Easter

Easter came with so many expectations this year. We were asked to celebrate more fully more joyfully just more. That is a hard command to check off. I ordered some decorations but not all I had laboriously found. I did make some cards with the kids to share with family and friends. We visited friends after church like we do at Christmas. We went to the temple to celebrate and worship. 

It was lovely. We were invited to go in support of one of John's high school classmates who joined the church. Its always good to be in the temple with friends. The kids did baptisms switching taking care of Jake. That is nice too to know  all is taken care of.

We made Easter cupcakes. Alia insisted we could make them from scratch. She had found a recipe in the cookbook. She was right they were good. She made the coconut frosting before asking how... she added more green than I would have and we all had green teeth for a bit after eating them but they were tasty and fine. We had pizza after the Saturday sessions of conference. I had purchased some special treats for conference: grapes, mandarin oranges, gogurts, robin eggs, jelly beans, chips, peeps, chocolate bunnies. These are not normal purchases but went with the trying to celebrate more the day and event of gathering for conference and celebration of Easter.

Andrea and Marilla found dandelions and used them as face paint. They are a pretty little flower and so fun for little fingers to pick and pick. 

The kids also dyed eggs that were used for Sunday breakfast. 

Grandma Saunders and Alena are the picture of industry always busy in one way or another. They are working on this picture quilt. The treco fabric is nice to quilt but challenging as it snags easily. This bright puprle enlivens the senses. The amount of time put in to hand quilted heirlooms is hardly understood by those who don't participate. 

And we ended the festivities with an Easter play. This was new and a bit challenging and entertaining to say the least. Cousin Natalie is a veteran actress and knows how shows should go. The rest of the cousins not so much. Some were ok with dressing up- thankfully the Christmas costumes worked just fine in this application. Some were more reluctant. And one was downright vibrant. His joy at having a shepherd’s crook was evident and made us smile.

I loved the idea and think it was good to review and think about Easter too. 

Bruce had declared he wanted to be the apostle Peter because he had a sword. There were no swords or ear cutting. Aunt Rachel suggested grandma could teach him as she had cut her brother ear off on accident, as a child. Such witty siblings I have. Alas no swords which was for the best after the enthusiasm for the cane from the littlest apostle. 

We had enjoyed a lovely dinner with over 60 in attendance. We continue to grow in number and that is a blessing. I hope we can each keep choosing to forgive and gather. That becomes harder as more years pass but I hope there is enough good memories to want to come back together. 

These two were enoying grandmas flowering trees. Afton had fashioned a crown for Andrea. 

They hunted eggs thanks to Aunt Mary and went home with bags of candy and full tummies. We received a phone call as we were leaving that a friend needed some help eating soft serve ice cream. We are all about service so we rushed to their house to finish off a very full day with more food. Thankfully ice cream just squishes around what else is in your belly. We are blessed to know Jesus lives, that he suffered and died for us and did indeed conquer all. The great gift of His gospel is peace, hope, and joy. I am thankful for this understanding and faith. Life is so good.