today I saw the hand of God in my life through a professor that helped me remember who I am and why I came to this earth.

Talai's Tributary on My Parkinson's Information

Being real is part of having Parkinson’s disease, at least that’s what I believe. If every person with Parkinson’s disease ran around saying everything was rosy then they would be robbing themselves and others of phenomenal learning experiences. I’ll never forget the suffering that existed in my family when my grandma slowly but surely faded into the next life. It was a difficult time, but it was a very important time as well. I saw my family become much closer and we seemed to enjoy our time together much more. Although my grandma’s passing was difficult it was an important growing and learning opportunity for my family.

Opposition and trials are very important for our personal growth, as we find strength during the hard times in life we learn to appreciate the more important things in life. I think we can all name some things in our life that were absolutely difficult, but I’m guessing they are some of the greatest experiences in our life. When I’m talking to some of my friends about these experiences I can talk their ear off about how much I’ve grown and learned because of those difficult times.

I’ve come to learn that one of the greatest ways to overcome the difficult times in our lives is through friends. One of the hardest things for me is admitting that I am having a hard time and that I just need somebody to talk to (wow, I’m surprised how difficult for me that was to write)–I’m guessing that it’s the same way for others. It’s so important to have a friend that can pull you aside from the everyday crowd, look you in the eyes, and ask you how you are really doing. I read a quote about a year ago that has had a profound effect upon me ever since.

“A friend is one to whom you can pour out the contents of your heart, chaff and grain alike. Knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.” -Anonymous

I’ve also learned that in order to have those kind of friends you have to be that kind of a friend. I think I first learned the importance of being a friend when I attended middle school with my older sister. My sister was a pretty popular girl and I remember trying to figure out why she was so popular, was it because she was gorgeous or had an amazing smile? I’m sure that helped, but I think the thing that made people want to be around her was how friendly she was (in fact she was voted “Friendliest” in middle school). I loved watching her interact with friends and strangers alike, she just treated them the same way smiling, laughing, and hugging them. She helped me understand how I can be a better friend.

I think I’ve rambled a little bit, but I simply wanted to point out the importance of being real by embracing and working through real hard times, letting yourself (and others) really grow, and having/being a real friend.

www.myparkinsonsinformation.com

Pay Day

This Sunday is my first mother's day where I am actually a mother. Just today I wrote a post on what a hard day it has been being mom. Owen slept through the night really early on, but lately he has been waking up about an hour after we put him down screaming. I don't know if teeth are coming in or what, but naps aren't going much better. We were on such a great roll and all of the sudden he decided he didn't need two naps a day.

So, tonight, with red rimmed eyes, I decided to lay him on his tummy so he could have a little tummy time and just like that he rolled over. I was so thrilled at his accomplishment and he just looked at me like, "Mom, I could do it all along, I just didn't feel like it." Maybe he knew I needed it tonight.

Thus far, I have reached the conclusion that one of the hardest parts about being a mom is that most days you don't get too much of a confirmation you are doing anything that counts, but right when you think you are at your wits end, you get a pay day that counts.

Tribute to Great Son in Laws

We have always considered ourselves lucky that our daughters married such fine young men. They have certainly lived up to Craig's pre marriage qualification interviews including the 3-P's--Provide, Protect, and Preside. They have been ambitious in their careers, kind and loving to their wives and children, and are honorable priesthood holders. We are very proud of them.

And at this time, we are very proud of Jon, who will graduate from Dental School, with high honors. We are deeply sad that we cannot be there to share in their celebration of this great event, but hope that they know we will be thinking of them. We hope to be able to celebrate when they return to be with us in Utah.

So Congratulations Jon and Jami--we hope you have a wonderful graduation day/

Tribute to Mom!

Lately I've been thinking about motherhood and how it's so much more than just being pregnant, giving birth, naming your child, and calling the child your own. Motherhood is such an emotional, physical, and spiritual journey. As I've been pondering some thoughts on this subject, my mind always wanders to our dear sweet Mother--the one who carried us for 9 months (8 months for Dallan), somehow pushed us out of her small body (without pain killers with Talai), named each of us (Tanner was nameless for a while), and called us her own.

