Sydnei's Baby Blessing

Sunday, August 17, 2008, we blessed our Sweet Sydnei. It was a very special day for our family. We had many family members and friends in attendance to share this special moment with us. We can't thank each of you enough for traveling distances and making the sacrifice to be here on this special day. As a mother, I was overhwhelmed with joy and love for our sweet Sydnei. We love you, Sydnei!

Here is a slideshow of Sydnei in her GORGEOUS blessing dress. This dress was handmade by Sydnei's Nana, Ryan's mom. It's nothing short of breathtaking and will definitely be a special heirloom for Sydnei as she gets older. You just can't buy something this beautiful. It exudes purity and beauty. Just looking at it one can see all of the love and effort Clarissa put into making it. Thank you, Nana.




A few family pics of all that joined us for Sydnei's special day.

Ryan, Great Gpa & Gma Holgate, Sydnei, Stormy

Auntie Darci, Sofia, Stormy, Sydnei, Ryan, Cousin Careese, Uncle Bub, Cousin Josh, Auntie Maria, Cousin Allison, and MaMa

Gpa and Gma Great Staley with Sydnei

Gpa Staley, Auntie Tristyn, Cousin Jordan, Uncle Kristopher, Nana, Gma Great Staley, Sydnei, Auntie Carlee Sofia, Papi, Mami, Gpa Great Staley, and Sofia

Daddy-Daughter Love

BFF's For-EVA! Mami, Sydnei, and Tia Tori

Stormy, Sydnei, and Super Awesome Friend, Rebecca

CAKE! Some things never change...

What is a LDS (Mormon) Baby Blessing?
For those of you not familiar with a Baby Blessing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I will explain. The precedent for blessing children was set forth by the Savior, Jesus Christ, in Palestine: see Mark 10:16 and the new world, see the Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 17:21. The blessing of a child is not an infant baptism. It's a special blessing that first gives a name to the child to be recorded in the records of the church and then pronounces special blessings and promises for the child as revealed through revelation. The blessing is given by a man who holds the Melchizek Priesthood.

Farewell, President Hinckley

Ever since my father passed away, I'm very sensitive to death. No matter what, when someone passes away, feelings of grief, happiness, and thoughts about the next life, instantly move to the forefront of my mind.

The passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is no different. Despite his age, it always seemed like he would live forever. His passing is bittersweet as I am deeply saddened and will truly miss him. At the same time, I'm happy for him as he is reunited forever with his precious wife, Marjorie.

He has been an inspiration to me and millions in the LDS and non-LDS community. As the President of the church throughout my entire adult life his wisdom, sense of humor, service to others, and spirituality have inspired and guided me always. Goodbye, President Hinckley, thank you, for all that you represented, taught, and shared with me and millions throughout the world.

My friend, Lindy, posted a quote by our Prophet on her blog, which I also wanted to share on ours. As she suggested, wouldn't it be wise for all of us to follow his counsel?

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storm and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we accentuate the positive. I am asking that we look deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."