Kate Received Her Patriarchal Blessing

I don't remember when I first felt impressed that Kate needed to receive her patriarchal blessing. She was probably 12 at the time. (I was 18 when I received mine, but times, they are a changing!) We started talking about it, she started thinking about it. 

We listened to Brad Wilcox's booklet - Your Patriarchal Blessing. Kate read about the Abrahamic Covenant. We talked about it more. Kate prayed and thought about it more. And at some point Kate felt ready and she felt the desire to receive her blessing.

Last night the patriarch, Bro. Maglioli explained that receiving a patriarchal blessing was not a saving ordinance, it was a sacred ordinance. I've heard others say that a patriarchal blessing is a father's letter from their Heavenly Father.

I phoned Bro. Maglioli on Monday night and he phoned back on Tuesday morning and we made the appointment for Wednesday night. He asked for Kate to fast - even though it was short notice, but it wasn't a requirement, just a suggestion.

When we got to their home, we were brought into a front room. It was a special room! A painting on the wall of Jesus that Sis. Maglioli had created, a Christus statue, a nativity scene, and other art suggested that this was a special room. 

Kate said a prayer, a beautiful opening prayer and the spirit was felt by all of us. Bro. Maglioli spoke with Kate for a little while, explaining things, teaching things, and then after some back and forth invited Kate to sit in the chair he was sitting in. Kate called this "the chair of destiny".

Then acting as Patriarch, Bro. Maglioli placed his hands on Kate's head and gave her a beautiful, beautiful blessing from her Heavenly Father. I felt so privileged to be part of this sacred experience. I felt humbled to be Kate's Mom. I felt of my Heavenly Father's love for His daughter. (I also felt badly that I told Ken he didn't need to come - rookie mistake! I won't do that next time.)

Alice and Fiona were so excited to hear all about Kate's blessing. She shared her tribe with them, but she basically kept everything else in her heart for now. It was clear to me how seriously Kate took this sacred event, but also how much it lifted her and excited her and filled her with joy. If only you could bottle up the feelings and keep them always! Hopefully she'll feel all those special feelings again when she receives her copy in the mail and reads it.

My Katie-girl, you are a beautiful daughter of God, inside and out. It is a privilege to be your Mama. I'm so proud of you, and so happy for you. I hope you will keep this special experience close to your heart always. You are a treasured daughter of God and that was made abundantly clear last night again and again.

Bates - Day 11!

 And just like that it's time to say goodbye. But first a photo shoot.

We took some Super Hero pics by the water treatment plant. I really need to write that Covid book...

Goodbyes were said.

A quick stop to say goodbye to Grandma and CJ.

Lunch at Uncle Andrew's Keg.

One more group pic for the road!

Meanwhile, back at home, the makeovers continued!

And just like that another visit is over. The end of a visit is always hard. There's hole left behind. The house feels so empty. It was so good to see my sister and Anna and Ben. Covid robbed us of two years of visits. It didn't feel like enough, but it was something and my heart is full.

Ken will have to put up with a little moping the next few days. Good thing he likes me.

A little smile crossed my face when I found Ben's bathing suit.

Until the next visit, I love you sister, and goodness I love your kids!

Bates - Day 10!

 A dog walk with Ken to start the day.

Magnatiles will always be awesome.

A tender visit to Grandpa's grave.

I love that they're playing with the toys that we played with as children.

Happy Half Birthday Kate! Kind of a lame chocolate covered cookie, but that's kind of okay right?

Milo helping me make another cape for Fire Girl. 

Anna testing out her cape.

I can't believe tomorrow is the last day and this visit is going to be over! I'm not ready!

Bates - Day 9!

Wonderland! Goodness it's been a while. The last time I went to Wonderland was in August 2017. The last time the girls went to Wonderland was in May 2018. Generally we only go to Wonderland with our cousins, so it makes sense that the first time after the pandemic that we went to Wonderland, was with our Bates cousins! 

The Ghostercoaster! Fiona's turn was today. She was not a fan. Ben was on the ride too. And I was super sad that I didn't buy the picture, next time!