ON THE ROAD...IN THE RAIN

Monday, April 18, 2016
Laundry, work, grocery shopping. Pretty normal Monday. Weather is beautiful, hopefully the puddles will dry up quickly. We opened the windows today to try and get the funky smells that accumulate out of the house.

Interestingly, my boss called to offer me the Wal-mart in Hobart where I did the installation last week. I know the set-up there now and I met several of the people working there, so it shouldn't be a problem.  Now, if I can only figure out how to get around the construction without resorting to dirt/mud roads! Still, wow, three stores? I'm moving faster than I anticipated.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Another storm is expected today. It was only spitting a little when I left for Seminary, but apparently became full-on rain before class started because a student came in looking a little frizzy. But it was short-lived, it was done by the time class ended.

There is a leak in the Church, too, in the room next door to the Seminary classroom, where the Young Women meet. When I went in today, I heard a strange noise. It was a special fan, blowing the carpet dry in that room.

No other rain came for the day until I took Jonathan to work at three. Analiese went with me, I'd promised her a trip to the Library. As we left, it started to sprinkle again. That was about it. Until after dinner.

It had gotten progressively darker and then - BOOM! Tons of rain, thunder and lightning. At one point, our lights flickered and I thought we might lose power. And in a matter of minutes, our front and back yards became swamps.

The thunder and lightning quit, but the rain is still coming, sheeting off our house and windows. And poor Jonathan has to come home in it!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016
The sun came out today! Good thing, too, because it was a wet, wet world out there. Yards were flooded and the roads had ponds in them. We need a day to dry off.

It was a day of visitors. My Visiting Teachers came; they are so much better at it than I am. In the afternoon the elders came by. They made plans with Jonathan to get him ready for his mission, giving him advice, inviting him to go with them to appointments, and making plans to come over and practice lessons with him. I even offered to leave the room when they do, so he feels comfortable...and Mom doesn't take over.

I drove Analiese over to the movie theater tonight for Mutual. All of the Youth were going to see "The Jungle Book" as their activity (boys turn). I went home for a bit in between and then picked her up at the end. The theater is on the north end of town, pretty much surrounded by fields. It was a night of cricket and frog choruses. Spring is kind of fun!

Thursday, April 21, 2016
Ken wasn't feeling well last night when he came home from work. Luckily he has today off so he can sleep off whatever he's got. Me, I just hope to NOT get sick. I haven't the time for it.

After Seminary, Devotional, and getting Analiese started on lessons, I got busy making brownies (homemade, not box) for dessert for tonight.  All four missionaries are coming to dinner. I also had to clear off the dining room table to make room for all of us.

I spent part of the day as well working on Seminary stuff for next week. I basically run through each lesson to see what I need to make copies of, what supplies I need, and if I need to download videos to show the kids. I also download some power point presentations from the Church website to go along with the lessons. It all takes a little time, but better to do it now and then focus deeper on the spiritual messages the day before I give the lessons.

The late afternoon was busy with dinner preparations. I roasted cauliflower and broccoli, and baked a spaghetti casserole that we particularly enjoy. (Million-Dollar-Spaghetti) I also jogged over to United to pick up some croissants to go with dinner.

The missionaries came early to work with Jonathan. They are helping him prepare for his mission. They do role playing and studying together. One of the elders asked if I was okay with them doing it on a regular basis. Yes, I definitely am!

They enjoyed dinner, too. A new sister joined the group, from Oregon. Everyone liked the food well, including the vegetables! Of course, the brownies were the biggest hit. One of the sisters asked for the recipe (it came off the bag of Toll House morsels). I think there were only a few brownies and a little bit of spaghetti casserole left. Ken was feeling better, too, so we were all together. It makes for a nice "Family Home Evening."

Friday, April 22, 2016
Today was a VERY LONG DAY. It didn't start out that way. I didn't have Seminary; I slept in. I did have to work at Wal-mart, but not until 11 a.m. Leisurely morning of laundry, taking Analiese to her YW leader's house and what-not.

Went to Wal-mart, met up with co-worker Kaela, and proceeded to do what it is we do. We're wrapping up the second hour, about to put up cards (cuz yes, we have other things to do besides cards), when our boss calls me. She needs me (if I can) to go to Lawton to one of the Wal-mart Supercenters there and help her. Well, Ken has the day off, he can take care of the kids' needs, so sure.  That's where easy ends.

