Women's Conference

This is a picture of me, my friend from high school, Devanie, and my mom. I'm not looking my best due to a massive cold I got right before I left on my trip. I had four glorious days of travel, visiting with old and dear friends, and listening to wonderful counsel by great leaders and the prophet. I actually enjoyed the travel part because I got to sit and read for hours at a time and finish two books! I can do that anytime, anywhere.

But back to Women's Conference. The first morning we heard Sheri Dew speak. She is an amazing speaker. She really knows how to motivate people. A couple of thoughts of hers that I loved:
Awake to who we are.
We all have more influence than we think.
We should be far more distinctive.
Why has the Lord brought me here today?
Seek to have influence.

I then went to two smaller classes (and by smaller I mean only a couple hundred instead of thousands). They weren't as exciting for me. I don't know if it was because of my cold, fatigue, or because not a lot of people can top Sheri Dew. Probably most of it was due to my cold. I ended up calling my friend Jarah (whom I stayed with Wednesday night) and asking her to pick me up. I hung out at her house with her three adorable girls until dinnertime. I had so much fun catching up with Jarah. We rarely get to see each other and it is always wonderful to be able to pick up where we left off last. We have known each other our whole lives so it's always fun to visit.

My friend Kathy drove down from Logan, UT to go to Women's Conference with me. This is our second year doing this. Last year we decided this would be an annual tradition. This is the only time we get to see each other. We only get once a year and boy is it worth it! Last year we stayed in the dorms (which wasn't too bad. It was kind of fun staying up until 2am talking every night) but this year they were all booked up. So we stayed at Kathy's uncles house. That was nice too. We got our own beds, own room, and own bathroom. Can't complain about that! :) We were both so tired because of my cold and she is four months pregnant and still sick. So we made the perfect pair! :)

Friday morning we went to three smaller classes and then had the wonderful experience of hearing President Monson speak. The first class "Making the most of the Sabbath." My favorite part:
To strengthen your family you choose activities that 2 or more family members are involved in, at least one of the family members enjoy, and is not distasteful to anyone.

The third class we went to (I skipped the second class because there was not a lot to mention, in my opinion) was called, "A Partnership of Equals." This was an excellent class. The husband and wife were full of great advice. Some of my favorites:
A sealing takes place gradually. (totally true)
Three enemies to equal partnership are: self doubt, self indulgence, and self absorption.
The ways to an equal partnership: Say what He wants said, Do what He wants done, and Sing redemming love.
Equal partners forgive each other and themselves easily.
As equal partners we set the pattern for our children.

President Monson's talk was great. He has a nice sense of humor. Some of my favorites from his talk:
Let us relish life as we live it.
Try to keep your list of regrets short.
Each day is a special day.
Find joy in the journey now.
You need faith and endurance to get through your adversity.
We become refined through sorrows.
No pain or trial we suffer is wasted.
It is more blessed to give than to recieve.

Kathy and I had a lovely dinner at Outback Friday night. It only took us 40 minutes to go about 2 or 3 miles! Maybe 4 miles at the most. The traffic is always horrendous. But I don't mind too much because there are no kids to deal with just good, fun conversation with a wonderful friend. I had so much fun with you Kathy!

Also, I couldn't post this without saying a HUGE thank you to Amy for watching Alexis and Audrey during the day while I was gone. She watched Audrey Wednesday, half Thursday, and Friday and picked Alexis up from school and Audrey up from preschool on Thursday. It is never easy to transport four kids around! And apparently my girls broke Amy's bank with all the bread they ate! My girls are crazy! But they did have a lot of fun with her two kids, Haylee and Brady. Audrey asks to have them over everyday so they are having withdrawls! You are a great friend Amy!