General Conference-Spring 2019

As we woke up to get ready to head to the chapel for general conference I was thinking...why does the weather have to be this wonderful! After what seemed to be a long winter we finally had a rain free weekend and 70 degree plus weather, and it felt great. I reaaaaaaallllyyyyy wanted to play hooky, and spend our time outside instead of listening to conference. I know that we could have waited to read them online, or watch it at home on our mac, but we enjoy watching it live at our church.

General Conference- Fall, 2018.

Every six months I look forward to watching general conference which is a worldwide broadcast given by my church live from Salt Lake City. This particular conference was epic, and different in many ways. Different because I have dwindled down to having one daughter left in my nest to attend conference with, and it was pretty wonderful! Although I miss having her sisters watching both general & women's conference with us, I am so fortunate to have Chelsea by my side to watch the women's session with me so we can both share in the joy, and spirit that it brings together.

General Conference on Easter Sunday.

For the first time in all the past general conferences I've listened to I've sat down with my pen, and a journal in hand to jot down words that I hear from the leaders that inspire me. This conference was different. Different in the sense that my family and I pretty much just sat, and listened. Sure I shared a few quotes from the apostles, and speakers, but when our new prophet President Russell M. Nelson spoke I couldn't help but to stop what I was doing, and just listen. 

Sierra To Sing In General Conference With Her Institute Choir!

One thing I love about spring is the renewal that the season brings to both mind, and spirit, and also....general conference! I am sooooo looking forward to this weekend. Not only am I excited to hear a new prophets voice, but excited to listen to the choir sing. That is, Sierra's institute choir! Yep...she'll be singing her heart out along with other talented men, and women. 

Because He Loves Us-My Thoughts On General Conference.

The other day Jon and I were talking about current events, and all that has been going on in the world, and how as parents we need to be better. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  we may think we are doing enough as parents, and in fellowshipping, but I know that as a mom, neighbor, friend, sister, wife, and person I can do more, and be better. I am so grateful for general conference because this years conference was extremely special, and seemingly exactly what we needed to hear as a family.

Come, Listen To A Prophet's Voice.

In April 2011 Jeffrey R. Holland said, "As our conference comes to a close, I ask you to reflect in the days ahead not only on messages you have heard, but also on the unique phenomenon that general conference itself is-what we as Latter-day Saints believe such conferences to be and what we invite the world to hear and observe about them. We testify to every nation, kinder, tongue, and people that God not only lives but also that He speaks, that of our time and in our day the counsel you have heard is, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, "the will of the Lord, the word of the Lord, the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

Favorite Quotes From General Conference-Spring 2017.

If y'all follow my instagram, or twitter y'all may have seen some of the quotes that i posted which really caught my attention during this season of general conference. As much as I would love to just sit, and listen I can't help but to put pen to paper, or type notes on my phone about my thoughts, and feelings as to how I am taking these words of a prophet, and his leaders in my heart, mind, and soul. 

General Conference in D.C.- Fall '16

Is it me or was General conference mega-inspiring this year. Maybe i found it inspiring because I have kids who are growing older by the minute which means I'm getting up there in age. 45 isn't old but my goodness when you reach a certain age, and you have an adult daughter on her own striving to live a good life it doesn't get any easier. However, as a parent life without Sierra living close to me becomes easier when I leave it up to God. When I kneel down in prayer asking Him to guide her in doing the very best she can in all she does, and how she lives I know that is all I can do. And that goes for the rest of my children. 

There were so many wonderful talks given during these sessions, and so much to write about, and because we have our church magazine and the internet to read all about conference I won't share too much about what was said, but I will share my testimony, and some thoughts on conference. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is an amazing tool, and key to helping us navigate our day to day in the most righteous way possible, but it is not a guarantee to a life without trials, and heartache. But I know this...when I read the scriptures faithfully, and I mean faithfully without missing a day it truly does bring me peace. I see a difference in me when I don't read them, or when I have read them in a manner that seemed too quick because I was rushing out the door to start my day. Like I said, when i find myself seriously delving in heartfelt prayer and scripture study my actions for that day will be easy peasy. It will help me fight road rage, not yell at my kids, and be super kind to even the most rudest person. Knowing that I have that tool to welcome me every day assures me that I have the choice to make it better. I just have to make a choice in making it a priority. It gives me hope that my future can be a lot brighter than my faith if i just endure to the end, and believe that no matter how hard life can get all will be well. 

