Conference Weekend

We LOVE conference weekend!!! It has always been something that we look forward to and this past weekend was no different! I had intentions of making some conference games (bingo, etc) for the girls, but since I wasn't quite organized enough for that I just printed off some pages for them to color while we listened. Between coloring, crafts, and playing games it worked out really well! In between sessions on Saturday the kids went outside and Wes made our traditional German Pancakes.

I loved all of the talks!! I felt the spirit and couldn't help but feel grateful that we do have living prophets and apostles to speak to us on our day. And, as I mentioned to Wes, they just seemed to hit the mark! These men absolutely know what is going on in the world, what our struggles are, and what we need to do!! I know that without a doubt!

• our home should be sacred. It is a temple. Treat it as such
• safeguard our family!!... never leave the house without family prayer... we are sending our children out into a dangerous place.
• study the scriptures, you will feel peace in your life
• Family scripture study and Family Home Evening are a must!!
• Joseph Smith was a real prophet! Called of God.
• Allowing ex-mormons teach us about the church is like having Judas teach us about the Savior after he betrayed Him
• Christ's standards will not lower to meet the world's standards
• There is no more important role than being a mother (and father). 
• Children should not use so much technology. Turn the TV off, i-pods, etc. Rather, read good books, have activities together.
• Slow down.
• Truth is truth.
• Stand up for what you know is right. Stand up for truth. Stand up for God.

Those are some of the highlighted parts for me. As I look back on the list, I notice that there is nothing knew. No alarming new revelation. But, what I heard over this past weekend has increased my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, of latter-day revelation, the importance of families and motherhood, and the necessity to safeguard our families from the power and the influence of the adversary.  If I had it my way, I would jump at the opportunity to live in a bubble, never leave the house, and to protect my children from all the "bad" stuff out there! I know that's not an option OR the answer. I do know, however, that as a mother I can teach my children what God would have them know, I can teach them who they are and why they are here. I can teach them about their Savior, and who they can become. I can help them to cultivate and strengthen their own testimonies so that when they go out and are faced with a hard situation they can make good choices. I can create an atmosphere in their home where the spirit is always present and teaching them, where they feel save, where they feel loved, where they love to be, and where the gospel is lived and embraced.

Oh man, I could go on forever....

As this weekend closes, I feel edified, uplifted and instructed. And grateful.

Here are a few photos of the past two days!

 Just hanging out, listening to the Prophet

Playing Don't Eat Pete!

Zach and the girls helping Wes make Apple Pudding

 

German Pancakes! Everyone is excited!!

 Conference selfie!

House update: Walls are primed, ceiling is textured!

Look who got Jackson to sleep! Aubrey was loving this!

Such a great weekend!!

Simon's Blessing Day

[November 3 2013]

Simon was blessed exactly one week after he was born! It was either then, or wait until December...which is normally a really buys month! This is always a special day for me. I'm so grateful that I get to be a mom, a brand new person, who has come to our family. We love Simon and are excited to watch his purpose and life unfold. We feel grateful that our little Simon has so many people who love him. 

We also had cake for Olivia and sang to her! 

After the day was over, I realized that we didn't get a family picture!! Bummer!!!

July 14

I have noticed that ever since Wes has had 7:00 am meetings, we are on time for church! ...knock on wood. I think it's because I'm forced to be more organized...getting everything ready on my own...rather than leaving stuff for Wes to do to help me in the morning. He is quite helpful, but now that he's not home to help, I have to do it and get there on time. So far, the system is working well.

Aubrey lasted for approx 5 min in sacrament meeting. She left with daddy, came back for 1 min, and left again. She just starts screaming. However, I wasn't surprised since both girls were up until 10:00 pm last night...they just did not want to go to sleep! So, Aubrey was really cranky.

I LOVE my sunday school calling. I had two kids in my class ... L.R. and W.B. (usually have these same two ... occasionally a couple more). They are just such great kids! I love the discussions we have the the insight the personality they bring to our class.

Relief Society was amazing.  We spoke about the important role of motherhood, how we are living in such a day where many people have a "what about me" attitude (I am no exception), and people treat motherhood with such apathy. I felt so inspired and uplifted. This life isn't about me, but rather it's about ensuring I am fulling the role I am supposed to. That will take sacrifice, it will take work, and a lot of effort. Yes, there has to be balance, but it's more important that I serve my family and those around me than making sure that I get all of my little needs met.  I am just LOVING being back in Relief society. I have so much to learn and learn so much from the ladies around me.

