Sunday thoughts

I attended the Relief Society general broadcast last night. It's kind of like a Conference sneak preview, of sorts—a good way to kick off the week before one of my favorite weekends of the year.

I particularly loved President Uchtdorf's talk. He has such a way of speaking with humor and directness. You really feel that he understands us, and tells it like it is. He is real and uplifting at the same time.

5 things it would be wise not to forget:

1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.

• God is fully aware that we are not perfect. It is part of our mortal experience to have weaknesses, and He wants to help us turn all our weaknesses into strengths.
• Be compassionate and patient with yourself.
• Celebrate all of the small successes in your life and in your family. Our journey toward perfection is long and we should celebrate every small step along the way.

2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

• Some sacrifices are better than others.
• Am I committing my time and energies to the things that matter most?

3. Forget not to be happy now.

• Many people today are waiting for their golden ticket—that magical thing they think will ensure their future happiness. It could be a certain job, a dream home, a fervently-desired blessing. If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could fail to notice the beautiful forget-me-nots that are all around us.
• The happiest people are those who notice and celebrate the beauty and wonder of everyday life.

4. Forget not the "why" of the gospel.

• We sometimes view the gospel as a list of obligations to fit into our already busy lives. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not an obligation—it is a pathway to happiness. It should cease to be a burden and instead become a delight.
• Seek out the beauty and majesty of the why—it transforms our small acts of obedience into larger acts of consecration.

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you.

• No matter how dark your days, no matter how insignificant you may feel, you are not forgotten. You are loved by the king of heaven and of earth.
• You are closer to heaven than you suppose.

I loved this meeting. I felt inspired, strengthened, and uplifted. This was just the appetizer. I can't wait for the full meal next weekend!!

Sunday thoughts

I've been thinking about Conference. I feverishly take notes and drink it all in Conference weekend, and then... nothing. The Conference issue of the Ensign hasn't come yet, I haven't been re-reading my notes or anything. Nada.

So I've been thinking about how I can really incorporate these messages, these things that touched my heart and inspired me to be better, into my life. For real.

I remembered something about this in the great youth Conference packet I printed out for Max, so I retrieved it from his room. Some food for thought:

"What impressed me the most?

"The talk(s) that meant the most to me during the Saturday sessions of conference was/were ...

"The talk(s) that meant the most to me during the Sunday sessions of conference was/were...

"The prophet counseled church members to...

"This specific counsel was given to the youth of the church:....

"The main themes of general conference were...

"The answers I received from listening and pondering during general conference are...

"You've listened to the messages; you've felt the Spirit testify to you; you've committed to follow the counsel that was given. Now that general conference weekend is over, how are you going to keep the lessons of general conference a part of your life for the next six months?"

So here's my plan. I'm going to review my notes, then answer the above questions. I'm going to download the Conference podcasts and listen to them while I'm cleaning, cooking, etc. And of course, I'm going to read the May Ensign when it arrives. (I like to read one talk each day.) I just don't want to let all of those good feelings go!

Sunday thoughts

We woke up today to a winter wonderland. In general, I enjoy a good winter wonderland. But not so much on April 3rd. (Even less so on the evening of April 3rd, when the snow has not melted as it should.)

Still, I love Conference weekend. Even when certain members of my family don't love it as much as I do and try my patience. Repeatedly. But it is a universal good to me, and so it is still good, even when all the circumstances are not perfect.

I took 24 pages of notes between yesterday and today.

As I am tired and tomorrow will be starting far too soon, I will only post the highlights of one of my favorite talks tonight.


David A. Bednar

• We can have a sudden recognition of light, as when we turn on a light in a dark room. Or we can witness the subtle, gradual discernment of light, with the slow lighting of the sky at sunrise.

• It is the same with revelation.

• The spirit of revelation should be operative in the lives of every man, woman and child who has received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

• The tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our ability to recognize the Spirit. Each of us should pray and ponder what we should do to shun Satan's lures.

• The scriptures and the history of the church contain many examples of those who received revelation suddenly, completely.

• Most often, revelations gradually and gently distill upon our souls, as the dews from heaven. We are taught line upon line, precept upon precept.

• Some may think they fall short if they do not receive dramatic manifestations of revelation, but these are comparatively rare.

• Sometimes we receive revelation without recognizing exactly how or when we have received it (as a sunrise on a cloudy or foggy day).

• As we honor our covenants and strive to do good, we can be sure that God will direct our steps.

