Signed, sealed, delivered...

He is ours!  On a Thursday we got the call that a birth mom had selected us, then on Saturday he was delivered to us. 

 

7 months later, we finalized Bennett’s adoption on Thursday, August 30^th.  It was a quiet little ceremony, which we were grateful for.

 

Bennett was super happy that day too! 

 

Then the perfect start to our sealing day was witnessing Priesthood power at Ison's blessing.

I'm sure these two will be buddies!  It was awesome and a perfect lead in to Bennett’s sealing.  I am so grateful for the Priesthood. 

 

Then on that Saturday, September 1^st We went to the Draper Temple to have him sealed to us.  We chose the Draper temple for a few reasons Rianne and Heath attended the open house before it was dedicated.  It has a very large sealing room and we wanted anyone who wanted to be there to have a place. 

Also the Brown’s have ties to the Draper area from Joseph Gurnsey Brown who was part of the Rescue party of the Willie/Martin handcart companies.  He rescued Esther who would later become his wife, and Brant comes through this line which was changed because of her courage and faith, and a strong man willing to brave the elements to bring her home.  I thought of people in dire circumstances not knowing what to do and waiting for those willing to brave the storms to come to their aide.  I thought of the symbolism of Bennett’s birth mom in similar dire circumstances scared, alone and even cold.  She put her faith in us.  How Bennett’s lines have been changed brought to his new home, because of her courage and He was rescued and brought home.  What a blessing these women of courage and faith have become to us.  I am grateful she gave him life and am honored that I have been trusted to teach him how to live.         

I don’t know how to put the feelings of the sealing into words.  This really was a different experience it was really all about Bennett.  We got a little advice about this great thing we were doing for him.  When they brought the kids in I felt like time froze, what a powerful moment.  Bennett put his little hand in and never moved it.  When the sealer said his name he looked up with such intent, like he knew exactly what was going on.  It through the sealer off, he lost his place and then continued.  It was so peaceful and I was so happy.  Rianne and Heath were beaming too!  I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the people who came.  Afterwards the sealer shifted his focus to Bennett and the incredible spirit he was and the great things in store for him. 

The women in the bridal room afterwards talked how they had never seen the sealer be that way.  He was just smitten with Bennett and drawn to him.  How he saw and felt his potential.  It reminded me of Simeon holding the Savior at the temple.  It was a powerful reassurance which I felt all those months ago when I held him and thought how can I raise him, with all the miracles that surrounded him being perfectly placed with us and those reassuring words that he is a child of God and was sent here to us.  God has much in store for this boy.  I'm honored to raise him. So grateful I don't have to do it alone. 

          When we came out it was windy, how awesome it was to have our little family in the temple and look forward to the day when they aren't so little, but are still worthy to be in the temple together again.   

We had a little windy luncheon and enjoyed visiting with family.  We love his smile it lights up his face and melts our hearts.  It was a wonderful weekend surrounded by friends & family enjoying the celebration of this amazing event.