The Task at Hand

Default (di-fawlt)
She won by default, because the other side did not appear.

Actually I didn't win by default.  No one could/would do the deed so I was ...

Drafted (draft-ed)
To select for a special duty, she was drafted to the Paris branch.

That isn't quite it either!

The 4 women that were asked to chair our Stake Women's Conference, for one reason or another, were not able to do the deed.  So, I was given the assignment because the other Counselor had been assigned the Humanitarian Conference.  A reality check on pride to know you were not even on the list of 4 to begin with!

Actually, I love to do things like this!  So it has been fun and exciting and there are such great women in our Stake, willing to pitch in and help out, so that main thing of speakers and music (lots of each) are in place and now it's down to the details...programs, flowers, microphones, greeters etc. etc.

Need numbers attending for lunch and how many tables/centerpieces are needed etc. etc.

Things will start with 15 minutes of prelude music with a 1st and 2nd violin and piano.  Then a singing group of 9 women, flute, violin, piano have readied some gorgeous songs.  Speakers are in place.

What I'm saying is...my mind is consumed with this right now.  Totally.  Not in a frenzied way but just a checklist fashion.  are names spelled correct.  are the right Wards listed.  is the flute player coming from Ellensburg or Yakima. need to email to each speaker how their information will be printed on program.  flowers for the podium- colors/size.  Just all the minutia that makes for loveliness and will help to create flow and peace and relaxation.  This is going to be a fantastic experience hearing from local sisters in our Stake and then heavenly music!!  I'm excited.

That being said.  For the next 11 days I'm going to be living and breathing WC.  I may not post in those 11 days.  Just wanted you to know what is going on in my life.  Not dropping the ball on blogging just being practical and pacing myself as it will get busier & busier before the day.

Listen- if you can make it Nov. 9th...9am...Stake Center....PLEASE COME  (feeling the need of friends being there!  really!)  (prelude at 8:45)

A Milestone....

Things are busy here with Stake Women's Conference rushing full steam ahead and feeling like it's coming right at me!  In the midst of last minute details on the WC though aday to celebrate/commemorate a happening in our family!

My hubby turned 75!!  How does that happen?  Who ever thinks they will be married to someone that is 3/4 of a century old????  Is 75 old?  It sort of depends on what any particular day has in it and the answer always varies.  A few days before the 75th...he was feeling old.  A few days afterwards and he's feeling great.  Great meaning he's not exhausted, pain level is almost invisible, and he feels somewhat ready to conquer the world.  World meaning some exercise, some chores and dishes.  Energy to actually plan some things he wants to get done...like organize the entire garage, put the porch furniture away.

Actually the last two days he's hit a new high on energy and he is enjoying it and hopes for more.  He's always researching on line for herbs/potions to help him.  help him?  the magic elixir?  the fountain of youth?  He tries different things to find what works for him.  Maybe he has hit paydirt?  for him.

Dishes!  I Love his therapy!!  Okay, maybe he could stop but why chance it?

Book of Mormon time.  Love it- something special about a fellow reading his Scriptures daily.

Let's face it!  He is adorable!  Darling at 75!  Ready for Church!

It's all summed up in this scripture....

The glory of young men is their strength:  

and the beauty of old men is the gray head.

--Pro. 20:29

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Aging is very interesting.  Your body does things without permission or won't do things it's expected to do!  The warranty on skin starts to expire and begins to shrivel/wrinkle/roadmap.  Planning a lot for the day and not accomplishing the entire list.  Maybe forgetting where the list is.  Your memory dims, you repeat stories, and vision fades as does your hearing.  Aches and pains abound.  Impatience increases as does frustration.  

Until...you accept you are in a new stage of life and that is a good thing.

Things are more peaceful and calm and you appreciate everyone and everything more.  No matter your own condition you express appreciation/gratitude that you are dealing with your own health/aging challenges and what other poor souls have on their plate is so much harder than anything on yours.

