Behold: General Conference Weekend
(September 30th-October 2nd)
Friday:
Boss, GrandMary, Christian, Lottie, and I visited the gorgeous
Provo City Center Temple. The Temple grounds are beautiful and calming,
and it was a bit emotional for me as we wandered around.
I love it there so much.
I'm still overwhelmed and amazed at the symbolism and connection
I feel to this amazing building.
After (and before lunch), we had some ice cream at Rockwell Creamery,
where we indulged in "A-NieNies" (Anise) black licorice ice cream.
Holy moly, please tell me you've tried it!!!
Then we stopped off at Andrew's Goldsmith shop.
He makes the most beautiful jewelry.
Andrew showed GrandMary a thing or two at the goldsmith's desk
and then washed her wedding rings, and they shined like
the top of the Chrysler building.
Saturday:
I woke up to find Jane busy in the kitchen preparing us breakfast;
pumpkin pancakes with buttermilk syrup.
She takes a cooking class and learned a few new recipes
for our special Saturday!
Breakfast was AMAZING! Good work, Jane-bug!
The Saturday conference sessions were uplifting, as usual.
I am so thankful for the wise leaders who counsel,
love, teach, preach, and advise us how to live a life full of love, service,
and compassion based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
He is the ultimate teacher.
Mormon men (over 12) attend the Priesthood session of
General Conference, which is held on Saturday night.
Next year, we are so excited because Oliver can go with
Mr. Nielson (he will turn 12 in January).
Mr. Nielson attended the session with his dad (Boss), my dad,
and five of my brothers and nephews.
Back at home, while the men were gone,
GrandMary, the Little Nies, and I decided
that we were hungry and took ourselves to dinner.
About 30 minutes into our dinner, the door opened in the busy restaurant, and
in walked the most handsome men, all in white shirts
that I have ever seen.
And they all belonged to me...well, Mr. Nielson does-
but I claim my brothers, nephews, and dads too.
After their session, they chose to eat at the same restaurant we were at.
A pleasant surprise indeed!
Sunday:
On Sunday morning, Mr. Nielson and I made Ebelskivers for breakfast
(like always). It's a Danish delight!
We stuffed them with different cheeses,
fruits, jams, chocolate, and buttermilk syrup (Thanks, Jane!).
Sunday's conference was ANOTHER beautiful day and
another beautiful conference!
Sunday afternoon, we took Boss and GrandMary to the other side of
Provo to walk by the lake and to stretch our legs.
We counted our many blessings, talked about our
favorite parts of the 10 + hours of conferences, and
enjoyed the autumn weather, blue sky, and white clouds.
In the evening, my parents came up to Fox Hill for dinner.
I am grateful that the Little Nies have both sets of grandparents who
are healthy and active, and having them together under one roof is amazing.
I hope my children understand how unique that is.
God is so good. He is wise, He is all-knowing,
and He is our Father who loves us so perfectly.
I am beyond amazed and have been pondering
this beautiful hymn:
"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died
Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me
Enough to die for me!
Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!"
