Easter 2012

I've been so busy I haven't had two seconds to check in and post.  I've been prepping for Boogie's birthday party. This is the first year that we have decided to do a separate "friend" party and I've been working hard on that. I will write more about that on another post and sharing my crafty side.

First, I have to write and share pictures from Easter.  He is Risen!  Alleluia, Alleluia!

As I've posted before, the kids have become very involved in Lent this year. They willingly gave up television and video games all through Lent and meat on Fridays.  I have to say we haven't missed television. Even though we can go back to watching it, the kids haven't asked for it, and I'm finding that I am getting more done because I'm not turning it on to "relax." It's been good.

Easter was a little chillier than I would have liked, but still sunny and bright.  We picked up my Filipino relatives and headed to Church a little earlier than usual so that we could be sure to sit together. With it being Easter, it was suggested we arrive earlier because of the expected number of people attending Church.  However, I found that it did not seem as crowded. Hubby reminded me that we were sitting this year and not standing in the back...maybe that was it. And when you fill an entire pew with just your family, you get a little more wiggle room.  My parents joined us this year and it was really, really nice to attend Church with them. We attend different churches and don't often get to sit through a service with them. I liked that they were there and the kids loved being with Lolo and Lola. I hope we can make this an annual occurrence.

We finished church with an Easter egg "hunt" for the kids.  The Knights of Columbus put this on every year and they continue to do a fantastic job organizing it.  This year Boogs actually came home with candy. Last year an older kid snookered him and traded Boogie pencils for his candy. No candy for him last year...not that it was an entirely bad thing...

I love Easter. I love the promises it holds and the promises of new life. I love the hope it brings and how it strengthens my faith. It is a wonderful time and I am blessed to be able to spend it with my immediate and extended family.

To each of you I wish you blessings of new hope, eternal life, and new beginnings. Happy Easter!

1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... (NIV)