Two Hundred Ten!

Can I just say how much I miss this man? (Isn't that top picture so cute?!?) I know it's been a while since he passed away, but there is a reason for sharing this now, which I'll get to in a minute. President Hinckley in so many ways, has molded and shaped my life! I remember the General Conference in April of 2000. The first conference ever to be held in the brand new spacious Conference Center. I sat in the very middle of the balcony right in front of HIM! It was during this very time that I was trying to figure out if my life's experiences were going to include a mission. It was during this conference that I was pretty sure I had the answer!

Any of you loyal readers out there may remember my post about March 4th 2007. It is the only day of the year that is also a command "March FORTH". So, we celebrate by gathering together, marching around, having dinner together (with those in our various areas), and setting new goals for the coming year! My goal last year was to run TWO half-marathons. I'm happy to report that I have successfully finished ONE half-marathon. I really think I could have done it if we hadn't had such a crazy cold, snowy winter this year (and maybe if I was more determined?)...I'm going to run the Salt Lake City Half-Marathon in April...can I have an extension to make it count?

Well, as a family we discussed WHO completed their goals and then we all voted for who we felt deserved the BOOT. My Sister-in law, Liz spray painted some boots gold and then filled them with some loot and the winners got these fabulous boots (hence the MARCH FORTH). I'm thinking these boots will be passed around during the coming years.

Anyhow, for this year, I set the goal to read EVERY one of President Hinckley's talks ever given in General Conference. I should have done a little research before I set this goal...It took a little bit of trickery but I finally discovered that http://www.lds.org/ has 210 conference talks by Gordon B. Hinckley...WOAH! I didn't know there were THAT many (can I change my goal?!?). You know what else? That only goes back to 1971 and I KNOW there are talks given before that year! I'm not quite sure HOW I'm going to get those talks...if any of you happen to have them on your hard drive, can you email them on over? :)

Anyhow, I spent a good part of my day creating a list of each talk title and the month and year it was printed in the Ensign. I'm willing to share this list with anyone who is wanting to join in on the challenge! I'm really excited to do this, I haven't decided if I'm going to read them randomly or chronologically but I better not waste any more time thinking about it and start reading! Eh?