bubbles.

This is my niece Carrie. I got her this bubble stick for Easter, and when we were over playing all she wanted to do was play bubbles outside. It was so cute teaching her how to blow a big bubble, and see how playful she was. I love the carelessness of children, how they will enjoy something so simple, and not have a care in the world if they get dirty doing it. For example: when was the last time you saw an adult sit in the rain and let it fall on them, or splash in a puddle, or make a mud pie? Ok, maybe the mud pie is a little unnecessary, but I wish I took the time to enjoy the small things.

easter.

We took these pictures on Easter Sunday. I had heard that my aunt and uncle were dressing up their kids and taking family pictures, and I was jealous that we didn't have a little family photoshoot planned! I made Riley dress up a little, and we each wore our pastel Easter colors. Totally put the camera on a tripod with a timer, and had to run out to Riley in my heels before the shutter went off :) But it was worth it, we created a memory! Across the street we have the awesome empty field with the mountains in clear view, so I like taking pictures here when we have the opportunity.

Easter for me was inspired this year. I really enjoyed having Conference the same weekend. Is there not a better way to remember our Savior than to listen to our Prophet and leaders teaching us and testifying of Christ, and how to come closer to Him? Sometimes during religious holidays, it is hard for me to think constantly of Christ, and the purpose of the holiday; mostly because of the worldly traditions that have accumulated around the holiday. But this Easter I was so focused on Christ, on how I can better my relationship with my Father in Heaven by following His Son. I felt that Conference this year was 80% based on how we can bring the Spirit into our home more effectively. How, as parents, we need to be teaching our children, and further more what we can do today to help steer them away from the evil of this world.

That focus made me ponder about my future children, and how excited I am to have a family of our own. I am quite overwhelmed about the thought of raising a child in such a hectic unworthy world. What helps comfort me is that Riley and I both have a firm foundation in the gospel, strong testimonies, and as I strive to become more perfect, my Father in Heaven will help raise our kids. I couldn't be more positive, knowing that I have the Lord on our side.

Easter weekend was one full of inspiration. I was grateful to spend it with family, and those we care about. Easter weekend reminded me of my blessings, and how I can prepare to raise a family in Christ's gospel.

Aside from eggs, chocolate, and bubble sticks, this Easter was a spiritual reminder of where I should be in my life, and what I can improve.

I am grateful for my husband who supports me, and advises me when I am struggling. I am grateful to have a strong testimony. I am grateful for my knowledge. I am grateful for a brother who saved me, who saved the universe, and who gave us the ultimate example.

if nicki gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Last weekend Riley's mom and sister came into town for Easter and General Conference. I had never met Nicki, her husband, or her kids, so it was fun getting to finally meet the last of my husband's family! She brought fresh lemons from Arizona, so Ry and I decided to make fresh homemade lemonade! It was seriously so delicious and refreshing. And what a fun bonding activity! Mmm Mmm good.

fun in the snow.

This weekend it dumped snow for the first time in a few weeks. I love snow. It is one of the most beautiful characteristics on earth. Besides the beauty of the white perfect thick flakes, I dreaded having to be in it. It literally took me 25 minutes to make what should have been a five minute drive from the mall to my house! Friday night Mr. Riley asked what I wanted to do when he got home from work. I had been in a poor mood that afternoon, kind of un-motivated so his idea of going sledding did not interest me in the slightest. That meant effort, and getting wet. Boy I was a bore! After bringing up the idea to my friend Krysta, she decided her and her boyfriend would love to join us, so we went...Rock Canyon Park is a perfectly great place to go in case anyone is wondering. We went twice, Friday and Saturday...Saturday of which was so scary because all the snow had been packed down and turned to ice. I am blogging about this because it was such a neat bonding experience, and with how little Riley and I see each other with our schedules, these are important and precious to me. It had been a while since we'd had so much fun and so easily laughed. Mr. Riley brought out his adrenaline junky side that I had not ever seen! He flew down the hills, head first, over jumps...''what a hunk". Yes, from Little Rascals :) Marriage has been fabulous for us, with an addition of many trials and blessings. Mr. Riley woke up this morning quite sore, not even being able to lift his arms above his head...I didn't feel bad since he was the one throwing himself down the hill! One of our last runs down the hill, Riley had to pull me onto the sled because I was so nervous. He promised me there would be no bumps, and of course right at the bottom we caught air. I playfully yelled at him, and he pinned me down to kiss me in the middle of laughter. Those two nights for me were what I considered pure happiness. I love him and his sweet care toward me. Hooray for random fun experiences.

community service.

