In our family, we watch the proceedings in the comfort of our living room. The conference is definitely geared towards adult listeners, but over the years and as our kids have grown a little, we have felt a desire for them to watch, listen to, and feel the Spirit that comes from those inspired leaders. Also, if they are at least quiet and attentive, Trev and I seem to get more out of it as well. :)
Over the years we have tried many things, but last conference (in Oct.) we found something that seemed to click with our kids. Conference Bingo. They each get a sheet and listen to the talks. When the speaker says a word on their Bingo card they put a bean on that space. The kids get treats at the end of the session for getting "Bingo's." It has been pretty incredible to watch how much more the kids really hear than we thought they did. The little girls, and Jake when he gets tired of Bingo, simply color the pictures in the Bingo Squares.
I love this because not only are they being reverent, quiet, and I believe feeling the Spirit; but they are all gathered around us. Here is the scene:
Conference Bingo has made a big impact on our GC experience. I believe it is here to stay. :)
We also added in another fun tradition that Morgan heard about at school. In our family scripture study we have been reading in the Book of Mormon about King Benjamin, and what we refer to as "The First General Conference by King Benjamin." For this conference, he had a tower built where he could address his kingdom before he was to pass away. The people gathered in from the entire kingdom to hear the words of their beloved king and prophet. In order to hear his words, the people traveled great distances and brought tents for their families to stay in throughout the meeting. The scriptures tell us that they pitched their tents toward the temple (the place in which King Benjamin would deliver his address). When Morgan was at school, some kid told her his family pitches a tent in their living room facing the TV and their family gets in to listen to the prophet. She suggested we do the same...ummm OK!!! Thanks to that family whoever you are for the great idea! It was not only really fitting for reinforcing the idea taught in the scriptures but our kids genuinely loved being in there, and genuinely listened to the conference...Conference Bingo in hand of course. :)
This may also be here to stay as well. ;)
Seriously, how fun is this???
It honestly only took a few minutes to set up, and the kids loved it. We also have a little tradition of a yummy breakfast on Sunday morning...it changes but this time it was Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits with bacon, eggs, and fruit. OH yeah...:) In between Sunday sessions we made Chocolate Chip cookies...becoming an every Sunday thing. :)
Can you say...traditions forming??? :)
These are moments I hope my kids remember when they are grown.
After the last session (there are 4 of them - 2 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday) we went to my brother and sister-in-law's house for dinner. Now before I go any further, I need to bring up the fact that this year, Sunday was April Fool's Day. Quite possibly one of Trev's favorite holidays. :) While at my in-law's house we decided to dip REAL, RAW eggs in chocolate, decorate them, and take them as gifts for some unexpecting neighbors. :) Friends of course, but ones that would think it was really funny. The chosen couples were the Smarts and Beans. About 2 hours after Trev so lovingly dropped them off...and fiendishly waited for the hoped for response of laughs and good fun...we got on Facebook and saw our friend posting about how someone dropped off a mean egg that her 2 year old ate and is now throwing up everywhere!!! I was freaking out!! I texted her immediately and begged her to tell me it was a joke...it was. She got us back sooo bad. :) Guess we will have to do better next year. We had no idea the trickster we were dealing with. ;)
All in all, both families loved the prank. They thought it was pretty funny. :)
What a weekend. :)
Before I close this post, I just wanted to bullet point some impressions and talks that spoke to me while listening to Conference.
Sister Esplin (Primary General Presidency)
1. We aren't supposed to just "teach" our children the gospel. We are supposed to be helping them UNDERSTAND it.
2. Teach children principles during their problems. Those principles become real when they can see the application in their own lives. (GENIUS! My words of course. :)
Elder Holland's (apostle) talk - Read, and re-read this talk. Then apply. Read this talk and you will know what I mean. www.lds.org
President Uchtdorf (member of the First Presidency) -
1. Stop judging, criticizing, gossiping, etc., about others!
2. We all depend on the mercy of God...how can we not extend that same mercy to each other?
3. We have to have a mighty change of heart.
4. In the end...it is the merciful that obtain mercy.
I truly received answers to my prayers listening to these inspired words. I know what I need to do...now I am going to try to do it. That's a promise. Here goes...
1 comment:
We have some friends that do the tent idea as well. I think it's really cute!
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