Thursday, July 5, 2012

Families are Forever

One of the many perks of adoption is the opportunity to go to the temple with your children and be sealed forever as a family.  
  
We had this amazing experience on June 16th.
 On a beautiful day, surrounded by many of our loved ones, Blake was sealed to our family forever.
  
During the ordinance, Blake stared up at the sealer with large, intelligent eyes and a smile on his face.  We feel certain he knew what was happening and was happy about it.
 When the sealer said each of our names, Blake looked at each of us in turn.  It was very sweet. 
 We felt so grateful to have so many loved ones in attendance, on both sides of the veil. 
 Even though Katelee was born in the covenant and therefore did not need to be sealed to us, she was able to be in the sealing room with us.  What a neat memory for her!
  
The sealer allowed Katelee to be the one to hold Blake's hands on our hands during the sealing ordinance.
 Seeing my two children in white was beautiful; they looked like heavenly angels.
 Following the temple sealing, we all returned to my mom's house for lunch and then it was time for Blake's baby blessing.
 Gerald gave Blake a beautiful blessing, full of wonderful promises.
 The witnesses for the sealing: Paul Reynolds and Duane Thurston.
 Priesthood holders who stood in the circle when Blake received his baby blessing: Gerald Reynolds (gave the blessing), Paul Reynolds, Val Klingler, Jeremy Willden, Kelly Curtis, JD Frisby, Todd Hartley, John Rogers, Duane Thurston, and Bishop Kurt Sawyer.
 My talented cousin Elena met us at the temple early to take these amazing pictures.  She was concerned that the lighting at that time of day was not ideal, but I still think she did an absolutely amazing job and I L.O.V.E. the pictures that she took. 
   
It was a perfect day.  I love my family so much.  I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a loving Heavenly Father who wants our family relationships to last forever, even after death.   I am glad to know that my little family can be together forever!