Conference Thoughts.

I am trying to keep this blog strictly our "family blog", though I am well aware that at times it has become a blog about Me (Katie Loveland), exercise/training programs, experiments, recipes, babies, and postpartum depression thoughts. I know I do sometimes post about my religion, The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and that I even have a link on the side for those who have questions or want to find out more about what our family believes. This will be a post about just that.

I'll admit, while trying to prepare for a yard sale (By the way, we're having a yard sale on the 20th to help dejunk before we begin packing, and it will actually be a multi-family event. let me know if you want more info.) Anyway, while going through all of our belongings, preparing for Ross' family to spend Conference Weekend with us, focusing on being a better mom, and all in all checking things off of my to-do list, I really didn't prepare myself for conference this year. I still got a lot out of conference, but I wish I had prepared myself so that I could get out MORE.

Like I said in an earlier post, Ross and I went to the temple last week, and both received the same feelings and thoughts about time and what we are doing with it.I thought it interesting, that much of what I got out of conference, was about the same topic, summing up to being better disciples of Christ and having that reflected by our actions. I had planned a Family Home Evening for last week about that, too. Though, I could never teach as eloquently as those who spoke in this conference. I had planned to talk about how our actions reflect who we are. We were then going to decorate our own plates, and bake them to make them permanent. We'd each then have our own special plate that we had designed and decorated.

Ross' family came out for the weekend. It was wonderful. They had gotten tickets for all of us for the Sunday morning session, as well as tickets for the men for the priesthood session. Ross' youngest brother recently turned 12, and this was to be his first priesthood session. It was special that they all got to go to the conference center together.

Attending general conference was on my bucket list of things to do before we leave Utah, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to go, especially with such wonderful company. It was an incredible experience. We got to hear Music and the Spoken Word, which was beautiful. And then I got to be in the same room as the prophet, his apostles, and other general authorities. I have always known that we have a living prophet on the Earth today, but hearing him and speak, and testify of Jesus Christ, strengthened my testimony of prophets. I KNOW that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today and that the Twelve Apostles are called of God and that they are truly inspired men who receive revelation for us today.

I felt beyond blessed to be able to attend conference, particularly that session. Thank you Mama and Papa Loveland for supplying the tickets, and especially Papa Loveland for watching the kiddos so that I could attend. It was an experience I'll never forget.

When Ross first applied for Epic, and had an interview, we prayed. A lot. And I KNEW that was where we were supposed to go and where we NEEDED to be. Once it was confirmed with a job offer, I made some goals. I wanted to strengthen my testimony so  that I would be able to stand on my own two feet and share the Gospel, and answer any questions that may arise confidently. I knew I would need to be a strong example, and comfortable being a "Mormon". We've been in Utah for three years now, and I've grown comfortable. I've accepted that everyone here is LDS. No one drinks, or smokes, or parties. And you could have a conversation about church anywhere, and everyone would know exactly what you're talking about and not question you.

Ross and I both grew up in Portland. We loved it there, loved all of the people there, and all of the different experiences we've had there. I've heard Madison is beautiful, liberal, and a lot like Portland. I've even been attracted to the apartments that advertise recycling. I'm beyond excited about this new adventure and getting out of the "Mormon Bubble". It will be wonderful to be able to share what has so richly blessed my life, and hopefully have a similar Portland vibe. I've been checking out different races and triathlons in Wisconsin, and have even chatted with a couple people about what running outside in January is like. (We hear it's cold.) They've been ever so friendly, just like the folks in Portland and I cannot wait to start this adventure!