General Conference

We took a slightly different approach with conference this time. By the end of the weekend, I had seen more of conference than I have seen at one time in the last five years. It could be because of our new strategies or it could just be that the kids are getting older. Either way, I don't really care because it all worked out for the best.

We decided on one dedicated session (Sunday morning) where we expected the kids to be present. We wouldn't fight for all day, just a couple of hours. We had our usual big breakfast and then we set up our tent just like in the days of King Benjamin and the kids colored their little packets and watched from in there.

I'd say it was mostly successful. Ava made it through the whole time with minimal whining and the boys only spent the last half hour in the backyard playing.

I decided that instead of taking notes on each speaker or writing down my favorite ideas, I would instead just write the impressions I had while I listened. I really liked it because at the end of the time I had a nice little list of things I wanted to do better or remember.


1. Seriously cutback on my phone/internet/computer usage. It's gotten pretty bad and a huge time suck for me. I realized that I would need to come up with a replacement activity much like someone quitting smoking. I wanted to still be by my kids like they want, while they do their thing and still be productive (as if "pinning"counts as productive!). Brace yourself cause I'm about to get crazy right here, I came up with: Actually playing what they are playing (how novel, I know) or get out the knitting needles and books. I would much rather my kids store away the image of me doing those things instead of me glued to to my phone. I don't know how to pearl, but man can I knit. I've already got a scarf done!

2. Be more tender with the kids.

3. Teach the kids the Book of Mormon. We do this already to some extent, but I really felt that I need to put more emphasis on it, spend more of our Family Home Evenings learning the stories, have more of a focus on it and the principles it teaches in everyday life and conversation.

4. Pray more specifically and especially, more specifically for my children. Seek out the little things that they need that I should be providing.

So, I wasted no time getting started. Monday morning I put down my phone. I found that I had plenty of things to keep me busy. I only got the shakes once, but I stayed strong.

Monday night, we acted out the story of Samuel the Lamanite.

It's early in the game but I think the rest is coming along nicely too.

How amazing is it to be able to hear the words of inspired people, who in turn can inspire me to do better for myself and those I care about? Lucky, lucky, I tell you what.