
This afternoon at church, we were able to bless our sweet Eddie!
As I was getting ready for the day and getting this sweet baby all dressed and ready in white, I couldn’t help but feel so grateful for the chance I have to be a mother to three beautiful children.
This past week, I’ve been struggling to find the joy in motherhood because it’s hard for me to have a good attitude when my house is a mess and I’m physically and mentally exhausted to do anything about it. {–>the definition of taking care of a newborn, right?!}
Anyways, I read this quote and it was just what I needed to hear in the midst of my frustrated moment:
“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.
“The fact is most putts don’t drop. Most beef is tough. Most children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. …
“Life is like an old-time rail journey—delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed.
“The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley

Gordon gave Eddie a lovely and sweet blessing and thankfully he didn’t scream through the whole thing!
Favorite parts of the day:
- Having my Dad in town here to enjoy his grand babies for this special day {and the weekend}
- Having friends and family come enjoy the baby after the blessing with a few sweet treats
- Blake looking so handsome in his new J.Crew shirt and bow tie that he picked out himself at the store!
- Eddie being perfectly content during the blessing even though he screamed all the way up until the blessing and started fussing immediately right after!
- These pictures! My goodness, I feel like my heart might just burst. It makes me kinda-sorta forget about all the crummy things that come along with childbirth and makes me want to have 17 more kids!
- Brooke teaching her Grandma how to use snapchat.

I know I’m totally biased, but these children of mine are so freaking gorgeous.






Edward John and his Grandpa’s.
Edward is my Dad’s {right} middle name. He was named after his uncle, so my great uncle?
And John is Gordon’s Dad’s {left} first name.

We anticipated Edward’s arrival from the moment we found out I was pregnant and, oh my goodness, life is so much sweeter now that he’s here.
Love and kindness abounds in our home when there’s a new baby around.
We love you so much Eddie! Please stay little a tiny bit longer so I can burn your sweet face into my memory bank.






29 Comments
Marilyn Brennan
February 28, 2016 at 9:47 pmWhat a precious day. We are so happy to have been there to share the sweetness.
Colleen
February 29, 2016 at 4:45 amAbsolutely precious pictures of a special day! That quote is top notch and so so needed
cookbook queen
February 29, 2016 at 5:03 amWhat beautiful kiddos…that Blake is looking so old and so handsome. Love that quote — and so true. Those early days with a baby are SO hard, but pass so quickly.
Karen
February 29, 2016 at 5:14 amYour kids are so freaking beautiful…what a lovely family!!!!! God Bless!
Jacqueline Wells
February 29, 2016 at 5:19 amWhat beautiful pics. Each and every one of them tells of the happiness of Eddie’s special day even though most of us know you mostly for your delicious meals.
Especially loved your quote. It is a wonderful reminder for us all to give thanks for Life everyday no matter how great or frustrating it may be.
Donna Howard
February 29, 2016 at 5:21 amVery sweet and special memories – coming from a grandma who has attended many grandchildren’s blessings (and then on to even their missions!!) nothing is sweeter!! Sweet precious family!!!
Elizabeth Davis
February 29, 2016 at 5:35 amWonderful beginning of a wonderful life story.
Candi
February 29, 2016 at 5:45 amAdorable family! Blessings to you. I enjoy reading your blog! And love the quote insert by Gordon B. Hinckley.
Sharon Wright
February 29, 2016 at 5:55 amBeautiful children. And your quote was perfect for my mood, I ‘m sharing it. I hope you don’t mind.
Kathy R.
February 29, 2016 at 6:24 amAdorable pictures, adorable family! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and special day!
Dianne Weston
February 29, 2016 at 7:24 amIt touches my heart to see your sweet family, and it is a blessing to know your children will be raised under to nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Vicki
February 29, 2016 at 7:34 amBeautiful family! I remember those days with my five little blessings-now all grown up with their own bliss and challenges . You are a gift to so many! Blessings!
Heather
February 29, 2016 at 7:44 amA beautiful day for a beautiful family. May blessings continue to come your way. 🙂
Linda
February 29, 2016 at 8:51 amYou might be biased but you and your husband do have a beautiful family. No doubt about it.
Congratulations and blessings may your joy outweigh any challenges.
Gail
February 29, 2016 at 9:10 amYou are blessed What a way to start spring. You have brought life to the forest. God has winked at you, you have a pass to look past the mess and into the faces of your children.
Mary
February 29, 2016 at 9:44 amI really enjoy your posts and I especially love the quote and pictures you shared today. God bless and continue to be with you and your sweet family!
Kathleen Mahlke
February 29, 2016 at 9:49 amThanks for sharing this beautiful celebration.Ihave 2 grandkids who I don’t get to see that often so I enjoy your blog so much.You have a wonderful family and are so blessed.
María
February 29, 2016 at 11:07 amBless you and your family!!!!!
Mary Garner/Lotempio
February 29, 2016 at 12:11 pmI’m so glad I met you through this internet Blog. It’s allowed me the honor of seeing your wonderful family, specially that lovely new baby, and your other beautiful children. Not to mention or forget all the wonderful recipes you’ve sent and I’ve shared with many family members. Thank You So Much!
Linda
February 29, 2016 at 1:11 pmBeautiful quote! Lovely pictures, thanks for sharing! Kisses to the baby!
Sybil
February 29, 2016 at 1:42 pmyou are so blessed.
Leesa Gant
February 29, 2016 at 1:58 pmPrecious pictures!! And Eddie looks just like a little angel!! May God protect and guide you all always!
sandra
February 29, 2016 at 3:47 pmwhat a beautiful family I hope and pray that things are going well for all of you and GOD BLESS all of you
Liz
February 29, 2016 at 4:16 pmBeautiful pictures and family, Lauren.
Sue
March 1, 2016 at 12:13 amYou are blessed with a beautiful family, Lauren!!
Kimberly
March 1, 2016 at 5:47 amBest wishes to all. Even though it is sometimes hard, enjoy every minute because, all too soon, they are grown! My boys are 27, 26, 22 and 13. I would give anything to hold those sweet babies again! Love them so! Really, a spotlessly clean house is overrated! My mantra when my boys were little: clean enough to be healthy; dirty enough to be happy. Enjoy those littles!
SANDIE
March 5, 2016 at 8:06 pmBeautiful family.
Edward at 3 months | Lauren's Latest
May 9, 2016 at 11:33 am[…] A Special Day for Eddie […]
Lyndsey
February 13, 2018 at 4:28 pmI remember this day! Such a sweet blessing for a sweet little boy!