Conference weekend bliss

(Yep. I totally copied Jill's post title. It's just too perfect.)

After two times in a row of not being able to watch Conference, I was so very excited for last weekend. Not only were we able to watch every session as a family, but we didn't have to go anywhere! No other plans. Just Conference weekend bliss.


On Friday night, I made the raspberry rolls from the recipe that Jill posted. I took some to visiting teachees, and kept the rest for us. They were good, but a tad underbaked. I found the hot pink filling (caused by my homemade raspberry jam) to be quite humorous.

Eva helped me assemble the conference baskets on Saturday morning. For some reason, the kids are excited about using their Easter baskets. Who am I to question? I'll do whatever it takes to make Conference weekend something to look forward to. My goal is that one day they'll be as excited about it as I am.

The kids all worked on their Conference packets, taking notes and drawing pictures.

Emily and I took notes.

(and knitted)

Marc is not a note-taker, just a listener. I just love it when we're all together, laughing at the jokes, commenting on the hymn arrangements, asking the others if we've missed something, and expressing surprise over things we hadn't known, or agreeing on really good statements.

Jill, Lori, and Whitney came over to join us for donut night. (We have a family tradition of making donuts while the men are at the priesthood session.) The dough wasn't rising as fast as I expected, but they didn't seem to mind just hanging out and chatting.

Lucas and Whitney talked and played video games.

Eva helped me roll and cut out the donuts.

I was the fryer and Emily was the glazer. We tried a chocolate glaze for the first time, but Marc shocked me by shunning the chocolate, even going so far as to call it an abomination! I thought it was pretty good, but had to agree that the plain glazed was the clear winner.

Marc and Max told us some of the highlights (they both really loved President Uchtdorf's talk). Marc was typing in a favorite quote as his Facebook status as soon as he got home.

It's good to have extra people around to help eat the donuts.

This little aberration was a donut hole that stuck to the cookie sheet. I fried it anyway, just for fun, and decided that it looks like Ming Ming from The Wonder Pets. Emily thought it looked like a penguin. What do you see?

We played Bananagrams after Eva went to bed. Good times.

Sunday was more of the same, with donuts for breakfast and relaxing in our jammies.

Lucas and Eva got out the Legos on Sunday and did a pretty good job of playing quietly and whispering. I noticed that Lucas was still reacting to the talks, so he was still listening, at least somewhat.

There was one part of the weekend that was not blissful. During the Sunday morning session, I suddenly realized that I had promised to make a birthday cake for one of the young women in our ward. Her birthday was on Friday! I was mortified, and I just felt horrible. I don't know how I managed to forget, as it never entered my mind even once.

As soon as Conference was over, I called her to apologize and offered to make the cake immediately. So, stomach churning, I spent the in-between hours baking and caking a birthday cake. I finished frosting it just as the afternoon session was starting, so I decided to hold off on delivery.

We ate popcorn and m&ms for lunch!

When Conference ended, I went on my walk of shame to take the cake over. Boy did I ever feel humble! I still can't believe I forgot. I asked their forgiveness and hope we can still be friends.

On Sunday night I made this delectable dinner. Try it!

I'll have to post my notes when I have more time to type them in. Did you have a blissful weekend as well?

five for Friday

1. It's so weird to think that we were living in Paris this time last year. It keeps coming up, every time I do something that I didn't do last year because we were gone. Starting school, school pictures, book fair, fall yard work, picking grapes and making juice, putting up Halloween decorations – all things we didn't do last fall, and somehow it all seems fresh. I enjoy that.

2. I've been having fun doing Eva's hair for school. If she had her way, she would wear it long and loose every day, but somehow I convinced her that we need to fix it for school. (Victory!) But the first thing she does when she comes home is to rip it all out. Weirdo.

3. We heard what sounded like a woodpecker in our tree, but when we tracked him down, it was this guy here. Now I'll be the first to admit that I don't know my birds, but this looks like a bluejay to me... Is he having an identity crisis? Or am I way off base?

4. The other day, Eva asked what the white thing was under the couch. I told her it is my portable crafts table. I guess it's been a long time since I used it, because she didn't recognize it. She immediately wanted to use it to work on a project while watching a movie. But not just any project. A project she'd never done before. Hmmm. I finally found some plastic beads and she got to work stringing them. She made 3 necklaces and a bracelet!

It was such a success, I think I may have to come up with some new projects!

