Jillian:: A Name and a Blessing

THE NAME:

 When Lance & I got pregnant the first time we developed a long list of girl names with a very short list of boy names.  When we got pregnant the second time I was hoping it was going to be a boy since I already had everything “boy” but a name.  We had three ultrasounds from 16-22 weeks and sure enough Bennett was going to become a big brother to a little SISTER.  So there we were, back to our long list of girl names.  The top contenders were Lyla, Laney, Jillian, & Kinsley.  Once I notified Lance (who loves the “L” names) that my dear friend was naming their little girl Lila the name was officially off the table.  At that point we were down to Laney and Jillian and somehow I won and Jillian became this little girls name. 

THE DRESS:

Lance & I got married in the Salt Lake Temple.  I had bought a beautiful silk temple dress that I absolutely loved.  After the sealing ceremony I was in the bridal room trying to change into my wedding dress when my temple dress refused to unzip.  I literally had 4 women (including a seamstress) trying to get the zipper to work and after almost 20 minutes without success they decided the only way to get me out was to cut me out of it!  So we cut the shoulder seams and I have held onto this dress (although it is unwearable) because of the sentimental value it held.  Once I became pregnant with a little girl the thought came to mind to trying to turn that temple dress into a blessing dress.  I brought the dress to Lance's grandma who to my delight said she would make the blessing dress.  A few months later we received it in the mail and I was ASTONISHED at how absolutely gorgeous the dress was.  The elaborate lace all the way down to the inner most layer, my temple dress. 

THE DAY:

On the sunny, warm, and beautiful day of March 8, 2015 Lance blessed Jillian as Jillian Christine Gummersall.  The blessing was beautiful.  Lance blessed Jillian with the ability to accomplish her goals and desires, to be healthy, to find joy in the gospel, and to know how much her Heavenly Father loves her always.  We had a slew of friends and family come out to support and since it was the first day of daylight savings our ward was slim in numbers, but our family and friends I think almost outnumbered the ward members in attendance.  Lance’s family alone took up 4 entire rows in the middle section of the chapel. 

After sacrament we ventured back to our house where we enjoyed a delicious waffle bar and breakfast burritos and one another’s company.

Its days like this one that make me #1 so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. #2 to have such amazing friends and family who are willing to help host and attend special occasions. #3 that I have the ability to bare children and how much joy they bring to my life.  #4 for a husband who honors his priesthood and is such an amazing father and husband, who is always there to lend a hand with the kids.  I don’t think I could have survived the past 3 1/2 months without his daily help.  #5 for this beautiful, mild winter we have had where we have been able to go out and enjoy the sunny back yard.