conference weekend

it is always an amazing treat when i can be in the conference center with the prophet, all the general authorities, the general women presidency's, and the choir, at general conference time! it was especially wonderful to see the prophet feeling so well:) we usually try to talk about the feelings we had while listening to conference (whose talk was especially meaningful to you, or what music touched your heart), but since jon is out of town, i'm ashamed to say, our family home evening tonight consisted of going to dinner, doing laundry, and catching bugs (15 insects) for Megan's project due Friday! (anyone with any extra bugs, let us know!)
but, i personally, have been thinking about what i heard this past weekend, what things i can do differently, what touched my spirit in a powerful way, and i would like to share a few.

1- i loved what elder packer had to say. i have wondered through the years what experiences the general authorities have had to make them qualified to be especial witnesses of Jesus Christ. i loved to hear him tell of his experience as he was called to serve as an assistant to the twelve. it made me feel closer to him.
2- elder holland is always a stand-out for me. as we have spent so much time lately involved with missionary work, i loved his clear explanation of the godhead, sharing what we believe and why we are most definitely Christians.
3- president eyring on sunday morning was also a favorite. when he told us of the journal he had kept for over thirty years (i think!) every day writing how God's hand had been involved in bringing great blessings to his family each day, i was inspired to think it through myself each night. i know what a powerful emotion gratitude is. i know it would greatly bless my life!
4- sister julie beck's talk about the qualities a mother who "knows" would have also touched my heart. i wish i possessed all the strength and wisdom and character that the mother she described had. it gave me a lot to think about, and a realization that i have a lot of things i can improve upon in my life.
5- the music was beautiful. i got to hear two of my favorites; "i believe in christ" (the choir sang it as a tribute to bro. longhurst who is retiring this year, and i believe they did it a little 'extra special') and president faust's "this is the christ". Also two new ones i suspect might be coming out on a new cd; "a child's prayer" and "how firm a foundation". both were unbelievable. i can't wait to hear them again!

anyway, conference is always a favorite weekend of mine. it is extra special when i can go to brenda's during priesthood meeting and laugh with her and her girls as the babies get crazy around us! here are a few pictures of our fun weekend!