Church was followed by a quick lunch and a nice nap....seriously love those naps! Wes and I worked together to get dinner ready for the Elders. He made Butterscotch pie...one of his favs. And we takes so much pride in making it...he is even quite particular in the way it is served. It makes me smile and remember his mom. He made an extra one to drop to deliver to some friends who just had baby #4.

Elder Mooney and Elder Sunimafaleaou (sp) are so wonderful. They are obedient, personable, and enjoyable to be around. It's nice that Wes get's to work more closely with the missionaries and we are excited about the missionary work happening here and throughout the world.

Family Potluck

[July 7] Church today was amazing. Well, the most amazing part of it was Relief Society. I have missed not being in there for almost 6 years and am enjoying taking in the lessons and enjoying the spirit. The lesson today was on Motherhood. We spoke about the words we say to our children and how we say it.

After church we came home, got changed, and headed to my dad's home. The girls were exhausted and fought the entire 30 min drive there! But, we had a lot of fun visiting and enjoying the Sun.

Sundays are just nice.

I love them.

Work, Funerals, and Callings

[June 9]
I have in my mind that date-night every Friday would be quite nice, but I'm noticing that by the time Friday comes I am completely exhausted and am just grateful for some R&R if I can get some. Wes has been working super long hours (his sub-contractor has quit and there has been a few hiccups)...so, when he arrived home at 7:00 pm on Friday he took the girls out for a date (since they have barely seen him), and I just watched a movie. Both of us fell asleep early. :)  It was nice and the girls were thrilled.

Saturday we attended a Funeral for Dave Armstrong. Wes was sad. Dave had been Wes' (and family) home-teacher for as long as he could remember. Dave was only 61 years old. A few weeks ago Wes had a painting estimate in the area that Dave lived. It had been a long time since Wes saw Dave (probably at our wedding) so he decided to stop by his home. It was then that Wes learned Dave was suffering from cancer and was only given a short time to live. 2 weeks later, Dave passed. Wes was grateful for that visit.  We just never know how long we have. Life is so short.

After the funeral, Wes dropped me off at Home Business Launch, he picked up the girls from our friends who were watching them, and turned around to pick me up.  I ran an errand before Wes went to a Priesthood leadership meeting with the Stake.

The girls were bathed and in bed at a good hour (7:00) which I was super happy about because we are having a heck of a time these days staying reverent during Sacrament meeting.

The girls woke up happy, and I decided that the girls can choose 1 toy each (because more than that they seem to fight over them all). Sacrament meeting today went better, but Aubrey just does not like it in there! .... I'm not sure what to do!

Wes was sustained as the new Ward Mission Leader (still also serving in the EQ Presidency until they have a replacement for him) and he spoke in Sacrament Meeting about the importance of Family Home Evening (I had to laugh a bit when I heard the topic because we definitely are lacking in this area!...time to repent and re-commit!). I managed to hear the first couple of minutes, and the rest was a hit and miss. I always enjoy hearing him speak in church.

The rest of the day was enjoyed by naps, meetings, a Bishop visit, a bump on the head (poor Aubrey hit her head on the coffee table), a walk outside, chocolate chip cookies, and a movie with the Family.

Sweet Sunday

[June 3]
As we were sitting in Sacrament meeting (trying to keep our children reverent), a Bishopric member was released and a new one was called in! The new one wasn't Wes...(i was feeling a touch grateful for that), but we was called into something new (I won't post what is is now in case the word gets out before he's sustained next week). Personally, it came as quite a shock to me since I felt he had something really good in the EQ Presidency...but, I guess it's time for him to move on.

Sacrament meeting was good...the bits and pieces that I heard, anyway! Our amazing stake President (Pres. Thomas) is absolutely loved by every single person who has crossed his path! He bore his testimony and spoke about the [many] different bishoprics he's served in, and now as the Stake Presidency. He spoke about how his children have been blessed for his service, how his wife was often alone with small children and never once complained. Never once. Rather, she told him she wouldn't have it any other way. She was grateful that he served and wanted him to do so...even if that meant they barely saw each other! I was inspired and felt the desire to be more like her! The Lord blesses us for our sacrifice WAY more than we even sacrifice. We never give Him more than He gives us. Those moments when I wishing or thinking about how convenient it would be for me to have Wes home (rather than to attend to his duties), it is purely for selfish reasons. Overall, I'm quite happy when he's serving in his calling, but there have been a few moments when I had other plans. He loves the Lord and is happy to serve Him. I am very grateful for that and for the example he is to our little family.

