*I made cinnamon rolls (tradition), but instead of doing Rhodes (my usual desire), I made these. And they were wonderful! The website I got them from, incidentally, has become one of my favorite websites.
*My brother (Jared) and his wife (Bekah) were here! For three whole days!!
*We had visits from Isaac and Jessica (of course), Bruce (missed you, Aldana!), and some cousins.
*I got a sitter for the Priesthood session, and Bekah, Jessica, #5, and I drove to SLC to be with my sister (her #3) and my mom. SO MUCH FUN.
*We decorated eggs during the Saturday afternoon session, and the next morning the Easter Bunny had visited, bringing the kids "The Princess and the Frog", stainless steel water bottles (with their names on them), and some hidden candy eggs. And jelly beans.
*I didn't fall asleep during any of the sessions. For the first time in years. Huzzah! (Please note that falling asleep during General Conference is not something I am proud of --it's like falling asleep in the Temple. Most mothers understand this --when we can sit down for more than 10 minutes in a row (in a quiet environment), we can't help but fall asleep. It's pure nature!)
The talks that gave me goosebumps, made me cry, or made me shout for joy (that I can remember --it really is a ton of information crammed into a short period of time; my memory can fail me quite quickly without the references at hand. Luckily, the printed versions will come out soon! I can't wait!):
President Packer
Sister Beck
Elder Holland
Everyone in the Sunday afternoon session
And more.
I found that the overall theme this time around --besides focusing on Easter and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which, in my opinion, simply rocks --was on parenthood. Mothers, do what you are supposed to do because it is vital. Fathers, do what you are supposed to do because it is vital. Our roles can not be supplanted. Our jobs are infinite and priceless. Don't give up, don't give in, and don't complain.
As you know, dear reader, the last 6 months have been a tremendous time for me motherhood-growth-wise. I have learned so much about myself and my weaknesses --but also so much about my strengths. I have cut back much of my outside distractions, and recently replaced them with things of more value. I'll talk more about that in another post, but what I wanted to point out was that I think, for the first time in my life, General Conference did not give me the "man, I really should be doing this --or at least some of it! I feel so guilty, etc. etc." feeling (which, ironically, I actually like. I love me a good chastisement!). This time around, through the whispering words of the Spirit, I left General Conference with the "you have already made changes and choices that are correct --you are going the right way. Keep going. Keep trying. You're doing it!" feeling. Don't get me wrong --it's not a "I'm so perfect I have no room for change" (that's just stupid), but it's nice to finally feel (in what, a decade?) that I'm truly, sincerely, and absolutely on the right track.
It's remarkable!
So, how did you like General Conference? What were some of your favorite memories? Did you spend most of Sunday morning telling your kids to sit down and be quiet and color in their packets and eat their Easter candy in peace?
5 comments:
I love conference! Funny though, while I did hear lots about parenting (and did stay awake - a feat I've yet to accomplish in a temple session), if I were to pick a theme I would pick "staying strong in trials." And that's why conference rocks.
Ditto to all your fave talks. Holland's was amazing! I just felt the pain of my friends who have had to deal with pornography in their marriages. I agree that parenting was the overall theme. It was a great weekend as always!
Oooh! I loved it too!
The thing that's been stuck in my head was when Sister Beck said, "Women be women." At least that's how my mind recalls it. Such a strong message to embrace all that it is to be a woman. I just LOVED it all!
I too have a problem with falling asleep during the Sunday afternoon session. UGH! I was glued this time too. Didn't want to miss a thing.
Thanks for sharing your insights and feelings!
I have been reading your blog for awhile now. De-lurking!
I LOVED conference. I always get sad when it is over because we have to wait another six months to listen again.
I loved Sunday afternoon session. I have too many favorites but a single sentence stood out to me.
"Your actions are so loud, I can't hear what you are saying."
I recently stopped teaching piano lessons to put my boys needs first. I loved teaching but it was time to put our "after-school-time" on the front burner.
Sorry this first time comment is so long...just wanted to say Hello!
Lesa -
No worries! I love comments and delurkers. :) I may not always reply back (I'm seriously so bad at that), but you can know that I read, and love, comments!
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