Blessing Orson

Part of the reason for all our Christmas visitors was for the blessing of this sweet boy! We ended up blessing Orson at home so that all the family could be here (they didn't overlap on a Sunday). It was a really neat experience to have a special day all his own.

We love you little Buddy! 

Angel made your adorable booties.

Michael gave Orson a beautiful blessing. Orson was blessed to grow strong in the gospel and prepare to be a worthy and powerful priesthood holder. It made me so excited to have the opportunity to raise a boy. He has some great examples of powerful priesthood holders to look up to! 

(not pictured - TJ who likes to avoid pictures whenever possible)

Orson, here's a little background on your name, Orson Thomas Ballard. At first we choose the name Orson because we loved it, and it fit with our old-fashioned name trend. We also liked the links to some of the early church members like Orson F. Whitney. Then, I found out that my great-great Grandfather's name was Orson! In fact, it was Hazel's name sake's father. So we now have a daughter named after my great-grandmother Hazel and a son named after her father.

Orson's middle name Thomas was chosen to honor our good friend Tom. Michael and I met Tom in the Deaf ward when we were first married. He was also the ASL coordinator when we worked in the Jordan River temple. He and his wife TeddiAnn were incredible examples to us during that first year of our marriage. We will forever be thankful for his love, faith, and example to us. You have a large name to grow in to Orson, but we know that you will!