A Saturday

[June 1]
Normally, Olivia has soccer. But, to be honest...she just isn't liking it and doesn't care about it. She is 3. This is her first time playing, and we're sort of feeling that it is a waste of time. So, we didn't go today. She only has 1 more week left and then the season is over. I feel good about that.

Wes decided to go into finish a job today...he's been working at a big house in Bears Paw. After seeing the home (but mostly the area) "living on an acreage" has gone back on the Vision Board. It is soo peaceful, soo far from your neighbors, so much grass, so much space, so lovely. Yup, we visited him a few times just to be out there.

The girls and I did chores around the house today, mowed the lawn, did some baking, and hunted for bugs in the back yard. It was nice. A nice, productive, yet relaxing Saturday at home. I was even able to make up a meal-plan for the following week AND go grocery shopping with no children. Both accomplishments are a huge deal!

Wes called me from work saying the Executive Secretary from church called and said the Bishop wants to meet with us at 8:30 Sunday morning. He added, "and, it's a doosey!". I thought the E.S. could be joking around and that it would really be "a doosey" after all,  Besides, how big could it be if the Stake wasn't meeting with him?

Where to begin?

It's been a while!

I'll try to catch up a bit...perhaps back-track, then catch-up...who knows!

Today is Mother's Day. I'm happy to be a mom. I'm grateful for my mom (on earth), for my mother-in-law (in heaven) and all those who have mothered me and my children.

There are times that I feel like I'm doing a pretty good job as a mother and then other times (like this entire weekend...) when I feel like I'm completely failing and have no idea what I'm doing.

What I do know is that I love my girls and am trying my very best.
I hope to be the mother they need me to be. 

Today Wes woke up more sick than he was yesterday...too sick for church! (and, anyone who knows Wes knows that he NEVER misses church....so, that means he's really sick!). I told him I couldn't go to church with both children by myself on Mother's day (of all days). I honestly was ready to leave one of the girls home with him. Eventually the girls and I got ready any made it on time. Sacrament meeting started out pretty good...and ended in the hallway, outside, back inside, in a room by ourselves  (more than once) and with a mom ready to just go home. We made until primary (phew!).

I was called today to be the Sunday School teacher for the 16 year olds. 2 in my class today. They are good kids. Quite different from being in Primary. I'm looking forward to it. 

Olivia started soccer 3 weeks ago. She plays on Saturdays. The first week went pretty good. The other two weeks she hasn't been very interested. We asked her yesterday, "Olivia, do you like soccer?" She replied, "No. I want to play soccer by myself." Hmmm. We are working on that one.  She is, however, very excited to play basketball (when she's 5) and we have registered her for Preshool starting in September.

Aubrey is just cute. Say's "ank-you" as often as opportunity allows (for everything), loves to sing, loves to wake up early, and loves to be "cozy"...loves having a blanket...even if it's a fleece one in the sun on a hot summer day! And she is very concerned with how other people feel. For example, at every meal time she'll go around the table and ask, "nummy mommy?" "nummy daddy?" ...I think she'll start asking Olivia as soon as she can say her name! Also, when she thinks I am hurt or that something happened she'll ask me, "ok mommy?". She gives kisses and hugs frequently and readily to   pretty much everyone.

I am 18 weeks tomorrow and have another ultrasound next week. Olivia is certain it is a boy baby and his name will be called "daddy". Today at church she told one of the men that "Mommy has baby daddy in her tummy". I don't think he clued in on what she was trying to tell him. It was pretty funny though.

Wes' painting business is going really well. He has just hired a sub-contractor and will be hiring a few more helpers in the very near future. 

My NuCerity business is going extremely well...couldn't be more grateful. I am closing my Dayhome this week...Wednesday at 4:30. I'm excited. It's time. It was great while it lasted, but now it's time to move on....in perfect timing for summer and the new baby!

Wonderful Weekend

Yesterday we had the privilege of having a friend (K.M.) over for dinner with his daughter and the missionaries. K has been to church with us a couple of times, and has met with the missionaries a few times. It was such a nice visit and conversation. We discussed the Book of Mormon and how it has blessed our lives. I love the Book of Mormon. I am grateful for the answers it gives me, the direction I can receive and for the spirit it brings. I was feeling a bit stressed leading up to the dinner, but it really was such a perfect evening. 

