Ollie's Blessing Day

I've been looking forward to Ollie's blessing for some time so it was an exciting day when it finally arrived. It was fast Sunday and Matt and I took the opportunity to fast for Matt to be inspired in the words that he would say for his blessing. I love fasting with Matt and it was nice to have a new and to us profound purpose for our fast. I wanted Ollie's blessing to be significant not just for Ollie but for all of us that were there to witness it because truly he has already made an impact on so many of us. In the morning we were able to attend church with Barb, Rich and Kate. Services were nice and uplifting and Ollie was happy to entertain everyone around him. I was getting caught up in the moving story the relief society teacher was sharing but had to step out because Ollie was at that point in his day when he needs a nap and he wasn't going down quietly but kept making loud moaning sounds so I spent half of relief society in the hall until he finally fell asleep.

After church it was time to make sure Ollie's blessing outfit was ready. Matt spent the short time we had focusing on preparing himself for the blessing while I pulled out the outfit Mom had sewn for Ollie and got busy ironing it. I put it on him to see how it was going to look, it needs a few alterations, mainly Barb and I debated over whether or not I should button up the vest or leave it undone because it was a bit snug around his waist. In the end I wanted it buttoned and we could get it buttoned I just hoped one of the buttons wasn't going to pop off and poke an eye out! I took Ollie in the living room to get a few pictures of him, but he wasn't in the mood to cooperate so I decided just to wait until later and gave him a break. I didn't want Ollie to get it wrinkled or make a mess of it so I took it back off, determined to keep it nice and clean and pressed for the blessing. While I was running around Barb was nice enough to give Ollie a little surprise she had for him, a lime green super soft... not sure exactly what to call it but it is like a mini blanket toy that has one eye and two horns and a bit of a tail. It was love at first sight for Ollie- he grabbed it and thrashed it around squealing and throwing his arms around in excitement, and he also chomped on it of course!

After all the excitement we packed up (Barb was nice enough to pack us some food) and headed out to see Jess before the blessing. Matt and I got to enjoy our time together and the opportunity to talk over things he was thinking about for the blessing during our long drive. When we arrived we got to enjoy another visit with Jess and her family and Jess had some of her friends over so they could also visit with Ollie. He was being a bit of a stinker, not his happiest self, but any time together is a good time!

After our visit we headed over to Evelyn's to help get ready for the blessing. In the car we broke our fast and busted out the food Barb had sent with us, it came just in time because I hardly had any energy. Amazing how with just a few bites I can feel life coming back into me! We were later getting to Evelyn's than I wanted to be but they already had everything setup and ready to go so there wasn't really anything we needed to help with. Matt's cousin Devon and his family were already there. It's been some time since they have seen each other so Matt was super excited, and it was their first introduction to Ollie. After greetings we took Ollie upstairs to put his blessing outfit on. As soon as I got it on him he spit up all over it! He has great timing. We cleaned him up the best we could and took him downstairs to see everyone. Matt's aunt Bonnie and uncle Jay had just arrived, also their first time to meet Ollie. After that everyone started pouring in and I of course started the pictures...

Aunt Evelyn & Uncle Richard

Matt's Aunt's, Uncles, Cousin Devon and Family

Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Jay

Ollie eating Bonnie's necklace!

 Katee and Drew representing all the family back home

Aunt Barbara, Uncle Richard, Shelby and Katelyn

Kris and Morgan

Jessica and family

Making faces at each other

Jessica and friends

Trisha, Jake and Davis

Ollie happy as ever on his big day!

The first time Eveyln and Richard came to see Ollie after he was born, along with their gifts they brought a gift from a sweet friend of theirs that upon hearing our story knit a beautiful white blanket for Ollie. It's a gift I treasure because once again it reminds me of how many lives this little guy has already touched, and also how much this journey has blessed and taught us. I will forever be grateful for the prayers of others, and the kind gestures and ways we have been both loved and supported. I have seen Heavenly Father's hand all through the journey that brought Ollie into our family, and through the acts of others we have constantly been reminded how very aware Heavenly Father is of each of us individually. Seeing Ollie all lit up, dressed in white in an outfit my mother made, and on a beautiful white blanket from a complete stranger brought a big smile to my face as we got ready for his special moment.

