Friday, February 2, 2007

Blessing Day


Here we are as our happy little family.


Here you are with Aunt Jeri. She made your gorgeous blessing dress and the cute slip that went under it. What talent she has!



Here you are with Connie. You were born on her birthday. She's a dear friend of mine from work.



You slept through the whole thing.



You looked so ANGELIC. Everyone commented on how cute your dark skin was against all the white.

Happy Blessing Day. First of all, let me explain why we blessed you on a Friday night when fast Sunday is the traditional day. We were going to have you blessed on February 4th, but there were so many people that wanted to be there, that we didn't have enough room. And we wanted to have refreshments after and couldn't do that at Rufio's or the Johnson's with all the people. So we were going to do it Saturday night, but Grandpa Johnson is having a special dinner for his birthday. So, Friday night was it. Rufio made all the arrangments to have it in the multi purpose room at her church. We had about 60 people there I would guess. I was a little bit miserable just b/c of the mastitis, but I went and put on a smily face anyways, and it went just perfect.
Grandma, Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Nick, and Rufio had gone over to the church earlier to set everything up and Grandma had gone to Costco to get all the food earlier in the day.
We got there at 5:45 and just waited. We got started around 6:15, b/c we had to wait for Bro. VanBuren from the bishopric to get there. But that was good, b/c no one was on time. And Aunt Jeri was making your blessing dress and showed up at 6:10.
So, we hurried and got you dressed and took some pictures, and you looked PERFECT! Aunt Jeri had asked me what type of dress I wanted her to make and I told her whatever she wanted. So, I didn't really have anything in mind, but as soon as I saw the dress, I knew it was exactly what I wanted. It was amazing, and you looked so angelic in it with the white against your perfect brown skin. Anyways, we got started and Bro. VanBuren (who lives right next door to Rufio) conducted. I had forgotten to ask someone to say the prayers, so Grandpa had Great Grandma Johnson say the opening prayer. Of course she cried through the whole thing. Then we had you blessed. Jonesie (my trainer on my mission) and April (cousin Hans' wife) wrote down the blessing. Here is the gist of what was said:
The following is a blessing given by Kerry Johnson, Autumn’s Grandfather, on February 2, 2007.

Autumn Michele Kemble, you will not recall this blessing through your physical mind, so we will speak to your spirit. You are a valiant and choice spirit who came to earth at this time to good earthly parents and extended family who love and care for you. As you grow and mature, listen to the advice of your parents. They love you and seek for the best things for you.
I bless you with an understanding of Gospel principles, especially the resurrection, atonement, and the love of the Savior. Follow His example and keep His commandments.
I bless you with obedience and hope you realize the Savior loves you and will help you overcome any weaknesses. And in those times when you fail, realize we all do. This life is not to be perfect, but to progress and be better.
I bless you that you will have an understanding of these principles, and with the desire to go to the temple and partake of the ordinances and be worthy of the blessings. With this will come the spirit and you will feel the Holy Ghost.
I bless you with the understanding of these principles on Earth and blessings that through your faithfulness, worthiness, and according to the will of Heavenly Father, you will return to Him. He knows your needs and He will help you with anything you stand in need of. Those things you need in life will be given to you.You will see grand and glorious things occur in your life. These blessings I seal upon your head in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


These were the people in the circle:
Kerry Ray Johnson (grandpa blessed you)
Nicholas Chase Johnson (uncle)
Cory Cloward (cousin)
Rick Cloward (uncle)
Steve (Carly's husband)
Grandpa Johnson
Kerry Watson (uncle)
Seth Watson (cousin)
Kay VanBuren (bishopric member, Rufio's neighbor)

After the blessing, Bro. VanBuren had Dad and I stand up and say something. Of course I got up and bawled and just thanked everyone for coming and supporting us and that we were working to get to the temple. Then Dad got up and also thanked everyone for coming and said he was thankful he married into such a great family. Then he got choked up and that was super tender. I think I've only seen him cry once before. So that was special to see him be emotional. Then Rufio said the closing prayer and we ate. I didn't really eat much, I just sat and talked with everyone. There was the Johnson clan, the Hatch clan, the Slovene missionaries, and then a few friends. Connie, my friend from work, sat and held you for quite a while. You were born on her birthday, and she said she's your 2nd grandma! :)
All in all, it was an amazing evening and I was so thankful to everyone for putting it on, coming and supporting Dad and I, and then people who stayed and cleaned up. I hope you come to realize how blessed you are to have such great support and love and how important family and friends are. I also want you to know that Dad and I are going to do our best to raise you in the gospel and be the best parents we can for you.

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