A Name & a Blessing

On June 3 Eloise was blessed by her daddy. It was a bit of a hectic day at first. We were running late from staying up so late getting things ready and some of the family didn't know we had changed to our new building and went to the old one. The chapel was packed when we arrived because there was another baby blessing we didn't know about. Then Steve had to talk to the Bishopric and tell them that some of our family were lost and weren't going to make it on time.

However, we went with the flow and it ended up being perfect. We were able to enjoy the testimony meeting. After sacrament meeting, our family gathered up in the front of the chapel for the blessing. It definitely made things more intimate. I actually liked it better. Steve gave such a sweet blessing. The Spirit was so strong and I knew his words were guided. At one point during the blessing I heard Eloise coo and it made me smile. Steve said later that during the entire blessing she was all smiles--the biggest smiles he'd ever seen from her. She just looked around at all the men surrounding her and smiled her all. We both know the veil is still very thin for her and I'm sure she was surrounded by more than we could see and was thrilled to see all of her loved ones. I'm so grateful for Steve that he worthily holds the priesthood and is able to perform these special blessings for our children. And I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father has allowed me to be a wife and a mother and has blessed me with a son and a daughter. I know He has a plan for each of us and I'm so grateful that is part of His plan for me. How blessed I am that we'll be together for eternity.

Afterward, we had a brunch at our house. It was nice and simple. Thanks to my mom who made breakfast casseroles, my sisters who brought the drinks, and Steve's mom who brought fruit and dip it took very little from me. I made biscuits and gravy and together it made for a yummy, easy breakfast. We're so lucky to have so much family love and support.

Our little family - June 3, 2012

4 Generations -- Moore Family

4 Generations -- Otten Family

Those who stood in the circle
Em's Uncle Larry, Uncle Josh, Pompa, Daddy, Great Grandpa Otten, Poppy, Uncle Brad
(Uncle Tyler was there too but couldn't make it to the brunch)

Our extended family

Eloise Alyse Esplin

The Little Lady of the Day

Aunt Abbie made her headband

I found her dress online and Nanny fit it to perfection
And she used the same blanket I used on my blessing day

her pretty little lacey socks and shoes

Aunt Ses helping us get changed

Little Loi after--so happy to have received her blessing