A Truly Funny Thankful Moment . . .
We had the wonderful opportunity a few weeks ago to listen to the Prophet, members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other General Authorities speak to us during General Conference. Our family always looks forward to this time of year, I think for different reasons for each family member. The kids love to watch church in their jammies and play General Conference Bingo. The Bingo game is my way of attempting to get them to be quiet and pay attention to some part of this important event. My kids love it because traditionally I have supplied them with candy and other small snacks to use as markers on the Bingo board.
I decided to do things a little differently this year, because I have noticed that Bingo does not keep the kids quiet so Mom & Dad can listen. Instead there is a constant bickering of accusing someone of marking something that they don't have, constant asking "What are they talking about?" "Do I have that?" And by the time we have watched 8 hours of General Conference we are all on a sugar high from nibbling on out Bingo markers.
So this year it went like this: They would each receive a "General Conference Journal" where they could write or draw a picture of what each of the talks were about. At Family Home Evening the Monday after Conference we would each share what we learned from the various speakers. For each thing that was shared they would get a piece of candy. And if they wanted to still play Bingo they could they just have to use non food items to mark the board.
I was very pleased with the results during our Conference watching; not so much bickering, noise making and the kids actually paid attention more. I was a little worried though that John was going to throw a tantrum during Family Home Evening because he wouldn't be getting any candy because he didn't draw or write anything but instead played with his cars all through Conference. Monday night came and everyone but John came with their "journal" to share what they learned and receive their much desired candy.
I was amazed and pleased at the things the kids shared. I think they listened more closely than I did. John mostly made up answers so that he would be able to get candy. He quickly caught on that the more he shared the more candy he got. My favorite thing that was shared the whole night came from John. We were sharing on our second or third General Authority; and when it was John's turn to share he thoughtfully jabbered something we didn't understand, then as clear as could be he said, "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen," in a tone of great confidence. Then immediately asked, "How many pieces of candy do I get?"
I decided to do things a little differently this year, because I have noticed that Bingo does not keep the kids quiet so Mom & Dad can listen. Instead there is a constant bickering of accusing someone of marking something that they don't have, constant asking "What are they talking about?" "Do I have that?" And by the time we have watched 8 hours of General Conference we are all on a sugar high from nibbling on out Bingo markers.
So this year it went like this: They would each receive a "General Conference Journal" where they could write or draw a picture of what each of the talks were about. At Family Home Evening the Monday after Conference we would each share what we learned from the various speakers. For each thing that was shared they would get a piece of candy. And if they wanted to still play Bingo they could they just have to use non food items to mark the board.
I was very pleased with the results during our Conference watching; not so much bickering, noise making and the kids actually paid attention more. I was a little worried though that John was going to throw a tantrum during Family Home Evening because he wouldn't be getting any candy because he didn't draw or write anything but instead played with his cars all through Conference. Monday night came and everyone but John came with their "journal" to share what they learned and receive their much desired candy.
I was amazed and pleased at the things the kids shared. I think they listened more closely than I did. John mostly made up answers so that he would be able to get candy. He quickly caught on that the more he shared the more candy he got. My favorite thing that was shared the whole night came from John. We were sharing on our second or third General Authority; and when it was John's turn to share he thoughtfully jabbered something we didn't understand, then as clear as could be he said, "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen," in a tone of great confidence. Then immediately asked, "How many pieces of candy do I get?"
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