This weekend is one of my favorites of the year. It's fall, cooler weather and a spiritual feast of sorts as we have church at home in our PJs while we listen to the words of prophets and apostles. For those of you who aren't LDS, this is the weekend we Mormons stay home and watch church on TV. Here's some of the messages that really spoke to me and pictures of how my kids survived 8 hours of church TV (four hours on Saturday, four hours on Sunday). Some of the general conference messages that really spoke to me and answered my prayers were:
Elder Richard G. Scott talking about how the scriptures are the best friend you can have - encouraging, uplifting and always giving you the right answer. I loved this analogy as I've thought often lately about good friends I miss and good friends who have changed my life. The scriptures are for sure one of those good that I have so many memories with. I can think of times alone in Guatemala in the jungle without electricity when reading the scriptures by candle would warm my heart. I remember major life decisions when the scriptures would know best. And I can think of times when nothing made sense in life and yet the scriptures knew just what to say. I especially love the clarity in the Book of Mormon and can't get enough of its wisdom from our loving Heavenly Father. I often heard in conference the theme to study the Book of Mormon.
Sis. Dalton's talk to fathers about raising virtuous daughters was so powerful. I cried several times through this talk as I sat next to Eric and Ella. She spoke about fathers loving mothers and being a good marital example so they will seek after a righteous priesthood holder to marry.
She talked about fathers going and finding their daughters if they are late from a date and guarding their virtue. I loved how much she emphasized a father's role in the life of a daughter - the influence over what kind of person she wants to marry some day.
Elder Uchtdorf spoke about a paradox that without God we are nothing, but to him we are everything. He said Satan loves to play on this paradox by tempting us in pride and also in believing we are not worth anything.
I loved Elder Eyring's talk about standing as a witness of Christ even when he was asked not to mention Christ at a graduation. I thought his faith and approach were amazing.
Elder Bednard's talk about the spiritual priorities outlined in the scriptures of our Heavenly Father was another favorite. I love that he said our search for ancestors is not bound by an age restrictions. We should be actively researching and learning about our ancestors. I've felt a desire to do this more, missing my Grandma Staples who so frequently would remind me of these stories. I now have to do this for myself and my children.
And of course our prophet President Monson gave such a powerful talk about following the guidance of the Spirit and always reaching to maintain that close relationship with our Heavenly Father. I love his message of staying close to God. It's so easy to distance yourself with the cares of the world. Monson said "I am always humbled and grateful when my Heavenly Father communicates with me through His inspiration." I think that's why I want to keep a better journal, to remember the many many times that Heavenly Father does communicate with me and to share those with my kids and grandkids.
And here's how our little family stayed busy during conference. The Primary presidency gave out conference bingo. The kids got through those in about five minutes. Then, I had them color some church pictures and tell me three things they heard before they could be "dismissed" from church.
During conference, there were fun forts built, 
we even let the three-wheeler in the house for some exercise. And luckily Dylan got a new "Angry Birds" game that kept his attention for most of the day.
In fact, when I asked Ella what she learned from conference, she said "not to fight over Angry Birds!"Since I love holidays, we also took the time in our PJs to get out the fall and Halloween decorations. The kids loved getting our home ready to celebrate.
To me, it's pure joy to be all wrapped up with my family in our PJs while we listen to conference. It's like a holiday, without all the stress of holidays.