I love general conference. I look forward to it every six months, and hope that in between those six months that I will carry with me everything that was said. That I won't forget, but remember the words that were shared with love and concern for us. 

I love my family. I love the gospel, and the nourishment that feeds my soul when I seriously take in what I read that day. It strengthens my testimony, and gives me confidence to know that i can do hard things. That I can handle every dead end, detour, and snags that I run into. I love the excitement I feel when I attend my church meetings. I never want to feel "dead" or feel that I'm "past feeling" when it comes to the gospel, and attending church. I never want to grow weary of fellowshipping, and learning the teachings of the doctrine. I love attending church not only to fellowship, but to grow spiritually in Christ. And that is what conference does to my heart. It helps me look at all my imperfections to better them. 

All the talks super amazing, but this one really spoke to me... 

Elder Nattress shared an experience as a boy about how he and his brother would have their mother reading the scriptures to them at breakfast, and how he honestly said to her that he wasn't listening. His voice shook up as he was telling us his story which showed me that he was grateful for that experience, and because of his mother telling him "she's never going to lose him by reading the scriptures to him every day" warmed my heart, and gave me hope that if I do the same thing I will be blessed. I loved his story, and he spoke about teaching our children the gospel. I sure hope I 'm doing my best in teaching all my kids correctly. Especially Noah. He'll be seven in a month, and this is the time where things are really beginning to stick with him where he will begin to develop a lot of knowledge. Although he tells me that he loves Jesus, the book of mormon, and the temples he can become a bit weary at times when it comes to sitting at conference (thank goodness for those conference packets, colored pencils, and plain paper!) I know six is still a young age to develop a testimony of the gospel on his own, but I know that if i continue to teach him correctly to read the scriptures that in his own time, at an older age that he will know for a surety that the gospel is true. And same goes for the rest of my crew. 

And last, but not least President Thomas S. Monson's talk warmed my heart. Even though he spoke for a brief moment his words were simple, and filled with kindness, caring, and love. He wants us to be happy, and have joy in this life. He admonished us in having a strong love for the Lord, to believe in Him, and his gospel, and to just improve ourselves into being better. To keep our bodies clean in obeying the word of wisdom. Although these things sound simple require a great deal of commitment to conquer, but the blessings that come from doing so are unimaginable! What a loving prophet we have, and I'm so grateful for his guidance and direction.  

So much insight in eight hours for two days, and I simply didn't want it to end. I see a light in my family before, during, and after we attend conference. Granted there are some hiccups in the beginning because I know that Satan doesn't want us to be happy, but we never let him win. In the end, we just leave even more stronger, happier, and joyful than we were before. 

We are so grateful for the temples that are built upon this earth for us to go to, and watching it at the visitors center in D.C. is always a fun experience! 

Here's to keeping the "heavenly moment" we just had during conference to last us until next spring! To listen to the all of conference you can log onto lds.org!

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! 

General Conference in Washington D.C. '16

General conference gives us the opportunity to think about the things that are on our mind which are in need of nourishment in hopes that we receive answers to our prayers. And at any given moment when we are praying our heart out that through the words of our prophet, and his apostles those answers to our thoughts, and prayers will come. Many of us listen with pure intent with a prayer in our heart hoping that by the end of conference our faith will be restored, and that we can fix the things that need mending. If we are truly focused on that still small voice to the trial, or conflict at hand, and are prepared to listen with an open mind, and heart, I know that it will be given. Answers may come the moment an apostle speaks, or much later when we re-read the talks in the church magazine, or when someone else voices testimony. Turning to the Lord in mighty prayer, and reading the gospel are number one strengthening tools that help guide us in prayer, and manages to keep us on that righteous path. I know that we as a family, and me as an individual are in constant need of prayers. We all are. It's something that is never ending so when general conference arrives that is our perfect moment to have our minds open, and to be attuned with the spirit. 

