Happy Easter!

He is Risen!

While I am waiting for dinner to cook and for Joel to fall asleep, I thought I would share some of our Easter pictures with you.

We used a new technique to color our eggs this year (actually, I think we do something new every year), and they turned out pretty well. The dye was contained in a q-tip and you got to paint it on. Both of the boys (and I) really got into it.

After the eggs, we made resurrection cookies. In case you aren't familiar with those, as you make them, you tell the story of the crucifixion. Then you leave them in the oven (preheated and turned off after you put the cookies in) overnight, like Jesus was placed in the tomb. In the morning the cookies are supposed to be cracked and hollow, like the tomb was on that first Easter! Ours weren't cracked today, but they were hollow. This is an improvement over last year. I am hoping that they boys won't remember the outcome of these first few tries, and that next year I will get it right. ;)

This morning we got up early and went to church. (We normally go to the 11:30 service and today we went to the 8:30 service. ) We all had a great time of learning and worship. Joel didn't like his new class at first, but we are told that he was fine after we left.

After church we got some donuts to bring home for a mid-morning snack. We also stopped at Lowe's and got some flowers to plant. We ate the donuts, planted the flowers, got some food cooking, and hunted eggs!

The boys really enjoyed both hunting and hiding eggs. They also both liked to point out where they had hidden the eggs to the person who was hunting. So, they may not have the concept down completely, but they had a lot of fun.

Evan couldn't help but point out the eggs hidden in the kitchen set.

Joel was excited that Dad found his hidden eggs.

Right now they are all outside playing again. (That means that Joel did not fall asleep.) In a little while we will eat, and then we will spend some more time reflecting on the amazing reason for this most special of holidays. How unfathomable that God would love us enough to become a man, suffer a cruel death, and raise Himself from death - all so that we would not receive the punishment that we deserve! While we enjoy the eggs, the special meal, and the new clothes we don't want to ever lose focus on the wonderful love and amazing power of Christ! We pray that you experience this love and power in your lives as well.

He is Risen, indeed!