Women's Conference

A few posts ago, I mentioned the decision Tori made to attend Women's Conference with me instead of going to a hockey game where she'd be recognized for being a top scholar. After the decision was made, I really second-guessed myself. Should I have just watched it with her another time, and not made her decide? I think it would have been fine either way. But I am happy to report that going to the conference together was so wonderful!

Tori was so excited to go. That morning, she said she wanted us to wear matching outfits. I didn't think we had anything that matched, but we realized we could both wear a maxi dress with a denim jacket. (She is wearing hers above.)

We drove to a meeting spot, and then carpooled down to Williamsport with ward friends. Tori, Dottie and Samantha sat in the back of the Weeds' van together and watched an animated movie. (I took a picture with their camera, and will have to get a copy to post here.)

The stake RS did a dinner. Tori was thrilled to see a chocolate fountain with all kinds of fruit and things to dip when we walked in. There were also lots of chocolates as part of the table décor. The tables were covered with white paper tablecloths and they provided crayons to color with. Tori kept drawing pictures of the two of us and writing things like "I *heart* Mom," and "Mom is the best." So then I wrote some things for her too. She loved the whole dinner and kept saying how jealous the boys would be.

The conference was so powerful. I kept getting teary. I talked to Tor about the historic significance of being one of the first Primary girls to go to Women's Conf. They did a good job of making the talks fit all ages. I loved the part where they had the young girls stand and sing the first verse of a song and then had the adults sing the second. I just loved sitting there listening with my arm around Tori. It was really special for me.

My kids usually play around during our church's semi-annual conference. I print the conference packets, but they still don't pay attention very well. But I got Tori a cute notebook beforehand, and she took a page and a half of notes! She also did some cute doodling. (On one page she wrote, "Girls rule, boys drool." But then she added a heart with Jesus, John, Eli and Jonah in it, to show they were exempt. And then she kept thinking of others, including Heavenly Father and the prophets to arrow into the heart. So there was some good spiritual content in her doodling. :)

John is going to take Eli this Sat. evening because not many attend at the church, and we think they won't mind, even though he's only nearly 11. Eli can't wait, since things went so well for Tori.