General Conference and Easter - A great start to Spring

As I write this, it is raining nonstop outside and I can't help but smile because it's a warm rain and it is very slowly working its' magic on this long winter snow that we have had. I will probably still miss the snow and welcome it's timely return (provided it comes at an appropriate time :) ). But for now, I am so looking forward to spring, flowers, rainy days and sunny days that bring with them long days at the park and bicycle rides - oh how I cannot wait to again be on our bakfiets. It also means that those maple trees have started to release their delicious sap and there is a new adventure on our horizon.

Last weekend we watched General Conference and that is always a lovely start to April. We gave a new gf cinnamon bun recipe a go. They were - ok. But we will keep our eyes open for other recipes.

Nothing beats cream cheese icing though. The kids discovered how good it is to lick icing off of a spoon - or from their finger. Jason could do nothing but smile when all three of us were caught stealing licks of his special icing. I really should do better at not passing down my bad habits.

I loved that the kids were so excited for conference (I tried a countdown chain, but it really wasn't high on the priority list this year so it kind of fell by the wayside). I think the cinnamon buns had something to do with it, though the fact that they could each list off favorite parts of the conference sessions tells me that they definitely got more than just cinnamon buns from conference.

Often, their eyes wandered to other people and things in the chapel but then there were those moments, which seem to be slowly and steadily increasing, where something on that screen took a hold of them and their eyes were glued to the screen not even taking a break when they asked questions like, "what is fear?". It got them thinking and asking questions, and I like that. Conference got me thinking, too. Looking forward to getting to study each of the messages throughout the year.

Most often, those captivating moments came by way of music. I love music. And I love seeing it have such a lovely effect on the kids. Pretty sure they are big Mormon Tabernacle fans. Atticus is asking when we will get to go and see the conference centre and the Salt Lake Temple. I do hope that day is not in the too far distant future. It would be a good experience.

And then there is the preparing for Easter. While some traditions will be modified this year based on our new locale, the kids did a happy dance the morning they woke up and saw that I had put up our easter countdown tree on the mantle. It's a good tradition that really focuses us in on the Savior and who He is. I adore Easter. Definitely not for the candy, but for the rich spirit that runs through our family as we strive to understand and apply the atonement just a little bit more in our life. It tends to lead me to a lot of reflection time on how I could use weekly sacrament time better than I am. I have so far to go.

We have been preparing a number for our stake Easter Concert. I had been wanting to plan a number for it, but with time not on my side I had quietly decided not to do one. Then we ran into the woman in charge of the concert at a grocery store that we rarely go to. It was the kick I needed.

It is so awesome getting to watch the kids put the tags on the tree each night. I love seeing their eyes sparkle.

I stressed, probably much more than I needed to, over finding the right song that would bear testimony of the Savior through our voices and help others on their journey to come closer to Christ. Then that song was taken. So I was at the process of searching and praying again. We found one. And while I don't think the song was 'perfect' in the sense that I thought it should be, I can already see it coming together in a beautiful way as everyone in our little group brings their individual talent and testimony to the music. It will be a good experience. I'm sure of that.

April is already bathed in so much goodness. I love goodness.