Mother Inspired Gratitude

As I've mentioned in previous blogs I have a bit of a complex when it comes to being a mom.  I worry that I'm not doing it "right" or doing enough or I'm doing too much.  Am I too invested in my kids and not enough in my marriage?  How does one mother parent 10 children of various needs, temperaments, and ages?  Throw homeschooling into the mix and I spend many nights laying awake thinking "God, really?  Are you sure about this??".  While I've had this blog for 4 plus years now I haven't really been a "blog reader" for that long.  Sure, I glanced at a few blogs now and again but I didn't have a "reading list" nor did I subscribe to blogs.  In the last few months I have started doing that, however.  Each morning when I wake up I say my morning prayer and then read a blog or two before starting my day with the kids.  I find the combination of God's Word and these blogs incredibly inspiring.  Some days I read about a mother's "morning routine" consisting of simple, natural bathing products, dressing in casual and modest clothing or I will see what a friend has knitted.  I read about natural cleaning products, a new story book, menu planning, or just see what other moms do in the day.  The photographs are generally simple but beautiful.  The reminder to be grateful is strong.  I find that when I take those few minutes to read (and to NOT stray to Facebook...not that I do that or anything....) the mother's continue to inspire me throughout my morning and often through out the rest of my day.  It's a vast difference between those blogs and what I used to do in the morning - watch or read the news.  I found it hard to stay positive and motivated when I saw so much devastation in the world.  I signed off from that life a long time ago and I never looked back.  It was a hard break but it had to be done.  I was taking in so much negativity that I could barely focus on what was right in front of my face - beauty.  I still get down, don't get me wrong.  If you know me you know that I struggle with very real and difficult and heartbreaking issues almost every day.  I pray fervently for all those suffering in our city, state, country, and world.  I pray for God to reveal to me in one way or another those issues that He wishes to put on my heart.  The rest I just pray a general prayer for.  And for all of you blogging mothers (and fathers and priests) I am eternally grateful.  This road I'm on is uncharted territory for me and your inspiration gets me through the rough spots.  You can find many of the blogs I read on my "blog roll" on the sidebar of this blog.  I have recently discovered some more that I love and I will be adding them as well.

And just because I didn't want to post a blog with no picture - he's Clare laughing it up with Hannah and Owen.

Summertime is for Family

Yahoo!!  It's summer (unofficially....).  I have missed our outdoor day trips as a family very much.  We did a few museums this winter but I love getting everyone outside.  As the kids get older and are more involved in things I find that I am super protective of things like holidays.  When Jesse has a day off we are going to spend that day as a family.  Today we made our first spring trip to Greenfield Village.  We usually go at least once before this in the spring but we just haven't had great weather or the opportunity.  It was hot and crowded but wonderful!  We ran into family and friends which made the trip even more special.  And there was a lamb born just a few hours earlier for us to see!! We missed Brandon, of course, but since I got to see him this weekend I was still on my "mom high" from that :)  Welcome summer!!  And THANK YOU Veterans!!

Gratitude Sunday

A safe trip, time with Brandon, Sunday Mass, coffee treats, yummy meals, healthy kids, helpful parents,

the "oreo cows" have returned (they live on the field by our church), bleeding heart flowers,  holiday weekend (thank you Vets!), another theater "tech week", cool breezes, sunshine, it's almost bedtime.....

A Quick Trip

Bright and early this morning Jesse, Clare, and I headed out on our way to visit Brandon.  The trip was smooth and uneventful (thanks for all the prayers!!).  When we arrived Clare was pleased to see Brandon.  I must say I was worried that she wouldn't remember him and would reject him.  She didn't do that, however, and let him hold her right away.  That warmed my heart for sure.  We headed out to run some errands that Brandon needed done (hair cut, grocery store, and we had a nice lunch out).  Then we cooked some dinner and headed to campus for a short walk and some playtime (for Clare) at the fountain.  Tomorrow we will head to Mass, grab some lunch, and head back to the other 7 children that my parents graciously watched for us so we could have this quick trip.  It's so interesting (and a tad unnerving) to watch our children grow up and become independent.  Their safety is always at the front of my brain whether they are still in the womb or are approaching the age of 20.  As I approach the delivery of baby Ekblad number 10, I hold my breath waiting for it to be over.  Not the pain of the labor or the seemingly endless last weeks before that to be over but to see the baby alive, breathing, and safe in my arms.  And I also hold my breath as my other children grow and change and prepare to leave the nest that we have created here.  I try to remember that they always have and always will be in God's hands.  A mother can love, nourish, and pray for her children but they do not really belong to her.  I find comfort in that and know that no matter where I am and no matter where they are that God is in control.  (I must say that I really, really wish God would encourage Brandon to clean his room :) ).  Thanks for all the prayers for a safe trip.  Continued prayers are appreciated as we come home tomorrow.

Today Around the House

Well, remind me of the great silence that the naps of three very tired little girls brought me tonight at 10pm when they are all still awake. 

Today it rained - big surprise - but at least we don't have to deal with tornadoes or flooding. Just rain.

 We had pancakes for lunch and homemade popsicles for a treat.  They were a big hit!

 We managed a few minutes of outside time before the rain hit.

 Here's my pretty, new ipod case ( a deal at $2 on Amazon!!)  It's pink and flowery and Cecilia just loves it!

Lego men invaded my kitchen as I did the lunchtime dishes.  I couldn't decide if I felt threatened or safe ;)

Tuesday Tales

Today the sunshine had just too much appeal.  It was calling us to the park.  I abandoned the morning chores (that won't get done this afternoon because my "shut off" time is 1pm these days) and headed off to the park with friends.  It was the perfect weather and a fabulous time.  I got to see friends I haven't seen in way.too.long.  The kids had a great time.  I'm tired (from sitting, I guess, since the big kids did all the real work) and the little kids aren't tired at all....but I'm looking forward to more mornings like this.  The laundry and dirty dishes will always be there.  The sunshine is only around a few months out of the year.

Jesse brought me flowers yesterday for no apparent reason. That was an a nice ending to a mundane Monday.

And our "summer reading" program is under way.  We have thousands of books (and no, I'm not kidding) so no trip to the library required.  We have a check box for readers and I do reward with an ice cream cone at the end of each month of reading.  Really it's a reward for me.  The kids are quiet, they read, and I get ice cream.  It doesn't get much better than that :)

And now I'm off to change the little girl's clothes. They love that water table but are always surprised when they get wet....

Gratitude Sunday

Sunshine, warmth, time to play outside, weekends, school's out, successful theater performances,
Iced tea, cool breezes, family Mass, forgiveness, hope, healing, friends, family,
Bubbles floating in the air, board games, healthy kids, healthy family, and so.much.more!

Today Around the House

We're off to see the Wizard - Katie's show The Wizard of Oz at the Village Theater opens tonight!!  We're all anxious to see it!!

School is OUT.  We still have some end of year testing to finish up but the books are being put away for next year!!  Thanks be to God for a productive year!

Hannah's violin playing is coming along beautifully.  I love the sound of the violin filling the house every morning.

Clare spends a good 30 minutes in the bathroom brushing her teeth.  She switches between three different tooth brushes and has a grand time.

Hannah and I had a fabulous time ordering some new Dr. Bronnor's Castile soap.  It arrived today and the possibilities are endless :)

The baby is growing nicely (and so is my huge belly).  Soon I won't be able to see the various little people who stand at my feet demanding things.