Happy Happy Easter

Easter Weekend

Mimi at the egg hunt in the park.

Easter weekend (last week) was relaxed and fun. On Saturday morning, we went to the park for the city egg hunt, which was well-organized and fun for my kids. There were different "hunting grounds" partitioned off by age, so I didn't see too much of Max & Sis wildly scavenging for eggs. Mike went with Isabelle & I supervised Mimi. Max went off by himself, which I am still becoming accustomed to. It feels so strange--and liberating!--to have a kid old enough to self-supervise. I had the camera, so most photos are of Mimi. She was so cute!

She threw herself wholly into it, running and darting for eggs.


Here is Isabelle, at the end of her hunt.


I was curious to see if Max, being the ripe old age of 9, would get into it or if this year he would hang back and try to play it cool. It made me smile to see him run around full-throttle, gathering eggs. There is some little boy left in him yet, it seems. Phew!


I gathered them for a picture, during which time Sis tried to snatch a smooch from Max. Typical brother smooch-reflex here.


That evening we dyed eggs. I got a kick out of these pudgy little fingers.


Mimi, waiting for her pink egg to turn "pink enough." She kept checking it and then proclaiming, "It's not pink enough yet!" It was fuschia. But apparantly not pink enough.


Saturday night we watched a movie about the last days and resurrection of Christ, which was the perfect ending to our day. I love our cozy FHE movie nights; I really feel the Spirit strongly with us when the kids are all nested up on the couch and so willing to learn about the gospel. They are much more quiet and attentive during these times than they are when I'm giving a lesson. I am always a little surprised at how powerfully visual media delivers a message. My kids really soak up the church dvd's, paying close attention while we watch and asking questions for days afterwards, at random times.

Sunday morning they found their baskets from The Bunny and we had plenty of time to get ready for church--one of the perks of 1pm church! It was relaxing to have time to enjoy Easter morning together and not be in a rush. Mimi was irked at the Bunny for not bringing a basket for Lima Bean. Oops.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Tonight with the kids we watched the dvd "To This End Was I Born," and I was surprised by how closely they paid attention. The movie portrays the final hours of Jesus' mortal life. It also portrays His ministry in the spirit world and His Resurrection. Mike stopped the movie intermittently to explain the doctrine, what exactly Christ was undergoing and why--and I was surprised by my kids: Max knew the story precisely, Isabelle asked deep questions and Mimi was quiet and riveted.

As the movie depicted The Last Supper, Mimi said, "I just love Jesus. I love Jesus so much." My heart just warmed! What a sweet baby girl. And I am always in awe of the depth of Max's understanding. Isabelle's furrowed brow, deep in concentration, made me happy to see that she is soaking up the gospel and wanting to learn. She doesn't feel very well tonight, so she was a little subdued. But I could see that she was struck by the enormity of the Easter story.

I have such a strong testimony of this gospel and the plan of salvation. I know that the Savior came to Earth to live and die for us, so that we may find our way back to our Father in Heaven. I am thankful for His atoning sacrifice. I am overwhelmed this week with gratitude that He would suffer for me, so that I can someday be made whole--in spirit and in body. My heart has been full this week as I have been thinking of Easter and why we celebrate. What a reason for celebration! I often wonder about Celestial celebrations, and what it must be like on the other side of the veil during these holy occasions.

I have had a few experiences where I have felt very close to the veil, and I would like to challenge myself to more consistently pursue the Spirit so I can be worthy of that closeness to the Savior that I've felt at other times in my life.


Excerpt of talk given by Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (his final testimony), delivered Saturday April 6, 1985.
Film: "To This End Was I Born."
youtube clip found here.






Music from the cd "The Missionary Project"
youtube clip found here