Max's Blessing

Today was this sweet boys blessing. He was blessed by Grandpa Bruce and given a beautiful blessing.  We had a large group with just our immediate family and missed Grandma & Grandpa Ballard, the Wirick's and the Harris family. 

We had a luncheon afterwards at the Plain City Lion's Club. It was so nice to be able to set up the day before and have everything ready to go. I didn't have to worry about getting everyone dressed and keeping the house clean. It made the morning pleasant. I did have to do a little last minute run-around, but there was not as much pressure as their was with the other kids blessing day. 

We had sloppy Joes with homemade buns, several salads, pickles, cheese and chips with dip. My sweet friend Heidi brought Fat Max a beautiful carrot cake that he was kind enough to share. Everyone loved it. Then we had Creamies for dessert.

The weather was beautiful and pretty warm. The kids were able to go over to the park across the street and play while the adults visited. After we sent everyone home our little family cleaned up and it felt so grown-up and parent-like to do with just our kids. I am not sure the kids were impressed, but I felt so satisfied.

Mike picked the name Max and Jake asked if the baby could be named after him before we ever found out we were having a boy.

I think Max Jacob Ballard is the perfect name for this boy. I am pleased that Jake would want him to be named after him and pray that this will turn into a commitment between brothers. I can't think of much that would please a momma more than to have 2 boys that honor each others name.

This Max is a sweet blessing to our family. He brings a new dynamic to our home and a softness to our family. It is so sweet to watch as each of the kids and especially his daddy talk with and hold him.

I love to listen to the sweet things they say to him when they don't know anyone is listening.

Jake talks to him about when they go on missions. Gretchen talks to him about everything in her day and the adventures he will have. Gracie makes up poems for him. And he is the first thing Mike checks on when he comes home.

I love being able to enjoy him and know how valuable this time is. I am tickled that I have another chance to enjoy having a baby.

When I held him for the first time I remember feeling like he was picked out special for me by my Granny Donna. I remember feeling like he was delivering a little love note from her to me. I can't share all my feelings because they are so special, but I also know that my Heavenly Father sent him to me as a reminder of His love. I feel that when I hold him.

It is unreal how close to Heaven a baby makes you feel.

A couple of days before the blessing was my Grandpa Virg's funeral. It was good, it was good to hold a baby and see your Grandpa freed from a tired body. It was good to know of Heavenly Father's Plan and to see life full circle. I am so very grateful for the beautiful blessing of this life and the knowledge of the life before and the life after. It is good to have a testimony and appreciate the Plan.

I love my Heavenly Father and I am grateful for this beautiful family of my own. I am so lucky to have Mike as my sweet husband and incredible father to our children. He loves them and even enjoys them. I like to watch him delight in our kids success and struggle to let them have their own experiences.

It is good and hard to be a parent. I am so glad we get to do it again.

Gracie 13yrs 3mos, Jake 10yrs 7mos, Gretchen 8yrs 7mos, Max 3.5mos, Beard 1yr 5mos