I drive to Lawton, this Wal-mart is just inside city borders so I don't have to go in too deep. But it's only Boss, Guy from Vernon Wal-mart, and myself. I wondered the whole time where the people who actually work that Wal-mart were. I know Boss wasn't happy with them.

I spent the first few hours shoving box after box of Mother's Day cards on the seasonal aisle (This store has SEVEN aisles dedicated to Hallmark, plus center aisle pallets. Hobart Wal-mart has three and a half short ones and Altus Wal-mart has two and a half. Just to compare; this is Boss's biggest Wal-mart). It was a tricky job and I did a lot of moving and re-arranging. I have to admit, I'm getter better at it.

This also happens to be the Wal-mart that is having an Installation (take everything down, put everything back - except the seasonal) on Monday. So, I spent the rest of my time taking SEVEN BIG BOXES of cards (they are remarkably heavy) and alphabetizing the cards (each are marked) for their sections. This Wal-mart goes all the way through to the letter Y. By the time I was done with that (8:30 p.m.), I could hardly read the letters. I'd only had one teeny bathroom break, and needed to eat.

I got out of there just before 9:00 p.m. I gassed the van, got a bite to eat and went home. With glitter in my elbows...

Exhausted. Sore in every joint. I sat in a tub of hot water with Epsom salts before I stumbled off to bed. Oh, and rubbing knees, elbows, wrists, and shoulders with pain cream!

Saturday, April 23, 2016
I was supposed to go to Lawton today. And I did, only this one I was ready for. I really thought of not going, I'm still stiff and tired. But it's Stake Women's Conference and I need to do a little shopping at Hobby Lobby and Sam's Club (cuz that's what you do when you go to Lawton 'round here), so I went.

I'm glad. The speakers and musical numbers were excellent. The theme was "Arise and Shine Forth," and they gave us little sun wind chimes to take home.

After the meeting, we had a little get-to-know-you activity and then lunch. I excused myself a little early so I could go, get stuff done, and go home to rest.

On the way home, it was clearly the time for running over amphibians and reptiles. I saw several turtles, a couple of snakes, and a frog all squished on the side of the road. I saw an armadillo, too, but he didn't fit into the first statement, so disregard him.  I did see live swallows making their mud nests under bridges (love 'em) and even a coyote jumping fences without regard for boundaries. Hey, these things keep me away on a straight-shot, tiring ride home.

Sunday, April 24, 2016
Today is nice and sunny. Sacrament meeting was - as usual - excellent. The OKCTemple President and Matron came to speak today. He told the greatest stories from his family history...even my kids were paying attention!

Church was a little interrupted with me having to take Jonathan to work. SIGH. I don't like either he or Ken having to work on Sunday. I realize this is sometimes the case, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. At least Jonathan made it to Sacrament and a part of Sunday School. Ken was at work at 6:00 a.m., so he missed everything!

A good friend from my ward today came over this evening with some plants from her garden to share and we had a good two hours of gardening, talking, and sharing. She knows a lot about edible wild plants (read: weeds), so she is very interesting to talk to. Her kids are cute, too. Her youngest is the baby I like to flirt with in church.

OF APRIL SHOWERS AND GARDENS

Monday, APRIL 11, 2016
A faithful blog-follower found a major boo-boo in my last blog...did you? The last two days of the week I wrote September instead of April. No, Ann, it was not a mistake...I have a T.A.R.D.I.S.! Just kidding! I can't tell you how oblivious I can be sometimes.

Well, the little storm of yesterday afternoon was followed by the larger and noisier one of last night. Not only did it make sleeping difficult, it presented a new challenge (because how can we ever live without one?) - a leak in the bedroom! Ken thinks it is easily fixable, because it came from an overhead vent. He thinks it just needs a sealant on the roof around it. We shall see. I have become a Doubting Thomas in relation to anything roof-related in the past year!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Today's adventure had me heading northeast to Hobart, OK. Hobart is actually in our ward boundaries...and is a thirty-five minute drive. However, like Megan says, it is a pretty drive, mainly because it winds through Quartz Mountain and even goes by Lake Altus.

I left the house in plenty of time this morning, shortly after eight o'clock. I leisurely made my way, looking at the scenery, enjoying the weather. Even at that pace, I was sure I would be about twenty minutes early. Oh, well. Enjoy it anyway.

As Providence would have it, there was a good reason for all this time. It just so happened there was road construction. Not just any old construction, either, but the kind that shuts the main road into town down. They were working on the bridge.