5. I am so excited for General Conference this weekend, even more so than usual, because I haven't been able to watch the whole thing since April 2009! We will be hanging out at home in our jammies, eating good food, making homemade donuts, taking notes, knitting (me), drawing (Eva), and just soaking it all in. (This week has been so busy that I haven't put together baskets for my kids or anything to take to my visiting teachees! I know what I'm doing today. You can print out Conference packets for different ages here.)

Sunday thoughts

We didn't go to church today. Marc didn't get to sleep until 4:00 a.m. (his insomnia is worsening and now even Ambien isn't doing the trick), and I felt awful and had a migraine that didn't go away until around 4:00 p.m.

What with missing church today and missing Conference weekend, I was feeling low. Fortunately, Jill told me about the podcasts for General Conference sessions. I started downloading them and brought my iPod into the kitchen to listen while I made dinner.

The first session that finished downloading was the Sunday morning one, so I started listening out of order. All I can say is oh my. Oh my to listening to Conference with headphones. No outside noise, no distractions! I felt like everything -- the music, the prayer, the talks -- went directly into my mind and my heart. From now on, I will be listening to these podcasts after watching Conference on tv.

Oh my to President Eyring's talk. I got all teary about 4 different times while listening (something that is hard to do while trying to find something to entertain Eva and the constant shushing).

Some things that really spoke to me:

-- The greatest joys and sorrows are found in family life.

-- Sorrow comes primarily from selfishness.

-- We who have been sealed in the temple have covenanted to put the welfare and happiness of our partner in the center of our lives.

-- Our childrens' welfare and happiness is equal to our own. (I was expecting him to say that we should put it above our own. I thought it was interesting -- and a relief -- to hear that it is equal to our own.)

-- We cannot compel another to choose happiness, nor can God.

-- Pray for the kind of love which allows you to see the good in your companion; for the kind of love that makes your companion's weaknesses seem small.

-- Ask the pardon of a spouse; forgive a child.

-- Pray for the kind of love which makes you want to lessen your companion's load.

Good heavens, but I am loving technology today.


p.s. When I went to download the podcasts from the iTunes store, I briefly glanced at some of the reviews. One of the first ones was a highly disparaging comment from someone wondering why anyone would ever want to listen to these talks. I was so stung by that. I felt personally affronted. Now I just feel sad about that, and ever so grateful for my testimony.

Conference Weekend

We just wrapped up General Conference weekend, one of my favorite times of the year. My cousins Charlotte and Emily (both BYU students) came to stay for the weekend and it was so much fun to have them, they brought a real party atmosphere with them.

We don't plan any other activities during Conference weekend -- we are serious watchers -- no friends are invited over, we all gather and we watch all of the sessions together. I take notes, so I can get more out of it (and sometimes to keep me from dozing off). This time I was knitting as well, setting my knitting aside as needed to take notes. We also eat good food during Conference weekend so we are richly fed physically as well as spiritually.

This time we held our inaugural Donut Night so that Charlotte and Emily wouldn't have to miss out on their family tradition. The women & girls make homemade donuts while the men & boys are at the Priesthood session.

They indulged me by posing for a picture holding their hair back like Eva always does...

I couldn't find the same deep fryer that Denise uses, but I bought one that was similar enough. It came with this handy basket, which lessened my fears about getting burned from splattering oil.

I was the fryer and the girls did the glazing. They turned out beautifully, if I do say so myself! I was afraid they might not come out right the first time, but I was definitely pleased with the results and they were actually easier than I had expected. Eva loved them so much she now says she only likes donuts and wants to make them every day. It could be dangerous having a deep fryer, I think I'll store it in the garage to lessen the temptation! Next time I think I'll try a chocolate glaze... (I will be posting the recipe on my recipe blog shortly in case you want to try making donuts of your own.) I only wish I had taken a photo as beautiful as Denise's to document Donut Night!

We also played lots of games in-between sessions and at night: our own version of Bananagrams, played with our Scrabble tiles; Electronic Life, and Ticket to Ride.

My kids were thrilled. Now we need Emily and Charlotte to come over again so we can play cards and Catan (and Lucas really wants a reprise of Life).

It was such a fun weekend, I'm kind of sad I hadn't thought of inviting them for Conference every time! I hope they'll want to come from now on, as long as they're living in Utah, of course.

Now, onto the highlights from my notes:

Robert D. Hales

• Provident living is more important now than ever before. We must learn to distinguish between wants and needs.

