a conference we'll never forget

:: Every Wednesday, Adeline goes to our friends house so that I can go volunteer at the school. Our friend is in the MoTab, so all throughout Conference, Adeline was so excited to find 'Heather!!!' ::

I started this Conference with happy, grateful tears and ended it with those same emotions. My heart is still so full. I had forgotten all that would be included in the Solemn Assembly, but as soon as we started I remember doing the same thing for President Monson. Watching President Russell M. Nelson, with tears in his eyes, made me feel so grateful that he is our prophet!

The talks were oh so good and all of the announcements were crazy, but at the same time it all felt right.

I don't think anyone was expecting our prophet to announce 7 temples at the end of conference...seven!! Justin teasingly said, Kaysville, Utah...how about, Layton Utah...Layton Utah. Then a moment later President Nelson announced Layton Utah!! We were all jumping up and down screaming. It was such a happy moment. Then I all but lost it when he announced a temple a Russia. (and India too)  The work continues to move forward ♥♥♥ I hope our kids always remember this moment and remember how special temples are!!

We ate orange rolls and baked omelets throughout most of Saturday. (I had planned on making other foods but we just kept coming back to these) We had our word jars by the tv and all of the boys did a really good job listening to the first session, the others sessions were hit and miss. We also sneaked in a bike ride and some basketball. 

This was such a great way to celebrate Easter weekend and to kick off our spring break!! But one things for sure, this is definitely a Conference we'll never forget! ♥♥♥

conference weekend

Why is it that Conference keeps getting better and better! It seems like there has been more persecution and disrespect for our church in recent years and so hearing from our church leaders brings me so much peace and reassurance. I am grateful for their love and faith and kindness. I needed that boost so much and feel extremely grateful for the joy I felt this past weekend.

Bonus: fall m&ms that Adeline couldn't get enough of (she would climb mountains and cross rivers to get to those), kind big brothers, cinnamon rolls + scones + breakfast casserole + dips, cousins + girl time with some of my favorites, pizza + ice cream, and fresh air in between sessions.

Not a bonus: the mess on Sunday afternoon

easter 2015

:: these boys! ::

Easter was pretty awesome. My favorite is that it coincided with General Conference. So good food, plenty of treats, great messages, and just being home together made it a fabulous weekend. We decorated eggs, had fun getting together with the girls in the family during Priesthood Conference, had a fancy dinner, and the boys enjoyed two Easter egg hunts. (One being an extra special one that I'll write about later) :)

 :: shall we just take a closer look at our little elf ::

oct.2014 general conference

This weekend was just what I needed. When 4:00 on Sunday afternoon rolled around, I felt a bit of sadness. I guess that is a good thing - I didn't want to be done listening to the prophet and apostles.

The boys spent Friday night sleeping in their tents. Saturday -  going between listening and playing. Sunday -  playing Conference bingo, building Conference scenes with legos, and listening to some of the stories given in talks. We also enjoyed plenty of food. Saturday - cinnamon rolls, picnic lunch, pizza and ice cream. Sunday - breakfast casserole and leftovers.

This year, to prepare myself for Conference, I enjoyed listening to several of the apostles and their wives on Conversations via the Mormon Channel. I loved learning more about them and how their lives were with young children at home. 

I also listened to this episode. On there, it was mentioned that  instead of having a New Year's Resolution, have a Conference Resolution. Set a goal and work on it for the next six months.  There were several talks that spoke to me, there were things I wanted and needed to hear, but as a family we noticed Richard G. Scott's talk - fundamental habits. 

We have done well at several of these, but sometimes I think we could have more diligence, more preparation, and more respect towards these things that matter most. How grateful I am for the simplicity of the gospel and for the focus on having more joy in families and in this life.

* I just loved the focus on loving and supporting our Prophet!