Emma June Catmull

Emma June was given a name and a blessing by Shawn. It was a beautiful baby blessing and I am so thankful to be married to a worthy priesthood holder who can give our baby a name and a blessing. 

It worked out perfectly with Meg's schedule that she was able to come and attend the blessing. She is the best! She, also, facetimed Grammie and Grampie so they could be there too. They couldn't hear very well, but I think "sitting" in our pew at church was enough. I know my kids got a kick out of it.

I am so thankful for my family and the knowledge I have that families can be together forever. I sure love our little family- although we aren't so little anymore. It is days like this that I really can't believe how blessed I am and that these kiddos are really mine?!?

Henry Dorsal's Baby Blessing

Henry is blessed! I absolutely love baby blessings and can sense such a special spirit during them.

We had a special experience blessing Henry. We blessed him at home and were able to have a lot of family there. Great Grandma, Jason, Kelly, and Grandma and Grandpa Catmull drove up from Idaho Falls for the blessing. The Hornes, Iversons and Grandma and Grandpa Shaver were there already. We blessed him in my parent's living room and the spirit was so strong. 

At first, Iva and Charlie were standing in the circle and were stressing me out. I realized I was missing out on what was important. As soon as I stopped and listened, I realized how blessed Henry is and our family is. Henry has a big sister and brother who love him and are interested in him. He is going to be well taken care of by them and watched out for.  

The thought that really stood out to me from the blessing was "no matter what choices you [Henry] make, you will be loved" and that you will feel your family's love. And we do love you! 

I can't wait to watch you grow up and see all the good you are going to do. I

Charles' Blessing Day.

“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name” (D&C 20:70)

We had the opportunity on Sunday, January 5th, to do just this. Shawn was able to give Charlie a name and a blessing.

I have always absolutely loved baby blessings. I love to hear what Heavenly Father has in store for those tiny precious babies. It always amazes me. And it wasn't any different with Charlie's blessing. I know Heavenly Father is aware of him and has great things in store for Charlie as he lives righteously and makes good decisions. I can just imagine Heavenly Father smiling down on Charlie. And I could feel Him nudging me and reminding me the importance of teaching Charlie what is right and wrong and teaching him to be obedient so that Charlie can make the right decisions. I am thankful for my testimony and hope that Charlie (and Iva and any other baby Catmulls) will know I have a testimony and have their own testimonies even stronger than mine.

Rob, Ryker, and Baby Samantha, Barbara and Dale, Jamie Kristin and Christopher,
Great Grandma, Shawn, Iva, me, Charlie, Grammie and Grampie, and Meg all came to the blessing.

Shawn, Iva, me, Charlie and Meg, Grammie, and Grampie.

Our growing little family. How am I so blessed?

Ward's Blessing...

Rewind to the second day in the DR...

The day after we got there, we woke up and went to the temple. There was quite the excitement in getting there. I had set our alarm, but had forgotten about the time change. So Shawn and I didn't wake up until Grampie was knocking on our door to leave... oops. Luckily, it turned out the babysitters were running late. So Shawn and I managed to get ready and we made it to the temple.

Walking to the temple for photos.

Outside the Temple doors. 

After we went to the temple, Laura and Eric had the opportunity to give baby Ward a name and a blessing. Pres Glazier (the MTC President) came and stood in the circle. Ward is named after my dad, his brother, and my grandpa. It was a pretty amazing experience and the Spirit was so strong.

My favorite part was later in the day, while we were driving in the car, Amos said, "Nana, we told Jesus baby's Ward's name today." Little kids sure are special. And Amos is especially special.

Pres Glazier, Eric, Baby Ward, Grampie, and Shawn 

Iva's Baby Blessing...

On Sunday, October 14th, 2012, Shawn had the opportunity to give Iva a name and a blessing. I had seen many baby blessings before and always felt something special.  I thought I was ready for the blessing, but as soon as it started I knew I wasn't prepared. It is different when it is your little baby bouncing in the circle surrounded by Priesthood holders. I felt the Spirit so strong and knew those were the blessings Heavenly Father wanted to be shared. It helped me feel much more confidence as a parent- I know Iva is going to grow up to do great things. It isn't going to be because of Shawn or me, but because of what Heavenly Father has in store for her. We just have to make sure to not get in the way of that and set righteous examples for her.

Nothing sweeter than a dad and sleeping baby.

The Crew: Hornes, Mega-Poop, Iversons, and Catmulls (x's 4)

Our little family...

Shawn' best friend, Nephi, and his wife, Mallory, were able to make it to the blessing. It meant a lot to Shawn to have them there. Shawn and Nephi are pretty much inseparable- they even got married on the same day as each other :)