I’m going to get very real for a minute- this has been a pretty emotional month for me. And I feel a little silly- because I know it’s been an emotional month for everyone; and my family really hasn’t been affected too much with everything that’s been going on. We already homeschool, my husband already works from home- not much in our daily lifestyle has changed! However, people that I love and are very close to have suffered financially, emotionally- and it’s definitely been taking a toll on my spirits. Some days are pretty good, and I enjoy the extra time my family has on Sundays (we usually go to church) and weeknights, when my husband is normally working with the young men in our neighborhood. But some days are just hard, and the world can feel a little overwhelming.

Which is why I am REALLY looking forward to the first weekend in April. Every first weekend in April and October, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a General Conference - an opportunity to be uplifted and rejuvenated through inspiring and uplifting messages. The music alone is incredible and healing to my soul, and I always end General Conference weekend with a lighter heart and a happier spirit. If there was ever a time I needed that, it’s definitely right now!

In our almost 10 years of marriage, we have always watched General Conference with our parents. We do Saturday at my in-laws, and Sunday with my parents. However, with all the social distancing recommendations, we’ll be staying home this year. I’m a little sad to not be joining my family - but excited to be with my little family! We always have some tasty food on General Conference weekend, so I’ll have to make sure I keep up those traditions ;).

On Saturday, we always have a BIG breakfast. German pancakes, potatoes, eggs and cheese, bacon- the works! We usually eat so much that we’re stuffed until dinnertime. And then we usually pick up something from a local restaurant that’s quick and easy so that we’re not dealing with tons of dishes and dinner prep ;).

On Sunday, my mom always has a muffin buffet. We buy Costco muffins, and then we all usually make 1 or 2 different muffin recipes, so there are so many options! Lunch is usually crackers and cheese, (or cream cheese with a jelly relish on top- so good!), some veggies- just a few snack items. And then dinner is generally something very filling and delicious- homemade Cafe Rio pork salads, homemade pizza, etc. And then of course- ice cream sundaes or some other delectable dessert! I always leave the weekend feeling very full spiritually and physically!

Since this year has been a little different, I’ve been brainstorming different ideas for meals. We could do the same thing we’ve always done, and I definitely wouldn’t be too sad ;). But I also love trying new things! Cinnamon rolls are one of my favorites, and something I don't make very often, so that might be a fun new meal to incorporate for breakfast! I also love the idea of an appetizer night- making a few different hearty appetizers that we can enjoy while watching the Saturday evening session of general conference. I’ll probably do some kind of charcuterie board for lunch on Sunday- some meat, crackers, cheeses, veggies, a few almonds, and probably something sweet to top it off ;). I also think a pizza bar, salad bar, or nacho bar could be fun! My kids love putting their food together, and this could be a fun meal to end the weekend with.

If you’re feeling discouraged or anxious about the future, if you’re pulling your hair out and going stir-crazy, or even if you’re feeling optimistic and enjoying this extra time with your family- I would encourage you to check out General Conference at churchofjesuschrist.org. It’s the uplift we all need right now!

I would also love to hear your thoughts and ideas! What are some tasty and fun meal ideas I could serve for my little family? If you already watch General Conference, what does your family do? I would love to hear your ideas!