Halloween Cruise

I love Halloween. I don't know if it's because it comes around my birthday (which was great and will maybe get it's own post later), because it signifies the start of the holiday season, or what it is but I like it. Last year we didn't do anything for Halloween, at all, and I was determined this year to do more. So, we found a good deal and went on a Halloween cruise!

It's not nearly as exciting as it sounds. It was not a cruise to the Carribean or Mexico, but rather down the Provo River. Pulled along by our "captain." He literally pulled our boat along by a rope that I guess was tied to some trees. We were attacked by a pirate on a canoe who told us Halloween jokes and gave us candy, and were treated to a recital of a spooky poem by our captain. There were jack-o'lanterns, some lights, and minimal decorations along the shoreline. Does it sounds cheesy? Well, it was! But I don't mind the cheese. In fact, I love it and my only complaint was that the captain and pirate did not stay in character the whole time. We had a great time!

The girls on the cruise

Boys picture take 1

And take 2

Our trusty captain

Some fun decorations

The girls warming up by the fire

All in all we had a fun time with some of our favorite people!

General Conference

I'm a little late, but General Conference was two weeks ago and we had a great weekend! It is definitely one of my favorite times of the year. For a whole weekend we have the opportunity to hear messages from prophets and apostles, and receive inspiration and instruction from them. I always feel so comforted and inspired, and there is always at least one talk that I feel like is especially for me. I definitely wore out my copy of my favorite talk from last April's General Conference, and am excited to get the ones from this past conference!

One of my very favorite talks this year came from the General Relief Society Meeting.

In his talk, President Uchtdorf uses the forget-me-not flower as a metaphor for five things that we should not forget.

1. Forget not to be patient with yourselves

2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice

3. Forget not to be happy now

4. Forget not the "why" of the gospel

5. Forget not that the Lord loves you

All of the other talks from General Conference can be found at www.lds.org. One of my other favorite talks was "It is Better to Look Up," given by Elder Carl. B. Cook. He talks about the importance of looking toward the Lord, and how this can help us in our lives.

"If we... exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy. We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance--and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction."

--Elder Carl B. Cook

It was so wonderful to be able to hear these messages, and I am so grateful for the opportunity that we had to listen and learn from them. Willie and I watched at our apartment on Saturday, then went up to his parents' house in Alpine to watch on Sunday with them. We had a nice lunch, and it was so fun to all be together! It is such a wonderful time of the year to be able to hear all of these messages and to relax and spend time together as a couple and with family.