Rats! GPS doesn't give me advice what to do in this case, and usually it's so bossy! So, I saw a pick-up turn left just before the road block...onto a dirt road.

Ugh! Not my favorite and since I'm in the Honda, it's going to be a bumpy, dirty ride. There was rain not too long ago, what conditions would I see?

GPS was very confused. I went down a few dead-end roads (one had a dog that chased my car all the way back). Finally, I found one that went through to another road (thankfully paved), that had me go (GPS telling me what to do again!) down one more dirt road. Luckily, this took me back to the main road, just past the construction. And Wal-mart was waiting just a few blocks down.

I wasn't late, though the poor gal from Wichita Falls was. She had over a two-hour drive, and then got lost in that whole mess. Her GPS was on her phone, which conveniently quit working as she drew near Hobart.

What's in Hobart? I can't say, because I didn't get past the Wal-mart. There was a Pizza Hut next door. That's where we all had lunch.

Because we worked over seven hours installing (which means taking everything down, apart, and put back together). This was a small Wal-mart (no grocery), but it still took time. And there was only four of us. The installer, The WF gal, the gal who regularly services the store, and myself.

But we had a good time! We got to know each other better (I knew them all from last week in Vernon), and got to joking and teasing. Our biggest joke was about all the glitter - and boy! - is Hallmark all about the glitter. We literally poured some out of a section of card pockets thick enough for me to write my initial in!

We all shut down and had lunch together, and finished off, exhausted, together, around 5:30.

The drive home was no less adventure-some. I had to go back the way I came, minus the detours of the dead-ends. Doggie wasn't there to chase me again, but this time there were chickens in the road ("Toto, we are not in California anymore!"). I swerved to miss one...I missed it. I saw it flapping at the side of the road, indignant. I understand free range, but isn't it risky to have them all over the road? "Why did the chicken cross the road?" To get away from me!

The rest of the trip was uneventful. Though I did see a cow trying to skinny under some barbed wire. If I wasn't so tired, stiff, and sore, I might have stopped to take a picture.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016
A nice, quiet, uneventful day. A day to get things done, like paying bills. But if not then, when?

I did shuttle Analiese (well, Jonathan drove, I supervised) back and for to 4H Food Science Club and then to Young Women. I kind of wished I didn't have to go anywhere at all, but she doesn't get out and about as much as Jonathan, so I hate to deny her.

Oh, guess what?! I am going to be on the TOFW (Time Out For Women) team in Arlington, TX, for this September's event! One of my BFFs, Michele, was at the Long Beach one and met the team leader for Arlington. They got to talking and she mentioned I had attended last year. The team leader said they needed someone to represent Oklahoma...and Michele suggested me. They looked over a survey I had to do and, even though I'm a little over their 3 hour travel budget (by about 15 minutes), I'm in! I get to go, help, and enjoy myself thoroughly. I'll need to pay for Analiese to go, but other than that, WHOOPPEE!!

Thursday, April 14, 2016
Today was pretty uneventful. We were all home, nobody working! I only had a Relief Society activity in the evening, so we had Family Home Afternoon.

I also made some pretty spectacular fajitas for dinner. Really it's a salad, and that's how I would eat it, but the rest of the family had the chicken and veggies in tortillas. I only had a nibble (because of RS), but it sure smelled and tasted good!

Relief Society tonight was a "Garden Party." The gym was decorated with tissue paper flowers and each table setting had a golfball painted to look like a ladybug sitting on a piece of fake grass.

It was cute! Gary Strickland - our 4H head and also over the OSU Horticultural Extension - spoke to us about soils, what to plant when, when to water, etc. There was a lot of good information and good questions from the ladies. Actually, I was very grateful he was there because he told me what to do to get rid of the BEES!

We had a little snack of healthy things - fruits and veggies - before having another discussion. This one was on emergency preparedness. Since we are now in the middle of the official "Tornado Season," this was a lively conversation. But earthquakes are not unheard of here. so I could give a little insight.

We had little gifts to take home with us, too. We got to take the little ladybug balls home, plus a packet of flower seeds. Also, they gave us each a tomato plant of our own.

There were extras, so I snagged another one! With permission, of course.

Friday, April 15, 2016
Seminary, laundry, Wal-mart work day. Today was pretty uneventful. Jonathan mowed the lawn in anticipation of a storm this weekend.

Other than planning Seminary lessons for the next week and spending time with Analiese, it was a very quiet evening. Kind of dull. But life is like that some times.

