Attending General Conference

Rick, Janika (16), Jase (14), Jared (11), and Elder Lee left Friday at lunch time to drive up to Salt Lake in order to attend General Conference at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.  A few weeks ago Rick told me that he was able to get a few tickets for Conference and he wanted to take the older kids.  I had mentioned it to the kids and they expressed no interested whatsoever.  In fact they said they would rather watch conference on TV in their pajamas.  I told Rick about their reaction and he said that he would talk to them.  The next family home evening Rick posed the question, "How far would you go to see a prophet of God?"  The kids were quiet seeing where this was going.

He shared a couple of stories from the scriptures and then a personal experience about when he learned for himself that President Benson (the prophet at the time) was a true prophet of God.  I also had a similar touching experience when President Hinckley came to speak in our city several years ago.  The spirit was present as Rick shared his experience and the mood became more somber.  As he finished he quietly asked, "Now, who would like to come with me to hear the words of the prophet at General Conference?"  Janika, Jase, and Jared all raised their hands, as did some of the younger kids, but they were not invited on this excursion.  I hope that they were able to feel the spirit and receive a witness that we do indeed have a living prophet on the earth today.

Here are a couple pictures taken from Rick's cell phone...

They all went to Saturday's morning session and then Rick and Jase and Elder Lee came back for the Priesthood Session that night.  They made the long trek home Sunday morning and we all watched Sunday's afternoon session together down on our basement couch.  They said it was weird to think that they were actually there in that building just yesterday!  It was neat for Elder Lee.  He is from Texas and who knows when he will have this opportunity again.

Meanwhile I was home alone with the little ones trying to keep them all occupied and quiet so that I could watch the sessions.  I really relied on Janelle to be my little helper and babysitter.  After the weekend was over she said, "Boy it is tough being the oldest child!"  Janika was grateful that someone acknowledged what she has gone through for so many years!