How 'bout Steak Conference?

September 8, 2008

After crying out loud, almost sobbing to Stacey today about Stephanie and Christian Neilson, I decided to start recording our life. I don’t know these people, but I have fallen in love with their family and sense of life. If you haven’t already heard me whining about it, see the blog list in the right. NieNie is the link to her sight. Nie Nie, as she calls herself, is a beautiful example of motherhood, being a wonderful wife, and a daughter of God. In most instances I would pretty much puke over such a gal, but not her. For some amazing reason she makes me want to be a better me. To find the individual I once was. She is unique in very many ways that I am not, and I think I am unique in my own ways as well. She and Christian, “Mr. Neilson” are in critical condition after a recent accident. I find myself praying for them and their four children throughout the day. Again, I have never met them, but feel thankful that she has touched my heart. She shares the gospel in almost every post and shouts from the roof tops that being a mother is a miraculous gift. But, enough about that. Like I said, to find out more click on the link. You’ll be glad, and very sad, that you did.

Yesterday was Stake Conference. This is where members of our church from the surrounding area meet together twice a year. We hear great talks from our local leaders and members, and fill our buckets to help us “keep on keepin’ on.” The Sunday session this year was also known by me as, Dark Sunday. You see, 138 stakes from the valley were all invited to attend a broadcast from the Marriot Center at BYU. Which meant, TWO HOURS of church, in the dark. (lights out so we could see the screen) Fine, this is okay. But with four kids 8 and under, eeek!

We left our house at 9:15 on the nose. It’s a 10 minute walk (slowly with little ones), and the meeting started at 10 a.m. (we wanted a good seat) Ruby was in her cute hot pink and white giraffe dress. Anxiously asking about “Nursee,” nursery. We just couldn’t get her to grasp that there was not nursery today. She had on her white tights, new brown mary jane shoes, white sweater, and brown bows in her hair. The boys had freshly ironed shirts, (picked up off the closet floor – still remotely clean from last week – but VERY wrinkly) their ties and scriptures in hand. Baby was in his car seat ready for a nap, and Roo rode in her stroller. We walked in, got a padded seat right up front and moved in for the remainder of the day. (or at least that what it looked and felt like) Oh, the poor people behind us.

Peter kept the kids busy in the halls until it was time to start. Baby fell asleep right on queue and we didn’t hear a peep for the next hour and half from him. The boys got right to coloring and drawing. I loved hearing Samuel say to me, “ I can’t see, but as soon as my pupils adjust, I’ll be able to.” Smarty, I don’t think I knew what a pupil was ‘til I was like, 14. Simon kept asking why they couldn’t turn the lights on, “I can’t see.” And Ruby was off to the races: Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, cry! Kick, wiggle, up, down, up, down. Whine, cry, beg for snacks, wiggle, steal other peoples books, cry. Ate all her own snacks, ate baby’s snacks, wanted to eat anyone else’s snacks in the meeting. Finally the baby woke up at 11:30 and Peter held him. Ahhh, thank you baby - Ruby loves to climb in his baby carrier and put a blanket over her, like the baby. Bliss, for a few short minutes. This was enough for me to regroup and listen for a short minute. Then she was back at it, and it was over. Future note for those doing the music at these things. PLEASE, #1: Let the audience sing the closing song, we don’t want to hear the choir after two hours of being totally still and quiet. #2: Pick a short and upbeat song, not (although very pretty) and looong, slow and drawn out song. #3: Turn the lights on during this, so we can pack up. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

The kids were hilarious on the way home. Ruby refused to sit in her stroller. Her hair was totally crazy. All fluffy, bows hanging off the side of her head. It was great. She had smooshed animal crackers on her sweater and a very dirty face. The boys un tucked their shirts, rolled up their sleeves and argued who got to walk “in front” the whole way home. Roo joined in with this and they just each kept sticking their arms out to block each other. Nice, I know.

Over all, my bucket was filled though. The evening session the night before was fantastic. The focus was on provident living. And we can all do so much better in so many areas. Our Stake President also asked us to stretch ourselves just a little more. To do just a little bit better in all areas of our lives. So, I am happy to do this. I know that although it seems like the above event may have been a waste, but it wasn’t. We are teaching our children the importance of doing what we are asked. We are together as a family, worshiping our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. And I know that we will be blessed for our efforts. I know the Lord sees us and loves us. The little bits here and there that I was able to hear, I truly enjoyed. And the love I feel from my family and the Savior fill my bucket each day, so I can share my “water” with others.

Now if only there were steak at Stake Conference….

After sitting patiently for two hours, I let the kids do whatever they wanted. The boys had a HUGE battle between Pirates and Roman Soliers. Not sure who won, but they made a fantastic mess!

Ruby took a very welcomed nap after being begged to sit on the potty. She left her shoes right where she took them off.

Guest Blogger: MOM

WEll, I don't know about anyone else, but I would have loved being with you and Peter and the children during every minute of your steak conference! As the Grammy of your four darling children, I would have giggled and laughed WITH them and AT them for the full two hours. They are sooo darling and sooo hilarious! As it was, Dad and I went off to our own dark meeting (which was a replay of your steak conference) and it started at 2:00pm. Just in time for a nice nap! (Er, wait, did I say that?) I couldn't have slept through my meeting, 'cause I remember it so well. Here are some of the things I found memorable: 1) The guy in the beard in the BYU Men's Chorus -- who was that masked man? Surely he has a doctor's excuse for facial hair! Is it dermatological or psychological? Did he have a help dog down on the floor by his feet that we couldn't see? (Ponder ponder). 2) How come the Utah Provo Mission President and his wife weren't on the stand? Were they busy, or just not invited? Hmmm. Strange. . . . 3)When Elder Uchdorff was speaking, I remembered what an older German lady once said about Then-"Elder"-Uchdorff, "ooooh, zat Eldah Uchdohr-r-r-ff -- he's saach a hooonnnk!" Does the fact that he's now in the First Presidency make him not-such-a-hunk? I guess so. (He can't help it if he looks like a movie star.) I can't remember what he spoke about because I was envisioning him in a bushy gray moustache and leiderhosen. Seriously. 4)The counterfeit rolls story was very good and reminded me that I'm on a 500 calorie a day diet, but that since it's Sunday, I could probably eat a roll...with butter.... 5)I have to say, that all in all, the dark meeting was a very good meeting. However, the best part was when they turned the lights on and I saw dear friends -- ward members and stake members. I felt so happy and uplifted in their presence that I forgot to feel guilty that my mind may have wandered just a t-e-e-ny tiny bit during steak conference. (Maybe I'll have to watch it on KBYU.) Hey, your blog is really fun!

Love, Mom
September 10, 2008 5:56 PM