Ella SueAnn's Blessing Day

I was glowing with happiness for days after Ella's blessing. It was such a beautiful day.

Kim and Monte made it a priority to be here for Ella's blessing day and it meant so much to us to have them here. I wasn't going to make a big ordeal out of the day but when my siblings all expressed interest in wanting to come witness her blessing, I was touched! Even Josi drove down with Wyatt from Vegas! It was fun for me to spend time planning and preparing a special lunch for after church. Party planning is kind of an outlet for me. I took some pictures of Ella in her blessing gown and had them framed around the house. Her dress was the same one that my sisters and I each wore on our blessing days and our names and the date were were blessed is embroidered on the slip. My mom told me that Muz purchased the gown all those years ago for Kari when she was born and my mom was so grateful for the precious gift. 

I tried to be as organized as possible before Kim and Monte arrived and especially before Sunday so that I could focus on the spiritual nature of the day. I felt deeply thankful for the opportunity to share this wonderful day with my parents and Tanner's parents. This extraordinary heritage is humbling and I'm honored to be a part of it. I told myself long ago that I was NOT going to be a weak link in my family's eternal chain. I know the Lord has big plans for me and my children and it is a duty I take very seriously. At times it feels daunting and my confidence waivers. But then I have days like this. Days when my sweet newborn baby received a priesthood blessing from her father surrounded by many other remarkable priesthood holders, Uncles, and Grandfathers. Together they held her up, quieted her cries, and united they bestowed on her a marvelous blessing that will enable her to withstand life's challenges if she has the faith to endure.

Tanner was slightly distracted by her little cries. I nursed her before the meeting began but she was still hungry. I told him not to worry but his focus was affected. But in the end he gave her the most exquisite blessing- like he always does. I know the spirit acted through him to have him say what Heavenly Father wanted her to hear. He named her Ella SueAnn and asked that she stay close to the spirit, serve her family and those around her, to be an example to her family and peers. He admonished her to stay focused on the simple things; reading the scriptures, praying daily, and doing the things that lead her to the temple. Do the things that lead you close to the spirit so that you will be found standing in holy places when the calamities of the earth unfold around you.

These words filled my soul with courage. I picture her standing in a pool of pure light as the world swirls with turmoil around her. But there she is standing strong and tall ready to serve the Lord.

Ella, there are so many people who love you. Thousands have gone before you to pave the way. All you need to do is stay on that straight and narrow way that leads to happiness. We are here to lead and guide you and will love you always and forever. We are so happy you came from Heaven to be a part of our family. We know your destiny holds greatness and we can't wait to watch what you become, baby girl. 

After church pictures were not very easy...

Brody was happy to smile for the camera, though!

I love this picture. Ella looks angelic. Every time I say her full name, Ella SueAnn, I feel so happy and honored to have named her after such an extraordinary daughter of God.

It was fun to have Jon stay a little longer to swim on this hot October day

My mom added Ella's name to the slip, too.

The rest of sacrament meeting was kinda of a disaster while Rayleigh and Jack not wanting to be reverent. It's the one aspect of parenting where I feel truly incompetent. For some reason I have failed to teach my children how to "church". I don't know WHAT I'm doing wrong and I'm sure I could ask and get many offensive opinions on what I should be doing differently. But the point is, they were terrible. Tanner tried to pawn them off on me while I was nursing Ella in the hall but there was no way I was letting him get away with that. He ended up taking them to the nursery where his parents joined him. At least they could listen to testimony meeting while they were in there because Cami, Max, Jessi, and Kimmie, all bore their testimonies. I couldn't let the opportunity pass by without baring my testimony as well. My heart was so full, and still is!

I know that the veil is thin. There are hosts of angels cheering us on, wanting us to succeed. And success is found in doing the small and simple things each day that lead to eternal happiness: Read our scriptures, say our prayers, and go to church. The Lord knew life would be hard, but being happy and staying close to the spirit will bring us true joy even when the world comes crashing down around us.