This year we decided to drive to Washington D.C. temple and watch conference inside the visitor's center. It felt as if I was inside a mini conference center except without the mormon tabernacle choir, and all the leaders sitting in the front with a teleprompter. It was a great experience, and even talked about making this a tradition. Hey, the two and a half hour drive twice a month isn't too bad! We are already talking about coming in the fall, and are already looking forward to it!

While we were there we met some of the nicest senior missionary couples, but this couple was the cream of the crop! Sister Burgon and I instantaneously became the best of friends by the end of the fourth session. Sister Burgon, and her husband are from Utah, and being that my husband is from there, and how we lived there for 10 years it's always nice to converse with anyone who is from there only because we have a lot in common! In a conversation we were having I told her my conversion story, how I met my husband, and how I aspire to go on a church mission with him once our kids are on their own. She encouraged me to keep that goal. We exchanged personal information, and told each other how nice it would be if we were in each other's wards because it's members like her whom we need in our life who are compassionate, welcoming, loving, fun, and super real! Lexie also mentioned how she reminded her of grandma. So fun, and super pleasant! 

Conference this year was very emotional for me, and watching the leaders of our church speak with such love, and devotion trying hard to hold their tears didn't help either! Or maybe it's because I was away from all the troubles of the world, and being inside the conference center visitor's center listening to conference in the auditorium near the temple made for a perfect weekend filled with numerous "heavenly moments." (Thank you  Elder Holland for those words!). To know that I was in a building next door to the temple brought perfect peace to my heart. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland talked about having "heavenly moments" in our lives such as attending a sweet session in the temple, having a spiritual sacrament meeting, or spending time with family in nature, or at the temple. And how we can attain those moments once we enter back into the "real world", and hang onto them? I think that if we remember the feeling we gained in living those precious moments in our life, and know that it comes from Heavenly Father, and constantly do good that we will become stronger into hanging on to those heavenly moments, and to never forget them.

Kent F. Richard talked about serving, and attending the temple often. I whispered to Jon how ironic it was listening to conference inside the visitors center of the temple, and how most of our leaders topics were on temple work! The Lord definitely knows our hearts, and what we long for.  

I love my family, and I'll tell ya that if it wasn't for my soul searching heart, or striving to find that light that would undim the dark world I was surrounded in 23 years ago I would not be standing in this photo, in front of the temple with this sweet family of mine that the Lord has so blessed me with. I have gone through many ups, and downs in my life, and know that there are more to come. I'll never reach perfection, and that's okay. But to understand that I'm worthy enough to know that I'm a pretty good soul, and worthy of God's love is something that brings sure confidence to my well being. I know that if I make "living the gospel" a high priority in my life that I'll be okay. I chose this life, and was willing to accept all the trials that were given to me so I can learn, and spiritually grow. So that I can find the truthfulness of the gospel, marry my husband, and build my family. I chose to allow myself to discern right from wrong, and face all the opposition that would come my way. I chose to follow Christ in the pre-existent world because I was ready to commit to all the things that would come before me in my mortal life. And because I know I'm a daughter of God, and believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, and know that He lives, I will strive to endure to the end until the second coming. So that I become perfect just like Him.

And that is my hope and prayer for my children, and their posterity as well! 

Hope y'all enjoyed conference, and that your weekend is wonderful! 

**You can listen to all the talks here. They were absolutely amazing, and inspirational! Every talk was so needed for my ears! 

185 Years of General Conference.

Attending general conference with my family is a blessing we all need. It uplifts us and strengthens us, and even though there may be times when some of us feel as if don't need to watch it, or need to hear those spiritual words...we do! 

I look back at the time when weren't very faithful watchers of conference when Sierra was little, and I think to myself, "maybe if we watched it without feeling obligated, and actually paid attention we may not have gone through all of those trials." Then again, we needed to go through what we went through in order to progress, and be who we are today raising a family. 

The difference today as to why I enjoy general conference so much, and make it a priority in my life as a mother, and wife is that I choose to attend. But most of all listen. 