Margaret S. Lifirt (?)

• Reverence is a profound expression of respect, mingled with love.
• We should be modeling respect to our children in all aspects of our lives.
• Reverence invites revelation.
• Every child deserves a chance to progress. (this has me thinking about opportunities I can give to my children)
  

Michael A. Nieder

• We should be earnest students of God's words, and of all correct principles.
• In order to merit the discernment of the Spirit, we must do our homework.
• Lifelong learning should be a priority.

Allan F. Packer

• When we are acquainted with the voice of the Spirit, and learn to trust it, we can hear that voice above all others. (this is beautiful to me)
  

D. Todd Christofferson

• We need strong Christians who can maintain their faith amidst trials, who can convert tribulation to triumph.
• Obedience gives us greater control over our lives and enhances our capacity to overcome difficulties. As we obey, we are endowed with greater faith.

Henry B. Eyring

• With all the differences in our lives, we all share at least one thing in common -- adversity. The advent of adversity can bring fear, and sometimes even anger. We may experience feelings of injustice. If left unchecked, these feelings can lead to a loss of faith.
• We must earn Heavenly Father's trust by passing through affliction without losing our faith.
• Being obedient when it is hard to do is invaluable.
• Affliction blesses our lives when we humble ourselves.
• The Lord always suits the relief to the individual in need.
• In Alma 34, the people were instructed to give to others what they had hoped the Lord would give to them. No matter our financial or spiritual state, there are always those worse off that we can help.
• We can pass every test we are given. (this gives me hope!)
  

M. Russell Ballard

• Some of life's most meaningful counsel comes from those who have lived longer than you. They can steer you away from trouble and pain if you will listen.
• Do not exhaust your spiritual strength repeating the mistakes of the past.
• The boundaries of good taste and public decency are being pushed to the point of having no boundaries at all.

Quentin L. Cook

• We must show respect to members of other faiths, as well as members of our own faith who may be in a difference place than ourselves. (good point -- the latter might actually be more difficult for us)
  

Kevin W. Pearson

• Faith as a principle of power is the result of consistent obedience. It is always bestowed on those who continually seek after personal righteousness.
• It can be enticing to choose doubt over faith. Fear and faith cannot co-exist; we need to constantly root out sources of unbelief.
• 6 Destructive D's: doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience, and disbelief -- all erode our faith

Rafael N. Pino

• There is no tragedy in death; only in sin. (President Kimball)
• In our most painful moments, we should never forget that the Savior experienced our every pain, and knows how to succor us.

Richard G. Scott

• How can we gain greater benefits from temple attendance?
• Focus on the atonement and our relationship to the Savior.
• Participate in all of the different ordinances.
• Remove your watch!
• Focus on the person you are performing the ordinance for.

Russell M. Nelson

• Prayer gives us spiritual sustenance that cannot be obtained in any other way.
• If we really care for others, we should pray for them.
• It is possible to pray or fast for too long -- this is not necessary and is not any more effectual. (I found this interesting)
  

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

• People are constantly looking for some new theory, some new solution to their problems. But every worldly solution falls short of the lasting change we seek. The gospel of Jesus Christ contains the answers to our every problem.
• A friend had asked for his advice on dealing with a problem, then a week later replied, "I tried what you suggested. It didn't work. What else have you got?" We have to stay with it! The fruits of discipleship come over time, with continual effort.
• It is not enough to surround ourselves with the symbols of discipleship.
• The first step on the path to self-improvement begins from exactly where we stand today.
• It is always the right time to walk in his way -- it is never too late.
• Jesus Christ has the power to heal any wound, bridge any gap, and help us to face any challenge.

Neil L. Andersen

• With all his nervousness and humility surrounding his new calling, he does know one thing with perfect certainty: Jesus is the Christ.
• The prophet reminded us in the Priesthood session that the Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it. (this is so beautiful and poetic to me)

Steven E. Snow

• How can we prepare for inevitable change in our lives?

1. Follow the prophet.
2. Keep an eternal perspective.
3. Have faith.
4. Be of good cheer.

Barbara Thompson

• His arm is sufficient, though demons oppose.
• We know that Satan will try us, but the Lord will strengthen us and make us equal to the task.

