WC 2013

I love Women's Conference.  It is always something I look forward to.  I treat it a lot like General Conference where I pray ahead of time about a question or a need I have in hopes that I may find some inspiration or answers to my prayers.  The cherry on top is Mama Jenny comes too!  She comes all the way from California.  Sometimes my sisters come, but this year was hard to for everyone to get away.  I was only able to go the first day and my sister Terri went the second.  So I got some mama and me bonding time. 

I like to record some of the highlights from my classes so I can have a reference when I need it:

• Life is a continuing journey
• Quitting is NOT an option
• One woman shared the story of her son and when she found out he would only have one eye along with other physical problems, her children were nervous.  Her husband told them, "it just means he's always winking at us".  They expected him to live only a few days, but lived to be 7 years old.  The meaning of his wink meant "I'm here for you.  I believe in you.  I love you".  That became the family's motto.  He did not have the ability to speak, but his presence was uplifting to everyone.  
• Our presence needs to be strengthening to our family - I only have power over me and MY presence in the home with my family.
• SHOW your love - don't assume your family members know how you feel; every family member will need to know how we love them in different ways
• Focus on the good and positive - don't nitpick at your kids
• A problem to be solved is not more important than a person to be loved.
• When you apologize, leave out the "but's"
• Can you imagine starting and ending the day without prayer?
• A speaker shared a story about a mother who had a difficult and busy day.  She finally had time to can her apricots (this story goes back in time, but the principle still applies) when her children walked in and reminded her they needed to pray.  Desperate to finish her task, she said they could do it on their own and wouldn't need her.  One son then asked, "What is more important?  Prayer or apricots?"  The mother then stopped her canning and prayed with her children.
• Reading the scriptures doesn't have to be in a formal setting...breakfast time is just fine.
• Younger children can repeat after mom and dad so they can more fully participate in scripture study.
• Teach children about ancestors and engage them in their stories.
• It is the small things we do that affect our children e.g. teaching them a hymn when they are frightened.
• Temple work and family history saves our ancestors AS WELL AS us and our children.
• Family history allows us to see who we really are in the temple.

After a spiritually uplifting and somewhat emotional day, we met up with Terri and some extended family for dinner that night.  My dad's cousin Pat, her daughter Sara, my cousin Becca, and my Aunt Linda.  Love these ladies and love me some Paradise!

Later that weekend, my mom invited us to Tepanyaki.  We were certainly spoiled that weekend!  She's such a cute grandma.