Conference and all that Jazz

"It's the only time we get to go to Church by watching TV!"  "The talks are wonderful and inspire us all year!"  "It's a party--the family gets together to feast on great food and great messages!"  LDS Conference weekend comes twice per year, during the beginning of April and the beginning of October.  It is a favorite time for our family.  During this Conference weekend, October 6 and 7, 2018, Lisa's son, Spencer, and his wife, Naomi, stayed with us on Friday and Saturday nights and brought their very fun friend, Logan Nielson.  Mike and Heidi watched the talks with us, as well.  Mike broke out chess and his board games for the Conference doldrums.  I spread my red-checked tablecloths and served an Italian feast between Conference sessions.  We savored antipasto, homemade gnocchi with two sauces, and cannoli with lemon ice cream.

Camille and Steve were in Chicago, running a marathon and visiting with Jonny and his boys.  Camille's children were under the able care of Annelise.  They planned their own adventures for most of the weekend, including painting pumpkins, but they joined us for Sunday dinner.

 Annelise with Sophie (above) and Annelise with Ezra.

 It is a special treat to hear our new LDS president, Russell Nelson.  He is in his 90s, but is a powerful leader, initiating many new programs.  At Conference he announced the building of 15 new temples, including one in Moscow, Russia, and another near our St. George home.  It is also a treat to hear President Nelson's counselor, Henry Eyring speak (upper right in above photo).  He is my first cousin and tells wonderful stories about my grandmother, uncle, and aunt during some of his addresses.

 Attending Conference live in the 25,000 person Conference Center is a memorable event.  Sitting in front of our TV at home and doing the ironing as I watch is less memorable, but more fun.

 With 15 million Church members worldwide, there is a rash of Conference-related products.  A few are both artistic and free, such as these downloadable cards memorializing favorite quotes from Conference.