This morning I received a wake up call from my dear husband at 10am. Real early, I know. For his class, he is required to do so many hours of service, so he started this morning. Today was Martin Luther King day, and BYU had an entire days worth of service activities set up. LDS services had put it together: coloring pages; cutting, coloring, and sewing hand puppets; stuffing dolls; making cut-out games. Riley asked if I wanted to come for the last two hours...grr, all I wanted to do was sleep! Then I realized if I didn't come, I wouldn't see him until 10pm tonight because of his work schedule. Dragging myself out of bed, I dreadingly put on some clothes and hopped in the car with my bowl of Kashi cereal. I had a lot of fun. Spending time with my husband, doing simple service for children that have no where near what I have. And I complain that I'm a newlywed, and can't buy decorations for holidays because I can't afford it! Wow, selfish. This morning I realized that service makes me happy, and doing it with my husband is even more fun. Yay for humbling activities.

dear siblings.

Just got off the phone with my sweet 16 year old sister, Corinne. She told me about this book, The Last Song. Corinne just finished reading it...took her like 2 days, no big deal. But what intrigued me was that Nicholas Sparks wrote it. He is a great writer, and it makes for a quick read. I remember when I first read The Notebook. I was still a teenager, and my mom made me read the book before I could see the movie! What a dear mother. But I'm glad I did. There's already a movie trailer for The Last Song...starring Miley Cyrus, yuck. But, I won't judge, and I'll start with reading the book. I have some free time for another week before school really starts to pick up, so here I go...

My sister inspired me...Being the oldest sibling, I always am fearing my lack of inspiration toward the others. I hope that I've done some good for them; left an OK mark in our home for them to follow. But I'm really proud of my sister Corinne. Now that Melinda and I are out of the home, she has a big responsibility being the oldest one there. I am proud of her, and appreciate that she has stepped up to the plate of maturity, especially in a time where my mom is back in work. I am so blessed with the family that I have. I love that I can call any of them, and be confident that we can have a full conversation. I am grateful that they feel comfortable talking to me.

For anyone who is interested in a quick-read sappy story, go get the book from the library. I'm going to!

holidayz.

Riley and I celebrated our first Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year spent as a married couple. I was more blessed than I could ever have hoped for, and being with family is what made that happen. My family is so loving, so ready to serve, and so close. I am grateful to be able to say the same things about my in-laws. Riley and I are always welcomed, and it is such a blessing to have family so close. Mom and Dad for me are far away. It has been hard to spend time away from them, but Riley keeps me positive. What's not to be positive about anyway? Riley is the perfect companion...he comforts me, he provides for me, he inspires me, and is ready to catch me when I fall. Just the things I loved about my parents. Riley drove Melinda and I 1217.26 miles to my town in Mckinney, Texas. Boy was I spoiled...he didn't let me drive an entire mile. Now there is something to be joyous about, thought I tried to put up a fight and I'll admit I allowed myself to think for just a second that he was being unfair and treating me as thought I didn't know how to drive. HA! How silly of me...he was only caring. Four weeks with my family brought joy to the front of my mind. I was reminded once again how important they are to me. Since I've left home for college, it has been hard to fulfill the role I've taken as the oldest sibling. I missed being a close part of my sibling's lives. But being home proved to me that just because I am away does not mean I don't have an influence on my family, or that I can't still be there for them.

The Holidays brought a plethora of emotions, but more than that were memories to look back on. Thanksgiving was hard for me because it was the first time I'd been away from my family for it. I was with Riley's side of the family, and it was hard for me to hold myself together! As a complete surprise, Riley and Leanne put together a ''second'' Thanksgiving and made my favorite meal: Hawaiian Haystacks. They told me they wanted me to have a positive memory to cover up the ''negative'' one I'd had. I was also blessed to be able to attend the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. That's a memory in itself! I can always count on laughs when I'm with Riley ad Cherilyn. The music was truly touching, and was a great start to bringing in the Christmas spirit. Going to Texas was a blast. We went downtown, ice-skated, saw movies, stayed up late, partied with old friends. I got to celebrate Christmas with the love of my life and our very close friends. The silly hats from the pictures were from our ''poppers'' that sat next to our place mats at Christmas Eve dinner.

Hooray for smiles, laughter, joy, and a positive outlook. A personal resolution of mine is to replace any negative thought or down feeling with a reason to be happy, because if I can't think of one, I don't deserve to be where I'm at.