Easter 2012

I decided to spend Easter at home in Lineville with my family.  It was a tough decision because I love the Easter services at my church (Trinity) so much.  I was able to attend Trinity's Maundy Thursday service and Friday's Service of Darkness.  These are two of my favorite services, though I found myself not being able to fully get into them.  Some things are just no longer the same.  I'm hoping this is only temporary. 

On Saturday, I made my way home to my parent's house.  I spent some time with my mom, dad, granddad, great aunt and cousin.  Then, the fun started.  I went to a cookout and egg hunt at my sister's church.  Noah gave me a running & jumping hug when I got there and Jonah practically ignored me.  I joined in a game of kickball and was quickly reminded of why I haven't played kickball since 6th grade.  I was very happy when a 5-year old came along to take my place.  No doubt that he played better than me anyway.  The hamburgers and hotdogs were delicious.  I missed most of the egg hunt because I was watching Brandi and another girl, Amanda, practice for their special performance at the Easter church service.  They sang "How Great Thou Art" and it was beautiful.  If you have not had the pleasure of listening to my sister sing, which I'm sure you haven't because she doesn't do it often enough, you are missing out.  Brandi has such a beautiful voice. 

Once we got home, we colored a few Easter eggs then went to bed early so that we could make it to 6 am sunrise service.  Yes, 6 am.  No, the sun is not up at that time.  Here's a few things that Jonah said early that morning:  It's still nighttime; Jack's is open; Easter isn't about hunting, it's about God; We don't even go to Brotherhood this early.  My thoughts exactly, Jonah.  It was a nice sunrise service held outside around the crosses.  Then, we all went inside for breakfast before the 8 am service.  Brandi and Amanda's performance got a standing ovation.  Everyone loved it.  I'm so glad I got to be there for it. 

We made it home before the normal time that we would have even been going to church!  Everyone napped then we headed over to lunch at my parent's.  There was tons of food and more egg hunting.  We even had a little game of egg toss - with cooked eggs.  I would not do that with uncooked eggs with a 9 or 5 year old.  "Toss" is a concept that's lost in them.  Yes, it got a little messy and the adults made us stop.  We continued the fun and egg hunting (not tossing) at the Amason family gathering complete with homemade peach ice cream. 

It was a fabulous Easter weekend with beautiful weather and a loving family.  The Easter Bunny even brought me a coffee mug and some notepads.  The mugs says "When I Get Tired of Shopping, I Stop and Try on Shoes" and the notepads are various sizes/designs with "D" on them.  Thank you Easter Bunny!!