Zachary's Blessing

Zachary was blessed on August 7, 2011. It was a beautiful summer day and a beautiful blessing. One of the phrases that stood out most to me was that Zach was blessed with "strength of mind and strength of character." I like that. His blessing wasn't very specific, but he was blessed to be able to hear and be guided by the Holy Ghost, which, when I thought about it, is really all anyone needs to lead a happy, successful, faithful life.

We kept the circle pretty small and limited to Grant, his dad, my dad, and our brothers-in-law Tom, Sam, Eric and Justin. Our bishop, who held the mic for Grant, shared some very special things in his testimony about what he witnessed of Zach's blessing. Our bishop admitted that he peeked at Zach during the blessing, and he was touched by how alert and intent Zach was on Grant. He said Zachary seemed to be mesmerized by the experienced, as if it was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to him. Very sweet.

Here are the best pictures we got of Zach's blessing day. Thanks to my sister-in-law Tori for a few of these. She captured some really sweet moments.

Our little family. Zach was pretty peaceful for the whole event.

With my parents (left) and Grant's parents (right).

Our family members that were able to attend. Besides our parents, my sisters Sherri and Melissa came with their families; Grant's sister Brenda and her family; Grant's sister Melissa and her husband; Grant's sisters Gaylyn, Tori, and Lisa; and my cousin Becky. Even without everyone there, we're a pretty big crowd!

Zachary's blessing outfit. My mother-in-law found this in a store and thought it was just my taste ... and she was so right! The instant I walked into the store with her, this sweet old fashioned one was the first to catch my eye.

The dainty little details like the pleats, embroidery, and fine stitching around the collar reminded me of something my Nana Haycock would have chosen.

Buttons up the back made taking it on and off tricky, but so sweet!

The stitching on the little shoes matched perfectly!

These beautiful pieces -- a burp cloth and blanket, were hand crocheted by Grant's mom. She does exquisite needlework, and makes a set of these for each of her grandchildren. A priceless treasure!

I didn't get a picture of it, so it will have to remain a memory in my mind and heart, but my favorite moment of Zach's blessing day was getting him ready. Grant and Eliot had already left to go save seats, so it was just Zach and me. I had everything set out on my bed, and sunlight was pouring through the windows as I dressed him in his sweet white clothes. He lay in the bright light of that beautiful, serene morning, and cooed at the ceiling fan and smiled happily. It was a heavenly, happy little moment for me.

Zach (a little dazed by all the excitement) in his blessing outfit.

Eliot and Zach together. Tori took this photo -- the best one of the day!

My dad, Bryce, from whom Zach gets his middle name. He will deny it, but my dad was a bit of a baby hog that day. He even carried Zachary up to the front of the chapel. Grant wondered if he was going to get to bless his own baby or not! Zach's "Ampy" sure loves his little namesake.

The cutest part of the brunch we held afterward were these sugar cookies I made. I was proud of how they turned out -- both in looks and in taste! I'm a little obsessed with onesies and was thrilled to have a chance to use this cookie cutter.