March 4th, 2012: Russell's Blessing

First of all, Sunday was a beautiful day weather-wise. Bright and warm.

Second of all, all of our closest family was able to attend Russell's blessing.

I don't know how a mother could not want her husband and her child's father to give that child a blessing. What a beautiful thing that Matt is worthy to give a baby blessing to his son. And it was a beautiful blessing. Russell's living grandfathers were all there, Matt brother's were all there. All of his current cousins were there. He is already loved by so very many people. 

I didn't get any pictures of him in his blessing outfit on Sunday, but we will do a little photo-shoot later in the week. 

Here are the pictures I did take. I didn't really bother all that much. I was enjoying having so much family around too much. 

We had some great food thanks to everyone who offered to bring treats and salads. Matt and I have quite enjoyed the leftovers we have. 

Uncle Tyler with his two nephews! Hudson and Russell. 

Some of the men (My grandfather, dad, and Matt) hanging out where the eating is best: the kitchen. 

For the most part, the kids all played in Kel's room. (Although Matt and I did notice the re-arranging of a few of the things in our bedroom.) And for the most part, the kids got along. It seemed that all the kids ate food, except for Keldrie. She has really been stubborn about food lately, but she is giving in when it comes to potty training, so I'll take what I can get.  This is the back of Keldrie and the front of Katelynn. Those two girls are cousins in looks and attitudes. Yikes!

My Grandmother, Mom and Aunt Barbara.

It was a beautiful day! We had such a great time! We are so happy for all the family who came and shared this moment with us. The gospel brings me so much joy and happiness. I am so glad to have the church and to have my own testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I am glad that Matt has his own too! Being a mother is hands down a struggle and sometimes a thank-less job. But it has also brought me so much joy. Day in and day out those kids are teaching me while I teach them. I always wanted to be a teacher, and now I get the chance in my own home, every day! And I get to teach so much more than English and Math! Also, we take a lot of field trips and recesses! 

All in all, we have our struggles, but nothing has brought me more joy than being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and living the teachings taught there. Motherhood is amazing and fulfilling like nothing else.  

Sunday was a small moment in time when everything felt pretty close to perfect.