Wednesday, October 5, 2011

I am a little behind everyone else in posting about conference weekend but as they say . . . better late than never, right?

First off I LOVED conference. I think I was touched by many of the same talks and quotes that others were. I really enjoyed Sister Dalton's talk, although it made me cry for all the young women who don't have a worthy father at home to love their mother and show them the way.

I also loved Elder Cook's talk about President Monson telling him it is better to look up. And Elder Callister's talk on the Book of Mormon was superb. I was also very touched by Elder Hales talk on trials and tribulations as he was trying to comfort others who were suffering as he is. Ahhh so many good things. So much to study and ponder in the next six months.

In addition to conference, however, my weekend was brightened and made special by three events.

1. The first was being able to spend time with my mother who is not doing very well, and all four of my daughters. We sent the men off to priesthood meeting and then stayed home and ate yummy food, watched a movie, made cinnamon rolls for Sunday morning and visited. My sister Becky came over as well with her four youngest children. What a sweet night that was.

Left to Right
My two SIL, my husband, nephew, brother and father


All the girls hanging out on the bed with Grandma (my mother)

2. Next I was thrilled and touched by the enthusiasm my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter has for the temple. Carly truly believes she is a princess and deserves to be married in a castle. But her mother explained that the best place for any princess to marry is in the temple and so Carly was so excited to see a real, live temple right outside my parent's front door!!

Don't you just love all the flowers!!
We went to the Salt Lake Temple grounds as well and were overwhelmed by the beautiful colors!

A close up
Between sessions on Sunday we took her up to walk around the grounds. She was very disappointed it was not open so she could go inside, but she still found joy in roaming the walk ways and telling us about how she was going to get married there. We asked who she would marry and she said, "I don't know, but he is my friend." Later when Wes pointed out to Carly the statue of the Angel Moroni, she said she would marry him. At least she has good taste in men.:-)

I tried to get her to let me take her picture but she said, "I can't. I have to spin." We laughed at that. Imagine giving that answer next time someone asks you to do something.

And third--the very best of all was being able to be there when my wonderful, sweet, handsome son in law gave his new little son a name and a blessing. In the circle was little Camden's father, grandfather and great grandfather-- three generations of faithful priesthood holders, all coming together to bless this new little boy. And my favorite part of the blessing was hearing Dave bless Camden to serve a mission and be married in the temple. How I look forward to the day this boy will continue the tradition of faithful missionary service and help bring others to the gospel in some part of the world.

Just before the blessing (which was given at my parent's house)
I appreciate they were willing to go there since there is no way my parents could travel to Colorado.


And a close up of our little man.

So for the grandmother in me this weekend was special, for the mother in me it was joyful, and for the daughter in me, it was tender.

How blessed I am to be surrounded by such honorable sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. Just that thought brings great . . . joy to my journey.

13 comments:

Shannon said...

I think last weekend was just about perfect for everyone I know.

Glad your weekend was no different- except maybe a little more sweet than the rest of us somewhat! Congratulations!

Handsfullmom said...

What a sweet weekend for you. I can only imagine how sweet it is for you to see the traditions of faithfulness you set for your family carried on into the next generation.

Susan Anderson said...

That's about as good as it gets.

=)

LeAnn said...

That was truly a lovely post and brought tear to my eyes. I loved all of your thoughts on conference and the weekend. What a memorable weekend. The pictures were priceless. You truly enjoyed that journey; thanks for sharing it!

Lisa @ Pulsipher Page said...

I agree with Sue! Great weekend!

Dave and Camille said...

Thanks for posting this! It was a wonderful weekend, thanks for making it so! We love you!

Terri said...

How great that you could have all your family there - too bad Ryan couldn't come....together with mom and dad, I know they enjoy that. Did you take a 4 generation picture with the baby? What a doll the new baby is. I hope Camille is feeling better. I also enjoyed the talks you said, but I also loved the first one in the Priesthood session I listened to online. (spaced out the speaker for a minute) Elder Cook told us that story when he was here in Africa about his call as a GA and being in the elevator. He also told us a bunch of other stories, he is a very personable man. He did a very quick and exhausting trip around our mission with Pres J. I think he was a good sport. very nice post thanks

Kathryn Skaggs said...

I feel your joy completely! And isn't it wonderful that all of these special moments are brought to us by our knowledge and testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

tDMg

Momza said...

These are the traditions we're creating in our family. Totally the good stuff. I bet Carly is a really great "twirler"...I think I've seen that a few times. And dontcha love baby Camden's smile? Great stuff there.

alpinekleins said...

Family blessings truly are the sweetest blessings - my heart is filled with gratitude each day! What a lovely family you have! I too am so grateful for these timely conference messages with an uplifting simple message we can recall to mind each day! Life is good :D

Kristin

Unknown said...

WE did the 30 service for my sisters 30th bday! Thanks for your email of help. Here is the link to her blog about it! Thanks for the inspiration. You know- we are going through one of the biggest trials of our life right now and it felt good to leave it and do things for others.

http://julies-jumble.blogspot.com/2011/09/30-flirty-and-thriving.html

alpinekleins said...

So many favorite conference memories - always special family times! I loved being able to spend this conference time with my parents - they are slowing down and aging so it was a treasure to have this time together!

Kristin

Da Bergs said...

Oh my goodness, what a daring little guy!!! What a blessing....