We gathered all the men together for one last picture so we could forever remember those that hold the power of the priesthood and our little son in their hands.

After pictures we gathered in the family room. Uncle Richard welcomed everyone to his home and invited Uncle Jay to give an opening prayer. Then all the men gathered for the blessing. I am once again reminded of how grateful I am for the power of the priesthood in my life. What a special moment it was to see that circle of men, and to hear Matt pronounce a beautiful blessing on our son. And how special it was to be able to share that moment not only with our family but with Jess and her family, and to have Darrel be a part of the circle. One of the things Matt said in the blessing to Ollie was a reminder that one of the meanings of his name is sacrifice and healing, and he blessed Ollie to know of the loving sacrifice of his first mother, and to know that she has a testimony of the plan of happiness and desired that he would be placed in an eternal family with a mother and father that would love him and teach him the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also blessed him that as he lives a worthy life that he will honor that sacrifice and that his first mother will be able to enjoy the fruits of healing. Words will never adequately express how humbled we are for what both Jessica and Evan and their families have sacrificed for their son to be with us, it is overwhelming to even try to start to comprehend it all, but I share that same prayer for Ollie that as we do our best to provide for him the home and environment that Jess wanted him to have, that his good life and the man he becomes will truly honor that sacrifice.

The other things that stood out to me in his blessing were that he was blessed with health and strength and that his shoulders would be able to bear the chores and errands the Lord has prepared for him. And that he will be able to recognize the hand of the Lord in his life and be grateful for his blessings. There were many other beautiful things said, but these in particular stood out to me, I suppose because I wonder what his life has in store for him and how it will all play out. All I know is that I have truly felt how special he is and I do believe his life is significant. His name might not be one that the world knows, but I know he will change the lives of those that are blessed to know him because he has already changed mine. And just like his name he already has such a peaceful and joyful nature about him. Tears rolled off my cheeks through his entire blessing as I soaked in the moment and the significance of it all. Ollie on the other hand cried through nearly the whole thing! It hadn't even crossed my mind that he might cry and when he started and continued through the entire blessing I wondered how it was that I failed to send him in with out a pacifier! I really was amazed though that Matt was able to keep going and speak over him, I think I would have been a little stressed out under that pressure.

When all was said and done there were hugs and tears all around and the best way I can describe how I felt was pure joy. Everyone filed out of the house to enjoy the beautiful weather and dessert outside. In between Evelyn and I found ourselves alone in the house and she took a moment to express to me sweet words of gratitude and joy that Matt and I have each other and that we have Ollie. We embraced and happy tears came once again. I never knew Matt's mother, but I have always imagined that she was like Evelyn and that makes her all the more special to me. Outside we spent the rest of the evening eating an assortment of desserts (red velvet cake, chocolate cake, key lime pie and ice cream, I took a bit of them all) and each other's company. Katee and I did the serving, and from the looks of the picture Matt took of us I must have been trying to either lick chocolate off my hand or snag a bit in between. In either case no one warned me that I was greeting everyone with a big brown chocolaty tooth. We've had good laughs about it ever since.

Matt and Ollie showing off their tricks

Ollie getting ready to crawl

Ollie enjoying the feel of the cool grass, he doesn't get to do that much back home!

 

Jake kept busy chasing around Davis and entertaining him the whole night

Slowly the crowd dwindled down to just a few of Matt's family and then all too soon it was time to say goodbye. As we walked to the front we discovered the most beautiful sunset painted across the sky and stopped to take it in. I said "It's Heavenly Father's blessing on today" because it really felt like a present from Him.

When I snuck inside to get all of our stuff I found one more little present. I hadn't noticed it before but in the living room where we were taking all of the pictures Evelyn had Lorraine's (Matt's mother's) picture sitting out. Seeing it there struck me and I was super touching because in that quiet moment I felt and knew that somehow someway she was a part of Ollie's special day.

