River My Joy!

I love the name River Joy. Colt and I wanted something unique yet easy to pronounce and spell. People remember her name - people that we have met briefly when we run into them again remember the name River Joy! River has such an impact on people because she talks so well and is very friendly and engaging. River loves people!
Names are very important. It is the first impression, as an introduction. I love the scripture Helaman 5:6-7 "...Behold I have given unto you the names of our first parents who came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember your names ye may remember them; and when ye remember them ye may remember their works; and when ye remember their works, ye may know how that it is said and also written that they were good. Therefore, my sons, I would that ye should do that which is good, that it may be said of you, and also written, even as it has been said and written of them." I'd like our first boy to be named Brock - for the reasons above. Our family heritage is a great one, one with much courage, faith and goodness. When they remember their names, to remember what it stands for.

To me River stands for life. I have a hard time living in a desert where all is dry. Wherever there is water, there are trees, grasses, shrubs, wildlife, all sorts of life surround a river. There is life surrounding our River. She is full of energy and an excitement for life! Colt is a fly-fisher and I love sitting by a river while he fishes. The sound of running water to me is very peaceful and relaxing. In fact, our first date was on the Provo River fly fishing. A river brings back great memories for me.

River loves water. She loves taking baths and throwing rocks into water. She loves helping me water the plants and water the birds in our bird bath. She also loves to wash her cars off in the bird bath :) River loves washing the dishes with me and pouring water from cup to cup. The name River reminds me of the "Living Water" To remember her name is to remember the source of salvation: 2nd Nephi 22:3 "With Joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Christ is the living water that fills our lives with purpose and life.

River is used in two major concepts in the Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 2:9 A River continually running unto righteousness or 1 Nephi 12:16 Filthy water...depths of hell. River will choose which her name stands for, something beautiful and of God, or something of the world. I love the imagery of a river constantly running to righteousness. River loves to do good and please those around her. She loves to be obedient and be a big helper. She goes around singing "When my mother calls me quickly I'll obey"

Colt and I name our kids with their middle name as a virtue of the Gospel. Joy. Living the gospel brings us so much joy and happiness. We have joy in our family, in our faith and in our lives. River spreads joy and smiles wherever she goes. Her sweet little voice introducing herself to everyone "My name is River Joy" "How old are your kids?" and "Guess what? I'm a big sister!" She is truly our Joy!

River's Favorites:

*Bath Time

*Going down the slides at the park

*Wrestling Daddy! She is a great wrestler!

*Throwing Rocks

*Playing with her baby sister

*Painting pictures

*Drawing

*Play Dough - Anything with playdough! She loves molding it and cutting it!

*Singing: In a silly mood, River will make up songs and sing them on the top of her lungs.

*Dancing - River loves to turn up the radio and dance in the kitchen with mommy and daddy.

*Making up stories: every nap I tell her 2 made up stories and every bedtime, daddy tells her a made up story or two. River is really good with making up her own stories. Sometimes they are so believable people ask me if they are true. Sometimes I wonder myself :)

*Being outside with Daddy

*Washing dishes (trying to keep most of the water in the sink, but we both always end up wet :)
Every day is truly a joy with River!