Now, we all know that Mom didn't stop there. She has spent ALL her life devoted to us--her 8 children. She cleaned, cooked, washed our clothes, bathed us, did the girl's hair, made us clothes (I'm still amazed every time I look at holiday pictures where we're all matching and us girls have our hair done perfectly), planned FHE, carried out family prayer and scripture study, drove us around everywhere, helped plan awesome family vacations, canned food storage (I can still smell the tomatoes cooking), did (and does) a paper route to pay for soccer teams and dance classes, did her church calling, supported Dad in his church duties and career, moved out of and across the country, and, for the sake of younger me, she always made the perfect lettuce and mayo sandwiches. And all the while, she's always stayed beautiful--inside and out.

So, since Mother's Day is coming up, here's to you Mom! Hip Hip Hooray for all you did and still do for us. We love and appreciate you! (Don't worry Dad--your tribute will come shortly)

Just the other week, Mom sent us this awesome children's book called "Knuffle Bunny". It's about a little girl named Trixie that loses her stuffed animal at the laundromat. Sydney can quote the whole book by herself. Thanks Mom for always thinking of us in WV and for sharing your joy of books with my children.

What has Mom done for you lately? (please share)

Happy Birthday Kaiters!

The great thing about having such a big family is there is almost always a reason to celebrate and this Tuesday is no exception: it is our little Kaiters B-Day! Although I don't think I can really call her "little" anymore even though I clearly remember poofing up her bangs when she was 2. Kaitlyn you are such a beautiful girl and I am so lucky to be your sister. Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb's big Birthday is this Sunday and I am totally aware that I am awful at remembering birthdays. If I do remember to send a card it is usually several weeks late. So, I write this as a reminder to anyone who wishes to send our motivated and inovational brother Caleb some well wishes this coming birthday (maybe a wish that this year will bring romance and a reason for me to come out to Utah and see a temple wedding???)

Anyway, Happy Birthday Brother! I love you!

The "real" Beast!

Well, Mom and Dad added the black beast to their home. I just want them to know that the next beast will be ME!! Just look at my big belly! This little boy is growing like mad and I'm scared for the size I will be when we show up in May. So I just wanted to let you know that the "real" beast is coming soon so watch out!!! (Jon tells me that I can start using my stomach as a weapon).

Ok--I'm on a roll and having fun. Maybe if I do one more post, I will remember how to do it.

Here we are in the "burban" on our way to Ogden to Jase's farwell. Everyone is having fun (well Caleb has a headache--the start of his week long delirious migraine) and Colby is acting weird as usual. But we enjoyed the meeting and seeing the family and all the good food. I took the back seat (looks like I am singing) "Over the River and Through the Woods...") Another trip to Ogden...

At the last minute, Kaitlyn had pity on a boy who hadn't been asked to Preference. Well the story is--this boy had tried out for the baseball team and the team would be gone out of town on Preference. So he had not been asked, everyone assuming he would not be able to go. Well-sad to say-he did not make the team, and now he did not have a date to Preference. So Kaitlyn came to the rescue. Once again we went looking for a dress, me saying, "I don't have time to make a dress." After looking at one store, Kaitlyn said, "Let's go and get material." Why does she do this to me?? And why do I give in?? I don't know. So for the next two days, all I did was sew and sew and sew. Well--I decided this was a wise choice of material, as she can (but will she) just change the bow to different color or put some colored netting underneath and "wa-la" she will have a new dress. Yea Right--only my wishful thinking.

The "Big Black Beast" has arrived at our home--the latest addition to the home.
It was fun to arrange pictures and books on all the shelves. And I keep looking at it wondering what I could add or change. (I already took the tree off the top) Anyway, we are enjoying it and now you have seen it on the blog that Colby helped me do. And when it is my turn to blog again, I won't remember how. Oh well--some day I will get all these technical things down.