

and gathered the last of my fall roses,


But the party didn’t really start until Ben arrived.
the two kings of goofy-faced photos
Between sessions on Saturday, Mary begged Ben to jump on the tramp with her. Now Stefan does whatever Mary asks– all the trampoline games are directed by her. But Ben is cut from a crazier mold– he holds backflip contests with her, crack the egg and leapfrog.









a mushroom slicer works perfectly for strawberries








As always, the General Conference speakers were incredible. This time, their talks felt especially loving, understanding and kind. To me, the overall message was, “We know life is hard, but hang in there have faith, know you are loved and not alone.” Faith doesn’t protect us from pain and tragedy but it does help us cope with life’s inevitable heartache. I’m hesitant to offer a list of favorite talks since I feel like I need to relisten to most of them (you can find all of conference right here) but I’ll recommend Elder Holland’s words on depression Like a Broken Vessel and Elder Uchtdorf’s welcoming words Come, Join With Us.
But honestly, truly, every single talk was beautiful and inspired. And the perfect background sound for cleaning my kitchen– which is exactly where I’m going right now.
Anon
LOVE your quilt!
Anon
LOVE your quilt!
Jen@mysentimentaljamboree
Outstanding photos as always. I just finished reading Taza’s post about her General Conference weekend. They also made crepes. The quilt is lovely. What a beautiful life you and your family have. Thank you always for sharing!
Jeanelle
I totally agree with you about conference. I felt so comforted by all of the different messages…even those that had nothing to do with me or my heartaches or circumstances. There was just abounding love this weekend and after a rough few months in my world, I feel hopeful and lifted up and happy. The quilt is beautiful and I love the Mary/bunnies in the window pics. Adorable!
Lisa
I love everything about your day…but especially Gabe’s hair. Oh and I love the black and white pic of Mary and the bunnies. She is looking so very grown up.
katieo
What a beautiful life!
Chocolate on my Cranium
I have to laugh at the differences with what comes out at conference time – legos at your house, sewing projects (crocheting or knitting) at mine, with the boys sword playing with butter knives. Some day we will have to get together to even it all out! 🙂
Tracy
Thank you for some recommendations…as a nomo I do enjoy many of the messages. Also crepes. I enjoy crepes and we always use your recipe. xo
Emmy
What a great idea with the Legos for during conference!! My son would totally sit and listen the whole time if we let him do that.
Conference really did seem even better this year, I mean it is always good but this time wow! To me it felt like they were much more straight forward to, much more this is how it is and this is what we should do, which I really think is needed now days.
Your pictures are beautiful! I came from Sellabit Mum’s blog today- you are one of her 5 favorite, as soon as she said something about you living your faith and 6 kids I figured you must be Mormon too 🙂 It’s nice to meet you and I look forward to reading your blog more.
Jenn
What a lovely weekend at your house!
ellen
Tell me more about that baby quilt. I like the black & white photo best. And what is that strawberry contraption?!?
Michelle
Thanks for your comments! I love seeing some names and faces I haven’t seen for a while. And it sounds like the B&W photo wins.
Ellen– the strawberry slicer is actually a mushroom slicer. They sell them at lots of kitchen stores. And I’ll send you info on the quilt. It’s a combination of a pattern and making it up as we go along. 🙂
Michelle
I loooved the photo of her feet, too.
Love you.