And yes...old dogs can learn new tricks.  Well, at least try new things.  Since Terry was a late teen every single birthday I have baked a Cocoalight Cake with cooked frosting.  This year, his jubilee year, he announced...I would like a chocolate pie. Admittedly, I was caught off guard as he does not easily embrace change.  But bake it I did plus cooked the dinner of his choice (ribs) and had the most wonderful time with our oldest son eating with us.

I do not have one single dinner picture.  I have this new little camera and obviously I didn't work it right the entire time.  Things looked so nice and he appreciated it.

There were all sorts of love greetings that crossed the phone lines, FB and email.  Just a feel good day all around!

Terry and I talked...75 years is only 25 years away from 100!!!  Math skills are still sharp!

True. Oh, so very true!

Back on Monday!  Maybe Friday!

I enjoy Sundays!

The feeling of family, family that is kind/gentle/accepting, is what I feel in the Church. 

Sunday was a day of seeing that kindness in action...a sister soloist forgot her lyrics, admitted she had, walked to piano, glanced at words and came back to podium very composed and sang clearly/sweetly/beautiful. 

A man was giving a talk that had some complexities with him using paper cups to illustrate the gospel tenets in Christs Church anciently.  He was to build it up, knock it over, then rebuild it.  He lost his place. 

In both instances people understood, were patient and waiting until each found their composure to carry on. 

A sister was leading the music, in a Spanish Branch, and started to close the book after verse 3 but was brought back to the reality that there was a vs. 4 when the pianist struck the opening notes. 

Each of these people were comfortable with their humanness as were all of us sharing those moments with them.

A couple of weeks ago our organist, played an entire hymn, not the one to be sung, realized her error, smilingly finished it and then switched to the one that was scheduled.  We laughed for a second and then smiled as did she.

Yesterday, I'd already gone to my own Ward sacrament when I went visiting a Spanish Branch, as had the Stake RSP.  She shared the plight of a young man, giving his first Sacrament talk and had the dilemma of starting to cry.  She said she didn't know if it was because it was his first talk and he was nervous, or not as prepared as he thought or what, but he handled the waterworks by using his necktie, to take care of business, and bypassed the Kleenex sitting close at hand.  She said he did it twice!  I asked how the congregation was and she said very kind, quiet, smiling perhaps, but gentle.

We understand our Saintly fellow citizens.  We enjoy each other.  Know each other.  Understand each other and Sunday meetings are just great no matter which way you look at it or what is happening.

Oh, my.  I just remembered those two dog stories from a couple of years ago.  I'll look them up and you can read them and enjoy them again!  They were memorable for sure!!

Here they are! Makes me laugh anew!!

5/25/11 (dog hopping on sacrament table) here  ...
  http://acandlestick.blogspot.com/2011/05/speaking-of-westminster-dogs.htm

 ( The story of the dog hopping on the sacrament table during the Sacrament hymn was matched or overtaken by this story from Maurine W.   Thanks, Maurine!  I LOVE this!!!)

Okay...I'm just going to write it down, I can't wait any longer to tell you the other story. Yes, Bob and I were in attendance when the dog bounced up to the podium and the Bishop as shocked as anyone took a minute to jump up and retrieve him from the sacrament table. That afternoon I called my daughter, Marie, and told her the story. She said, "Oh, Mom, I have one better than that". A few months ago a woman visitor had her seeing eye dog with her. They came in and sat on a back row, she at the end of the row, and the dog sat down beside her in the isle. Well at the intermediate song a member of their ward was singing a solo when the dog decided to sing with her. It set up a howl that shocked everyone, especially the lady with the dog. She said that the lady kept singing, but she was so embarrassed and of course so was the lady with the dog. But, she said it was so hilarious that everyone else had a hard time to not laugh out loud....keeping a straight face was almost impossible. I had to agree, that one trumped our experience here. Before that I had never heard of a dog coming to church and performing as those two did.

Nancy....have a good day. It looks like a beautiful one!!!

From our Stake Leadership Meeting

Introduced this program.  Have you ever heard of it????  I hadn't.  The Church is amazing in what it offers to help all move ahead.  Check this out!!!!

http://www.byui.edu/online/pathway/

We all need this to some degree!!!