Every year as my children & I grow older confrrence becomes more meaningful. These talks are something that need to be heard, and no matter how many times the subject of the talks may sound similar to some that were given five, ten, or 20 years ago it doesn't matter to me. The talks may sound familiar, but the meaning I get out of them are always different. The talks that are given are also reminders that tell me that I am a good mother, and that there is always room to do better. They remind me to be the best friend, mom, and wife I can be. 

I love the fact that even though my oldest daughter is out west and on her own that she attends conference at temple square on her own motive. Whether she has tickets to go inside the conference center, or not she will go to temple square, sit on the lawn, and listen to the words of our leaders. She is currently waiting for her mission call, and once she does she'll be flying out here to get her endowments. No matter how old my kids get, and when they move away, and are all gone it is my hope that they will always have the desire to attend conference.

All the talks that were given this time around were filled with such emotion, and were extremely powerful! They touched the core of my soul, and for once I'm not going to say that I had a favorite talk because they were all so good. Including the talks of the three new apostles. Such humbling men who mentioned how inadequate they felt having that calling, but in the end gave amazing talks. 

Elder Holland who truly is my favorite apostle gave an amazing talk on women and motherhood, and Elder Quentin L. Cooke talked about being temple worthy. One of my favorites, and I hate to admit that I truly need help in this department in regards to reading the scriptures on my own, was Brother Devin G. Durrants talk on encouraging us to "ponderize" the scriptures. That's definielty something that I started doing, and I hope that I'll stick to it! 

Another great talk that I have to mention was Russell M. Nelson's. I love that he quoted President Packer who said,

"We need women who are organized, and can organize. We need women with executive ability who can plan, direct, and administer. We need women who can teach, who can speak out. We need women with the gift of discernment who can view the trends in the world and detect those that, however popular, are shallow or dangerous. Today, let me add that we need women who know how to make important things happen by their faith who are courageous defenders of morality and families in a sin-sick world." 

I know that by listening to their talks, and heeding their words that blessings will come, and no matter how hard times get for me, and my family whether spiritually, emotionally, or financially I know that Heavenly Father is always there to lift us up. I know that these wonderful leaders are called of God, and are given inspiration as to what to teach us in hopes that we are uplifted, and that their words will guide us in the right direction. 

We definitely live in a society filled with sin, and it is up to us to share the goodness. It is always my hope that each day I wake up being a good example to my children. That I will always have something nice to say to everyone on a daily basis. That I will learn something from the scriptures even when i'm too tired to comprehend what I'm reading. Just because I've been a member for 23 years doesn't mean I know everything! I know enough, but at the same time I'm still learning. I'm not perfect, but the Lord knows my heart, and knows how hard I strive to endure to the end, and to "find joy in enduring."

I love my family, and want to live with them for eternity. I know that by keeping the commandments as our wonderful prophet counseled that we can have eternal life, and be with our families forever. 

***You can listen to all the general conference talks including the womens sessions, and priesthood session here. 

Happy Wednesday! 

A Place We'll Always Call Home.

Memories came flooding back when I saw this picture of my two oldest girls standing inside the conference center. I'm so thankful for our stake president in getting tickets for them to be able to attend two sessions. Although jetlagged Lexie came home refreshed and over all had a grand week. Even teenagers need to get away from all the hustle and bustle that life can bring no matter where you live!

