Conference Weekend in Utah
We got an early start on Thursday. The boys didn’t have school and Chris didn’t have work. We picked up Emily and Megan a little early from school and were on our way… First road trip in our week old Chrysler Pacifica and it was great. : ) We got to Grandma Johnson’s house at about 11:00 and chatted for a little while before heading to bed.
Friday was such a crazy fun day. The problem with trips to Utah is that there are just so many family and friends to see in such a short time. First we met up with the Chuggs and Flakes at Cubby’s for lunch. Then we ran up to my parents house to finish getting ready for family pictures, grabbed Mike and my Mom and drove up the Alpine Loop for some great pictures. We had hoped that 2 hours would be enough, but it was tricky lighting and of course took longer than we were thinking. But of course so great to get it done while my college kids had a break and we had Mike living in Utah to be able to do it! And really fun to drive through the beautiful mountains and chat with my Mom and Mike. Wish we could have spent all day there!
We dropped off Grandma and Mike, and then Ryan and Katie by the Stadium so they could hook up with friends and roommates in the Student Section, parked and then ran down to the stadium for pre-game fun. Brian Brienholt got us into the Cougar Tent so we could get eclairs, ice cream and luggage tags. : ) Always fun to hang out with Brian.
Then we ran into Adam and Garrett and talked to them for a while.
So fun to be in the stadium!!
Fun to be at the game with the Chuggs!!
Megan and I ran down to hang out in the COOK’s Section of the Stadium. Always so fun to see Chip, Liz and Loryn. : )
I was so excited when I could see Ryan with ELDER BENSON heading out way. Seth was Ryan’s mission companion in the MTC and someone I followed throughout his mission. Chris and I were so happy to meet him!
Katie, Megan, Emily, Claire, Ryan and Seth…
Katie and her roommate, Claire.
The boys getting tired!
Most of this game was miserable but at the end the coach put in the 2nd string quarterback Zach Wilson (much to the EXCITEMENT of Chris and Jared) and then we immediately made a touchdown. Even though there wasn’t enough time to come back in the game, we left with great hope for the future. : )
We drove back up to Grandma Johnson’s house and Ryan, Katie and Claire followed. Ryan’s first time seeing Grandma’s house.
Saturday – General Conference
Saturday we slept in and gathered downstairs for Conference. Right off the bat President Nelson announced 2 hour church and the Home Centered Church supported Curriculum. Fantastic. We earned Conference Cash as we listened to the General Authorities and took notes. So fun to be together as a family. After the first session we ate sandwiches and played a quick game of Istanbul. Then another session with cinnamon rolls from Grandma. Ashlyn and boys joined us for pizza and then Lindsey and crew pulled in right as we were leaving. They jumped into our van and we SQUISHED as we headed the 3 blocks to the church for the Women’s Session. Grandma J, Ashlyn, Lindsey, Haylee, Brigette, Me, Katie, Emily, Megan and Claire. : ) Women’s conference was so great. President Nelson counseled us to:
1. Participate in a 10-day Fast from Social Media and Any Other Media That Brings Negative and Impure Thoughts
President Nelson also encouraged sisters to take notice of how they felt after the fast, especially after taking a break from perspectives that have been "wounding your spirit."
"I urge you to record and follow through with each impression," President Nelson added.
2. Finish the Book of Mormon by the End of the Year and Mark Passages About Christ
For his second challenge during the women's session, President Nelson urged sisters to finish the 531-page Book of Mormon by the end of the year.
"As impossible as that may seem with all you are trying to manage in your life, if you will accept this invitation with full purpose of heart, the Lord will help you find a way to achieve it," President Nelson said, adding, "and as you prayerfully study, I promise that the heavens will open for you."
President Nelson also encouraged the sisters to mark passages about the Savior and be intentional about talking, preaching, and rejoicing in Christ family and friends.
"You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process and changes, even miracles, will begin to happen," President Nelson said.
3. Establish a Pattern of Regular Temple Attendance
"This may require a little more sacrifice in your life," President Nelson said, but he promised, "more regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon His priesthood power with which you have been endowed in His temple."
4. Participate Fully in Relief Society
"I urge you to study the current Relief Society purpose statement. It is inspiring. It may guide you in developing your own purpose statement for your own life," President Nelson said about his fourth challenge to the sisters of the Church.
"I also entreat you to savor the truths in the Relief Society declaration published almost 20 years ago," President Nelson added. "It describes who you are and who the Lord needs you to be at this precise time as you do your part to gather scattered Israel."
After the women’s session, Nikole and family came over as well. The cousins played and we talked until 1:00am.
Sunday – General Conference
We watched the morning session together, and then ate sandwiches again and played one final game before we hit the road. We listened to much of the afternoon session as we travelled. So great to spend time with everyone this weekend. Chris and I talked and talked and talked all the way home. Lots to connect and communicate about. : )