Jeffrey R. Holland

• To all those who feel alone or abandoned, those who are bereft: think on the loneliest journey ever undertaken, the Savior's solitary task of working out our salvation and his triumph over death.
• His lonely journey was undertaken largely without comfort or companionship.
• The loss of mortal support he had anticipated, but he may not have been fully prepared for the emotional and spiritual suffering of the Father's withdrawal.
• Against all odds, and with none to uphold him, Jesus of Nazareth triumphed over death. His faith in his Father in Heaven carried him through his trial.

President Monson

• The global financial outlook is grim.
• The moral footings in society are weakening.
• It would be easy to be fearful and pessimistic, but let us focus on our blessings and be of good cheer.
• Our trials will not be removed from us, but we will be given strength to face them head-on and to persevere.

Dallin H. Oaks

• It is not easy to give up our personal desires.
• He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who loses himself in service to others grows and blossoms in this life and in the life to come.
• You cannot love the Lord without serving His children.
• The gap between those who are willing to surrender their personal priorities to the Lord and those who are not is widening.
• Latter-day Saints are uniquely committed to sacrifice.
• Satan desires to sift us like wheat -- to make us common and like those around us. Christ desires to make us precious and unique.
• Satan's sin was in wanting to be the center, to be his own master, outside of God and apart from God. Selfishness leads us to please ourselves, rather than God.
• Sacrifice is out of fashion now. The worldly aspiration is to get something for nothing -- entitlement. But getting something for nothing is contrary to the laws of the gospel and the law of the harvest.
• When we go to church, we should be looking for opportunities to life and serve others. (a great challenge to try)
  

David A. Bednar

• The covenants we make at baptism are more fully realized in the temple, where we more fully take upon us the name of Christ.
• I have come to better understand the protection offered to us by temple worship. There is a great difference between members who accept callings and pay tithing and occasionally go to the temple, and those who commit to regular and faithful temple attendance. (ouch.)
• We should not be surprised by Satan's efforts to thwart temple service.
• Do not allow anything to distract you from it.

Gary E. Stevenson

• You are never lost when you can see the temple.
• Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness. Understanding the eternal nature of the temple will draw you to your family, and vice versa.

José A. Teixeira

• We are not left alone. The Lord has given us spiritual gifts to help us navigate our lives.
• We have all been given the gift to choose, and we are all born with the natural capacity to choose between right and wrong.
• Our lives will depend on the decisions we make -- because decisions determine destiny. (President Monson)

President Monson

• Pray that your children will be strengthened against temptation.
• Express love to each other.
• Avoid degrading media and influences wherever they may be.
• Go to the temple often.
• Constantly nourish your testimony.
• Choose you this day whom ye will serve.

It really seemed like the major themes of this conference were: recommitting ourselves to obedience and holding fast to our faith in the midst of adversity. I love the way these two principles are intertwined -- our faith motivates us to greater obedience, and when we are obedient, we are endowed with an increase of faith. It sounds like most pertinent counsel for these times.

I love the way I feel buoyed up after Conference weekend -- I am ready to tackle the challenges in my life and recommitted to following the Savior's way.

highlights

Oh, how I love Conference weekend!

For the women that I visit teach, I bought these cute notebooks and pens at Wal-mart, microwave popcorn, Halloween candies, and I made Conference packets for their children. (I didn't have any baskets, so I just put all of it into a gift bag.)

For my kids, I made them Conference packets, and then I just gathered clipboards, markers, crayons, and various snacks. They seem to like them almost as much as Easter baskets! (I use their Easter baskets.)

I ran out on Saturday morning to make photocopies for my Conference baskets, but for the most part, we plan to just stay at home and watch together. I love that my children know that this is what we do, and they enjoy Conference weekend as well. I was so pleased that even though there were other kids outside playing, my kids didn't even seem to consider it -- we watch Conference together. It's what we do. (Eva is still catching the vision of this.)

This time, Max mostly took notes. The spaces allowed in his packet weren't large enough, so he continued on other paper.

Eva spent most of the time (when she wasn't napping) coloring on Marc's lap.

I made muffins on Saturday morning and Belgian waffles with fresh peaches and raspberries on Sunday morning. Having good food seems to make it feel even more like a holiday to me.

Here are my highlights from all the talks this weekend:

Sunday am

I was so excited to hear about the 5 new temples that President Monson announced -- especially the one in Philadelphia, as now my parents will not have to travel to D.C. and will be able to go more frequently!

L. Tom Perry
-- Simplify your life. (Noted. I'm really going to think about ways I can accomplish this.)

Sylvia H. Allred
-- Prepare your children for missionary service.
-- Prepare yourself for missionary service.