Wes' cousin, Matt (and his wife Stephanie) had a beautiful baby girl last night. So, so precious. Having a baby really is the most miraculous thing. I am definitely in the stage where it melts my heart every time I see a newborn.  Melts. My. Heart. We are excited for them!!

This morning was date time for Mommy and Olivia. We went to get our nails done, went out for lunch,  and went shopping! We had so much fun together and had the perfect time. I love my little Liv!

A quick nap followed and then I ran off to a Mentor Meeting while Wes and the girls went on a walk. 

Home again to laundry, laundry, and more laundry. In between loads, Wes and I studied out of our Sunday School Manual.

I'm excited to dress the girls in their new Easter dressed tomorrow! Hopefully I'll be able to snag a quick photo before church!

Update time!

I can't believe it's been SO long since I posted last. Wow. Times sure flies when you are having FUN! 

We've been busy and trying to keep up with it all. Our girls are as busy as ever and thoroughly enjoy being mischievous together! Aubrey is now 19 months, old, but I have her own "18 Month" post to put up...stay tuned for that. 

I was released from the Primary Presidency last week. I felt it coming, but it was more emotional than I expected it to be. When I was called, I was very pregnant with Aubrey. It has been a wonderful experience for me to work with the children in a different aspect (other than a Primary teacher). It was fun being behind the scenes as well, organizing, planning, coordinating. Heavenly Father loves His children. I know that for sure. I loved being in there with Olivia for a few months, but I think it's best that Mommy isn't in there with her. I was distracting her too much! 

We took a family trip to Vegas in January! A little cooler than the last time we were there, but we had a lot of fun and I will post a few photos of our fun times!

Wes and I have taken a leap of faith. He had intended for his career at SCM to be long-tern.  However, over the last year it has become very clear that he was not supposed to remain. Un-expectley, Wes got the impression to call his former boss, Dalton. Wes used to paint for him in between semesters while he was attending Univeristy. Dalton eventually offered Wes a partnership in the business (around the time we were married) but it just didn't feel right at the time. So, one day he tells me, "I'm thinking of calling Dalton to see what he has for me". I agreed he should call him if that's how he felt. We hadn't seen Dalton since our wedding reception! A few days later, Wes "runs into" Dalton. Really. They got together to discuss plans. After much prayer and fasting we knew what we needed to do. Wes resigned at SCM and has opened a division of Hardings Painting with his focus being in Airdrie. He works for himself, with the support of a trusted, well-known company. He has control over his future, his income and the direction he wants to go. This is a huge blessing for us. 

My NuCerity business is going really, really well!! A lot better than I even expected, only being in it for 7 months. I had no idea what was going to happen with this, but what I did know is that if I didn't do it, I would absolutely regret it. That was the best $59 decision I have EVER made! We are so grateful for this and the blessing it is in our lives.  

Our children are beautiful and healthy! Looking forward to when the snow melts (for good) and the green grass and flowers come up! 

Anyway, that is all for now! More posts to come soon! :)

Sunbeams!

[Jan 6]

We've been talking to Olivia all week about how she is such a big girl and she get's to go into Primary and Sunbeams!!! I have be SO EXCITED. She was too. Sunday morning she made cards to her teachers (Sis. A. and Sis. K). In the last 10-15 minutes of Sacrament she's usually done with it and tells us that she wants to go to Nursery. The same thing happened today...only, this time I reminded her that she is too big for Nursery now and she gets to go to Sunbeams! She started to cry...loudly..."but I want to go to Nursery". Oh my. I began to get worried. 

We walk into the Primary room...she was feeling a bit shy. I introduced her to Sis. A. Olivia gave her the card and a little hug. She was doing fine. I am in the Primary Presidency and I was conducting so I had a good view of her. A boy beside her started to cry....then, she started to cry and walked up to me. Sister K came up and offered for Olivia to sit on her lap. She gave Sister K the card, and sat on her lap. Pouting and mopey. It was the cutest thing...I wish I could have taken a picture! She had a perma-frown on her face with the saddest eyes!! Then, singing time came and she perked right up!! 