This has so much comfort for any struggles in your life...here

a sip of hope for you, in a paragraph or two, from the above talk by Elder Holland in 1999....

Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.

AND

Every one of us has times when we need to know things will get better. Moroni spoke of it in the Book of Mormon as “hope for a better world.” ² For emotional health and spiritual stamina, everyone needs to be able to look forward to some respite, to something pleasant and renewing and hopeful, whether that blessing be near at hand or still some distance ahead. It is enough just to know we can get there, that however measured or far away, there is the promise of “good things to come.”

AND

My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the “light that is endless, that can never be darkened.” ³ It is the very Son of God Himself. In loving praise far beyond Romeo’s reach, we say, “What light through yonder window breaks?” It is the return of hope, and Jesus is the Sun. ⁴ To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His “more excellent ministry” with a future of “better promises.” He is your “high priest of good things to come.”

A generous helping of peace. enjoyed.

If my body moved as quickly as my mind has thoughts ever tumbling about, then everything that is essential for living would be done post haste!!  If my energy level was on par with my enthusiastic thoughts about life in general then all of my clutter/treasures? would be in mint condition!!

What a wonderful time I had in going to the Temple.  I'm a car pray-er.  An out loud pray-er.  Years ago I figured if people saw me they'd just think I was singing and that is not to strange is it?

My mind was jumping, like water flecks flipped on a hot griddle.  Jumping from thing to thing that  needs to be done.  Things that I want to do.  That I need to do.  I seemed to be going nowhere in making headway.

Today I was reminded of life's seasons...of not running faster than I have strength...of the blessings of going to the Temple.  I love knowing that blessings will come to me as I need them.  I'll take care of Terry, I'll be healthier, I'll get organized/cleaned up around here, I'll get the last details of the Women's Conference done, and actually do the Woman's Conference to completion.

Terry, my children, their families, my friends....I want to be better in those roles...More consistent...  More connected...More caring. 

I was able to absorb peace by sitting in the Celestial room.  I feel good.  Again.

I remembered reading an interview quote -answer given, by an older very successful man, as to what was most important to succeed in life and accomplish goals and this was the answer...

(sorry I don't have the source)

He smiled at me with a twinkle in his eye, as if he had been asked this question many times, and replied, without hesitating, "The most important success principle of all was stated by Thomas Huxley many years ago. He said, 'Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not.'"

Just a bit more!

"I guess one of the greatest mysteries of mortality is why mankind fails to learn from History"
--L. Tom Perry CR Oct 1992

 "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." --George Santanaya 1905

(Below is a partial print from a NY Times article June 2012 -when Mormons Building Bridges organized parades for inclusiveness of homosexuals in marriage etc.  This article revisited the past between 1978-80.  These several paragraphs are part of a large article.  I have taken the liberty of Bold on parts that speak about loss of membership. I remember this time period.  Today's happenings will end up the same way if we don't know what we really base our testimony on and conduct ourselves accordingly.) 

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(paragraphs from NY Times Article)

The church began to pay attention to the group’s increasing political activism, and members of Mormons for E.R.A. began to pay a price for their political apostasy. Some women received letters from church officials warning them about their spiritual fates. “If you are really serious about being a Mormon,” a high-ranking church official wrote to Teddie Wood, one of the original four founders of the group, “you will sustain the Prophet,” before concluding, “So far as I am concerned – you are not a ‘Mormon.’ ” Other women were removed from cherished church positions. Worse, church leaders revoked several women’s “temple recommends,” the status that allows faithful Mormons to enter church temples and conduct sacred ceremonies and rituals essential for salvation.

Johnson suffered the harshest judgment when she was called to a church trial to consider, as her summons stated, “the relationship between your church membership and your conduct during the past months.” A church leader informed Johnson that the charges stemmed from her having “knowingly preached false doctrine” and harmed the church’s missionary efforts.

Sonia Johnson was led away by a police officer after she had chained herself to the gate of a Mormon temple during a demonstration supporting the Equal Rights Amendment in Bellevue, Wash., in 1980.

