Become - Time Out For Women (TOFW)

As you know, this is my word for 2011... BECOME. This was inspired by the upcoming theme for the 2011 Time Out For Women, a women's conference presented by Deseret Book. Needless to say, when I read this theme, it just stuck with me and I knew it was the word I was looking for to work on for this year. Because of this, I have SO been looking forward to attending this with my sister.



Sadly, our plans were kind of squashed when I found out that my nephew, Nicholas, was getting baptized on the day that I had already paid to attend. I was so disappointed! But we decided to still catch the Friday night session and it was well worth it! President Hinckley's daughter, Virginia Pearce, spoke about Mothers and how we can all have several people in our lives that "mother" us and how we can "mother" other people. She even had Eliza Snow come as a special speaker (actor, of course) - she was amazing! Sister Pearce talked how she was one of her heroes that she had come to know and love in the last year as she studied her.



The music titled "Reflections of Motherhood" was performed by Macy Robinson and was also fabulous! It just reminded me that although we all have trials, we are so blessed to be women - both daughters of Heavenly Father and Mothers! It made me feel better to realize that even though my life has not gone according to my plan, it can still be wonderful, just as Macy described.

I'm just so thankful to have these wonderful conferences and speakers to uplift me, motivate me to be better, and bring me a little closer to Christ. I have had such a passion for them over the past couple of years as a drink in the wonderful spirit that these occasions offer me. I just can't seem to get enough. And I'm especially grateful that I have my sweet sister to go with. We have so much fun! We both miss Mom dearly but I'm just so grateful that Michelle and I can still share so many laughs and soak in the Spirit together as we try to improve our lives.

Sisters

"A sister shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams." -Author unknown

I wanted to take a moment and tribute my amazing sister. Isn't she beautiful? (This is her and I in 2006.) I was able to attend Women's Conference with her last weekend and although we did not take one picture to prove it (again), we had a great time! I swore I was going to take my camera this year and get some fun pictures but of course, I forgot. I was really excited now that I have a place to post my pictures and not have to feel guilty about them piling up, unused. Oh well, I'm sure I will have some fabulous pictures to share next year.

Going to Women's Conference together is a tradition that started 10 years ago (we think) when our Mom was still alive. Do we have any pictures of it? No! We only have the wonderful memories left in our hearts. We have often discussed how fun it would be to be able to look back and have pictures of the 3 of us together, 10 years ago. It would be fun (and sometimes scary) to see the changes - in our haircuts, our outfits, our shapes, and sizes. But I know the smiles would be the same because being together is something we loved, and still do! Stealing time away for "girl" time is such a treat. Even better is being with someone that knows everything about you and loves you anyway. It is great fun and cheap therapy. But for now, the only pictures we have are those left in our mind and the treasure of them left in our hearts. That is what really matters anyway. I can honestly say that we worried more about enjoying every moment together rather than trying to capture the perfect picture. And knowing the 3 of us, we would have never found a picture we all liked, anyway. I do, however, need to get better at telling my story - at capturing the special moments I am lucky enough to enjoy. Women's Conference would definitely be considered a highlight.

The longer I live, the more I learn that my Heavenly Father is watching out for me. What would I do without this sister of mine? Even more since Mom has passed away, I can't imagine not having a sister. (But don't think it has always been bliss. We used to hate each other, really. We left scars...actual scars. It's amazing what a little distance (moving out of the house) and maturity will do for you.) My sister knows my weaknesses and shares many of the same insecurities I have. She is just like me in that she is a perfectionist. She always wants to do better and be better. But I think she is great just the way she is. She is a wonderful mom, a great cook, and has such an amazing spirit! I wish she could see all of her strengths. She always says that she wasn't blessed with talents but everything about her is talent - the way she listens, the compassion she has, and the way she puts people at ease. She has a great way of being honest without being fake. But my favorite part about her is her smile. She has beautiful eyes and when she smiles, they twinkle. She can truly light up a room when she is happy. Everything about my sister is genuine and I often wish I could be more like her. So to Michelle, I say thank you. Thanks for everything- for going to Women's Conference with me, going to classes, skipping classes, shopping with me (something we are both truly good at), laughing with me, listening to me, crying with me, not judging me, and most of all- for just loving me, no matter what. I love you!