General Conference

October 2016

We (Emily, Amy, Mom, and myself) went to the Women's Session.  It was wonderful.  I do love sitting in our home and watching conference, but there is a special something about joining with thousands of other girls and women to sing and listen and learn.

This was the first time we got to go through the tunnel.  It wasn't very long (we thought this was "THE" tunnel... turns out there are lots of them) but it was windy.  We all felt like we were in a Star Wars movie.  I think Mom was entertained that we were so entertained.

There we are!  Sister Oscarson gave a remarkable talk about needing to be and raise a "sin-resistant" generation because conditions are not going to improve.  She quoted Pres. Nelson as saying that attacks against the church and the way we live are only going to increase.  It was kind of scary to think of the world we're sending our children into.  But then I looked at Amy and Emily and felt reassured.  They are strong and capable.  We need to teach the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ with sensitivity and common sense, otherwise the world will teach our youth Satan's lies.  That is not acceptable.  Another quote by Sister Oscarson was that young women need to see themselves as essential to this work.  I think that goes for all of us women.  We are needed and we need to be ready.  It was a sobering, empowering reminder of the reality we face. 

General Conference

October 1

Traditions.  I love them.  General Conference traditions have grown since April 2011 Conference when Dad (Devn Cornish) was called as a General Authority.  I still remember that he got tickets for that session, and we were running late.  He was in the aisle waiting and ushered us into our seats just a few minutes before the session began.  I thought he seemed extra anxious about us being on time and then realized why when his name was read from the pulpit.  That was an especially memorable moment when we sustained him - Dad/Grandpa/Father-in-law.  

The following October he spoke in General Conference about prayer.  Again, we got to be there.  It was a wonderful talk that I still remember well.  After he spoke in that Sunday afternoon session, the extended family wanted to gather to talk about conference and hear more about Dad's experience of speaking.  And thus started the tradition of a Cornish/Simmons potluck Sunday afternoon after General Conference at our house.  It's been several years now, so we don't even send out reminders because they all know the drill.  Come, bring a side or dessert, eat, chat, and then gather to share thoughts and questions about the gospel and conference.  It's a delight.

We are often able to get to one session with the big kids, Matt, and I, and then eat a quick lunch at mom and dad's hotel room/apartment between sessions.  Another part of the tradition is that the Kotters come out whenever they can.  It's always a good time.  Here we are all snuggled (aka squished) into the the elevator at Mom and Dad's apartment building.  Everyone smile!