Neil L. Andersen
What do we do when feelings of inadequacy arise?

-- Pray. Read the Book of Mormon.
-- We do not know all things, but we know enough.
-- Faith is not only a feeling, it is a decision.
-- Fear and faith cannot co-exist in our hearts.
-- Be not afraid; only believe.

Marcos A. Aidukaitis
-- When we have the courage to do what God expects of us, we bless the lives of others.

Dallin H. Oaks
-- We can so easily be distracted, degraded, downhearted, and depressed.
-- Sacrament meeting is our most important meeting in the church, the only meeting where the whole family can attend together.
-- Individual reverence and worship are critical.
-- Each member bears responsibility for the spiritual enrichment that can come from sacrament meeting.
-- When we try to keep ourselves more fully unspotted from the world, we will qualify to have the Holy Ghost with us always.

President Uchtdorf
-- Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness and is a gift of the Spirit.
-- We have been commanded to actively make it a part of our lives.
-- Doubt, despair, and failure to care for our fellow man lead us ever downward.
-- With hope, we can have patience and bear our afflictions.
-- His mother's example of putting faith and hope into action sustained her family.
-- Never surrender. Never allow despair to overcome your spirit.

Saturday pm

Jeffrey R. Holland
-- Angels, both heavenly and mortal, are still sent to help us.
-- The Lord has said He will fight our battles, our children's battles, and our children's children's battles.
-- The latter days are not for fearing and trembling -- they are for believing and holding to our covenants.

Gérald Caussé
-- It is by exercising their faith -- putting into practice the things which they have lerned -- that children, and all of us, grow in spirituality.

Lawrence E. Corbridge
-- Every good thing in this life depends on our getting and keeping the Holy Ghost with us. **Everything depends on this.
-- Unlike worldly standards of achievement, where success is reserved for a select few, this is not the case with the Lord's plan of happiness, because it is not a human endeavor. While the Lord's invitation to follow Him is the highest of all, it is achievable by everyone.
-- Life is hard, but the Lord's way is not hard.
-- We can follow the Lord's way and be endowed with power, strength, and joy, or we can follow another way and be plagued with doubt and fear. Which way is harder?

D. Todd Christofferson
-- As we individually place the Savior at the center of our lives, and follow His prophets, we will be of one heart and one mind.
-- It is not enough for us to be somewhat less wicked than others, we must hunger and thirst after righteousness.

David A. Bednar
On making our prayers more meaningful:

-- Counsel with the Lord in all our doings.
-- Just as our Heavenly Father created us spiritually before He created us physically, meaningful morning prayer precedes the physical creation of the day, and is key to our spiritual preparation for the day. (I love this!)
-- Our evening prayer is a continuation of our morning prayer.
-- Express heartfelt gratitude.
-- Pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart -- this increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord.
-- Do our spouses and children feel the power of our prayers on their behalf? Do those we serve hear us pray earnestly for their well-being?

Sunday am

President Eyring
-- How can we achieve more unity?
-- We need to look for ways in which we agree.
-- Look for the good in others.
-- We are united in our changed hearts, in our desire to serve the Lord.

Robert D. Hales
-- One of our trials may be resisting the urge to respond to those who attack us with anger and aggression.
-- We can avoid retaliation, accusation, bitterness, and hatred with Christian courage.
-- As disciples of the Lord, we can invite the Spirit and receive revelation tailored to each individual situation.
-- Meekness is the ability to bear injustice without resentment, and it requires great strength.
-- Do not confuse boldness with Satan's counterfeit, overbearance.
-- To be guileless is to look for our own fault first.
-- Strive always to get to high ground, where the light is.

Elaine S. Dalton
-- I can do hard things.
-- Even better, in the strength of the Lord, I can do all things.
-- Return to virtue.
-- Some think that virtue is an antiquated notion, outdated in our modern world.
-- Lahonti was tempted and came down off the mount and was poisoned by degrees.
-- We must be guardians of virtue and steadfastly avoid being consumers of vice.
-- **Never underestimate the power of your righteous influence.

President Monson
-- Nothing is as constant as change.
-- We must focus on what is truly important, before it passes us by.
-- Find joy in the journey -- now.
-- There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today.
-- Focus on today: create good memories, show love and affection, express gratitude.
-- **Never allow a problem that needs to be solved become more important than a person that needs to be loved.

Sunday pm

Boyd K. Packer
-- In troubled times, the Lord has always prepared a safe way ahead.

