Balloons, Prayers and Lessons Learned

Merilee gave me a beautiful flower arrangement with 3 helium balloons attached to it for my birthday. Her kids begged me for the balloons every day, but I wanted to enjoy them a bit longer. Finally one of the balloons lost its oomph and I decided a better let them play with the other two before it was too late. They ran around the house with them for a bit then wanted to take them outside. I warned them about the dangers of helium balloons and the great outdoors, but they assured me they would be careful. It wasn’t long, however before the returned to the house with Brandon empty handed and in tears. I asked them what had happened.
Lexi replied “Brandon lost his balloon, but it’s ok.” “ Come on Brandon” she said tugging on his little hand, “Let’s go say a prayer.”
I followed behind them not quite knowing what to say. I peeked in the bedroom and watched as they knelt down together. I listened as Brandon said “Heavenly Father, I lost my balloon. Can you help me get it back please?” Next it was Lexi’s turn. “Heavenly Father, Brandon lost his balloon and he is so sad. Maybe you could make the wind bring it back.”

Being “wise to the ways of the world”, I knew that balloon was not coming back. I gulped not sure what to do, I whispered my own little prayer. I went in the bedroom and wiped Brandon’s tears, sat on the floor and pulled them both into my lap. “Sometimes we make choices that Heavenly Father really can’t fix if he wants us to learn. When you went outside you knew what could happen to the balloon, but you made the choice to go outside anyway. Heavenly Father always answers our prayers, but not always how we want him too. He is probably not going to bring your balloon back, but he will make it ok. He will make you strong enough and help you not be sad. “
Brandon twisted around to look at me and said, “Do you mean that Heavenly Father isn’t going to give me back the balloon but He will make me happy?”
At this point Lexi pitched in seeming to understand what I was trying to tell them. “ I can share my balloon with you and some day maybe you will get a new balloon.”
That’s right, Lexi,” I said, “Right now Heavenly Father is answering Brandon’s prayer because you are helping him to be happy by sharing your balloon with him. Remember, Heavenly Father always answers our prayers and helps us with our troubles. He doesn’t always fix everything back like it was, but He helps us be strong and lots of times He sends other people to help us, just like you are helping Brandon right now.”
Lexi jumped up and tugged on Brandon’s arm again, “Come on, let’s go see how far the balloon went up in the sky.” They rushed out, happy once more.
I sat there on the floor for a bit and thought about what I had tried to teach them. I am sure they didn’t really understand it all; but maybe the lesson was more for me than for them. There are lots of hard things in life; things that are not going to change, problems that aren’t going away, lots of reasons to feel sorry for myself. But through experience I know that my prayers are answered. Oh, I still have plenty of problems and a heavy load to carry, but I know that I will be strong enough to carry on and that I can be happy while I am doing it.

Barrel full of Cats!

We left a half full garbage can next to the back door - the next morning it was full of cats! I was sorely tempted to put the lid on quick and haul them away - it costs us at least $50 a month to feed them all - but then again we haven't had a mouse in our house in the last 11 years.

Grandkids Galore!

We went to Billings on Sunday to see our new granddaughter and attend Benjamin's baby blessing.

Charlotte and her mommie (Anneke)


Granny, Charlotte and Josie - the "Big Sister".


Proud Pappy!

Baby Benjamin was blessed today (Sunday, Jan 30th) - I didn't get one picture of him today, but here is one from last week when he visited.

Smooches from Granny - I just can't resist so i hope they get used to it!

After the baby blessing, April and Steve cooked us an awesome ham dinner. The kids had a picnic on the floor. Not all of them are in this photo - there are several more running around.

Armfulls of Grandkids

Brenna - Ashlyn - Benjamin - Seth

Aden and his awesome birthday cake (Dec. 2009)

Tough guy Brandon taking out the popcans!

Puzzling!

Yikes, what a morning! Seth, Ashlyn and Brenna were up early of course but not dressed until about 10:00 and it took me until almost lunch time to get their hair combed. We played cars, dress up, play dough and guns; ate pretzles, popcorn and candy canes; fought, teased, chased and giggled; rolled marbles, strung beads and puzzled.

Brenna spent over an hour playing with these doll magnets on the fridge. She sang little songs to them the entire time.

Don't let these innocent faces fool you.
I was so pooped by lunch time that I really needed a nap - 3 of them to be exact!!!
They zonked in just a few minutes and I got to blog!

The real puzzle here is what to do with them for the next few days that we haven't already done?!?!?!

New Baby - Benjamin

Yesterday I went to Billings to return Paul. We had a delicious lunch at Nathan's. I got lots hugs, snuggles and kisses from Heather and Josie - just what I needed.

I can't believe how fast they are growing and how much they are talking.

Don't you love the blue, blue eyes of these two sweet little girls!

Then is was off to April's for my first peek at my new grandson. He is a handsome little fellow - he looks a lot like Seth. You can see more photos of him at http://aprilz42.blogspot.com/

Then I packed up Brenna, Ashlyn and Seth and brought them home to spend a few days with me while April recuperates. Should make for a busy week.

Quiet Christmas

Christmas with Paul.

Getting ready for the catch!

Posing with his Christmas stuff.

Paul was the only one home for Christmas this year. I loved spending time with him, playing games and just talking. It was quiet, but nice.

Happy Birthday Aden!

I made a quick trip to Billings for Aden's birthday right before Christmas. I loved this picture of him and his pirate cake. You can see more of his birthday at Amber's Page