I had to leave the room for a bit. I was outside the door talking with someone and I hear a child start to whale...I open the door...it was Olivia. I think she had noticed that I was no longer in the room (me being in there made it more difficult for her). I took her on a walk. She calmed down and I brought her back in. After Primary she went to Sunbeams and had the best time ever! 

Sweet Sundays

[Dec 30]

There is something about Sundays. For some reason, I come home from church absolutely exhausted and usually with a headache! ... does this happen to anyone else? haha.

We have a great Bishop in our ward (Bishop Collingridge). He said a few words at the end of Sacrament meeting. Something he said stuck out to me: a few years ago he was speaking with a person who had stopped going to church who explained that their life had become easier and they felt less guilt when compared to when they attended church and lived the gospel. Bishop then shared a scripture:

 Ether 12:27, "And if men come unto me I will show them their weakness". 

This makes sense, and yet something I have never thought of before: the closer we come to the Savior, the more aware we are of our weakness!... How true!! And, the more we realize we need to be better! If we distance ourselves from the Savior, we are not as aware of the ways in which we need to improve. The verse goes on to say, 

"I give men weakness that they may be humble...if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them".  

The Lord shows us our weaknesses because He loves us. Being aware of our weaknesses humbles us, and through Him our weaknesses can turn into strengths. Thus, we will gain a stronger testimony of the Atonement and become more aware of the Love of God. Coming unto Him isn't easy, but as most of us know, taking the easy road doesn't offer much growth. One of my mission presidents use to always say, "Now, let's go out and do hard things". Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not easy, but it does give us peace and protection in our lives. I would be completely lost without it. 

On another note...Olivia is maturing...it has been a handful of consecutive weeks where she has reverently obeyed during Sacrament meeting!! Yahoo!! The light has come... just in time for Sunbeams! Love it!

We enjoyed a nice lunch as a family after church, which was followed by nap time for all. Wes quietly kissed me on the cheek and slipped away to work.

Our BIG girl!

Just look at her! Look at how big she is getting!! She is old enough to help daddy prepare dessert. I just stare at her sometimes in disbelief....how is my baby growing up so fast????

This past Sunday was her FIRST SUNDAY IN NURSERY!!! I had her in with me in Primary, and then the Pres offered to take her to Nursery (since she's only about 1 month away). She did awesome there and didn't miss us at all.

I love my girl!

More Updates

3 NEW POSTS BELOW!!

For the month of November Wes has been working days and I have LOVED it! Our days just seem to have a better flow...more smooth. In December he'll go back to nights, but I sure have enjoyed these hours!

We both have callings in our ward. I am a Sunbeam teacher. We have approximately 20 Sunbeams in our ward...really....and because of that we have 3 teachers. Oh, those 4-year-olds...they're so cute! ;)...and, rambunctious! haha!

I asked Wes recently what calling he would want to have if it could have any calling in the church. His choice:  Youth Sunday School Teacher. Guess what he was called to be?: Youth Sunday School Teacher! How cool! He is teaching the grade nines..so, 14 & 15 year olds?




Olivia is getting more and more fun each day! (if, that is
 even possible!).  She has definitely started to be more temperamental and will cry if she doesn't get her way. She can go down all the stairs by herself (that is new from today). She loves talking and has picked up quite a few words:

• "momma"
• "dadda"
• "ruff, ruff" like a puppy...or makes the "ruff, ruff" noise rather than say the words
• "mama" (banana)
• "Jesus"
• "stinky": she says this a lot and to MANY things. When she was a bitty baby we would smell her feet, say "stinky" and she would laugh and laugh and laugh! As a result, "stinky" was one of her first words and she likes her feet, our feet, and other people's feet and say, "stinky". It may sound gross, but it's actually really funny! 
• "cracker"
• "cheese"
• "peek-a-boo" (although, I've only heard her say this word a few times and it has been a while)
• "roar" like a lion
• "teeth"
• and, she actually said "broccoli" once, but that was many months ago and it was only the one time

Another little tid-bit of information is that I am opening a Dayhome! The more I learned about it, the more appealing it looked! I can bring some money in while being home with Olivia! And, she have have a couple of friends to play with every day! I will be up and running by the end of the week! I am going through an accredited agency which means my Dayhome is approved and regulated by the government: which is great for a lot of reasons! I'm looking forward to it!

Utah Trip!

]\Wes and I decided that we should take a trip before my Mat. Leave was up (Nov 1)....so, we decided to take a trip to Utah!...good timing, with conference just around the corner!  Olivia barely slept on the way down, but did SO GOOD! We took a few extra stops a long the way. What a little trooper she was!