Having the blessing in Utah meant most of my family wouldn't be there, but we felt like it was the right place to have his blessing and without a doubt I am glad it worked out that way. Having Katee and Drew there to represent my family back home meant the world to us. Katee's hug after his blessing was one of the moments that also choked me up because we just held each other and without saying a word we cried happy tears knowing what Ollie means to our family and all of those who have prayed so hard for us all these years, she being one of them. We were excited to text the rest of the family on the way home to share a few pictures and thoughts and were excited to hear their love and support. Having his blessing also made me all the more excited for his sealing.

We got back to Barb and Richard's late that night and Barbara already had Ollie's entire blessing typed out and framed waiting for us on our bed. Matt and I had fun reading over it again and reliving the moment and the day. I really am so blessed not just for my son, but for my sweet husband. I know the blessing was something he looked forward to and prepared for, as we read it again together and excitedly talked about different parts and how he felt and what occured from his perspective I felt so much gratitude for him. I also felt a bit of proud for Matt for preparing himself to deliver that special blessing, definitely a day I will always remember!

Enjoying Utah Weather

When Saturday rolled around we had to say our good-bye's to Holly and Joe. Hannah tried to convince me to go with them to Montana, she said I could just hide in the trailer, as tempting as it was I had to eventually say no and give her big hugs goodbye. Always wish I had more time to spend with the nieces and nephews! We left Kris' shortly there after to meet up with Katee and Drew and company for a hike. (Katee and Drew always come up on the 4th to visit his family and they were sweet enough to come the weekend before the 4th so they could be at Ollie's blessing on Sunday.) After a bit of a drive we met up with everyone at Provo Canyon Falls. I think I was expecting a hike but it was more like a walk to the falls and then we all got to hang around enjoying the cool weather and each other's company. I did throw on my bathing suit because I saw some other people in the water, but after a quick touch of the water there was no way I was getting in! Despite the cold water the falls were beautiful and there were smiles all around as everyone had a chance to relax and catch up with each other.

Katee and Drew with Laynee (Gherig was too busy playing to stop for a family photo!)

Uncle Rich, Aunt Barbara & Katelyn hanging out with us.

Matt introducing Ollie to the cold water

The cold water didn't stop Gherig from getting in

He loved to slash everyone!

Ollie with a little splash on his face

Buds

Barb & Kate hanging out on the rocks

Gherig taking a break

One huge benefit of having Katee with us was she was willing to pick up the camera and take a few shots. It was so fun to look back and have some pictures of our little family all together, usually it's Matt and Ollie, or me and Ollie loved that she caught all three of us playing!


Practicing standing up

He didn't really walk but we got a step out of him

Time to celebrate!

Tossing him back and forth is always fun.

Look at that belly!

Ollie is good at this, but it still scares me and Matt loves it!

Kate deciding it is too cold to stay in, seriously my legs started loosing feeling just from having my feet in the water!

Snuggling up to Daddy

Our trip to the falls was somewhat short, and since we made the drive out there, at Drew's recommendation we decided to stop at Park City to ride the Alpine Coaster. We went with Richard, Barb & Kate. Barbara was nice enough to spend the afternoon hanging out with Ollie while the rest of us took a ride on the Zipline, and then the Alpine Coaster, and lastly the Alpine Slide. For the first two we had a bit of a wait in lines before we could go, by the second line we at least stopped and got a snow cone and water while we waited. The Zipline was fun-ish, it wasn't scary, it felt more like sitting in a big swing and it was over pretty quick. I flew into the bumper at the end, but Matt on the other hand barely made it (I think that disappointed him).

Then we hit the Alpine Coaster and Drew's recommendation paid off. Matt and I rode on it together and it was thrilling. We didn't put the brakes on at all, just flew through all the twists and turns pretending like we were on our own two man bob sled team. It felt like at moments it was going to tip over and even though we tried to turn into the turns it was hard to do. I screamed the whole way down, not beause I was scared, but just to make it more thrilling and to make the other people that were still being pulled up the hill wonder what was in store for them. Loved it! We nearly walked away from the Alpine Slide, what could beat the coaster? It was getting late and we were all getting hungry but we had the tickets so we went for it. There was no line for the ride, but right before we got on the lift to take us up to it Matt saw some guy walking down his sled all bloodied up and when he asked the lady letting us onto the lift, she said "Oh yeah, that happens daily!" Despite all of that we got on and flew down the hill. It wasn't as fun riding by myself, but Matt was on the track next to me and hard as I tried I couldn't catch up to him. I guess I hadn't been as loose on the brakes as he was at the beginning. Fun stuff.