Saturday, April 16, 2016
The storm was supposed to have started early this morning. So far, it's only gray and windy. I went out to get a pedicure this morning, wondering if I'd have to deal with puddles and nice, new toes.  But other than a couple of sprinkles, nothing.

This afternoon, I did a bunch of weeding. First, getting them out of my garden box cross. A sister in my ward has offered to help me get soil for the boxes so I can actually do something in them. After that, I weeded a small bordered area by the side of the house so I could make room for my two tomato plants. I didn't weed the whole box; I'd gotten too tired. Just enough so I could do my planting. I didn't want my new babies out of the ground too long.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

I know those tomatoes needed planting. But the storm we had last night! Blinding lightning, noisy thunder, lots of wind and rain! Did my babies survive their first night? They did! A little water-logged from their long night, but not bad. Poor dears.

The roads have flooded terribly. I won't even venture on neighborhood roads excepting my own. They say Broadway (the main road north of our house) is flooded, too. Getting to church will be like fording a river. Feel like being a pioneer today?

Church was great today, except I really flubbed on the piano in Relief Society. I don't know why either, except maybe for the fact that I never practice!

I went with the sister missionaries this afternoon to visit with someone they are teaching. He's a really great guy, you can tell he cares a lot about his kids and it trying to do what God wants him to do. He's very willing to read the Book of Mormon, which I must say, in my experience, was always difficult!

NOTE: This week's blog is sponsored by the Unestimable Rachel Sperry of the Altus Ward. I posted this before 9:00 p.m., just for you!

ON AVERAGE...

Monday, April 4, 2016
Our entire class time today in Seminary was taken up in discussing General Conference. I had given each student four sheets of chart paper, folded into 8 sections, to allow them to take notes, draw, etc., about conference. Each of them had come away with different things they liked and different perspectives. They all said that conference seemed to go by quickly and they didn't feel sleepy or disinterested. We ended up by talking about what we would do now because of what we heard & learned this weekend. It was a good class!

I got my work done at Walgreens done easily in an hour and a half again today. I need to stretch that a little further...I only get paid for those few hours I work. As it is, I want to take my label-maker so I can mark the card sections like Walmart has. I've pretty much gotten the hang of the regular cards, but the other aisle - AY!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Another really long day. After Seminary today, I came home and changed quickly, only to run out the door to head to Vernon. (Ken is off today, so I could do this with impunity.) I was asked if I would assist with a Hallmark installation at the Wal-mart there. Having never done one - and wanting a few more hours before things really slow down work-wise this summer - I volunteered.

It's about a forty-minute drive one-way, going directly south from Altus. About halfway between the cities is the Oklahoma/Texas border (also known as the Red River. Yes, like the cowboy song "The Red River Valley"). Between the two cities is a lot of open space with farms and ranches and windmills.

I have driven past/through Vernon a few times, but never spent any real time there until today. If Wal-mart counts. This Wal-mart has easier access to Vendor labels and their sign-in book. Their manager was super-helpful, too. The installation leader, Ella, was very nice as well. That's all she does, is Hallmark installations in Oklahoma and parts of Texas. That's a job that takes work...and maybe a degree in engineering!

Basically, seven of us re-did the entire Hallmark set-up for the store. We're talking over a thousand card, with gift bags, tissue paper, gift wrap, bows, etc. on top of that. We had to move signs, labels, and all sorts of organizational plastic & metal do-dads. It was six and a half hours of WORK. It looked nice when we were done - I particularly liked the bag and tissue organization - much neater-looking.

And I said I'd help next week at the Hobart Wal-mart. It's a smaller store, so not as much to do. Only four of us will be helping Ella. A sister in our ward who lives in Hobart had surgery not too long ago; maybe I'll try and see her since I'll be up there.

But for now...my feet hurt, my knee is swollen. Time to rest, recooperate, and prepare my Seminary lesson for tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016
I had to go to Walgreens - again. There's a "Red Nose" campaign for different causes. I guess it wraps up towards the end of May. It is sponsored by several products and businesses, including Walgreens - and Hallmark. There's supposed to be a special display in every store, some of which is Hallmark products. And it was supposed to be up Monday, except I hadn't received my stuff.

I was in Vernon yesterday, so I couldn't go then. So I went today. I searched all over the storage area in the back of the store. Nothing. Finally, I called my boss, who said to try again tomorrow. I prepared to leave - and the cashier at the front gave me a box FedEx had just dropped of.  Goodie! But it only contained everyday product. Bummer. Try again tomorrow it is.

