The Texture Of Our Lives

We spent time at the Oregon State Capitol yesterday where Chris was sworn in for his second term as a State Senator.

Simon's favorite part was not that he got to miss school for the day, but that he got to sit with his Dad at his seat on the floor of the Senate.

His first experience at the Capitol was on Chris' first filing day in 2006. Look at these guys:

I think about that first experience any time we head back to the Capitol. I think about the photos, the newness of it all, the enthusiasm, and the excitement. All those things are still there today in one way or another.

I like that these adventures are a part of Simon's childhood. I like we've always taken him along and included him in the process and that he's been exposed to the rich history and tradition of our state at an early age. I also like that each time we visit it becomes another layer of experience in the story of his life.

In his speech to the Senate yesterday Senate President Peter Courtney's theme was about the little things. Simon's received so many little kindnesses from other elected officials and staffers each time he's been in the building or attended an event: handshakes, hugs, Star Wars toys, candy, and even taking him up on a game of chase. It's been so, so special to simply be watching these kindnesses in action. Yesterday he was given a pin, very similar to the state pin that Chris wears, by Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli. A little thing that he simply loved.

Here's the four of us yesterday, almost five years after that first trip to the Capitol:

Katie, our fantastic babysitter, came along this year. She and I tag-teamed Anna and Simon while Chris was doing what he was supposed to be doing.

Anna and I spent time walking around the Capitol during the ceremonies (going up and down the big stairs, checking out Daddy's office, riding the elevator). She was able to sit in on the ceremony for a bit but really wanted to yell "guys" one too many times when she saw the color guard and the state troopers. No crying, just wanting to talk.

Simon rocked the whole experience pure and simple. That included getting really excited to see some of his favorite friends at "Daddy's office" like Brian and Sarah. His main disappointment was that Anna and I didn't sit through the whole ceremony (read the sentence about "guys" above) and that some of the singing took too long.

His happiness for life was really sparkling yesterday.

After the festivities we had lunch at Wild Pear and then headed for home.


I would be remiss to post anything about political life without saying how sad we were to hear about the violence in Arizona this past weekend. Our hearts go out to all those who were injured and to the families of those who were killed. Actually my heart really hurts about it all. The violence is scary. It's real. It's not a game. And in this case it was just way too close to home.

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75 thoughts

  1. Tamara says…
    01/11/2011

    so interesting to read about this part of your life! what a beautiful recount of a wonderful day...and a very thoughtful recognition of the arizona violence...so sad and upsetting.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. kelly says…
    01/11/2011

    i had no idea...how very exciting. congratulations to the whole family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Karen M. says…
    01/11/2011

    Thank you for sharing your amazing family day. We have always been heavily involved in community service projects - and they were right there working with us the whole time. Those experiences fostered a sense of public service in both of them and one is a special education teacher and the other one is a soldier. You reap what you sow I guess.

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  4. Marina Chiaradia Mendes says…
    01/11/2011

    Congratulations to your whole family, great to see you all in such great position. God bless you! Love from a flooded city in Brazil.

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  5. young c-m says…
    01/11/2011

    It's so great that work can also be a family event at times. Praying for safety for those that serve our government, here and abroad.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Shelley says…
    01/11/2011

    "His happiness for life was really sparkling." What a beautiful sentence, Ali. Thanks for sharing your storytelling gift.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. BARB T says…
    01/11/2011

    I too loved hearing another story of what makes your family tapestry. Your family is lovely and very precious. May we all hold not only those who are a part of our country's politics, but every American who might just be in the wrong place at the wrong time, in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Elizabeth H. says…
    01/11/2011

    As a working mom in a very male-dominated career path, it's a relief to see that progress is being made as far as work-life balance as it relates to family. I never knew what my dad did at his job (I still don't!) and I think it's important for our children to be a part of what we spend 40+ hours a week doing. After all, I'm at work longer on the weekdays than the amount of time I'm able to spend with my daughter. I am currently working in a group of individuals who value family as much as I do (the men included) and it makes my job so much easier and make me more willing to work harder knowing that I don't have to cut them out to do my job well.