Before her trial, Johnson told a crowd gathered outside her church ward building that she was “confident that the Prophet will – if necessary – step forward at the proper time to vindicate me, and to vindicate the constitutional rights of all citizens to exercise their political rights as conscience dictates, without fear of religious repression.”

But no such intervention came. Instead, church leaders pronounced her excommunicated. Her bishop, however, took pains to make clear that Johnson had lost her standing with her lifelong faith not because of her support for the E.R.A. but, as her letter of excommunication stated, because she was “not in harmony with church doctrine concerning the nature of God in the manner in which He directs His church on earth.”
( end of NY Times paragraphs)

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The 1980 Ensign, if you want to see what was up in 1978 with the ERA (35 years ago!) go here .  there were lots of other Ensign articles about this time in our history.  

The time period that Sonia Johnson got excommunicated is when I was involved in a Women's Conference in Anchorage, got to spend the night at the same home as our guest speaker (Gen. RS Pres. Barbara Smith) and had rooms on same floor.  It was wonderful to talk with her about this sort of thing.  There are several Ensign articles you can look up, if you have a mind to.   I remember Elder Packer's talk also. 

All of this current discussion/demand has such a familiar ring to it!

My feelings, that came out of the whole event in '78-'80 time period, and remain today is ...the Church is either true or it's not.  IF it's true then we are led by modern day Prophets that will receive revelation for the Church at large.  It will be in the Lords timetable and not man's.  It may be slow but it will be sure.  I don't need to bother myself about joining causes that counsel/plead/nag/suggest/support anything that the governing body has not yet addressed.  My personal input, in any form, is not necessary for the Church to ever make any changes! My mantra about Church revelation is--it clearly filters ...from the top down.  not the bottom up.

I know.  I know.  enough already! but I just keep thinking of things I want to say and then I say them and that's the way this cookie is crumbling!!!  

One last quote...

 Well, one last quote for the week!   Not the one and only last quote forever on the subject but for this week--enough!! 


“The priesthood is God’s power... it is His power to create, to bless, to lead, to serve as He does. The priesthood duty of every righteous man is to qualify to hold the priesthood so he can bless his family, while the priesthood duty of sisters is to create life, nurture God’s children, and prepare them to make covenants with the Lord.... Don’t confuse the power of the priesthood with the keys and offices of the priesthood. The power is limitless and is shared with those who make and keep covenants. Too much is said and misunderstood about what brothers have and sisters don’t. This is Satan’s way of confusing men and women so that neither understands what they really have.
--Sister Julie B. Beck, LDS Women's Conference 2011

Angels in life...

Over 17 years ago our daughter was expecting twin girls and we were so thrilled and happy at that prospect.  She spent most of her time, wretched retching, in bed, IV in place.  So sick, it was heartbreaking for me to witness.  She loved those babies before they were born.  Later she told me that she had expected to really love them but didn't know she would fall in love with them when they were born.  I've always liked the way she expressed that sentiment.

When I was expecting her, I too had a tough time and a tough birth.  A few days after her birth, I was receiving a blood transfusion and things were rough.  I felt in heaven holding her though. When her Daddy came into the hospital room, I was snuggling her.  So happy!  Terry commented that he couldn't believe how women could go through so much to have a baby and not blame the baby for their suffering/misery.  He was touched by it.

That is the nature of women.  love of life and love and enjoyment in caring for their own and everyone else also! don't you think?

We are born with all of this Godly goodness. That is just a part of who we are.  Joseph Smith confirmed that fact when the RS was organized.  A Society that offers relief.  Don't you love this statement?....

You are now placed in a situation where

you can act according to those sympathies

which God has planted in your bosoms.  If

you live up to the principles how great and

glorious!--if you live up to your privilege,

the angels cannot be restrained from being

your associates...If you will be pure,

nothing can hinder.

--Joseph Smith

There are even hymns that proclaim...

The errand of angels is given to women: 

And this is  gift that, as sisters, we claim:

To do whatsoever is gentle and human,

To cheer and to bless in humanity's name.

another line from another hymn...