Thursday, April 7, 2016
Megan isn't in Seminary today. She has a chalk-art competition somewhere and was leaving on the school bus at 6:00 a.m. So Aurora, Will and I had a cozy little lesson to ourselves. Tomorrow I have my online inservice, so the elder missionaries will be subbing for me.

Back to Walgreens and, somehow, the box of Red Nose stuff was delivered yesterday (who knows when) and ended up in the manager's office. So it's up, I told my boss, and I'm off the hook. It only took a few minutes to do.

Friday, April 8, 2016
A Seminary chapter of craziness today. This morning was my monthly inservice videoconference, from six to seven, so I needed a substitute for my class. Last week I'd asked the elders, they accepted, and I gave them a copy of the lesson.

I went to the church to watch the conference, opening the building and setting up the Seminary room for the missionaries before going over to the RS room. I sat down and linked up to the videoconference and away we went.

Until 6:28, when I received a text from the missionaries saying that they were running a teeny bit late. !!! Class STARTS at 6:30! I had to excuse myself from my meeting and run over to the Seminary room to see if any students had appeared. Megan had just arrived, so I told her to keep an eye out for the missionaries.

I went back to my inservice, only stopping to check a little bit later and find that the elders had indeed arrived. Okay.  Good.

The videoconference was wrapping up, went the program kicked me out. About three times. I gave up. I think I got the most of it. So I went back to the Seminary room to listen in on the last part of the lesson. The elders openly admitted they hadn't really studied the lesson much (I gave it to them over a week ago) and it was terrible. I mean, I thanked them for coming to help, but I wasn't thrilled with their overall performance. Most people don't realize the blood, sweat, and tears that go into a Seminary lesson. You can't - and we're told, no commanded! not to - wing it!  Preparation is important, believe it or not it allows the flexibility to allow the Spirit to interject itself into the lesson. Off-the-cuff lessons just won't work in this case...obviously.

Working in Walmart today, I had two fellas come down the card aisle, one dressed conspiciously in jeans, chaps, cowboy boots, a GIGANTIC cowboy hat...and a neck brace. He must have seen my glance because the amusement was written on his face when he said, "Howdy." After he and his pal had left the aisle, I asked my co-worker, Kaela, "Is the Rodeo in town?" Frankly, it's the wrong time. The rodeo doesn't go on here until August, before the Fair in September. Altus has a rhthym. So this guy was a mystery. If I wasn't busily working, I might have stopped to ask him...and get a picture. This was something you have to see to believe!

Saturday, September 9, 2016
Bountiful Baskets had lots of veggie goodies in it today, not so many fruits. Jonathan volunteered to go with me and wins...because there were five avocados, a bag of cherry tomatoes, and a small watermelon. For him, that's a score!

I had my first green smoothie today. I made it myself: spinach, blueberries, strawberries, almond milk, and greek yogurt. I think I'd let it chill for a while, I didn't like it room temperature, but the flavor was okay. Also, I'd add more of the milk, the yogurt gave it too much "texture." But, oh, do I miss the strawberry stands back in California!  Because these strawberries were definitely sub-par.

Sunday, September 10, 2016
Sacrament Meeting was nice today. A lot of the testimonies born today were inspired by General Conference...including mine. Though, I agree with Sis. Lee's (SS teacher) assessment about bearing our testimonies on Fast Sunday - she bears hers every week and I do it five times a week! It feels almost overkill to do it on Sunday. Today, though I did not forebear.

This evening a storm arose, loud and wet, but not very long. We even got some hail, but it was tiny. One boom of thunder seemed to shake the house and my head. The wind really pushed at the back door. But it quickly disappated into drips and distant sound.

BUSY AND BUZZY

Monday, March 28, 2016
Bone tired. Eight plus hours of work at Walmart as we struck Easter and set up Mother's Day and Graduation. And did our regular work. I was coated with glitter and foot sore.

I went home to eat, soak in the tub, and go to bed. My knee was swollen (old mission wound), my feet sore, and all over exhausted!

How was the family? Alive; they got on just fine without me!

Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Another day of work, this time at Walgreens. A fellow worker from Walmart assisted me as we did the same (out with Easter, in with Mother's Day). The two of us fumbled for a while as we tried to figure out the set-up pages. Usually, our boss does it...we were on our own. I think we made it look well, I hope she likes it.

