While I am in shock that October is here already (where did September go? August and the entire summer for that matter...), so much good has come and is coming, that I can't help but think
"Bring It On"!
We've enjoyed a FABULOUS weekend in UT, our first trip there since the blessing of our adorable niece, Olivia. That was two years ago!
(Elizabeth Grace and Olivia Grace)
We were so sure that moving back would make it so much easier to visit everyone we'd been forced to see only every-great-once-in-a-while....not quite what reality has brought!
Nevertheless, if going not-so-often means the trips are as great as this one was, then I think we'll take it.
I'm anxious to hear more details about Elizabeth's trip. She traveled down with us, but met up with our YM and YW, who got to experience the very best of the Salt Lake area. She even got to attend the Saturday Afternoon session of General Conference, which she described as
"better than awesome".
What I do know so far is that she took pictures while she was at Temple Square. Pictures like this one:
I am planning to enlarge this and get it hanging on the wall ASAP. **update: an 11x14 is now being processed at Costco. Frame is ready here at home. Can't wait!
Our trip was not just to have a fabulous time. We (ha! I say that like I did anything but look out the sliding door at Kurt working....) got to help BIL David rebuild their deck. Here he is, getting it all put together: 
The end result looked AMAZING!! Good job Dave, Kurt and Brad!
We were continually spoiled by the Orton's all weekend. Sure hope to return the favor sometime!
We got to listen and watch General Conference from the comforts of the Orton's home. While I know that every conference is wonderful, and the latest one is always the very best, I think this one outdid itself as far as how perfect and timelythe messages were.
Go HERE to listen/watch any part for yourself.
I was especially impressed by Elder Holland's address Sunday afternoon. He is not one to pull any punches and often addresses those who have vehemently disagreed or tried to discredit any given aspect of the Restored Gospel. His words were punctuated with power ~ each and every one of them. I knew, because of how I felt while I listened, that he spoke truth. I also knew that he felt strongly about each word he spoke, and that each word was carefully chosen.
How fortunate (blessed! lucky!) we are to live during a time when there is a living Prophet on the earth. A Prophet just like Moses and Abraham were prophets in biblical times. A time when Apostles minister and act as Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ. Apostles just like Peter, James and John of the New Testament. The authority is the same, and has been restored to us now. Hooray!!
The things we heard in Conference have caused an increased desire for personal reflection and like all conferences, lessons, sacrament talks, experiences and personal study, is providing motivation to examine and improve. What a blessing the process of life is for us all ~ that we can become and discover who we really are and why we are here little by little.
Onward and Upward!
One of the fun things we did in addition to watching and listening to General Conference was to decorate the delicious cookies and cupcakes Kurt's sister Wendy made. Ah-mayze-ing!! Nathan was sure impressed:
(he smiled ON PURPOSE and without prompting, which feels like a big step in the right direction for this family of cheesy grinners.) :D
I got to help buy the food for the youth for the weekend. As we shopped, I couldn't help but think of the 17 young men we were buying for. 17 hungry TEENAGE boys (as well as the 30-ish Young Women and bunch of leaders....69 people in all!).
I think we did pretty well.
(that's my friend Liz K behind all our purchases)
So much good to come in October.
Can't wait for Elizabeth to share her experiences.
Stay Tuned!
xoxo
