I love LDS general conference weekend, especially in the fall. There is something extra special about making cinnamony treats and having warm soup bubbling on the stove while the soothing sounds of the prophet and apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints echo through our home.
But I’m left with a major dilemma: What in the world do I do with our three kids? They are not quite old enough to sit through eight hours of talks and music, but can sit reasonably (or at least play quietly in the same room) through some. Last year when my husband was getting his EMBA and was gone every conference weekend, I compiled a list of things to keep the kids busy while I attempted to tune in for at least one talk at a time. Here are some suggestions that worked for me, including some great recipes to keep everyone physically as well as spiritually fed:
Saturday morning:
Fruit Loops necklaces
Get a box of Fruit Loops or other big-shaped “O” cereal as well as a ball of yarn. Cut the yarn to about 16 inches, and tape one end to the table with masking tape. Have the kids make necklaces by stringing the yarn through the loops. This is a great way for my boys to practice color patterns.
Play dough
I make homemade play dough by mixing one cup flour, one cup water, 1/3 cup salt, 2 teaspoons cream of tarter and one tablespoon vegetable oil. Mix all in a saucepan over medium low heat until mixture becomes clumpy and pulls away from the sides of the pan (like bread dough). I also add one teaspoon almond or mint extract to make it smell like childhood again. This will keep my kids busy for an hour easy. One session down!
Saturday afternoon:
Nap time for my 1-year-old, while my 3- and 5-year-olds snuggle with my husband and me. This lasts for maybe 20 minutes (one talk) and then it’s on to pumpkin painting. Instead of carving a pumpkin, I get some small, decorative pumpkins at the store, googley eyes, pipe cleaners, you name it, as well as some good paint. My boys sit at the little table in our kitchen (covered in newspaper or brown paper bags) and decorate away.
For priesthood session, we always get together with extended family and have a big pizza party at Grandma’s.
Sunday morning:
I make Kelsey Nixon’s Cinnamon Buns and Skillet Sausage Hash with Eggs. I am going to do this the night before this year (remember April’s post?) so I can just pop these beauties in the oven that morning. We eat breakfast while watching the session in the family room together.
Conference coloring
I have several coloring books on hand, and my boys draw or color pictures during the last half of the morning session. My older boy can practice spelling out words he hears such as “Jesus,” “happy,” “family” as well as drawing a picture about a talk he heard.
Sunday afternoon:
Color-ball sorting
I found a great idea on Pinterest for color-ball sorting. Get a muffin tin and cover the bottom with different colored circles cut out from cardstock or construction paper. My boys get those fuzzy colored balls and sort them into the different holes.
Cotton ball ghosts
Get a white piece of computer or thicker paper and draw an outline of a ghost. Have kids glue (I use glue dots — no mess!) on cotton balls in the shape of the ghost.
Conference bingo
This might be for older kiddos. My sister makes a bingo card with words such as “Jesus Christ,” “President Monson,” “family,” “commandments,” etc. Using candy corns (or any other favorite small candy), have the kids listen for those words and fill in their cards.
Some of my favorite between-session treats come from Our Best Bites. Mummy dogs (pigs in a blanket), monster jaws (apples with pretzel teeth) and cheesy fingers (string cheese with slivered almond nails) make for yummy, fun ideas to do as a family.
Happy conference watching.
Carmen Rasmusen Herbert is a former "American Idol" contestant who writes about entertainment and family for the Deseret News.