My First Rant

I am not generally a controversial person (mom is probably laughing right now). I do not generally rant. So today I feel somewhat justified in expressing a few feelings.

Stop comparing kids.

I have enjoyed, for the most part, my time in Rexburg. I like my ward, have a few friends, and am finishing my schooling within the next year. However, it seems to me that Rexburg (and I could probably say, any area with young parents) has a flaw (besides its winters)--every new parent, or newlywed, or single-person-who-obviously-knows-how-to-raise-a-child-better-than-you feels the need to give you advice, or compare your child with another child. Sometimes I feel like we're comparing pogs or baseball cards; what weight your child is, when they got teeth, how soon they walked--any statistic can be utilized. I fear saying anything about my child because I KNOW I will end up hearing "well, my child walked when she was 6 months old, but don't worry, your child will figure it out eventually". Congrats--your child is a freaking ANOMALY. Or better yet, the "are you a good parent who is giving your child every option in life" conversation. There is a fairly good chance that my children will grow up eating hot dog casserole and fish stick sandwiches on white bread. Sometimes, I don't serve vegetables AT ALL. It's because I hate green beans. Occasionally, I let my child watch Scooby Doo, because it keeps her entertained, and is most likely rotting her brain. She may never wear shoes in the Summer (or Spring, Winter, or Fall), and will wear plenty of hand-me-downs (thank you, sister and sister-in-laws!). Despite all of this, I get the distinct feeling that my kid will turn out just fine. And I'm ok with that. Here are some pictures of my kid eating goldfish crackers. Because they are good.

Things to think about

I recognize that my normal posts consist mainly of pictures and a quick paragraph about how life is good; however, I have recently had some other thoughts on my mind that I'd like to expound on (David calls this "questing"). For one of my classes I read the talk "Now is the Time", by President Monson. In it he states: "because life is fragile and death is inevitable, we must make the most of each day". Death is not something I enjoy thinking about; for a while, nothing frightened me more. I am grateful for the Gospel, which helps me to recognize that death is not the end-all--merely another necessary step in our eternal progression. We recognize that we will one day live again through the power of the Atonement. While these thoughts bring me comfort, I also recognize that we don't know the who or the when. There is no way to really know when someone is going to pass away, or who that person may be. Because life is fragile and death is inevitable, we must make the most of each day. We must find joy in the journey. We must remember to tell those we love that we love them--help them to know. We must not take people for granted.

So today let someone know you love them; do something to bring joy to your life, and to the lives of those around you; look up someone you've forgotten in the rush of life and have a conversation; don't wish for tomorrow today--in the words of Harold Hill: "you pile up enough tomorrows, and you will find that you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering". These are pretty great ideas to read or to hear about, but putting them into action is what makes them truly have meaning. I love you all--don't forget it.

6 Months and Counting!

Not even kidding, this is what Riley looks like when football is on; we tried giving her toys and she just ignored them.

Today my little girl is six months old! It's amazing how time flies; Riley has grown up so much!! She loves to stand and play in her bouncy (sadly, that means her chunky legs are thinning out), and she smiles and giggles all the time. Our favorite new trick: she growls! We always growl at her because it makes her smile; then one day she growled back! Imagine how surprised we were! She's learning what foods she likes--she doesn't eat much, just rice cereal mixed with some fruity stuffs, but so far she hates pear, tolerates apple, and loves banana. Even when she's being a grump, she's a pretty easy kid to have.

The past six months have been a learning experience for David and I! With David beginning a new job, and school starting for both of us, we're learning how to be parents and juggle everything. While it is sometimes crazy, neither of us would change a thing--life really is good! We love our little Riley-girl a ton, and being parents is the greatest. We wouldn't have it any other way!