December 7, 2014: A Name & A Blessing

James gave Jack a wonderful blessing today. Jack was surrounded by his Dad, Great Grandpa Jones, his Uncles Jason, Jon, and Jess, and Bishop Anderson. It is such a special sight to see your husband hold your sweet babe in worthiness to bless him through the power of the Priesthood. And to have other important men in your life stand in a circle to join in such a special ordinance.

My mom took notes, and I was later surprised with a gift of Jack's blessing transcribed by a sweet sister in our ward, Marsha.

Jack J. Lufkin

• Bless you that your body will grow and develop to be strong and healthy that you might have a wonderful and successful life.
• That you might have a desire to do what is right as you grow older, to learn of the ideas and principles of the gospel. That you will have the desire to do what is right and follow your Heavenly Father and be obedient to Him.
• Follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
• Have knowledge that in this challenging world there are forces that will tempt you to choose evil for good.  You will be one who stands for that which is right and good.
• Bless you to be close to your family and look to those that are righteous, and pattern your life after them.
• Be close to your Mother and learn from her righteous qualities.
• Bless you that you will be able to enter in the House of the Lord and be sealed for time and all eternity.

After our church meetings we had a luncheon with our family that came to support us. We had soup, rolls, and some yummy desserts. We visited, played games, and it was even nice enough for the kids to play outside for a bit! We are so grateful to all who were able to come, and missed those who were there in spirit. We love our family!!

  

Random Pics

I'm generally a pretty good picture-taker, but I find myself taking a ridiculous amount of pictures of Jack!! He is just so cute, pulls the cutest faces, and we are just trying to soak in these newborn days that pass so quickly. So here's a small sample of the many random pictures I take of our cute boy...

We snuggle...a lot!!

 

With Dad too!

  

These big sisters love their baby brother!! Avri especially is a huge help to hold him and calm him down if I'm busy.

Claire & Emmy sang Jack to sleep so I could get ready.

 

   

There are no words for this picture!! It cracks me up!!!!

Jack gives us quite a few cute sleepy smiles and we have caught a couple awake ones...

But we see quite a bit of this adorable furrowed brow! :)

Look at those cute dimples!!

November Instagrams

11.4.2014

Never a shortage of helpers around here... :)

11.6.2014

Apparently we use a mold for our babies. ;)

11.7.2014

Just a little walk to the park with my babes.

11.14.2014

Good Morning!

11.20.2014

No more cast! Yay!! #clairebear

11.25.2014

This little boy is full of smiles when he's sleeping. #sweetdreams

11.26.2014

I just survived Costco and the mall with four kids by myself! Have I showered today? No. But that's beside the point! ;) I'm gonna go ahead and claim a victory!!

 

11.28.2014

Daddy-daughter date for the Parade of Lights downtown.

11.30.2014

You better believe I kiss this adorable little face all day long!!! #6weeksold

{Thanksgiving 2014}

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at Sherry's. Plenty of delicious food and quality time with our family that we are so grateful for. We truly have been blessed with such a supportive, inspiring family that we love so much. We continued the tradition of our "Thankful" poster for Family Home Evening earlier in the month--here is the 2014 edition as well as a few pictures from Thanksgiving Day.

The Dads took their girls down to Laura & Brandon's property to feed and ride the horses.

Claire & Emery, Avri & Sawyer

 

Apple turkeys for craft time!

Of course we played games (and watched football)!

Grandpa Jones and Emmy were on a team, and Grandma helped Claire.

 

11.19.2014

Grandma's funeral was beautiful. So many heartfelt tributes to our beloved Grandma Jones. Sherry and Tyra gave a wonderful life sketch, highlighting Grandma's childhood, family life, and wonderful marriage to Grandpa. The grandchildren shared memories of Grandma that taught of her amazing qualities: selflessness, optimism, finding joy in other's successes, being so classy in her act and dress, making others feel important, her love of games and family time, her example of faith and goodness. The great-grandchildren sang, "I Feel My Savior's Love". There was such a peaceful spirit of hope, love, and eternity. The assurance that we will be with Grandma again was so strong. I know she was there that day--lifting us all and sending her love. As we left the church on our way to the burial, the sun was shining so brightly--a tender mercy and reminder of Grandma.

Each of the great-granddaughters got to have a rose from the beautiful arrangement on Grandma's casket.

The Jones/Lufkin/Peterson families

Grandpa with many of his great-grandchildren.

Bridger, Sawyer, Taylor (holding Jack), Olivia, Grace, Grandpa, Emery, Claire, Avri, Maddox, Abigail, Maddie, Sam, Liam, Tracey, Stephanie, and Levi

All of Grandpa & Grandma's grandchildren.

Leslie, James, Lana, Clint, Lindsay, Grandpa, Marie, Tyler, Laura, Scott, Jess, Jake

Sherry with all seven of her children.

Love these siblings! James, Leslie, Lindsay, Jess, Lana, Laura, Jake