Easter 2012

This scrapbooking design customized with Smilebox

We started our Easter Celebrations on Thursday: First we whisked, mixed, refrigerated, rolled, and cut out sugar cookies to be frosted, sprinkled, and tested by the children.  I had planned on delivering cookies to the sisters I visit teach (since I got a new list this month) and also to a few neighbors/friends close by, but surprisingly, many of the families were gone when we came by to deliver!  Unfortunately, those plates of cookies didn't last long in our house.  I guess I better make more.  

On Good Friday, the kids and I crashed the party at South Windsor High School and joined the city in their annual Easter Egg hunt, with complimentary Easter Bunny.  The kids joined hundreds of other kids in their same age group, gathering as many candy filled eggs as their sweet little hands could handle.  The hunt was hosted on the football field at the high school--there were tons of eggs!  

Later that day, Danny came home early so we could go to the park.  Most company's give their employees Good Friday off....Danny wasn't so lucky.  We had fun playing at the park.  Jakob loved it that Daddy could push him really high in the swing (since I lack upper body strength), Molly loved following daddy around, and I loved sitting on the park bench watching Daddy get a workout entertaining the kids.  I especially loved the fact that we live so close to the park!  Jakob and Danny rode their bikes while I pushed Molly in the stroller.  Jakob is an excellent bike rider and is so good to stop at appropriate signs, driveways, sidewalks, intersections, etc.  I don't have to worry about him keeping his head up, or watching for cars, he just does.  I do, however, need to worry that he knows how to ride his bike and  get to the park by himself.  BAD COMBINATION! 

On Saturday our family joined our ward in a Church Building Cleanup, sponsored by the Elders Quorum. It's probably not the smartest idea to choose window washing with the help of two small children:  Jakob tends to spray way too much window solution and Molly just can't resist touching fresh, clean glass.  *Sigh*  Danny was outside most of the time, helping with ground maintenance.  We really enjoyed a lovely service project with our ward.  It is such a good feeling to clean the church, working hard as a family, and giving time and service for a good cause.  

On Sunday, I stressed-out over conducting the choir for our Easter Program.  I stress out every time I have to conduct, but particularly this time around because Easter is one of those big holidays that people look forward to listening to a nice program.  Thank goodness our choir is AMAZING and I can always rely on them to bring the spirit into the meeting. I just wave my arms in the air and cut them off on the right beat, but they do the rest.  I don't think they hear it enough from me, but I appreciate being a choir director.  I've never done it before, and like most people I know who HAVE, I'm learning to love it.  

My good friend from High School and her family moved to CT last summer and were able to spend the Easter Holiday with us.  Unfortunately they will be moving again in June so I won't be seeing much more of them, but it has been nice to meet up with her and see her three cute boys.  I am grateful to have had a close friend nearby.  It can get kind of lonely out here.  

The kids got to go on an egg hunt in the backyard while the men finished up dinner preparations.  We had a lovely dinner of ham, potatoes, a veggie salad, and homemade, whole wheat rolls.  There was plenty of chocolate and candy for dessert.  All five children were exhausted from missed naps and the excitement from day so we cut the night short.  It was a festive Holiday indeed!

I am grateful that I was able to discuss the Easter Holiday with Jakob this year.  Not the bunny and candy and eggs, but the real reason: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We had the opportunity to watch the animated movie "He is Risen" as a family and also discuss the purpose of the Atonement and Resurrection.  I know he didn't understand every single detail, but I could tell by the look in his eyes that he could feel the influence of the spirit to know that what we were telling him was true.  It is through these moments in teaching my children that I feel my Heavenly Father's love for me.  I know that through Christ's example we too can be resurrected and live with our Father in Heaven again someday.  What a glorious reward!  

I hope you all enjoyed your Easter weekend!