For me sometimes living away from family and friends that i've known for years can be tough. It'll be nine years since we left Utah, but living on the east for the past nine years (if you count the two years living in North Carolina) has been a challenging, but growing experience. I just count my blessings for living in three states before moving to Jersey because when you're raised in Texas, (strive to) live your live as a christian in Utah, and become super southernized in North Carolina, moving up to a fast paced area like Jersey can be a challenge. Luckily I passed all the tests, and so far we have grown to adjust, and tolerate all the differences that life here can bring. And most of them have been good, challenging differences! I surprise myself at how well I have tolerated living in Jersey. Don't get me wrong because I love the East Coast but sometimes living in Jersey can be a bit lonely when everyone is sooooooo busy (hence all the road trips we've taken as a family.) One thing I am most grateful for are the friends and family that I do have out west, Texas, and North Carolina that I can call upon whenever I need a little pick me up. I am also extremely grateful for a place where my girls can be able to get away from here, and venture out to familiar territory and get reacquainted with blasts from the past. Almost nine years have past since we moved from Utah, and for the first time since then my middle daughter Lexie made it back for spring break for some much needed quality time with her sister as well as other family members. Besides getting reacquainted with family, and cousins she's never met, one of the highlights of her trip was attending General conference. She had never stepped foot inside the new conference center since it was built. Luckily Jon, and Sierra went inside when sisters from the Relief Societies in our stake were chosen to sing in the choir for conference. I was so excited to have had the opportunity to do that in the spring of 2004. 

I really appreciate everything that my in-laws have done for my girls and am thankful for all the friends that I have out west, and for those who took the time to see both my girls, because even Utah folk can be busy! One being our landlord Melvin Thayne who is a whopping 92 years of age! He was the greatest, most generous landlord, and friend that we've ever had, and we miss him so much. He was especially happy when I spoke with him to let him know my girls were going to see him. He lost his wife Emma (who was an amazing poet) last December, and so having the girls over cheered him up even more! I was so happy that the girls took the time out to visit their "unofficial grandpa", and these pictures they took with him put a huge smile on my face. 

My heart is just filled with so much gratitude knowing that our family can always have a place to go back to even if it's just for a while that we can call "home." 

Because He Lives.

"Many things are good, many things are important, but only a few are essential."

~Elder D. Todd Christofferson"

There is so much to be grateful in this world, and knowing that I have my family, great friends, and the Lord in my life makes my life easier to live. Attending general conference last weekend with some very dear friends made my life in Jersey complete. We don't have family close by so spending Easter Sunday while watching conference with them made it all the more wonderful. There were a few photos I neglected to post because I was so caught up in the moment of immediately sharing my thoughts the very next day after conference that all I cared about was jotting down my words more than photos, but am sharing a few more photos of the events that led up until conference began. 

Having just Noah and Chelsea (Lexie is in Utah spending spring break with Sierra) this year was bittersweet. I love them dearly, and seeing the two of them together talking like tiny adults overwhelms me. We had ourselves a little easter egg hunt on Sunday before conference, and  as simple as it was they were so happy. The way they waited patiently while Jon hid the eggs, not even peeking or rushing us telling us to hurry up tells me that I am doing something right. Amidst all the spats these two have they truly have fun with one another, and all I was waiting for was to capture moments of my kids in action hunting for eggs. 

^^^ They found all 27 of them, and were satisfied with the results. Cadbury eggs, jellybeans, these coupon printables that were also inside, and the most important gift of all...the white egg which represents the empty tomb. ^^^

^^^ Every year, since Sierra, and Lexie were toddlers I've always made cascarones (confetti eggs), and the kids look forward to this every year. Chelsea colored most of them. ^^^

Treats (with these quote printables I found on pinterest) were also given to those who could have used a "pick me up" on Easter Sunday. 

I'm always the first one to crack a confetti egg on one of my kids, and Chelsea was it. I have taught them to nonchalantly sneak up on each other when they least expect it, and crack some on each other.

 ^^^ Even when one has no hair! Noah always looks forward to cracking one on papa's head, and they both did it at the same time. I wish I would have recorded it! ^^^

The kids saved a few eggs to crack them on Maggie, and their friends in between sessions. They all gathered outside, and even though they knew they were going to get a cascarone cracked on their head they went with it, and didn't mind.

