General Conference

I LOVE General Conference. I especially love conference in the spring. It is such a special time. A time of new growth and hope and change.

This year was extra special as we were able to take part in the Solemn Assembly where President Thomas S. Monson was sustained as our new prophet. What a neat experience to be able to stand with my whole family, in our living room, in our pajamas, and raise our hands to the square and sustain our prophet. What a great opportunity to renew our resolve to follow the teachings of the prophet and to make choices and commitments that will help us be closer to the Lord and to grow as a family.

When Kendon and I got married we decided that we wanted to make Conference weekend a special time to look forward to and to spend as a family. We want it to be a weekend where no other plans are made. A weekend to grow in our spirituality and in our love for each other. Throughout the last seven years we have started some traditions that have helped us reach that goal. As our children grow our traditions have continued to evolve, change and be added upon. Here are some of the things that we do.

• We always start the week with a special Conference Family Home Evening. We try to get the kids excited that they get to watch the prophet on t.v. in a few days. This year we talked about the people coming to listen to King Benjamin. They brought their tents and faced the doors to the temple and sat with their families to hear the prophet's words. Saturday morning we built a tent/fort that the kids sat in to listen to the prophet.
  
• I've made a memory game with the pictures of the prophet and apostles that the kids can play with throughout the week. I also have a set with magnets that we keep on the fridge. During dinner we try to memorize the apostles names.
  
• Saturday morning we get donuts! This is not something we typically do any other time of year so it is special.
  
• I always try to have a special coloring/activity conference book (that I make on the computer.)
• Between sessions on Saturday we go on a picnic. It is nice to get out and get some sunshine to feel rejuvenated for the next session. I try to fix something a little nicer than PB&J. My favorite is chicken salad on croissants!
  
• When Kendon gets home from Priesthood Session he and I have special banana splits and he tells me about the session. I love to listen to the things that he thought were important for himself and our family. This year he even took notes. I was impressed! I'm excited for when Connor is old enough to go with his dad and the girls and I can be at home making yummy ice cream sundaes with all the toppings! For now, the kiddos just go to bed.
  
• On Sunday morning we make a nice breakfast. This year we made Breakfast Pizza. It is so yummy that Kendon decided THAT recipe needs to be tradition too.
  
• This isn't really a tradition (though it may become one) but try giving your kids peanuts in the shell as a snack. You would be surprised how long your kids will sit quietly, shelling and eating peanuts. It made a HUGE mess but the kids enjoyed it!
• I also bought Skittles this year for another little game that I forgot to do. (I was just too darn sick to remember it.) During each talk, choose a word for the kids to listen for. When they hear it, they get a skittle. (You could be more health conscious and use raisins, grapes, peanuts etc.) This WOULD have been fun, I'm sure!

Well, there are a few of the things that we do. I want Conference to be a special time that my kiddos look forward to throughout the year! So far, I feel like we are on the right track!