Blessing Day

This morning while holding Suzie and telling her how she is the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world she looked up at me with her big blue eyes and gave me the widest, gummiest smile and my heart melted.  I'd like to think my sweet girl knew something special was going to happen. 

Friends and family gathered together to celebrate Ian Grant and Suzette Yvonne being given a name and a blessing by their father at church this morning.  Both of our fathers, Dave's brother Sam and good friend Brent all participated in the blessing circle.  We went in birth order, first Suzie then Ian.  The blessings were beautiful and our friend, Eme, even jotted some notes of what was said:

Suzette Yvonne Traxler:

• Blessed that the Spirit will be a powerful influence in her life to guide her and help her to be a positive influence to others, to allow her to help the down trodden.
• Blessed to prepare for and serve a mission.  Blessed with a temple marriage.
• A final emphasis that the Spirit will be a guide to her throughout her life

Ian Grant Traxler:

• "...Like his sister," Ian was blessed that "the Spirit would smile upon" him and love and encourage him throughout his life and be an aide to him during his life.  
• Blessed to be an ardent seminary student.
• Blessed that he would be able to see the power of the Atonement work in his life and that of others.
• Blessed with health and strength during his life
• Blessed to serve a mission
• Blessed to choose an elect lady and marry her in the temple
• Blessed to be an example to his parents

Since the blessings are done in the front of the chapel, but on the floor level, not on the stage, I had told Dave not to forget to hold each of them up after their blessings.  Suzie was a quite as could be during hers (my dad told me her eyes were wide open just looking around and listening) and Dave gently lifted her up when the blessing was done.  She was 100% adorable and I'm not being biased at all ;-)  Poor Ian wasn't taken out of his car seat until right before his so he was a bit fussier.  After his was over Dave held him close to his chest and I thought he may not hold him up and just comfort him, but I was wrong.  He fliped him over and held him up so high even those on the back row of the chapel we sure to see our cute little man.  I loved seeing how proud Dave was in that moment :)  


It totally reminded me of the moment in The Lion King when Simba was held up on pride rock after being born.  

Have I mentioned what a wonderful father he is?  No?  Okay, let me tell you this - I really think he was born to be the father of twins.  He has handled them and me with such ease, excitement, wonder and grace.  He has helped me ease into the transition of being a twin mom in ways I never would have expected, but always appreciate.  How neat is it to be able to bless 2 of your children at once?!  Today he made me proud to be his wife and mother of his (I know it's really our) children.

my handsome little man in his first suit, a special white satin suit

a little blurry, but had to get a picture w/out the flash to capture the full cuteness of the bow tie!

I grew up with a copy of the painting and poem My Three White Dresses on my wall as a little girl and young woman.  Seeing my daughter dressed in her first white dress today made my heart overflow with joy knowing the blessing that will come from the covenants and promises she makes as she continues on her white dress journey through baptism and marriage.

my princess in her first white dress

The song What Heaven Sees In You by Doug Walker was also on my mind today.  The words get me every time, but today as a new mom they take on a whole new meaning. 

 Pure and holy in a little white dress.  You were held in a circle and you were blessed.  And the Father looked down and the angles surrounded that place.  They knew the truth, all that you could do and you will too if you have eyes to see what heaven sees in you.

I have no doubt that my grandmother was one of those 'angles surrounding that place' today.

Hellie Grandparents

Traxler Grandparents

We are FAM-I-LY!

Spending time with our friends on family on this beautiful November Sunday enjoying each other, laughing together and being reminded of the most important things in life made for the perfect day.  

Ian and Suzette may have been the once receiving their blessings today, but my heart feels full knowing how blessed we are to have the love and support of our dear friends and wonderful family and that Ian and Suzie and now a part of it.