Tanner's Blessing

Father's day this year was extra special because we blessed Tanner.  We were worried about blessing him on fast Sunday a couple of weeks ago because he was only four weeks old.  If we waited until everyone was in town, it would have been in September, and Matt joked that Tanner would be crawling up to his blessing.  So we decided to bless him on Father's day.  It was so perfect!  He wore the same outfit that Bridger was blessed in.  He was so good during the blessing.  He woke up right before the blessing and I was worried that he would cry but he didn't make a peep.  He was awake the whole time and was so sweet.  Matt did an amazing job on the blessing.  He was very nervous which I couldn't blame him.  He was very emotional during the blessing but we all were.  I wouldn't have been able to get one word out so I was very impressed!  During the opening song, I was overcome with emotions.  As I held sweet Tanner in my arms, the tears started to flow.  I felt such gratitude for this miracle baby.  I thought of all the baby blessings that I would cry my eyes out and plead with my Heavenly Father for another baby.  My heart would feel so empty.  Today, my heart felt so full!!!  I'm just so grateful that our desire to have another baby was granted.  Mom was sitting next to me, and just put her arm around me and cried with me.  Later during the meeting, Dad wanted to hold Tanner. I noticed tears trickling down his face as he held Tanner.  About a year and a half ago, my faith was wavering about having another baby. I was having such a hard time find peace and moving forward. During our fertility treatments, Dad was adamant that there was another baby for us. He had given me a blessing and there was no doubt in his mind.  I remember calling Dad and asking him if he thought there really was another baby for us.  I'll never forgot that phone call because I was driving to work and Dad was at Costco and we both cried on the phone.  He told me that he didn't know if it was through adoption or fertility treatments but he had faith that there was a baby waiting for us.  I'm so glad I relied on his faith!!!!

We couldn't have asked for a better day!  We felt such love from our family and friends.  People at church were so excited for us.  Everyone had big smiles on their faces.  After sacrament meeting, we went into Primary to listen to Bridger's talk.  He gave the sweetest talk on how the priesthood and the temple blesses his family.  Mom and Dad came in to listen too.  He did a great job.  This is what he said : The priesthood and the temple blesses my life.  Some examples are:  today my dad was able to bless my new baby brother Tanner, in a couple of months, my Dad will baptize me through the priesthood authority. I am so excited to get baptized.  I want to follow Jesus' example.  Next year, my brother Chase will receive the Aaronic priesthood.  He will be able to pass the sacrament.  My mom and Dad were sealed in the temple so we can be together forever as a family.  I am grateful for the priesthood and for temples."  Then he shared his testimony.  He wore the suit that Chase wore when he got baptized for the first time today.  He looks so grown up!   After his talk, we came back to the house and ate our feast.  Everyone was so sweet about bringing something.  We kept it simple and had ham and turkey sandwiches with baked beans, potato salad, cabbage salad, jello salad, fruit, chips and yummy peanut butter bars and marshmallow brownies.  The weather was beautiful so we set up tables outside.  The kids loved playing outside on the trampoline and the swing set.  We just enjoyed spending time together.  Unfortunately Matt had to go back to the church for some interviews around 3:30 but our families were ready to call it a day by 2-3:00 anyways.  

Bridger and Chase love their baby brother SO much!!  They are wonderful helpers.  

All of my immediate family came.  Unfortunately, Mike couldn't get out of work and Angie and her family had other plans.  But sweet Amy came and surprised us with Jake, Megan and Jordan.  Ashtyn was in California with Angie and Chelsy and Austin were celebrating her birthday.  I was overcome with love when I saw Amy and the kids.  It meant so much to me that they would get up early and come down and support us.