General Conference 2026

 We had a mellow general conference weekend. I missed the solemn assembly on Saturday morning because a rain delay for the half marathon, but the family made it home just in time. I found them gathered on the floor, playing games between speakers and sessions and during musical numbers. 

We encouraged the kids to prepare questions and listen for answers during conference. I’d like to change one of my questions to, “how is Bear so flexible?” 

I legitimately cannot do this pose. He is Gumby.

Seriously though, the hours to slow down and ponder are always appreciated this time of year.  The snuggles from my Velcro kids are a bonus. I can’t wait to get the transcripts and dive a little deeper.  Quincy’s mission will gather to listen once the Korean voiceover translations are done. Resend Logan went to a mission reunion Saturday night and had a handful of friends over to mark and Melinda’s on Sunday for crepes and conference.

My favorite talk was easily Elder Renlunds. I loved all the   beautiful, applicable, and simple truths he spoke: 

Not all matters are of equal value 

Jesus has the power to do for us what we can’t do for ourselves 

He can and will declare guiltless all who repent and believe in his name.

All means everyone. If everyone, than anyone. If anyone, then even one. If even one, than even you. 

Because of Jesus Christ there is no scar. 

Our sins are nailed, in entirety, to the cross. After we repent we are made clean and He remembers them no more. 

He will consecrate our afflictions for our gain. 

He will dependably and consistently make us whole. 

Soren Pole Vaults

 

Soren pole vaulted in the track meet in Fayetteville yesterday. He cleared 5.5, 6, and 6.5 feet easily, but caught a shoe on one and an arm on 7 feet. He’ll get there! There were only 3 boys selected to vault at this meet and Soren was really excited to be one of them. He is really loving trying out this new sport! 

Soren with 8th grade buddy, Kellan W.

Happy Birthday: Aaron turns 50!

 Aaron is 50! Happy Birthday!  I put like 150 photos in a reel for him on Instagram. All just 1 second long. And this compilation of 1 second clips tell how at any given moment in Aaron’s first 50 years, he has been loving and serving. He works hard, has great faith, and loves compassionately. His tender heart has made him the greatest husband, girl dad, coach, teacher, friend, and valiant servant. We will never run out of good things to say about him. Happy birthday to one of the greatest blessings in my life. 

To start the celebrations, Aaron received a bday FaceTime call from Jamae Willardson, a cute post and FaceTime from Reese and Logan, a 5am haircut from me (looking ROUGH, I am dead tired rn and currently running on fumes), and a little bday dinner with Soren and I in Fayetteville after Soren’s track meet last night. This quesadilla place was amazing! I told them it was Aaron’s 50th and they kept bringing us things. Chorizo Mac n cheese, loaded queso, and then this cup of churros with a full on firework inside it 😂😂😂 

We died laughing as it just kept going for 2 minutes at the table lol. The the chef made us a chocolate sauce for the churros. “You only turn 50 once!” So nice. 

You know who else is nice? Aaron Willardson. 

He’s kind of a dream boat, actually. I love our life together. There is a lot of chaos and our people need a lot of us. We are tired. Aaron is tired with a smile. He is doing life so well. I love him back endlessly and I look up to him so much. He carries all of us. 

Spring Break in Newport: Low Cousins

 Aaron’s sister, Janae, and family were in Newport the week of the wedding and we had a day of overlap to visit and play at the Newport Villas. We met at the pool and the kids swam. We taught them how to play Nuke Em in the sand volleyball pits then ate lunch and visited poolside. 

We took the shuttle down to Crystal Cove beach. The boys tossed a football around, kids got in the ocean. It was especially fun to catch up with Madeline and Preston about BYU, dance, orchestra, study abroad and mission plans. 

We each made our own dinner plans, then met at the fire pits for late night s’mores, water slides, and a face time with Reese, Logan, and sister Willardson. Jamae was walking through the market and showed us all the cool fruits and fish sitting out for purchase. 

I sent this pic to Lynda, who loves the beach. She said. “my cute kids on the beach!”