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!

Christmas and Other Stuff

First Plane Ride!

Uncle Casey and Addie; the nieces sure love their uncle!

Temple Square! Part of our Delta Adventure :-D

Chubby Riley Legs! :-D

Lounging...

First Cereal! She was uncertain...

Christmas this year was both fun and eventful!!! :-D We had some travel issues, but we got home in time for Christmas, and got back to Rexburg just fine. It was great seeing the family, and we even got to visit SLC for a bit, and see the lights. Any blurry pics are probably my doing :-D Love you all!

To Uncle Casey

Sometimes she likes to pretend to be Roman.
Hobbes, her faithful companion






Hi!

I recognize that I haven't posted much; truth be told, it's not even because I'm busy, or even lazy. I just hate getting one comment per post-that-takes-up-time-and-energy-to-make. But as I was reminded, not all of my siblings have facebook, and can see the pictures that David and I put up every now and then. Therefore, this blog is dedicated to my big brother, Casey.

Dear Casey;

Hi! We miss you a ton here, and can't wait to see you at Christmas! I think Riley especially is excited; because you haven't met yet, I like to tell her about her Uncle Casey, and how he'll have to teach her cool things like math, soccer, and how to flip an omelet. She can't talk yet (just makes funny little noises, so we know she's trying!), but I can tell she can't wait. So you'll recognize her when you see her: so far, Riley has dark hair, but you can see hints of red every now and then. She has big blue-green eyes with long lashes, and she smiles, but only when she wants to, and on her own terms. Riley is growing like crazy--she's around 12-14 lbs, and close to 27 inches long.

When you come home, you'll have to play with her. She's learning how to stand (usually on her dad), and she loves it when you make faces at her. David has recently started teaching her how to stick out her tongue--it's hilarious! Because she already is showing a VERY strong personality, we decided she needed a good companion; enter, Hobbes. Hobbes is her Tiger. He is currently the only toy she plays with; I feel for her kindergarten teacher.

David and I are both well; David is working a ton lately, and we both start school in January. We have three semesters left each, and then I student teach, and he goes on to whatever schooling he decides to go on to. We're both extremely excited to be done! But in the meantime, we like to cook a lot and watch movies--Robin Hood has been our favorite so far, but we also liked Prince of Persia and the A-Team. I keep trying different recipes; I'll send you some of the ones that have turned out well!

I've put up some pictures so you can see your niece! Casey, we love you so much--I hope everything is going well for you. I can't wait to see you;

Love,

Abby, David, and Riley

P.S.--I tried making potato gnocchi again; epic fail. One day, we will succeed!

Life in General

President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk entitled "Joy in the Journey" in which he said "I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistant future when you have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey--now".

Every night before bed I like to ask my husband what his "joy in the journey" was for that day. It started out as kind of a silly thing, but now I really look forward to the answer. Sometimes he's really tired and his answer makes no sense, but I still love him :-). Especially now, we have a lot of joy in our lives--here's some of mine:

--Riley. She has to be first because watching her each day is my joy. She's getting so chubby and beautiful, and I swear she's getting smarter every day. Being a mom has helped me to see that sometimes the grossest things--poopy diapers and big burps--can be considered joy. I love watching her grow and figure things out.

--David. Now that he's working full time I don't get to see him often, so that makes mornings, lunchtime, and afterwork extra special. We try to make the most of those times, which means my morning, lunch hour, and afterwork time are great! He makes me happier than I ever imagined; I love spending as much time with him as possible. David is such a great husband and father; I couldn't ask for anything better.

--Cooking and Cleaning. Call me old fashioned, but I love making my house neat and tidy, and having food on the table for my honey when he comes home. I was really worried about giving up working fulltime when Riley came, but now, having worked fulltime, it's kind of nice to just clean house and make meals like I couldn't before.

--Walks. We like to go for walks! Sometimes it's too stormy (those generally end up being movie nights), but there is nothing more fun than going for a nice walk outside in the sunshine.

--My ward. So, our ward is really intense. REALLY. But I really don't mind--I'm starting to like it! One of my joys each day are the sweet relief society women who stop by with meals, or just to say hi. I've enjoyed getting to know many of the people in the ward; they are such good people! I'm excited to have the opportunity to serve and make new friends here.

--My family. I think I've talked more to my family in the past couple weeks than I have in a while. Just chatting with them has been one of my joys in the journey. I love hearing about their lives and their kids, what they're doing, and how everything is going (hint, hint...). It reminds me how grateful I am to have such a good family.

Those are just a few of the things that bring me joy every day--they aren't something I have to wait for "someday"; they're things that happen EVERY day. So what's your joy in the journey?

I love you all!

More Pics!