^^^ They all thought it was a pretty cool tradition to have, and they all had so much fun. ^^^ 

It amazes me how something so simple can put a huge smile on a child's face, and that is something I never want them to lose, or forget. Teaching our kids to interact with adults, and other kids kindly is so important. To be a good example to others, and to let our light shine no matter where we are. Listening to the conference talks last weekend were so inspiring, and so very true. With the way the world is becoming knowing that we have a living prophet to guide us, and comfort us with words of wisdom, and inspiration tells me that life can be better with the gospel. That with prayer we can become stronger. That with family time we can be united as one. All we have to do is seriously apply the gospel in our lives, make time for it, and to strive to live a good life that is pleasing to the Lord. To use the atonement in times of sorrow, and not be afraid. To make our homes as heavenly as possible so that our kids can have a place in this world to escape from the evil things that look good. To put our phones down, and unplug every once in a while so that we can be rejuvenated from technology. I have personally tried it, and I'll tell you it can be a refreshing feeling to just unplug for a day or two! 

I always want to find a "delight" on Sundays because that is the day the Lord has made for us to be with family, rest, and to reach out to those in need. No matter what kind of a week i had whether happy, sad, busy, or semi-stressed knowing that I have church to look forward to every Sunday does bring a "delight" to my well-being. I love attending my meetings, and observing the Sabbath with "delightful things" brings me joy.  

I'm so thankful to have the gospel in my life. As Robert D. Hales said, "It is never too late to turn to the Lord." I did 22 years ago, and it has been the best decision I've ever made. I'm so thankful to have the gospel in my life. I notice that when I truly live the gospel principles, and put the Lord first that any major concerns can easily be resolved.  That I can handle any drama, the ways of the world, and any sickness with a better attitude. Without the Lord, or the gospel I absolutely have no clue where I'd be today. Living of course, but how? And with who? And would my kids be raised with some foundation of God? I have no clue because the path I chose is the one I have today. I cannot even begin to imagine my life had I taken a different direction, and stayed on the course when I was 19. Absolutely cannot fathom it, nor do I want to. All I know is that my life is complete with God, and with the family I have today. 

Because He lives I know that I too, can live with the Savior again, and be with my family for eternity. 

**Once again...you can watch the general talks here, and the one that brought tears to my eyes was this talk  by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. 

Happy Weekend! 

Our Easter Weekend.

Easter this year was somewhat bittersweet Easter for the mere fact that two of my oldest daughters weren't with us. They had the opportunity of attending two seasons of general conference. It's very rare where Easter falls on the same weekend as conference, but none the less it was a beautiful Sunday. All the talks focused on family, and looking towards the Savior and with that being said made me appreciate my girls even more! You think you already appreciate your family, and I do, but there comes that moment  in your life when we are tested. Tested to the point when your five year old won't let you rest, and your 10 year old is willing to help, but not entirely! That's when I really take in all my appreciation I have for my two oldest daughters who are away at the moment. My middle daughter who, because of her busy high school schedule is not always around to help, and when she is I feel she doesn't do enough, but after listening to the talks she truly does a lot! I just have to open my eyes, and recognize it more deeply. However, I am extremely grateful that Sierra, and Lexie are spending this time together out west, and knowing that they are surrounded by family, and great friends puts me at ease.

For the past few years our Easter holiday has become more focused on the Savior as opposed to the Easter Bunny. I haven't taken my two youngest children to see the Easter Bunny in 10 years, and I don't miss it. Our focus as a family has become more toward the Savior, and His atonement, and seriously applying it in our lives. And like Him, we will all live again, and be together forever in hopes that we will make it back home to live with Him. As overwhelming as it sounds knowing that there is no world without end is a blessing, and even though I sometimes can't fathom it, I know it will be glorious. Knowing that there is no end to my life, and that families are true and everlasting brings me so much comfort.

One thing I cannot take away from the kids is the mini Easter egg hunt we have before conference as well as our confetti egg making tradition (it's a Mexican thing!). The kids love cracking cascarones on everyones heads (including me), and it is the funnest tradition of our Easter. One thing I have done throughout the years is print up the story of Jesus, put different pieces of the puzzle of the story inside 12 Easter eggs, and the kid who ends up with the empty egg (which represents the empty tomb) gets a special treat. Usually cadbury eggs, or jelly beans! 

Conference continues to bring back gentle reminders. Reminders that if we live in a way that is pleasing to God we will be okay. In spite of living in a world where the culture is "temporary", having the gospel in our lives, and seriously applying it in our home, and our children's lives helps me to be the strongest mother of all. I can't even imagine how life will be for Noah, and Chelsea in five, or even ten years! But with daily praying & scripture study teaching them what is right in the home, as well as attending church to learn I have faith that they will be just fine.

