We had a very busy, but wonderful Easter weekend! Good Friday is always a peculiar feeling day to me. It is the day we recognize Jesus’ death on the cross. The first part of the day is really no different than any other, but I have those thoughts of making sure I’m prepared for the service which is recognition/re-enactment of Jesus’ death. By the evening I’m feeling somber, sorrowful, awe, and thankful that Jesus loved me enough to suffer through such torture and death. David learned about the Easter story at school last week, and we have been talking about it at home too. It is easy to explain the birth of Jesus at Christmas because baby’s being born is something that is fairly familiar and understandable. It is something that is celebrated. However, I find Easter to be much more difficult. As parents we want to shield and protect our children from terrible things.  The torture and death of Jesus is just that, terrible, however much necessary for the salvation of sinners. Plus the resurrection is miraculous! How many people do you know that have risen from the grave?  Even though it may have been difficult for me to talk about to David, he was eager to listen and believe! (I know there is a faith lesson here somewhere!) The resurrection is the whole reason we celebrate Easter.  It takes the faith of a child to believe in such a fairy tale like story.

These pictures were sent to me by our dear nursery workers. Friday evening during the service they were playing dress up, and making food crafts. Emma appears to be eating her craft! 🙂 David had a great time playing swords!

 

My parents were able to come and spend Easter weekend with us! This was so exciting!! I was thrilled to have them come, and the kids loved it! Saturday, while the weather was nice, David and Emma played outside with Papa and Nana.

Emma found a mud puddle in the back yard and started playing in it. It was HILARIOUS!  (I have video of David when he was Emma’s age doing the same thing!) She was stomping in the puddle, feeling of it with her hands, and then shaking them off! David of course was playing in it too! Emma had to have a bath immediately when she was finished! Nana didn’t mind giving her a bath. 😉

 

I made a batch of yeast dough and used half of it to make cinnamon rolls for breakfasts and the other half as yeast rolls for Sunday lunch! We also had ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffed eggs, and angel food cake for Easter lunch. I had never made an angel food cake before, but I have great memories of eating it at church potlucks where either my grandmother or my mom would make it. I have to brag on myself and the recipe I used. My cake turned out every bit as good as what I remembered! 

Andrew made some whipped cream and I made some strawberry glaze to go over the cake! It was heavenly! 🙂 Here is the recipe! Emma enjoyed the strawberries and cream!

 

Everyone has been posting their beautiful, amazingly posed easter pictures on social media. I have to say I’m a bit jealous because all our pictures looked something like this! 🙂

Andrew had a sunrise service, a nine and eleven o’clock. I only had our regular worship service, but for some reason the kids were all tired and cranky by the time we were together to take any pictures!

I did manage to get a decent pose with me, the kids, and dad and mom. My parents are a gorgeous couple!

 

The weather was icky on Sunday, so we had an indoor egg hunt. David hunted eggs while Emma was taking her afternoon nap, and then Emma hunted eggs when she woke up. It was so sweet! David hid the eggs, and we helped her go around and find them. When Emma would spot an egg, she would set her basket down, pick up the egg, and place it in the basket. She would then get so excited about it! Cutie pa-tootie!!!

The kids had a wonderful time hanging out with Papa and Nana!

Emma loves bubbles!! She gets excited, claps her hands, and exclaims “BUBBLES!”. Nana brought Emma bubbles in her easter basket. So we were blowing bubbles indoors yesterday! 

 

I am thankful for Jesus’ death and resurrection. The victory over death, and love we share because of Him. He is Risen!

 

Here is our menu for this week! (Sorry it’s a little late! I was enjoying family fun yesterday!)

Mmm…Delicious! 

Monday: Lunch, We ate out with my parents! Dinner, Pretty Penne Ham Skillet. (This was amazing! A great way to use up some leftover ham too! Here is the recipe!)

Tuesday: Lunch, Penne pasta (left over) Dinner, Cheeseburgers and french fries.

Wednesday: Lunch, Steak Sandwiches and chips. Dinner, Chicken Strips, carrots, and green beans.

(Thursday and Friday we are going out of town.)

Saturday: Lunch, Spaghetti and Meatballs. Dinner, Roast BBQ Chicken, cheesy potatoes, and spinach salad. 

Sunday: Lunch, Pot Roast, carrots, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Dinner: Pizza and salad.