Matthew's Blessing Day

Ashley and Matthew on Matthew's blessing day

Adam, Ashley, Matthew, David and Jacob

David and his boys!

Each month someone in David's family writes a letter to everyone else in the family and then asks someone else to write for the next month. This year we're supposed to share a story or thought or scripture that has impacted us in some way. March was my turn to write the family letter so here it is.

It is my opportunity to write the family letter for March. I’ll start with just a little update on my family. As you know the newest member of our family, Matthew, was born on January 29th. He just turned 2 months old and now he weighs 11 ½ pounds and smiles and coos. He is adored by his older brothers (almost a little too much) and we are so grateful he is here and he’s healthy. My pregnancy was just one problem after another especially the last month and so we are so happy to have him here at last. Jacob is doing so well in preschool and can’t wait for kindergarten in the Fall. He started Spring soccer last Saturday and scored three goals. A funny story about Jacob…the other night David told Jacob to wash his hair really well or it would fall out. Jacob replied “Oh, that’s what must have happened to President Eyring, Dad!” He’s been learning about the apostles in primary to get ready for General Conference. Adam rather not ever leave his mother’s side and loves being at home with Matthew. He is a very good helper and loves to run errands. Each morning he asks if we can go to Costco. David and I are both doing well. David graduated with his MBA 3 days before Matthew was born and he stays very busy at work. He loves his ward missionary calling and is currently running a missionary training program for the priests in our ward. I enjoy staying at home with my boys and I’m still serving in Young Womens. It’s amazing how fast life seems to fly.

A while ago I read a talk by Elaine Dalton who is the Young Women General President of the Church entitled “Look toward Eternity”. She gave the talk in General Conference in October 2006. This is a story she told in her talk.“When our first grandson was born, the entire family rushed to the hospital. It was an amazing experience for me to see our oldest son, Matthew, holding this precious new baby boy. While standing at the nursery window with our youngest son, Chad, we gazed into the eyes of this new little spirit—so clean, so pure, so recently from heaven. It seemed that all time stood still, and for an instant, we could see the great eternal plan. The sacredness of life was crystal clear, and I whispered to Chad, “Do you understand why it is so important to remain clean and pure?” He responded reverently, “Oh yes, Mom, I get it.” Just last month our youngest son, Chad, went to the temple with a beautiful, worthy young woman to be married for time and all eternity. As he took her hand and knelt at the altar, I looked into the mirrors on either side and again I wanted to whisper, “Do you understand why it is so important to be clean and pure?” But this time I didn’t have to remind him because the Spirit did the whispering. That moment was so powerful that I desire for every young man and woman, every young adult, and indeed each one of us to feel and know the importance of living a worthy and pure life. It is our personal worthiness that will qualify us to fulfill our individual earthly missions.”

Last Sunday was Matthew’s blessing in our sacrament meeting. We were so happy to have Hugo, Carie and their family, Moy and Jessica, and Sister Parra there. All of my siblings except my brother who is on his mission were also there. As I was sitting there surrounded by my family and as I watched David bless Matthew surrounded by my dad, brother, and brothers-in-law, all worthy priesthood holders, I thought of this story by Sister Dalton. This is why it’s so important to remain clean and pure. These special sacred moments in life are the Lord’s tender mercies bestowed upon us for our faithfulness. While I often fall short, I’m grateful for these tender mercies. I’m grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation that teaches the importance of families and that by remaining clean and pure we can return to live with our Heavenly Father and our families for all eternity. I am so grateful for my family, for my supportive husband who is so willing to do anything to make my life easier, and for my three beautiful boys who teach me so much and are so easy to love. I hope I will remember the lesson I learned at Matthew’s blessing of the importance of living clean and worthy lives so we qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost who will lead us back home to our Heavenly Father.

I would like to ask Malena to write the next family letter for April. We are excited to see you all in a few weeks and be able to spend time together. Until then...

Love,

Ashley