First Day of School 2009 and Happy Birthday Jesse!

Today was a big day in the Ekblad house. We celebrated Jesse's birthday and our first day of the 2009/2010 school year! Thank goodness daddy was home from work to help with the schooling in the morning. There were a few glitches but I think they're all worked out now (I'm dreaming, OK?). During morning prayer Jesse said "for Brandon to have a good last year of homeschooling" and I nearly cried. I hadn't even thought of that. I cannot believe he's in 12th grade!!! Oh my! That time really flew. Next is Hannah entering 7th grade, Owen is in 6th grade, Katie is in 4th grade, Jackson is in 1st grade, Sam is still pre school, Mary is also a preschooler but don't tell her that because she thinks she's in
1st grade (and she wants to get her ears pierced too, LOL). Cecilia is just the trouble maker of the school and is in the Principal's office quite frequently.

We went to Greenfield Village this afternoon and had a nice time. Hannah and Owen had cross country so Jesse and I went out for a quick bite to eat before getting home for cake. It's been a loooooooong day but I hope a good one for Jesse. He deserves it!!

God Bless!

She's a Walker!

Cecilia took her first real steps in South Haven last Friday but resisted being on video walking. I kept saying I wanted to video tape her walking before she started running. Now she's a darn good walker. We're so proud of her. She's one of the youngest walkers we've had. Usually our kids are closer to 15 months before they walk. Good work Cecilia Ruth!!

The Baby Dance

Finally, after nearly 23 weeks of pregnancy I feel the baby dance. I felt occasionally movement before, of course, but nothing consist ant. Every night when I lay down to sleep the baby dances. Since I'm pretty busy at most other times of the day I rarely feel the movements. But at night I feel her rhythm and thank God for the life that she has. Those of you that know me know that I am not the biggest fan of pregnancy. The first trimester generally does me in with morning sickness and exhaustion. The second and third trimesters have their share of issues like hernia, back ache, leg cramps, and other joys. I have prayed my way through each pregnancy with the end goal being "labor day". In the past year after losing two babies to miscarriage and the uncertainty of this pregnancy I have learned to appreciate each day our baby lives as a gift from God. I'm happy to spend a half hour or more each night communicating with a dancing baby. All of my anxiety about money, schooling, and all the rest of the chaos melts away. I wonder what I've missed these last 8 pregnancies rushing along waiting for labor day. God is so good to teach me patience in this way. I'm kind of a slow learner, it has taken me nine kids to figure all of this out ;) Oh well - God didn't give up on me and that's the important thing!

The Feast of St. Augustine

Today's SaintSt. Augustine
August 28th, 2009 by Jeanne M. Guerin Print This Article ·ShareThis

A Wayward Son Returns Home

He was deluded by paganism and lived a sinful lifestyle! Yet he became one of the greatest thinkers in Western history, and more importantly, a saint. St. Augustine (354-430) was a brilliant scholar and teacher even as a young man, but he was led astray by the false charms of a wayward life. He lived with a mistress and fathered a child out of wedlock, and deeply resented the prayers his mother, St. Monica, offered on his behalf.

Knowing that his mother wanted to accompany him when he moved to Rome, Augustine slipped away (telling her he was going down to the docks to send off a friend, when in fact he, himself, was departing). Heartbroken, Monica followed him to Rome and then to Milan, where she was encouraged to persevere in her prayers by the great bishop, St. Ambrose.

Ambrose’s own spiritual and intellectual integrity prompted Augustine to re-examine his own beliefs, and during the spiritual crisis which resulted, Augustine heard a voice telling him to "take and read" the Bible. When he did so, he opened by chance to St. Paul’s statement that "the night is far spent, and the day draws near … therefore, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh" (Rom 13:12-14).

Upon reading this passage, Augustine finally experienced a sense of true peace and enlightenment, leading to a profound conversion. He was baptized a Christian on Easter, 387, and he and St. Monica rejoiced together in the short time remaining before her death.

Augustine returned to North Africa and was ordained a priest; in 396 was chosen as Bishop of the city of Hippo. He was a very successful pastor and an even greater theologian, playing a major role in overcoming the heresies of Donatism (an excessively harsh understanding of Christianity) and Pelagianism (the false belief that humans can save themselves without the help of God’s grace). He helped develop the Church’s teachings on grace, original sin, and the Holy Trinity. He is a Doctor of the Church. His autobiography, the Confessions is beloved by many, and his life is an inspiration to all who seek the merciful forgiveness of God.

From www.catholicexchange.com

Going to the "mountain"

Mary loves the "mountain" (fountain) in our neighborhood. Hannah, in all her sweetness, is sure to provide each little one with at least one penny to throw in every time they go. Brandon, Hannah, and Owen frequently walk the little girls (and sometimes the little boys) up to fountain and give me a much needed 15 minute "break" to do some things around the house.