    OK, off my soapbox, but your post today gave me all kinds of happy feelings. The tragedy in Arizona is even more reason why we need to show our love and appreciation for our families because that's who we have to hold us together during the worst of times...

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  9. Ruth says…
    01/11/2011

    I'm another who is praying for the innocents caught up in the hideous violence in Arizona.

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  10. Angie Hall says…
    01/11/2011

    I am sure you're proud of the way your little man finesses all this. I know what you mean about the "guys!" thing. A few years ago, when my son was five, he met President Bush. I had been training him for weeks not to blurt out his overwhelming desire to go to Chuck E Cheese's rather than wait in a long line to meet someone whom we hadn't exactly voted for. Malcolm was able to hold it all together that day, thank goodness. Thank goodness for little things like Mommy's signal (the index finger pressed over closed lips) that says, "please, hush, baby."

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Emily M. says…
    01/11/2011

    Simon's face seems to have pride written all over it. As well it should!

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Dawn says…
    01/11/2011

    Ali- I really just started following your blog a bit ago - so I had no clue what went on in your life outside of a class I have taken here and there.... My heart goes out to you, the crimes are real (my husband is a police officer, I can relate to the close to home comments). Funny how we press on and hold strong in front of the children, life continues... I wish your husband a successful year in the Senate. Your children all look so proud - even your youngest to feel so comfortable and think of it as just daddy's work...and runn around... like it is just the average normal corporate office and not the government building - how cute!!

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  13. Cindy Peterson says…
    01/11/2011

    We here in Tucson are hurting. Please pray for us - and our nation. I really do not want anything that happed on Saturday to give ammunition to this ridiculous partisan political fiasco that continues to ferment in our nation like the garbage it is.

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. tania smith says…
    01/11/2011

    Dear God,
    I ask that you bless the Edwards family with your peace today. Please comfort those families and friends that have had their lives changed. Send your comfort, please send your healing. Please let the Edwards family know you love them and have your hand on them. In Jesus name, Amen

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. alexa says…
    01/11/2011

    How wonderful for Simon to have these layers of memories of being at home in such an august and important place...

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Stefanie says…
    01/11/2011

    What a beautiful story. I so enjoy reading your blog with all your family adventures. And, this was an adventure for sure. Congratulations to Chris and to you and I'd like to say thank you for your service.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Nancy says…
    01/11/2011

    I love reading your stories and also love when I can totally picture where you are even though I live in Minnesota! My daughter attends college right across the street from the Oregon capitol building and we too enjoy lunch at the Wild Pear.

    It's great to get a personal perspective of a State Senator's "office" and swearing in ceremony. Thanks for sharing with us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. jen shears says…
    01/11/2011

    Congrats on starting a second term- to your FAMILY, as I know it is a job for all of you... Thank you for your service.
    I love the details you've given- so clear & descriptive- and happy.
    The tragedy in AZ is so startling- still don't have words for that.....

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. crissy armstrong says…
    01/11/2011

    congrats edwards family! :) you may have a future politician on your hands. :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Shelly K says…
    01/11/2011

    Fun day for the Edwards! I remember your first post about the senate....look at the gray that has entered into Chris's life...I'm sure it's the job! :)
    Hugs!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Erin says…
    01/11/2011

    My dad was a state representative when I was just about Simon's age. I vividly remember our times at the capital, and it most definitely leaves an impact on who you are and how you take part in our country.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. madeline St onge says…
    01/11/2011

    Thanks for sharing your day with us Ali.
    That incident in AZ was totally scary and it does hurt me too.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Kate Burroughs says…
    01/11/2011

    I am really praying that the deaths in Arizona will make this country rethink what it means to have a difference of opinion and how we can state our wants and needs without the need to kill people over it. Admittedly the shooter sounds like he was mentally ill but how much did the vitrolic comments made by others push this person over the edge? I would like to see civil and respectful discourse become the norm, not what we have now.
    Aloha, Kate

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  24. Melissa says…
    01/11/2011

    It's so great that you're including your kids in these types of events Ali. My grandfather was a Senator in Washington State and I was able to experience many similar things as a child. They are memories that I hold very dearly and that had a great impact on who I became as an adult.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Kelli says…
    01/11/2011

    GUYS!

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