تولدت مبارک [Happy Birthday]

Today it is Johnny's Birthday, he is officially one quarter of a century. Leading up to today I've been pondering what makes Johnny special (Many things do, but the very top of the list), and I concluded that there are very few people in this world as determined to succeed as he is, not only succeed career-wise but to succeed by setting and completing goals and dreams. A perfect example: Johnny, while completing finals for his undergraduate degree, one week after having our first child, working (two jobs), doing a freelance project for the National Defense University, and completing an internship with USAID--not to mention training for a triathlon--decided to start teaching himself Farsi. While biking to and from school, cuddling Henry, and making us dinner he would listen to and repeat Farsi terms. Most people would find that list of demands far too overwhelming but Johnny is the type of person that RUNS after his goals, he does not sit back complacently. He seeks to make this life the very best it can be. I and many others have both benefited from and been inspired by his incredible nature. 

Here's to you husband of mine--you ARE and were the very best decision I ever made. 

Goodbye Provo, Hello DC.

There is a lot to say about my time spent in Provo. I arrived here the fall of 2008, and what I then thought was the strangest place in the world, has become the place I call home. 

I could spend paragraphs and paragraphs talking about the memories and friends I had here, but for your sake, and mine, I will allow pictures to do that. 

I cannot express how grateful I am that I chose to come here. The people I have met and shared these years with are a large part of who I am today. Without them, I likely would not have found Johnny, and definitely would not have had Henry. I have loved growing up and growing together here, and will always hold Provo and Brigham Young University as a very special place in my heart.