Conference Reflections

I absolutely love General Conference. I know you have all probably had the experience of being the targeted audience of a certain speaker or speakers, and I was that audience of so many speakers this time around. What an uplifting weekend! I love the opportunity Conference provides for listening, learning and introspection. I always come away feeling so loved and blessed and motivated to do better!

I have so many fond memories of Conference time with my mom's family. The house was always packed with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. When Darin and I moved across the country, holidays always brought some homesickness, but Conference time was when I missed home the most. Each Conference, I think back with love on those precious experiences with my dear extended family.

I especially looked forward to my cousin, Jenny coming. She was my best friend ever - even though we lived two hours apart. We always looked forward to getting together and staying up late, talking, and giggling. I still remember some of the silly things we laughed at and I start laughing all over again as I think of them. We would take turns doing each other's hair as we watched Conference, go for a walk (usually with her brother Jeff - another favorite cousin) in between sessions and usually fall asleep towards that final session thanks to our late nights. We had so much fun, and as we got older, I think we were a spiritual strength to each other as well. Jen continues to be a rock in my life although we rarely get to see each other anymore. Every time I go home, I look forward to spending some time with her - even if it is only a couple of hours. She is such an inspiration to me and I count myself truly blessed to have her in my life.

I was so excited when I was twelve and could go to the Women's Conference with my mom and all the other ladies in my family. It was a rite of passage of sorts. I felt so loved and connected to those amazing women that I am blessed to be related to! I continue to love Women's Conference for the absolute spiritual feast it provides me!

A couple of weeks ago I was able to go to the Young Women's Conference with my sweet daughter, Sarah for the first time. We went out to dinner beforehand with some dear friends and then were privileged to listen to the inspired talks of the Young Women leaders and President Monson. I was so moved by the talks and had so many thoughts running through my mind of ways I would like to better apply the principles taught - especially those of letting virtue garnish my thoughts unceasingly. As we drove home, I loved talking to Sarah about her impressions and feelings of the Conference. She is such a sweet, strong girl and I was touched by the depth of her thoughts regarding the talks. She has been a rock for me so many times - a role I know I should be playing as mom rather than her as daughter. I am so grateful for her. She has always been a wonderful daughter and continues to amaze me with her goodness, talents, and zest for life. I love you, Sarah!

Who am I?

Take the Quiz here!

Sarah told me to take this quiz, and I am apparently most like Anne Elliot.

Here is the Biography that came with this...

You are Anne Elliot of Persuasion! Let's face it; you're easily persuaded, particularly when friends and relatives try to use "the Elliot way" against you. But this doesn't mean that you don't have conviction. Actually, your sense of duty is overwhelming. And though you won't stick your neck out too often, you have learned to speak up when it counts. To boot, you know how to handle sticky situations. You love deeply and constantly.

What do you think? Persuasion is actually one of my favorite Jane Austen books/movies although I have yet to persuade Darin to read it or watch it. Who are you?

All you need is MUD

We have had a few downpours lately, and the kids have

L-O-V-E-D

playing in the resulting mud.

Notice (in the pictures of Jacob) the nice large sandbox Grandma and Grandpa Chandler built for the kids. Yep, the sandbox is far behind him. The kids have decided that it is also fun to dig holes outside of the sandbox - like in the middle of the yard where we like to play ball. Hence, one of the small ponds that develop in our yard with each rainfall was Jacob's mud pit of choice this particular day.

Megan and her friend decided to create another mud pit - right outside the laundry room door in my flower bed - and then experiment with their artisitic abilities with the door as their canvas. Hmmmm. I decided to bite my tongue and just take pictures. They seemed to be having such a great time. I did make them wash the door though.