The Paddock Family: Braelei's Blessing Day

Sunday June 9th, 2013 was Braelei's blessing day! This is always a day I look forward to with each new baby we are blessed with. There is something about watching a worthy, loving father take his sweet baby in his arms to bless them with all he and Heavenly Father feel that baby will need in this life. Her name is Braelei Jai Hafen

Braelei in her pretty dress. She looked so cute!

Before the blessing of course it requires a lot of preparation and work from Mom and others to get the party started. It seems like moms these days feel they need to live up to high expectations of what everyone else does. Baby blessings, birthdays and much more have turned into as much as the normal wedding these days. Fancy invitations, banners, favors, and on and on. It is our family's tradition to celebrate as well. These are memorable occasions for all of us and of course we all want it to be nice. Jamie did a great job putting together a nice meal for the Hafen and Paddock families and when we left for the blessing everything was ready and in order without all the hoopla that some may feel is necessary.

Church is always fun with a bunch of grandkids around. Shawn's family lives too far away. Kaden wasn't up for it yet which was understandable. It hit close to home for all of us considering we would be awaiting the arrival of another new grand baby right now. Lindsey's family was all sick so our side of the family was sparse. Jeff's parents came and Ricki and her family as well as Josh so we were grateful for them and it is always fun to visit with them. It's fun to be with the grandkids for Sacrament meeting. Of course they are pretty rowdy with all of us there. We are kind of like a circus in the back of the room. Kashden sat quietly through the whole meeting with Jeff's parents. I looked back at him several times and noticed how reverent he was being. Braxton and Paige his cousin were pretty good. Brodeyn got away with a lot partially because of his age and partially because he was going back and forth from family to family and so we were never sure where he was or was supposed to be. After the blessing we all noticed he had walked up the circle. Clint wasn't too happy but of course no one noticed because we had our eyes closed.

Clint did a really good job as he blessed Braelei. He isn't one for getting up in front of others so I know it isn't easy for him. He blessed her with health and strength and a testimony. He blessed her to make good choices and marry in the temple. He asked blessings on her family to help and teach her right and many other things as well. He did a really nice job and of course there were tears from Jamie and I and I am sure others who love her as much as we do.

After church we went back to their house for dinner. They had cooked a yummy roast. Becky and I made cheesy potatoes. A few brought salads and veggie trays and Jamie had Texas Roadhouse rolls which we all love. There were yummy cookies and all the kids had fun playing while we visited.
It was a nice day for all of us and another good memory to add to our lives. Braelei held up pretty well and we all took our turns loving on her the rest of the day.