The Joy of Easter

I realize these posts are out of order... but bear with me we have had a lot going on! I did not want Easter to pass without recording it here.

I love Easter. I was born on Easter (32 years ago) and I always think that time of year is blessed and peaceful (even in the midst of difficult circumstances). Every year Easter reminds us of so many important things and I want to make sure that I am teaching these important things to my children.

Easter Teaches Us That...

~No matter how long, hard, and cold the winter,
spring and new life will always follow.

~Even though many things can look dead and beyond revival,
come spring they will bloom again.

~Chocolate and jelly beans can soothe many woes.

~ Miracles did and do happen.

~ Sunday always follows Friday.
It can look like darkness has won,
but behold Sunday is coming.

and most importantly

~God keeps his promises.
He does what he says he will do.
Even if circumstances look bleak-
He will never fail to fulfill his promises.

Here is how we spent or beautiful and sunny Easter...

At the park for playing and pictures.

Having an annual Easter Egg Hunt at my parents house.

To try and keep the focus on the real reason for Easter we celebrate in other ways too...

We use Resurrection Eggs as a countdown and teaching tool. You can make them with these instructions (there are a ton of options online for making them - this is just one) or buy them here.

We read many books about Easter and what it really means.

We display this crown of thorns on our dining room table. I tear up every year when I get it out.

And, we make Resurrections Rolls.

I would love to hear any other ideas!

A Beach Party

Last week (just five days after we moved back!) we went on an annual beach weekend with friends from church.

John and I are so thankful to be surrounded by such great friends and 4 days at the beach was just what we needed after moving and all the stress that came with it. I don't think sitting in a hot tub, reading on the sand, and watching countless movies in the media room has ever felt better or more relaxing!

Above are the pictures of the group right before dinner on Saturday night.

And, We're Back!

Have you heard? It's true... we moved back to the Triad.

After four long months and some weird circumstances we are overjoyed to get to move back into our house.

Even though the house had been on the market- it had not sold - and we could not be happier.

John started a new job on Monday. Ethan went back into the 1st grade class he left in December. The twins and I went back to what Ethan calls "the normal life".

Right now we are just thankful that moving did not work out- we feel like we are right where we are supposed to be.

Here are a couple things we are particularly thankful for...

First, of all we are thankful to have our own house back. Moving back in was a breeze.
(Thanks for all the help, friends and family).

We are thankful for a nice big back yard and a swing set.
The kids missed both while we were away.

We are thankful for a long flat driveway and suburbia.
It makes bike riding, basketball, and hopscotch so much easier.

We are thankful for renovations- which we thought would sell our house - that are now blessing us. Above is our bedroom pained Svelte Sage. Love that color. Love enjoying it myself.

We are thankful for a brand new master bath. Renovated before we moved. Even though it's hard to see we gutted our old master bath and redid it all... flooring, light fixtures, shower and shower door, built in shelves to the right of the vanity, and (my favorite part) new granite counter tops in "Rainforest".

We are thankful to have our enormous laundry room back.
( I was going to clean it up for the picture - but then I thought- what's the point? This is how my laundry room looks everyday.)

Thankful to have our eat in kitchen with white plates on the wall. Thankful that we also have a separate dining room.

But, mostly we are thankful to be back closer to our family and closer to our friends. And, right in time for pool season and Friday Night pizza parties!

I am Tired of Birthday Cake!

After an eventful day of hiking we came home and celebrated the old fashioned way... grilling out and cake. Earlier in the week I asked the twins what kind of cake they wanted- and neither of them wanted cake! After a couple different cakes to celebrate Ethan and to take to Great Wolf Lodge- they requested something else altogether.

Isaac wanted a cookie cake.

Olivia has an ice cream cake.

Both were enjoyed by all.

Happy Birthday, twins.

Linville Falls

After hiking at Grandfather Mountain the family headed over to Linville Falls.
Linville Falls is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen in nature.

Tow very tired boys with my dad.
Isaac and Ethan had to be carried part of the way up the steepest incline.

The Hoots Family.
With 1 seven year old and 2 four year olds.