A Year of Headers

As 2011 comes to a close (way too quickly, I might add) I thought it would be fun to look back at the headers from the year. I hadn't done headers in years past and have enjoyed putting them together each month this year.

And To All A Good Night....

7 kids sleeping, 3 bigs still awake. Christmas came and went. Josie is sound asleep in the sling. I can feel her breathing and it brings me great joy. Today I want to remember forever. Today we had all of our children with us. There were surprises under the tree....

Gifts from siblings made with love.....

And this webkinz for Cecilia bought by Jackson with birthday money (he bought one for Mary and Clare too).....

Bunny slippers hung in the tree waiting for three happy little girls......

And the reason for the day - Jesus. Upon seeing Jesus in the Nativity this morning Sam declared "Hey guys, Jesus showed up". Yes, He sure did. He always does, doesn't He? No matter where we are in our lives, no matter our pain, our sorrow, or our joy. All that matters to Him is us. He loves us that much. He loves us enough to "show up". Do we do the same? That's the question I've pondered tonight as things wound down. Do I love Him enough to show up? Some days I try. Others I just say I try but I don't. Jesus invites us to show up. As this year ends and a new one begins I hope to show up more often.

And below is maybe my favorite picture ever. My dad's surprise gift for my mom. There's a moment I wish I could freeze in my mind forever. After more than 40 years of marriage there are still surprises. What an inspiration!

I am beyond blessed on this day and everyday. My prayer is that I won't soon forget that.

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God Hero, Father Forever, Prince of Peace." Isiah 9:1,5

Merry Christmas Eve!

We had a nice Mass and dinner after at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  We have the tradition of getting new Christmas pj's, an ornament, and a book on Christmas Eve.  Now (most) kids are tucked into bed and Santa has some work to do.  Merry Christmas!

Twas Two Days Before Christmas

Two days before Christmas and still lots to do

Finishing the Jesse Tree......

Silly pictures to help pass the time.....

Christmas cards coming in help bring cheer to our home....

And a fun, new (FREE for today) App on the Kindle Fire

We're trying something different this year and having chicken pot pie and lasagna (among other fun treats) for Christmas Eve dinner. Jesse and I just finished them and some cookies are baking too. Last minute cleaning, everyday laundry, fun, and family (and today is our niece's 9th birthday too!!). It's hard to believe that Christmas is nearly here!! I hope you are all finding peace and joy in this time that can be hectic!! Merry Christmas (and, yes, my cards are still sitting here in a pile next to my computer.

The Ekblad Year In Review

God bless you if you aren't my parents and you watch this ;)  It's long but I just can't resist the digital "photo albums" set to music.  Merry Christmas everyone (and most of my cards are sitting on my counter still...shame on me!)

Happy 2nd Birthday Clare Pia Grace!!

After an eventful pregnancy where I was told I had a more than 90% chance of miscarriage before 20 weeks gestation we were blessed to welcome Clare into this world on December 21, 2009. She is such a blessing to our family and I thank God everyday for allowing us to have her in our lives.

Here she is last year with her birthday sign....

And here she is today. We celebrated (so far) with a visit to the Henry Ford and a chat with Santa. We ate lunch at Buddy's pizza (she requested pizza for lunch) and will do cupcakes (pink ones) and presents tonight. For now she's singing "Happy Birthday to Coffee" over and over again....I do have to fight with her over my morning cup of coffee. Maybe she's hoping for a Starbuck's gift card?