The Ebling family has begun a new journey.  Just four short weeks ago we moved to South Minneapolis into my grandparents’ home.  My great-great-grandfather built the house and it has been in the family ever since.  What a wonderful blessing to able to raise my children in this house, so filled with memories of love and laughter.

One week after arriving in Minneapolis the 4 oldest Little Eblings were enrolled in Concordia Creative Learning Center in St. Paul.  After being homeschooled for three years, it has been a big transition.  Not only have the kids learned to adjust to a new schedule – waking up at 6AM, they have also learned to work side by side with their peers.

Christmas break is upon us.  The kids are excited about their 2 weeks of vacation.  With the snow piling in our yard, it is easy to believe that Christmas is in 5 days.  Our Christmas tree is sitting in the corner of our living room, nearly naked and with a partially lit strand of lights.  With all of the excitement we’ve had over the past five weeks, it is amazing that the tree even made it to the living room.  We have tons of boxes in every empty space, as we try to cram our 3000 square foot house into this 1000 square foot house.  (Where ARE the Christmas ornaments, anyway?)  I tend to wonder if the tree will be decorated in time for Christmas, or if the gifts will just have to sit under our Charlie Brown tree this year.  Our true decorating may have to wait for 2009.

The Little Eblings received another wonderful surprise just this week.

Little Ebling # 8 is due on August 6th.  The news of his or her pending arrival has been very exciting.  The kids have been telling everyone, friends and strangers alike.  It will be a while before the evidence is seen in my waistline, but the anticipation is already overwhelming.

I look forward to sharing out journey with you.  I know that the road may not always be easy, and there will probably be some bumps along the way, but I know that it will all be worth it.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Until next time….

Blessings, Beckie