Kate coming across the finish line

We were all ready to head out for some BBQ, but had a surprise waiting for us in the parking lot. Somehow a tripped alarm on Richard's car kept it from starting. After trying all sorts of things and finally getting a tow truck there, the tow guy gave one last try and got it to start. We found some BBQ on the way home and called it a day- a good day!

Family time

Thursday was somewhat uneventful. Trisha and Jake had gone to the cabin but were nice enough to let us still crash at their house while we tried to figure out the car situation. The dealership had called on Wednesday to tell us it was the transmission that had gone out and they were overnighting a new one from Denver so we were hoping it would be ready by Thursday afternoon. (Luckily everything was under warranty too or else that would have put a real damper on our trip and our pocketbook!) Jess was off work and Matt and I had work to catch up on so she watched Ollie for us while we took care of business. I was glad she had a little more time to see him while we were there too. Just as we were about to get on the freeway to pick Ollie up we got the call that the truck was fixed! It really was perfect timing because then we headed over to get the truck so we could return the one we were borrowing and pick Ollie up all at the same time. Sounded like everyone had fun with him, and that they got to experience his lets just call it "eager" eating. He isn't very patient right now waiting for the next bite! Apparently Gabe didn't like it when he cried either- lol! I always worry whether or not he is being nice when I'm away from him.

After a short visit we headed over to Kris' house and spent the evening hanging out with her. Always a good time when we're with Kris! Even though we just saw her last week we still had a lot of catching up to do! Here is Matt and Ollie hanging on the couch watching the NBA draft. (I didn't purposely put all of us in teal, I guess it's one of my favorite colors right now, but they look cute in their matching clothes.) I love it when he is in his happy/playful mood.



Friday was a lazy day. I didn't shower or anything. Kris worked from home and I think Matt and Ollie (and maybe I!) did a good job of distracting her at times.

Ollie distracting us all!

Helping him practice crawling, he has the stance down now he has to start moving.

I had an appointment to take care of myself. Once work was all done we just kicked back and hung out. Matt once again was throwing out his plots on how he is going to move us to Utah and live in Kris' basement.

Later on we headed out for dinner. I have to laugh a little bit because we went for "Mexican" but it was probably one of the more American tasting Mexican restaurants I've ever been too, not enough fire. But it was good none the less. Ollie seems so grown up every time I see him sit in the high chair by himself. He loves being so independent these days. It probably made him look even older that he appeared to be reviewing the menu!

All grown up

Hanging with his girls!

Jodee flew in Friday morning but we hadn't heard from her in a bit, she was going to come out and hang with us and I knew she was down town but when we hadn't heard from her in a while and couldn't get a hold of her I thought her phone must be dead. After dinner we decided to go to the train station to see if she had made it and was just sitting there waiting for us. In the midst of doing that she called, her phone had died and she hadn't left yet she had fallen asleep! The train was no longer running but by some miracle Holly and Joe were passing by where Jodee was right then on their way to Kris' so they exited the freeway and picked her up. All of them arrived about 45 min later. We spent the night hanging out, baking cookies and having fun!

Hannah loving on Ollie and always making me laugh!

Love, love, love these girls!

I made the mistake of telling Lyla what a cute little sassy girl she is- apparently they get in trouble in their house when they are being "sassy" so when I told her she was sassy she cried and hid in the other room. We made up though and she had big hugs for me again!

Little cutie!

Helping Uncle Matt make cookies

Girls chit chatting

Oh so tough boys!

   Good times at Kris' house. Once again we started a movie at nearly midnight and I was fast asleep within minutes!