While the boys weren't in the mood for a nice picture (we tried about 5, this was the best one) you can see our elaborate scheme for ultimate concentration during each conference session. We used conference bingo! In front of each boy is a bingo card with various gospel topics in random placements. Since each boy got to use money it really helped to keep their attention. Last conference we tried cheerios and jelly beans the boys lost interest after they at all of the food. It's a little harder to swallow pennies.
We set it up where the boys would get a treat for the first two bingos and then they had to clear their cards and try for a blackout in order to get the next treat (which was virtually impossible!). The boys really wanted those treats so they paid attention and would catch even the mention of a gospel topic listed on their cards. Aleky wasn't really interested but none of the boys would play with him so he just hung out with the family.
It was like magic! The boys finally ran out of enthusiasm for conference bingo during the middle of the 5th session on Sunday afternoon! We couldn't have been happier or felt more blessed than to have our 4 young children pay attention to the entire 2 days of general conference! With our boys focused on conference Michelle and I were able to concentrate as well and felt that this was a wonderful and much needed spiritual recharge. The talks were amazing and truly inspired. We are grateful to all of the Lord's servants who participated in the conference and have blessed our lives.
