LOVE

I was reading the General Conference talk by President Monson about LOVE and absolutely fell in love with everything about it! If you haven't read it, you should soon because it is so well written and helps me put a lot of things I have been struggling with into perspective. After reading his talk I also was reading a few quotes from Maya Angelou who recently passed away. I'll be honest, I didn't know who she was until there were some articles from the media about her after she died. She seemed like a delightful person who really had it together despite her challenges in life. 

Here were 3 of my favorites...

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." 

Also... 

"I did what I knew... when I knew better, I did better." I love this! We are constantly growing and changing and becoming better people. If we aren't progressing.. we aren't getting anywhere. 

and last one... 

"Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren't, we should behave as though we are- cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes." 

Back to the talk by President Monson.. he shares a few really good quotes that resonated with me this week. I have been thinking a lot about personal relationships with my family and friends and am striving to make them better. I'm trying to give Charley more of my attention (and less to my phone) and trying to keep an open mind about those around me. It is easy to judge others without knowing their background and situation and after reading President Monson's talk, I am trying to love everyone even if they don't feel the same way about me. Love is "the essences of the gospel" and "as we treat others with love and kind consideration, we will avoid regrets" later on. 

Some good quotes..

"We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. Likewise, we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God."

also..

"There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness.... Usually our love will be shown in our day-to-day interactions one with another. All important will be our ability to recognize someone's need and then to respond."

and..

"Some of our greatest opportunities to demonstrate our love will be within the walls of our own homes. Love should be the very heart of family life. 

lastly..

"I would hope that we would strive always to be considerate and to be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings and circumstances of those around us. Let us not demean or belittle. Rather, let us be compassionate and encouraging. We must be careful that we do not destroy another person's confidence through careless words or actions." 

What I got most out of his talk was that we can never love someone too much. There is always room to be a little kinder, a littler more understanding and sensitive to others and a little more open. I think if we show that kind of love, it is hard for others to NOT love you back and show that same kind of feeling toward you. And.. let it start with the people you care most about. Let it start in the family. 

On another note... Spencer had a client meeting in the city, so we decided to go with him and have lunch before it started. It was right next to Central Park so we got onto Yelp and found a yummy burrito place! It was really good and so fun to have lunch with Spence! Charley is really lucky that she gets to see her daddy all the time! We love it!! 

We have been going to the playground a TON lately because of the warmer weather. There is a really nice one really close to our house that has a ton of toys and a little kid section so there aren't a ton of big kids running around! Charley decided she was done playing and needed a little cat nap one day!:) 

Professional crawler right here! 

This playground also has a splash pad!! So we put on our bathing suits one day and splashed away! Charley liked it the first few times and then kind of got sick of the water getting in her face. I think it will be more fun when she can walk around and come and go as she pleases into the water. 

We are working each day on her standing. She still won't stand by herself or get up on her feet, so I will put her against things on her feet and let her stand there for as long as she can. She usually lasts only 30 seconds and then starts to cry! I think she is scared of falling down and will hold out one of her hands for me to catch her. She will get it one of these days!:)