Easter is such a special celebration for me!!! For all of us actually! Reading again the story of Christ's crucifixion makes me so grateful that He died so we may live!!!
Our weekend was packed full of fun! The kids had an early dismissal at school on Thursday and I was thankful for their help with cleaning dad's shop and getting our bags packed for the mountains! Thursday was a very busy day for me with many things on my "to do list" and so by evening, I was ready to relax. Mike slipped out for a quick ballgame to coach while the rest of us here at watched more of Jesus life on TV. We are really enjoying watching some 'real life' on the life of Jesus as a little boy and growing up so He can die for our sins!!! We watched "Mary, the mother of Jesus". It was the story of Jesus' life but showed lots of views from his mom, Mary. I can't imagine all the pain and heartaches she went through just watching her son get beaten, spit upon and die! As any mother's heart, I'm sure hers was breaking into many pieces! Then three days later to see her son risen from the dead!!! I would love to read her diary!!! :)
Friday morning. we sat together as a family and read about the crucifixion and terrible death of our Lord! Jesus died willing but not without much pain and grief! He was buried. In the grave for three days and then rose again!!! Oh what rejoicing there must have been for those who believed!!! What confusion there must of been for those only seeing with their eyes and not believing in their heart! The guards, the towns people, the Pharisee's, the governor and many others surely tried to make sense of it all. Even the disciples were not all sure of all the happenings! One thing for sure ... Jesus died and now lives!!!
The kids were eager to get on the road and head north for a quick cabin getaway with my family. We loaded everything up after lunch, dropped Ginger off at Sadie's, and then headed for the mountains. It was a sunny, lovely day and when we arrived ... everyone was there to greet us. Mom and dad had an Easter egg hunt for everyone. The kids got eggs with candy and the couples got a big egg with $$$! Fun! We played lots of games! Dutch Blitz, Kan Jam, kick ball, Frisbee plus took rides on the golf cart and four wheeler. Every day was beautiful giving the men time to work on their food plots. Mike usually likes to ride the tractor and mow dad's huge field. Jason did most of that this time but then suffered from back ache from all the bumping around on his seat. The food was amazing ... especially breakfast. The kids played so well together. Ashlyn and Shakia were good friends and twice got caught before there was trouble. I caught them just getting ready to play with some four wheeler gas. They had spilled a little on their clothes but I put a stop to that! Then Mike caught them with a tube of grease that they thought would make good lotion. A close eye on them was needed but they had a blast. The twins played with the toddlers too. Hadassah and Morgan had fun! Baby Shaelyn did great up there. The boys loved the outdoors and the four wheeler!
(This was Matthew on Thursday at his school Easter celebration!!!)
Taking a ride on the tractor is always fun!!!
Mom and Dad lined up buckets for each of the kids before going on their egg hunt.
She played and played with the corn cobs that were out for the deer.
Hunting for her eggs!!!
Every year, Mom gives Dad a big chocolate bunny because there is not many people I know that like candy and chocolate as much as my dad. Then she gave each of the children chocolates too.
The campfire was going 24/7. I can't wait to have more campfire gatherings around home!
Mindy had a picture on her phone that she took of an 'Easter basket hair braid'. Jody took a look and combed Melanie's hair like it. It looked so cool and cute!
LaVern throwing the boomerang while he gives rides.
We stayed at the cabin till Sunday after breakfast. Then we loaded up again and headed home so we could be on time for another Easter dinner! Mike's mom and dad had the whole family over for nice meal, more eggs and candy and time with cousins and family!
Mike's mom always gets the kids Easter baskets and fills them with candy and accessories. Then she hides them outside and the kids need to find their basket.
We sat and chatted and enjoyed the children till well after dark. They had mom's toys all spread out and everywhere but by the time we were ready to head back home, her house was cleaned up. It's such a blessing to have loved ones and family to share special celebrations with!!!
Sophia and Ashlyn running to find their baskets!!!
It may seem like we think Easter is all about eggs and chocolate. Well, we did have fun with them but really we do know the real meaning!!! We try hard to not let the real meanings of all our celebrations get distracted with other fun! Easter is a wonderful celebration!!! I am thankful for Jesus!!! I am thankful that He died to save me from my sins!!! For the empty tomb! It's only through Him that we can have eternal life in heaven! Praise Him!!!
Happy Easter and celebrate that He is alive!!!
