The Day Reagan Got Blessed

August 31st was such an amazing day! I wanted to have Raegan's blessing while my parents were here, but Adam didn't feel comfortable taking her to church when she was only 3 weeks old. So we compromised and decided to do it at our house. We had heard that some people do it and decided to try it out. It was honestly such a neat experience! It was special to do it in our own home. We have such an amazing supportive family! We are so so blessed! Since it was kind of last second, we let everyone know about a week before and had an amazing turn out. All of Adam's family minus Jeanine was there, Mike come all the way from Boston, Kevin came from San Diego, Kim and her family came from Vegas and all of our family here. From the Fennell side we had my parents and Stacy's family. Thankfully I had a lot of help getting everything ready before we had a house full of family. Everyone came early afternoon, so we were able to catch up with everyone and the cousins all had a ball together. Brynlee was in heaven! We had to get pictures with Grandma & Grandpa Gooch and all of the grandkids while they were all together, and some sibling pictures.
I'm not going to lie, with so many people here, kind of chaotic, I was worried how we were going to get everyone calmed down and ready for the blessing. We had the blessing at 4. Adam and I headed up to our room with Raegan to get ready and had such a neat experience. Adam wanted to have a little time to himself so ponder and then he kneeled down to pray and Raegan honestly did not take her eyes off of him, she even gave him a little smile. Then he picked her up and was telling her what an important day this was for her, and still, she would not take her eyes off of her dad. That's about when I started getting emotional. We headed downstairs, and got ready for the blessing and it went silent. The spirit was so strong, it was an amazing feeling. Adam, Grandpa Fennell, Grandpa Gooch, Jared, Branden, Jim, Great Grandpa Carpenter and a member of the Bishopric were all apart of the circle. Adam gave such a beautiful and inspired blessing. I am always amazed at how intone he is with the spirit when he gives blessings, you can tell he really gets in tune with the spirit and give the blessing Heavenly Father wants. Grandma Fennell was a able to take notes through the blessing, what she was able to get from it was:

"Raegan Lee GoochThis is a Special time and you were chosen to come down to earth atthis time to help your family and friends and to be an example tothem.You knew that life is a test and you were excited and ready to proveyourself to Jesus and your Heavenly Father.Jesus Christ is the center of this church.  Always remember him andlove him with all your heart. Then everything will work out they wayit should.You will be blessed to have patience to wait for answers to yourprayers and patience with your family and friends.  (Blessed with)great faith in The Lord.You are blessed with talents to help the lost ...on their way and tohave a great love for family.Listen to those who came before you, your parents, your sister, andespecially Jesus Christ.I bless you that you will be married and sealed for all time andeternity in the Lord's house.Learn from your mistakes.  Grow up and be happy in the church. (May The Lord bless) you with anything you may need."

After the blessing was over we had dinner, everyone took a turn passing Raegan around and thoroughly enjoyed all of the family time. That night the adults played games, and the kids had a little movie party upstairs. When it hit about 9:30/10 you could tell Raegan and I had about as much fun as we could handle for the night. My body had had it, I was so overly exhausted, and I'm sure Raegan was too. It was sure a day to remember. There is just something about a baby all dressed in white on her special day. We are so incredibly blessed with our two beautiful daughters, a father who honors his priesthood to be able to bless his beautiful daughters, and so much love and support from our family.

Whenever I take Raegan's pictures, Brynlee always wants in on them. This time was cute because Brynlee went in and got changed and was like "I want to wear my princess dress too."