We meet to plan our service

To neighbors now in need.

May charity and kindness

Inspire our ev'ry deed.

And as we use our talents

For good and noble ends,

May God be our companion

And angels be our friends.

I have always felt our divine natures are necessary for the perpetuation of the human race!  There is not time to learn all of this loving compassion.  Babies can't wait for Mother's to grow into devoted love.  It just has to be in place.  ( I know.  I know. this could go a dozen different ways but overall we came to this earth with bosoms bursting with Christlike goodness)

I'm so thankful to be a woman.  I enjoy the benefits of experiencing these marvelous emotions.  When I had my first little baby, I felt so sorry for Terry that he had to leave and go to work.  I didn't know how he could stand pulling himself away from his new little son.  The emotional make-up of men is not how we women think or feel or act.  To him it was literally all in a days work, part of life, and his to do.  He did miss the baby and enjoyed him and loved to bathe him and care for him when  he came home.  But it was a brief evening shift.  I wanted to be with baby all the time!!!  I remembered wondering if he felt jealous that I got to stay home with the baby.  No.  Not a bit of jealousy.

Our feelings, perspective, emotions, experiences, viewpoints on everything in life were/are not the same.

 Men are told to develop some of the natural traits so woven into female character.  For instance men are told, right up front  --the natural man, that naturalness is an enemy to God.... and must be overcome.  Check out the Doctrine and Covenants.  Sec. 121

Women have to learn to let the men learn about their Priesthood responsibilities.  If women had the Priesthood, I fear that they would bypass men, and just do it all themselves AND a lot of the men would be happy to let them do so.  There would be no need to learn etc.

This is all abbreviated thoughts and I hope it doesn't come across as anything except 100% acceptance/support for the divine plan as outlined in the Family Proclamation.  I cheer my Priesthood Brothers and I equally cheer my RS Sisters!  together we make a strong force for good.

The necessity of our individual responsibility to the grand plan,  is explained so perfect in The Family Proclamation.  Nothing shows the greater need of Men, with their divine nature, leading out with the Priesthood and Women softening life with their own divine nature responsibilities. 

There is strength and great capacity in the

women of this Church.  There is leadership and 

direction, a certain spirit of independence, and 

yet great satisfaction in being a part of this, 

the Lord's kingdom, and of working hand in hand

with the priesthood to move it forward.

--President Gordon B. Hinckley

In the World

I had something else in mind to write but honestly when I saw this story on my Tuesday Charter national news, coupled with the memory of the women wanting to be ordained to the Priesthood, that took a stand on Saturday and also made the national news, it was so sad to me- that I find myself just thinking of these women.  I know there are always militant strident women in any cause but this sister just looks so sweet, gentle, sincere.  I'm sure she is all of that. When I watched her short video and heard about and saw her son, my heart just ached for her.  and for others that are in similar situations.
 

Wendy Montgomery poses for a photograph Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, in Salt Lake City. Montgomery is leading a growing movement among Mormons to push The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to teach that homosexuality isn’t a sin. They are hopeful. The Utah-based church’s stance on homosexuality has softened considerably since it was one of the leading forces behind California’s Proposition 8.

http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

http://www.charter.net/news/read/category/Us%20News/article/ap-mormons_pushing_church_stance_on_homosex-ap#.UlRz-_UxgKw.email

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Admittedly, the Church has not handled some things in the best way and that was alluded to in Conference.  The governing humans in the Church are just exactly that...humans.  imperfect humans.  But the doctrine has been in place since biblical times of Priesthood being conferred on Males only.  and also...sexual deviancy including acting on homosexual feelings is not acceptable behavior and that act is labeled as sin.  Not originating with Church authorities but anciently rooted in condemnation in the Bible. 

Some will feel this is not a big deal, and it's unnecessary for me to be concerned about these two issues--1)women desiring to be ordained to Priesthood and 2) Homosexuals wanting total acceptance in the same light as men/women marriages etc..  I feel perhaps it isn't big right now but it's now been brought out into the public, members believing they are right and the Church is wrong.  It will grow in press coverage, and wanting to be involved or not, at some point we will be asked our opinion.  