Hope y'all had a beautiful Easter Sunday ;-)

**In case you want to know what General Conference is all about...you can watch all the talks here. Inspiring to the max! 

Our Conference Weekend.

                           ^^^ love all these faces, Noah's goofy smile, and literally missing Sierra! ^^^

If it wasn't for general conference knowing the things I know now I wouldn't know how to live without it. Seriously...I didn't grow up listening to it, and when I joined the LDS church at the age of 20 I have to admit that I didn't really have my listening ears on too well. I guess you can say I was still learning, and trying to comprehend the whole "general conference thing' and why we have it every six months. Luckily I got the memo, and after getting sealed to my family I definitely got it, and I absolutely loooooove conference! Memories of my sister and I back in 1994 standing in line at the old conference center in Utah to enter into the first session was so much fun! We were both new to the church, and I remember standing in line anxiously waiting to hear the words of a prophet. We obviously had so much faith in these men because we ended up standing in line for an extra two hours just so that we can get into the second session. It was a great experience because that was the first time I ever heard and saw them in person. When I look back at the time I sang inside the new conference center in 2004 I was ecstatic, and ever since I got sealed to my family I have seriously delved into the words of all our church leaders. And you know what...it's so important to do so. I am so grateful for the testimony that I have for the gospel, for the desire that I have to continue to attend conference, and to teach my children that their words are not "just words", but important truths that we need to hear. 

Saturday's forecast was wet, and rainy so with a little one with sniffles we decided to stay home. We usually try to do our chores, homework, and have a picnic outdoors while listening to conference. Well...that didn't happen this year because of the rain. There was no picnic (kids were bummed) so we hung out here at the house, accomplished some chores, and Lexie finished her homework. (That a girl!) As always all the talks given this fall were inspiring, and very motivational, and I couldn't wait to hear more the next day. 

Sunday was extra special. We continued to keep our tradition of going to the chapel to watch conference. We have been doing that ever since we moved from Utah. It is so nice to keep that sunday routine going , and to be able to sit down with friends from our congregation sitting in front of a huge screen inside the chapel. Even though my four year old had a little bit of ants in his pants for the first 20 minutes he eventually sat down to listen. Well...he actually colored. Luckily we have two hours in between sessions so that we can eat, and have a little entertainment by our kids. Chelsea, and Noah both had fun playing the piano in the primary room.

This weekend was absolutely amazing. Every single word, and feeling expressed by all our church leaders is always something that I need to hear. Talking about the prophet, and how important it is to sustain and follow him was a big deal throughout this conference. As I was reading all my thoughts and feelings in I jotted down in my little journal I was reminded of how much the Savior loves me. How much He truly knows every fiber of my being. Knowing that I have the holy ghost to guide and direct me is a comfort to my spirituality. Knowing that I can receive personal revelation for myself brings me peace, and if I really listen to that still small voice my life can be lived to the fullest. President Eyring's talk on this subject was a faithful reminder, and I am so grateful for his testimony. 

Working on our family history, serving others, living the gospel as a true disciple of christ, staying on the right path of righteousness, watching the choices we make, making our home a heaven on earth, attending the temple, having family home evening every week, developing a strong relationship with Heavenly Father, allowing Him into our lives everyday, and my favorite...sharing the gospel were just some of my favorite subjects that were discussed on this day. 

I am so grateful for conference because it uplifts me in every way. The passion that I have for the gospel is because it changed my life. The change I made in my life was hard for some of my friends to see, and hard for my mom to accept the change, but here I am 22 years later still believing in the Almighty God, and in his truthfulness of this gospel. It has done so well for me, and strengthens me in many ways. It gives me the desire to share it with others, and to explain to them where my 'happiness' comes from. Now...don't get me wrong I have my trials, but knowing that i have the gospel and the Lord to turn to with faith gives me hope, and in the end brings me joy. I invite everyone I know and love to come unto Christ. Reading this talk by David A. Bednar can really help those with endless questions as to thinking "why do I need church when I already believe in God". It's a really good talk and I recommend reading it. Everyone deserves to hear the plan of salvation, and if you're a dear friend of mine whom I've known for half of my life I exhort you to click on this link to request a FREE Book of Mormon without any obligation! I did, and it truly changed my life. I promise it will change yours! 

