Henry's Big Day

Henry was given a name and a blessing on March 6, 2011. It was a great event and our little cottage was bursting at the seams with family and good food.(I think these monkey suits are a little ridiculous:) He is still handsome)

I said a little prayer that morning that, if it was convenient, President Monson would attend his home ward today. I wanted to share a little of our amazing experience of having a prophet in our ward with my family. Sure enough, I couldn't stop smiling when I noticed Church security saving the back row for him. My heart burned, as it usually does, when he walked in and I smiled as different family members experienced their own President Monson moment. He shook hands, complimented hair cuts, and even drew a picture for my nephew. Behind the pulpit he is a Prophet, with an undeniable mantle. Face to face he is a grandpa, friendly and kind, with a something extra special about him.Brian performed the blessing with the help of Henry's Grandpa's and Great-Grandpa. He did a great job and Henry, true to character, was as calm as could be.
The afternoon was so fun as everyone walked back to the house for food and visiting. All three of Henry's living Great-Grandma's were there along with oodles of aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents.My youngest brother, Joe, had just received his mission call. So, at 4:30 pm MST we arranged for some skyping with the few siblings that couldn't attend, and he opened that life-changing packet in our living room. Tokyo, Japan! He was a little breathless as he rubbed his smiling face after he read it out loud. I can only imagine what was going through his head. He will be an amazing missionary -- although I was more than a bit relieved his was still close to home after the earthquake the following Friday.
It was a crazy good time. I love having so much loving family around for myself and for my kids. It couldn't have been a better day.