easter sunday...

This year we decided to {improve upon} our Easter traditions. We started with a family meeting, discussing the meaning of the holiday and what role the "Easter Bunny" plays (none anymore!). The kids received baskets from John and I instead, filled with a few chocolate-filled eggs and some other spiritual goodies: a picture of the Prophet; a Scripture Mastery card & Joseph Smith timeline card; a new CTR ring; lip gloss with uplifting messages for the girls; a "future missionary" pin for Kam; small Primary songbook for Kam; small Hymn book for Keri; small New Era postcards for Kaish; a small Pug stuffed animal for Kennedi. The kids are old enough now, and it's so hard to "deceive" them year after year.

The baskets really turned out cute...

Kaisha's fancy new cursive CTR ring...


After church we enjoyed a delicious dinner: Swiss Steak, creamy mashed potatoes (the secret is a dab of sour cream!), gravy, steamed veggies, soft rolls. I must credit my Mom with this awesome meal! It's one that I grew up enjoying and John and the kids absolutely LOVE it! After the table was clear, the kids got to work coloring eggs. This is another tradition that we have changed up a bit: NO egg hunts!!! Yeah!!! But we can't get away from coloring the eggs...

Of all the holidays, Easter is by far my favorite. A chance to reflect, if only once a year, on the Atonement & Resurrection ~ on the ultimate sacrifice that Christ paid for each of us so that we may return to Him. So much to be grateful for...