*Pumpkin Time*

First we Pick Them....

Then we Decorate Them....

 Then we Laugh at Them.....

Jax listening to Elder Holland...

~So a couple days ago I was re-listening to the talk from Elder Holland on my laptop. Jax was laying by me on my bed as I tried to get him to sleep. He's starting to kinda scoot and of course he rolls over now. I thought it might put him to sleep...but nope. He rolled right over, grabbed my laptop and stared at Elder Holland giving his talk...and just watched and listened as if he knew what was being said. I had to grab my camera and capture the moment. :)   

General Conference-Part 2

~Last Saturday & Sunday we listened to our Prophet, His Apostles & others speak about aspects of the Gospel. General Conference is held twice a year & are my 2 favorite weekends. Our kids are to the age where they actually enjoy it, making it easier for Tim & I to get more out of the talks. We get comfy, fill our tummies with yummy food & LISTEN to these important words that the Lord would have us hear as the spirit fills our homes.

This Conference we happened to be staying at Tim's parents Beach House while they were actually attending Gen. Conference in SLC. We got to hear the talks as we listened to the peaceful waves of the ocean.

As I looked out at the people on the beach I had an overwhelming feeling come over me and felt as the prophet Alma as he declared: “Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!” (Alma 29:1).

If only I could be as the prophets of old and perhaps even stand on a wall and proclaim all that I believed. If only these people KNEW that Jesus Christ was their own personal Savior & KNEW there was a latter day Prophet HERE on the Earth directing Christ's church. If only they KNEW that their Heavenly Father & Brother Jesus Christ loved each of them DESPITE their sins & faults.

But wait...I can do something; not as grandiose but maybe just as significant. As I type my thoughts & testimony on my silly little blog, maybe just maybe, one person might be touched or have their testimony strengthened. Line upon line, precept upon precept...Jesus always sought after the one right? And most importantly, hopefully my life is line with His teachings so that I can be a tool in His hands.

So anyways, we had two days of rest & relaxation & revamping of our spirits.

And in April we will do it again.

*Playing Bingo w/ candy corn...gets the kids to listen for words from the speakers like

Prayer, Love, Jesus etc.*

*I LOVED so many of the conference talks....

Here are some that touched me most:

(*Saturday AM session*)

*Elder Richard G. Scott~ spoke about having the spirit with us to personally guide each of us. I loved how he compared the two experiences of the Knowledgeable Teacher & the Humble Teacher in Mexico. The spirit spoke to him more profoundly with his humble, less educated teacher than his more knowledgeable, learned teacher. Are we humble enough to have the spirit be our constant companion?

*President Dieter F. Uchtdorf~ reflected on what others outside of the church might know or think about those of us as members. He resorted to say that what really matters is that they view us as disciples of Christ. He then went on to discuss how we do that. He said: "The first step to walking in righteousness is simply to TRY!"

*Elder David A. Bednar~spoke about demonstrating & expressing our love and testimonies to our family members. He spoke of setting our families & homes in order and even though we feel at times that we are failing; we are not and must be consistent.

*Elder Jeffrey R. Holland~ (*Sunday PM*) ~declared with straightforward and bold words about the Book Of Mormon and spoke of those who deny it's reality. He said: 'The Savior warned that in the latter days: "Even those of the covenant, (even) the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth."

He then said this boldly to those taking their membership in the church lightly:

"...And if they leave this church, they must do so by crawling over or under, or around the Book of Mormon to make their exit." He then compared the "Book Of Mormon to what Jesus Christ was said to be; A stone of stumbling, a rock of offense or a barrier in the path of one who wishes not to believe in THIS work."

~Elder Holland recalled words of his great-grandfather saying: "No wicked man could write such a book as this; and no good man would write it...unless it were true and he were commanded of God to do so."

(*Click here to see their talks.)

~And of course I love to hear words from our sweet Prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I noticed on numerous occasions this conference that many of the speakers asked us to pray for him & that President Monson needed our prayers. This struck me. I know he is called of God & I know he receives guidance & direction for the church & those living on the earth in these latter days.

I know these things are true & like Elder Holland I hope that no one can say they knew me

..without knowing what I believed.

~General Conference

Monday morning when Kaylea woke up she jumped out of bed and the first thing she said to me was randomly:

"Mom, I'm so excited for Saturday.."     

 "You are?..How come?" I asked.

She replied: "Cuz it's General Conference!"

My little heart bursted with joy & maybe a little moisture might have come to my eyes.

Ok so she was probably just excited about the candy involved but still...Music to my ears.

What's been your favorite TALK so far?

*School Awards Assembly

~I am so grateful to have the kids at the school that they are this year. I really believe that things happen for a reason. Through all our many experiences with different schools, homeschooling etc. I feel that we learned something in each situation, but I think that this year is my year to relax! Both Spencer & Kaylea have great teachers that allow them to grow & learn as fast as they desire which has been a great blessing, allowing me to take a much needed breather! 

*Kaylea's Teacher Mrs. "C" has been wonderful at understanding Kaylea's unique personality & seeing her potential.

At the recent Quarterly Awards Assembly, Kaylea was excited to receive The Student of the Month Award!

Spencer got the Perfect Attendance Award (which is a first for any of my kids) & was on the Honor Roll!

*His teacher Ms. "G" said she can always call on him in class when she wants him to add a fact, date or statistic to the days lesson plan. One day a week he attends the district's ELP class & enjoys both classes.