Count Your Many Blessings, Name Them Two by Two

We scheduled the twins' baby blessings while we were in Utah.  Sunday September 1st we woke up extra early in order to get everyone dressed and to church on time.  Since Jake would be blessing them in his home ward, he would have to meet with the bishop beforehand (he also called our bishop in MI a few weeks ago to make sure Jake was worthy to perform the blessings.)  I was so proud of us for getting up and staying on schedule.  We were making great time.  I needed to run upstairs to grab a glass of water.  Jake's mom came in the kitchen and told me "I have some bad news."  My hearts started pounding like crazy.  A Draper city police office was shot and killed earlier that morning just a few blocks away from their house.  The police were still investigating and looking for the suspects.  We could hear helicopters right over our neighborhood and the streets were in lockdown.  No one in.  No one out.  No way to get to church.  And the worst part was that the young officer grew up in Jake's homeward.  So did his wife.  In fact, his wife grew up across the street and her parents still live there.  So we could see officers stopping at their house all day.  It was so so so sad.  

Jake's parents called the city to see if they would allow our family to come to their house - since everyone was already on the freeway on their way.  Nope.  No idea how long the lockdown would last.  No one in.  No one out.  For a small fleeting moment I felt sorry for myself that this special day wasn't going like we had planned.  But then I realized that our family was all safe and together.  That's what really mattered.

Church was cancelled but my family sat in the church parking lot waiting.  Luckily the lockdown didn't last much longer and they were able to drive to Jake's parent's house.  All our family and friends gathered in their living room, along with a member of their bishopric and stake presidency, and Jake was able to give our sweet girls a name and a blessing. 

Jake was worried about giving two blessings back to back - would they be the same?  But as he blessed them they were distinctly different.  We feel that their little personalities are already starting to shine.  Jake did a wonderful job and I will share my thoughts and notes of that special moment with my girls someday.

Scarlett was so excited to wear her pink dress: "I a princess!"

Thank you to everyone who came to support us!  Jake's Uncle Marc and Aunt Dana drove down from Idaho to share our special day.  Kim and Jamie came (Uncle Kim and Aunt Jamie? ;-) ) and Grandma and Grandpa Seaver.

 Plus the Seaver clan!

And the Glauser clan!

We have not had the best luck when it comes to baby blessings but I am grateful for the priesthood and for a husband who honors his priesthood responsibilities.  I am so grateful for the sealing power of a temple marriage and that families can be together forever.  Even after death.  My heart goes out to that young mom who lost her best friend this day and I hope that she is able to find some comfort through the holy ghost through these difficult days/weeks/months/years ahead.  I'm grateful for my sweet baby girls - all three of them.  I feel so blessed.  Completely exhausted, but blessed.