A Blessed Weekend

This weekend was a special weekend in our family. Savannah just recently turned 8, and was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints this last Saturday. It was such a special day for her and she has been looking forward to it for a long time.  Grandma Astle made her baptismal dress, and she shared her baptism day with her friend Melissa. We were able to enjoy family from both sides of the family in town for the weekend as well. I am so proud of her and her decision to get baptized, and so excited for her to have the gift of the Holy Ghost. It will be the greatest blessing she can ever have in this life if she learns to heed it's counsel.  

We also had the opportunity to bless this little angel this weekend.  Belén Joy. She has been such a delight and wonderful baby.  Beau gave her a beautiful blessing.  There is nothing I enjoy more than watching my husband use his Priesthood to bless his family.  This is one of those moments, along with Savannah's baptism that I am so grateful for a righteous husband who honors his priesthood and looks forward to opportunities like this to bless his family.  What a marvelous gift our Father in Heaven has given us to access his power and use it to bless his children. 

One of my favorite parts of her blessing is that as she seeks out the Holy Ghost and heeds it she will become a personification of her name - Joy. That she will draw people to the Savior and teach them of him and his ways. I know she is a joy to me.  We have given all of our other children middle names from their ancestors to help them live up to their amazing heritage. For some reason Belen's middle name Joy just sort of came out and has stuck ever since.  But to me it fits her in so many ways. One being that she is my joy after having two previous miscarriages before her. 

What a wonderful weekend we had. Thank you family for supporting us, and being with us on these two very special days in our lives.  You have no idea how much it means to us when you sacrifice time and money to come and support. We know it is not always easy, but we appreciate it in so many ways.  We missed those of you that weren't able to make it, and know you support us as well. We hope to see you at future baptisms and special occasions.