I remember President David O. McKay speaking and saying that the Church could handle persecution from without, as we would be made stronger and ban together.  Our downfall would come from strife/disunity within.

That is why I feel we each need to figure out - just exactly where we stand individually in a collective body of saints - that bear testimony that this is the restored Church, that anciently existed and is back.  Back for the last time.  Have we read what the Church stand is on these two issues?  Do we agree?  Just listen to last weekends Conference and it's there for you to hear, if you don't want to look elsewhere.

issues like these divide us as members, if we aren't careful.  They also put us on the road of finding fault with local/general leaders, and authorities say that is the first step to personal Apostasy.

This is a sad situation, no matter which way you look at it.  Remember, when the only goal the disgruntled women had, was to wear slacks to Sunday meetings?  That was the beginning of gathering followers.   They are moving ahead.  I'm not on board.  I will watch with interest and feel saddened at disciplinary repercussions, that in time will surely come, to those that insistently persist for doctrinal changes.  

  

Fantastic Weekend!!!

Spiritually amazing!!!  Talk about Spirit Filled!  What a 2 day feast!  What a Conference!  It was so pure!!  true followers of Christ!!  I just felt it was jam-packed with counsel and testimony, by people that were so filled with the Holy Ghost.  I loved every single talk and every single minute and every song.  If you could only choose one General Conference to live your life by, then this would be my choice!!  There is so much I need to do.  so much to change.  so much to improve on.  so much to discard behaviorally.  so much to add to who I am in process of becoming.  This would be the Conference to share with anyone that still feels we aren't Christians.

There was so much counsel to study/learn/understand the Gospel.  Great talks given on every single aspect of life.  Nothing was missed!  So appreciated the talk on Depression as there are so many sufferers.  Glad he brought that out into the open.  Marvelous personal stories!!  Any doubt on how they feel about the Priesthood being for men to have but for ALL to be blessed by the power of it???
I can't think of anything that wasn't touched on.  I bet the feeling in that Conference Center was electric because we had the Spirit right here with us and there were just the two of us.

I soaked it up.  and will now re-listen.  Wasn't that stunning when they gave that stat 97% or was it 95% of members would be able to hear this Conference?

My mind is on overload.  with joy!!  going to just sit back and bask in how I feel and peek at some of my notes.

My testimony was strengthened as was my resolve to endeavor staying on the path and enduring whatever comes to me in mortality.

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My gratitude for my membership and my testimony were so fortified.  I'm also thankful that I believe in the Church organization and men being ordained to Priesthood and not women.  I'm thankful that I felt absolutely no need to support the cause, stand united, knock on the Conference door and ask for admittance to the Priesthood meeting.  My heart goes out to those women that feel as they do.  I expect Church discipline repercussions will eventually be enforced if they persist in teaching and preaching their expectations.  I remember that cleansing that took place in the 70's with women wanting equal rights, confusion over doctrine etc. etc.  and oh, my...not nice on all counts.  A huge ruckus like an earthquake.  And that was before all the technology of today.  This will probably ignite like a brush-fire and have testimony laden women, modestly dressed, sweet to look at, gentle voiced (for the most part) going at each other as only women can do!!  Verbal battles in lace cage fights.  Oh, boy.  Here we go again!! 

I can't believe that in the OrdainWomen leader's naivete, she honestly believed, when she nicely asked, that she would be allowed into the meeting even though the Church spokeswoman, Sister Todd,  had already said...No.

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Our dinner was a failure!!!  not that we starved to death (not close to that happening!)  Time got away and we ended up not making the apple pie.  Well, one was made, but not from scratch, by Terry. The filling was good but a little undercooked.

Pie crust was tasteless!!

I bought Marie Callender chicken pot pies and they were dreadful.  I've not bought them for ages.  Last time we ate them they were delish.  they obviously changed their recipe!  this time...yuck!

So I decided to make caramel corn and it was so burnt it was bitter. Tossed in trash!