Mary! I was so happy she was able to fit in a visit with us! I met Mary on my mission...she would come out with the Sister's a lot and ended up going on a mission herself. It was a great visit.

Emily was my 2nd-last companions on my mission! We had a lot of fun together and she was gracious enough to allow us to stay in her new home. It was fun hanging out and catching up.

Teaching Olivia about Emma and Joseph on Temple Square. I like how I'm pointing at one, and she's looking at the other. ha!

The Lion house...we ate lunch here.

An original accounting book used. If you look closely, you can see that Brigham Young purchased something for $9.00

Some of Brigham Young's (you can see his initials) original tools used to build the temple.

A letter Brigham Young wrote to his son.

Did you know Brigham Young created a new Alphabet? I had never known that! He did this as a way to help immigrants transfer from their first language to English. Pretty cool.

The room where the revelation regarding the Spirit World was received (recorded in D&C 138)

Olivia with her cousin, Morgan. I can't get over how grown up Olivia looks in this picture.

Taking a ride on the puppy!

Tracer is such a great fisher! He caught 3 in the few hours that we were there! So fun to see his enthusiasm...and skill!

Looking at a real fish for the first time. I can't remember if she actually touched it, but I don't think she did.

Eating her very first Oreo! She loved it!

 We had such a nice visit with Wendy Watson-Nelson. (that is who gave Olivia the oreo)

Beautiful backyard!

A visit to the pond with Adam and Brionna

This is a mural in one of the oldest chapels in Farmington.

Kisses from Daddy!

Olivia and her new friend, Kara.

Me and Marilee. I met Marilee when I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 13. Marillee, Rosalie (her twin), and I quickly became BFF's. So glad that we've kept in touch over the years!

Marilee and her mom, Tena. Tena invited us over for Cafe Rio.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

This is a view from our seat. Pretty close, considering the conference center seats 20,000 people.

We were so happy to be there!

Following a session...the First Presidency shaking the hands of the Apostles.

A view of the Conference Centre

Olivia trying to pass the time on the ride home.

This actually is from the way down...we stopped at the Idaho Falls temple...and, they had a Visitors' Centre.

Idaho Falls Temple.

A fountain on top of the Conference Centre (directly above the pulpit) representing the 4 corners of the earth.

Inside the Tabernacle

Here are Adam and Brionna...they also let us stay with them for a few days! (this is an old picture). And, the even watched Olivia ALL day on Sunday so Wes and I could attend both sessions of conference.

So, let me tell you something amazing. In between Sunday sessions, Wes and I were just enjoying being in the centre and watching General Authorities come out and mingle with other people. They were in a roped-off section that we were not in. We watched Elder D. Todd Christofferson (still behind the rope) shake hands of people two rows ahead of us. We were standing up at the time. Wes told me to go up to him. He is a General Authority, not a celebrity, so I didn't feel it was appropriate for me to bombard him. I just stood there. Then, Elder Christofferson crosses over the rope and approaches the row directly in front of us. After shaking a hand or two, he looks at me and Wes, shakes our hand, and asks, "Do you two know each other?" (sort of jokingly)...Wes told him we were married.  He moved on, and to my knowledge did not approach any one else in the row we were sitting (just the row in front of us).  So amazing.

There's more....a few minutes later when we were sitting back down I remembered something: the night before as I prayed, I had asked Heavenly Father if I could meet an Apostle. I asked Him only once, and didn't even think about it again....hmmm

Could you say that it was coincidence? I'm sure you could, however, I've said it before and I'll say it again: "Coincidence it God's way of remaining anonymous".  That specific tender mercy reminded me that Heavenly Father hears my prayers, and is aware of the desires of my heart....big or small. He knows me. If that experience never happened, I would still be OK and still have had an uplifting and edifying time at conference. But, it did happen...my Father in heaven heard my prayer and blessed us both with that experience. These "tender mercies" happen in each of our lives...we just need to recognize them.

I know that Heavenly Father is there, He is real, He loves us, He hears our prayers, He knows the desires of our hearts...

Our entire week was fun, educational, spiritual, and amazing in every way.  I can honestly say that we came back with an increased desire to be more kind, more loving, more patient, and more like our Savior. We are better people because of the experiences we had there, and the spirit we felt.