Blood Money

Fun in the Sun (and the rain, wind, and cold)

We had a fabulous week in South Haven, MI Thanks to the generosity of my parents we were able to stay in a house on the beach and enjoy a week away. The first few days were hot and perfect for hanging out in the sand and water. The next few days were windy, a bit rainy, but still good enough for us to enjoy some fun outside. On Friday we went to the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, MI. That was a ton of fun (especially for the youngest kids). What a blessing this week was for me. I was able to spend one on one time with each of my kids. I went shopping and to the coffee shop with Hannah, shopping and donuts (and fudge) with Owen, shopping and donuts (and fudge) with Katie, more shopping and donuts and fudge with Jackson and Sammy, a bookstore, ice cream, and coffee with Mary (she had the ice cream I had the coffee ;) ), and shopping and a coffee shop with Brandon. Cecilia gets lots and LOTS of one on one time with me in general so she opted out of the shopping this time :) I got lots of great time with my kids, saw the inside of the shops in South Haven about 10 times, and ate some yummy donuts too! Jesse was able to take the kids to see Up. He and Brandon hadn't seen it yet and they all enjoyed the popcorn.

We attended Mass at St. Basil Catholic Church where they were EXTREMELY friendly (and accommodating to those of us with crying babies who had to sit in the basement). There was a sound system in the basement and they came to get me for Communion. God bless them!

A highlight in the middle of the week is when my best friend, Colleen, and her kids came for a visit. What a long haul for the girls (15, 10, 4) and the baby (5 months) to make but it was such a fun time (for me :) ). And she brought treats from home (Trader Joe's treats, of course) so what more could I ask for? I am so blessed to have friends that are willing to travel across the state for one day to visit me :)

One day we played mini golf and went go karting at Craig's Cruisers in Holland, MI. Sam got a hole in one and was VERY proud of himself (OK, grandpa helped a little bit but still...). Mostly they loved the Go Karts!! Oh my goodness! Sam was so excited about those and wants to do it again and again!!

We also made our annuel trip to Sherman's for ice cream. That is always a treat and, as you can see, the "baby" cones are HUGE!

I was extremely disappointed in the apparel (or lack there of) that the women and girls on the beach were wearing. Perhaps this article should have been printed out and given to them prior to their arrival. That was definitely the worst part of the trip. Seeing how these women and girls dressed was a real wake up call to what the "real world" is like. I'll stay in my world, thank you very much. I wouldn't want *that* to become my normal.

I also desperately missed my Catholic Radio!! Waking up to Teresa Tomeo and ending the day with Al Kresta and Catholic Answers definitely gives me the shot in the arm I need to get through life and stay on God's side (or try anyway).

So, thank you to my mom and dad who provided my kids (and Jesse and I) with a vacation and memories that will last a lifetime. Seeing my dad play marbles on the floor with my kids and watching my mom on the deck talking with Mary is a memory that will not soon fade from my mind. Those moments cannot be planned but can only happen if the opportunity is given. So, thanks be to God for that opportunity! I wouldn't have missed it for the world!!

The Jingle Bell Reveals Her True Self

It's official - we thought she was a boy (I really thought she was a boy and at the first u/s the doctor did too) but we had our "big" (with the fancy machines and all) ultra sound today. She is definately a she :) We are beyond thrilled either way. The baby is healthy and doing great!! Only 20 more weeks to go. The kids found out the baby's gender via a cake I baked this afternoon. Everyone is happy to have a healthy baby on her way for Christmas!

Cecilia's One Year Pictures (on her 13 month birthday)

I took Cecilia for her pictures a few weeks ago but that did not turn out well (LOTS of crying). So my mom, dad, Hannah, and Owen took her this morning. They had to work (and sweat) but they got a few keepers. I thought they did a great job! What a cutie!!

Those Were The Days

Thanks, Mike, for sending these pictures today! It totally made my day! Look at all those cuties. We have since added three members to our family with one on the way. The Denja's have added two members to their family.

Above: Katie, Carmen and a friend that has moved, Nora.
Below: Katie and Carmen on the Fourth of July.


Above: Katie and Carmen at Sesame Street Live.
Below: Jackson and Isabel at Greenfield Village.


Above: Brandon, Owen, Hannah at Greenfield Village.
Below: Hannah, Maria, Carmen, and Katie at Greenfield Village.


Above: Owen with the turtle he found at the pond.
Below: Brandon at Greenfield Village.

Below: Jackson and Isabel. What a couple of cuties!
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