Collecting Bedlamites
I loved when someone (ok – really I re-listened to 3 talks trying to remember who said it – still don’t know… oh – jimmy said it was Elder Andersen) talked about how life and parenting are not about collecting children. It’s not like collecting postage stamps… which you can trade at the pawn shop. It made me laugh. There was bedlam all about for most of the day with our houseful of little bedlamites so I’ll be grateful for rebroadcast on the internet… and printed messages in the Ensign.
My mom commented that it is probably hard to hear General Conference with the kids about. Yes, it indeed is.
But I realized today that the purpose of General Conference for me right now in this stage of life is NOT for me to be able to sit down and take all the glorious notes I can while quietly listening to the inspiring messages.
Yes, someday… but today is not that day.
Today is the day to help my children learn to love General Conference. We make a fun conference mix of snacks. We print conference packets. We gather around the tv together. And half the time there is screaming and fighting and swiping of snacks, but sometimes the kids ask what the Apostles are talking about. Sometimes they figure it out. And then I think there is progress. Perhaps someday the kids will appreciate all the glorious truth being taught and will find JOY in sitting quietly and listening to prophets of God. We will give it TIME and try to be patient with all the wiggly little bodies all about.
These photos are of the tots while Jimmy was at Priesthood Session. Dinner and outside play seemed so chaotic. Littles NEEEEEEEDing is very constant. I love when we get pictures of real life. The tots were outside running around being ninjas. Max was holding his grilled cheese stick… I don’t think he ever finished it. Tru has a random bead necklace on with marker on his forehead and nose. Eliza wasn’t so fond of the wind outside. It’s just funny…. these kids. Then Bedtime came … with lots of tears from a-nearly-4-year-old.
Despite the bedlam (meaning … said 4-year-old was screaming in his room because someone – cough, cough… Truman… decided to “share” max’s popcorn… and Max threw a fit… tired child!), when we read in 3rd Nephi about Christ coming to America, somehow I still felt the Spirit. I love those chapters. The people believed even when they hadn’t seen – but then they had the blessing to see Christ and KNOW that He lived. I loved talking with the kids about that. What if it were us? … our family … there in the land of Bountiful at the temple… and we saw Jesus. Neat! Anyhoo… I’m way off topic.
Yes… we’re definitely collecting bedlamites… not to trade… to love and cherish forever… for they are AWEsome. (i can say this only because I’ve had 2 hours after bedtime to recuperate from it all. Off to bed!) 
p.s. why does abe look sooooo tall in these photos? that kid is growin’ like a weed, i’ll tell ya.
Ditto. I tried to watch conference for me. I had my pen & notebook and I was taking notes, but with the kids it was difficult. Finally, during the second session (while Jenna was napping) I actually got Chloe to get interested and watch with me. I tried to explain to her that one day she will understand everything they’re saying and be happy to watch conference instead of Blue’s Clues. :)
Oh my goodness I love these pictures! :] And conference is amazing. I love that you are teaching your kids to love it! I am glad that my parents taught me to love it.
it was elder anderson… actually, it was elder anderson quoting a blog of a non-mormon mother. it was also my favorite quote of conference. thanks for the “real”, sweet blog.
Why is it then that I totally picture it being Elder Holland and in a different conference? Now I have to go and find it too…Love how you document life. I want to have my family documented so awesomely. You are so inspiring.
Oh I totally misunderstood and thought you were talkinga bout bedlamites for some reason. I love love love the quick access we have to Conference after the fact, so we can still soak up all the goodness, even if it has to be gradually and while we are doing dishes during naptime.