The main reason for our family’s visit was that on Sunday Scotland was given a name and a blessing. I was surprised by how proud and excited I felt. The name and blessing is a tradition or cultural aspect of our church. It doesn’t hold the sanctity of an ordinance like baptism or temple sealing, but rather is a time for the child’s name to be sealed upon the records of the church as well as for the father to publicly bless his child. Tom delivered a beautiful blessing. I felt so grateful to have a husband who lives his life in such a way that he is worthy to hold the Priesthood- the power of God, as well as to have had a father-in-law and brother-in-law, and several friends who were worthy and desirous to unite their power in blessing our child. There was a special spirit in the meeting. Scotland was given the name Scotland J Foutz.

Many have asked why the name Scotland, and I would like to say that it has some profound meaning, but it really doesn’t. Strangely however I can still remember vividly the small side street we were walking on in France when we first thought of the name. I remember holding hands with Tom, talking about names for our son. Naturally we first thought of some crazy ones, and then I said, “What about Scottish names, are there any neat names from Scotland? Wait! What about Scotland?!” We both immediately liked it, and despite several months of feeling like I need to have a name with more than a whim in France, it stuck and we love it. I have always loved having a more unusual name, even though it is really just the Scandinavian form of Christina. I wanted something a bit more original for our baby. Tom felt strongly that boys should have strong names, which to him means one syllable names- I learned this weekend that he gets that idea from his Dad. He didn’t go for most of my creative names. Not for boys, he said. Surprisingly he liked Scotland. If needs be, when he is going through an identity crisis as a teenager he can go by Scot. But I love Scotland. I like the nickname Scotter better than Scotty, but we really call him alternative names like punchkin, spike, lovey, and peanut most often. His middle name carries much meaning however. Tom’s middle name is Jonathan, my father’s middle name is J as is my brother Trevor’s. Tom has two ancestors Joseph and Jacob, and a best friend Jay. All of these men are valiant, righteous, devoted men. If Scotland ends up like any of them I will be delighted.

Interestingly, Scotland is the sole Foutz descendant after Tom, and he likely will be the only one, unless we have another boy. Stan is the only boy in his family, as is Tom, and there are no other Foutz cousins. I love this picture. Apparently Scotland didn’t get the memo that he was born Mormon and not Baptist- he kept doing this “HALLELUJAH!” poise for the pictures. (wink, wink.)

My contribution to the blessing was this little outfit. Well, I arranged it anyway, I really only made the bow tie. My dear friend and mentor Becky Stay knitted the vest. Which is very special to me as she made my wedding dress. (Sister Stay, I’m going to have to enlist you to make some baptism outfits!) I’m nearly embarrassed to admit what a proud Momma I was. I thought my little son looked so handsome.

The night before the blessing as I was saying my prayers the thought came to me that while I would not be delivering this particular “blessing,” that I too had the right to ask for blessings for my child. I had a very special spiritual experience as I prayed for my son and his future. I’m grateful for the gift of prayer, for the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. For an understanding of the living reality of Jesus Christ. I’m humbled to know that my Heavenly Father has entrusted me with one of his children to nurture and guide. Each night as I sing “I am a child of God” as I rock Scotland to bed, I tear up. Never have I felt more like a child than I do now as a mother.