Conference this year was awesome. Like. So awesome. Not only did we get to spend a relaxing weekend with each other but the words spoken during the conference session were wonderful. Inspired words by prophet and apostles. We live in such an amazing time.
David and I woke up AT ten o'clock on Saturday morning. This was incredible, because usually Lydia wont let us stay in bed much after 7:30. She woke up pretty early, and we brought her into bed with us, then took turns half-sleeping while holding a toy for her to play with. She was such a trooper, just content to lay between us and play while we slept. We didn't set any alarms because we figured that there would be no way we would even have the chance to sleep through conference, so when David finally looked at the clock (or I looked at my watch, I can't remember) we both jumped out of bed and rushed to the TV. We only get a few channels using the bunny ears hooked up to our television, and those bunny ears aren't always the more reliable. During President Monsons first talk, the TV kept fuzzing out a little bit. Between the static, he announced two more temple that would be built and then he started talking about missionary work. David was standing by the TV trying to get the picture clearer when the Prophet announced that they would be changing the age requirement for all worthy young males to 18. We were both shocked and sat there amazed. He started talking about sisters, and all I could think was "Oh no! We are going to miss this monumental announcement because our TV is acting up!" Thankfully, David moved to the exact right position (next to the TV, probably with his arm up) and the picture was crystal clear as President Monson announced that the age requirement for all worthy young women who desire to serve a mission would be moved to 19.
We. were. stunned.
That was such a huge announcement. Such an exciting and amazing proclamation. It doesn't seem like that big of a deal, but really it changes EVERYTHING. Soon after, David said, "I think the chances of Lydia serving a mission just quadrupled." It's amazing to think that this growing generation won't know anything different. They will hear that the age used to be 19 and 21, and they will think that is so weird - so outdated. But for us, that is all we knew. Those age requirements shaped our college experience and were integral in dating, church, and social life. After the first session of conference, there was a press conference to answer questions about the new age requirements. Elder Holland (our favorite! - assuming it's okay to have favorites) spoke about how the Lord truly is hastening his work on the earth. I am amazed. You can see the truthfulness of that statement. It's like the Lord is saying, alright troops, it's time to get focused - battle is near at hand! Amazing.
There is so much that I could say about this. David and I have spent hours talking about the effect that the new missionary ages will have on colleges, sport teams, dating, and the church. There are so many things! I think this is an awesome opportunity and it makes so much sense in so many way. The Prophet and Apostles really do receive revelation from God and he really does know exactly what he is doing. I think that it is going to be so amazing for so many reasons, however, in the short term it's going to really throw a wrench in things! David's brother Kevin is the executive secretary in his singles ward in Logan and before the first session of conference was over, he had a sister call to set up an appointment with the bishop so she could start her papers. Throughout the day he received phone call after phone call from girls in his ward. He made the comment "My dating pool is really drying up!" So funny yet so true.
I love General Conference!
Here are some pictures of our weekend:
Lydia being an awesome baby and playing on the floor.
Eating hot chocolate and playing conference Bingo.
Have you ever played Conference Bingo? We love it. It seriously helps me to concentrate on the speaker and helps me to stay alert and focused. We buy some yummy treats and then whenever the speaker starts talking about a certain topic like "Faith" or "Prayer" you get to eat the candy on that block. We hardly ever get bingo - but it's fun nonetheless. My board kept pretty full of sour patch kids and gummy bears - Davids was filled mostly with popcorn and Dorito chips.
Lydia on the couch, playing with her toys during her first General Conference.
The boys on their way to Priesthood meeting. Michael was there too, but he left before I took the picture and met up with them on the way over. It was so fun for David to be with Michael, Kevin, Jeff, and his Dad. I love those Peaden boys.
Lydia with Aunt Amy. She is such a sweet little love bug. (We like to call her our Lyddie-bug and so I LOVE that there are so many cute baby girl clothes with lady bugs on them.)
Lydia with Great-grandma McCallister.
Snuggling up with her daddy.
We had such a great conference weekend and and loved being able to spend time together and with family while we listened to the words of living prophets. We are so grateful to live in such an amazing time and to have the joyfulness of the gospel in our lives.