Russell M. Nelson
-- To find real happiness, we must seek for it outside ourselves.
-- Beware of choosing what is easier or more convenient over what is of lasting value.

William D. Oswald
-- Successful gospel teachers change the hearts and lives of those they teach.


I'm including all of this here 1. for the benefit of my mom, who was unable to listen to Conference this time, and 2. for my own benefit, so I can return and review.

tidbits

On Thursday, Eva got this Olympic-style medal at preschool. I was there a little early to pick her up, and all the kids were walking up the stairs with matching medals. I complimented them, and they all started talking at once: "We walked on the balance beam! We went on the slide! Eva has one, too! We thought she was too little, but she did it!"

So, I got more information out of the other kids than she was willing to volunteer, but I could see that she was proud of her medal and even posed for some photos with it. Her teacher said she did great, so hopefully she won't be a problem student after all?

The second day of preschool was delightful for me -- I ran errands, put away my groceries, and vacuumed. When she got home, she played on the computer for awhile and I cleaned my bathrooms and did some laundry. I even found some time to get out some good mail and read. Delightful.

Potty training update: since I made the sticker chart 10 days ago, the girl has only gone 21 times. That's an average of twice a day! Only one accident, so she's staying dry, but... twice a day?? Should I be concerned? She gets quite angry when I suggest that she try to use the toilet, like when it's been 8 hours or so. Good grief.

On Friday afternoon, Lucas set up a game for Eva in the family room, consisting of multiple forts which are homes for each of them, a restaurant, a shop, etc. It includes good mail (he sends her money to use in the places of commerce and for daily "fees"), pretend sleeping and even sleep-overs in addition to the shopping and eating.

They played it for hours all weekend. It's hard to say who likes it more, Eva or Lucas! Eva is so thrilled that Lucas is playing with her, and I think Lucas is enjoying being in charge of all the details of the game. I'm definitely getting tired of the mess in our main living area, but I'm also reluctant to make them clean it up because it's given me a lot more free time!

Max auditioned on Saturday morning for the Utah Valley Youth Symphony. He is hoping to get into the Sinfonia, which is kind of an entry-level symphony that prepares them for the higher level. I hope hope hope he makes it because he really wants this and I think it would be a great experience for him! (photo of him warming up before the audition)

While we were there, we made some contacts and were able to procure a list of possible cello teachers. We were so sad that his teacher moved unexpectedly and we now have to find him a new one.

While we were at the junior high, Max showed me some of the places he took pictures when his digital photography class was let loose to shoot the class digital Rebels around the school. I thought this one was so cool I had to reproduce it for myself! That kid has got an artistic eye. (shot through a hole in a locker that is missing its lock)

Lucas informed me this weekend that his favorite drinks, in order, are:

1. root beer
2. amoxicillin

Yeah, that's right, amoxicillin. Which is convenient, really, considering how often he has to drink the stuff, but -- gross...

Today we attended a regional conference. It was held at the Marriott Center but broadcast to 175 stake centers! I didn't get to take very thorough notes, due to Eva entertainment issues, but I enjoyed the conference. The speakers were Marlin K. Jensen, Anne M. Dibb, Boyd K. Packer, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

I especially enjoyed Sister Dibb's talk about making hot, fresh rolls for the Young Women. She told them the reasons she wanted to make rolls for them were: 1 ) because she loved them, and 2) because she wanted them to taste the real thing! She was afraid they had only ever had counterfeits. I loved her take on the adversary's attempts to counterfeit every good thing. (not that store-bought rolls come from Satan!) But it resonated with me.

I finally booked my flight to go help Jessie after her baby is born. I leave in less than 3 weeks! It's seeming so real now.

Off to read more of my book club book and get ready for another busy week!

filled

I am feeling so filled by General Conference. This is why I so look forward to these two weekends out of the year. I am deeply gratified that my family gathers to watch every session, that the children don't complain (well, the boys don't, at least!), that we set aside the entire weekend for this spiritual feast. I hope my children remember the Solemn Assembly where they stood to sustain a new prophet.

I loved it all and can't wait to read the talks when the Ensign comes out. But for now, I think my favorite quote from this conference is:

"We should encourage our children to define themselves by the growth of their testimonies."
-- Elder Dallin H. Oaks

In a world where we are continually tempted to define ourselves by how we measure up to others, or to worldly standards, I find this to be such wise counsel.