Conference

(So this picture has nothing to do with my post, just thought it set this Conference apart from the rest - happy Archuletta made the choice to serve)

 I always look forward to Conference weekend.  It is so rejuvenating, relaxing and uplifting.  I had my thoughts and questions in my heart approaching conference and it was wonderful to feel them addressed and answered in the wonderful messages shared.
One of those was about my role as a mother.  A week or so ago, I happened to watch a commercial on TV for Mirena, a type birth control.  As the commercial spoke of the product it showed a mother with her one child who was about 3 or 4 who seemed to be a handful with the messes, etc he produced.  The phrase, "Keep Life Simple" shone across the screen.  I couldn't help but watch that commercial and wonder if I was crazy to have not only two, three, but five children (AND have thoughts of having one more).  So, I wanted from my conference experience validation for my choice to be a mother of so many children.  And I did.  I loved so much Elder Packer's talk as he spoke of children and the responsibility of parents.  Instead of the guilt and confusion of the TV commercial, I felt peace, gratitude and a increase of strength to do all that is required of me as I heard him speak.
I enjoyed the rest of the messages and was amazed that even with my lack of sleep with caring for Akoni I didn't struggle once with being sleepy.  I am so grateful that twice a year we can have this great blessing of increased faith and perspective.