what a weekend!

This past weekend was chaotic, fun, emotional, exhausting, enjoyable, moving and so much more.

On Friday, I got tag along to a work dinner. My husband is business partners with his parents and they were all meeting with a potential consultant. So we met a beautiful restaurant with amazing food and got to meet someone who has had a fascinating life and career. I didn't want to lead the conversation astray but I would have loved to ask more thoroughly about some of the historical aspects of some of his experiences. But mostly I was content to listen and linger over my dinner and enjoy the evening that doubled as a lovely date night.

On Saturday morning, we loaded the girls up and drove to my brother's house for a celebration brunch to precede my nephew's baptism. I lounged in the living room and chatted with family while my ever-amazing husband ran herd on the kids. I'm in a walking boot now but the transition to weight bearing is slow so I still have to be careful and use the crutches most of the day. My brother has five kids and I'm crazy about them. It was fun to talk and hear about their recent move (the oldest four live primarily with their mom) and watch the antics of my girls getting to play with their cousins. My nephew has recently turned eight, which in our religion is the age at which a child is considered able to understand their decisions and be held accountable for their actions and therefore eligible for baptism. I'm so proud of him and marvel at how fast he has grown. Somehow I still think he ought to be the size of my Butterfly and she must only be the size of my new baby (yes, I realize that makes no sense.) He was baptized by his father and confirmed by his grandfather, both sacred ordinances. Sharing this experience made me feel so emotional and appreciative of these men and the many blessings of the gospel. Our little Butterfly was so curious and excited at what she was observing and answering her questions has been fun. I love watching her learning and seeing her understanding grow.

After the baptism, I went to my aunt's annual Christmas concert, taking my mom and grandmother with me. (the girls were cranky so daddy took them for a drive instead) My mom and grandma have heard my aunt's cds and enjoyed her music over the years. She is a phenomenal singer and songwriter but I really wanted them to experience her music live. Her voice is so sincere and sweet and so beautiful. Her songs range from poignant and tender to light and fun. She writes about childhood memories, both happy and sad, rearranges old classics and reflects on life's greatest moments. Her music is amazing. But getting to attend her concerts makes it a much more powerful experience as she tells the stories and circumstances of each song. The emotion and passion shine clearly in her face and it is so moving and inspiring.

After the concert, we rejoined the family for another wonderful experience as we met in a private service for my oldest brother to bless his new baby. Blessings, given by the authority of the restored Priesthood, are given for different purposes such as the healing of the sick or to give comfort, but this particular blessing is a special ordinance in which a child is officially named upon records of the Church and given advice or promised blessings to be received in their life. Their beautiful little girl, only about six weeks old, is so tiny and precious. She still radiates that newborn perfection with wise eyes and hands so tiny it makes me melt. It was amazing to share this experience with family. It's an incredible way to celebrate a new life.

This busy day had been fun, filled with spiritual, emotional and meaningful moments, interspersed with laughter and chaos. We headed home and did some last minute preparations for our own special moment.

On Sunday, we invited our family and closest friends to join us at church where we also had the opportunity to bless our new little baby. She looked so beautiful and angelic. Even the big girls got to help get the baby ready for her special moment by putting the baby's booties on (delicate crocheted shoes that grandma had bought on her recent trip to Australia). The dress itself is not important to the actual blessing, but it's something fun that I get to do. Each of our girls had their own special blessing gown. Butterfly's was made by a close family friend ( my mom and I got to help design it) and was yards and yards of beautiful lace and ruffles. Ladybug was blessed in an antique christening gown brought from Wales by grandma. And now Baby had her own special gown that daddy picked out, pristine satin accented by delicate lace and ribbons. It was simple and elegant and fit her perfectly. She looked so beautiful and absolutely precious. Before leaving for the church, we took family pictures and the baby sat contentedly on my lap, looking around with big serious eyes. Her sisters were less cooperative and instead wanted to go play with cousins but we managed to get some nice pictures.

At the church, I cuddled her while the meeting began, flustered by her sisters' energy and trying to see if all the family had arrived yet. But then I tried to concentrate on something my wise husband told me the day of our wedding. I had been flustered and worried about all the details and the mishaps and was letting it distract me from the important part and he (less prone to emotional drama) reminded me that as long as we got sealed, the whole day was a success. So I cuddled my little girl and waited for the moment when my husband gathered her up in his arms and took her to the front of the chapel. He was joined by several of our closest family and friends to give her a name and blessing. These wonderful men, each so full of dignity and strength and love, gathered around my precious baby to offer their faith and love as part of the blessing. I love the sound of my husband's voice, strong and sincere and full of love for his little girl. I love the way he speaks with strength and sureness, conveying messages from the Spirit. The moment was short but heavenly sweet before the blessing was finished and he returned to sit by me. I hadn't heard parts of it (distracted by a rambunctious Ladybug) but we would talk later and relish over the promises that he had felt prompted to give. During the rest of the meeting, I felt so full of gratitude and the Lord's love for us and shared that during the testimony meeting that followed.

After church we invited everyone back to our house for a feast that family and friends (and especially grandma) had prepared. We talked and laughed, the kids played and we had a wonderful time celebrating together. My little baby never fussed and hardly slept but simply looked around and was so angelic in her little dress of perfect white. She was passed around the family to be cuddled and admired but eventually made her way back to me.

I love her so so much!

Eventually the party would wind down. Some family lingered but the day settled into relaxed contentment. I held the baby and daddy cuddled his big girls for a movie, joined by the grandmas, and it just felt like a really nice way to end such a busy weekend.