Conference Weekend

Conference weekend is always a favorite for me.  This time around I did something I don't think I've ever done before.  It's kind of a big deal.  Are you ready to hear it?!  Ok, I Stayed Awake!  The entire time.  It's been a goal of mine for years and this time I did it!  Granted, I only watched half of the Saturday afternoon session because I actually tackled the laundry pile that sat on my floor for 3 days.

I enjoyed so much about conference.  The time at home with my family was (mostly) enjoyable.  There are always the times when all 3 of them need something at the very moment I need to be left alone.  The kids and I made some Conference Bingo cards for them to use as they listened.  It helped them listen and I felt the Spirit very strongly.  Mostly due to the fact that I let my 5 year old play games on my phone most of the day.  I'll pay for that tomorrow, I'm sure.
 
I was especially moved by Elder Holland's talk (said everyone) for multiple reasons:

1. The first reason is that I just barely, I mean like 2 days ago, finished "Heaven Is Here", the book Stephanie Nielson wrote of her experiences with life threatening trials.  She is the author of the popular blog www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com.  I have been bawling on the couch for a week as I read this book.  It is so inspiring and motivating to do all I am capable of.  She has inspired a renewed hope in me.  What an amazing woman she is.  And her husband.  Oh my.  He's just an angel.  Elder Holland spoke of her family, her trials and her ability to rise above the darkest moments of her life.  
2. The second reason is that he clarified in a very matter of fact way that depression is, in fact, a thing.  It's very real.  It's not something people make up or something that one can just will away.  It's difficult to live with, understand, manage, and talk about.  And I suffer from it.  It was validating for me to have him normalize it a bit.  It's nothing to be scared or ashamed of, but it needs to be recognized and managed.  I am lucky enough to be surrounded by very loving, supportive and understanding people who help me when I need it most.  I hope to get to a point where I feel "myself" soon, whatever that means.  For now, I take the breaks I need, work hard when I can, and try to keep busy.
3. The third reason is simply that Elder Holland ROCKS!  He's a fantastic speaker and always delivers his messages very well.

I felt God's love for me this weekend.  I am grateful for the reminders of the things I can do to be happy.  God's love is what makes me happiest.

Here are a few pictures of some of the things we did during the breaks:

I made some rosemary artisan bread that we love to dip in oil and vinegar

This is pretty much what Man did the whole time...this or the phone.

I found Syd bathing Dallas without being asked!  What a sweetheart!  He's not a fan, but he smells much better now.

How was YOUR weekend?