Conference Weekend

Every April and October, my the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) gather in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City to address members of our faith. None of the topics are assigned. Each speaker has personally prayed about what to share in conference.

I look forward to General Conference weekend every time it rolls around. I promise myself to never, ever take for granted getting to watch it at home in my comfies. Growing up my family watched General Conference at church-- (we didn't have cable-- a tradition I proudly carry on in my own home....except when things like presidential debates aren't broadcast on our local channels. Then I begin to think perhaps I shouldn't hold so fast to that tradition), which naturally resulted in wearing my Sunday best. And the two hour break in between sessions was really about an hour and 13 minute break.

Next were my college years where I gladly took up any opportunity I could to see conference in the Conference Center. (that means live. The conference Center is where it takes place) That was really cool. I remember my American Heritage teacher, upon hearing I would be spending my weekend in Salt Lake to attend conference, proudly shared how nice it was to watch conference at home in his jammies.

WHAT?

For a moment I considered the idea sacrilege.

Then I remembered back fondly to a spell in my wonderful childhood. Our family friends the Walkers lived down the street. They were LDS and they had cable. It became tradition to have brunch and then watch conference with them in their home. Even better-- I didn't have to wear a dress. It was awesome.

Then they moved away to Idaho and we were back to churchin' it for conference.

Now that I am in the phase that my beloved professor was in-- a parent of young, fidgety and boisterous children I see his point. There is something wonderful about wearing your comfies and all the family gathering around the TV listening to wonderful words of inspiration and the children coloring or building with legos at your feet, also listening.  It's a wonderful kind of serenity that I deeply appreciate and enjoy.

This year just before the Saturday morning conference session Savvy and I went to the Regional track meet of one of my awesome young women, Rachel:

Savvy and I had a blast.  Being there was very reminiscent of my Saturday mornings spent at many a cross country meet.

After the race we ran (drove, really) to the Creamery on Ninth to grab some treats and snacks for conference.  With 7 minutes remaining before conference was to start, we jetted home and pulled into the driveway just as the Motab was singing the opening song.  I quickly printed of pictures of the propet and apostles, cut out their pictures, then Savvy and my dad taped them to paper plates.

(This is sounding strange, I know)

Once the faces were taped to the edge of the plates, I set out a treat on each one.

When that apostle began speaking, the kids could eat the food from that particular plate.   It keeps things exciting in the house. We did it last conference and it was a hit, so we had to do it again.


In between conference sessions I helped design a flier for Cade's pest control business, "Spy Pest Control"....

By the way, it took some serious work removing the pipe from the spy clip art. I just didn't think it would be a good idea promoting a child's business with the token pipe smoking spy as the logo.

and then he and Daddy got them ready to pass around the neighborhood.

And while Daddy was away for the priesthood session, I took the kids bowling at BYU. Then we met Daddy for dinner. 

There were so many great talks given, but by far the most exciting part of conference was when President Monson announced that young men are eligible to serve a mission at age 18 and women are eligible at 19--- effective IMMEDIATELY.  That was incredible, exciting news.  We watched the press conference following General Conference and we really enjoyed that.

Here is an article more about the announcement.

There is a lot to consider -- especially the method of preparation for missions for these boys and girls.   I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of spots opening up for future BYU students winter semester from all the girls turning in their papers to serve a mission. Time will tell!  In the mean time I will be drying my eyes knowing Cade's got one less year to be ready to share the gospel to the world.