And just like that...it's over. 

See you in six months. 

**For past conference posts you can go here, here, here, and here.  Oh...and and here too! 

general conference on a sunday with a side of gratitude, & love.

The gospel is about love. God is about love. Service is love. Kindness is love. God is love. It should be that plain and simple, but in this day and age it usually isn't. Luckily I have gratitude in my heart that connects with love, and compassion because without those two things, I don't think I'd have a big heart towards mankind. My neighbors, my family, my friends, and yes...even those who may dislike me, or who have wronged me. 

I really enjoyed President Thomas S. Monson's message of love this past Sunday. He said, "Love should be the heart of family life." Fortunately for my family of six it truly is. I tend to focus on the positive side of love. That's the kind of love I want to pass on down to my posterity. I don't want them to experience the kind of love that I learned while growing up. I always remind them to pray for that special love which is the one like Christ. Luckily we have a song titled "Love one Another" as a reminder for our children whenever they sing it in primary as well as for us grown ups who may sing that simple hymn during a relief society and/or priesthood meeting. 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf always hits me to the core of my soul with his words. This is one man who is so in tune with the spirit that he knows exactly what we need to hear, and how to be. President Monson certainly knows how to choose his counselors.

Love and gratitude definitely tied into each other for me at this year's conference because without a good attitude I don't think I could ever exhibit the love I have for everyone. Within the past four years I have truly learned to be grateful not only for the blessings I receive, but for the trials as well. I find myself being in a state of major thanksgiving when I kneel down in prayer praying to Heavenly Father for every single hardship that has come our way while living in Jersey. Even more and more for all the trials I have experienced on my own. Call it maturing in age or in the gospel, but when I humble myself before God I have a heaviness in my heart that I sometimes can't believe how grateful I am for the "big" things I've gone through in this life...especially with with my family. I know that because of those trials our lives have been blessed, and have made us stronger members of the church. Having an "attitude of gratitude" makes a huge difference in our lives, and it continues to strengthen our spirit, and overall makes us a better person. 

This year's conference was so special. Special because it is the actual and accurate day of the Savior's birth. Seeing Noah looking up at the picture of Jesus Christ next to the Bishop's offices with a huge smile on his innocent face reassures me that he knows who He is. He even said, "Happy Birthday Jesus." That was a precious moment!

I absolutely love this time of year, and it certainly was a perfect day for conference. The weather was just the right temperature, and the signs of spring such as the sun shining with green grass is proof that winter is finally coming to an end. 

Elder Quentin L. Cook's talk on family history gave me even more motivation to not get complacent in my genealogy. Just because I have a few family names doesn't mean I should stop there because the work of the Lord never ends. I have so much work to do for my side of the family, and it brings me tears to "sense" that some of them are waiting on the other side praying and hoping that it's their turn. And when I finally do their work it's a sense of fulfillment, and pure joy! 
I sometimes find myself in a dream state. Maybe I'm being hard on myself, but there are moments when I can't believe I have a family this wonderful. With all our imperfections, bad days, exhausting days, drama moments, and "tiger mom" moments having the gospel of Jesus Christ, and knowing that "we have the atonement to make up for life's imperfections" ( as Gary E. Stevenson quoted) makes life tolerable.

Today was one of those days where the only thing that mattered was hearing the words of our church leaders with my family (excluding Sierra who had the opportunity to watch conference live...lucky her!)

Six months goes by way too fast, and before we know it October will be here with another conference & a mixture of fall to show it's beautiful colors.

Luckily we have back issues of the Ensign to read up on past conferences.

**In case you missed conference you can watch, listen, or download any of the talks here.

**How did you like conference? 
**Is there any specific talk that hit the core of your soul?