But that knee is becoming a problem. Lucky for me, Jonathan was working, too, and got me a little step stool to sit on. My knee is so swollen it won't bend and aches constantly.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Got a blessing from Ken today about my knee. I still have to work a little today, and I need to be able to walk!

Actually, I did well at work today. For "everyday" work (as opposed to seasonal work), I am budgeted two hours a week at Walgreens. I got done in about 1 hour and 46 minutes. Not bad! I felt very accomplished. I may get this job down.

Afterwards, I did some needed shopping, then headed home to rest my knee. Yes, I still had to go out to take Analiese to Young Women, but Ken actually came home in good time from TB to pick her up for me.

...And, to try to solve a little insect problem we are having. No, it's not little...it's huge. We've struggled the last few years with wasps. In the garage and even in the house. If you remember, I was stung by one in my livingroom last year. Well, today Ken texts me at work to tell me not to go in the garage. Apparently there were several wasps in the garage.

When I got home, I cracked the door open to look inside. With just a crack, I saw three. I was NOT going to go further in. The problem is we can't find any nests. Ken and Jonathan tried to search in the dark (when wasps are calmer), but couldn't find anything. Ken says he will dare in the daylight tomorrow. I just pray he won't get stung!

Thursday, March 31, 2016
Yesterday was wasps...today is bees! No kidding! Jonathan went outside to take out the trash and came in saying, "Mom, you have to see this."

Outside, in a corner of the add-on part of our house, was a bunch of bees swarming around the eaves. Somehow, a queen has settled in there and brought her entourage! Bother! Now what do I do?

On the other hand, Spring has brought some pleasant surprises, too. This evening, Analiese and I clipped a few roses from my bushes.

The red one smells delightful, while the colorful one blows open prettily.  They remind me of my grandfather's roses. Seeing them is a gift of his memories.

Friday, April 1, 2016
I wish I could say that the 10 Hallmark boxes that my co-worker and I faced at Wal-mart was an April Fool's joke today...but it wasn't. Considering they held six decks (1/2 boxes) full of cards which meant about four hours work, it wasn't at all funny.

By three, my kids were texting me wondering what happened. Jonathan needed to be to work by four (and was hoping for a ride). Analiese wanted to know about dinner (I hadn't even had lunch). Plus, I had a doctor's appointment!

I managed to make everything except the return trip to Wal-mart to pick up my prescriptions. I'll have to do that tomorrow morning before conference starts. This job isn't supposed to be this much work (outside of holiday stuff - I hear Christmas is a nightmare!).

Saturday, April 2, 2016
Happy Conference Day! I think that General Conferences should be made National (why not world-wide?) holidays!

I have been so jazzed for Conference! It's more than just wanting to hear what the Lord's servants have to say...it's wanting to know it and FEEL it! And I haven't been disappointed.

President Eyring's talk this morning was such a perfect way to start Conference. So much so that I think I'll use it next year in Seminary to introduce my students to General Conference Watching 101.

I also liked Elder Renlund's talk about being distanced from God. My favorite part was the story of the sister who realized that Christ "did it just for me." I have been very intent on the personalization of the Atonement lately, so it hit a chord with me.

This afternoon was equally wonderful. Elder Arnold of the 70's touching talk about rescuing the Lost Sheep was so loving. I enjoyed hearing Elder Ballard talk about family councils, including the practical aspects of it (like putting electronics in a basket during council!).

I was a little sad that the prophet did not speak, but Jonathan said he spoke briefly in Priesthood meeting. Hopefully we can hear a little more from him tomorrow.

Sunday, April 3, 2016
The prophet spoke first this morning! It wasn't very long; he apparently tires easily. But his words were filled with love and inspiration.

Both sets of missionaries joined us for conference today (well, the sisters only stayed for the morning session). At the end of conference, one of the elders mentioned it was the best conference ever. I replied, "Until next time. Then IT will be the best ever!" It's true. If you're in tune and ready to listen, conference is always awesome!

Elder Holland was the last speaker. I jokingly told everyone that he was saved for last so that people had to watch all of conference just to get to him. Besides being his usual kind, encouraging, sagacious self, he was also pretty funny. He commented on how he had the solemn responsibility of being the one who stood between the congregation and their ice cream! It's hard not to love him!

The remainder of my Sabbath consisted of reviewing all my notes on conference and getting ready to talk about them in Seminary tomorrow. I had assigned my students to listen to the sessions and make notes (at least the name of the speaker, his/her "theme," and something that impressed them - maybe draw a picture). We'll see how they did.