I will admit to wondering what Julianna and her guests were munching on but my reality was...You know what?!!???  It just didn't matter a twit!  We were so enjoying every moment of Conference that it was not a big deal at all.  We ate the Bread of Life!!!  Feasted at the table of real goodness and are filled to the brim!!!  Deliciousness!!!  Two old hibernating bears over here.  Contentment.  Shhhh.

Countdown just about over!!!!

Today is it, the last chance, for planning/preparing.  Terry has some yard things to get done today, plus a PT appointment.  Things have changed around here energy wise and the actual getting done what we plan, is always an unknown if that will transpire.  We plan a boatload and the reality is we do a bucket's worth!  So....I'm thinking we will have the Marie Callendar Chicken pot pies in the freezer and some fresh picked tomatoes.  PERHAPS we will  get that apple pie made that Terry wants us to do and even if we don't, we have some super delish ice-cream, also in freezer.  No little ones here, just two spoiled adults to fancy themselves like royalty in eating and doing whatever they please--with enjoyment and appreciation.  We really have a nice little life.  Not a lot of super energy and always an abundance of overdue chores to get done but a lot of happiness.  We are most hungry for Conference.  Starving as a matter of fact.  So munching on whatever foodstuff is around will work out for us!!!

I went to the Temple so I can cross that off my list.  I will read my Patriarchal blessing and see if anything is mentioned about events in my blessing that have not yet transpired.  And list my questions that I would appreciate some guidance/confirmation. 

I do need to do some laundry, then that's as good as it's going to get around here.  I'll do a walk through and with cataract vision, things always look a million times better than they are but that way you are always content and not stressed.  Cobwebs only show if light hits them so I'll raise my sights and think I've been super thorough!!

Enjoy your weekend and I will also!!!  Party on!!!

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Can you identify by name all 15 of the Brethren? Take this quiz created by the New Era magazine to see if  you can name them all.

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Now these would be nice to have.....
 they just came online today!  a little late for Oct. Conf.!  Maybe April?
 available BYU bookstore online

Getting down to the wire!!!!

Wednesday found me in the Temple.  Such a nice experience to feel the peace and use that calm focus to prepare for General Conference.  It is the most amazing event and still boggles my mind to watch the all the happenings in my home!!!  What a time to be alive!!  love it!!

It has been so fun and heartwarming to read what you have shared and makes me feel, we are all really connected, as we prepare for Conference.  Saturday won't be a day that we just wake up, ho-humming about what shall we do this weekend?...we know what we are going to do and we are looking forward to it.

We are still deciding what we are going to prepare!!  now it's baked chicken thighs!!  Terry feels he wants to make an apple pie.  That's a bit of a stretch that he will make the pie.  He wants me to make the crust and he will do the apple filling!  teamwork!  We are still talking about our menu!!  two people and we can't decide!!!  Well, you know we won't starve even if we graze from fridge and pantry but this is Conference and we enjoy making it special.  So we will figure out our special!!!

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I think this would be so much fun!!!!   

Activity: 
Working together as a family, memorize the names of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles in order. 

Thomas S. Monson 
Henry B. Eyring 
Dieter F. Uchtdorf 
Boyd K. Packer 
L. Tom Perry 
Russell M. Nelson
Dallin H. Oaks 
M. Russell Ballard 
Richard G. Scott 
Robert D. Hales 
Jeffrey R. Holland 
David A. Bednar 
Quentin L. Cook 
D. Todd Christofferson
Neil L. Andersen 

Note: If you’d like to do it to music, see “LDS Apostle Song-April 2009” on You Tube.

Wonder if this YouTube reference is the one Chelle used in Seminary???.

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Here is a clever idea that I just read in the October Ensign.  by Tina Spencer....

“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?”

Fifteen days before the start of each general conference, our family hangs up our sign announcing the beginning of “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” Then we add the latest pictures of our prophets, seers, and revelators from the previous conference edition of the Church magazines.

