Easter Weekend ~ 2009

It's been a busy, but wonderful Easter weekend.

Good Friday

I saw an ad for an event at Jumpin' Jungle (one of those indoor jump places, like Pump It Up). For only $8 your child got 1 hour of jumping, a snack and drink, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt! I couldn't pass up that opportunity, so Elise and I went in the morning while Jamie went in search of a book he needs for his last class in his masters degree program. He didn't find his book and ended up having to order it on amazon, but Elise and I had a great time.











Jamie surprised us at lunchtime with shrimp from Red Lobster for him to share with Elise and La Madeline's tomato soup and ceasar salad for me! It was a great treat, since I almost never eat at La Madeline anymore, because I am the only one in our house that likes it. Thank you, my love! :)

We took our bluebonnet pictures, and then Elise spent a lot of time playing outside. We came inside, got cleaned up, ate dinner, and went with my parents to see our church's Easter production, Journey To The Cross. It's important to me that Elise understands what Easter means. I think it can be easily overshadowed by the bunny, egg hunts, and other festivities. I want her to enjoy those things too, so it's a tough balance. Hopefully we did a good job striking the balance this year.

I have to add a tidbit about a phone conversation Elise had with Great Grandmother. She mailed some Easter gifts for Elise, so we called to thank her. Elise got on the phone and said, "Thank you for my presents. I hope you send some more soon." Then she proceeded to sing Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. I guess we need to work on our thank yous a bit, as well as review our holidays again! LOL

Saturday

We colored our Easter eggs! :)











The rest of the day was spent just relaxing as a family, which was wonderful!

Easter Sunday

Luke 24:1-7
(1)It was very early in the morning on the first day of the week. The women took the spices they had prepared. Then they went to the tomb. (2) They found the stone rolled away from it. (3) When they entered the tomb, they did not find the body of Lord Jesus. (4) They were wondering about this. Suddenly two men in clothes as bright as lightening stood beside them. (5) The women were terrified. They bowed down with their faces to the ground. The men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? (6) Jesus is not here! He is risen! Remember how he told you he would rise. It was while he was still with you in Galilee. (7) He said 'The son of man must be handed over to sinful people. He must be nailed to a cross. On the third day he will rise from the dead.'"

Our services began this morning on a somewhat somber note as it was announced that a former youth pastor of our church suffered a heart attack early in the morning at his church. At the time of our service the outcome was not known; however, I learned shortly after arriving home that doctors were unable to revive him and he passed away on this Easter morning. It is a great loss, but it is comforting to imagine him celebrating on this joyous day in Heaven with Jesus Himself.

The service was beautiful, and since our senior pastor is recovering from surgery, they brought a former pastor from our church out of retirement to preach this morning. It was very special to me, because Rev. Meador confirmed me in the church when I was only 13 years old. It was wonderful to see him again today.

Since we attended the early service today, we all came home and took much needed naps! This evening we had a very nice family dinner with both sets of our parents. It's been so long since we had quality time with Jamie's parents - it was a really, really nice visit. As usual, mom had a wonderful spread of food prepared for us, including appetizers, steaks, and chocolate fondue for dessert. I ate so much that I am miserable!