Losing the balloon.

I have vivid and weird dreams.
They range from being friends with Bill Cosby to Dr. Phil challenging me to a wood chopping contest. (I have NO idea.)

I am more than certain that Jared gets tired of hearing my detailed stories that go on for what seems like an eternity.

But sometimes, I have important dreams.

Last Thursday night, I had one of the best, yet most soul shakingly terrifying dreams of my life.

There was a big crowd around and I could see quite a few people with balloons tied to their wrists. I had one on mine and Brennan had one on his. Jared wasn't there but I am going to assume he had one too.

All of a sudden, we heard the loudest noise I had ever experienced. My knees were literally being pulled to the ground. It was so real that I can still feel that part.

My heart absolutely burst with excitement and joy as I realized that Jesus was coming back! I was so ready and there are really no words to describe the emotion that I felt!

Instantly I knew that those people with balloons on their wrists, were the ones that were going to Heaven. (I'm assuming they help us fly? :) I looked at my wrist and admired my balloon that I knew I did not deserve but I was so glad that I had it!

Then I looked to my right. Brennan was standing there and he had lost his balloon! He was crying the way any kid does when they lose a balloon but I knew this one was much more vital to his happiness. I was devastated! I knew he had it! The last time I looked, he had it! When did it fly away? What caused it to come undone?

I quickly untied my balloon and tied it on his wrist. I felt at peace. I woke up.

When God blessed me with Brennan, I promised Him that I would love, protect and teach him. I promised that I would do everything within my power to get him ready to return to his Father. Yet, in this dream that can parallel life, I had forgotten to pay close attention. The last time I had checked, he had that balloon on his wrist, but I didn't keep checking.

I don't want my life to mimic this dream. I don't want to look around me on Judgement and notice I never realized Brennan had lost his salvation. I can't do as I did and forfeit my salvation to save him.

Let's pretend that our salvation does look like a balloon on our wrist. How many do we know who don't even have one? How many of our brothers and sisters are having their balloon slowly untied by the Enemy? How do we keep it tied tightly so that there is not even a chance of it being loosened?

We can't become distracted. We can't forget to teach our kids that God IS REAL. That knowledge, faith and obedience tie us to Him.

We have to keep checking.

Don't be willing to ever let Him go.

happy birthday Brennan!!!

so wow...it's been over a month since I posted.

Life has been crazy ya know?

Family came in the middle of November! We had a vacation at the beach, the volcanic lake, birthday party, train ride, Thanksgiving, Christmas, swimming, swinging and haka 'ing' all over the North Island.

I have finally gotten things together enough to post about Brennan's party. My dad has some of the cake on face pictures so I am sure I will update with that soon.

Brennan was showered with more presents than he could even open! As a matter of fact, he wasn't really into opening them at all but he did find a book from our next door neighbors that he loved and read immediately. In the last two weeks, he has investigated every single toy and hugged and kissed them all. We are really grateful for all the gifts but more than that for the fact that some people traveled over 2 hours to come and celebrate with us! (and some internationally!)

Brennan had a robot party. Here is his cake. I loved it.

Pizza Hut was on speed dial. I told everyone one piece of pizza and then realized I had ordered enough for everyone to have...four. Oops. We had pizza for days!

When I went in to wake Brennan up that morning, I said 'Do you know what today is?' and I promise you he said 'Hap Birtday!' I have it on film somewhere.

Here is the main event. I think he knew exactly who the star of the show was! haha.

I wasn't willing to mess up his robot shirt but I promise, he does have a diaper on!

We are so thankful for our family and friends and for our healthy one year old!