I prepare by researching the prophet we will welcome that night. Sometimes I find objects around the house to represent a few things I found out, and I put them on a plate. During dinner, as I tell stories about each item, everyone tries to guess who it is. Other times, I tell a story or two that the prophet shared during the previous general conference.

I am amazed at the things my children remember about our beloved prophets and apostles, and I know this simple game has increased my love and knowledge of these great men also.

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 and I just found this....

Making memories: 5 ways to make general conference fun for kids

There are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained while watching general conference. (Stock photo courtesy of thinkstock.com)

With inspiring messages, family traditions, a chance to sleep late and church on TV, what’s not to love about general conference?

If you’re a kid, there might be a lot. Eight hours of listening to people speak, often without any sort of visual aid to add interest, is challenging for little ones and adults alike. So, how can you help your kids learn to love general conference while encouraging them to sit still? Here are a few suggestions that might help.

1. Prepare printables

Helping your children enjoy general conference might be as simple as getting them to sit still. Make conference notebooks or download free activity sheets from lds.orgor other sites. Coloring pictures holds kids’ attention while allowing them to listen, so it’s the perfect pastime for general conference. You could even compile several activity and coloring sheets into a packet to ensure your kids have plenty to keep them still while they listen.

2. Keyword treats

Choose keywords for your children to listen for, like “faith” or “prayer,” and give them a treat whenever they hear them. Your children will be listening carefully for the words, but with any luck, they might remember something else they hear. Just be sure to keep it simple — anything too complicated can distract kids from listening and defeat the purpose.

3. Traditions

Make general conference a family holiday by creating fun family traditions. Institute a special meal of conference crepes, a game of flag football between sessions, an ice cream trip after priesthood session or family game night on Sunday. As your children associate general conference with happy memories, they will be more likely to enjoy conference as adults.

4. Fun and games

Get the whole family involved in conference activities to keep everyone awake and make listening time quality time. Print “Conference Squares” sheets from lds.org (or make your own version of the Bingo-style game) and play while you listen. Because every talk is different, you can play several rounds during the eight hours your family spends together watching conference.

5. Make it a challenge

If your children are a little older, challenge them to take something specific away from their conference experience. In the days prior to general conference, ask them to give a Family Home Evening lesson on their favorite conference talk or help them identify questions they’d like to have answered. Children and youth will be more likely to listen carefully if they have something specific to listen for.

(there are all sorts of things available on the internet to do.  I found one that tells about Duty to God and Personal Progress and General Conference.  So much information out there!!!)

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Here are two more shared plans from women I know!!! (Thanks so much!!)....

From Heather in Yakima...

Hi Nancy

I'm sorry I didn't see this until now.

I don't know that we have any big special traditions as far as watching conference is concerned. We do a couple of small things. Like my kids and I always put together a puzzle while we are listening to the speakers. We also try to look up some kind of trivia about the speaker that we didn't know. And we usually bake something yummy on Sunday and then After conference we deliver them to some people. And whenever we are close to our family for the priesthood session my husband and his dad and brothers always go together then to out for ice cream afterward. This past April during conference My husband and I were stuck In Mexico during the priesthood session and our son went to his first priesthood session with his grandpa and all of his uncles. So that was pretty special for him.

Hope that's helpful

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From  MaryLynne.....

Hi MyNancy, I sent the recipe, couldn't seem to get a message with it. But for a few years I made a recipe similar to this the night before and it was fun to have it all ready, to just warm up, and eat during conference. So use it if you want to and of course lots of scripture coloring books for little ones.

Love you soooo!

Original recipe makes 1 - 9x13 inch casserole

• 1 pound breakfast sausage
• 8 slices bread, cubed
• 4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk

Check All Add to Shopping List

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir the sausage in the hot skillet until crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink. Drain and discard any excess grease. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the bread cubes into the prepared dish; sprinkle the browned sausage and Cheddar cheese over top.
2. Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl until smooth; add the salt, mustard powder, and 2 cups of milk and whisk until evenly blended. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat an oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and 1/2 cup milk; pour over the casserole.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until firm and golden brown, about 1 1/2 hours.