Graduation

We finally did it...and by "we" I mean the whole family! Adam graduated with a Master of Theogical Studies from Lutheran Brethren Seminary yesterday after six years of studying, working, and providing for the family.

Yesterday Caleb said, "You know what today is Mom? Today, we get to eat cake." Later he said, "YAY! Now Daddy can play outside with me all day long!"

We are so proud of you Adam!

Thanks be to God who called us, led us, dragged us, carried us, provided for us, and strengthened us to finish!

Swine Flu

If you are panicking about the Swine Flu in the news...don't! Hannah was singing this song yesterday in the car:

I took Jesus as my sa-ay

You take Him too

I took Jesus as my sa-ay

You take Him too

I took Jesus as my sa-ay

You take Him too

Way beyond the flu.

You wanna hear the song with the correct lyrics?
http://deechurch.homestead.com/dolord.html

Another Exciting Development

We just found out that another Ekelund will be coming in late December. We are very excited. I am nervous, as I am with each pregnancy.



So this is how I told Caleb when he was going to bed on Monday night:

"Caleb. Caleb! Guess what?"
"What, Mom?"
"There's a baby in my belly."
"What?"
"There's a baby in my belly."
"Wait, what?"
"Are you excited or what?"
(talking to my belly) "You are going to like your younger brother (he meant Timothy). He is going to hit you a lot, but you just have to run away."

Caleb has such a sensitive spirit. He's my lovebug.

I took the pregnancy test a bit early. I first thought it was negative, but after the three minutes you are supposed to wait (I never wait), there was the faintest of faint lines. I tried taking a picture, but it was just too light. I showed Adam and he said, "Are you kidding me? If I didn't have my glasses on, I would say it wasn't there." As it was, I had to turn the test at an angle to see anything. I thought I might be imagining things because I wanted another babe so badly. So, I waited a couple days and took another test. It was faint, but more visible. I called the doctor's office to make an OB appt, and the nurse suggested that I get a blood draw on Tuesday and another today to see if the hCG levels doubled as they should. I got the results and everything looks good at this very early stage.

To Him be all the glory!
2 Corinthians 4:7

Our New (?) House

Almost six years ago when we were driving around town looking for houses, our real estate agent, Scott Norton, said, "I have the perfect house for you. You are going to love it!" As we drove up, Adam and I shuddered at the color...knowing we were "house hunting virgins," Scott said, "Paint can be changed. Let's look inside. Just give it a chance." We did and we loved it.

Last year we realized that the house really needed a paint job. Knowing we couldn't (and didn't want to) do it on our own with three little ones, we saved up and this year we finally got it painted. Please ignore the crumbling front steps...that is next year's tax refund.

Six years and three kids later, we are still in love with our house. Thank you, Lord!

Resurrection Day

He is Risen!

I have always loved Easter. Not just because it issues in springtime and we get to dress up, but because it is such a day of hope and promise for me as a believer in Jesus. He conquered the grave. So, if we believe in Him we spend eternity in His presence!

One of the songs the Bethel Worship team sang was "Resurrection Day" by Matt Maher

It's the weight of your glory
Brings the proud to their knees
And the light of revelation
Lets the blind man see
It's the power of the cross
Breaks away death's embrace
And we celebrate our freedom
Dancing on an empty grave

The sermon was also powerful. I always wonder how the pastor will make the Good News new and fresh each year, but I wasn't disappointed. The gospel message is living and dynamic because He is living!

Caleb & Zeke in matching suits next to the Children's Sermon illustration

Happy 3rd Birthday!

It's Hannah Banana's 3rd Birthday!
We had a party with some friends last Saturday. I can't believe how big my girl is! Love you Hannah Joy!

Awesome Aphorism

Caleb just came in from outside and said, "Mom! The birds were, like, singing, and the ducks were quacking. It was the best music EVER!"

Couple Cute Quotes

1-15-09: Timothy was acting crazy, and Caleb said, "He's gone cereal boxes."

2-6-09: I was cutting up a banana for Timothy, and I asked Hannah if she wanted a banana for dinner. She said, "I am not a monkey."

Hannah's First Swimming Lesson

Today, Hannah had her first swimming lesson with Inga at the Y. Inga is the same teacher that Caleb had. I hope she never retires.

My little Big Girl. Tawnee, do you remember this bathing suit?

Banner Day

Well, today was finally the official day that Hannah will no longer need to wear diapers! YES!!! She has passed all the tests (i.e. multiple peeps and poops in the potty, staying dry while out doing errands, and staying dry all night)! Here she is holding a special treat her daddy brought home for his big girl!

Does anybody need Dora Pull-Ups?